Online Degrees

[katiesue]

Doing a little research for my cousin and I know some of you have experience in this area.

Background - she's been at the same technology company in the bay area for 16 years (with a one year break when she was laid off then rehired). She started out as an admin and worked into her current position as a Business Process Analyst.

She went back to school and got her AA a few years ago. With current job market etc she'd like to get a BA. Most likely with emphasis on finance which would work with her current position. The company will pay a chunk of the tuition.

She did the AA at night going to regular classes. She's not looking forward to another 6 years of night school to get her BA. Are there any online degree programs that she might look into? She's checked with a friend who's with HR at another high tech company who said do NOT do University of Phoenix. Are there any good online programs that will look good on a resume if needed down the line?

[katiesue]

Plus now thinking I don't have a BA either, yea yea someone had to pay the bills. So I should probably look into something as well.

[BarTopDancer]

I did the Penn State World Campus (http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/) program and got my BA in 2 years. I did bust my ass and went full time after the first semester (you have to prove that you can succeed/pass with full time load). And despite NirvanaMan's claims to the contrary, it's a real degree from the real PSU. Whether or not it's worth anything after this Sandusky mess is another story. (and no, I don't get referral bonuses, I'm just happy with the entire process).

Many traditional universities have online programs now. Tell her to check the in-state universities where she lives and even out of state if she wants to go to a particular school. I picked PSU because it's the "real" PSU and also because I could get in without taking complicated math.

For you, you may need to go back to community college and take some classes to refresh your credits (they do expire). But most community colleges have online programs now too. You can go to any in CA, GWC, OCC in OC are both excellent but I know the community colleges down there have online programs too.

Avoid any typical "online program" like the plague. They are nothing but degree mills and your diploma isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

[RStar]

Credits expire?? :eek:

Dang, I suppose some of my 1977 credits may have gone the way of the Dodo. :(

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm getting my masters through CSUF. It's challenging and from a reputable university. One thing to look for is the fact that my degree will no say "online" on it anywhere, they have won the right from the accrediting process as a program to issue the exact same type of degree as a non-online program.

[BarTopDancer]

One thing to look for is the fact that my degree will no say "online" on it anywhere

Same with mine (that was one of the first questions I asked). The only thing I've ever had to explain was how I attended PSU while working in CA. I told my current boss I teleported back and forth. Obviously that won't be an issue for you.

[katiesue]

Thanks guys. Sigh I really don't want to go back and do anything but I'm guessing at some point I'm going to be stuck doing it.