Degree from online? Is it worth it?

[johnnie]

I didn't go to college, but I put myself through a night school program for electronics about 12 years ago. I started at a company working in production wiring panels and worked my way up to an electrical engineer.

I like what I'm doing, but it seems like I am stuck where I am because I don't have the degree that many employers seem to want these days. I was thinking of maybe doing one of those online programs, but I don't want to blow money on something that will mean nothing after I spend time and cash.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these programs? Is it worth it? Night school is out of the question. Any thoughts?

[Beware the Beast Man]

1. I'm taking an online course through Lakeland C.C. right now.

It's actually a little tougher than regular classes.


I've heard the University of Phoenix is a reputable organization. There are a lot of scams out there, however.

Check Tri-C. They may have some distance learning available.

[johnnie]

2. Thanks

Maybe Tri-C might be a way to go. I think that 35 credit hours from my night classes can transfer unless it has been too long. I'll look into the other places too.

[alarimer]

3. A lot of major universities have online programs as well

I took all of my classes online for my graduate degree, from a college that is 200 miles away from me. I rarely had to go there. And it is an actuall MS (actually I have not finished yet). I suggest looking around a local colleges and see what they have.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. My dear johnnie.....

BTBM is correct about the University of Phoenix....

I know several people who got their bachelor degrees in nursing from these folks....

It was a tough course.....

Go for it!

A degree from a reputable school will open doors for you....

:hi:

[Gidney N Cloyd]

5. Part of my job is helping faculty design online classes. It's a mixed

...bag of issues.
Job One: Check with the institution's advising center first thing about transferrng credits. You'll probably have an easier time finding online classes for humanities, math and the soft sciences.
After that you want to make sure you've got a good instructor. Contact them before registration and see how long they've been teaching online. Some think teaching is teaching and don't make enough adjustments for the medium. Those people update their attitudes or go back to the classroom within a semester or two. Also see how long the specific course has been offered. Online classes are a huge growth area for colleges these days and I think often quality is sacrificed for a quick rollout.
Also, many states have consortium agreements amongst institutions so if your local community college doesn't offer a class you can often get the class from another institution but pay community college in-district rates.