Online Degrees

Updated on November 19, 2008
K.T. asks from Torrance, CA
9 answers

I'm looking to go back to school to get my teaching credential, but I don't think I can handle the traditional college plan. Has anyone else gotten their degree online (from an accredited university), and how was your experience? How much did it cost you, and did you find it worth the cost? I really want to go into an accelerated program, but my family has heard too many horror stories about fake colleges online.

Any info would be appreciated!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Online degrees are wonderful, I am an academic main campus and online advisor, please email me should you have any questiosn.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.F.

answers from San Diego on

You just have to do your research. Different online schools have different classes/degrees for different programs. I am currently going to school online. I go to FMU online. The good thing about them is they also have an actual campus in Florida. They also have a program that helps you find a job after you graduate. I have been taking classes for a little over a year and I enjoy it. I don't pay anything out of pocket. I have taken out two $2,000 loans and my finacial aid pays for me. So just do research and you will find what you are looking for.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello K.:
I just started the teaching credential program this June. I'm a mom of 3, had a law practice and am thrilled to be leaving it to teach. I got a job offer in Los Angeles Unified. I wanted something online too. On good recommendation I enrolled at National University, classes held online and at center in El Segundo, and Yorba Linda. LAUSD is having issues with some online schools right now. Phoeniex seems to be one of them. But a union rep told me it was political, or personal with Phoenix Univ. She told me I was fine with National University.

Cost is twice as much. It is one class per month for aroiund $1300.00 per class. You can opt to skip months and continue when finances are there. In your case, if you had time to wait, I'd apply for grant money. (single mom) But you can also get financial aide at National Univ.

The three teachers and three classes I've had so far are superior to most reports I heard from my husband who attended the teaching credential program and Cal State Dominguez. There is a lot of writing. But I do not miss driving to class and hanging out for 3 hours twice a week away from my family. I haven't had any negative reaction from the school that hired me about National Univ.
My email: ____@____.com you need any more feedback.

Hope this helps. Got to go do my online homework.
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from New York on

Hi K.,

I'm not sure where you live, but get in touch with the Education Department at a local university and ask them about different options for getting your teaching credential. You will be happy you did it. I was in a similar position 10 years ago, working as a special education assistant and getting divorced. It was a bit rough for awhile when I was in school but getting my credential was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Teaching has made it possible for me to remain active in my children's lives. We were on the same schedule with vacations and I was able to be home at a reasonable hour to be there for them. If you have papers to grade you can do it at home. It is a supportive environment, teachers are nuturing and always have good advice to get you through your child rearing years. Good luck to you!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am not sure of a good one, but don't use National University, a VERY popular one for teaching credentials. I have been told by SEVERAL principals that they don't even give people who have gone there a chance. I would hate to spend all that time and money only to not get hired anywhere decent.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi. I teach at several universities - Cal State Domenguiz Hills, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Northridge, Chapman University - and I know that the Cal State schools have a program called PACE - it's designed for working adults who want to get their teaching credential. The classes are on Sat and Sun from 9 am to 5 pm and it's very concentrated. I think it takes two years, but I'm not sure about that. It's not an online class, but if you can take classes on the weekends then you'll get a degree from a school you know you can trust. You'll get a better teaching job if your degree is from a recognized school. Good Luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, was online and saw these schools listed as good online schools. Thought of your post and wanted to share it: University of Phoenix
American InterContinental University
The Art Institute Online
Capella University
Northeastern University
Colorado Tech Online
Ellis College
FMU Online
Warren National University
Kaplan University

Do your research! There are many online schooling scams. And unfortunately some of the good ones oneline are so expensive! I found that the online University of Phoenix is about $15,000!!! That was a few years ago, so it's probably more now. I too would love to pursue my credentials in a few years. I don't have the energy or the time for the traditional college program either. I earned my BA while working full time and taking classes at night for 6 years. I can't do that again, nor do I want to. I work at home now and enjoy taking care of my 17 month old. But when she's ready for school, I intend to hopefully get my credentials and teach. Good luck to you!
K.
http://kellyis.stayinhomeandlovinit.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

It seems like education just keeps getting more and more expensive - both traditional and online! Remember that you get what you pay for - so don't choose based on price - Most colleges offer some online and hybrid courses, also evening for full time workers (or for people with tougher schedules). I was working full time - taking night classes - it took me 3 years to finish my MBA. You definitely need to attend some info sessions that most colleges hold - and compare item for item - also touch bases with alumni. One of my business associates was a 2nd grade teacher for the last 6 years (she loved it but wasn't earning what she wanted) she now works one on one with kids who need special help. Create your goal and do whatever it takes to get there! Best of luck to you!
R. R
www.hwytowealth.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi K.!

Each individual's experiences will vary, but I'll tell you that I completed 6 courses through University of Phoenix online before I realized that this method of schooling was not for me.

I'm fully employed, work many hours a week, have two daughters (8 and 10), and one on the way.

My three main issues were workload, isolation, and knowledge transfer.
The workload seemed so much more overwhelming because it's all reading - there's no sitting back and absorbing information being given to you verbally.
There are other students participating with you, but even though I have a lot of strictly online friendships, I found it difficult to relate and create bonds with my online classmates.
Again, it's ALL reading. There's no one to tell you you've misunderstood something you've read or emphasize the truly important bits of learning hiding in each text book.

It was just too rough and too much of a commitment (I also sometimes felt the level of education I was receiving was kind of low). I'm starting back to school in an accelerated in-class program through a university near my work - I'm hoping that's better.

Good luck with your endeavors!!! I hope the best for your and your family.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches