Ok, I realize that education is very important, more so online here than in many places (I mean, the folks here are about education, right?). So this may seem a little distasteful to some, but here goes. I'm in my mid-late 50s. I've been very successful running an IT Data Management firm for 20+ years. I seem to know what I'm doing, and try to be (I HATE this term, but it is what it is) a "thought leader" in my field. I have also done a lot of teaching, at the professional level (workshops, seminars, business IT training, even CPR, First Aid, emergency medical subjects), and am a certified instructor with several agencies (actually, a "Master Instructor", what you get for being around and getting so old I guess). I have a bachelors degree from an accredited school. I've never been asked for more, so never went back for a masters. Now, I find I'm actually home and not on the road mostly. I'm in a position life-wise that I can teach more, and try to pass on what I've learned to eager (?) young(?) students. I have opportunities often at the community college level. BUT, not having a masters degree is a setback for the first time. So, (here's the smarmy question) what is the fastest, easiest, cheapest way to get an accredited masters? I really just need the credential. After 30 years I hope I have the knowledge and teaching skills I need. Just need that paper. Steve
Can the degree be in anything, or do you have a specific field of study in mind? Also, does it need to be regionally accredited, or will NA suffice?
Really any degree will suffice, but it does need to be regionally accredited. Again, I'm relying on my 30 years experience in the field and my reputation in the field as well an instructor to get me the teaching gigs. But a regionally accredited degree is a requirement in most of the institutions (mostly community colleges).
It all depends on how much of your current knowledge can be applied to your degree. My first thought for fast, cheap, and RA (assuming you already have the knowledge) is Western Governors University for their MBA or their MBA with IT Management concentration. It is a program that allows you to go at your own pace and is primarily exam driven. The program is structured in 6 month terms ($3,250 per term). You can complete as many courses as your are capable of in those terms. I have heard of some people finishing in two terms (although, IIRC, 4 terms is more common). In fact, I think that there may have been someone who finished in 1 term. Now, just because you COULD finish this program very quickly does not mean that you WILL. You may find that the exams/projects are significantly harder than you expected and/or cover areas that you were not thoroughly exposed to in your career. WGU is an excellent option for folks that already have the knowledge (or can quickly acquire it) but lack the credential.
