After 15 years in the IT field, I am now seeking a career change into broadcast communications/journalism. I am nearing completion of 12 twelve credit hours at a local college (resident) but am very interested in accredited distance learning courses. To that end I have a few questions, I was hoping someone might assist with: - I obviously want accreditation, but which is "best" Regional? National? whats the difference - The few online colleges I have looked into seem very expensive. What is a reasonable expectation for cost per credit hour? - My counselor at my local college, said that upon completion of my associates degree there are a few options to "possibly" earn up to 32 credits at a four year college (Kansas University in this case) based upon my age (34) and experience (I have a CCDA, CCNA, MCSE and CCIE IT certificates) thus entering a four year school as a senior. Can anyone elaborate on this and/or how that might be achieved online as well? - Finally what schools would one recommend for reputation, value and field of study (communications). Would it make sense to get a business "major" to complete my bachelors online given the lack of availability / options in online communications degrees. Thank you. Rich
All of the Bachelors degree programs in Journalism that I know of are non-US programs and I'm not certain if you're willing to go that route. On the other hand, there are a bunch of Communications Bachelor degree programs that you could look at. Andrew Jackson U Atlantic Union Caldwell College Capital U Montana State NYIT Old Dominion UMUC ? Of course, there's always "The Big 3." As for expenses, colleges are like cars, there's a huge range in what you can spend. Some people think that you get what you pay for. Others believe, well you know where this is going, right? I'm sorry that I don't know the answers to your other questions. Good luck, Jack
The subject index to Bears' Guide suggests that City University (Seattle), St. Mary of the Woods, and Edison have non-resident Bachelor's programs in journalism. Mr. Tracey is right, that the dividing line between journalism and communication is even fainter than it was eons ago when I thought I wanted a Master's in communication but ended up with a Master of Journalism, and then thought seriously about a doctorate in journalism but ended up with a PhD in communication.
Regarding accreditation: Regional accreditation (RA) is the best. When people think of higher education in the USA, they typically assume RA. DETC is national accreditation and it is second rate compared to RA. It hasn't been around nearly as long. It only accredits very few schools compared to RA. There are schools that have been DETC accredited that I believe would not be able to get RA accreditation. The utility of DETC degrees is generally less than the utility of RA, especially within academia.
