Online Difficulties With Online Courses

I signed up for my first online masters courses. The first went without a hitch and was easy. The second was somewhat challenging, but was manageable until my computer went on the fritz and broke and had to be sent away to be repaired. Unfortunately, it broke the day before the second class. I finally had to withdraw from the class (3 weeks into the course).

I'm now thinking about entering a "cohort program" being offered by the local state university. The courses have been shortened from 20 weeks down to eight. Classes are held every Saturday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM for about two years. This is a non-traditional format at a traditional university.

 

These are 20 week semester courses that are being condensed into eight weeks at the state university. That is pretty non-traditional!

 

Sounds like many of the "executive MBA" programs I've seen. Might be a good choice, if it fits your schedule and your interests.

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Kristin Evenson Hirst
DistanceLearn.About.com

 

I completed my MS from a Catholic university using the accelerated method you mentioned. It was a challenging program and I am quite satisfied with the education I received.

Advantages:
1)It fit my schedule. One day each week with sporadic study groups. 2)Instructors were real life professionals with first hand knowledge of the material. 3)The interaction with other students was extremely valuable, all of us working in the field, different experiences & perspectives. 4)Knowledge immediately applicable to the work environment/ability to take results back to class for near immediate critique/discussion.

Disadvantages:
1) You will be busy. At the accelerated pace you're covering alot of material. Work days, research library one/two nights week, reading two nights week, writing weekly paper over weekend is typical. 2) Sacrifice some of the material covered in a traditional program? Maybe a little. I didn't feel like they were shorting the topic, but by it's very nature you can't get the same depth as a traditional 20 week program. I didn't feel it was significant. 3) It's easy to fall behind with an accelerated program, work & family. Be careful.

Overall, I believe the accelerated program was good. I received a quality education, in my opinion better than an online or correspondent program. Good luck on your studies.