masters programs

I was wondering if it is unreasonable to take 3 masters courses at a time online. I am currently taking 4 undergrad courses and I am doing ok in terms amount of time to do work but I was wondering if grad level work is that much more intensive? any and all comments are helpful.

 

I did it, but I certainly don't recommend it. I was up against an inflexible deadline for a education incentive program, and had to finish my Master's degree by a certain date or lose a full year of the benefit. As a result, I took 3 courses per semester for 3 semesters, and 2 during the connecting summer to hit the 33 credits.

Unless you're in a similar situation, I wouldn't recommend any more than 2 graduate courses at a time if you're also employed.

 

I have been taking graduate classes online since 2004 at both NA and RA schools. Since that time I have completed a lot of credits in a variety of disciplines. I also work full time (50+).

I can say unequivocally and without a doubt that, given my experiences and situation; the times I have had 3 graduate level courses overlap have been awful and my quality of work has suffered in those times. 2 is manageable for me, 3 could not be sustained for any amount of time.

Try having 3 overlap but not start stop at the same time to see how much you can handle. Also remember that over time you’ll get tired and need some resting places. Try not to put yourself in a situation where they start and stop at the same time, for you may find out you are in a jam and have waisted some $$$.

DEL

 

does anyone know of accelerated masters programs with like 8 week classes?

 

Normal fall and spring semesters courses at Texas A&M Commerce are 16 weeks. The school offers 501 series background MBA courses during the fall and spring semesters which run either the first 8 weeks or the second 8 weeks of the semester.

It is possible to take normal or 501 courses during the Summer I or II terms which last 4.4 weeks regardless of the course. The school also offers normal or 501 courses during May-mini and August-mini terms which last 2.3 weeks and during the Winter-mini term which lasts 3.4 weeks.

All of the courses during these periods are 3 units.

 

California University of PA offers an engaging program which has 8 week classes. I will soon begin my 4th course and find the program very challenging. I recently completed my MBA at NCU and looked for a second master's program in legal studies. Weekly discussions, brief weekly assignments, mid term and final exams complete the class. No group study but sufficient interaction with fellow classmates. A very enjoyable program.

http://www.cup.edu/graduate/legal/index.jsp

 

I echo Bruce's comments. I took three courses one time and it was not easy. A good strategy is to stay constantly ahead. This is where good planning and time management comes in. If you can handle it by all means go for it. Otherwise two courses is doable. Good luck.

 

If you're in a real hurry, the University of Phoenix has 6-week courses for their graduate programs.

 

That is difficult to answer because there are so many variable involved such as your work schedule, your comfort level with the courses, the instructors, the length of the sessions. I would recommend starting out slow with one or two courses per session. If you find two courses to be manageable then you could take three the next session.

I once took two 8-week MBA courses at the same time and was able to manage it even with a 40 plus hour work schedule. However, the courses were electives taught by two of the easier instructors. Other sessions, I took one course and struggled with the work load.

Liberty University offers eight week sessions.

 

I am about to finish the MAT w/o Cert at the University of West Alabama (emphasis in English).

I took three courses one time, when I had a bit of downtime and it wasn't too bad. I made two 'A's and one 'B.' However, as I mentioned I was experiencing an above normal level of free time, so it worked at the time. I wouldn't do it now, if I could help it. It is doable, but much more difficult.

BTW, UWA uses four terms per year, so about 10 weeks or so each session.

clint

 

I think that 9-12 units is typically considered a full-time load for a graduate student. So three classes at a time isn't unreasonable at all, provided that you are willing to devote full-time to it.

If you are working full-time and only studying part-time, then it probably is unreasonable. One or two classes a semester might be a better idea. You might be able to pull off three, but you probably wouldn't be giving each class the attention it deserves.

It even gets worse if the graduate classes are short-courses and don't last a full semester. Presumably if a class is shorter in duration, it will demand more from you on a daily basis. (Otherwise, why call it a 3-unit class?) So it's probably smart to take fewer of these at a time.

 

I have heard more bad than good about university of phoenix, would it even be worth it to get a masters with them? do employers look down on phoenix degrees?

 

It's not Harvard for sure, but in any case where a regionally accredited degree is required, UoP fits the bill. Longtime member Russ Blahetka used his UoP undergrad degree for admission to an AACSB MBA program.

 

whoa, i just checked out graduate tuition at phoenix, it is about double what id like pay, AMU looks good with 8 week classes. anyone taken 8 week classes with them?

 

ok guys i need some help, i am looking for a RA masters program that offers 8 week courses for around $250 per credit hour. I would like to complete the program in the year or at most a year and a half. AMU is my only lead right now but I am not a big fan of the exit exam or thesis, I dont know if I could handing my whole degree riding on one project or test. I am a poly sci major for my bachelors i would like a degree somewhat related or an MBA. If any one can help me that would be awesome. thanks .

 

http://www.csc.edu/distancelearning/MBA.asp

Your welcome

 

Accelerated RA Master's Degrees

originalbigjim,

You might want to look into Amberton University, they have several DL degree programs that run $200 per hour with 4 terms (approx. 8-9 weeks each) per year:

http://www.amberton.edu/Mdegrees.htm

http://www.amberton.edu/schdcal_pre.htm

Minot State also offers a graduate degree program in management that runs $245.86 per semester hour which according to their website can be completed in 16 months or so with 8 and 16-week terms:

http://www.minotstateu.edu/msm/faq.shtml

Troy University also has several master's programs available that cost $295 per semester hour (MBA is $410 per hour) and they have 5, 10-week terms per year:

http://www.troy.edu/ecampus/index.html

http://www.troy.edu/ecampus/academiccalendar.htm

Good luck,

abnrgr275

 

Hey, that's why a 2-liter of Diet Pepsi costs $1.89 at the 7-11....convenience.

Fort Hays State University offers the Master of Liberal Studies degree with several concentrations available online. It's one of the great bargains of higher education, at $182.50 per credit hour, or $547.50 per course;

http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/conc/index.shtml

 

There are some good options above, but I also know that Davenport University online offers 7 & 10 week courses.

 

Look at Baker College:

www.baker.edu

6 week classes. No group work. $300.00/quarter credit hour.