Graduate Level Math Courses--Converse College

Anyone here (maybe teachers?) taken graduate courses through Converse College? It offers a variety of 3 credit, graduate-level math courses from Middle School Math to Algebra I, Statistics, etc.

As a middle school math teacher, I figured this may not be a bad bet to move over on the pay scale. The cost for a 3 credit course (with materials) is $484.

Here is the link: http://www.onlinemathcourses.org/

Any feedback is appreciated.

Jared

 

Wow. This looks like a cheap way to get 18 credits in mathematics.

 

It says nationally Accredited, but it is regionally accredited according to this:

Converse College, located in Spartanburg, SC and established in 1889 (www.converse.edu) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, masters, and educational specialist degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Converse College.

 

The CHEA database of institutions lists it as accredited, too. I think they would present themselves better if they either said 'accredited' or 'regionally accredited.'

It's obviously not intended to qualify one for community college work. However, most adjunct academic requirements insist on 18 graduate hours of mathematics but seem less specific on which math courses, whether they're part of a degree, etc.

Hmm.

 

I'm a math teacher and I've seen their materials. These aren't grad math classes, but might qualify as graduate credit for an M.Ed. in math teaching, depending on the school you are thinking about transferring the credit to.

The materials are pretty straightforward: DVD with lectures, some problem sets to practice, and then you take online quizzes when you're ready. You might need a proctored final at the end - that I don't remember.

 

Thanks for your response. I thought these courses were intended as a "refresher" for teachers. In terms of advancing on the teacher pay scale, it's accredited, cheap, and "graduate" level. Do you remember it being overly difficult? I am not sure how hard you can make an Algebra I math class.

 

No not overly difficult. I looked at the calculus refresher. It was meant as an overview for people who had taken calculus before. As such, there weren't a lot of proofs. The problem sets were straightforward. I would imagine the algebra refresher might delve more deeply into theory, and different ways to present the concepts (symbolic vs. geometric e.g.), but I'm speculating a bit.

 

Jared, I was also interested in taking those courses through Converse College (for certification). I was wondering if you ended up starting any of their courses or found out any additional info? Thanks.

 

I looked at these courses. I am also a high school math teacher. We use these textbooks at MY HIGH SCHOOL. Think about that....

 

I understand that the books and course titles are high school level, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck using them for certification purposes. Unfortunately, I'm looking for the cheapest way to get 12 higher-level math credits (that's all I need for certification). These are the cheapest I've found. (With more money, I'd rather take actual higher level courses, but that's just not an option right now).

 

Have you found any new info?

jills,

I am also looking to become certified to teach Math in nj and have completed 35 UG credits with 10 Upper Level. I was hoping to take one of these courses to get to the required 12. Have you been able to find any more information on this?

Thanks,

Dave

 

Online math courses at Converse College

Hello to all,

I just found out that I need six upper level math courses in order to receive a teaching certificate in Alabama. Do anyone know how long it takes to finish one of these online math courses at Converse College? I taught algebra for one year in high school. My undergraduate degree is in computer science, and I am pretty good at most math courses. I plan to take five of these classes, I want to finish by august, is this possible?

Thanks,
COMBSBIGD

 

Help with converse college math courses

I am also from NJ and interested in the Middle School Math Endorsement. It requires 15 credits. I have 12. I am looking at Converse College for one additional class. I CAN NEVER get through to the Dept of Education......the phone line is always busy!!!! Has anyone had math courses from Converse College accepted by NJ Dept of Education????


I would appreciate any type of feedback.....THANK YOU

 

Converse College

I just completed two mth couses at Converse College. It took me about 3 weeks to complete them.

has anyone tried to use those hours to meet requirements to teach Community College? I planned to use the hours for that

 

Have you or has anyone found out if the dept of ed in nj accepts these courses towards math certification?

 

Hey, I was wondering if you were able to use those classes to meet the Community College Qualification. That is exactly what I need them for. Did it work out for you?

 

I am working on certification through the College of New Jersey with their global program and I needed 6 more credits to qualify for secondary maths. I asked them about Converse and they said it was fine as far as my credit requirements go.

I think one of the reasons it's so cheap is that it is decidedly low-tech. DVD's are low quality copies of video tapes. There is no real online interaction other than posting your quiz answers etc.

 

I am working on my graduate certificate in teaching, middle grades math at UNCC. I was told these classes would be a great option for me because they would not only count toward my math credits for my grad certificate but toward my MAT as well.

 

thats great! i said in another of my threads that i like the idea of these "refresher" courses.

they're especially great for classes you/i/we havent taken in a while, but that we'd be expected to teach.