How Online Degrees work

1) Can you actually finish a degree faster with an online university? Is it simply a matter of reading the book and completing the homework assignment? I want a quality education. But i just want to do it as quickly as possible. I can discipline myself to get up everyday and read a book. That is no problem. I'm also unemployed right now, so i would like to get as much done as I can before i start work again.

2) Testing out of classes--Is that really a good thing? Do you get the same education or is it just a quick way to get a piece of paper? Do you guys actually read the material for the class or do you just study enough to pass the exam?

3) Tuition for these classes is typically higher than for B&M schools in Alabama. Few of the schools seem to be competitive. I would be willing to pay a little bit more to get it done quicker and easily.

I guess i want all my cookies and eat them too. Cheap educuation and flexibility. I've heard of WGU, but there is no way to take one class and see how I like it. I don't want to pay so much money and then find that I don't like doing online schooling and I'm concerned I might get a job and i won't be able to continue to study full-time. I really don't want to pay that kind of money and then get a job and waste it.

Best wishes. I hope you have some good advice.

 

Jacob,

If you are in Alabama check out Athen's State:

Athens State University for inexpensive or

The University of Alabama:

UA Distance Degrees

I would advise to drop "quick" and "easy" from your vocabulary and concentrate on best education for the money. Others can address the testing out etc....But you will notice that Alabama has an external studies degree that allows testing and portfolio for a portion of the degree so you could cut down the time to completion.

As for completing faster, in some cases yes, but for the most part distance education is about modality rather than shortcuts.

You might wat to check out these sites for additional information:

www.bain4weeks

www.geteducated.com

Best of luck and keep asking questions,

 

WGU and me

Before going to WGU, I already had a BA from an RA school in Bible. I also 45 grad credits with most moving towards a M.Div degree. I was teaching Bible for three years and decided, based on everything going on, I should be state certified. To do this I would need to earn a 2nd BA degree, this time in a subject of my choice with a teacher certification program.

WGU made sense to me. It was RA and was seeking NCATE. At the time WGU was the only RA school that had a BA teaching degree. I was able to transfer in all the General Ed. classes.

I started at WGU in the Teacher Ed, Science. I was mostly going for the money. Why I did this was beyond me. Starting October I took the required 3 weeks to do EWB. Grrrr. I then started into science. I hated it. I transfered over to Social Studies (YEAH) in April. My program was designed to go through 2011 or 2012. In April I needed about 100 credits to finish.

The bad news. I was laid off as were 1/2 the high school teachers at my school. I immersed myself in WGU. I spent sometimes looking for work. I spent the lions share on WGU. I must define lion's share, 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. I completed 104 credits in one year. Mind you I did little else other then WGU.

The advantages to WGU, you can do as many courses in one term (6 months) as you can do. There are some new limits now. I think they are named after me. I had 3 years of full-time teaching experience. What a great way to do teaching, teach then get educated. I did not have to come up with stupid examples and think about them, I had already done them. Hence the whole experience part comes in.

As far as DL v. BM, it was never questioned on me. I had one interview and one job offer and I love where I teach. And where I teach is not a 'normal' school, imagine the first 5 minutes of Freedom Writers.


Would I recommend WGU? Yes.



If you have any questions please PM me.

 

1) Can you actually finish a degree faster with an online university?

It depends on the program.

Is it simply a matter of reading the book and completing the homework assignment?

It depends on the program, but then again this describes my experience at a brick-and-mortar state university, too.



2) Testing out of classes--Is that really a good thing?

Yes, it will save you a lot of time and money.

Do you get the same education or is it just a quick way to get a piece of paper?

The tests are meant to validate what you already know, not give you an education.

Do you guys actually read the material for the class or do you just study enough to pass the exam?

I'm sure there are people that do both. It depends on what you know.

3) Tuition for these classes is typically higher than for B&M schools in Alabama.

It depends on the school.


Few of the schools seem to be competitive. I would be willing to pay a little bit more to get it done quicker and easily.

I'm not sure what you're talking about here.

 

Online degree programs

If you are in between jobs or plan to juggle work and your studies, there is nothing better than an online programs for you. I recently graduated with an online degree from the Stevens Henager College and was very happy with the curriculum as well as the accessibility of course material and the guidance of the teachers and staff. The online degree programs available at the college can also be accelerated, making it possible for you to graduate earlier. With a lot of dedication and motivation, I managed to finish my course ahead of time as well. The degree program blends online course material, e-classes, online forums and assignments along with the examinations, accounting for its dynamic and up to date nature. But, like anything else, it’s what you put into the program that will determine the benefits you receive. Stick to a study schedule and make the most of the resources available and I promise, you will not regret choosing online education as an option. Wish you all the best!