Aim high!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by telefax, Jun 29, 2009.

Loading...
  1. telefax

    telefax Member

    Some recent discussions have gotten me thinking and I wanted to encourage those considering distance education programs in aiming high. Distance learning offers many options, some of which are potential pitfalls. I would categorize others as genuine opportunities, like the chance to go to a better school than is available in your locale. While I realize some are under considerable pressure in the workplace to get a degree, any degree, Right Now, deliberately seeking cheap, quick, and easy can come back to bite you later. At any rate, here are some thought-provoking quotes from finer minds than mine over the last eight years of these DL boards.

    “If I'd focused upon the big-picture of finances up front, I might never have attempted to pursue this program. I just hate to see you sell yourself short. Again, I don't know your financial situation, but please don't be hindered by a fear of doing a bit more than you think you're able to. I'd hate for economics to be the end-all in your decision about pursuing further education. This degree is something you'll have to live with for the rest of your life. By the time you complete your studies, you will have a very close tie to whatever institution you choose. The best thing you can do to feel positively at the completion of your studies, and throughout the remainder of your life, is to choose wisely and courageously now, before you get started.” – Cory Seibel on DI, 5.28.01

    “The simple fact that an accredited institution offers one the opportunity to conduct predominantly distance-based research in one's field of interest at low cost doesn't necessarily make that a good option. Is it truly a reputable institution? Is your prospective research promoter truly an excellent, expert scholar in your field of interest? . . . unlike a car, I won't be in a position to trade my doctorate in in a few years; so, I want to make the best possible investment at this point in my life.” – Cory Seibel on DI, 5.9.02

    “I think some here may be setting their standards too low if they're merely looking for a degree that is regionally accredited or meets generally accepted accrediting principles. As you've noted, they should be looking for the schools that offer the best education in their respective fields . . . when it comes to something as important as biblical and theological studies, quality of learning should be foremost in one's mind. I'd never go to a medical doctor who took the quickest and cheapest route to earning his or her degree; likewise, I'm incurably wary of people who look for the easiest path to biblical/theological credentials rather than pursuing the paths that will best prepare them to fulfill their callings with excellence.” – Ed Komoszewski on DI, 5.10.02

    “The effect of a doctorate should NOT be the requirement to defend that doctorate!” – Bill Grover on DI, 10.27.03

    “Intellectual vitality. If it's not there, it's a bad school. Period. If it is, decide whether it's right for you, or if another intellectually vital school is better. This applies to any school in any field on any level. If you don't care whether it's there or not, you don't deserve a degree.” – John Weaver-Hudson (Uncle Janko) on DD, 10.24.08
    Best wishes!
     
  2. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    Great thread!

    I am guility of the above. I picked my school based on the price and how many credits they accepted. I think that is the reason why I change my mind so often. I have looked at several programs that I like on paper, but I went in another direction because of the money and time it would take me to complete.

    My situation is different than a lot of the regulars on this board. I am going back to school as a personal goal. The only pressure I have on me is the pressure I put on myself.
     
  3. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Maybe one of the best posts I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

    I remember how vibrant and active this forum used to be ... maybe a couple years back. Things have slowed, but we do still see a lot of "I need the fastest degree - right now!!!" Sigh.
     
  4. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    This thread has me thinking real good about my degree path. I just might give a bigger name school a go. That's where my heart is.

    Stay tuned!
     
  5. bazonkers

    bazonkers New Member

    Sometimes it comes down to what YOU want to accomplish with the degree and your reasons for perusing it. I'm working on an a MA in History and even though I kept looking at well-known schools, I always kept coming back to American Military University. Why? Because they offered courses in the subjects I really wanted to study. The others had interesting courses but weren't really a good fit. At the end of the day, I'd rather have a degree from a lesser known school that was a great fit for me and allowed me to study what I was really interested in rather than a degree from a well-known school that I dreaded the coursework because I didn't find it intellectually stimulating.

    Don't pick a school because it is easy. Pick it because you'll actually study what you want to learn. Getting a degree shouldn't be about doing it just to get the initials after your name. It's about studying and learning a field you are passionate about.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 29, 2009
  6. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    I am staying put at FHSU until I complete my degree, but I do plan on enrolling at a big name college in the future.
     
  7. bazonkers

    bazonkers New Member

    Same here. After my MA in History is done, I plan to enroll in a MLIS program at a more well known school. That should help balance out the fact my MA is from AMU just as my AA degree from Penn State helps balance out my BS from Excelsior.
     
  8. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    That is why I went with a grad certificate from UF to add the big name. I started on their MS program but it way too demanding with required web classes twice a week.
     
  9. telefax

    telefax Member

    Thanks, guys. Reading my post again after a long weekend away, I want to clarify that I don’t intend this thread to chastise those who have felt compelled to follow a different course of action. Rather, these were the kind of comments that inspired me to seek quality above and beyond minimum acceptable standards. After much time and effort, I have no regrets, and am thankful for their advice.
     
  10. austinator

    austinator New Member

    Just applied to AMU and the scholarship (MA in Ancient History)

    Will also be applying to Memphis for an MBA.

    Hope to be able to my MA in US History in residence

    Haven't decided exactly what degree(s) I plan to get...
     
  11. kozen

    kozen Member

    Yeah. The cost and duration of the program is crucial to me, as i am not rich and i am financial independent as a non-US, but it nvr stop me from pursuing a better quality and more reputable B&M school though the cost is slightly higher or even exceed my budget.
     
  12. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    When I first considered pursuing the doctorate (in 1985), I was faced with selecting an accredited, DL option. (I lived in San Antonio, where there were no part-time B&M options). The accredited (and candidate) options at the time:

    -- The Union Institute
    -- Fielding Institute
    -- International Graduate School
    -- Nova University (as it was then called)
    -- Saybrook Institute

    There was no NCU, UoP, Capella, or other such entity. Walden and Sarasota (now Argosy) were legitimate, but they weren't even candidates, yet. No JIU, CTU, or whatever-U. That was it.

    I interviewed with Fielding and came away very impressed. But I wanted to specialize in nontraditional education, and Union allowed me to do so. I will be forever grateful for the learning I gained through the Union process. I've spent the time since graduation trying to live up to the standard set by my amazing peers.

    I am now on another journey, not one which lends itself to journaling. Hopefully, I shall see you all again someday. Or another.
     
  13. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    My plans have changed. I just found out I am having twins later this year, and decided to transfer to Roger Williams University. I only need 30 hours to complete a BGS (Technology Leadership & Management). Funny how things can change in a week.
     
  14. Karl Ben

    Karl Ben New Member

    David, what an inspirational post. Grover's quote is priceless!
     
  15. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    Rich, I hope the journey is pleasant and that you come and tell us about it. (The suspense is heavy...) Best wishes to you.
     
  16. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    Twins!

    Wow, twins! My sister has identical girls- now 8y.o. My brother and his wife are expecting twin girls on Sept 8. Based on my observations, I agree you should finish ASAP.
     
  17. telefax

    telefax Member

    I noticed in the “Doctoral Board” thread that Prof. Cory Seibel (one of the gents I quoted above) dropped by just long enough to mention he successfully defended his doctoral thesis at Pretoria. For those interested in his thoughts on the process, check out his blog linked in his signature block.
     
  18. B Smith

    B Smith New Member

    I think you have to look at what you are trying to accomplish. For most people there is little difference between schools. If you are one of the few people who need to have an elite degree, by all means do it. Otherwise you are paying more without any additional benefit.

    From a real world perspective, I've never regretted either of my Excelsior degrees. Both (BS Business, BS Elect. Eng. Tech) have significantly helped my career. Both were highly enriching. Neither has ever been questioned or viewed as "lesser."

    This is also backed up by research...

    Researchers Alan Krueger and Stacy Berg Dale compared students who went to Ivy League schools with their state school counterparts. After two decades Ivy Leaguers earned 30% more. Krueger and Dale questioned whether it was the school or other factors that contributed to this. They hypothesized that it was the harder working and more talented students that went to elite schools. To eliminate this factor they compared the Ivy League students to students that were accepted to Ivy League schools but chose to attend a less sexy but selective state school. This essentially eliminated the actual school as a success factor. What they found was that the income varied little between schools.

    The student’s ability and willingness to work made all of the difference.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 12, 2018

Share This Page