Hello everyone. I have some questions for the GCU folks. I'm interested in completing one of there certificate programs online. What's the coursework like? Is is similar to other programs such as weekly discussion postings and papers? Thanks.
Hello I just graduated GCU. The courses have 2 discussion questions per week plus a paper due that is 500-1200 words in length. If you can write a paper and know proper APA citations you will do great. Courses are 8 weeks in length and go fast. No tests but
But 2 of my courses had weekly quizzes that were timed, very frustrating and big part of grade. Overall I recommend GCU.
Thanks Kirk. Right now I'm working with GCU admissions. I'm looking at the graduate certificate in addictions counseling. I think it would go nicely with my MS in Criminal Justice. Sorry one more question if you don't mind, I was thinking of just doing 1 course per 8 week session. Did you take 1 or 2 courses per term.
Well, I will say this: all I have ever heard is that a typical online course requires 20 hours a week, and I hear that from many online admissions counselors. Maybe they are just trying to overestimate so students won't make the mistake of not committing to the program. This has never been the case with me. I always took 2 courses at a time from GCU. I would spend 3-5 hrs on my day off and about 2 hrs a day for 3 days a week. That's for 2 courses. If you are focused like a laser beam to finish your degree and serious about it, you can do it. If you do this and find that your lifestyle does not afford you the time you personally need to get A's in two courses, you should back down to one course. Once you finish a course, you are stuck with that grade, and it counts toward your GPA - you don't want to mess around with that. Every person is different. If you can write, easily find articles on Internet, and respond to discussion questions, you should have no problem doing two courses at a time. Only you know your own abilities and limitations.
I earned my Masters from there in 2007. I was enrolled in an education program. We had papers each week and two discussion board questions. The course work was similar to what I had seen in other graduate programs at the time. Since I was enrolled in an education program I also had to do an online portfolio. The classes were 8 weeks long and they use the Angel course management system.
