Please help us! Tell us about how degreeinfo has helped you!

If reading degreeinfo helped you to choose a distance learning program, or avoid a bogus program... or, for that matter, benefited you in any other way, it would be great if you share your story with us. Tell us what school(s) you considered, which school you ultimately chose, the degree you earned or are working on, and anything else that might be of interest.

We'd prefer that you post your story here (appended to this thread) and if you use a psuedonym here, we'd like to have your real name to go with your story.

If you'd like to tell your story, but for security or other reasons, don't wish to use your real name on the BBS, you can email your story to us at [email protected]. (We won't reveal your name without your permission).

Testimonials from students will serve two purposes for degreeinfo: for one, we're going to have a "personal stories and testimonials" section on the content-based site. And, of course, when we're speaking with colleges and universities about marketing their programs on our site, it helps a whole lot to be able to show them how this site is actively used by people in choosing DL programs.

Thanks much for your help and support!

 

great site

Chip, my story is not very long, it started just last November as I neared the end of my masters program at Minot State University. I taught as an adjutant for MSU to fill in for a couple of instructors that were on medical leave and enjoyed the experience greatly. So I decided that I wanted to try to become a full time faculty so I started to look at PhD programs. My wife is still enrolled in her bachelor program so moving to another state to work on my PhD was not a good option at the current time. Because of the lack of PhD programs in North Dakota in information system area, (which is the area that I find the most rewarding for me), I started looking in to the DL alternative. I had done a lot of web searching and talked to most of my professors here and had narrowed it down to Nova, Capella, and Walden as my three top choices. This is when I came across degreeinfo.com, and boy was it a God sent. Not only did I find out about each of the universities that I was looking at, but found loads of information on a lot of other choices and what to expect through distant learning. After reviewing different threads on the board and with the advice given by many of the senior members, I came to the decision that Nova was the right choice for me. And now after selecting my program, the board continues to be a great source of information and help.

 

As a DL student, this forum has been a constant source of motivation for me. Sometimes when I am need of talking to somebody about my programs, I end up in this forum. At some point in the past when I once thought about throwing in towels, I did not go ahead with that decision because of this forum. Now, that my dissertation will be completed within the next four months or so, I think that I should thank you guys (and other posters) in advance for being very supportive. I am saying "muchos gracias" to everybody.

William said: "I came to the decision that Nova was the right choice for me. And now after selecting my program, the board continues to be a great source of information and help."

Ike's response William: Definitely, you made the right choice.

Ike Okonkwo
Ph.D. (ABD), Information Systems
NSU

 

Degree info has also been a consistent source of inspiration for me. It is motivational to read the success stories of so many. I will earn my B.A. from American Military University in April. I am looking forward to beginning my MBA studies in May, Liberty University (External Degree Program). The board is also an entertaining read.

 

University of Phoenix (UoP)

Shortly after I enrolled in a masters program with the University of Phoenix, I discovered degreeinfo.com and found an interesting thread about the UoP. I was horrified at what I read because so many people lambasted the UoP. It scared me and embarrassed me that I was enrolled at the UoP.

My enrollment at the UoP corroborated what many others had said about the school: You are essentially buying your degree. All you have to do is log-on and you’ll get your “A” in your course.

While several factors caused me to drop the UoP program, the thread at degreeinfo.com played a very large factor in my decision.

 

Having earned all of my degrees via distance learning, this forum helps to guide me in the direction that interests me the most, a career in distance ed.

Maven

 

Wiser Consumer

The student focus at Degreeinfo has been vary valuable to me. Because of its strong orientation toward students, Degreeinfo has helped me to become a wiser consumer of educational services. I am more adequately armed with information about accreditation--as well as other key issues and what they mean to the student--than I was before.

Additionally, the activity of the posters at Degreeinfo sheds light on good programs that don't otherwise get a lot of air time. For instance, I hadn't heard of Charter Oak State College until I visited Degreeinfo. Before that time, I knew only of Excelsior College (then Regents University) and Thomas Edison State College, which were the two most heavily marketed assessment colleges in my area. Charter Oak State College proved to meet my needs nicely. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies from Charter Oak in November, 2001.

I have also been made more aware of educational opportunities beyond the undergraduate level while hanging out at Degreeinfo, where a poster pointed me to a regionally-accredited distance learning MBA program that is free for the military. My inaugural session at Touro University International begins in March, 2002.

Tracy Gies <><
B.S., Individualized Studies, Charter Oak State College, November, 2001

 

Maven,

What degrees have you earned and from where? And what are your DL career interests: teaching, administration, etc.?

Russell

 

Degreeinfo has sustained my addiction to distance education and the need to continue to promote sound academic alternatives to traditional higher education.

John

 

It's almost as good as a Bear's Guide

Love it !!

No more Mr.

 

I first found this board during my research of MIGS/CEU. I was - an am!- deeply ticked-off to find out it is fraudulent. Likewise Empresarial...oh well.

I have enjoyed the often spirited discussions re: RA/everything else.

Thanks to DegreeInfo, I am in the process of signing on with Excelsior to complete my stalled RA BAdegree (UVic, 1991-1993). At present, my credentials are being scrutinized by an evaluation service in NY state. I say "thanks" because you folks spared me from MIGS, and helped me to make the decision to just bite the bullet and complete an RA BA, to be followed by an MA.

About myself: I am a counsellor in private practice (Registered Professional Counsellor - RPC) in the Central Interior of BC. I am a graduate to the Counsellor Training Institute (PPSEC accredited), the owner of Celtic Cross Centre (counselling) and the president of Progressive Employment Services, Ltd. I employ 2 people with RA degrees (B.Comm., and MA counselling/MBA and another staffer. I also hold degrees from Summit University of Louisiana. Like qjackson, I chose the nonRA path for many reasons, personal beliefs being paramount.

So, why RA now? Simply because I wish to teach at the college level. (Indeed, had I not decided to broaden my employment prospects, I think I would have stayed non-RA indefinately).

Again, thanks to Degree Info and all those who IMHO display a wonderful courage in posting their views. I have benefited greatly. Thanks to the many contrasting opinions presented I believe I am able to determine for myself the path to take to acheive my academic goals.
Cheers!

 

Though, I first learned about Excelsior College, where I'm currently a student, through the Degree Consulting Services(advertised in the Bear's Guides) which I took advantage of, and already had been in contact with my school prior to learning about AED/Degree.info, this message board helped me in the following months to make a mature decision. Here I have gotten answers to many of my questions, I was able to understand quite a few issues related to the American educational system in general(I live in Europe) as well as specifically, issues about the process of earning a degree at a particular school(in my case Excelsior). In general, I found the people here being very supportive and a few names instantly come to my mind, John Wetsch, Rich Douglas, Lawrie Miller, Tom Head and there were many others as well. As a student, it is good to have this supportive company and I hope it will continue in the future, as I'm progressing with my studies.

Dennis Siemens

 

I owe degreeinfo.com a world of thanks for its insights into great schools and its warnings about scams. After perusing the postings on this board I selected the Master of Arts in Humanities program at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The program has helped me improve my writing and analytical skills. Long live degreeinfo.com, the web’s liveliest resource for distance education information!

Phillip M. Perry
www.editorialcalendar.net

 

The degree.net site directed me to this forum. I began researching doctoral programs and thought the best approach was to ask members for quick recommendations then make a decision. But along the way, as I spent more time reading the posts, I realized that the best choices tend to emerge with time.

I think I've been helped because I've learned to take things just a bit slower. Time on this site allows me to amass more information and then have critical thinkers (like most posters seem to be) assess my thoughts.

Can't ask for a better arrangement.

 

I don't remember how I happened upon this forum. I was searching out options for pursuing post-graduate studies in theology.

It must have been Providence that directed me to a place where the suggestions and experiences of folks such as Russell Morris, CL Siebel, Bill Highsmith, and Michael are available.

I am settling in (finally) on a programme with Greenwich School of Theology. While initially registered for a Ph.D., Potchefstroom has decided that I should write a M.Th. thesis first, and then move on to the Ph.D. We are still working out the details of such a thesis.

I have been pleased with the interaction and suggestions I found on this board, and also would recommend Greenwich School of Theology to those who are seeking a good theology degree. They have been extremely helpful in every way.

Thanks to those who began and maintain this forum!

Craig

B.A., The Pennsylvania State University
M.Div., Ashland Theological Seminary

 

As far as I'm concerned, this board is mandatory for anyone interested in DL. Here's why:

1- I've only posted and handful of times, but each time I got well-informed, mature responses. Sarcasm and wit are injected at just the right times...and boy, there are some articulate people here!!!

2- Unlike other boards, you rarely see a post with zero responses. Someone almost always takes the time to provide insight or feedback. Lots of been there, done that folks here; that's a good thing in this instance.

3- One can literally get an education just lurking here. I know that can be said about the internet in general but it seems especially true here.

4- You WILL save money or at least get the most for your money after spending some time here.

5- You can often come here to validate what a given school has told you. Funny how the people who answer the phone at the college often don't know the right answer and don't care to find out...

6. People like Rich Douglas, Lawrie Miller, etc, etc.

Yeah, I know I'm rambling but this board is flat out awesome. Stick around and see for yourself.

4Q out!

 

Distance Education Enthusiast for life

I am also one of the frequenters of this forum who finds time to post only occassionally.

I have been inspired by degreeinfo.com to finish my MBA (Touro - next semester I'm finished!) and to once again pursue theological studies. Not quite sure where yet...but I read various posts on this board for inspiration and information.

I am applying for an Army program that would allow me to finish a BSN at the residential program of my choice. It's a good deal...essentiallly earn your paycheck and go to school full-time. No uniforms to wear, formations to stand in, etc. Then you incur a three-year obligation to Uncle Sam at the location of his choosing (...say "hello" to Korea). Since that would put me over the 10 year mark...I guess I'd have to stay for a full 20. If I get accepted to the program (there is a major shortage of nurses worldwide and especially in the Army), I will supplement my BSN with 1 course a semester toward my theological interests.

Thanks for all the good work - I remember when AED was also a good place to hang out before the trolls from gehenna took over. I am astounded by the extreme professionalism of the creators of this forum.

Regards,
Steven King

 

Saved me heartache...future time bomb

In my experience with this forum I learned a valueable lesson: The difference between a degree-mill and a legitimate distance learning institution (either RA, DETC, or State/Professional Licensed). I was in contact with a less than wonderful institution known as "Cal Southern" (AKA PSEDI, Postsecondary Educational Institute), and was in the process of tendering $1,600 for a Masters/PhD in Public Administration. I believed that with all of the Licenses, Certifications, Awards, Accolades, Honors, etc. that they were able to give me a document that was justifiable!

If you have read more than one thread in this forum then you fully know that this is just not possible. There are legitimate schools out there that will help you get to where you need to go and accomplish your goals...and as I have learned on this forum that some of us have the ability to get an RA Bachelor's Degree in as little as a few month's ( I am not completely sold on the BA in 4-Weeks concept). Anyway, this forum has save me at least $1,600.00 that would have definately gone down the drain at a degree factory (less than wonderful PSEDI), and probably more than that becaus I would have used the fraudulent credential in my resume/job applications. I personally want to say thanks to:

DR. John Bear (U DA Man)
Mariah Bear
Rich Douglas (I think I rubbed him the wrong way once...sorry!)
Bruce & Chip
Tom Head
Steve Levicoff
Caballero Lacacye
Johnathon Liu (your links to DL schools at each level is Great!)

and everyone else that had questions, answers, advice, and interests in Distance Learning... this forum is where its at!!!!!!!

Sincerest Regards

 

This forum confirmed the wisdom of my avoiding K-W University, a school that really appealed to me at one point in time. I have learned possibly too much about the value of regional accreditation vs national accreditation or no accreditation, but better too much info rather than too little. This forum has been a big help to me by showing me there are more educational opportunities out there than I had ever imagined possible. I will finally be graduating with a B.S.E.E. this December (woo-hoo!) and if I decide to go to graduate school, I know this is one good place to go for advice.

Mike Goldberg

 

Helped by this forum.

I've been reading post here for a while now. I have just finally decided to join up and give my two cents.

I received my BA in Business Management from National-Louis University in 1993. It was in their adult education program -- although I was just becoming an adult myself. I was the youngest in my class with the average age being 35. I was over 10 years younger.

On to the next part of the story. I decided a few years back that I wanted to get an MBA. But I hadn't looked very long when I stumbled upon Trinity College and University USA. I had received an e-mail from Degree Consultants Inc., TC&U's owners. Well, I thought hey.."this looks great." I went for it. I don't really need to comment on the process because you all know the operation. In anycase, even though I've run my own business for several years and had gained valuable experience, I knew that I was kind of lying to myself about how worthwhile that was.

DegreeInfo.com, Chip, Dr. Bear, Bill, and the others, I'm sorry not to name all of you, have helped educate me on accreditation and the merits of working for my MBA. I have picked out a few schools, DETC and RA to choose from. I know that not everyone will like the school I pick but at least it will be what I want and have some real accreditation.... and I will learn something.

Anyway to all of you... thanks for your help. I will continue to browse and throw out an opinion every now and then.

Drew H.
X-Kempo