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

Well, there is always a first time

Hello everyone,

This is actually the firs time that I register and post in one of these groups, so my apologies if I do or say something improper or my message runs too long. I tend to be a lurker but I feel that this topic and the survival of this medium of communication is so important that it was time for me to register and support the site.

After 19 years of non-stop work, I was laid off as a result of the Sept 11th attack. I took this opportunity to get current on certifications and improve my academic level in preparation for my next job. After completing a number of certificate programs (Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA, etc) I was ready to select an MBA program and needed information regarding available MBA programs thru distance learning.

After many many hours of looking at hundreds of DL programs using web browsers, it finally occured to me that an Alt discussion group would help. Didn't even know one existed but was happy to discover the Alt education distance group. However, I was very disappointed in that I could not find any helpful information DL programs and personal experiences of other people going thru the programs. Instead, I was sicken by all the posts about spam, negative posts about this site, and negative comments about Dr. John Bear.

And that is when I realized I was at the wrong place. I credit two people for pointing me in the right direction ten years ago towards the completion of my BS in business degree; something that I though was impossible given my frequency of business travels at the time. One, my boss who mentioned John Bear and his books (something I had no clue existed) and two, John Bear himself for writing the books and guiding me into the Regents College (now Excelsior) Bachelors Program. Years later, I received a very nice brochure from another institution advertising a Master's degree but something just didn't feel right about it. Just for fun, I emailed John Bear (I think I got the email address from his site, or book, or something like that... don't really remember) To my surprise I received a very nice email back with excellent information that saved me thouthans of dollars and the embarrassment of working very hard for a worthless degree.

So, my point is that while I only learned about this site last night and haven't spent a long time researching thru all the postings, I can clearly see the caliber of the people that maintain the site, the willingness to help of the people who post on this site, and the value of the information posted here. This forum is very valuable and certainly worth maintaining and fighting for. I have learned more regarding Distance Learning options from this site in two hours than I had learned in probably 40 hours of research somewhere else. Praises to the DNS provider for sticking up for the site and supporting it.

Shame that a forum like this one is needed because a public discussion group has been corrupted by people who care more about tabloid commentaries and negative postings than the actual topic of distance learning.

Just about the only thing that I have that group to thank for is for pointing me to this site. It was all the garbage posted there regarding this site that motivated me to come here and find this refreshing, informative, full of excellent caring people forum.

Good luck everyone, and please keep posting. I feel that with your help, I will be able to find a viable MBA program to complete.

Sincerely,

F. Rodriguez.

 

I enjoy the unbelievable conversations in this forum. It's great entertainment and it's very informative. Nobody pulls punches!!! This site has opened my brain to many different topics. There's much more to distance learning than I thought...so many considerations.

Good luck to all. I hope each one of you accomplishes the goals you set.

Gary

 

Good info, need mo!

As a newbie to this forum but a "veteran" of about a year of on-and-off internet investigating of distant learning and limited residence school opportunities, I'd like to weigh in with a comment or two and a request. It is apparent, and much appreciated by me, that a number of people have done a lot of work in this area. I certainly agree with the advice to stick with RA or GAAP options whenever possible. The pickle for me, at age 56 and wanting to pursue a doctorate in areas of personal interest (Jungian psychology, mythology, … the "religious function of the psyche") while continuing to work full-time and not intending to use the degree for career purposes but not wanting to be dumb about the whole school thing either (Maybe I should pursue that PhD in English grammar, eh?), is this: The two RA schools that seem to offer the best opportunities to pursue my areas of interest, Pacifica Graduate Institute and The Union Institute, present significant cost and logistics obstacles, especially if "attending" part-time. I have found two unaccredited schools that seem to offer appropriate flexibility and curriculum opportunities (Greenwich and Westbrook (New Mexico)), but their lack of RA status gives me pause. I have read some of Dr. Bear's comments about Greenwich (good academics, but bad marketing, etc.). I have found very little commentary about Westbrook. Therefore, my request is this: I would appreciate seeing more comments from people who have direct experience with unaccredited schools, especially these two schools. What was the school experience like? Academic challenge and support? Impact, if any, of having earned a graduate degree from an unaccredited school?

Thanks, All, for your thought and commentary on this increasingly important area of educational opportunity - - and risk.

Keep up the good work.

 

I have been a student of the DL phenomenon since 1988.

I can say without doubt that this forum is a good asset for anyone who is academically/scholarly interested in DL education.

It is a good community of people who are interested in similar issues and topics. And, it is a good way to be able to help others with needed information.

 

Thanks to DegreeInfo, I have lost 60 pounds of ugly fat, knocked 17 strokes off my golf game, doubled my car’s gas mileage, added 50 pounds to my bench press, and started sprouting hair in places where there previously wasn’t any.

In addition to bolstering my self-confidence and renewing my self-esteem, DeegreeInfo helped me attain inner peace and put me in touch with my inner aardvark. Thanks to DegreeInfo, I am no longer afraid of the dark, ugly warts and wrinkles have disappeared overnight, my wife has gained almost two cup sizes, and I haven’t refilled my Viagra prescription in months.

But most importantly, not only can I now make a delectable soufflé using only wet cigarette butts, pencil shavings, and a magnify glass, but DegreeeInfo has removed the obstacles that had caused me to abandon all hope, allowing me to obtain a prosperous future, money earning power, and the admiration of all.


Thank you, DegreeInfo.

 

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

Gus,

Your posting is hilarious! Wonderful job! Although, I think DegreeInfo's impact on the world is a little less than what you claim.

KKA

 

I have been reluctant to reply to this but feel I must. Reluctant because I do not believe I can adequately express what this "forum" has meant to me.

But I feel like I should give it a try.

I got here from the Bears' site. Based on the information I received from this group and also from Bears' guide and the Degree Consulting Service, I am in the process of enrolling in Thomas Edison to complete my bachelor degree. But I have also found inspiration to continue beyond the bachelor degree. I am through this board collecting information on Masters and Doctoral programs in my areas of interest.

What have I gotten out of Degreeinfo.com? Information. Insight. Validation. Encouragement. A new desire to complete what I started. And a great respect for the people who frequent this place.

 

This discussion group and Dr Bear's books helped me immensely in choosing a Distance Ed program. I live in Central OR where there is no college focusing on any psychology, counseling or human services BA program. Distance Ed was my only option, and unless I wanted a generic degree completion in "Interdisciplinary" etc. I have a CADC1 and also am a licensed massage therapist specializing in acupressure. I use counseling in my bodywork practice and wish to expand further counselingskills. I wanted a degree appropriate for my field in alcohol/drug, counseling and useful in bodywork. I am 3/4 through Prescott College in there Counseling/Psych program. The experience has been good and challenging, yet flexible. I have chosen to use Life Experience Portfolio only for my practicum as I have 8 years experience as an A/D counselor. This discussion group helped steer me away from Canyon College in Idaho for graduate school, which at the time, their web site stated they were accredited. I hadn't gotten, so far as, to investigate the stated (phony) accrediting agency. This discussion group did it for me. I am unsure whether I will attend grad school after completion of my BA. I am still drawn in too many directions still and the cost is great. I like the information presented about Ft Hayes in Kansas in their Virtual College because of their costs and program options. I am also interested in Art therapy, but some of the programs seem weak in counseling except for the new Canadian programs at Athabasca and Calgary combined with VATI in Vancouver, BC. I really appreciate all who contribute to this site, you really give great expectional information that is difficult to find our your own. Everyone keep up the great work. Kristine

 

This discussion group and Dr Bear's books helped me immensely in choosing a Distance Ed program. I live in Central OR where there is no college focusing on any psychology, counseling or human services BA program. Distance Ed was my only option, and unless I wanted a generic degree completion in "Interdisciplinary" etc. I have a CADC1 and also am a licensed massage therapist specializing in acupressure. I use counseling in my bodywork practice and wish to expand further counselingskills. I wanted a degree appropriate for my field in alcohol/drug, counseling and useful in bodywork. I am 3/4 through Prescott College in there Counseling/Psych program. The experience has been good and challenging, yet flexible. I have chosen to use Life Experience Portfolio only for my practicum as I have 8 years experience as an A/D counselor. This discussion group helped steer me away from Canyon College in Idaho for graduate school, which at the time, their web site stated they were accredited. I hadn't gotten, so far as, to investigate the stated (phony) accrediting agency. This discussion group did it for me. I am unsure whether I will attend grad school after completion of my BA. I am still drawn in too many directions still and the cost is great. I like the information presented about Ft Hayes in Kansas in their Virtual College because of their costs and program options. I am also interested in Art therapy, but some of the programs seem weak in counseling except for the new Canadian programs at Athabasca and Calgary combined with VATI in Vancouver, BC. I really appreciate all who contribute to this site, you really give great expectional information that is difficult to find our your own. Everyone keep up the great work. Kristine

 

When, I first started looking for an online degree program, I had no idea where to turn. I was very worried about getting caught up in a program that would not be accepted in the real world. I found this website and bought Dr. Bears Book. I have not asked many questions in the forum. Most of the time I have had a question I have been able to do a search a get an answer. I think you are a great help to those of us that are new to the distant learning game. I am finishing my second semester at Jacksonville State University. Online learning has been alot harder thatn I had thought it would be. I have really enjoyed it so far. I am not sure that I would have pushed myself into going back to school if I had not found your site. For that I do thank the admin folk here. Jason Milhollin

 

I haven't visited this site in several months. I did not realize the board had been spammed. It is always amazing to me how some people have WAY too much time on their hands! Maybe if they put some of that energy towards schoolwork they could earn a degree over the internet rather than a bad reputation!

I cannot begin to express in enough words how much I owe to this website. I have been interested in DL since 1995 but did not have the first confidence of whether the schools that I was interested in could be trusted! If not for this site I would still be randomly searching the internet hoping to find a clue!

For those who may not remember me I received a BA in Psych the traditional way and then went on to get married and have some babies! Now I'm needing a non traditional way to earn a Masters in Counseling without it disrupting my home obligations. We currently homeschool (there goes that non traditional schooling again!!) I was trapped between Capella, Liberty and some others. Through this site I stumbled on Southern Christian University. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!! Finally I made the leap. I knew I was doing the right think. Dr. Bear himself replied to my email letting me know SCU was a good choice.

Now I can tell you my experience after making it halfway through my first semester. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!! They livestream the classes over the internet. I can watch it live or I can bring up the archives. My hubby hooked up some wirless headphones that reach all over the house and all the way to the back yard. So my neighbors wonder I am sure why I always am wearing these goofy looking headphones while I'm running around but little do they know I'm earning a masters while taking out the trash and monitoring my children playing in the yard. I do the dishes, do the laundry, and even clean up the dog doo in the back yard all while listening to lectures on Ethics and Theories of Personality Development. Late at night when the kiddies are sleeping I'm madly typing away my papers and emailing them to my instructors. No wasted paper either being printed out. Just attach to an email and send. I love it!

Can I just say that I owe huge amounts of praise and thanks to Dr. Bear and all on this site. You have helped a stay at home mom feel a little more productive with her time.

SCU is a WONDERFUL school. I cannot tell you how terrific they have been. Everyone is great. They deal with me on a personal level and are totally understanding. I have had more contact already with my professors then I ever did as an undergrad. Even the registrar's office (dare I say it) is more than pleasant to deal with. I NEVER thought that day would come. All praise to SCU and this website for changing my life!!!

SCU has a dual masters in Marriage/Family Therapy and Professional Counseling and are currently working on accreditation by COAMFTE (the marriage and family therapy accrediting committee). I thought I wanted maybe a counseling degree but now I am pursuing the dual! What a blast! They have now launched the PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and I will keep on trucking until I have done it all. Admittedly they are pursuing COAMFTE accreditation prior to CACREP because the process is intense and too much to do both at once. However the Counseling program is CACREP equivalent. If you are out there and looking for studies in this area I heavily lean on you to check out SCU. (After you send mass quantities of electronic hugs to Dr. Bear.....the wizard of Oz in my book!!)

 

I haven't visited this site in several months. I did not realize the board had been spammed. It is always amazing to me how some people have WAY too much time on their hands! Maybe if they put some of that energy towards schoolwork they could earn a degree over the internet rather than a bad reputation!

I cannot begin to express in enough words how much I owe to this website. I have been interested in DL since 1995 but did not have the first confidence of whether the schools that I was interested in could be trusted! If not for this site I would still be randomly searching the internet hoping to find a clue!

For those who may not remember me I received a BA in Psych the traditional way and then went on to get married and have some babies! Now I'm needing a non traditional way to earn a Masters in Counseling without it disrupting my home obligations. We currently homeschool (there goes that non traditional schooling again!!) I was trapped between Capella, Liberty and some others. Through this site I stumbled on Southern Christian University. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!! Finally I made the leap. I knew I was doing the right think. Dr. Bear himself replied to my email letting me know SCU was a good choice.

Now I can tell you my experience after making it halfway through my first semester. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!! They livestream the classes over the internet. I can watch it live or I can bring up the archives. My hubby hooked up some wirless headphones that reach all over the house and all the way to the back yard. So my neighbors wonder I am sure why I always am wearing these goofy looking headphones while I'm running around but little do they know I'm earning a masters while taking out the trash and monitoring my children playing in the yard. I do the dishes, do the laundry, and even clean up the dog doo in the back yard all while listening to lectures on Ethics and Theories of Personality Development. Late at night when the kiddies are sleeping I'm madly typing away my papers and emailing them to my instructors. No wasted paper either being printed out. Just attach to an email and send. I love it!

Can I just say that I owe huge amounts of praise and thanks to Dr. Bear and all on this site. You have helped a stay at home mom feel a little more productive with her time.

SCU is a WONDERFUL school. I cannot tell you how terrific they have been. Everyone is great. They deal with me on a personal level and are totally understanding. I have had more contact already with my professors then I ever did as an undergrad. Even the registrar's office (dare I say it) is more than pleasant to deal with. I NEVER thought that day would come. All praise to SCU and this website for changing my life!!!

SCU has a dual masters in Marriage/Family Therapy and Professional Counseling and are currently working on accreditation by COAMFTE (the marriage and family therapy accrediting committee). I thought I wanted maybe a counseling degree but now I am pursuing the dual! What a blast! They have now launched the PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and I will keep on trucking until I have done it all. Admittedly they are pursuing COAMFTE accreditation prior to CACREP because the process is intense and too much to do both at once. However the Counseling program is CACREP equivalent. If you are out there and looking for studies in this area I heavily lean on you to check out SCU. (After you send mass quantities of electronic hugs to Dr. Bear.....the wizard of Oz in my book!!)


Holly

 

Without question, the foremost thing that this discussion board has provided me is a "community" context in which to discuss distance learning. Prior to joining this discussion group, I spent approximately 8 years of independent research exploring the availability of DL theological degrees globally. Never before have I had a venue for discussing these matters. It's great to have this discussion board as a setting for dialogue and interaction.

Cory Seibel

 

life changing!

That is what degreeinfo.com is to me:

I was involved with a non RA PhD program in Theology. While I yet feel that I did good work in it, I could not resist the logic this site provided as to why do it non accredited.


I spent hours on the threads concerning South African Schools. I mulled over your responses to the two threads I initiated. Finally, I just yesterday onlined enrolled at the South African Theological Seminary (DTh). Docs at SATS are done through the Univ of Zululand. Both the degree and the promoter (mentor, guiding faculty) are from UNIZUL! With the THM done , I'll only likely have a thesis to do. The cost is 1/2 that of the nonRA school!!


While I am not officially accepted, a phone call to an administrator implied there'd be no problem. And, I just had to tell someone how excited I am. It must bring joy to you to be so helpful to so many people.

Thanks again,

 

As a new member, I am happy to find a forum dedicated specifically to distance-ed. I became interested in distance-ed about five years ago when I stumbled across John Bear's book. I had been trying to complete my bachelor's degree for almost 20 years. Although currently enrolled in Liberty University's external degree program, I have continued to explore other options and keep up with the "happenings" with other schools. I appreciate the recent feedback and opinions I've received about regional and non-accredited schools. The bottom line is... a degree is an expensive investment, both financially and otherwise. A distance-ed degree takes special drive and committment because you don't have the support and structure found with a traditional school. Now that I've found it, I will be adding degreeinfo to my support system.

Stephanie
AAS, Columbus State Community College
Enrolled, Liberty University BS in Multi-disciplinary Studies

 

I was kicked out of Florida State University in the spring of 1993. After that, I spent a number of years wandering in the desert, so to speak, before finally re-entering the world of education by way of the local community college. I found college classes just as tedious the second time around, but thanks to my newly found discipline, courtesy of 4 years in the Marines, I was able to sweat out three semesters. At this point I decided there had to be a better way, and armed with only a slight knowlege of distance learning and internet access, I was able, with the help of this forum, to decide on an appropriate distance learning program at an accredited school. Just six months after diving in, I have come up with both AS and BS degrees. For both of these, I owe a debt of gratitude to this forum for leading me in the right direction.