Apen University-Experiences

OK I have read the numerous National versus Regional accreditation threads. And I know that there are plenty of Aspen advocates here, but I am curious about actual experiences. What were the courses like? I did U of Phoenix, and so I know about the class discussions and group work there. Are the Aspen classes truly independent study?

Also are the resources available for students high quality? Will the work I turn in be returned in a timely manner?

I am leaning toward an Aspen Project Management MBA. I love the low tuition, and PMI certification. I am just wondering if the actual student experience is high quality?

Angry Geek

 

I don't know about Aspen in particular, but I know that most people who attend a DETC school are highly satisfied with their academic experience. Here is an article with some interesting statistics about the DETC. More Insider Information from the Distance Education Training Council (DETC)

 

I am running out the door, so I will add more comments later. The Aspen MBA is very independent and flexible. The coursework is excellent, and the customer service, response time is the same day or within hours usually.

Great school hands down!!!!!!!!!!


Abner

 

Speaking of Aspen, anyone know if the internship is required for the EdD?

 

Not trying to down DETC or anything but I would be skeptical of those statistics.

 

While we're on the topic of Aspen, why does it look like the dean of the education department took his "professional" photo in his kitchen?

Graduate School of Education

These are the little things about Aspen that worry me, particularly from the perspective of would-be employers or clients looking at the school's web site.

 

A bigger question--why is the dean of graduate education lacking an Ed.D. or PhD in education? A Doctor of Management degree???

 

Could be. They look like typical oak kitchen cabinets though. Either way, the ambiguity isn't really a good thing.

 

Odd, I agree.

 

Good question. If they are required (and it looks like they are) what is the criteria for a mentor? Do I need to find one? Is one appointed?

Ted N.

 

Hey!! Are you saying that statistics lie? Shame on you, statistics never lie! Nobody ever bends statistics to make them support their viewpoint

 

Hi. Question. In the times you've hired a dean of graduate education, have you considered hiring candidates with other qualifying experiences? Just curious.

 

Lets not forget the old addage:

That there are Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics!

 

There is an internship near the end of the course work before dissertation.

 

Your sarcasm is duly noted, but 8 years in education does not equal doctoral-level preparation in education. Nothing in his bio indicated a level of preparation that would justify his position on the basis of experience.

Besides, it's not like EdDs are rare.

 

Yes, perhaps, but sometimes we just have to let go of our opinions and rely on people who know more about their jobs than we do. Is this one of these cases?

Moreover, what about waiting for your dissertation committee to stop delaying you with riddles and BS, and demanding that you run up your credit cards with more tuition expenses, makes you better prepared to hold any academic job? Do you mean doctoral-level coursework in education?

 

OK, no one else has said it but it must be said . . .

OH NO!!! ANOTHER ASPEN THREAD!!!




(mostly this was an opportunity for me to learn how to use the "insert image" function. I actually think Aspen has gotten a lot of well-deserved attention lately)

 

He qualifies because he manages the program.

But yeah, you'd think they'd get someone with an Ed.D.

 

That would come dangerously close to a fallacious appeal to authority.

A graduate school of education awards degrees at the Master's level. In almost all cases, a professor or dean at this level needs to have a doctorate in the field. There could be exceptional cases (but not an MEd plus 8 years of experience--seriously, how many people would qualify under these terms??), but this does not appear to be one of them.

I know that Aspen is sacred to many on this board, but I highly doubt this arrangement would fly with a regional accrediting agency.