Hi, I am looking to complete my bachelors degree through distance learning starting next year (I have about 45hrs. from my local community college). I would prefer to go with a B&M institution with a good name. (I'm willing to pay somewhat extra for this). So far, from doing a lot of searches here my first choice is UMASS-Lowell, however if at all possible I'd like to go to a Texas school since I would receive a substantial in state discount. Do you of any big name Texas schools offering no residency bachelors degrees other than General Studies? I've done numerous searches here and around the net. I find that the big schools like UT, Texas Tech, TCU, etc. only offer a General Studies degree, but I'd rather have a normal degree like Business, Computer Science, etc. I'd hate to spend 2x more money out of state if a Texas school is or will be offering some good DL programs. Any help is appreciated. TIA
OK. Here goes... I have gone through this turmoil but need one answer - WHERE ARE YOU? I am in the DFW area and there ARE choices. You will have to forget the BIG names unless you can accept a mix of DL and Residence. University Center of Dallas is a conglomeration that includes TX A&M-Commerce and others... Otherwise, here is my list of big hitters that are no more costly than TX tuition: I like the Embry-Riddle BS Technical Management. If you are in TX there are about 5 residence centers or you can do it just distance. At ~$170 per credit hour it's not much higher than going to UTA. Did you look at Cal State Dom. Hills? I like the BS Quality Assurance. At ~$150 a credit, see above. Kansas State has the fully accredited BS Business. That looked like ~$600/course on average. People here always ask, "did you look at the BIG THREE?". There is a fellow here named Gus Sanz and he has a great link of lists if you can search for his posts.
The University of Houston and the University of Houston-Victoria both offer some appropriately titled degrees. Victoria offers a marketing BS, if I recall rightly.
The University of Texas Telecampus offers a Bachelor's completion program in Criminology and Criminal Justice. A major drawback (as I see it) is that the diploma clearly states "Telecampus".
There are currently 25 bachelor's degrees offered solely through distance learning by Texas Universities (note that some of these are private, so there will probably be no tuition discount.) To find a list of them, check here: http://www.texasdistanceeducation.com/ (As a side note, although it is a private university, Amberton University is very inexpensive, and offers several fully online programs. Do a search of the archives here for more info. By the way, this school used to be called Amber University, I believe.)
Re: Re: Big name Texas schools?? Thanks to everyone, and a double thanks for the link Jeff Hampton! I don't see anything to promising though, I'll probably stick with UMASS, unless anyone has anymore big name schools with a decent price?
Re: Re: Re: Big name Texas schools?? At the risk of seeming tribal, I'd guess that UMass is at least as much of a big name school as any of the Texas schools mentioned (I'm assuming that we're talking about academics and not football). BTW, I believe that UMass tuition rates do not discriminate between in-state and out-of-state. Best of luck wherever you enroll. Jack
Just in case these programs didn't come up when you did your search at www.texasDistanceEducation.com, you might take a look at the BA degrees in English, history, and psychology at University of Houston the emergency management administration degree at West Texas A&M At the graduate level there will be more options for distance learning from Texas schools. If you're planning to stay in Texas, there is a certain advantage to getting a degree from a Texas school, if you can find a program suited to your interests and goals. Good luck! Alex
Why do they do this sort of thing? Can't anyone at that entire school figure out that a diploma with that printed on it is less valuable. Also, the idea that the same program delivered differently should be called something else is just plain silly. Tom Nixon
I've asked myself that same question. My guess is that the school wants the cash flow from DL programs, while at the same time telling themselves that the B&M option is the "real thing". Of course, it's rare that anyone wants to see your diploma, just your transcripts.
Maybe another option? Since you are looking more at the business or management end, this may or may not be of interest. However, the University of North Texas has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Technology and Performance Improvement that is 100% Internet based if you have already completed the Texas Academic Common Core (Community College Courses) and a Technical Specialization (about 36 hours worth). Check it out at: http://www.attd.unt.edu
