about to take the plunge into distance learning!

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by raeofsunshine, Aug 29, 2013.

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  1. raeofsunshine

    raeofsunshine New Member

    Hi everyone!

    I am glad to be on this site after so many months (okay, years) of gathering information from various places but not really having people to talk to about distance learning.

    I am figuring out my steps to begin completing my degree online and came here to hear other people's stories as well as to share my own. I have been working in the corporate arena and have had an active life in other areas, but never finished my degree.

    There have been many failed and unrealistic attempts over the years but thanks to this site, I have found great options I didn't know existed.
     
  2. raeofsunshine

    raeofsunshine New Member

    Update: I had a call with Patten today and I really like what I hear. The $199 a month includes course materials and online proctoring. Next month classes start on September 9th due to the Labor Day holiday so the cost for the first month is a little less. My job has a tuition assistance program so I might be able to use that. But even if I can't, the cost is manageable.

    I was able to send a transcript request electronically and this evening I will have a follow-up call to help me get started. I am really not interested in the majors/concentrations that they have but I think this is a smooth way for me to get a ton of credits under my belt.
     
  3. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    How many credits will you earn in what length of time?

    There may be other ways to accumulate credits at a lower cost.

    What major/concentration would you like?
     
  4. Petedude

    Petedude New Member

    Patten looks interesting-- self-paced, RA, per-term tuition for 16 weeks rather than per-credit.
     
  5. raeofsunshine

    raeofsunshine New Member

    @ Ian: Patten lets you take as many credits as you can for the same tuition. The degrees are lock-step so you complete a class and then move on to the next. Once you enroll, the coursework for each class is available and you can work ahead but you can't submit work until you're actually registered. Each class starts with an initial assessment. If you know something well enough, you can skip ahead to the pre-final and if that goes well, you take the final in your own home via online proctoring with no testing center fees. Online proctoring does charge if you schedule a final close to the actual date you will take the exam. With that model, I can see myself doing anywhere from 6-12 credits a month, depending on which class is next. There is quite a bit of work, but in some cases I will just be reviewing it quickly.

    As I'm typing this, I am thinking about NAU. The only reason I didn't go with their self-paced program was that they require the tuition in one payment up front. Now I'm thinking I could see if they allow for deferment if my company is paying. Hmmmmm.

    If my job pays, then I actually wouldn't be paying anything out of pocket with either program. Whether or not I want to use the tuition assistance benefit is another story. It is obviously less costly to me, but not always the best choice depending on your work situation/environment. Unlike other benefits, it requires letting the people you work with know a little bit of your business. But again, that's another issue for another forum topic.

    I would be interested in psychology or communication. Liberal arts would be ok, too - better than business. I know Charter Oak accepts the Psych GRE for 18 credits. Getting the rest of those credits, according to my calculations, got to be a little expensive.
     
  6. NorCal

    NorCal Active Member

    That single statement sums up the benefit of being a member here on the forum. Knowledge is power; I've always been a student of other peoples mistakes. Welcome to the forum.
     

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