Choice between California Coast Univ & Columbia Southern Univ MBA programs

Rich,

Instead of beating around the bush trying to have DETC graduates tell you why they selected an NA degree program and you think you know the answer, just say it.

If your thinking that the academics are easier your dead wrong. Talk to anyone, including myself, who can actually compare course work from NA to RA from an experience standpoint. I found my NA degree(s) to be much harder and more demanding than any RA school I've ever attended.

 

In my profession, the main requirement for acceptance is that the school is recognized by the DoEd and CHEA.

As both RA and NA schools are, either is acceptable. Perhaps then DoEd and CHEA should be the real gold standards????

 

There are several RA distance-learning masters programs in history, but none to my knowledge emphasizes the history of science. (That's an interest of mine.) DETC accredited Harrison Middleton offers a masters degree in the subject.

If we exclude MBAs for a moment, there aren't a lot of DL offerings to choose from in most subjects. Each DL offering is going to have its own peculiarities, its strengths and its weaknesses. They are all going to be unique in some way and they won't be easily interchangeable.

Accreditation is only one of the variables. You seem to be arguing that it should be the master-variable, the consideration that overwhelms everything else. I'm not so sure that I agree with that. RA's certainly a positive. For applications that require RA, it's going to be the deal-breaker. But when that isn't the case, I can easily imagine choosing a DETC program that I especially like.

In the case of MBAs, things look rather different. There are something like 200 RA DL MBAs available. That's such a large set that most combinations of desired characteristics are probably available from an RA school somewhere.

But it's still possible, if harder, to imagine a DETC program with especially desirable characteristics. Perhaps an unusual combination of cost, delivery, specializations and course offerings. A student might reasonably decide to weight those matters more heavily than the accreditation consideration. I don't think that they would always be wrong in doing that.

 

ShotoJuku,

And for the most part, these requirements are the standards for the majority of professions in that, the school must be accredited by a recognized accreditor by the DOE and CHEA.

I think the proof of validation is in the history of graduates (130 million) since the 1890s from DETC institutions and that they are a recognized accreditor and global leader in accrediting distance education programs.

And lets add the current enrollment of over 4 million DETC students. If DETC institutions did not meet and/or exceed the needs of their students, graduates and employers these mass numbers would not exist.

The DETC fills the need for the working professional, who is already established in his/her career field and has a stong professional background beyond the academics. DETC programs are independent, flexible, engaging, affordably, accredited and works extremely well for individuals that are highly motivated and need a flexible academic program to pursue their educational goals.

My DETC undergraduate and graduate program has opened more doors of opportunity that I could have ever imagined. Now, I'm enrolled into a Juris Doctorate program, which is also DETC (William Howard Taft University). DETC degree(s) hold just as much value as any online RA school would. Its about what you do with your education after that really matters.

Pretentiousness of accreditation and schools exists in academia, but not so much in the professional working world. Ivy League schools like to boast about their academics and how they achieved every accreditation imaginable. Is this a guarantee of a graduates success in life? I don't think so, but some probably do. The online RA schools like to lump themselves in with the presitgous B&M schools saying, "were accredited by the same accreditor as that of XYZ University." Does this make the school better then a DETC school? Some think so, which relates to the anti-competitive campaign of RA schools.

Let's remember that RA accreditation is under fire now by the DOE in that they are not documenting and/or achieving the results of student outcomes. The DETC has been and continues to document these results and they are favorable. The DETC also received another full recognition term by DOE without any limitations and/or requirements, whereas some RA accreditors (WASC) now have dictated requirements by the DOE to continue their recogniztion status by DOE.

 

As is the case with me.

Abner

 

Something like 304, last I counted.

 

Check out University of Melbourne www.unimelb.edu.au for dissertation/thesis-only master's and doctorate in the history of science.

 

Rich

How many RA US MBA's can I get for $3k?

I don't know of any that can compete with Aspen (at $3k) but I am hoping I am mistaken (I'm kind of new here).

Greg

 

How many Honda's can you get for $11K?

I don't know of any that can compete with Kia (at $11K).

 

Who is smarter?

From the Kia web site:


Kia has a lot of confidence in the quality and endurance of all its new vehicles. So much confidence, in fact, we offer the industry-leading Kia Total Protection Package. The package consists of various warranty components including a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000 mile limited basic warranty, a five-year or 100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan, each of which provides coverage until either the yearly or total mileage figure is reached, whichever occurs first.

Lets see, a Kia will take me from A to B. A Honda will take me from A to B also.

I guess the difference is in the price, maybe the prestige. With what I saved by buying the Kia I can invest the difference and make more money on my money.

I think you get my point macattack. If you are willing and able to buy a BMW or Mercedes, then buy it. Why settle for a Honda?

On the other hand, if the Kia will get me from A to B more efficiently, then the end result is the same; except I'll get to my destination with more money in my pocket.

Now, who is smarter?

Pepe

 

Or, you could choose alternate forms of transportation (hers and his):

 

Or in my case, this:

 

Good points Pepe! I have a slightly different twist. I received an accredited degree from CCU at a great price, and it will result in me getting a promotion. I turned down one promotion because the drive would have been crazy, so at this point I just have to wait for the opportunity that suits me. All thanks to my CCU degree (no loans btw). This is in contrast to Gary down the street. He is $50k in the hole due to student loans, and can hardly make ends meet. In my neighborhood, recent buyers are looking at $3,500. - $4,000.00 a month mortgages. Of course, I bought 13 years ago, so my mortgage is nowhere near that. Now I suppose Gary might end up getting that HUGE salary to offset that $50k plus interest, but by then will he lose his home?

Due to the fact that my wife and I have pretty good jobs and no student loans, we have a nice home, and both drive late model Mercedes. In the end, everyone must do what is best for them.

Just my two centavos!

Abner

 

Ok, how about a '73 Gremlin - you could probably pick one up for $3k. It will get you from point A to B, sometimes.

Point is its crazy to compare Aspen quality to your typical RA degree! Of course your going to pay less for Aspen, you get less.

How is that quality instruction from the faculty at Aspen? Abner?

 

Right on Abner

Hi Abner,

Your situation illustrates the fact that everybody's destination is different and finding the best way to get there is as important as the destination itself.

I chose CCU after looking at several other schools including TESC. I found CCU to offer the best balance between accreditation, delivery, utility, price, and customer service. I didn't want to be chasing classes at several schools or have to register again everytime I wanted to start a new class. CCU's program is very customer oriented with a seamless registration process and impeccable customer service.

I am an accomplished professional, who in my mid-forties have no debt, and my office has the best view at 35,000 feet. Like you, my wife and I drive late model cars and enjoy the rewards of many years of hard work. Consequently, when it came time to returning to school, I didn't want to carry any student loans or pay more than it was necessary for my education.

For me, choosing CCU was a smart choice; one I'm glad I made.

Pepe

 

I'm being a little sarcastic, but in truth I am also looking for more information. It was my understanding from posters on this board that there are only "$15 graders" that provide a very limited amount of feedback. So I figured that Aspen is an independent study outfit? Am I wrong?

Good luck in your studies. I know that Aspen may fit the mold for some. I just wouldn't compare it to most RA and AACSB programs. I doubt the quality of instruction is there.

 

The person who made that statement said he heard that from a friend of friend. Now I will give you the actual facts. The class structure is similar to several Independent DL classes I took from the University of Iowa. You have a teacher who provides you with a direct phone number, email, etc. You are given assignments, they are graded, and you are given feedback, If further assistance is needed, it is provided.

The online mode of class is similar to most DL schools, although that is not my style. I prefer to work independenly.

The true DL experts like John Bear and Tom Nixon have made positive comments regarding Aspen. Does it have the name recognition of Harvard? Of course not, but neither do most of the RA schools members attend in this DL forum.

Have a good one,

Abner

 

Exactly the same reasons I went with CCU. I am happy for your success Pepe!

Best regards,

Abner

 

It is funny how some people seem to put down certain institutions without a clear understanding of how their programs work or without having personal experience with the schools.

A disturbing fact is that education is supposed to open peoples minds and allow them to think critically and provide the tools to support opinions with facts.

It is clear to me that a number of posters show extreme bias and ignorance when expressing opinions without adding anything constructive to the conversation. Remember that many prospective DL students read this and other forums, and by providing incomplete or bias information we risk projecting a negative light to the whole DL industry and do a disservice to those who seek factual, accurate, and up-to-date information about the many choices available to them.

Pepe