Psych MS from California Coast University?

Hello all--I am looking at a distance master's program and/or graduate certificate and hope to draw on the collective wisdom and experience of this board.

I have a B.A. from COSC (despite which all of my coursework was done as an undergrad at a B&M university, so I have not yet really ventured into DL). I'm considering the M.S.in psychology offered by California Coast University because of the non-thesis option and the totally self-paced nature of the program, but I have some reservations.

Everyone here knows that CCU now has DETC accreditation, but will I continually have to explain to people that it's not a degree mill? Would anyone with a CCU degree (or a master's from another NA school) care to comment on how their credential has been viewed by colleagues and HR departments in the real world outside of academe?

If I continue on to earn a graduate certificate or a second master's from a high profile RA university, would the CCU/RA combination seem odd?

For those who have taken both CCU and RA classes, would you say that the rigor of CCU's coursework is equal to that of RA coursework?

I'm not trying to be overly critical of CCU or debate the merits of NA versus RA. I'm aware of the limitations of NA degrees, but I have yet to find an RA psych master's that is completely self-paced (a must for my schedule). In addition, I have no plans to teach at an RA institution, obtain licensure as a counselor, or pursue a doctorate. The main purpose of this degree would be to deepen my understanding of the subject matter and in light of this it seems silly to pay a premium for an RA degree if NA will do the trick. At the same time, although I'm currently self-employed, I'd like to know whether an M.S. from CCU would generally be seen as a positive, negative, or neutral addition to a resume should I rejoin the job hunt.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks!


Fischer

 

IMO, I would be very cautious obtaining a masters degree in Psychology from any school that is not RA. The MS degree at CCU seems interesting but there are really alot of questions as to it potential utilizability as well as how it will be perceived by employers and professional peers in terms of credibility. However, if DETC recieves approval to accredit doctoral programs from the US Dept of Education it may enhance the status and image of graduate degrees from CCU.

 

I have degrees from COSC and CCU. I have not had anyone view them as different in the corporate world. As far as the difficulty of the CCU grad degree and the MS from an RA school (TUI)- I would say they were abou the same. Compared to the UF program I am in now - CCU was a walk in the park.

Why do you want a degree from CCU compared to another RA school?

 

Simon and Randell, thanks for your comments. Since my original post I've reconsidered and will go for an RA master's. Although DETC degrees clearly have utility for many people, I've decided I'm not quite ready to abandon RA. Back to the drawing board...


Fischer

 

You may want to look at NCU's program and the Kansas State - http://www.dce.k-state.edu/industrialpsych/