Undergrad Studies @ Baker.edu , ?'s

Hello Folks,

I have been lurking on this BB for a week and have read quite alot of the opinions you have posted on the various colleges offering distance ed. programs, most of it unfortunately, regarding Graduate Studies of one form or another.
I am just at the beginning of my accademic pursuits and need some unbiased and experienced opinions about the undergrad programs at Baker College Online. I plan to enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Web Design or possibly even the Associates in Business with an emphasis on Marketing.
My primary interests lie in the computing elements of the programs and the web design program looks like a decent compilation of knowledge regarding programming etc. even if mainly directed at web development. Associates rather than Bachelors is in case unfortunate circumstances shorten my outlook. I would much rather hold an AAS than nothing should I have to stop sooner than I want to.
I still don't know how I am going to pay for Baker either, I am guessing I make a little too much money to be eligible based on need, but I also work two full time jobs and support my wife and two kids along with mortgages and car payments etc. Sallie Mae I would imagine... still need to explore my specific options on that.

Anyway, anyone who attended Baker for undergraduate studies want to share their experiences with me?

1.) What undergrad program did you study @ Baker

2.) What is your opinion on the dollar value of the program you attended? i.e feel like you got your money's worth / degree worth it's price etc.

3.) Would you recomend Baker to someone just getting started?

4.) Any other comments you would like to add would be greatly appreciated.


Besides those of you who attended Baker, I would be most interested in any of your online undergrad studies experiences and whether or not you felt it gave you the needed skill set to achieve better employment etc.

I am a very busy, undereducated individual @ 29, and I will probably just make it into a Jr. College or Community College with my GED and the appropriate assetts testing(won't need remedial courses), anyone have any general advice I might benefit from regarding online education?

Incidently, I am quite competent with computers and maintain, repair, build, customize and network approximately 30-50 machines a year for the last 5-6 years, for fun and minimal profit where warranted. I am also basically the freelance type and earn the majority of my income from self-employment etc. so I think maybe an Ass. in web design will compliment a BS in e-commerce or marketing or even Web Design.. maybe CIS as well. Whew..so many choices..like a buffet, it all looks soooo good.


Thank You,

Streylight
2 jobs, 2 kids, 2 mortgages, 2 college funds,2 many bills , no degrees...YET.

 

many views but no news...

Okay, how about any links to posts or discussions regarding Baker? Any information is appreciated, thanks.

Streylight

 

"I still don't know how I am going to pay for Baker either, I am guessing I make a little too much money to be eligible based on need, but I also work two full time jobs and support my wife and two kids along with mortgages and car payments etc. Sallie Mae I would imagine... still need to explore my specific options on that."

Check out IRS publication 970 -- maybe you can get some financial advantage there.
I also note that Baker is a private college; would a community college be lower cost?

"I am a very busy, undereducated individual @ 29, and I will probably just make it into a Jr. College or Community College with my GED and the appropriate assetts testing(won't need remedial courses), anyone have any general advice I might benefit from regarding online education?"

Many colleges (California Community Colleges and California State Universities) accept students over 25 as mature students with minimal entry requirements. Perhaps Baker does also.

All the best in your endeavors

 

Thank you Ian Pub. 970 found here is a good piece of info, I'll make sure to review it with my CPA. Much Appreciated.

For others the link publication is found here;

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf


Thanks again,

Strey

 

I began Baker College Online this spring, and it's going well so far. One of the things I liked is that as a private college, they offer the same tuition to everyone, regardless of the state they live in.

With your experience in computers, you could probably get some credits by "petitioning out" or proving that your knowledge fits one or more of their courses. If you think you could get credit for several courses, you could take COL 301, which is a course on how to apply for this kind of course exemption.

You also might consider applying for a Pell grant. I don't, since my employer pays for courses, but I know a single mother who does get some money from them.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Lynette Brege

 

Thank You Lynette,

I appreciate your input.

You didn't mention what it is you are studying @ Baker.
Are you in the Associate or Bachelor program there?
What do you think of the quality of the lessons? Are you significantly challenged to earn a good grade?
Did you take assetts testing before entering? If so, how where those tests?


Thank you again,

Streylight

 

Good overall experience

Strey,

I just started at Baker College Online, and am enrolled in the Associates of Business Administration/Human Resources - I contemplated the Marketing concentration and may still switch, as I've only completed general education requirements so far.

As for financial aid, their department has been exceptionally helpful with my financial needs, and in processing the FAFSA information.

As for the academic rigor, I will tell you this, I decided to take a couple of online courses to augment my "in class" courses I was taking, to help speed up my graduation, and ended up absolutely loving the online format. It is much more interactive than the traditional classroom setting in my opinion, and yes, the level of work expected is equal if not more than a typical classroom. In a typical or "in person" classroom, you can elect to sit in the back and keep quiet, whereas in an online course, part of your grade is dependent upon your interaction and input. As for the actual assignments, I feel that they easily compare to the assignments given in traditional settings and in some cases are more challenging given the level of autonomy you have in your studies.

Baker is a regionally accredited college, which means it is recognized by the same agency which accredits Michigan State, and the University of Michigan, not to mention Baker has 12 physical campuses throughout the state of Michigan and is the largest private college system in that state.

As for testing taking prior to my entrance, the truth is, I haven't taken them yet...I have to take both an english and math placement test, but have been allowed to take classes which do not require english or math as a pre-requisite. I will have to take those tests within the next 6-7 weeks however... You do not have to travel to Baker to take those, the academic department (1-800-469-4062) can help you with telling you which facilities will administer the test in your area. The grades will be forwarded to Baker, and they will tell you if you need to take remedial classes or if you qualify to skip a pre-requisite...

Personally, I am not electing to complete my Bachelor's degree online at Baker. I am going to transfer my associate's degree to UMASS or another state college in my area. I am doing this only for simple name recognition purposes when I pursue graduate school. I intend to go to a grad program here in Massachusetts and have been told that it might be in my best interest to "back-up" and online associate's with a well-established university from the local area.

Lastly, to touch again on the academics offered at Baker, I truly believe that Baker is a good deal for the tuition charged.

Best of luck!

Bill

 

Bill,

Thank you for sharing your Baker experience with me/us. I was surprised to learn that you have to travel to Baker to take the placement exams, maybe due to your proximity to the school campuses? I am in PA, there is no way I am going to fly out to MI for a few tests. Maybe they can be proctored or such? I'll definately be looking into it. I like your approach to earn your Bachelor at a regional like UMASS, name recognition is important. I too have been considering Penn State for the same reasons, just the Alumni in this area alone is enough to make the difference. Thanks again for the information, I appreciate it.

Kris

 

I am currently in the Bachelors of Computer Information Systems program, and so far it's going well. The quality of the courses are certainly no worse than the community college I went to in New Jersey, and probably better.

I found I have to study more for a good grade than when I went to classes before, but that could be because computer systems are so different than general studies. As for testing, nobody has said anything about that to me, maybe because I had almost 2 years in previous credits before I started at Baker. I guess the courses took the place of testing.

Lynette

 

"As for testing taking prior to my entrance, the truth is, I haven't taken them yet...I have to take both an english and math placement test, but have been allowed to take classes which do not require english or math as a pre-requisite. I will have to take those tests within the next 6-7 weeks however... You do not have to travel to Baker to take those, the academic department (1-800-469-4062) can help you with telling you which facilities will administer the test in your area. The grades will be forwarded to Baker, and they will tell you if you need to take remedial classes or if you qualify to skip a pre-requisite... "

OOOpps! Disregard my prior comment based on lack of caffiene.

I misread the "Do not" in his post.


See? And they say minor oversight doesn't make a big difference.

Streylight

 

Probably going to enroll in Baker online.

Well,

I have been tossing the idea around long enough to have completed a signifcant portion of the coursework, now it's time to get busy!

I am almost sure I am going to enroll in Baker Online for the AS in Web Design.

WHAT!?? Web Design??
Yes, I wanted a computing oriented study and that's about the most interesting course description they offer at this point. Associates in Applied Science - Web Design
I was shooting for General Business, with an emphasis on computing. After reading the course description and the course listings I decided that it's just not interesting enough for me.

What do you guys think? I know the degree sounds kind of silly, but the course work is geared mainly towards computer language, management etc.

They have a BCIS program there also, and a Bachelors in Web Design that works with the 2 + 2 type thing.

Anyone have anything to lend??

TIA

Strey..

 

Only that if you're interested in the computing aspects, there are probably many other options rather than Baker.

I don't have a word to say against Baker; my husband very nearly enrolled there in the Transportation Management program, before they decided they weren't yet ready to offer it at a distance. They were very helpful in all our contacts with them.

But take a look at this link for UMass Lowell for the Associate's Degree in Information Technology
http://continuinged.uml.edu/online/ASonline.htm

There are quite a few programming courses to fulfill the major requirements, since that seems to be your interest. The cost is currently $250/cr hr for web courses, and financial aid is available.
They even have an Associate's in IT with a business minor.

Good luck, whatever you do!
Melissa

 

Hey Thanks Meliisa!
I appreciate the feedback and the link.

Strey...