What do you say to distance learning/online degree haters?

This post, disclaimer or no, is a flame.

As for using "nontraditional," I have a Ph.D. with a declared specialization in Nontraditional Higher Education. I would suggest that makes you wrong.

 

Thanks for sharing your opinion. My comment was sarcastic in nature so your conclusion that I was wrong really has no relevance. I'm aware I was wrong, I don't even agree with my statement. IT WAS SARCASM!

 

Perhaps if you toned down the rudeness, your meaning would become more clear.

 

Again, thanks for your opinion. I'll take it under consideration.

 

I've never encountered a hater, but I've had to answer questions about the work involved. I usually say something like this, "By the time I am done with my masters degree I will have read at least 18 books from cover to cover (and consulted countless others), written over 130 academic papers, provided 130 critical reviews of other papers, submitted a thesis, made 72 reflective journal entries of at least 2 pages each, and participated in countless class discussions and debates. That usually quiets them.

 

For the benefit of those who frequent degreeinfo, years ago I followed the admonition of President George W. Bush for all Americans to serve their country through volunteerism. My interest in medicine was kindled from my service in a US Army air ambulance unit. After flying for the airlines, I was motivated to go back to school (online) and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have enjoyed beyond description working as a volunteer providing healthcare in a community free clinic.

If those who read this and have any inkling to serve, I highly recommend it! The United Way sponsors numerous free clinics around the country and I think you will find that you will receive more than you give! As far as working in "Psych", I don't find that remark insulting! There are so many folks out there that suffer from some sort of mental illness, I can't begin to describe it. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from this experience is not to judge another person because I haven't walked in their shoes. All the best!

 

Nice scriptural quote but what reward or satisfaction is there for posting your opinions on Degreeinfo? The reality is, it's "akin" to "casting your pearls before swine" and posters get trampled to death! Thank heavens for anonymity! Without it, the hostility is outright frightful!

+

 

SAM KINISON on SEFIRAS HAOMER - YouTube

 

I just tell them that the most prestigious credentials in business can be earned in distance mode. The CPA, PMP, CFA, CMA, etc credentials do not require full time attendance on campus but to pass a set of rigorous exams. People with CPAs and CFAs make salaries in the 100K range and nobody cares if they attended on campus courses or got online training.

The same stands for online degrees, if the institution granting the degrees is solid (e.g. Standford U) the format of delivery is not an issue and the degree will be respected. If the institution is weak, it won't matter if you attend on campus the degree will not have credibility regardless of the delivery format. I particularly look at the institution and not the degree delivery format.

 

I don't waste my time trying to sell people on online degrees.

 

I get what you mean. But sometimes, professional boards do care whether you attended on-campus courses or got online training.

For example, you can't qualify for the CPA exam in Texas if all of your accounting coursework was online:

So the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy apparently cares about the online vs. on-campus distinction. I suspect that most other accounting boards probably don't, but I don't claim to be familiar with them all.

 

I'm the same. Never try to teach a pig to sing, it's a waste of time and annoys the pig.

 

I completed a British accounting qualification and all the work was completed online but exams were completed on an examination room. The qualification was never looked down because it was not earned on campus.

I believe the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) exam can be completed now online.

Things are changing, I don't think is the mode of delivery but the prestige of the credential that counts. I would rather have a CFA credential that was earned by using online training than an MBA earned on campus from a low ranked non AACSB accredited school.

In Canada, the CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation can be completed by using online learning but yet the average salary for a CGA is more than 100K. I dont think employers would differentiate between online learning or people that attended universities to earn the CGA credential.

Online learning is the way of the future so I don't think it will matter much how you earn your degree but who granted the degree or credential.

 

I totally agree, why would someone think any less of someone that is trying to improve his or her self with education.

 

I remember when I was dating and I went out with a girl I met online. We ran into a mutual friend which surprised us but she kicked me in the foot when I almost told the guy we met online. Back then meeting someone online was not something to be proud of. I think the same can be said of education but things are turning around.

 

People are changing their opinion on this too, but some people still perceive online dating as being scary as if it's safer to meet someone in a club. Whether you first met someone online or at a club/bar, you won't know much about the person and should meet them in a public place when going out on your first several dates. The person you meet at the bar could easily be a murderer, rapist, or mentally ill and you wouldn't know it immediately.