univesity of phoenix

[ATTech]

UofP is not an online degree.

Really? Because University of Phoenix seems to be selling it that way...

 

[vdub12]

Really? Because University of Phoenix seems to be selling it that way...

So I guess you didn't notice the line that states "campus and online programs".

So with that rational any school with an online program is not respectable?

 

[ATTech]

So I guess you didn't notice the line that states "campus and online programs".

So I guess you didn't notice the part where I said "selling it that way"?

I'm not arguing that they have no campuses, but you're telling me that they are not online degrees, when that's clearly what they advertising it as.

So with that rational any school with an online program is not respectable?

What? What rational are you using? I simply said that they advertise themselves as an online degree. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that they put more stock in their online programs than their campus programs.

Regarding online degrees, however, I don't think that online degree programs in technical subjects are respectable. That doesn't mean that any college offering online degrees are not respectable, nor does it mean that some subjects don't work just fine with online degrees.

When arguing, it's best to argue against my points, instead of stating points that I didn't make, and arguing against those.

 

[ATTech]

Actually I never attended UofP I'm the product of a education in california and I dont put much value on it.

As am I. I guess it's what you make of it.

But since i dont think it shows what time I post I'll let you know.

Its usually between 3 & 4am after working 10+ hours day and being up for 18hrs straight.

So rather than falling asleep, you chose to post on forums? Maybe you need to adjust your priorities.

PS. grammer police on a forum...seriously!

The whole grammar police mantra is for people that simply point out bad grammar, rather than those using bad grammar to make a point.

 

[MasterTech99]

Most schools now offer some classes online. Some will even have degree programs are offered entirely online but they tend to be liberal arts not hard sciences. The problem that most people have with for-profit online schools is that they place more emphasis on enrollment and retention than on academics.

Let me ask you something, how do you get a nursing degree online? Would you feel comfortable if your wife was taken to the emergency room and the nurse taking care of her had never stepped foot in a hospital before today? How exactly do you take a chemistry, biology, or anatomy class online?

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Let me ask you something, how do you get a nursing degree online? Would you feel comfortable if your wife was taken to the emergency room and the nurse taking care of her had never stepped foot in a hospital before today? How exactly do you take a chemistry, biology, or anatomy class online?

When I was in college about 90% of my course work was on campus. I took about 10% online. Stuff like composition, marketing, management, etc, I did online. Any of my hard science and technical classes I took on campus because that kind of stuff wasn't offered online and I just couldn't grasp the concept of taking certain classes online. I can understand the concept of online classes for certain subjects. However, I too would be leery of a complete degree online unless it was something like a basic liberal/fine arts degree. Most science degrees I feel need a major amount of on campus/lab work to complete. As far as advanced degrees go, even many major universities are going fully online with these and I can agree with that, due to the fact most advanced degrees only require another 30-50 credit hours of specialized classes and most grad students are spending most of their time doing their own research and writing a thesis anyway.

 

[rehallaz]

1. You guys are aware that you can access classes from MIT, Stanford, and many other well known schools online, aren't you? They may not be applicable for credit, but that does not negate that they are good courses or good schools.
2. University of Phoenix is a fully accredited school by North Central, the same agency that accredits a lot of colleges and universities in the US. http://www.ncahlc.org/

/rich
bitdancers.com

 

[vdub12]

So I guess you didn't notice the part where I said "selling it that way"?

I'm not arguing that they have no campuses, but you're telling me that they are not online degrees, when that's clearly what they advertising it as.


What? What rational are you using? I simply said that they advertise themselves as an online degree. It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that they put more stock in their online programs than their campus programs.

Regarding online degrees, however, I don't think that online degree programs in technical subjects are respectable. That doesn't mean that any college offering online degrees are not respectable, nor does it mean that some subjects don't work just fine with online degrees.

When arguing, it's best to argue against my points, instead of stating points that I didn't make, and arguing against those.

Apparently you are not getting my post. The degree you receive for online classes is identical to the campus degree. So if you are going to be prejudice against a UofP degree you have to also be prejudice against the campus program they provide because there is no way to tell each one apart once you graduate. Also I can enroll in MIT or any other big school for a masters and my UofP BA is excepted. Also if I want to get a BA in another subject my AA is finished and it does not matter where I got it.

1. You guys are aware that you can access classes from MIT, Stanford, and many other well known schools online, aren't you? They may not be applicable for credit, but that does not negate that they are good courses or good schools.
2. University of Phoenix is a fully accredited school by North Central, the same agency that accredits a lot of colleges and universities in the US. http://www.ncahlc.org/

/rich
bitdancers.com

That's my whole point here to. Its accredited which makes the degree in the end just and good as the next.

You know honestly this post is a waste of time. People are thick headed and convinced that UofP is trash. Its almost a waste of time.

 

[basic]

Apparently you are not getting my post. The degree you receive for online classes is identical to the campus degree. So if you are going to be prejudice against a UofP degree you have to also be prejudice against the campus program they provide because there is no way to tell each one apart once you graduate. Also I can enroll in MIT or any other big school for a masters and my UofP BA is excepted. Also if I want to get a BA in another subject my AA is finished and it does not matter where I got it.



That's my whole point here to. Its accredited which makes the degree in the end just and good as the next.

You know honestly this post is a waste of time. People are thick headed and convinced that UofP is trash. Its almost a waste of time.

Note: Vdbub this post is not directed, specifically, at you.

I am not one of the for-profit school bashers. I just acknowledge the fact that there is a stigma. Heck, this stigma can be seen within this thread. Whether you feel that this is just or unjust doesn't really matter because this is probably a view shared by many. Yeah, you say it's no joke...but compared to what? I can't judge how good the curriculum is compared to a tier 1 school and you can't do same. Unless you've gone to both a traditional tier 1 school and UofP...a fair comparison cannot be drawn.

I feel like any school has some value. It's better to get some kind of education than not at all. It all has to do with your situation. But, know that this stigma may come back to haunt some people. If you already have extensive work experience, then yeah, your degree doesn't really mean squat. But like I said...it has to do with your situation.

Blah...I'm just blabbering at this point. My main point is; the stigma is real and know that this is something you may have to deal with at some point. Denying it won't make it go away.

 

[basic]

1. You guys are aware that you can access classes from MIT, Stanford, and many other well known schools online, aren't you? They may not be applicable for credit, but that does not negate that they are good courses or good schools.
2. University of Phoenix is a fully accredited school by North Central, the same agency that accredits a lot of colleges and universities in the US. http://www.ncahlc.org/

/rich
bitdancers.com

I think the online aspect should be moot. As stated, many traditional schools now offer online courses, undergrad degrees, and masters degrees. The major point of contention is the fact that they are a for-profit school.

I really don't care who goes to what college. Do what's right for you. But common sense, to me, dictates that there seems to be a conflict of interest when a school has an incentive to enroll as many students as possible in order to satisfy their stockholders. Do traditional schools try to make money? Yeah, no doubt. But the majority of their revenue is not from tuition. The schools usually get grants from the states, alumni contributions, and research grants. These are incentives to provide the best educational environment for their students since the schools reputation and performance is directly related to how much money they get from these sources.

 

[red12049]

Apparently you are not getting my post. The degree you receive for online classes is identical to the campus degree. So if you are going to be prejudice against a UofP degree you have to also be prejudice against the campus program they provide because there is no way to tell each one apart once you graduate. Also I can enroll in MIT or any other big school for a masters and my UofP BA is excepted. Also if I want to get a BA in another subject my AA is finished and it does not matter where I got it.



That's my whole point here to. Its accredited which makes the degree in the end just and good as the next.

You know honestly this post is a waste of time. People are thick headed and convinced that UofP is trash. Its almost a waste of time.

Hmmm... Others have danced around this, I'm going to be blunt. You are the best example here of why people have a bias against UoP.

1. Your spelling and grammar are terrible. When you communicate, anywhere, you also communicate something about yourself. Is your usage of English what two plus years at UoP have taught you? Before you state that "it's just a forum, it's not important", Google your user name. I did, and the third result brought me right to this thread. If I can do it, any employer, or HR manager, can, and frequently does, do the same. The second result in Google brought me to your MySpace page. Similar spelling and grammatical errors there. BTW, nice oval window.

2. Due Diligence. You state that your degree can transfer anywhere. Really? have you checked MIT or any others? Will all those credits that you paid so dearly for really transfer? More due diligence: Did you check UoP's reputation before investing?

FWIW: I'm almost twice your age. I have an AA that I obtained while in the military many years ago. Nothing more. I worked in the corporate arena for quite a few years, and have been in business for myself for around 30 years now, first automotive, now computer. I DO Google prospective employees, and while I don't base the final decision solely on Google results, they do factor in. I also read their resumes.

What everyone here is trying politely to tell you is that you are making an investment, in this case in yourself. Like any other investment, be it house, stock market, or whatever, you should do all possible to make sure that that investment is being put to the best use possible. Arguing blindly for your current position may not ensure that.

Rick

 

[ATTech]

Apparently you are not getting my post. The degree you receive for online classes is identical to the campus degree. So if you are going to be prejudice against a UofP degree you have to also be prejudice against the campus program they provide because there is no way to tell each one apart once you graduate. Also I can enroll in MIT or any other big school for a masters and my UofP BA is excepted. Also if I want to get a BA in another subject my AA is finished and it does not matter where I got it.


That's my whole point here to. Its accredited which makes the degree in the end just and good as the next.

So it's not about the quality of education you receive, it's what that paper says at the end?

Maybe that's why there is a stigma? Perhaps employers saw it your way, and didn't care how they got their degree, just THAT they got their degree. They then realized that these UofP grads who got their degrees online in a technical subject that needs classroom learning and lab interaction, aren't cutting it.

Sorry, but online degrees work for some programs, but not all.

You know honestly this post is a waste of time. People are thick headed and convinced that UofP is trash. Its almost a waste of time.

It's not so much UofP is trash, and more so that online degrees should not be offered in subjects that can't properly be taught online. UofP simply has the bullseye because of how they present themselves as being the king of online degrees.

 

[vdub12]

Hmmm... Others have danced around this, I'm going to be blunt. You are the best example here of why people have a bias against UoP.

1. Your spelling and grammar are terrible. When you communicate, anywhere, you also communicate something about yourself. Is your usage of English what two plus years at UoP have taught you? Before you state that "it's just a forum, it's not important", Google your user name. I did, and the third result brought me right to this thread. If I can do it, any employer, or HR manager, can, and frequently does, do the same. The second result in Google brought me to your MySpace page. Similar spelling and grammatical errors there. BTW, nice oval window.

2. Due Diligence. You state that your degree can transfer anywhere. Really? have you checked MIT or any others? Will all those credits that you paid so dearly for really transfer? More due diligence: Did you check UoP's reputation before investing?

FWIW: I'm almost twice your age. I have an AA that I obtained while in the military many years ago. Nothing more. I worked in the corporate arena for quite a few years, and have been in business for myself for around 30 years now, first automotive, now computer. I DO Google prospective employees, and while I don't base the final decision solely on Google results, they do factor in. I also read their resumes.

What everyone here is trying politely to tell you is that you are making an investment, in this case in yourself. Like any other investment, be it house, stock market, or whatever, you should do all possible to make sure that that investment is being put to the best use possible. Arguing blindly for your current position may not ensure that.

Rick

1.) Where is my grammar terrible. Has it gotten to the point to where this is your best come back. If that's the case then I guess this conversation is over. Perfect grammar on a messenger board is unheard of to begin with but I normally go out of my way to make sure spelling and grammar are correct just for this reason. Also to take reference from an abandoned Myspace page is almost funny. I forgot I even had a myspace page, and yes I miss that oval. I sold it over 10 years ago.

2.) once you receive a degree credits don't apply. With an AA you don't need to go though the transfer credits you can just work on your BA. Same with a BA once you have the degree you can get a masters anywhere and your 120 credits for the BA are there. Transferring credits only apply if you do not finish your degree. Once you receive it you can use it anywhere to further your education. The school you go to is not going to pick your degree apart and make you retake classes, that's the point of the degree system.

Finally if you have read all my posts you will know that when I enrolled in school 2 years ago I had full intention of using my degree to better my career. However, things in my life have changed. I am a business owner and plan to be that way forever. My degree is for me at this point and if I need it later in life then I will also have the experience I am gaining running my own business. In regards to the quality of the degree every single person on this forum knows that in order to be a tech you need experience. A degree is nothing but a piece of paper and is useless without the years to go with it. With this in mind where it comes from is a mute point, the fact that you have it is all that matters.

On the subject of for profit schools. Is your business for profit. Last I looked all businesses are for profit. How would it be for us if everyone thought for profit techs just short cut everything and do sub par work. I mean we do need to maximize our time right? Yes your right UofP does try and maximize there profits and yes they do count on enrollments just like we count on new customers. However, to say that the education they offer is not equivalent is also saying that the entire accreditation system doesn't do anything and honestly that's not your call.

You know this is a mute point and I don't know why I am even involving myself in it anymore. Maybe its because I am working my ass off trying to get the education that I feel that I need to better myself and I don't like that work being minimized or stepped on. I have went to a regular brick and mortar college and I have received my AA from UofP using some transfer credits that i had previously. I know for a fact that the work is of the same caliber because i do it every day. Its like arguing with a blind guy about the color of the sky, it's a waste of time. However, its this attitude that creates these rumors to begin with.

Here's a link that talks about some of the myths about UofP and the truths to go along with it.

Mythbusting University of Phoenix

 

[cmonova]

Maybe its because I am working my ass off trying to get the education that I feel that I need to better myself and I don't like that work being minimized or stepped on.

Figured i'd poke my head in this thread seeing that it's so popular

Here is my 2 cents worth....I commend you for what you have done and for the reasons you have done it. With that said.....

Are some schools a "higher caliber", sure they are. Do some school degrees carry more weight than others, sure they do. I just hired a guy here with a Masters from Boston College and he is making 6 figures. But did not just hire him because of his degree but of his "background" which is also important. By the same token with your background, and the degree from UOP I would galdly hire you for the same salary.

We deal with a ton of govt contracting and nowhere does it specify that a degree has to come from a "specific school". To the govt a degree is a degree.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

One of the biggest tech guys in my town happens to be my friend and he went to University of Georgia for a computer science degree and has told me no one has ever asked him to see it, all they want is his certs.

btw - robert redford movie company just filmed a movie about lincoln here in savannah, ga and he got the entire project for everything computer related on site, a contract worth 100K, he said they didnt even ask him if he had gone to school, they wanted cert proof and references.

 

[MasterTech99]

Some people are going to have doors opened for them because they went to a top tier university but for most it really doesn't matter. A mediocre state school or a prestigious private school will really only matter at the entry level. The problem comes in where some of these for-profit schools are seen as a fake degree like those 50 spam messages you got last week advertising an instant PhD. I'm not saying they're giving fake degrees but they are considered to be of lesser caliber and lean more towards that direction in people's mind.

Let's do a little role playing:

proud mother: "My daughter's going to be starting at State this fall. She wants to major in Engineering."

you: "That's great. You know my son's also a freshman this year."

proud mother: "Really, where's he going?"

you: "DeVry. He's majoring in Telecommunications Engineering Technology."

proud mother: "Oh...that's...nice." "I'm sure he'll do well there."

When I was in the Army I used to have to sit through a DeVry pitch at least once a year. They'd have a recruiter come and tell us about how she got her Associates, Bachelors, and PhD from DeVry. How she'd done it all while raising two daughters and holding down a job. Then she'd say that since we were in the military we'd get all kinds of credit for the training we'd already received and that we could finish in as little as two years. It sounded great! Then she would go farther and say that military members qualify to go to school there with no money out of pocket. We wouldn't have to pay anything while we were in school. How could you argue with that?!

Now, I would sit there and wonder to myself: if it's such a great deal why do they need to send someone here to sell it so hard? Why doesn't everyone do this? If you can get a good education in two years then why do people waste their time going to a traditional school for 4 or 5? The answer is that you can't get a meaningful education like that. You can get a piece of paper but that's it.

These schools prey on people who are down on their luck and looking for a way out. They'll load you up with massive private student loans and a piece of paper that will not be worth what you think it is.

If you're applying for a job that having a degree really is just a check mark, like civil service or a government job, then what degree you have and where you got it from won't matter. Also, if you're trying to get a job that doesn't normally require a degree it might give you an advantage. I don't believe that the manager of a McDonalds needs a degree but it might make you more promotable to them than the other food service allstars.

The bottom line is that you should do whatever is best for you and your family. What I really take offense to is how these for-profits take advantage of people who really do need an opportunity. My wife see's it everyday at the library. People who are barely literate trying to take classes online thinking that it's the key to a better future. In reality, most of them are going to be just as unemployed and uneducated but now have massive student load debt that even a bankruptcy can't get them out of.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

once you receive a degree credits don't apply. With an AA you don't need to go though the transfer credits you can just work on your BA. Same with a BA once you have the degree you can get a masters anywhere and your 120 credits for the BA are there. Transferring credits only apply if you do not finish your degree. Once you receive it you can use it anywhere to further your education. The school you go to is not going to pick your degree apart and make you retake classes, that's the point of the degree system.

You may be right about this. Transferability of credits and transfer of an entire credential are 2 different things. The transfer of credits from UofP may be a gray area and I'm sure it pretty much is a matter of the discretion of the governing body of said institution on which/how many credits they accept. But say once you have the degree and maybe are considering a second bachelors/Masters/Doctorate, most graduate programs just want you to have a degree by a regionally accredited school and to be above a minimum GPA.

Finally if you have read all my posts you will know that when I enrolled in school 2 years ago I had full intention of using my degree to better my career. However, things in my life have changed. I am a business owner and plan to be that way forever. My degree is for me at this point and if I need it later in life then I will also have the experience I am gaining running my own business. In regards to the quality of the degree every single person on this forum knows that in order to be a tech you need experience. A degree is nothing but a piece of paper and is useless without the years to go with it. With this in mind where it comes from is a mute point, the fact that you have it is all that matters.

No matter how many people disagree with you about UofP, I will say that you have very commendable and realistic expectations of what to expect out of school. You don't seem to have unrealistic expectations (like sooo many other people do) from a degree and no matter what anyone says on these forums and otherwise, keep that view and be proud of yourself for doing it and when you complete it.

 

[SThompson86]

One of the biggest tech guys in my town happens to be my friend and he went to University of Georgia for a computer science degree and has told me no one has ever asked him to see it, all they want is his certs.

I work for a large company and the CIO here and several others told me that a Bachelor or better is only needed for a management position, and that for a tech postition a 2 year degree and certs is a shoe in pretty much.

I am about to finish up a 2 year, and I am kinda debating going on to a 4 year school. I know its the politically correct thing to do.. but man I am sick of school and ready to go to work.

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

I work for a large company and the CIO here and several others told me that a Bachelor or better is only needed for a management position, and that for a tech postition a 2 year degree and certs is a shoe in pretty much.

Nice thought, but I don't think that's the case unless you have years of experience with every technology available. The way the economy is these days most places want at least a BS degree, certs, and experience even for help desk jobs. Maybe that is the case just for your particular company, but this horrible economy and over supply of talent, most companies are receiving 100+ resumes for 10 or fewer openings. I can almost guarantee any job you go for, there will be someone with a 4 year degree applying for that same position. Plus these employers have so many resumes waiting to be reviewed, one slightly questionable thing on your resume (lack of degree, lack of experience, lack of certs, etc..) will get your resume immediately passed over. Long gone are the days in any occupation where someone with a degree, some certs, and experience can write their own check. Nowadays they are taking what they can get.

 

[MasterTech99]

I am about to finish up a 2 year, and I am kinda debating going on to a 4 year school. I know its the politically correct thing to do.. but man I am sick of school and ready to go to work.

You're right, this is a tough decision and one that has a lot of emotional factors clouding your logical decision making process. I went back to school for two reasons: I wanted to be a college educated person and enjoy the positive bias that brings with it, and I wanted to be able to move up in the future. Not having a degree might not hurt me right now but it could lower the ceiling on my career in the future. There's nothing worse than being in your '40s and having someone less competent in their '20s promoted over you because they have an education and you don't.

I guess you have to decide what you want for yourself both now and in the future.