The Online Degree Dorm Room

Liberty U grows up

Posted by bposton on February 11th, 2010 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

A college that is close to my heart has just announced a new record enrollment.

This coming fall, more than 50,000 students will attend Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, VA.

And here’s the neat thing - of thos 50,000 only about 12 thousand will be on campus. The rest will be getting their degree online.

Liberty University was doing distance education before the internet. I’m showing my age here, but I remember taking classes via Liberty University by watching video taped lectures and taking written exams (in the presence of an approved mentor). Since then, Liberty has led the way in online degree eductation, becoming the largest non-profit, private college in the U.S.

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. (son of the late Jerry Falwell, founder of the University) admits that the popularity of LU’s online program is due to the poor ecomonic conditions, but I thinks its also due to two other reasons:

1 - Liberty has found a great niche in the education market and has marketed itself well. Heck, I still get mail from them as an “alumni” promoting their online degrees.

2 - The school accepts more than 90 percent of students who apply. The school is reported to be raising academic standards each year, but…

Anyway, it’s hard to beleive that ”little” Liberty University has enough students to fill Dodger stadium

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Online Degrees - do your HOMEWORK first

Posted by bposton on March 29th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

I’m sure that you’ve heard recently that in this tough job market, you need every advantage you can get. One would be an advanced degree. And while many are considering getting this type of degree online, you need to do your homework.

Such as:
Chosing the school:
Today many traditional universities also offer online courses. At at lot of those schools, select master’s programs are entirely online.
You also have other options than traditional institutions, which are the online-only schools such as the University of Phoenix, which offers master’s programs in business, education health care and psychology - and DeVry University.

Just make sure you stay away from online outfits promising quick and easy degrees. These are the “schools” that ask for $1,000 or more in tuition, and have names that echo those of prestigious universities - but have P.O. boxes for their address.
Not a safe bet.
Make sure you check with the U.S. Department of Education Web site, www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation  to check the school out - throughly. You can also can check the site of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation at www.chea.org.

Make sure you keep up with the admissions standards for the school you’re interested in. You may not know it, but while traditional universities generally apply the same admissions standards and deadlines for online students as for everyone else, online-only schools, usually have a rolling admissions process. 

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Is this the number 1 online school in the USA?

Posted by bposton on March 12th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Here’s a newsflash, my little dorm room buddy… 

This year Nova Southeastern University, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was ranked No. 1 in OEDB’s 2009 Online College Rankings.

OEDB stands for Online Education Database, which is an organization that which ranks the top online colleges in the nation. 

In second place went to Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., followed by Champlain College in Burlington, Vt., in third.

While Nova boasts a 300-acre campus with classrooms and students living on university grounds, their online program is growing and now offers 78 online degree and certificate programs.  The school has virtual students in nearly every state.

According to the information used in the ranking, online classes at Nova take advantage of a number of web resources, including threaded discussion boards, chat rooms, email and other online tools. Course materials are all available online and there’s genuine student-teacher interaction as well.

The OEDB survey is based entirely on numerical data derived from eight metrics: acceptance rate, financial aid, graduation rate, peer Web citations, retention rate, scholarly citations, student-faculty ratio and years accredited.

Here’s how Nova sized up in those categories:
Acceptance rate: 51%
Financial aid: 96% of students receive financial aid.
Graduation rate: 47%
Peer Web citations: Close to 5,000. (Peer web citations are links to Nova’s web site from another college’s web sites. It’s kind of a popularity contest. Nova won this category by a landslide.)
Retention rate: 60% This measures the student body’s overall interest in what is being offered by the school.
Scholarly citations: 11,800. Through a Google Scholar search, Nova had 11,800 references to scholarly academic work, the most of any online school.
Student-faculty ratio: No data.
Years accredited: 38

Undergrads at Nova Southeastern can enroll in online programs such as education, computer science, health science and psychology. There are even more online programs for graduate students in the fields of business, law, education, osteopathic medicine, psychology and more.

So, is this the number 1 online school in the USA?

Well if you agree with the numbers, then it probably is. But just because it ranks well, doesn’t mean it’s the right school for YOU. Make sure you do your own research and decide if the courses, environment, educators, etc are what you need to succeed in your online education.

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Online Degrees - Don’t forget these important points to getting your degree online

Posted by bposton on March 4th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

In today’s down job market, one way to make your resume stand out is to have an advanced degree.

But you have to realize that it’s now as easy as some schools make it sound.

While it is true that Online masters programs are often less expensive and  more convenient than traditional degree programs there are several issues that you need to think about.

Regardless of how you earn your degree, remember that it’s not a ticket to six-figure paycheck or job security — consider the slew of MBA casualties on Wall Street in recent months. But if you think it will give your career a kick, here are a few points to keep in mind.

The first one is the fact that you have be self-motivated. This is a MUST.
An online degree program doesn’t force you to sit in a classroom and because of that you don’t always have social support group.

THe next one is picking the right school.

Many traditional universities also offer online courses. At some schools, such as Duke and Columbia universities, select masters programs are entirely online.

If you’re not set on getting a degree from a traditional institution, online-only schools can be viable options. For instance, the University of Phoenix offers master’s programs in business, education health care and psychology. Other career-focused schools, such as DeVry University, also offer masters programs online.

But be vary wary of any online school that promises a quick and easy time to get your sheepskin. They may ask for only a fraction of the total cost of a traditional degree in tuition and have names that echo those of prestigious universities. But when their mailing addresses is a P.O. box - run away - FAST

Always remember that the U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited schools on its Web site (www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation) and you can also check the site of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation at www.chea.org.

Also, the admissions process for an online program at Duke or other traditional universities is the same as their on campus programs, while online-only schools have admissions that are typically on a rolling, monthly basis.

Another issue is your courses and cirriculum.

It you think that course work will be easier because it’s online - forget it, it won’t…

In fact, at traditional schools the online materials are usually the same or at least comparable to what’s taught in classrooms.

As with any degree related course, you’ll be expected to hand in periodic assignments - on time

So if you are more accustomed to the structure and disipline that a physical classroom provides, then meeting these deadlines with an online class might be a struggle.

Of course, the benefit to all of this is that you can study when and where you please.

Another beneft is the fact that you might actually interact with classmates and professors more with an online class than if you were in a lecture hall packed with hundreds of students. Chat rooms, frequent e-mail exchanges and online message boards are often integral elements of online courses.

Also be aware that for certain degrees, like those in the medical profession, you’ll likely need to complete some courses in person at some type of facility.

Another issue is cost - and with that - financial aid. Online degrees are typically cheaper than traditional programs, but tuition is still considerable.

At the University of Phoenix, for instance, tuition for full-time graduate students was $13,500 in 2007, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. At the American Intercontinental University Online, it was $21,300.

But that doesn’t mean you have to pay the full price. If you’re getting a paycheck that will limit how much federal aid you can qualify for, but by all means, still fill out the FSAFA application. Another (and often better) resource for aid might be your employer. Professional associations also offer scholarships and stipends, and don’t forget the instituion itself - there are a lot of universities and online-only schools that offer scholarships.

You really should not worry about how a potential employer will accept your degree from an online program, so long as it is accredited by the right institution, especially if it is comes from a traditional university.

But ultimately, the decision to get a master’s degree boils down to whether you think an advanced degree of any sort will boost your career.

Here’s something that might help in that decision: According to the Census Bureau, median earnings for people with a graduate or professional degree was $61,000 in 2007. That’s compared to $47,000 for people with just a bachelor’s degree.

If you are currently employed, make sure that one of the first things you do is to talk with your human resources department. Ask what new opportunities additional schooling could open up or how it could affect your pay.

And don’t forget that even if your currently employer doesn’t offer you more money or a better position because of your new degree, any edge you can get is worth considering in this job market.

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online degree programs psychology | Help a Stranger get a Scholarship

Posted by bposton on August 19th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey my dorm room buddy

Hope your classes are off to a great start this semester

I read about this a few days ago and thought it was so cool I just had to share.

(You know how I like to share… )

You can help a complete stranger win a $7,500 scholarship for an online degree at Western Governors University. They have having what they call The Video Scholarship Contest and you can view the vidoes and vote for your favorite.

View all the videos at http://www.wgu.edu/landing/video_submissions.asp.
There are 37 entries in the scholarship video contest. Looks like there was dancing, rapping and singing on these videos explaining why they or someone they know deserve to earn a scholarship and how earning a degree from WGU would change their life.

By voting, you can help select the five finalists and the eventual winner.

Just so you know, WGU is a non-profit, accredited online university. The scholarship is part of WGU’s mission to expand access to quality higher education for busy adults.
Voting is over on Saturday, August 23rd, so get out there and VOTE!

Following the voting period, the five finalists will be announced on Monday, August 25 at noon EDT. Voting will then be re-opened for the top 5 videos and WGU’s selected panel of judges will then reevaluate the finalists and determine the prizes. All winners will be announced on September 3.
All finalists will receive a prize. The entire prize list is as follows:
Grand Prize: $7,500 scholarship (payable at $1,500 every six-month term enrolled for up to five terms) and $500
Second Place: $3,000 scholarship (payable at $1,000 every six-month term enrolled for up to three terms) and $500
Third Place: $2,000 scholarship (payable at $1,000 every six-month term enrolled for up to two terms) or $500
Two Runner-up Prizes: $100 Amazon.com gift certificates (Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest)

The WGU scholarships can be used for students pursuing an online degree in any discipline offered by WGU in its Colleges of Business, Education, Information Technology and Health Professions.

Get ready to smile, laugh and cry as you select your favorite videos. :-)

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online degree programs psychology | CSU’s little secret…

Posted by bposton on August 10th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey my dorm room buddy - can you keep a secret?

Well it seems like CSU can - but now the cat’s out of the bag. And that’s a good thing. 

Colorado State University’s graduate engineering distance degrees offered through the Division of Continuing Education have been ranked a “Best Buy” by GetEducated.com.

OK, so what does that mean?

Well, it means that this online degree program has been reviewed and judged to offer a high quality distance degree to a national audience at tuition rates well below the national average.

If you’re looking into distance programs ratings like this are what you should be looking for. Takes some of the quesswork out of it.

The online degree clearinghouse reviewed 46 schools offering 216 distance-learning engineering and allied graduate degree programs offered through regionally accredited universities throughout the nation. Colorado State’s master of science degrees in Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Mechanical Engineering Materials Engineering and Statistics programs ranked 18th  in GetEducated.com’s list of the top high-quality, low-cost programs.

The survey found that the average cost for distance learners seeking a master’s in engineering or an allied technology career is $23,203. Colorado State’s is significantly lower at $15,600.

And with the shortage of engineers in the United States, if you invest now in online higher education you could insure job security - a very good thing in these challenging economic times.

About the Division of Continuing Education at Colorado State University

The Division of Continuing Education at Colorado State University develops and delivers quality programs and educational opportunities in support of the university’s land grant mission with degrees; online, credit and noncredit courses; certificate programs; and, custom training for businesses and industry, throughout Northern Colorado, Denver, at business sites, and via distance education using a variety of delivery methods. DCE has over 40 years of experience in the field of distance education.

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online degree programs psychology | Economy Drives Up Demand For Online Degrees

Posted by bposton on July 29th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

WOW, talk about pain at the pump!

With the super high price of gas, and the fact that nobody can explain why it is so high, the country is coming to terms with the fact that these gas prices might just be here to stay.

While that is a scarry thought, at least it appears to be increasing demand for online degrees.

Cases in point:

Hodges University’s campuses have seen an online enrollment increase of nearly
150 percent.

At Florida Gulf Coast University, students taking at least one course online numbered 3,872 out of a total of 9,388 students last fall. In the spring, 4,312 students were enrolled online, or about 46 percent of the student body.

Edison College is looking at a 140 percent increase in students who take online classes.

Now, to be honest, no one has officially attributed this increase to the econony or high gas prices. In fact, some colleges point out that their marketing campaigns are the result. (yeah, right )

But I think anyone with half a brain can tell that if you factor in the cost of gas for communting, and the other costs like parking, etc, the cost of online degree programs is become more and more reasonable. And the overall weakness in the economy is causing a lot more folks to consider upgrading their education.

But hey - that’s what I get for thinking

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online degree programs psychology | High Gas Prices Could Mean More Online Degrees

Posted by bposton on June 9th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey there my little dorm room buddy…

Don’t know about you, but gas prices are driving me CRAZY!!

In today’s ecomony, high gas prices are actually having a good news / bad news affect on the online degree industry.

On the one hand, high gas prices are forcing educators and students alike to take a much harder look at online degree programs.

For example, the Tennessee Board of Regents has called for a statewide effort to cut down on students’ drive time, asking schools under their jurisdiction to condense class schedules and reach out to students with their online education programs. As a result, enrollment in the Regents Online Degree Program is up 29 percent over last year, and 72 percent of those who have enrolled say gasoline prices are the reason they are pursing online courses.

So that’s the good news - an online degree can save a ton of money in gas.

So what’s the bad news??

Well, because gas prices are so high, and the ecomony is in such bad shape, a lot of folks that could use a degree are finding it much harder to shell out the money to oay for one.

Usually, Universities and two-year institutions benefit to some degree from economic downturns because struggling individuals looking for higher-paying jobs turn to education.

But with today’s gas prices pinching businesses and individuals’ purse strings, fewer are willing to budget for the cost of that education. 

When you think about the fact that in today’s poor ecomony, the hardest pressed group is an adult part-time student who is already juggling a family and a job or two. Often times they just can’t justify the cost of more education.

Sort of a double edged sword. so to speak…

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online degree programs psychology | Want 19 grand more in your pocket?

Posted by bposton on March 31st, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Did you know…?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you only have a high school diploma then you’re missing out on over $19,000 in additional income per year.

That’s right - you could be making about 19 grand more per year.

How?

Easy - just get a Bachelor’s degree.

Or you can just get an associate degree, which could put an extra $6,500 per year into your pocket. 

OK - I know what you’re saying to yourself: ”just how to do I fit a college degree into my busy schedule?”

Well, since you’re reading this blog, you’re close to the answer:

Start by checking out online degree programs (which are near and dear to my heart )

If you’re a homemaker, active-duty military or someone who travels a lot with your job, you can find an online degree programs that will let you complete college while maintaining a work-home-school balance.

Have you seen the gas prices lately? Well, as an online student, you will never have to worry about driving and parking.

Child care? No problem.

Scheduling? Attend class at midnight if you like.

(see - I told you it was easy )

And you know what? You might even be able to complete work for an associate degree in as little as 18 months or a bachelor’s degree in three years - which measn you get to that extra dough sooner.  

If you have access to a computer (which I assume you do if you’re reading this), then you also have access to online courses and distance-learning degree programs. Most lessons are delivered through special, Web-based distance-education systems. A course may include online lectures, assignments, practice drills and quizzes with instant feedback.

So what do you need to look for in an online program? Here’s a short list:

- Find out how often you will be required to log in for class.

 - Look for a program where you can interact with classmates using a discussion board and instant messaging.

 - Ask whether exams will be taken online or at a local testing site, and whether tests must be taken at specific times.

Also, make sure that you search out a college program that leads to career advancement. Otherwise that extra 19 grand might not happen.
And make sure that you check out a college carefully so that you are in a better position to get that extra income when you finish. Make sure you find this out:

 - Do instructors in your career-specific courses have practical experience in the industry or business? (Tip - go to the school’s Web site and look for instructor biographies or contact the school and ask the program’s director to verify that your instructors will be experienced professionals)

 - Ask if business and industry professionals worked with instructors to develop a program that will provide you with the skills employers are looking for. For example, if you are pursuing a degree in Information Technology, will your program include industry certification training? Or, if you plan on a career as a paralegal, will you learn how to use state-of-the-art legal software?

If you are self-motivating, then getting an online degree is a great way to improve your career opportunities.

And hey, who wouldn’t be motivated, by the prospect of as much as $19,000 per year?

:-)
 

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online degree programs psychology | SHRM Approves Capella HR

Posted by bposton on March 24th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

OK, so what’s that cryptic headline about?

Well, if you’re into Human Resources (better known as “HR”) then you probably have a clue.

:-)

Let me explain to the rest of us.

SHRM stands for Society for Human Resource Management. This is the world’s largest association devoted to
human resource management. The Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests
of the HR profession.

They’ve been around for a while - since 1948 to be exact. And they have 235,000 members in over 130 countries.

OK, so the SHRM is a pretty strong organization for HR folks, right?

Well, they have something called the HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, which they developed to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

And they recently announced that three Capella HR programs fully align with SHRM’s HR Curriculum
Guidebook and Templates. They are Capella’s Human Resource Management specializations in its
MS in Organization and Management, MBA, and BS in Business online degree programs.

And if you’ve been researching online degrees then you know all about Capella, a fully online university that offers
graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology,
public health, and public safety, and bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology,
and public safety.

Now is the picture a little clearer?

What’s impressive about this is that is that only 23 programs in 19 educational institutions in the world
have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates.

And Capella is the first university to have three programs acknowledged, and is one of only three universities with online HR degree programs to gain acknowledgement from SHRM.

So if you’re looking for an online degree to advance your HR career, take a serious look at these programs from Capella.
You can reach them at 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552). 

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