Going Back to School-- Any Experience with University of Phoenix Online Program?

I have no personal experience with this school but I did have a class (at a community college) with someone that tried to transfer her credits from University of Phoenix online and none of her credits transfered. Just be careful

Congratulations and good luck on going back to school. I am doing the same thing and I find that having mommy brain does not help, I am so forgetfull

I just finished my MBA there. They are really expensive and there were some times when I felt like if you paid you passed.... But the materials were really fresh and I pushed myself hard because it was my goal to really learn the stuff! There was (for me at least) a LOT of reading and the team and group activities while very real world can get frustraiting at times. I haven't done any major job searching outside my industry but no one has questioned my MBA so far (at least not to my face). I feel like I could not have accomplished my goals any other way. Just know that you have to be very self motivated. It is very expensive too so look around (local schools with online programs may exist and be cheaper). If you want to email me with questions you can ____@____.com

Hi F.,

I am now two courses away from my MS Ed at Capella University, also an online university--frankly with a better reputation than U of P. I have enjoyed my experience with Capella for all the obvious reasons of flexibility, etc, but what I have REALLY enjoyed, and this was unexpected, was the wide variety of perspectives you get when you are in a classroom that is literally nationwide.

I began this long ago--I'm calling it my "gradual degree", and there were not that many completely online universities at the time. I thoroughly checked out accreditation and whether "brick and mortar" universities I respect would accept credits from the various schools I was considering. Capella was the ONLY online university that was accepted by University of Oregon's grad school at the time. I've also noticed that many of my fellow learners at Capella have transferred in after being unhappy with U of P specifically, so you may want to look into other schools as well. I think there is a big difference in quality of education at various online universities. I would recommend Capella--it is very expensive, but I feel the education is high quality and it is respected. I would also suggest, as others have, checking into universities near you to see what they offer online or weekends, etc.

Hello F.,

I have my Master's in Education, with a reading and bilingual education endorsement. I started at U of P for my masters program. I took 5 classes with them and I have to say that my experience was less them great. I had 3 main issues:

-- The course material was a review...not what I had expected at the master's level. It felt like a "paper-mill". Pay us and you pass kind of thing. There was a huge difference in what I learned when I switched to a different university.
--The "team" projects left a lot of work to people who were willing and many times people would flake at the last minute, or just drop the class. That left myself and whoever was left to do there part.
--It is REALLY expensive!!!!!! Also, I found that U of P was ran more like a business then an institution of higher learning. They were about making money and less about the highest quality of education.

I transferred to a campus based program close to my house. That was 1/2 the price and I felt like I received an amazing education. Some of my classes were still online during the school year and then on campus during during the summer.

This is of course just my experience. I know that whatever you choose, any education betters are ability to support ourselves! Your family will be blessed for the sacrifices that you will have to make.

Hope this helps and best of luck,

S.

Hi F.,

My name is W. and I'm a recently divorced mother of 5. I have been attending college for a while now and am transferring to University of Phoenix online program in January. I have previously taken classes with them and really like the program they have set up. Very unique compared to other online programs. I asked some councelors at various community colleges and they have all told me basically the same thing. Unless your planning a presitgious career in politics or the elite business field, it really doesn't matter where you received your degree.
U of P works really well for the working person. You take one class that is 5 weeks long totalling 8 classes a year. This is considered full-time for financing. Your classmates are all working people that are furthering their education also.
I'm assuming you have talked with the school because not all programs are offered in all states. Like Washington and Oregon do not allow U of P to provide a teaching certificate in those states. There are a few states that do allow them to offer this though. Hopefully that make sense.
Anyway good luck with school and your more than welcome to contact me.

One of my former coworkers got his Masters degree at University of Phoenix, and it worked well for him. Another friend of mine hated it. He said it was disorganized and difficult to get together with his teammates for assignments as they lived far away from each other. I suggested Golden Gate University to him as that is where I got my Masters degree. I think a lot depends on the instructor, how well organized the lessons are, and the availability and location of teammates for collaborating on group projects. You will still need to do your student teaching at a school, even though your lessons will be online.

Finally, another friend of mine got her teaching credential at National University. She enjoyed it for the most part. I suggest you research a few schools before deciding upon University of Phoenix. Good luck!

I received my Master's from UoP as well, in Curriculum and Instruction about 3 years ago. The one thing I will say is it does take some time to get into the swing of things and get used to the online environment. You have to be disciplined to log on and do your assignments as others in your group depend on you as well. I personally loved it b/c I'm not one to go sit in a classroom again, this was an easy alternative for me plus I could work on it whenever I had the extra time. I think you will be surprised at how common it really is and how many people are doing it now. The school itself is very helpful getting you started and checking in on you as well. It's definitely a known and acceptable school.

Good luck.

I read all the cautions about the UofP, and I hope you heed them. Also, I would check with people in the field you are interested in about how that degree is regarded professionally. If you can find graduates of the program and talk to them about their career opportunities, that would be great, too.

I am retired from teaching at a public college, and still think the personal support and academic quality would be better there for someone like you. Do check with faculty, students and graduates of your nearest public or private college which offers your degree.

Last but not least, this is a good time to look into federal financial aid, and other scholarships and fellowships. Try very hard to avoid much in the way of loans.

Best wishes!!

Hi F.. I'm back to school, too, and had looked into different ways to take my courses. Since you have a little one at home, it may be convenient to take classes online. But rather than go through the UofPhoenix, have you looked into what is offered through UofO or OSU or other Oregon school? It might save money and the school could help you with job placement later.

One thing that I like about physically going to my classes is meeting other students. In addition to the encouragement we get from studying together, this can be a good network for finding jobs in the future.

Many colleges have childcare available for students, as part of the school's child development program. This might be a way for you to go to school and have your daughter close by, too.

F.~

I am a resent graduate from an online college (American InterContinental University). I received both my MBA and BA in Business Administration and Healthcare Management. I loved the fact that I didn't have to go to a class room and could listen to lectures when it was conveinent for me. Having children makes this a wonderful feature. My husband is currently working on his Masters in Education. He is a Special Ed teacher. He is attending Grand Canyon University as recommended from others in his speciality. He's done remarkably well and has enjoyed the past year and a half. It is expensive so be sure that you understand what all your costs are.
Hope this helps you out a bit in your decision.
T. S.

Hi F.,

I have heard mixed reviews about the University of Phoenix. However, I know that they pay their professors well and in the psychology program at least you have to have a doctorate to teach there. I would assume that the education program there has high standards as well. I go to Capella University (a hybrid program) and in my research on online schools the most important thing is to know the educational and internship/practicum/student teaching requirements for the state you plan to work in and make sure that you will get exactly what you need to be qualified from the school you decide on. I got my MA from City University and when I was there they had a one year intense masters in teaching program that was supposed to be good, have you looked at that program? Good luck with your educational journey and, if you find any single-mom online-education scholarships or grants for advanced degrees (I'm working on my Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology) let me know.

Take care, and I hope this helps,
S.

F.,
I am in the UOP online classes. I have been there for a year already now. It makes life so much beter when I dont have to go out of the hose to go to class, and I am able to do all my "homework" when I can and not when they think I need to.
I do sometimes feel like I am not getting all of the hands on education that I want, I am in the medical feild for admid. But I truly love the fact that I get to work in my own pase, and my classmates are so nice and understanding when life just gets in the way.
I would say that if you can go for it. you will get so much hands on information once you get into a job, you might as well take the time you have at home with your fmaily and learn all the book stuff... lol

Hello F.,
First off let me say that I understand what you are facing and that it is not an easy time, but you are very blessed to have your daughter... and you are right, when one door closes many new and wonderful ones open... we never know what the plan is for our lives, but we have to trust it.
That said... my brother's girlfriend, also a single parent, well aside from recently dating my brother, is graduating from University of Pheonix in Janurary and he is enrolled for January, both with maters in education. There seems to be a lot of benefits from the program such as time, cost and they also require student teaching time, which I must tell you is hugely beneficial when applying for jobs as well as job skills. I have my masters in education and am so grateful for the time spent in the classroom learning from a mentor teacher... I don't know what I would have done without that. My brother's girlfriend has had no problems so far and is confident she will find work soon. I'm not sure what one person meant about the teaching certificate because my brother lives in Oregon and his girlfriend lives in Washington... most states will not issue you a teaching certificate without taking the PRAXIS certification test. You do this after you receicve your diploma. This could be what they meant, even with a masters you will still need the PRAXIS test.
Good luck to you. Everything will work out.

I completed my Masters Degree Program(Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction) through Walden University online from jan 05-Aug 06, and LOVED it. They use all the same material as U of P but it is MUCH cheaper. I feel like I learned a ton and the set up was SO easy to follow. I even got pregnant and gave birth during a course and had no problem what so ever keeping up with a newborn and the class. We would watch 1-2 videoes per week and then discuss either in a group setting or online and then write 1-2 short papers/responses per week, and of course reading. But most definately look into it. A fellow worker had done the same program through U of P and then looked at our material and she said it was exactly the same and she had paid nearly $20,000 and we only had to pay $10,000. Good Luck!

F.,
I used to work for an online university that was very similar to University of Phoenix and had a lot of interaction with their staff. I would caution you greatly before signing up for anything to get a definite on the costs involved. Online universities have wonderful classes and programs that I would highly recommend, but the admissions portion can be somewhat less savory. Many times the admissions counselors want to simply sign you up for a program that will cost thousands of dollars before you really know what the full program entails (ie: how long, specific class schedule, policy on taking a semester off for emergencies, how financial aid works, how much you are responsible for financially if you have to leave in the middle of a semester). They will try to sign you up right away and "figure the details out later" and you want to keep asking lots of questions to ensure that this is the right program for you. With a little research beforehand and awareness of how all universities are in the business of making money, this could prove to be the perfect option for you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions as I was in this educational sector for many years.
Good Luck!

Hi F.~

Take your time and explore all your online school options. My mother-in-law did u of p for criminal law and she liked it. However I didn't find them flexible enough for me and opted for Westwood (this is more design so not something you'll be looking at). Really interview several schools and look at some local colleges for their online courses. Make yourself a list of questions to ask. I didn't know if I take more than two terms off I can't continue my education at my school. I don't plan on doing this, but it would have been nice to know. You'll want to know what a typical day is like, how attendance is counted, what happens if you run into an emergency and can't get things in, tuition policies, financial aid policies. Ask a lot of questions. I wish you the very best!