Degree Online?
I was wondering if any of the mamas had pursued their degrees through on line/ distance learning?
I am seriously considering this and have done some research. However I would like some more personal accounts/information of any mamas who have had the experience. I have taken on line classes but I am a little concerned about the idea of getting my entire Master's online. I have narrowed it down to a few reputable public universities that are also in my state (helps with tuition cost and I can travel there if I need to see someone face to face). If any mamas have done this tell me more...
Did you enjoy this process?
Is your degree respected?
If the degree you earned was a master's, do you feel prepared to go on with Doctoral studies in a "traditional" program?
*Keep in mind I am not trying to get a job on Wall Street or at the White House. I am a teacher, and I am interested in a. learning more about the field ( I do not have an undergraduate degree in education) and b. raising my salary. I may want to go back and get a PhD in the future.
"But is it my manner that keeps her from hearing, or the threat of a message that her life may change?"
-Audre Lorde
I did this, got my masters in library/info science. Stick with the reputable universities, public or otherwise for the name recognition value. Neither your diploma, nor degree will mention distance, so if you're concerned about related distance stigma, just don't mention it was distance. I got my acceptance & a positive pregnancy test within weeks of each other -- distance was the only way I would be able to cram it all in, while continuing to work full time.
I liked distance classes, more so at the beginning than towards the end. We had a small cohort to start out with & we really bonded & were engaged in what we were doing. It seems as though as there were additional years & new people added, that we weren't as engaged as a group which made it a little harder to engage as an individual, but it wasn't dreadful. I was lucky in that with the exception of one or two classes, the instructors were all pretty good. Try to find out an instructor's rep. beforehand. That does make a substantial difference in the class.
I won't be going on for a doctorate in the field, and I would have approached my studies with a slightly different focus had I been thinking that direction, but I could have tailored it so that it would have been possible.
Good luck!
"Do not forget. Remember and warn."
-- Plaque fixed to the hollow shell of Sarajevo's National Library
"Do not forget. Remember and warn."
-- Plaque fixed to the hollow shell of Sarajevo's National Library
I'm four classes away from getting my degree and for the past year, I've been doing on-line classes through my university. I've enjoyed it immensely. Having the flexibility has been stupendous.
I've found it very similar to attending classes in that, no matter what, you get out of it what you put in. Since I'm a good self-starter, it's been a good fit for me.
And, as far as the degree being respected, as long as you're looking exclusively to on-line degrees from public universities in your state... .you are more than fine.
I started an online program in Education and the state I'm in would not accept my credentials because it was an online program. (I live in Massachusetts, they are so strict about teachers' programs). So, just check with your state's DOE to make sure. I really enjoyed the freedom of doing everything online and made some friends by doing so. Good luck in whatever you pursue. Just to be nosy, what do you teach?
I teach all levels elementary special ed, interested into going into reading... I know education is one of those fields where they can be really picky and although my state accepts some on line degrees...I still have my reservations...
Really do your research on this one; it would stink to be into a program then be forced to drop because of the wonderful DOE regulations. I think if you stick to public universities in your area, you will be fine. It is the out-of-state programs that most DOE's have a problem with. I was enrolled with WGU and they actually called me to tell me of the change in my state's regulations, saving me a boat load of money. I was really impressed with them, but I,too, had my reservations. It was just too weird going to school in my own house, without a prof or other students. That is just me, though. I hope you find something....
I am trying to take all online classes but right now their is a limited selection at my college. I have a meeting tommorrow at UMASS to discuss transfering into their program University Without Walls. This is designed for mature students that want to take online, weekend or night classes etc., I think that they have a large selection of online classes, but they are pretty pricey. Right now I am a full-time student, but all of my classes are online, it's time consuming but I want to be home with the kids.
The worst part is that people say, "oh you're taking online classes?" as if it's not that hard, or not the real thing.
The best part is that you can work on projects etc., when you are in your pajamas, you can breastfeed or change a diaper in the middle of a test, you can have a glass of wine etc., And I don't have to see all the young innocent college kids that think I'm an old geiser because I have kids, even though I'm not that much older than them myself! Sometimes I wonder if I am missing out on something not being in a physical class, but having discussions online lets you think about what you want to say before you say it, in class you might just blurt out whatever comes to mind...Also if you're shy you don't have to worry about speaking in front of people. Which is not a problem for me - but I think being online has saved some ignorant people from my rage, some people post the most racist and disrespectful things, this is when I wish I was in class to face them....
A little off subject, here but where in Mass are you? There are so few of us East Coast HM's, I love to find out where everyone has been hiding. I am in Mass myself and attending some courses on-line through Salem State, which I am incredibly satisfied with. Good luck with UMASS!
Navigation
Who's online
Who's New
- BeachBunny
- gayle.mallinger
- Mamapocket
- mjcwriter
- addie smith
for the info and encouragement! I am a little less worried about it. I think I am just one of those people who worries alot, and is always thinking of ways things could go wrong.