University of Phoenix - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

09/21/2006 12:22:43 PM · #1

I'm looking to finally finish my undergrad degree, and going to a traditional university doesn't work at all with my schedule. I have looked in to a few online programs, and so far University of Phoenix seems to have the best program to fit what I am looking for. Has anyone here ever taken classes from them? If so, how would you rate it? Also, are the other suggestions for getting a degree with very little weekly class attendance necessary?

Scott

tmhalling

Nikon D200

09/21/2006 12:27:43 PM · #2

I didn't actually take any of their classes but I did apply. They were extremely agressive with their marketing after I decided to wait it out. The price per credit also bothered me. When I was going to Gonzaga I was paying about what they would be charging which I thought was completely unrealistic for an online university. Just my 2 cents.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/21/2006 12:27:58 PM · #3

If it doesn't have to be an American University then I would suggest Athabasca University in Northern Alberta. All courses are offered via distance education. (not necessarily online)

//www.athabascauniversity.ca/

Also, North Island College, on Vancouver Island, offers distance education programs, mostly diplomas and certificates.

//www.nic.bc.ca/programs/index.asp

Also, a lot of Universities offer courses via distance education programs. You're not limited to ones that offer courses online.

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 12:37:22.

LKMote

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/21/2006 12:47:25 PM · #4

I have a friend who finished her masters program with them last year. She seemed to like the program well. All I can say is the school is very pricy. They do a lot of work in groups in the classes and if one person is not pulling their weight you have to pick up the slack anyway.
My husband was going to Western International University (which is run by the same people who run the University of Phoenix) he liked that program. I'm not sure if they do an online program he was going to that school at night after work.

Chinabun

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

09/21/2006 12:52:19 PM · #5

not sure what degree you're looking for but i'm currently going to Columbia Southern University . I've been going there for 2 years and the tuition is very reasonable, but as of October I will be going to Art Institute for graphic design.

digitalknight

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

09/21/2006 12:55:49 PM · #6

Originally posted by LKMote:

They do a lot of work in groups in the classes and if one person is not pulling their weight you have to pick up the slack anyway.

Sounds like real life doesn't it?

(I love that about freelance work - I work mostly with owners of business and other freelancers. I couldn't name a slacker on any team I've worked on in ten years. If you don't perform as a freelance/owner you don't keep working - no bottom feeders like I found at all levels of the corporate world - thanks for helping me realize something I love about my existence!)

I graduated with my undergrad degree in Business Management from the UOP here in SLC about a hundred years ago. Loved the group work and the presentation aspect of the program.

I came to UOP from the Physics/Math/Engineering programs at the U of U. It was a BREEZE after those rigorous courses - but the joke in Physics if we did badly on a test was "there's always business school".

My sister is working toward her Masters right now with UOP, and finds the work very challenging, and is learning a ton.

I couldn't tell you one thing I learned from UOP - but I did finish a degree. I learned a TON at the UofU, not just in the science areas, but even in the general ed stuff. I wonder if it's a difference in schools, or a difference in programs (business vs. science).

Glad I did both though. FWIW.

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 12:59:47.

cryingdragon

Canon EOS-10D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

09/21/2006 12:56:22 PM · #7

//www.grantham.edu is pretty good too, depending on what degree you're going after.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

09/21/2006 12:58:27 PM · #8

Are you talking about the Online courses? If so I can tell you a lot about it. My wife goes there.
Let me know if you are talking about "The University of Phoenix Online".
SDW

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/21/2006 01:58:45 PM · #9

I did not go to UoP but I have looked into it and I have several friends that have gone there.

Here's my $.02 on it:
If you just want a degree, UoP is a great place to go because you will get a degree. They make a lot of money off their students so they won't fail you. Based on my friends that went there, very few people received B's. Usually 90% of the class received an A. Hiring managers know this and don't put a lot weight in degrees from UoP, but it is better then nothing, and as with any school you'll learn as much as you want to learn.

I would not recommend UoP if your intention is a career or career advancement. There are cheaper and more reputable options out there. I'd even rank most community colleges as a better option because they will actually fail you if you deserve it.

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/21/2006 02:22:59 PM · #10

I would not consider a university that is mostly only on-line myself. Most large brick & mortar universities also have an on-line degree program. Why get a mail-order degree when the true reputable universities offer their courses on-line. I have a close friend who is a VP of one of the largest associate / on-line colleges. He said that if they hold a mirror under their nose and it steams up they qualify as a student. What a waste of time and money.

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 16:36:02.

09/21/2006 04:37:00 PM · #11

Originally posted by LoudDog:

If you just want a degree, UoP is a great place to go because you will get a degree. They make a lot of money off their students so they won't fail you. I would not recommend UoP if your intention is a career or career advancement. There are cheaper and more reputable options out there.

So, what it looks like is it might not be a bad place if all you want is a piece of paper, but that piece of paper might not actually be worth anything.

Originally posted by digitalnight:

I couldn't tell you one thing I learned from UOP - but I did finish a degree. I learned a TON at the UofU, not just in the science areas, but even in the general ed stuff.

Originally posted by PhantonEWO:

I have a close friend who is a VP of one of the largest "associate / on-line colleges. He said that if they hold a mirroe under their nose and it steams up they qualify as a student. What a waste of time and money.

I'm already beginning to rethink my decision. What I have learned so far is that it is pricy, you don't really have to be smart, and you'll get a degree as long as you pay your tuition. Oh, and don't forget the fact that if you change your mind, they'll harass you until you disconnect your phone or enroll!

Now, a bit more on my background to give more information as to why I want a degree. I am a Finance Manager for a Toyota/Honda dealership in Logan, Utah. I make plenty of money doing that, but the hours are beginning to wear on me. I have been there five years, put in at least 60-70 hours a week. My schedule is generally from 9 a.m. or earlier to 8 p.m. or later at night. I work pretty much every Saturday as well. The only nice thing is that they are closed on Sundays, so I always have at least that day off. I am just frustrated because my kids are growing up without me. They are just barely waking up in the morning when I leave, and they are usually in bed when I get home from work. So it is very frustrating. Whenever I start looking for another job, the one thing in common is that most places want you to have a bachelor's degree. It generally doesn't specify which degree, just that they want you to have one. So that is why I want to see what options are out there. I've been to Northern Arizona University, Yavapai Community College, Glendale Community College and Utah State University. I don't really have a bone to pick with any of those except that my work schedule doesn't really premit attending classes at a traditional institution and I feel that a lot of the professors are more concerned about doing their research to better themselves than actually making sure that they are teaching, instead of leaving it up to the students to learn by themselves. So I am looking at degrees that I can complete online.

What about places like Stevens Henager? I've never really looked in to it much, but I do understand that you can earn a Bachelor's there.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/21/2006 04:38:00 PM · #12

Originally posted by Southern Gentleman:

Are you talking about the Online courses? If so I can tell you a lot about it. My wife goes there.
Let me know if you are talking about "The University of Phoenix Online".
SDW

I'm thinking about mostly online because I can do that when I have a moment, and don't have to worry about being at a certain place at a certain time each week.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

09/21/2006 04:44:35 PM · #13

Learn more about UoP from current and former faculty and students here:
//uopsucks.com/forum/