Kaplan University

[Low C Sharp]

My worst fear is that I end up with a Kaplan degree and then go for an interview at a university and they say something to the effect of "you got your degree from where? We'll call you. Have a good day."

I think you won't get the interview call in the first place. This is not a field where an online, for-profit education will advance your career.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

I think you won't get the interview call in the first place. This is not a field where an online, for-profit education will advance your career.

Perhaps as the decade progresses, employers may see online for-profit universities in a different light, but as it stands now, too often, when they see schools like U. of Phoenix or Kaplan University on someone's resume, the thought that comes to their mind is often something to this effect:

Employer's image of online schools

[33girl]

LOLZ. I wish there was an actual funny parody of the chick going to college in her pajamas but the ones I saw are laaaaaaaame.

[als463]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

Perhaps as the decade progresses, employers may see online for-profit universities in a different light, but as it stands now, too often, when they see schools like U. of Phoenix or Kaplan University on someone's resume, the thought that comes to their mind is often something to this effect:

Employer's image of online schools

I had to laugh. Thanks a lot because I started watching tons of YouTube videos, after you posted that! I posted this on my FB wall. Wow. Too funny!

[Munchkin03]

What's the attraction in taking classes in pajamas? That's another reason this whole online school seems like BS to me.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

Employer's image of online schools

lol
hilarious!

[DrPhil]

I strongly advise against it.

[Kevin]

If there's anyplace that'll be biased against for-profit schools, it's the traditional schools which you're wanting to work for. It only takes a tad of common sense to understand that this Kaplan idea probably isn't your best moment.

--and besides that, you'll be saddling yourself with ridiculous student loans.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by Kevin

If there's anyplace that'll be biased against for-profit schools, it's the traditional schools which you're wanting to work for. It only takes a tad of common sense to understand that this Kaplan idea probably isn't your best moment.

--and besides that, you'll be saddling yourself with ridiculous student loans.

I'm just kind of like, why? It seems like most states have at least one really good Higher Ed/Student Affairs graduate program (if not, there's the Academic Common Market), and wouldn't in-state tuition be less than Dotcom University?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I'm just kind of like, why? It seems like most states have at least one really good Higher Ed/Student Affairs graduate program (if not, there's the Academic Common Market), and wouldn't in-state tuition be less than Dotcom University?

I believe so.

Also, if you have to carefully weigh the pros and cons to the point where you will have to explain away the cons and justify why you chose that dotcom, DON'T DO IT.

If you're able to make the pros outweigh the cons, which will only happen in certain fields, go for it. But there will always be dotcom universities that I absolutely advise against regardless of anything else--I think there was a thread about that.

[Educatingblue]

Originally Posted by Kevin

If there's anyplace that'll be biased against for-profit schools, it's the traditional schools which you're wanting to work for. It only takes a tad of common sense to understand that this Kaplan idea probably isn't your best moment.

--and besides that, you'll be saddling yourself with ridiculous student loans.

Kevin is exactly right. I would advise you to stay away from for-profit schools. I am currently taking doctoral classes at Grand Canyon University, which changed over to for-profit since I have been there. I received my master's degree there before they were for-profit and I can see considerable changes.

As someone else mentioned, they (online for-profit schools) are overpriced and pressure you into taking the maximum amount of loans. I called to reduce my loans and pay a larger portion out of pocket and they acted like it was the end of the world.

From my experience, for-profit schools make you complete twice as much busy work, the professors provide very little interaction, and your work is not really "graded". I have a problem with writing a 5 page paper every week when it is not enhancing my knowledge on the topic vs 2 or 3 major assignments at a traditional university.

If I were you and seriously considering online classes, I would choose a traditional university that happens to offer those courses online.

Also, as others mentioned, online for-profit degrees are not well received in some circles. I know when I taught in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in NC, they did not offer salary advancement (administration) for Univ. of Phoenix degrees.

Just my .22 cents on that.

[AlwaysSAI]

Originally Posted by Educatingblue

Also, as others mentioned, online for-profit degrees are not well received in some circles. I know when I taught in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in NC, they did not offer salary advancement (administration) for Univ. of Phoenix degrees.

I was thinking of mentioning that. Are you still teaching in NC? I'm going on year 3.

[Educatingblue]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

I was thinking of mentioning that. Are you still teaching in NC? I'm going on year 3.

No, I taught in NC for 4 years and I relocated to Nevada this past year. Sometimes I really miss NC and the southern hospitality

[Dutchie]

As someone currently in a student affairs mater program, I really recommend against this.

Online programs do not offer the practicum and assistantship (which is currently completely covering my tuition) experience that a traditional university's program has. And with the poor job market, experience is key.

[HannahXO]

Many students at "real" universities find plenty of opportunities to go to class in their pajamas anyway Personally I couldn't do this but it happens!