Online Universities

[isucyfan]

Then I wouldn't consider that a purely online program.

Why?

[egami]

Why?

Are you doing all the work online? Group projects and discussion sounds like it's maybe offline.

And if so, then it gets back to my original question, how do the know for sure it's you and not someone you've paid to jump through all the hoops. That's the part you're not really explaining...how they thwart cheating.

[isucyfan]

Are you doing all the work online? Group projects and discussion sounds like it's maybe offline.

And if so, then it gets back to my original question, how do the know for sure it's you and not someone you've paid to jump through all the hoops.

All online. Group projects using collaborative software with voice capability. Discussion via discussion boards and chat. Tons of papers.

I could pay someone to impersonate me and write my papers, pretend to be me in group work and discussions. But, I know that people do similar things for test-taking/writing papers in a face-to-face class, too. If you want to cheat, whether online or in a traditional class, you will find a way.

Online, at least there's no way you can look over the person's shoulder in front of you!

[egami]

All online. Group projects using collaborative software with voice capability. Discussion via discussion boards and chat. Tons of papers.

I could pay someone to impersonate me and write my papers, pretend to be me in group work and discussions. But, I know that people do similar things for test-taking/writing papers in a face-to-face class, too. If you want to cheat, whether online or in a traditional class, you will find a way.

Online, at least there's no way you can look over the person's shoulder in front of you!

No, but you can Google, and often times probably find much of the testing online ahead of time...that happens now in brick and mortar schools.

I think it's easier online because you could just pay someone to literally fill in and capitalize on it.

[isucyfan]

No, but you can Google, and often times probably find much of the testing online ahead of time...that happens now in brick and mortar schools.

I think it's easier online because you could just pay someone to literally fill in and capitalize on it.

We don't have tests, probably for that reason.

Most all the work is writing papers, doing hands on work, and working in groups on projects/presentations. Can't cheat very easily on any of those.

[egami]

We don't have tests, probably for that reason.

Most all the work is writing papers, doing hands on work, and working in groups on projects/presentations. Can't cheat very easily on any of those.

Well, from what I've read and heard, you largely don't need to because back to the other point I made those degrees seemingly deservedly so have a less than amiable status in the business world.

I was never implying that you can't cheat in brick and mortar, clearly we all know you can, I just think the detachment of the Internet makes it easier.

So we'll agree to disagree.

[isucyfan]

Well, from what I've read and heard, you largely don't need to because back to the other point I made those degrees seemingly deservedly so have a less than amiable status in the business world.

I was never implying that you can't cheat in brick and mortar, clearly we all know you can, I just think the detachment of the Internet makes it easier.

So we'll agree to disagree.

I'd tell you if I thought my online program is a joke. It isn't. It's through a real university with an accredited program, so higher-ups agree. I've learned a lot and think that the virtual skills especially will really come in handy down the road in my field.

I'd argue that an online master's degree is actually harder to obtain. From everyone I've talked to, they all agree that there is considerably more work in an online program. Of this, I can attest.

[LonoClone]

Well, from what I've read and heard, you largely don't need to because back to the other point I made those degrees seemingly deservedly so have a less than amiable status in the business world.

I was never implying that you can't cheat in brick and mortar, clearly we all know you can, I just think the detachment of the Internet makes it easier.

So we'll agree to disagree.

From what I've read and heard, you seem to know everything under the sun.

[egami]

I'd tell you if I thought my online program is a joke. It isn't. It's through a real university with an accredited program, so higher-ups agree. I've learned a lot and think that the virtual skills especially will really come in handy down the road in my field.

I'd argue that an online master's degree is actually harder to obtain. From everyone I've talked to, they all agree that there is considerably more work in an online program. Of this, I can attest.

Don't get me wrong I am not saying all online degrees are worthless. I am just saying that I think it's easier to cheat in them and I think that specifically UoP degrees have a more negative perception in the business world.

[ZCyclone]

That was Joey from Friends. And you don't know him, you're just a fan.

Never watched the show in my life.

[pthebutcher]

I'd tell you if I thought my online program is a joke. It isn't. It's through a real university with an accredited program, so higher-ups agree. I've learned a lot and think that the virtual skills especially will really come in handy down the road in my field.

I'd argue that an online master's degree is actually harder to obtain. From everyone I've talked to, they all agree that there is considerably more work in an online program. Of this, I can attest.

Perhaps you are only referring to business degrees here, but the work done obtaining a master's with a thesis component is much much more involved and absolutely requires face to face contact as well as giving seminars and going to conferences. To me a master's program is more than just coursework, it is getting involved with research and tackling truly complex issues and collaborating with professors and other colleagues. Again, my experience is in the science field so perhaps I'm comparing apples to oranges here.

[CyGal]

My brother tried to take classes from UoP while working full time as the manager of a bank. He lives on one coast, and had people in his class whom he was required to do group projects with who lived on the other coast. He said trying to coordinate a schedule to get together with these people was a joke - as most of them wanted to get online and do the homework when it was past midnight for him. He found it difficult, to say the least. But his wife just graduated this past May from UoP with a Masters in Management, so it's possible to get through it if you have the time to put in.

[sfhdweb]

I'm getting my master's online through San Jose State, and I think there are definitely plusses and minuses. I think there is a ton more work in an online program, and in my field, they stress groupwork, which is difficult in a virtual environment.

I miss the face-to-face contact with other students and professors, but that is balanced by being able to work from home and at my own pace. You have to be very disciplined in time management, or you will fall behind, though.

In the end, I think as long as you have a diploma from a reputable university, it doesn't matter how you got it.

I am also interested in online program, thanks for your suggestion.

[intrepid27]

I'm an Executive Recruiter (AKA Head Hunter) and I've never had a company question the validity of an on line degree. As far as "cheating" goes most people that are willin got spend the time and money actually want the knowledge.

Also, I'd recommend a MBA versus a MS unless you are needing the technical or scientific knowledge.

[greatshu]

There are quality on-line programs that offer excellent college degrees, especially for Masters level. You will definitely go after accredited program rather than for profit non accredited program (like University of Phoenix). If you are wanting MBA, go to institution with AACSB accreditation.

AACSB Business and Accounting Accreditation

FYI, most schools offers online courses, not the degrees. Not every schools offer online degree programs. I think Indiana has excellent online degree program if I am not mistaken (for MBA).