2008 Woodie Awards
Online degrees expand college opportunities
Chris Boning
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: TruLife
To Beth Thompson, a 35-year-old single mother with a full-time job, pursuing a college degree online made sense.
"There was no way I could work being a single mom and go to college at the same time," she said.
Thompson is part of a growing group of adults seeking university degrees through online programs. Thompson, who works in the home health industry, said she decided to continue her education and pursue her bachelor's degree in Database Administration through the University of Phoenix because she was tired of working for minimum wage.
"I don't want to have to look at my kids - my oldest is 11 - in seven years and say I can't help you go to college," she said.
Thompson said that between having a full-time job and being a full-time mother, she often doesn't have time for her schoolwork until 8:30 p.m. and usually stays up until 2 a.m. working.
"Sleep," she said "That's my sacrifice."
Thompson said that anyone who questions the legitimacy of an online degree should take a look at her textbooks.
She also said her attitude toward participating in class is much different from the first time she went to college on a traditional campus when she dropped out so she could get married. Thompson said she hopes her future employers will look at the time and energy she put into her degree and regard her as a self-motivator.
Keith Nordmann, the associate dean of faculty and student support with the A.T. Still University School of Health Management, said his institution offers a variety of degrees online, including a master's in public health, geriatric health and health administration, in addition to a doctorate in health education. All online degree programs through the school can be completed within two years, Nordmann added.
He said the school has been offering online degrees since 1998 and that currently about 500 students are enrolled in the program. The typical student completing an online degree through the School of Health Management is a medical professional who wishes to supplement his or her existing expertise, Nordmann added. He also said the School of Health Management has an agreement with Truman wherein students may begin working on their master's early, up to three classes.
"There was no way I could work being a single mom and go to college at the same time," she said.
Thompson is part of a growing group of adults seeking university degrees through online programs. Thompson, who works in the home health industry, said she decided to continue her education and pursue her bachelor's degree in Database Administration through the University of Phoenix because she was tired of working for minimum wage.
"I don't want to have to look at my kids - my oldest is 11 - in seven years and say I can't help you go to college," she said.
Thompson said that between having a full-time job and being a full-time mother, she often doesn't have time for her schoolwork until 8:30 p.m. and usually stays up until 2 a.m. working.
"Sleep," she said "That's my sacrifice."
Thompson said that anyone who questions the legitimacy of an online degree should take a look at her textbooks.
She also said her attitude toward participating in class is much different from the first time she went to college on a traditional campus when she dropped out so she could get married. Thompson said she hopes her future employers will look at the time and energy she put into her degree and regard her as a self-motivator.
Keith Nordmann, the associate dean of faculty and student support with the A.T. Still University School of Health Management, said his institution offers a variety of degrees online, including a master's in public health, geriatric health and health administration, in addition to a doctorate in health education. All online degree programs through the school can be completed within two years, Nordmann added.
He said the school has been offering online degrees since 1998 and that currently about 500 students are enrolled in the program. The typical student completing an online degree through the School of Health Management is a medical professional who wishes to supplement his or her existing expertise, Nordmann added. He also said the School of Health Management has an agreement with Truman wherein students may begin working on their master's early, up to three classes.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Fake college diploma
posted 11/15/08 @ 10:00 AM CST
I don't know about that, I am really skeptical about the educational quality of online courses, I personally don't place much value in this kind of diplomas, it's like they are just formalities and that's all. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 11/19/08 @ 10:30 AM CST
The above poster may be right. But then again, for people that can't afford the time or expense of moving to a college town or giving up full time work to accommodate class schedules, it's better than nothing. (Continued…)
Jeremy Loscheider
posted 11/20/08 @ 10:52 AM CST
I've tried taking online classes, and it's honestly something for learners of a certain temperament. I just had a really hard time learning advanced math without being able to go to the instructor directly with questions. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 11/24/08 @ 10:21 AM CST
My guess would be that online courses will become better in the future. Jeremy is right about the loss of face to face interaction with the teacher and with the class. (Continued…)
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