<p>I was wondering if any parent on CC has looked at any of the online degree programs? I am thinking about trying one such program to finish my undergraduate. I am considering Franklin University (<a href="http://www.franklin.edu)%5B/url%5D">www.franklin.edu)</a>, or RIT. I am leaning more toward Franklin U. because it's school philosophy is focused on the adult learner, but RIT has the name recognition in the graphic arts industry, in which I currenty am employed. My goals is just to have the piece of paper. I am not looking for a new job, but would like to have a backup plan just in case something happen.</p>
<p>Please any and all input will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>If RIT has the recognition in your field, that's the way I'd go. Imo. With no experience at it. As a datum, I've heard of RIT but I've never heard of Franklin...of course, I've hung around with designers and graphic artists.</p>
<p>Congratulations on your decision to continue your education! I completed my Bachelor's degree in 2004 at the age of 39, just in time to see my oldest off to college last year. :)</p>
<p>I am an elementary school teacher and I got my Masters Degree completely online through National University. It was a very flexible program. I could choose which months I "went" to school. I had classmates (and at least one instructor) all over the world. I got really good at PowerPoint since all of my presentations were done on that. They sent me my books in the mail, and I could even check out books online and they shipped to me "free". Most of the communication with the professors was either through PowerPoint presentations, or via posting to threads. Creating posts and responding to others' posts were required each week, so there was "class" discussion. I only had a few classes where there were live chats which tended to be clumsy. I prefered the posting to threads. Written assignments were all emailed to the professor. Some classes had online multiple choice tests that were timed.Overall it was a great experience. You do need to be disciplined and ready to pay (it's pricey!).</p>
<p>I work on a military base education center. There are many schools that offer undergraduate degrees for working adults. They offer classes online as well as in a traditional classroom setting. If you have access to a base, stop by the education center. The counselors there are very familiar with the older student and understand the demands of a working adult schedule.</p>
<p>I'd try to be 100% sure that the school giving the online degree is respected, plus respected within the field of interest.
I did some classwork through Thomas Edison State College, in NJ. It's part of the state system, but 100% online.
There are now a ton of colleges that offer an online degree that are also "regular" schools. I'd start with them, especially the state schools, since they are not for-profit. I thought some of the 100% online schools were much more expensive than the online degree through established schools. No idea on quality though.</p>
<p>check out Fort Hays State University Virtual College. website says they are serving students now in over 21 countries and in every state. website also says they have strategic partnerships with the military, community colleges, and universities.</p>
<p>I would focus on online programs that have been developed by colleges with a traditional brick-and-morter campus. Whatever school you choose, make sure it is regionally accredited.</p>
<p>I don't totally recommend the online version of the University of Memphis, because they cost an arm and a leg. I live in Tennessee and the online versions of Middle Tennessee State University and a few other schools recognized by our Board of Regents are a mite bit cheaper. </p>
<p>BYU has a fair amount of classes online, but they do not truly have an online degree option. I think they would be a good stepping stone if you need to catch up on your mathematics and the like....</p>
<p>The University of Tennesee, Knoxville (it is kinda like a "semi private" University) has the same deal going like BYU. You can take courses to catch up on a things or two and the go on from there.....</p>
<p>Lee University over in Cleveland, Tn. is a private Christian University which always has a US News and World Report presence with their University rankings and such. They have a rather fair minded online degree option, but I would only consider it if you do not mind taking a few Bible classes and stuff like that, you know? </p>