Going back to school/online degrees

Do you need a degree, or would it make your life better in any measurable way? If not, my suggestion would be a firm no, but I'm also fairly biased, as I'vr never taken well to any educational system I've tried.

Mydnyte said:

What are your thoughts on online degrees? Tennessee has a new deal starting next year where adults without a college degree can earn a two year degree for free.

With my work schedule anything I would pursue would have to be online only. I was thinking maybe a business degree or something like that.

What's your thoughts? Worth the time? Anyone went through a two year online degree?

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I have never done an online degree, so all I can tell you is to prayerfully research the matter out as best you can. Get as much information as you can including contacting the prospective school(s) you're interested in and speaking with Student Services as well as asking for available references from former students. I do think building on your education can only enhance and benefit you both personally and professionally and that's a good thing. Sometimes I think when we're older we can get a mindset that says that's for younger people, but that's not true. When an opportunity such as the one you're talking about is made available to you, you shouldn't take it lightly. I think you should really consider it because you don't know how long that door will be open.

When I was starting my business, I needed office equipment and had to do “creative financing”. It turned out that I qualified for a particular grant but I had to submit a business plan and be questioned by a panel. No sooner had I walked through that door and by the grace of God was I approved and received resources above the initial grant amount, the door was closed. I was one of the last people to receive those resources. So all I'm saying is don't just blow the opportunity off because you don't know (especially in this political climate) how long the door will be open. It may not be a coincidence that the opportunity is being made available to you. So please make sure you consider that. Also in being single I think it's good to keep your mind occupied in a positive and healthy way. We don't always know what way the Lord is going to take us but I do feel it is good to be equipped.

I hope I've said something helpful and encouraging.

I've been in online classes before and I loved it. I'd like to try to do it again and get finished. If I were you I'd go for it.

Its free and so I'd say you have nothing to loss and a lot to gain.

Make sure it is accredited so that it means something. Also, a two year Associates degree isn't considered to be a "college degree" by most professions so again, it depends on why you are looking for a degree. However, it is a good way to get the first two years of a 4 year degree done (again, making sure that the credits will transfer to the degree and school you want to end up at). I have taken both online and classroom classes. Sometimes online classes are harder because you have to prove class participation by more than a attendance record. You also have to have self-disciplined to get the work done.

My nursing degree is a two year degree (that really took almost 4 years since the prerequisites take about two years before you start the 2 year program). I also have a 4 year degree in engineering. I will be using an online program to get my 4year degree in nursing (it will take 9 months).

I like learning for the sake of learning so probably would take advantage of a free program if I had time. Remember that it isn't really free because you will still have to buy your books and supplies. Text books can often cost in the $100-200 range. And my daughter's art supplies cost close to $500 for this semester.

I went to the University of Idaho for four years until during my fourth year, 9/11 happened and I was a federal LEO. I got called away to work and lost all the credits of that semester. I have around 100 completed credits and have never gone back. I really regret that now.

I now have a great job that is perfect for finishing my degree online while working, but the costs are prohibitive.

Mydnyte said:

What are your thoughts on online degrees? Tennessee has a new deal starting next year where adults without a college degree can earn a two year degree for free.

With my work schedule anything I would pursue would have to be online only. I was thinking maybe a business degree or something like that.

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You can definitely learn stuff with an online degree. If it's free, it sounds like you've got little to lose.

Mydnyte said:

The schools and programs I'm looking into are established and fully accredited and the credits will transfer to other schools like the University of Tennessee.

I have a really good job right now, but you never know what the future holds. And I'd like to have something to lean on.

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I'd do it then.