Posted on Sep 22, 2014
Online college vs. traditional college/university
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Esteemed Rallypoint Members,
As an NCO who joined the Army the second after high school, did not attend college like many of my friends who remained in the civilian world. Fast-forward seven years to today and I am about 20ish credits away from finishing an undergrad at AMU. Now here I am trying to juggle a crying newborn, family, Leadership duties and a slew of other time vampires that also require my time and attention. Last night, I working on a finishing paper and trying to reason with a two month old on the fact that he should go to sleep instead of crying (I don’t think it worked). During this event, I thought to myself “whats the point “, it’s just an online school anyways. While this thought was quickly dismissed and I finished the assignment, the thought still lingers in my head. While civilian education is the most important piece of self development one can achieve and I am not trying to undercut online education. I am trying to see how an online education stacks against a traditional college in reality.
Based on the amount of veterans working in the private sector and currently serving military professionals, I am trying to understand is a online degree now at the same level of a traditional college, lower, or not worth the paper it’s printed on, when it comes to the civilian world and why is or isn’t viewed the same as a traditional college?
I know that some of the answers I am looking for maybe on Google or elsewhere on the internet… However I would rather hear it from individuals whose backgrounds generally mirror my own.
As an NCO who joined the Army the second after high school, did not attend college like many of my friends who remained in the civilian world. Fast-forward seven years to today and I am about 20ish credits away from finishing an undergrad at AMU. Now here I am trying to juggle a crying newborn, family, Leadership duties and a slew of other time vampires that also require my time and attention. Last night, I working on a finishing paper and trying to reason with a two month old on the fact that he should go to sleep instead of crying (I don’t think it worked). During this event, I thought to myself “whats the point “, it’s just an online school anyways. While this thought was quickly dismissed and I finished the assignment, the thought still lingers in my head. While civilian education is the most important piece of self development one can achieve and I am not trying to undercut online education. I am trying to see how an online education stacks against a traditional college in reality.
Based on the amount of veterans working in the private sector and currently serving military professionals, I am trying to understand is a online degree now at the same level of a traditional college, lower, or not worth the paper it’s printed on, when it comes to the civilian world and why is or isn’t viewed the same as a traditional college?
I know that some of the answers I am looking for maybe on Google or elsewhere on the internet… However I would rather hear it from individuals whose backgrounds generally mirror my own.
Employment
Professional Development
Personal Development
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 15
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Will Harvard and Princeton stand out more on your resume? Let's not even go there. Whatever you do, fight through the pain and finish your degree ASAP. Don't be like me and finish a bachelors at 40. As long as your school of choice is regionally accredited you are golden.
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PO2 Jonathan Scharff
I think it matters if you want a government or civil service job or a private sector job. I think you will be fine if your school is accredited in the first two types. I own a business and will tell you that the more prestigious the school is the better your chance of getting looked at. I can't tell you how many times we are reviewing applications and someone will say, "I've never even heard of this school!" and put it in the bad pile. In this work climate we sometimes get 100 applications for certain positions. All I can say is it matters. Get a degree from the best institution you can. It stays with you your whole working career.
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PO2 Steven Erickson
PO2 Jonathan Scharff I understand your perspective on schools and resumes, but there are some of us private-types who look at them differently. No surprise there, eh?
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I have a BS and MA, both from online schools. Once you have the degree, it doesn't matter.
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