Posted on Aug 17, 2015
What's your opinion of Online Universities such as American Military University, etc.?
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I had posted a thread a couple of weeks ago, about going back to school. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/looking-to-complete-my-bachelors-degree-what-resources-are-out-there-for-veterans-and-federal-employees.
Upon asking around and talking to my federal colleagues, I encountered an interesting reaction. I was told to avoid online Universities such as American Military University, Kaplan, etc. I was told that hiring managers don't give folks with degrees from those schools the same weight as a traditional school such as Virginia Tech, Howard University, etc.
Has anyone else encountered this mindset? Has it been a hinderance to you? When I asked this question I asked my Division Director and the Assistant to the Administrator (my agency head). Both of which are PhDs. Is this their mindset or is this true?
Thank you in advance
CW3 (Join to see), SGM (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), 1SG Michael Blount, CSM (Join to see) 1LT William Clardy, CPT (Join to see) MAJ (Join to see), COL (Join to see), LTC Scott O'Neil
Upon asking around and talking to my federal colleagues, I encountered an interesting reaction. I was told to avoid online Universities such as American Military University, Kaplan, etc. I was told that hiring managers don't give folks with degrees from those schools the same weight as a traditional school such as Virginia Tech, Howard University, etc.
Has anyone else encountered this mindset? Has it been a hinderance to you? When I asked this question I asked my Division Director and the Assistant to the Administrator (my agency head). Both of which are PhDs. Is this their mindset or is this true?
Thank you in advance
CW3 (Join to see), SGM (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), 1SG Michael Blount, CSM (Join to see) 1LT William Clardy, CPT (Join to see) MAJ (Join to see), COL (Join to see), LTC Scott O'Neil
Posted in these groups: 
Education
Civilian Career
Education Civilian Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 61
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When I was a hiring manager (and when I will be again), online vs. brick and mortar made no difference to me. I've posted at length on this topic, but briefly put I care if:
1. It is a "name" school (Harvard Business School, etc)
2. It is regionally accredited in whatever.
3. It is a specific school with a bad rep (online or not) - very few, actually, once you move away from the specialized area of academic counselors.
[ 4. While I don't care, some will care if it is a "regional name" school (in my area, the University of Washington) ]
That's it. Especially given your length of an employment record, I would not worry much. Degrees are more important with lack of life/job experience. The more things you can show me you've done, the less I care about the specific piece of paper.
1. It is a "name" school (Harvard Business School, etc)
2. It is regionally accredited in whatever.
3. It is a specific school with a bad rep (online or not) - very few, actually, once you move away from the specialized area of academic counselors.
[ 4. While I don't care, some will care if it is a "regional name" school (in my area, the University of Washington) ]
That's it. Especially given your length of an employment record, I would not worry much. Degrees are more important with lack of life/job experience. The more things you can show me you've done, the less I care about the specific piece of paper.
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SFC Steven Wheeler
Thank you for the additional information LTC Vincent Stoneking, very nice to know information. I do totally understand due diligence.
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SFC David Pope, MBA
SFC Steven Wheeler - There are several lists out there on school rankings. You just need to Google it. Consumer Reports also has put out a list based on your degree program.
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Cpl Robert Clark
I went to onsite college for my A.S. I finished my B.A. online. Although it is convenient, it requires discipline. I certainly appreciated not having to be force fed an unrealistic world view just because someone had a P.H.d.
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1LT Ryan Millican
http://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-military-friendly-colleges/
http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-schools/military-friendly
Try these two links. Liberty is a pretty decent college to go through, I'm working on my second Bachelor's with them, and planning on getting my Master's through them too. I think St. Leo is on there too, and they're also supposed to be a very good school.
http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-schools/military-friendly
Try these two links. Liberty is a pretty decent college to go through, I'm working on my second Bachelor's with them, and planning on getting my Master's through them too. I think St. Leo is on there too, and they're also supposed to be a very good school.
The 45 Most Military Friendly Colleges of 2015 | BestColleges
For those who served our country, take your next step with the educational opportunities available to you from one of these top-rated schools for Veterans.
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I am a huge fan of American Military University. I got my BA from them. I was started a Masters with Liberty but quickly found that they weren't as focused on the students as much as AMU. I plan on going back to AMU for my masters. I also think they have more degrees in my areas of interest. I would like to master in disaster management.
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MSG Brad Sand
CPT (Join to see)
I too, am a big fan of AMU. As a small bit of advice, the best time to start your Masters is now. AMU has classes starting soon and there is TA available. No time like the present.
I too, am a big fan of AMU. As a small bit of advice, the best time to start your Masters is now. AMU has classes starting soon and there is TA available. No time like the present.
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CPT (Join to see)
MSG Brad Sand - I wanted to but I am stuck at in another state pending if I need to get my shoulder worked on. If I was at the house I would start right away. As soon as I get home I will start it up.
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I have talked about this before on here.
If it is a private for profit school ESPECIALLY if it is online, a lot of places wont give it much weight regardless of if it is regionally accredited or not.
If you want the best degree "value" for you buck while still doing an online program. Find a PUBLIC school that is brick and mortar that has an online program. The sheepskin isn't going to say Penn State (ONLINE), it is going to say Penn State. The added value is that you have a school with a KNOW reputation, long stating accreditation, proven track records, etc.
If you want to go Private, go with some of the more long standing respected private schools. If they advertise on TV or web-ads as a private school, you probably don't want to go there.
If it is a private for profit school ESPECIALLY if it is online, a lot of places wont give it much weight regardless of if it is regionally accredited or not.
If you want the best degree "value" for you buck while still doing an online program. Find a PUBLIC school that is brick and mortar that has an online program. The sheepskin isn't going to say Penn State (ONLINE), it is going to say Penn State. The added value is that you have a school with a KNOW reputation, long stating accreditation, proven track records, etc.
If you want to go Private, go with some of the more long standing respected private schools. If they advertise on TV or web-ads as a private school, you probably don't want to go there.
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS, CW3 (Join to see), yep, plenty of well know B&M school have all online programs now that are have the full force of the B&M counterpart of the same school. No difference in the diploma, degree title, etc.
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CW3 (Join to see)
But what I was trying to say is that you can take some courses online and some courses in person, if you're near a UMUC campus. It doesn't have to be all one or the other.
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CW5 (Join to see)
You can't go wrong with on-line coursework or degrees IF they are well established schools. Due to the competition, many, if not most, are offering on-line. Don't hesitate any Big 10 school offerings. Go B1G!!
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