NWR: school suggestions

afox007

I finally went back to school last semester since I wasn't working and finally had time. I just got a new job and start Monday, but had registered for classes based on me not working. Now none of my classes work and pretty much every class that works around my schedule has a full wait list.

I don't want to take a semester off; I finally have some momentum going and know taking time off will result in me putting school off for a long time again. Does anyone have any experience with any online schools that they would recommend?

manateehugger

Ehh, I don't mean to offend anyone, but online schools tend to be very expensive and not the best quality. Make sure the location you are taking courses from is accredited! 

Is there a local community college you could take night classes at in order to earn credit? Or a brick-and-mortar school that offers online programs?

emmyg65

Be wary of online schools that are for profit and definitely make sure that wherever you go is accredited. Otherwise, your degree is virtually worthless. A better bet might be to check out brick-and-mortar, accredited, nonprofit schools that also have online degree programs or robust online course offerings. Your local state universities and community colleges are a good place to start. I'm not sure where you live or what program of study you're pursuing, so I can't offer more specific advice.

JCbride2015

I second PPs to be very wary of online schools.  A brick and mortar school that also offers online classes is a better bet.  I don't have personal experience, but I know Penn State has a lot of online classes.

afox007

I actually used to work for a school that was a brick and mortar that began offering online programs so that definitely was what I was looking for. I would just go to the school I used to work for, but they only had a few online programs and I wasn't interested in any of them. 

jdluvr06

I finished school online through UK. I think most major universities offer some sort of online program now.

Drewsgirl31

I go to gateway community and technical college in ky and when I had my son and had to take some time off I was able to take online courses until I could get back to campus.

jessiray

My uncle and my aunt both did online degrees through a university. Maybe look to see if some of the bigger state schools have degrees you would be interested? I think the most they had to do was to travel to take an exam or two once or twice a semester, if I'm remembering correctly

pumpkinsandturkeys

Can you speak with an academic advisor for your faculty/department and see if there's a way to get into the full classes? I know a lot of schools will hold a handful of seats in the more popular classes for late admissions and other extenuating circumstances, and the only way to get one of those slots is to speak with an advisor and have them add you in manually. No guarantees, but worth a shot!

bride2b71614

When I registered in undergrad and the class I wanted was full, I would email my academic advisor and cc the dean asking for help. After my academic advisor gave me the go ahead I'd email the professor asking if I could be on the course roster. It usually worked, but if all else fails, put yourself on the waiting list. A lot of students either drop or switch courses so putting yourself on the waiting list gives you a greater chance of getting into the class, especially if there are students who drop.  I would look at your school's course catalogue, maybe they offer online courses/lectures. Good luck!

hellohkb

Do any "normal" universities near you (such as, University of *Your State*) offer online classes? My university started offering "distance courses" which are online and I LOVE IT. I'm still getting the excellent psychology program my college is known for, but I can do it anytime of the day I want to. I would stay far, far away from University of Phoenix. 

Just to let you know, online classes are more work. Be prepared to do several papers and other assignments per week. 

500days

Echoing all of the PPs, definitely look into your community college, state college/university for classes that will transfer. I know that there are resources through many state higher ed websites that will guide you in how to transfer between all of the state schools credit for credit. When I started grad school I needed to supplement my prereqs and take a math and a child psych class. My schedule was already bananas due to work and the grad school courses, so I took the math class at one state school and the child psych at the community college. I even remember taking the child psych class on sunday mornings once a week lol. I was enrolled at 3 different colleges for 1 semester. Don't worry, if you want it badly enough then it will all work out in the end.