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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They are good but you must have self discipline in order to be successful. Distance learning can be difficult but you can do it on your schedule
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1LT (Join to see)
I agree 100%! I went to AMU full time (two classes every 8 weeks) while working full time! I had prior credits from University of Maryland and Central Texas College and ACE/CLEP exams. With no break (2 x summer sessions), I completed my BA in just about two years, and I was EXHAUSTED. I could never have gone to B&M full time while working full time. Not enough nights for night classes to finish as quickly. There were a couple of weeks where I came down to the wire on assignments or term papers.
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You should recognize that a degree from a brick and mortar university is usually going to carry a little more weight than one from an online institution. In either case, what you get out of it will have more to do with what you put into it than the medium through which you attain the degree.
If you do go online my advice is to find one with regional and not just national accreditation. That should make it easier to transfer credits in case your plans change.
The bottom line though, is that having the degree/education is far more important than where you get it (as long as where you get it is accredited). I would also add that coupling a few good certifications with your degree can more than make up for the fact that you got it online.
If you do go online my advice is to find one with regional and not just national accreditation. That should make it easier to transfer credits in case your plans change.
The bottom line though, is that having the degree/education is far more important than where you get it (as long as where you get it is accredited). I would also add that coupling a few good certifications with your degree can more than make up for the fact that you got it online.
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SSG (Join to see)
PV2 (Join to see) - One more thing, if you are trying to wrap up a Bachelors after having attended a few different Universities sometimes the residency requirements become the greatest hurdle. If that's the case, I'd recommend checking out Excelsior College which doesn't have a residency requirement. That way you can attend brick and mortar when its convenient, go online when you need too and still have everything counted. I was able to merge military education and CLEP tests with classes from 4 different colleges/universities. After my initial Evaluation they told me I needed to take 3 upper level classes which I took from the University of Arizona and one quick online course through them.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
PV2 (Join to see) As SSG (Join to see) said, Excelsior is a decent bet if you are merging lots of various education together. Between MOS/Correspondence/Online/Etc, they are great about that. I have my AS & BS from them.
On a side note, for my final class I the MCPO of the Navy in my Capstone Class (Online).
On a side note, for my final class I the MCPO of the Navy in my Capstone Class (Online).
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Personally, I would avoid those type of schools because I been told the same thing. Now, is it true? I don't know but I would hate to find out the hard way.
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MSgt (Join to see)
The main issue is the accreditation. Some (such as University of Phoenix if memory serves) aren't accredited, so if you try and use those credits later there's a good chance they won't be taken. Many consider that a waste of money. Then there's also the scandals some of them have had.
If accredited there's National and Regional. I've heard National is ok but you might still run into some transfer issues, whether online or B&M. Regional accreditation is your best bet. Many online schools such as AMU, or B&M schools such as UCCS and many others that have online programs, are regionally accredited. As such there should be no issue in the 'trust' department with those. As others have said B&M schools still often hold a bit more 'prestige', but overall the accreditation should carry it through regardless. They have to work to meet and keep it so there's a minimum quality standard to meet.
If accredited there's National and Regional. I've heard National is ok but you might still run into some transfer issues, whether online or B&M. Regional accreditation is your best bet. Many online schools such as AMU, or B&M schools such as UCCS and many others that have online programs, are regionally accredited. As such there should be no issue in the 'trust' department with those. As others have said B&M schools still often hold a bit more 'prestige', but overall the accreditation should carry it through regardless. They have to work to meet and keep it so there's a minimum quality standard to meet.
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1LT (Join to see)
American Military University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). American Military University is accredited by the same body that provides accreditation to Ohio State University, Northwestern University and all other regionally-accredited schools in the 19 state area covered by the HLC. https://www.amu.apus.edu/aboutus/accreditation.html
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MSgt (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) That's why I mentioned it's regionally accredited. Unless you're just trying to inflate your post numbers, in which case you could say least take off the @ tag.
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1LT (Join to see)
No not at all, I clicked reply out of habit. My post was to the general group regarding the accreditation. I do not inflate my post numbers, I have limited number of posts for the years I have been on RP.
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I have heard of a study that found being in the classroom has an advantage over on-line learning for the student. Several of my family members, all teachers, concur with this assessment.
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MAJ (Join to see)
This being said, I don't think it's true for all students. Some students wouldn't even be students without access to distance-learning, depending on their situation. And, some subjects lend themselves very well to distance-learning, i.e. history. Others don't, like STEM or labs.
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From the individuals I have talked to and dealt with, it all comes down to who is doing the hiring and what they are actually looking for. Online schools are viewed as buying a degree, while in residence schools are viewed as education for a degree. What is more important? Having a degree or the education associated with the degree. Would you want a surgeon who got their degree online? I'm not saying that you can't learn as much or more online, just looking at the perceptions. Also take it with a grain of salt, as I have had nothing but horrible experiences with AMU and they have turned me off of online schools completely.
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MSgt (Join to see)
That sucks. I know others they've worked with but those were 'standard' deployments. Sounds like something they need to work on.
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MSG Brad Sand
MSgt (Join to see)
I never had any problems with any of the instructors at AMU, or with the institution? Every time I needed something from their end it was handled quickly and professionally.
I never had any problems with any of the instructors at AMU, or with the institution? Every time I needed something from their end it was handled quickly and professionally.
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SFC James Reeder
MSgt (Join to see) - For profit says it all. They are ALL looking to make a profit off TA and Post 9/11 GI Bill. The education is secondary if at all.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
Comparing an online degree in numerous subjects to a medical doctorate is assinine. Would I trust a history teacher, intelligence specialist, or hospitality manager with an online degree? Yes. Asking the same if a medical professional does not compare. I understand your point, but not your argument.
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I would be very careful of these schools. Do your homework on these schools and make sure they are the right fit for you. Make sure their credits are transferrable and so forth. Bottom line is that you are fully responsible for your education and you want the most for your money. Good luck!
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CDR Laurel Meadows
So many recognized Universities offer online courses that are above reproach. My DIL is enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner course with only 3 on site periods and the rest at home and online. This is through a state school. I would be very sure of the school's accreditation and reputation before enrolling.
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I have to agree.
Brick and Mortar / Traditional 15-week, in-class and day-light-hours schools have way more pull than they are due.
If you want a traditional job, a traditional education helps get the spot.
Now, if you are self-employed and need to know business administration then an on-line school can be of benefit.
I taught at a JC that wanted to get into the on-line business. There was a HUGE pressure from the Admin to pump the classes to 100 seats. The only way a Prof can keep up with paper that 100 students generate is to form teams and then score the team (finals are graded by computer so numbers don't count). If you get stuck on a poor performing team (eg a couple of FOs on the team) then your grade suffers.
Brick and Mortar / Traditional 15-week, in-class and day-light-hours schools have way more pull than they are due.
If you want a traditional job, a traditional education helps get the spot.
Now, if you are self-employed and need to know business administration then an on-line school can be of benefit.
I taught at a JC that wanted to get into the on-line business. There was a HUGE pressure from the Admin to pump the classes to 100 seats. The only way a Prof can keep up with paper that 100 students generate is to form teams and then score the team (finals are graded by computer so numbers don't count). If you get stuck on a poor performing team (eg a couple of FOs on the team) then your grade suffers.
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