On line degree questions

[Originalist]

I'd like to hear some feed back about on line degrees.

I'm hearing allot of people in various forums discourage people from going that route. Some are claiming that getting an online degree, even from a reputable brick and mortar institution, will not be thought of in the same light by a potential employer as a degree earned at a brick and mortar classroom at the same institution.

I'd also like some opinions on institutions that offer exclusively online degrees. I'm not talking about degree mills. I'm referring to online institutions that are accredited by well known accreditation agencies.

I would like to add to my Bach's degree with courses needed to become a certified teacher. Supporting a family i simply cannot afford the gas to drive 30 miles one way. Plus it would have to be at night since I work during the day, part time sadly.

What say yall?

[Scott Pitta]

Contact your target employer and ask them about educational goals.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

Contact your target employer and ask them about educational goals.

Thank you.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

Contact your target employer and ask them about educational goals.

Very good advice.

[seguidordejesus]

In Texas, I was able to get a job as a teacher while completing alternative certification courses. No need to do it before. I had to pass a test first before I could be hired, but it wasn't a big deal. Texas is big into that, and Florida is, too, if you are bilingual and/or can teach math/science, for sure. Special education is another high-need area.

http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certif...athways-routes

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus

In Texas, I was able to get a job as a teacher while completing alternative certification courses. No need to do it before. I had to pass a test first before I could be hired, but it wasn't a big deal. Texas is big into that, and Florida is, too, if you are bilingual and/or can teach math/science, for sure. Special education is another high-need area.

http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certif...athways-routes

Sadly my talents and interests are not in math or science. I'm looking at History, Government, Economics etc. I have been advised that puts me at a great disadvantage.

[seguidordejesus]

Originally Posted by Originalist

Sadly my talents and interests are not in math or science. I'm looking at History, Government, Economics etc. I have been advised that puts me at a great disadvantage.

If you're willing to teach in a hard-to-get-teachers-for area, I'm sure something could be worked out. Obviously, I don't know the specifics of your situation.

[barry72]

Most employers, in my experience don't even get into whether your degree was obtained online or in a traditional setting. Obviously, if your degree is from the University of Phoenix, it may not hold as much weight as an online degree from a more reputable state or local college. Teaching is a very hard profession to get into right now. I've heard there are approximately 6 teachers for every available teaching job.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Yeah teaching is hard to get into right now, but God gives His children favor.

Going the reputable, public institution route (Valencia College, Seminole State) will be cheaper and give you guaranteed admissions to UCF.

If going online, this is the route I would take.

[BrenchStevens]

Originally Posted by Originalist

I'd like to hear some feed back about on line degrees.

I'm hearing allot of people in various forums discourage people from going that route. Some are claiming that getting an online degree, even from a reputable brick and mortar institution, will not be thought of in the same light by a potential employer as a degree earned at a brick and mortar classroom at the same institution.

I'd also like some opinions on institutions that offer exclusively online degrees. I'm not talking about degree mills. I'm referring to online institutions that are accredited by well known accreditation agencies.

I would like to add to my Bach's degree with courses needed to become a certified teacher. Supporting a family i simply cannot afford the gas to drive 30 miles one way. Plus it would have to be at night since I work during the day, part time sadly.

What say yall?

It largely depends on the institution's reputation and the type of degree. I don't know of any college that offers a teaching degree completely online or in evening classes, but I'm sure it depends from state to state and institution to institution. I'm currently getting an associate's degree online from a local college just to get my basics out of the way. After that, I'm planning on transferring to a different college to get a bachelor's in linguistics. It's all about what your goals are.