You see the advertisements for University of Phoenix ? Online everywhere, but what is the school really about? Ever since the for-profit school made the early decision to organize an online learning program in a successful effort to propel its growth and widen its outreach to students, they have come up against many myths and stereotypes.

Some people think that online learning is inferior to classroom learning, that the University is little more than a diploma mill or that graduating with a degree from University of Phoenix won?t get you anywhere. In truth, however, according to student surveys, there is very high satisfaction among students who have earned an online degree from University of Phoenix.

Let?s take a closer look at some of the most common myths about online learning:

Myth: Earning an online degree is easier than earning a degree in the classroom.
Many students find that the course material taught online is relevant and on track with the work their peers are completing in their educations at traditional institutions. The coursework for some classes will be more difficult than others, and you may come across some professors that you can communicate with better than others.

Because online learning requires an incredible amount of discipline and independence, some students may even find getting an online degree more difficult.

Myth: Online learning offers little personal attention and no communication with other students.
This is not the case. Most classes at University of Phoenix enroll no more than 15 students, which is much more personal than at a traditional university.

You can sign onto classes anytime during the day and participate in class discussions through forums or ask questions that your professors will respond to as soon as they can. Assignment due dates do go by the professor’s time, so if the professor is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone, your assignment will due in EST, which can take some adjusting. This can also be a challenge when you complete schoolwork with a classmate (which happens often). Professors usually try to pair students who are in similar time zones, but this is not always possible, so you must communicate regularly and be willing to work around your classmates? schedules!

Many students find the tech support and counselors at University of Phoenix to be excellent. They often call and e-mail regularly and are extremely willing to help with any questions or concerns.

Myth: An online degree isn?t as respectable as a traditional degree.
While this may have once been the truth, online degrees are gaining prestige around the world. Established in 1989, University of Phoenix was the first accredited online university. Today, the University boasts over 57,000 enrollments, making it the largest accredited, for-profit online university in the United States.

University of Phoenix provides a respectable outlet for working adults to earn a higher education. Like many other things, you will only get as much out of your online education as you put into it, so if you take advantage of the resources provided, you can get a valuable education that employers will respect.

However, online education at University of Phoenix may not be for everyone. First-time college students with no family responsibilities and no full-time jobs may feel the desire to leave home, become independent, attend school with peers and learn how to manage their own lives.

Myth: The credits you earn online won’t transfer to traditional colleges.
A growing number of colleges and universities do accept transfer credits from University of Phoenix ? Online! Still, it?s always a good idea to do some research before you enroll in a program. Check with your state and any educational institution you might want to enroll in later to make sure that credits and certifications will transfer.

Myth: Employers won’t take an online degree seriously.
A large percentage of alumnae from University of Phoenix ? Online have seen an increase in their marketability. They have been able to secure jobs that they desired or have received promotions in their present jobs.

Plus, many University of Phoenix ? Online faculty members are executives at reputed companies when they are not mentoring students in the classrooms, lending even more credibility to their instruction!

Myth: You must be a computer genius to earn an online degree.
The first course required of University of Phoenix ? Online students is actually a course that teaches you how to be a successful online student. It can teach you how to search the databases, how to use the UoP online library, how to work in a learning team, how to use APA writing style and more. Additionally, this first course is often waived and free of charge! Even if not, there are often coupons for it.

The majority of classes are offered in Outlook Express, which most users find very easy to set up and use.

Myth: You?ll never set foot on a college campus.
While concentrated time spent on a college campus can be a great way to learn, the advent of technology has made physical presence unnecessary! In fact, because attending class is not possible for every student, University of Phoenix is one of the best options available. We can provide the flexibility of time and place while you receive a quality education. Additionally, online learning can be a great option for students with disabilities.
Plus, you don?t have to feel like you aren?t a part of a college environment ? University of Phoenix has over 70 campus locations across the country! As a University of Phoenix ? Online graduate, you are invited to participate in the graduation ceremony at the campus most convenient for you.

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Average user rating from: 9 user(s)

Overall Rating		3.7

 

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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Classes Dont Transfer, Saturday, 19 June 2010

Written by Tiffany

Overall Rating		1.0

I am currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix for my Associates in Health Care Admin with an emphasis on Pharmacy Practice. I informed my advisor before enrolling in this program that I was wanting to be a Pharmacist but with my schedule I could only do online courses. He said my courses would transfer to "most" universities.
I am in my 4th set of classes and I was looking into different Universities to go to to get my PharmD. I looked at 10 different Universites from all over (not just in my state) and none of them will accept my classes. The only class they will accept is my Ethics class I am taking right now. I told them of the rest of the classes I am going to take and they will not accept any of them.
Not only was I lied to I now have student loans out on classes I can't even use. I am trying to withdraw from University of Phoenix and that alone is a hassell. I have not been able to get a hold of my advisor and when I emailed her she said she is out of the office for another week. This is the worst experience I have had and I do not reccomend taking classes here. If you are make sure the college you want to go to after will accept your classes.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

It's real and it's tough!, Wednesday, 05 May 2010

Written by Billy

Overall Rating		5.0

I have been attending the University of Phoenix Online for nearly four years and am just two classes away from my BSIT. I have a full-time job and a full-time family and there is no way I could ever adhere to the schedule in a traditional school. I can keep up with the work, but I wouldn't be able to attend class when and where they wanted me to.

I was a little skeptical at first, because I had heard about all the degree mills and such, but I have to tell you, I have attended the University of New Orleans, University of Maryland, and Remington College--all brick & mortar schools--and this school is just as tough, and just as useful in the real world as any of those others. I agree that the world is taking its time giving online degrees the respect they deserve, but from someone who has experienced both types of school, there is absolutely no difference in the education you can receive.

As with anything in life, you only get out of it what you put into it. I know people who skated through traditional schools, and I know people who have skated through their online degrees. I also know people who have worked their A**es off in both and gain a vast amount of knowledge. I don't skate!

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Not Reccomended!, Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Written by Jessica

Overall Rating		1.0

I do NOT recommend Phoenix University. I obtained my Associate's Degree and then my Bachelor’s degree solely online. I love online education and thought Phoenix was the perfect school for me. Right from the start I learned I was very wrong. The financial aid staff consists of rude and unhelpful people. My financial aid was "misplaced" and a month later they are still unable to account for the money. The combination of my tuition reimbursement from my company and my loans produced a small refund, of which Phoenix has yet to release because they are unable to determine where the funds are. I am currently in the process of filing a formal complaint. The instructor's are uninvolved and rarely respond to student’s questions or concerns. I am two classes in and completely regret my decision to attend Phoenix. Overall this has been a horrible experience. I highly recommend online education just not with Phoenix. If you have heard something negative about Phoenix I am willing to bet it is 100% true.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

AA program is okay - BS is horrible..., Friday, 15 January 2010

Written by Jena

Overall Rating		2.0

If you are only interested in getting an AA (in your entire life), then I recommend UOP. If you wish to go further - be warned. At the BS level you are forced to work in "teams". This is the most horrible experience! You have no choice and can get paired with people who do not care about school, or are just stupid. I'm sorry, but it had to be said. I hold an AA from UOP and am an 'A' student on my own. But when I hit the BS program it was horrible. I could handle the work just fine on my own - but that's not what they want. You must work with 2-6 other people and it is really, truly horrible. And, do not think that you can get away from the program - once you start, you're stuck, unless you wish to scrap everything you've done and start over somewhere else. I've tried to transfer to every single college within driving distance around me and I've heard the same answer every time. They feel sorry for me and tell me that they would love to have me at their school - AS A FRESHMAN! In other words - no credits will transfer. So, now (like so many others) I am stuck. Either I suffer for the next 1 1/2 years carrying the work that is supposed to be done by an entire team - or I start over completely at another college. Pretty sucky options, if you ask me. Also, every time I go to another college, pleading my case, I am told that UOP is not a respected college. Among their peers, UOP is considered a joke - a cruel joke. My advice? Go local. Almost all colleges offer online programs now. I'm sorry I made the choice to sign with UOP. Every day I'm sorry.

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

6 classes remaining, Saturday, 15 August 2009

Written by Krista

Overall Rating		5.0

I have found that the negative comments always come from those former students what cannot hack this type of learning environment. I was skeptical about the value of my degree when I restarted this journey at UOP in 2007. I will tell you that this whole college journey for me is 31 years in the making. Back then in the late 70’s fresh out of high school the parents were paying for it and I wasn’t ready. Now at 50 and with 6 classes left, I would not have been able to obtain a degree any other way. My attitude to accomplish this is by any means necessary.
The team dynamic was the mortifying culprit upon my return. Until I ran across 2 women from other parts of the country who are in the same degree plan. We discovered follow a friend. Although not guaranteed we will/have moved through the degree plan together. When the class load, I’, the seeker, I jump in and ask if we can be on a team together. This cuts down the frustration of not knowing. My mates and I share the same academic integrity and academic accountability. I am glad to have journeyed with them.
Online learning demands excellent time management, focus and dedication. There are no do over’s, extra credit or make up assignments; classes change every 5 weeks. Because you are taking one class at a time, you concentrate and focus on what is required. The complainers that have crossed my path want to find fault because they were in a word plain and simple, slackers. When they fell behind and the grades tumbled it was the university’s fault. Yea right..

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