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.

User reviews

Average user rating from: 5 user(s)

Overall Rating		4.8

 

Add new review

Add new review

Your name:*

Your email address (it will not be published):*

Review title:


Ratings (the higher the better)

Overall Rating

Rate it 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:

8 of 8 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..

Was this review helpful to you?    

Report this review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

Axia/UOP, Saturday, 20 June 2009

Written by Angela

Overall Rating		5.0

I have just completed my entire AA in accounting at Axia college of the University of Phoenix. I worked hard and graduated with a 3.96 GPA. I found the coursework challenging but managed to maintain my work and personal life just fine.

I appreciated the flexability of their program. Several times over the past (3) years I needed to take time off between blocks. An email and a phone call made it happen every time. I moved three times, purchased a home, got married and took care of my mom after she recovered from major surgery...all the while being a successful student and working full-time.

I think an on-line program is much more difficult than a ground campus and requires a significant degree of motivation and excellent time management skills. I recommend on-line education for anyone that wants to obtain a college degree while successfully managing all the other areas of ones life.

Was this review helpful to you?    

Report this review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

UOP, Friday, 01 May 2009

Written by Brandon G

Overall Rating		5.0

I have been attending UoP for about 5 months I was prior Air Force so they took a lot of my credits. I spent all night last night reading all these horrible comments about the school. People have so much negative stuff to say about the school and I don't understand why. They have a huge affiliation with the military so I think having a degree from their and trying to obtain a government job will not be a problem. The folks who post those nasty comments about UoP are people who are brand name associated which means they think that someone with a Harvard degree are better than someone with a degree from any other university. To me I think you get the same education. Here is a situation you have candidate A from Haravrd and candidate B from UoP. Candidate A likes to party, he kisses butt, backstabber etc. Candidate B a man with a family who work hard his whole life, honest, dedicated etc. Come on who would you hire? People really need to open up their eyes I have nothing bad to say about Phoenix.

Was this review helpful to you?    

Report this review

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

It's True - You only get out what you put in., Monday, 30 March 2009

Written by Kari

Overall Rating		4.0

I decided to attend Axia College of University of Phoenix after attending several other colleges. I finally finished my last classes last week for my Associate's in Accounting. The course load is heavy, but your education is really what you put into it. I never felt like I was getting a sub par education and had to work my butt off to maintain my 3.5 grade point average. There were a couple instructors that were not necessarily helpful, but that is not unique to University of Phoenix. You can find bad instructors every where. I feel that I learned a lot and received a great education. I will be starting their Bachelor's program for accounting in May 09 and look forward to obtaining that.

One thing to remember is that a lot of people are quick to write many negative reviews online. Some reviews I have read mentioned the work load was too heavy for them. There were many nights I was up late reading and reviewing course work so that I knew I had it down. Time management is the most important thing you can learn if you think online courses are for you. This is not a run in the park, you have to figure out how to manage a full-time job, family, and course work. Other reviews mention that financial aid is a hassle. Let me say that financial aid is a hassle every where. University of Phoenix is one of the only schools that I have not had a problem with, but I must mention that I stayed on top of my financial aid and know what is paid, when they are pulling loans, and asked many questions if something concerned me. My financial aid counselor was great and quick to respond.

I did have one academic counselor that was not much help, but requested a new counselor and was given one that was absolutely great. He was quick to respond and was very patient and helpful with all my questions. What you take away from any program (online or in a traditional classroom) is up to you. I personally would rather study and learn information at home than sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures. Given that my life and day-to-day activities will not allow me to go to a traditional school, University of Phoenix works well for me. My goal is to go on and obtain my Master's in Accounting and sit for the CPA exam. As long as I study hard and remain on course, my goals can be accomplished through University of Phoenix and I am glad to have that option.

Was this review helpful to you?    

Report this review

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

University of Phoenix, Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Written by Christopher

Overall Rating		5.0

I am a current student at the University of Phoenix Online Campus, and I have only 12 more credits until I obtain an Associates Degree in General Studies.

I am also an active duty Marine, and I have nothing but good things to say about UOP. Their classes are challenging, their assignments are tied in to real life situations, their instructors all hold Doctorate degrees, and their enrollment/academic councilors call you randomly - just to say hi.

People have this misconception about UOP, do yourself a favor and enroll in a course - see if you have the discipline and time management skills required in order to succeed.

Was this review helpful to you?    

Report this review