University of Phoenix online college degrees: Pros and Cons

Today`s learning environment is full of opportunity and choice. The days of the brick and mortar college campus are not over, nor will they be anytime soon; however, going to school online is a growing opportunity that most colleges offer. The University of Phoenix online is one of the most noted and advertized schools that a potential student will see as he or she surfs the web for information about online schools. This article will highlight a few of the pros and cons of the University of Phoenix from the author’s personal experience.

I am an English major in college and I am also a student at University of Phoenix online. I started school in 2008 to obtain a degree in education and will graduate with a BA in English this summer (2012). As with most students I was caught between the idea of a traditional college campus and an online school; however, my business responsibilities at the time would not allow for traditional classes at a campus so, I went to University of Phoenix. This was why I chose an online school--it was a time issue. Going to school online at University of Phoenix has been perfect for me in regard to the flexibility of the online college environment--there is nothing like attending class in you shorts while eating breakfast. That being said--let`s get into the meat and potato`s of the pros and cons of the University of Phoenix as a potential choice for you.

Curriculum: Pro

As far as curriculum goes I would say that University of Phoenix has one of the best out there. I can honestly say that it is top notch. To give an example: My wife was attending University of Georgia as a graduate student while I was still in my associates program for education at the time. I was taking the same statistics classes that she was taking in her master`s degree program at UGA. This is only one example, the problem is that if you are not a self motivated individual you will not benefit from an online college program--you will waist time and money. I am the type of person who will work like hell without any accountability but I have been self employed for over 15 years--the online environment works for me.

Tuition: Con

Here is one of the cons at University of Phoenix. The tuition is extremely high comparatively. They will argue different I guarantee but $1200-$1500 dollars every five weeks to go to school is damn expensive--almost “Ivy League.” I am not sure what that works out to be per “credit hour” but I know it is way more than most local colleges here where I live in Georgia. And again, remember, you have access to instructors but it`s not like raising your hand in class. You need tremendous self discipline to do the online thing.

Student Services: Con

Sorry folks, but yes, another con. The student services at the University of Phoenix are beyond a joke. Unfortunately, if you are like me, you expect what you pay for. For $40,000 in student loans I want service--no matter how much I have complained both in person and on class reviews--it never gets better. The councilors are mostly students of University of Phoenix. Most of the councilors are very friendly, but frankly, lack any real knowledge of the job title they hold. The academic councilors are not nearly as bad as the financial councilors. Try figuring out University of Phoenix math when it comes to your disbursements and you will put any Algebra professor to shame. I have never had a financial councilor who was able to tell me when, or even a ballpark of when, I would get my disbursement money.

Website and classes: Pro

In regard to the University of Phoenix online website, classes, and other amenities, I would give it a five star rating. They do provide a great communication feature similar to FaceBook, and, the University Library is fantastic indeed. The moderators of the online community are always on watch for anything negative about the university or offensive to others based on religion, sexual orientation, or race. There are some sororities and fraternities but I am not sure how legitimate their charters are.

In the final analysis: I am proud of my education and I have worked very hard. I have received a good education from University of Phoenix online; however, I would never recommend the school. Once I realized how bad things were it was too late and I decided to stick it out to the end. I am not sure if their credits are transferable--there are arguments both ways on that one. If I had it to do over I would not attend University of Phoenix and I am not sure I would go to school online. I plan to pursue my masters in English but I will certainly not go to University of Phoenix to do it.

For those students who go to the UoP, I am giving my personal experience and it may not be the same as yours; for potential students, I would highly recommend you explore all your options before you sign the dotted line.