University of Phoenix

The University was not helpful in resolving this at the lower level and almost seem as they didn't care. Needless to say I had to get legal help to get my degree and the authorization to sit for my boards. It took me 6 months for this whole process. However, I still remained on top of my game and passed my boards despite the time and restraints the University tried to place on me. If it wasn't for my legal help I would still be at standstill with this school. This was a nightmare and I am glad it is over. Please do yourself a favor and run from this school or any For-Profit School if you can avoid it. They are not about the student but for money. I know people who were in the same situation I am in at UPOX and other For Profit School.

I have read some reviews where classes put you in teams for projects and yes it can be tough but like everything it’s all about communication. I’ve had great teams in most classes where EVERYONE pulled their weight and only one class where there wasn’t much communication with my team and was forced to do most of the work. But honestly that has also happened at a brick and mortar college class for me so it was no different other than the teacher automatically picking the teams for us at UOPHX. The instructors have been great. I have always been in contact with instructors whenever I had a question about something but there is also a class forum to ask questions where the instructor or peers can answer questions for you. I feel like I’ve gotten a quality education so far.

I’m practically done with my Gen Ed and by Oct will start phase one of the teachers' program. I’m very happy with everything and grateful to have a great counselor whom I can ask questions about the program with or even about financial questions. While, yes, it may not be for everyone and maybe I’ve just lucked out but you do get what you put in and I’ve put in a lot of work to get this far and it’s been an amazing experience so far. Hope this has helped in making a decision to join. There is no better time than the present to make a change for the better. Good luck!!!

I should've known that something was amiss when the very first professor (who shall remain nameless and is now thankfully retired from the department) told everyone in our first class on the first day that only about 10% of us "deserved" to become teachers. Even though I had a terrible first impression, I still stuck with a program for another semester before concluding that the UCCS college education just wasn't going to give me the kind of education I needed to make a difference in the world.

So, Being the kind of person who had been running his own business with his father for close to 10 years, I decided to look elsewhere to earn the necessary credentials to enter the education profession. Enter the University of Phoenix. It can't be stressed enough: at the time this college was absolutely on the cutting edge of higher education. It was able to deliver curriculum and credits in a hybrid model online where you would do your work a couple days a week in person and still have to complete extra work at night with groups.

I have to say that although the University of phoenix has received much deserved negative scrutiny for being a "diploma mill" in its schools of business etc..., I found the education masters program in Colorado Springs to be highly complex and rather difficult to complete. In fact, of the two hundred or so students in my graduating class of 2004 only about half actually completed the Masters. Honestly, the program was hard as hell because it was designed to be just as difficult and valid of an educational training program as any four-year university or graduate school, but it was marketed to us working professionals who already had been busy working in actual careers for a few years. I remember completing HUNDREDS of hours of observational practicum as well as student teaching before being credentialed.

There is a caveat to this story. I have to say that since the early 2000's, the UCCS college of education has vastly improved - and I am now friends with a number of different faculty members in the UCCS Ed Dept. Although as with any University there is still "dead weight," I would rate it much higher NOW than a degree from Univ of Phoenix. in education. That said, in the early 2000s the University of Phoenix was a much superior education program to UCCS. And I must say the proof is in the pudding. Since earning my master's degree as well as my principal's license back in 2004, I've gone on to enjoy a very successful career in education. I saw my salary raise each year because of my credentials earned at Univ. of Phoenix and also had opportunities open up to me as a college lecturer. None of that would've been possible if I had simply gone from my teaching license as UCCS was offering back then.

As far as the structure of the Master's program at the University of Phoenix, It took me approximately 4 1/2 years to complete. After this I was identified as an educational leader by the now retired director of the program Dr. Genevieve ** PhD. and I went on to earn my principles license. I spent approximately $25,000 getting these credentials, which truly allowed me to realize my dream of becoming a teacher and future influencer. When I look back at it now, I realize that the University of Phoenix was an unbelievably "Best Buy" value for what I gained and what I actually paid. I was able to secure Stafford Loans at 1.625% interest. At UCCS I was looking at taking out loans in excess of $50,000 and that interest rates that were closer to 5%. The financial choice was clear back in the early 2000s.

Today I must say it is clearly a different story, but I would never stop anyone from earning a degree at either institution. Investing in one's self is truly priceless and you will want to shop around as a frugal, financially shrewd consumer to make sure that you're getting the best value for your hard earned dollar. Clearly, anyone reading my review will need to do their own research to make sure they are making the best financial move. But I will simply say that any prospective student should visit the campus as well as speak to the faculty before making any educational decision.

I know there are a lot of negative comments about the new blackboard. Honestly, I think it works a lot better and gives me less time reading discussions and concentrating more on the course reading. But like all things, you need to apply yourself and put in the work. As a manager, to me this shows dedication and drive to be able to get through these classes. However, online school isn't for everyone. Make sure you're doing your research before committing to any school. I spent almost a year before I decided on taking my degree program with UOP.