How does the University of Phoenix Online test students?

If one is not going to do their entire degree at UoP, I would suggest that a check be performed to see if classwork performed at UoP is transferable to institutions one might want to attend later. Several years ago my daughter switched from coursework at a California State University to UoP due to work pressures. When she returned to the CSU, she found that none of her completed courses were acceptable. Apparently not everyone considers UoP an accredited institution on par with more traditional venues.

You may want to consider credit by examination. Even those that test horribly find exams like CLEP, DSST and ECE are not that difficult.

I believe UoP accepts CLEP, which you can earn up to 6 credits for one $60 exam. That can save you thousands in tuition.

DMITRY CHEPUSOV
----- Original Message -----
From: DMITRY CHEPUSOV
Newsgroups: BSM8.09-26.BM0558E-GEN300.Chat-Room
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 10:40 PM
Subject: Dmitry's last post

Hello all,
I just wanted to wish everyone luck in this class and briefly explain why I will no longer participate with Phoenix.

When I decided to take advantage of tuition assistance offered by the military, I gave several universities a call, and Phoenix was the most aggressive to respond and very willing to help. The "recruiter" who contacted me let me believe several false things about what this university could do for me, and I bought into the idea to attend Phoenix under false pretences. This is said not to discredit Phoenix or its employees, but just to explain my situation.

As a result of consecutive discoveries by me of how I was deceived in order to be secured as one of the university's students, I went over to the Navy College Campus located on base and spoke with several of the employees there. Through carefully chosen questions seasoned by my experience with Phoenix I learned the details about two very good schools which offered their services to me on-base for less than half the price of the Phoenix tuition, and all this within a real class atmosphere appealed to me over the Phoenix process.

I would have no problem continuing to attend this class, since it is already paid for by the Navy and since all of you are such a fun bunch, but there is no way to transfer this class to another college because it is so basic and Phoenix-specific. Instead of using my valuable time here and allowing this class to overlap another class that I intend to take with one of the on-base Universities, I decided to cut my losses before I run into week two and have to pay extra out of pocket expenses.

I don't want my circumstances or decision to influence or discourage anyone taking this course. Phoenix Online is definitely a unique and good learning environment. It just was not in accordance with my principals and wallet size.

I wish for all of you to complete the next four weeks in some great productive group work, and don't give up your goals to get those degrees! It is a very long process, but it is worth every missed hour of sleep, and every reddening of the reading eye. God speed, and good luck ladies and gentlemen.

Please do not reply to me on this post. Feel free to chat amongst yourselves about me and my decision, but please be aware that I will not be checking in on these class folders after tonight.
------
E-mail from enrollment councelor:

You are so funny Dmitry. Once again I understand your frustration, but I don’t understand your emotional instability. One minute you are fine, the next minute you’re slinging insults. You don’t know me and you don’t know my values, morals, or ethics. You have got nothing figured out with regards to me personally, so don’t attack me. I never did anything to mislead you, I gave you every piece of information you asked for and more. I wish that you felt different, but I am not responsible for your feelings, you are. Once again good luck, and take care.

Sincerely,

________

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Chepusov, Dmitry MCSR SUBASE Kings Base, N00C [mailto:dmitry.chepusov@navy.mil]
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 6:12 AM
To: ____________
Subject: RE:

Hi ________,

I thought I answered this question already when we spoke on the phone yesterday afternoon.

Just to make sure that you understood my reason I will briefly explain one more time;

I explained to you my financial situation when we first talked a few months ago. Perhaps you forgot this conversation because you are handling too many other prospective students, or you just thought that so long as you get me into the school, I will conform my budget and principles.

After explaining my expectations and requirements to you, I trusted you enough to not continue shopping around. You seemed confident that Phoenix was perfect for me. When I saw that I would have to dish out $510.00 out-of-pocket expenses for every upper level course, I visited the two colleges that we have on base, and their prices were more than affordable, their reputation much better, and their schedules more flexible than Phoenix. In other words, I was totally dissatisfied with Phoenix, and totally satisfied with the alternatives.

I believe that Phoenix provides a good learning environment. I think that this school's main flaw is the bullshit guys like you are willing to say to get guys like me to enroll. I want to thank you for all of your help. I think that my experience with Phoenix is actually a good topic for an article on predatory online schooling. I will do some research and get to the bottom of exactly what company you work for, how you get paid, and why you felt that getting me into Phoenix online was more important than meeting me needs and expectations as a student.

Online MBA programs – Stars and Stinkers

Bloggers continually debate the quality of colleges and universities that have online MBA programs; however, the arguments are usually more emotional than factual. My research has shown that there are both stars and stinkers in this important field of graduate study:

Morehead State University (Morehead, KY) is clearly a star. Its online MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the cost for residents and non-residents alike is a mere $990 per course.

Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY) is also a star. Its online MBA program is accredited by AACSB and the tuition is only $1,173 per course.

Strayer University Online (Newington, VA) falls into the stinker category, primarily because neither its undergraduate nor its graduate business degrees are accredited by AACSB. Moreover, the tuition is $1,730 per graduate course—almost twice that of Morehead State.

University of Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ) is also a stinker. Its business degrees are not accredited by AACSB, and the tuition is $1,764 for graduate courses. Additionally, this institution requires that instructors sign a “statement of faith” concerning their religious views.

Prospective students who wish to know more about these and other online MBA programs should go to http://www.geteducated.com/rankings/best_mbaaacsb.asp.

As a gradute of UoP, I've got both good and bad to say about the school. First, if you are an experienced professional who needs a degree, UoP is the fastest and easiest method. If you are looking for entry-level training, go somewhere else.

As far as "Tests" go, very few instructors gave tests for credit, with the exception of Math, which has no other way to measure your success. Credit for most UoP courses comes from:
1. Attendance
2. Individual homework assignments
3. Group Homework Assignments
4. Individual Presentations (on-ground classes only)
5. Group Presentation (on-ground classes only)

As an engineer with more than 20 years of technical experience, I did not need to learn a trade. However, I was laid off and found myself overqualified for tech jobs, and lacking the degree needed for professional positions.

In my case UoP was perfect, it offered me a chance to get a degree MUCH faster than the traditional schools The small, relaxed classroom environment, and the one class per week schedule made going back to school much easier for me (returning to school at the age of 42).

I can see where the costs can spook someone, especially if you have limited resources. In my case, I am a Disabled Veteran and went to school on Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. While the VA picked up ALL costs for my retraining, you have to be injured in the military to qualify... Even then it took me more than 17 years to get the VA to approve this!

Overall, there are certainly MUCH better schools out there than UoP, especially for those seeking entry-level training. However, I don't know of ANY school that gives an experienced professional a chance to earn a degree in as little time, and with as little hassle as UoP.

That's my take on the issue.

Cheers,
Travelin Neil

I believe UOP online is a horrible school to attend. I attend only because of it's 5 weeks classes. What I didn't like about the school is that their so called "Teachers" don't teach! This is a do it yourself school. I think 1500 dollar a course is rediculous if you're teaching yourself. There are no tests to show what you've learned. You can get a degree but learn absolutely nothing. They make you do TEAM work with students in different time zones. We're business people like we have time for that! I mean if you don't know how to work on a team by now then there's a problem. I would never recommend this school to anyone. Oh, and all your assignments are 5 page papers every week.

I have mixed feelings regarding the University of Phoenix. For one, I do feel that I was somewhat mislead by the enrollment advisor who was so over-eager to get me to matriculate that he lead me to believe that I would be able to waiver some of the previous Masters level coursework that I had obtained at a different University. After enrolling and spending a considerable amount of money, I was told that none of my credits (which are comparable and parallel to a few of my course requirements) are transferrable. That was quite upsetting. Additionally, I had planned to use my UoP Masters level degree as a way to make me a more competitive candidate for law school, but I now fear (after gaining further information about the university) that this program is not considered equally legitimate to other Universities from which students are applying. For this reason, I feel that this degree may have been a total waste of time; more professionally valuable (as in looks good on a resume' in SOME aspects) than academically (as in will help me in my continuing education).

I attended UOP for about a year and a half and thought it was ok. The reason I did leave though was my advisor. I don't know how they hire these people but they are awful. My first advisor just threw me in a class that was to start the next day. I had no books or nothing. He told me I would be alright and that I would not need the book until the second week and I would have it by then. Well I failed the class. Next thing I know he no longer works there. I still had to pay. My second advisor was really great, but then she left and I got a third advisor. She was the worst. I could not get a hold of her for almost 3 weeks. I would leave her messages and she never returned my call. Finally when I did get her she told me that she and the financial advisor are not early birds and have to drink there coffee in the morning and relax and check there messages in the afternoon and return there calls then. I guess for the three weeks I didn't hear from her someone must have switched the coffee to decaf. That is when I left. I actually would like to go back as far as the classes were concerned, but I would hate to get another advisor that has to have a cup of joe to talk on the phone.

I just signed up for classes at the UofP that start in August for the MBA. I have a BA in Communications from another university and I want to learn more in business so I can one day have my own business. I do plan on working at different companies to get experience. I feel that if you want to work for corporate America then it is great to go to the best schools but it you just need to get a better degree or will know that your're going to be running your own business then this is a great school to go to

WELL LET ME TELL YOU ALL A STORY!!! I attended the University of Phoenix online and had NOTHING but problems. First I live in IL and was not told anything by any of my adviors about tests and program verification forms. So when I graduated it took me five months to complete all my Illinois requirements and then UOP was so incompetent they lost everything I ever sent to them which kept me from getting a job for a YEAR!!! Every single month I had a different advisor or counselor and no one knew anything. I WOULD STAY FAR AWAY FROM UOP ONLINE!! I have a 24,000 dollar piece of paper that is worth NOTHING!!

P.S. Every time I called to speak to a supervisor they talked to me like a dog and I never got any satisifaction.

I have been attending UoP online for a little over a year now. I am due to finish in about another year. As far as my experience goes I would say that I am satisfied with UoP. Both my advisors are really cool and really helpful. I have never had any problems. From reading some of the posts I must have gotten lucky in this area. Anyhow I’m happy with my advisors. I would say that I learn a lot from the classes. I think this is because I have to read the material and understand it in order to participate, and do the assignments. Doing the assignments would not be possible unless I read the material. There have been a couple classes so far I have been disappointed in, but I think that was because I was disappointed with the teachers. The class was good, I learned a lot, but the teachers sucked. I do agree that the enrollment officers do try to get you to join up and will tell you just about anything to make it sound good. I asked if UoP online was accredited and she told me that they were both regionally and nationally accredited. Now I’m reading that they aren’t. I’m going to have to look into this a little more.

I would like to thank you for your time and patience. I'am looking forward to enrolling
in October.

They are not accredited by AACSB, but they ARE accredited by another accrediting board, and I know 2 real people that have gotten classes or degrees through them. I do agree that it is best for working professionals who simply need a degree to move up on their career ladder...I think at the end of the day the experience of a full time, regular brick-and-mortar college campus is still the most widely respected way to get an education. Also, the biggest downside to Phoenix is that there are no recruiters coming to campus to use as a way to get jobs, cause it's all online, so once you get the degree, you are fending for yourself. That is one advantage regular campuses have.

However, if you are a single parent or otherwise disadvantaged, then yes, it's a perfect way to get school done, and the upside if you have to work, is that if you are a poor person working near minimum wage with a family, you can get all but maybe $80 paid by FEDERAL financial aid, work to take care of yourself, and study whenever you have the time. THE SCHOOL HAS TO BE ACCREDITED BY A FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED AGENCY FOR IT TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE FEDERALL GRANTS AND LOANS TOWARDS YOUR TUITION. i went briefly and that's how my classes were paid for. AACSB is only one of several regional accrediting boards, and the Phoenix website will tell you who their accrediting agency is!

I understand and can see the downsides to Phoenix, but lets not lie on top of it.

UoP business programs are now AACSB accredited. I attend here now and I attended before the accreditation. Holy cow, it is soooooo much harder now. Word to the wise, if you don't have experience in your field which relates to your degree don't attend UoP.

I am in supply chain and this is what I am studying. It's a school for working professional, you have to be really motivated and already know what you are doing otherwise you will fail.

My advisors are sometimes busy and it may take a while for them to resolve an issue but I would rather work it out over a longer period of time via email and phone than sit in line for 3 hours to as a counselor one thing at my state university.

Also, why the hell are you worried about classes transferring? I wouldn't have gone back to school unless I knew for sure I was going to graduate no matter what. If you are still in the "I'm not really sure want I want to do" stage you should be at a community college.

This school is for working professional who know exactly what degree they need and are willing to do anything to get it. This isn't a school for people who want a degree because they know they are going to wish they had one someday.

Like I said, attend your community college if you are unsure about your passion and don't know exactly what you want to do. Man, I don't know why someone would think paying so much for a degree is a good idea unless they know a promotion at work or a better job is coming as a direct result.

Also, if you have to have a counselor explain to you how online classes work you should just be a secretary or something. Anyone who halfway smart could figure out how to get into and use an online course.....it's pretty self explanitory. I go to ground myself because it's cheaper. LOL oh man, I guess the world is full of tards who need to be "walked" to class. HAHAHA, make sure to bring your teacher an apple and a box of tissue.

If you are going to rely on a school's reputation then this is not the school for you. I am well respected at my company already, just need a degree. Relying on your degree's reputation for a job is for rich people and those who don't stick out as a bad ass and a leader in the real world.

Fact is, lots of jobs require degrees now but I know for a fact it doesn't matter where you graduated from if you are interviewing against me. They will hire me because you are a tool in your interview and the boss loves me so much he insists on dating his daughter. Man up, get it done no matter what.......scrubs.

Hi Dave,
I have recently enrolled in University of Phoenix online to program to pursue a bachelors in business, and have been very excited. Until, recently I was told by a few relatives and friends to check into it properly because of statements they heard that UoP was not properly accredited and that the work study I did would not be transferrable should I choose to transfer say to a community college or univerity in the future. Could you please shed some light on this for me I am very confused.

How do you administer placement testing or final exams for on line courses/classes?