Critique of Coursera and edX

[jsd]

And your own numbers said that 70% of that workforce is doing it with an associates. The demand isn't there since the product isn't necessary to succeed in the field. If the demand was there, institutions would be chasing the money. But, judging by the stats you provided, it's just not there.

[Life Long Learning]

And your own numbers said that 70% of that workforce is doing it with an associates. The demand isn't there since the product isn't necessary to succeed in the field. If the demand was there, institutions would be chasing the money. But, judging by the stats you provided, it's just not there.

My son was just told an EMT with a BS is paid 7% more from the start.  A newbie coming in will benefit.  I know a recently retired state police Major who can't get a second job (AS only).  Most Chief jobs all demand a BS.  Like all professions, a paper is becoming the norm.  Getting into some fire courses now require a BS (new).  Universities tend to be out of touch with many professions.  Community colleges are not and try.  That was a business professor and advisor to the Governor of California who said that on the radio.  I agree with him.

[jsd]

You're telling me 70% of the field has only an associates, but at the same time bachelors are now becoming the norm (at 30%?) and in some instances a requirement. Honestly it sounds like we're talking about two different things. And since I'm going entirely off what you're telling me (I'm not involved in the field nor interested in doing the research for these stats myself), I'll bow out since the discussion isn't really clear. The only point I was trying to make was that CBE programs know their bread and butter -- primarily Business degree programs, where there is never a lack of customers nor the need to invest in creating niche degree programs.

[MNomadic]

You're telling me 70% of the field has only an associates, but at the same time bachelors are now becoming the norm (at 30%?) and in some instances a requirement. Honestly it sounds like we're talking about two different things. And since I'm going entirely off what you're telling me (I'm not involved in the field nor interested in doing the research for these stats myself), I'll bow out since the discussion isn't really clear. The only point I was trying to make was that CBE programs know their bread and butter -- primarily Business degree programs, where there is never a lack of customers nor the need to invest in creating niche degree programs.

I feel like in a few years the online/CBE business degree market will be oversaturated. Not saying there's a problem with having a lot of options but those degree providers/colleges/universities are going to have a hard time getting more competitive in a red ocean. I think there's definitely room to expand those types of degrees into more fields over time.

[sanantone]

I think APUS has a competency-based program in criminal justice. Excelsior has some test-based program. Criminal justice programs are definitely popular (more popular than they should be), but they're not that important for police to have. I've seen many high-ranking police officers with non-CJ degrees because departments mostly don't care what your degree is in. Just having a bachelor's makes you stand out. Having a master's makes you even more of an outlier.

There are many academies in fire, EMS, and law enforcement that are combined with associate's degree programs at CCs. It might just be easier to get your training and 2-year degree at the same time. Most of the training is only worth LL credit. After that, almost any degree will do for firefighters and police. Public administration is a popular program among emergency responders. Many police officers will recommend not getting a CJ-related degree. So many officers leave the field in about 10 years or so, and the CJ degree will only pigeonhole them.

I'm an advocate for police officers being more educated, but there's no evidence that CJ programs benefit them more than other programs. I, honestly, believe they should study sociology or psychology instead because so many police officers have poor communication skills and don't know how to deescalate situations.

[jsd]

APUS has competency based programs?

[armstrongsubero]

@jsd they're called 'momentum'

[sanantone]

APUS has competency based programs?

Yes, they also have programs in fire science management and emergency & disaster management. 

https://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/degree...entum.html

[MNomadic]

APUS has competency based programs?

Yes, they also have programs in fire science management and emergency & disaster management. 

https://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/degree...entum.html

It seems interesting but students can't use VA or federal student aid with that program.

[jsd]

Wow, thanks guys. I had never seen anything about this program.

the BA in Criminal Justice makes sense but the other three are surprising. BA in Retail Management??

I have no idea how long these have been around, but it would be great to see them expand these programs. Especially if they keep doing these tracks we don't see anywhere else (and maybe dip into the graduate level).