The Jesus factor

[burbuja0512]

I agree, but it's important to note that they have zero programs that one can completely 100% online. The minimum is 1 semester of residence, and most programs require more than that. So for folks unable to move to Cambridge, MA for a few months, these degrees are a non-option.

Yes, that's what kept me from considering them. Lol.. that and the high price. I would still love to get a certificate or something with them. I could pull it off for work purposes. I work from home, so anywhere is fine... I just couldn't afford to live in MA for a semester. So, until I get friends or family that move near the Harvard campus, it's not an option for me.

[cookderosa]

I agree, but it's important to note that they have zero programs that one can completely 100% online. The minimum is 1 semester of residence, and most programs require more than that. So for folks unable to move to Cambridge, MA for a few months, these degrees are a non-option.

What you can do (which was my plan) is use the summer sessions to meet your residency requirements. They cap your distance learning to 6/10 of your degree. So, you will need no fewer than 2 summer sessions. (they say 1 but it's 2 because of the proseminar and field study). A summer session is 7 weeks and you can stay on campus in the dorms...it'll cost you...but it's an option that is much easier than a 16 week semester.

[jmed]

What you can do (which was my plan) is use the summer sessions to meet your residency requirements. They cap your distance learning to 6/10 of your degree. So, you will need no fewer than 2 summer sessions. (they say 1 but it's 2 because of the proseminar and field study). A summer session is 7 weeks and you can stay on campus in the dorms...it'll cost you...but it's an option that is much easier than a 16 week semester.

Yes, easier than 4 months. But two separate 2 month sessions is rough.

I'm doing the Master's in Information Technology through them (already have the prereq/admission courses done, just need to finish this B.A. NatSci/Math to officially enroll) and there is no field study, so it is just one summer session.

I'm going to see if my employer will let me do some telecommuting when it comes time to do the summer session. If not, I'll do a long vacation and/or leave of absence.

Also, I like that they let you take whatever else you want, so I plan to take one IT class and one other class each semester (biology, economics, philosophy, political science, etc.)

Which program were you interested in, cook, that required field study? Biology? Environmental management?

[cookderosa]

Yes, easier than 4 months. But two separate 2 month sessions is rough.

I'm doing the Master's in Information Technology through them (already have the prereq/admission courses done, just need to finish this B.A. NatSci/Math to officially enroll) and there is no field study, so it is just one summer session.

I'm going to see if my employer will let me do some telecommuting when it comes time to do the summer session. If not, I'll do a long vacation and/or leave of absence.

Also, I like that they let you take whatever else you want, so I plan to take one IT class and one other class each semester (biology, economics, philosophy, political science, etc.)

Which program were you interested in, cook, that required field study? Biology? Environmental management?

I started, but dropped, the psychology program. It wasn't Harvard, it was me. I had never wanted to work in the field but wanted to do it "for fun" however, logic prevailed and I decided I wasn't in the right season for that kind of indulgence lol. But....it's still on my wish list. If, however, they added something in education I'd be all over it. I'm working toward 2 master's degrees and a new business, so I've got no free time (or money).

[videguy]

Going away to college when I got out of high school was a great experience and one I am glad I chose to take. You meet a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds and places. I wish I had continued at the time and finished. I am almost done now via an online program with a few credits received by testing.
There are many ways to pay for school, loans, grants, scholarships and other means. College may be expensive, but it is an investment in time and money that will pay off for the rest of your life. My college experiences can never be taken away from me and I learned a lot more out of the classroom then I did in.
If you are young and just out of high school, going to college is an experience you definitely want to take part in.

[MA2]

If you are young and just out of high school, going to college is an experience you definitely want to take part in.

And there is the problem with the American school system... college is not meant to be an "experience" it's meant to teach you what you need to know. It's always good to socialize, but that isn't the objective of higher learning, but it seems more and more people make it out to be that way. More importantly, however, not everyone is cut out for college, nor should everyone go to college. There are other ways you can make an honest living in the military, learning a trade, or by starting entry level somewhere and working your way up. It's the "go to college go to college!" mantra of U.S. high schools that has led to the watering down of the publics' education: More people have degrees but somehow we're less intelligent as a nation.

[videguy]

College should absolutely be an experience. You are there to learn and that should be your primary goal. For many it is also their first time out on their own where they must learn to be responsible learn to do things on their own. Their parents are not there to make them do things, they need to learn some self discipline. Those are things you don't learn in class, you learn by the experience of having to stay up all night to get a project done because you did not get it done ealier. You learn through experience that if you stayed out all night partying and did not study for that test. You will likely fail it. Most should have learned this long before college, but often there is a parent there to nag them about studying. If you go away to college your parents are not there to nag you to sudy for that test or get that project done before the night before it is due.
You are right that there are people who should not go to college. They are better suited to either a trade or other profession that does not require a college degree. There are definitely people in my current class that are wasting their money on classes toward a degree. The class is a lower level class required for most majors, so there are a lot of people in it. Many are likely to be weeded out as they get to higher level classes. This is one of the last classes I will be taking for my degree, I did notice as the classes became more difficult there were fewer people who made it through the classes.
High schools want to encourage people to get a degree as it is often a key to a better paying job and career advancement. This may not alwys be the case, but many companies use a degree as a tool to weed out who they will consider hiring for many jobs.

[MA2]

I don't need to pay 20k a year in tuition to know it's a bad idea to wait till the last minute to finish a project

[KyleH]

I don't need to pay 20k a year in tuition to know it's a bad idea to wait till the last minute to finish a project

I am adding this to my list of awesome "you need experience" comebacks.

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]In keeping with the theme of the thread - "The Jesus Factor" I pray that we can add comments that are not overly critical, self-centered, and at times seem to be a bit harsh and rude. :iagree:

Can I get an AMEN [SIZE="5"]+[/SIZE] ?![/COLOR] eeya: