What did your families think?

[Nixi]

My family was just glad I graduated  

[cookderosa]

So, I discussed with my Mother the route I am taking for obtaining my degree and with her being somebody with a Masters from a good institution, she tried to claim that I’m not earning a legitimate degree since it isn’t being handled the “traditional way”.  With going through that lovely conversation, it made me wonder how many of you — especially those of you who have earned your degree(s) through this process, have experienced family or friends that thought taking accelerated & at-your-own-pace courses was junk?

I'm not going to "go there" and explain why "I" think your mom is wrong- it doesn't matter. Instead, as a 49-year-old with a Master's from a good institution, I'll simply say that when you ask for advice, you'll get it. If you want to take your mom's advice, you should. She's your mom and I'm sure she loves you deeply. My mom, otoh, didn't get a vote. I didn't ask her advice or permission - I simply informed her what I was doing. But, in fairness, it's been a lot of years since I've asked my parent's permission or approval in any way, so when I hear this, I kinda think this won't be nearly the problem for you in 10 years as it is today.

[studyandpass5]

So, I discussed with my Mother the route I am taking for obtaining my degree and with her being somebody with a Masters from a good institution, she tried to claim that I’m not earning a legitimate degree since it isn’t being handled the “traditional way”.  With going through that lovely conversation, it made me wonder how many of you — especially those of you who have earned your degree(s) through this process, have experienced family or friends that thought taking accelerated & at-your-own-pace courses was junk?

My entire family has been extremely supportive of me going the "non-traditional" way, even extended family. My two sisters also graduated from TESU by the same method.
I will say, though, some people outside of our family do not "get" it. When my sisters and I told someone what we were doing, he was kind of huffy and clearly didn't think highly of the online method. You will always get some people who do not agree with your choice, but then others will be very supportive. Like others have said, do what works best for you! Don't worry about what other people will think just because it's "non-traditional." 
I personally chose this route because I didn't want to be $40k (or more!) in debt. I have found that people tend to understand more when I tell them that.

[ThatBankDude]

My MBA is from a reputable B&M university here in Southern Oklahoma and my MS will be from a top state university...both done 100% online and both 100% respected by my family. They saw the work I put in and will continue to put in.

[BrighterFuture88]

So, I discussed with my Mother the route I am taking for obtaining my degree and with her being somebody with a Masters from a good institution, she tried to claim that I’m not earning a legitimate degree since it isn’t being handled the “traditional way”.  With going through that lovely conversation, it made me wonder how many of you — especially those of you who have earned your degree(s) through this process, have experienced family or friends that thought taking accelerated & at-your-own-pace courses was junk?

I'm not going to "go there" and explain why "I" think your mom is wrong- it doesn't matter.  Instead, as a 49-year-old with a Master's from a good institution, I'll simply say that when you ask for advice, you'll get it.  If you want to take your mom's advice, you should.  She's your mom and I'm sure she loves you deeply.  My mom, otoh, didn't get a vote. I didn't ask her advice or permission - I simply informed her what I was doing.  But, in fairness, it's been a lot of years since I've asked my parent's permission or approval in any way, so when I hear this, I kinda think this won't be nearly the problem for you in 10 years as it is today.

Yep.  I didn't take her advice in any way and have just been busting my butt on finishing my TEEX courses knowing that I'm already making great progress.  I'm going all the way on this

[MSK9]

Yes I know. What I was referring to was someone who earns a degree through TESU using only alternative credits for all courses including sciences. In order to go medical school, a student must take at least some graded University coursework in the Sciences, whereas some big 3 students on this board don't have any of that at all.

Those students would not be able to go to law or medical school or other professional schools without taking additional coursework. I'm glad you found success in medical school with your TESU degree. I saw your thread and I'm quite impressed.

I understand and that is accurate. On a side note, thank you for the compliment. I don't want to give anyone the impression I'm trying to lord over any person or topic on this stuff, I just look out for info related to medical stuff and make sure it's as accurate as possible in the event another person like me comes here for help. 

[natshar]

Yes I know. What I was referring to was someone who earns a degree through TESU using only alternative credits for all courses including sciences. In order to go medical school, a student must take at least some graded University coursework in the Sciences, whereas some big 3 students on this board don't have any of that at all.

Those students would not be able to go to law or medical school or other professional schools without taking additional coursework. I'm glad you found success in medical school with your TESU degree. I saw your thread and I'm quite impressed.

I understand and that is accurate. On a side note, thank you for the compliment. I don't want to give anyone the impression I'm trying to lord over any person or topic on this stuff, I just look out for info related to medical stuff and make sure it's as accurate as possible in the event another person like me comes here for help. 

I thought it was funny someone tried to tell you were wrong by saying two of best medical schools in the country wouldn't accept online sciences. No duh.  Anyone desires to go to a top tier medical school (yale, columbia, hopkins, harvard, etc.) should probably avoid the big 3 or any online school for undergrad. But it was good and accurate information know I guess.

But it is good to know, that online sciences are accepted a lot of medical schools across the country and prior to your thread, I had no idea any of that was possible.

[Rustydroid]

I think online is where a lot of education is heading. I've gone to a local community college and a lot of my classes done online and the professor just discusses whatever issues we encounter. Its called a flipped classroom and I've been encountering it more often lately.
From personal experience I've done most of my learning on my own. My first Accounting class I failed my first exam due to just not getting the material. After watching a CPA explain it on Youtube and repeating the video I finally got Credits and Debits and other things. Went to get an A on that class.
A lot of my coworkers including nurse's and my manager have gotten their advanced degrees online. My buddy's wife is getting her Master's at the Grand Canyon University and is going to be teaching Nursing at a local community college soon.

[quigongene]

I've had chats with people who have looked down on online degrees. When asked about WGU, I tell them "WGU is accredited by the same accreditation body as BYU, UNLV and The University of Washington". That usually kills the "online degree" argument.

[Supermind]

In that sense, TESU is accredited by the same body (MSCHE) as John Hopkins, Columbia, and U-Penn.
My family has been extremely supportive of my decision, and very proud of how I managed to complete a BA-LS in about 10 months. My parents think the degree is merely a foot in the door, but what I make of my life with it is entirely in my hands. Some friends/relatives do question if this degree would be respected in the same way as traditional universities. But I think their doubt does not arise because it is TESU, or because it all happens online. Their doubts primarily arise because it is self-paced, and allowed me to complete in less than a year.