Would You Like Another Online Degree? Why Yes, Thank You

Posted by Jeff Davis on April 17th, 2009

Not only am I considering earning another online degree, I’ve already started on one. Once I completed my online Bachelor’s degree program, I told myself over and over that I would not even contemplate a Graduate degree program for at least a year so that I could give my mind a rest and take a much needed break. However, it didn’t quite work out that way. I finished my online education in April and by November, I was eager to start school and start learning again. Well, here I am smack dab in the middle of a Master’s degree program and of course, it’s another online program. I wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since I already know that a traditional school wouldn’t offer me the flexibility I need for my hectic schedule.

After looking at some various options as to which program was right for me and which online school I wanted to attend, I came to the conclusion that the school from which I just graduated, seemed to provide me with the best opportunity for meeting my overall goals in the long run. I am now approximately halfway through my Master’s degree program at the University of Phoenix and am starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel (or it could just be my eyes playing tricks on me from being so tired). I am looking forward to graduating in about 6 months now and being able to utilize what I’ve learned into my professional career.

I don’t feel that I have done anything different this time around than in my online undergraduate degree. However, I do notice that there seems to be more work involved and is therefore taking up more of my time each week. So, for those of you who may be considering embarking upon the journey of obtaining a graduate degree online, listen closely. There is work involved, just as if you were going to a traditional school. My best advice for anyone considering returning to school to pursue another degree in the online environment is to do your homework and comparison shopping wisely in order to get exactly what you are looking for. I am noticing more and more traditional schools coming online with their degree programs each and every day. I can imagine that it won’t be long before the majority of all schools offer the traditional classroom environment or the online classroom environment for all students. In fact, they may have to do this in order to compete for students because the online enrollment is growing by leaps and bounds.

University of Phoenix: Undergrad IT Program

Posted by Jeff Davis on February 3rd, 2009

My online program of study was a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology curriculum which combined networking, communications, computer programming, and systems development and analysis. This particular program was focused on acquiring the theories and technical competencies that are typically associated with the information technology profession. The courses I took provided me with a fundamental knowledge and application in both the information systems function and in systems development.

My program basically covered 5 main content areas: Business Systems Development, Programming and Operating Systems, Database Management, Networks and Telecommunications, and Web Management. Each of these specific areas had multiple classes and are really too numerous for me to list all of them here.

Since I had already obtained an associate degree in prior years, I was able to transfer those credit hours and apply towards this degree. Therefore I only needed to complete half of the coursework that was required for this undergraduate degree. Upon successfully completing the program, graduating with this degree gave me the ability to successfully perform and obtain desired outcomes in a variety of information system and technology environments and to develop, maintain, and apply information technology skills to support the strategic goals and objectives of my current organization.

I feel that this program lived up to its ability to properly prepare me with the competencies, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in the workplace. It gave me a basis on which to work with while allowing for growth in my career, to continue learning as an IT professional, and to pursue a graduate degree in the future. Even if you are not working in the information technology field right now and have no prior computer experience, this program can help to pave the way for a career in computer information systems.