Is The University of Phoenix right for you?
The University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix Online is a for-profit higher education institution that caters to nontraditional adult students. The University of Phoenix has campuses in 38 states, 2 Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, and they also offer an extensive online distance learning program. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in business, education, health care, social and behavioral sciences, and technology . Students are required to work with others outside of class or online in learning teams.
Is this new way of looking at adult education a good choice for your needs? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider if you are considering taking classes from the University of Phoenix.
Advantages to the University of Phoenix
- Unlike most traditional higher learning institutions, The University of Phoenix strongly caters to the needs of nontraditional adult students. Instructors assume you have a busy schedule.
- As part of a commitment to adult learners, classes are offered frequently to accommodate different schedules and only meet once a week. Online classes also are available, as are classes that combine online and classroom learning.
- There's no entrance exam for undergraduate classes and no stringent admission requirements. Students who did poorly in high school and might not qualify for other programs in effect can have a "second chance." Incoming students are required to have a high school diploma or GED, and access to a work environment is strongly preferred to enhance the "real life" adult learning experience.
- Classes are practical and hands-on and strongly emphasize real world experience.
- While graduation times vary, students can typically get degrees at a faster rate than at traditional schools. Classes are paced quickly.
- The University of Phoenix gives you an opportunity to meet adult students in similar situations to yours, and can lead to great networking opportunities.
Disadvantages to the University of Phoenix
- The teaching quality at the University of Phoenix has been the subject of debate, as was reported by the New York Times. Websites have been compiled of student complaints that instructors are unqualified and inattentive and that financial aid has been handled carelessly.
- The University of Phoenix has a graduation rate of only 16 percent.
- Although programs at the University of Phoenix are regionally accredited, most degree programs do not meet the same level of professional accreditation as more traditional institutions of higher learning.
- While many employers respect a degree and coursework from the University of Phoenix and similar institutions, others do not and prefer to see students with more traditional degrees.
- The University of Phoenix relies heavily on group work (what they call "learning teams.") This learning style works well for many students, but if you're not a fan of group work, this can be a big disadvantage. Remember, admission standards are very low, so it's quite possible for a student to wind up in a group with underqualified fellow students.
- The quick pace of University of Phoenix classes is not for everybody.
- Although the flexibility of the University of Phoenix campus and e-campus experience may benefit many working adults, the experience of being on a traditional college campus is lost.
Like all programs, the University of Phoenix is more beneficial to some students than others, so take the time to investigate your options. Read the University of Phoenix's website, and visit a campus. Listen to what recruiters have to say, but remember, they are recruiters, so weight their advice carefully. Talk to people who have attended the University of Phoenix, and read reviews of satisfied and unsatisfied students online. Also, be sure to consider other options, such as traditional institutions that offer programs that cater to nontraditional students. Look into community college programs and university learning programs geared towards adult students.
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Advantages and disadvantages of online classes
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Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
