I was once an employee of Apollo Group (mother company for University of Phoenix). Though I am not totally pleased with my employment experience, I have a great appreciation for my educational experience. University of Phoenix is not UOP, by the way --that would be University of the Pacific. University of Phoenix is affectionately known as UoPX. Now for the "education":
Cindy Wrote:
"Ann, You obviously did not do your homework! How dare you shoot from the hip when it comes to something as sensitive as this.."
Ann Responded:
((rolling my eyes)) Shoot from the hip? It is a fact that UOP credit WILL NOT transfer to a lot of national universities herein the U.S., to include University of Arizona! That is fact, and I've obviously done my "homework".
My Response:
I never understood why people feel the need to be demeaning and/or insulting others in an attempt to share information. I promise not to do that. Instead, I will use proper resources.
Ann, there is a reason why credits don't transfer from school to school, and it has to do with accreditation and school-type. The Department of Education (DoE) is required to publish the list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies that selects schools based on the quality of education or training provided by the institutions of higher education and the higher education programs they accredit. Solid accreditation in the U.S. is only that which is recognized by the DoE. Institutional accreditation is either national or regional, and there is also specialized. Credits obtained by any of them are not interchangeable (use this link for more info: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/FAQAccr.aspx).
Further, semester credits don't transfer evenly with quarter credits. If a student wants to transfer credits, they should consider the type of accreditation their current school has, whether the home school uses semester or quarter hours, and choose a new school that is comparable in both areas. The most favorable option is to start a school, attend that school, and graduate from that school...but if for some emergent reason, that's not possible, it makes more sense to attend a school that offers more options such as online or blended format courses.
*University of Phoenix is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission --which is recognized by the DoE. University of Phoenix uses semester credits. If you attend, your credits will transfer evenly to any school with the same accreditation that uses semester credits.
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Cindy stated:
"Do you know the concept behind distance education and the online environment? Do you know how UoP came into existence..."
Ann responded:
Cindy,you didn't pay attention in your UOP Critical Thinking class. What does the history of UOP have anything to do with UOPs ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE LEVEL? I'll tell you... absolutely nothing. You're getting emotional and its affecting your ability to give a quantitative and analytical rebuttal.
My response:
Ann, the history of UoPX has a lot to do with the academic performance level. University of Phoenix is the pioneer of the online learning environment/distant learning and many other conveniences such as evening classes, flexible scheduling, continuous enrollment, a university-wide academic social network, online classes, a digital library and computer simulations. The University has 20 years of experience in online education —a kind of education that's research-proven to be just as effective as conventional instruction (use this link for more info: http://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/about_university_of_phoenix.html). The academic performance level is much easier to obtain when modality and organizational tools are in place and have been in place for such a long time. As an alumni, I can tell you that I've done plenty of research and navigated through many student web portals, and have not seen one more comprehensive, easy to use, advanced, and resourceful. The onus of education is really on the student --the school is responsible for providing appropriate tools and resources. Quality instructors, resource materials, and educational environment, which University of Phoenix adequately provides. Also, the school would have lost it's accreditation if they did not continue to meet quality academic standards.
Cindy stated:
"Well, let me give you a crash course before you go shooting your mouth again... Univ. of Phoenix is the
brain child of a professor who saw ordinary people struggle to go to class, to physically go to class. He therefore offered another option for Professional Development...I am talking about people who actually have a life...I have four children and a full-time job. I want to progress. "
Ann responded:
((sigh)) okaaay, and what does all of that have to do with the FACT that a UOP degree is a LOT easier to obtain, than degrees at MOST U.S. NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES TEIR 1-4? Don't give us a watered down history lesson of UOP, the business model of UOP as an Appollo Group entity is great.. after all it started as a huge money making
cash cow, but for STUDENTS, University of Phoenix is a easy-breezy education for *most*, used simply as a stepping stone to a promotion at work, or a method to fast track to more advance degrees at a traditional
National University.
My response:
University of Phoenix IS easier. Not because the courses are not challenging, or the material is a simple, elementary level. It is easier because it is comprehensive, organized, and flows well. For each course I attended, the syllabus was well-laid, I knew everything that was expected of me before the course started, and all of my tools were easily and readily available. I understood the requirements and the course objectives. The rules of the game were clear, and never changed. I was expected to do hard work, but they made it as easy as possible to get done. This is what made my educational experience "easy". I think going to school SHOULD be this kind of easy!
Cindy stated:
"Progression was made possible for me and for thousands of others because of the hard work that we put into our
studies. I had countless papers to produce, and I'm still traumatized by that Statistics course that I had to pass with a B minimum! The realworld scenarious presented during my online courses has taught me empathy and professionalism."
Ann responded:
(((((sigh))))) You were traumatized by the Statistics course at UOP? I took Stats I and II at UOP and although I got an A- (docked for attendance because I missed several classes due to work) but still did very well on the exams. The stats class at UOP is a lot easier than taking it at most colleges here in the U.S.. I'm glad you got through stats (one of my favorite courses),but I think you lack real-world knowledge about quality education.
There is NO WAY University of Phoenix would be considered higher than a Teir 4 school (the lowest teir)... check it out.
Please further explain what YOU consider to be "quality education". For me, it has to do with how much I learn, how well I learn it, and whether I'm able to apply the information to my field of study. What else is there? I think some people look for their steak to be served on earthenware or bone china. It's nice, but very expensive and highly unnecessary. A filet mignon will taste relatively the same on paper plates. For you, is quality education more about the quality of the meat, or the quality of the table service?
Cindy stated:
"I don't know where you get off second-guessing the effort that I put into my studies. I have made a number of sacrifices to obtain my Master's Degree. You have no authority to devalue that any less had I obtained my degree
through a "Real" university. In this era of Information overload, a virtual classroom is the next best thing to sliced bread."
Ann responded::
You're wrong ma'am. I do have the right to say what I want about UOP basically as long as its not a lie. * I CHALLENGE you and or a UOP employee to dispute my FACTS. The word "real" wasn't used in the context of brick-and-mortar. I used the word "real university" in my original post, referring to universities and colleges in the U.S. that have met a reasonable standard of rigor.
My response:
I suppose I am the (former) UoPX employee that will dispute your opinion. The fact is, the Department of Education recognizes University of Phoenix as a university in the U.S. that has met a more than reasonable standard of rigor. They have a greater say-so in the matter than you or I.
Cindy stated:
"You advocate for online learning, but not for UoP? What is the difference? You're really not making any sense to me..."
Ann responded:
It doesn't make sense to you because you are seemingly having trouble comprehending my original post. Online learning is great, but *most* educators/professors will tell you that online credit from, University of Kansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma, etc., etc..will most likely transfer to other universities where credit from UOP in comparison, *more often DOES NOT*. Now... DISPUTE THAT FACT PLEASE.
Also,
*most* teir 1-2 graduate schools in the U.S., that consider the RIGOR of your undergraduate study(ies) as part of your application to their graduate school, DO NOT CONSIDER UOP A RIGOROUS institution of study...
although they have to accept the degree if your competitive in the other aspects of your application.
**** Now... have a professor,
admissions officer, or dean from A TEIR 1-2, U.S. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, come to this forum and dispute that fact ! I CHALLENGE YOU :) In all fairness, have them leave their name, title and university in which the represent in the post so we know they're real.
My response:
University of Phoenix is fully accredited. That includes all modalities of learning. The credits will transfer to schools who are comparably regionally accredited, and EVENLY (all credits) transfer to schools that use semester credits. Educators/Professors are NOT the authority on credit transfer. That is determined by the school of choice. Further, I'm not sure I understand why the conversation is more targeted towards transfers (which should only be done in emergencies), than towards graduating. Being afraid of not being able to transfer speaks volume on intent, confidence, stability, and wherewithal. It reminds me of people who are more concerned about all the information surrounding divorce before they get married. Where are we going with this? Let's focus more on graduating...that's what we start for, right? University of Phoenix offers Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates, Certifications, and Individual Courses (the first three only requiring two years or less). What else is there?
Cindy stated:
"You mention the incompetent level of 3 acquaintances...What you put in is what you walk away with. UoP requires you to have a place in which you would be able to practice your theories. They are big on that...If you don't they encourage you to find one...Nothing is hidden there. It's spelled out for all students."
Ann responded:
Again, that has nothing to do with the rigor of the programs at UOP. An I.T. degree from UOP is a joke, plain and
simple. Compare what you have to take at UOP, then compare what you have to take at a common U.S. National University and get back to me.
My response:
According to those I talked to, the work at UoPX was often more rigorous.
Cindy stated:
"Clep, Clep, Clep! Talk about condencing!"
Ann responded:
You're killing me with your lack of comprehension. Go back and slowly read the original post, then pick it a part. Come back and tell me SPECIFICALLY what I said that wasn't true in regards to UOP. You can't do it. Face it, taking a challege exam in Algebra at a typical university is generally tougher academically, than taking algebra at
UOP. Both are condensed, but one is generally tougher than the other. If you have ever done CLEP, then you know its generally harder to self study and CLEP, than going through a class at UOP. Any students out
there want to dispute that fact? ... of course not, because folks who have clepped, know that its harder than taking a 1 night-per-wk class for 5 weeks, at UOP.
My response:
Why do you believe that "tougher" is "better"? Also, UoPX encourages students to CLEP out of as many courses as possible. This is encouraged as early as the enrollment process.
Ann stated:
Again, you've missed the point of the entire original post. Whether or not UOP or CLEP is condensed isn't the
point. The point is that UOP is generally regarded as an "easy" university.
My response:
I'm not understanding why you view "easy" is "bad".
Cindy stated:
"Here's my background: I live all the way out here on Guam. WHere the heck is Guam? Well, we have 1 Accredited University. I attended that univ. for my undergraduate courses. This univ. is behind on technological advances...I'm pleased that my options were open. UoP has afforded me with a state-of-the-art education. Don't think we're too far behind. Maybe we're at a disadvantage standpoint because I live on Guam. But one thing I know for sure is I'm grateful for what I walked away with from University of Phoenix-Online. Get with the program will you?"
Ann responded:
Hmmm.. okay..
1. What was your major at UOP?
2.
Find me a U.S. National University that offers your major with easier classes than UOP and post the course requirements in this forum. (you'll be hard pressed to find easier than UOP)
3. UOP offers a BS in Business Administration. Most good Business Administration and Finance Programs at other universities in the U.S., require the student take BUSINESS CALCULUS (or similar). Did you know that? When was the last time you consulted with ADMISSIONS or DEANS at other major U.S. Universities? I don't think you can find me a professor or dean that would disagree with what I've presented here.
Teir 1 schools often offer online classes too at a comperable price as UOP. . . but ya don't see too many UOP students taking online courses at those schools do ya? Why not? Harder? Entrance requirements more stringent? You're a college graduate, you give me your ACADEMIC opinion.
This is an excerpt from KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY's Business Administration Requirements. K-State is a TEIR 4 school in the U.S.. Even at first glance, even the average student realizes that the Quantitative Requirements are much tougher than at UOP.... again, this is a TEIR 4 SCHOOL !!!
Does UOP even teach Calculus ????? Does UOP teach its business administration students to manipulate data bases and spreadsheets? Puhleeze. UOP is a lot of "theory" but its students receive VERY LITTLE to make them competitive in the business world.
Quantitative MATH 100 College Algebra**
MATH 205 General Calculus and Linear Algebra**
Computing
CIS 101 Introduction to Personal Computing
CIS 102 Spreadsheet Applications
CIS 103 Database Applications
Any of the following can be substituted for CIS 101, 102, 103:
CIS 200 Fundamentals of Software Design
CIS 209 C Programming
CIS 210 Introduction to Construction Computer Programming
Lastly, yes.. I know where Guam is. I was going to be stationed there years ago, but requested Korea instead. Guam is a nice duty station. Congratulations on finishing your degree Cindy! Just don't be misguided nor offended
at the quality of education received at UOP.
My response:
One of the many benefits of distant learning: You learn etiquette communication. ;)
*Different types of educational experiences are available for different types of learners with different needs. When doing a comparative analysis, it is important that you use like subjects. For example, one should not attempt to compare Oprah's home to mine. We do not have the same financial resources, we do not have the same social circle, and we do not have the same needs. Is her house better than mine? Well, I'm sure it's more expensive and has a much more glamorous content. However, better is debatable. It depends on how one defines better, and it depends on who you ask. For those in my social circle, mine might be better because it perfectly fits my needs. Oprah has far more house than one person ever needed, which means that when you think about it, it's excessive. The bottom line is that we both have a comfortable abode, and the differences between the two should have never been compared. University of Phoenix offers the an excellent educational experience --in it's class.
