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Online Computer Science PhD Program

pinion9

Banned
I am finishing up with my Master's Degree in Computer Science and was thinking about getting my PhD. There is no PhD program offered in interior Alaska, and I already have a family and 6-figure career where I am, so I am thinking about doing it online through Kennedy-Western University. Anyone have experience with this place or this topic in general?
 
why do you want a PhD if you already are very successful? IMO, i would spend more time with the family instead of another degree if i was in your position.
 
I've never taken online degrees seriously after working at the dept of a univeristy that created the classes. I created both undergrad and graduate level classess and most if not all of the classess were nothing more than pages of a textbook translated into material/quizes. Nothing was really "taught" and everything seemed very watered down so they (profs) wouldnt have to answer any questions. The Ph.d level was the biggest joke cause it was usually just material they would have seen at masters/undergrad level and it didnt seem like anything would ever be gained from those classess. Overall i think your really cheating yourself if you get an entirely online degree, some classess can work out for undergrad, maybe some for masters, but I'd laugh at a Phd who didnt get their degree in the trenches.
 
Well, succes is subjective. It would be nice to have a PhD so if, one day, I decide to do something different I can. I just turned 25, and figure now is the time to get this if I want it.
 
Originally posted by: pinion9
Well, succes is subjective. It would be nice to have a PhD so if, one day, I decide to do something different I can. I just turned 25, and figure now is the time to get this if I want it.

Wow, 25, have a family and a 6 figure income, and living in Alaska? Damn, you're doing very well for yourself.
 
Originally posted by: Drakkon
I've never taken online degrees seriously after working at the dept of a univeristy that created the classes. I created both undergrad and graduate level classess and most if not all of the classess were nothing more than pages of a textbook translated into material/quizes. Nothing was really "taught" and everything seemed very watered down so they (profs) wouldnt have to answer any questions. The Ph.d level was the biggest joke cause it was usually just material they would have seen at masters/undergrad level and it didnt seem like anything would ever be gained from those classess. Overall i think your really cheating yourself if you get an entirely online degree, some classess can work out for undergrad, maybe some for masters, but I'd laugh at a Phd who didnt get their degree in the trenches.

What university was it for? Apparently this University has thier cirriculum designed by (and the classes taught by) professors from "real" schools such as Harvard, Perdue, and NYU. I can understand them being watered down, but education really depends on how much you want to learn. Thanks for the input.
 
Originally posted by: iwantanewcomputer
i wouldn't respect an online phd from there. If I were in your situation I would not even consider going for it

Why? What online University would you respect it from?
 
Getting a PhD usually means you are into research and teaching the subject. It's less about taking classes. Masters' is OK for online work, but you would get much more out of a PhD program in person.
 
Originally posted by: AgentEL
Getting a PhD usually means you are into research and teaching the subject. It's less about taking classes. Masters' is OK for online work, but you would get much more out of a PhD program in person.

Ahh, but there is not PhD in Alaska. I believe I will use it mostly to write...
 
Originally posted by: pinion9
Well, succes is subjective. It would be nice to have a PhD so if, one day, I decide to do something different I can. I just turned 25, and figure now is the time to get this if I want it.

i disagree. you can spend time with your family now and get your PhD later. if you dont have a need for it now, then why waste time in your best years getting a degree that will always be there? tons of people get it later in life for that very reason.
 
DON'T DO IT

Kennedy-Western is unaccredited. In some states, it would be illegal to even put on your resume or even call yourself a "Dr."

Optimally, you want to attend a university with regional accreditation. National accreditation is ok and equal under the law, but looked down upon by traditional schools.

You can check the accreditation status of a school at http://www.chea.org/.

The regional agencies are:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools The Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) The Senior College Commission

Everything else in the CHEA database is national.

 
Originally posted by: aswedc
DON'T DO IT

Kennedy-Western is unaccredited. In some states, it would be illegal to even put on your resume or even call yourself a "Dr."

Optimally, you want to attend a university with regional accreditation. National accreditation is ok and equal under the law, but looked down upon by traditional schools.

You can check the accreditation status of a school at http://www.chea.org/.

The regional agencies are:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools The Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) The Senior College Commission

Everything else in the CHEA database is national.

:shocked:

 
Originally posted by: AgentEL
any reason why regional accreditation is better than national? Stricter standards?
Slightly yeah. But it's more resistance to change...all your brick and mortar, non profit schools are regional and they like it that way.
 
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