I am 29. Thinking of going back 2 school. I want to get a Masters in either Organizational Pyschology or Healthcare Administration. I work Full-Time. Any online universities you recommend? I have been looking at SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University)
I was wondering, can you enroll in online universities from overseas? I mean since you won't have to be there in person and all...
Start small. Sure you want to get your Masters, but aim for your Bachelors, or Associates for now. I don't really have any online universities that I can recommend, but here's some random stuff I learned on my way to my degree: Take as many classes at a community college as you can, but be sure they will transfer. These are always cheaper. Just to reiterate....be sure they transfer! Use sites like ratemyprofessor or pickaprof to help you get the easier classes and/or avoid things you dislike, such as writing papers. Buy your books used. Amazon is a great place. You can also sell them on Amazon when you're finished with them. Use "Fulfillment by Amazon". You can set up the listings, send in the books to Amazon (all together if you wish), and when they sell, Amazon does the shipping for you. They also re-imburse you for the shipping you pay to send your items to Amazon. If you're going to pay out of pocket, consider getting a credit card with a good bonus (like the Southwest card, see the credit card thread). You may, however, be better off targeting a card with 12 months no interest. If you're going to do this, just be sure you can pay the card in full each month. It's a great way to get some money back, and help your credit....if you're responsible. Just personal opinion.....go all out in the Summer. It's great having classes that are over in 3-4 weeks. Yes, you have to cram, but it's well worth it to get them over with so quickly. Good luck and stick with it.
I don't know anything about those fields... but are they in demand? I mean, is it a huge jump in opportunity for you?
Here is my dilemma. Do I pursue a Master's degree solely on interest (Org Psychology) or should I go for a Master's that is ranked as Top 10 in terms of income potential (Healtchare Administration) Supposedly demand is suppose to go up 30% by 2018
Wait, what if he already has a bachelors, why get another before getting his masters? A lot of online programs are a ripoff and a borderline scam. Read up on them first. There are also a lot of brick and mortar schools that offer their curriculum online as well at a reduced cost and higher pace. Also, using ratemyproffesor to game the system is stupid. I had a lot of friends who got burned by profs who had stellar ratings but were assholes in class. Heck, I've considered going on there and giving myself horrible reviews just to decrease my enrollment numbers (less grading). Don't game the system, school is about learning not cheating. Also, never forget why you're doing this, and enjoy it while you do it. If you don't, you won't finish it.
If you choose an online program, ensure that it is accredited by the organization that represents your field before doing so.
My fiancee has her MHA, and it's the best thing she ever could have gotten. She just accepted a position at BCM, and she's already being recruited by 4 other organizations....all willing to give her massive raises. However, she loves what she does, so for her, it's the best of both worlds.
Go for what you know you have the drive to finish. If you know you might not be passionate about Healthcare Administration but can still finish it then I would say do it. Online programs tend to be easier than going to their in class versions, but they require a great amount of self motivation. I know for myself I couldn't do an online program long term, I need a prof and classmates to push me through it when it gets hard. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses going in to it is great.
