ERAU Distance Learning ?'s

[redneck jihad]

Anyone done it? How many credits did you have to complete and how long did it take? What's the procedure for exams, etc. Was it worth it? Thanks.

 

[Brett Hull]

I'm doing it. I needed 33 credits to finish when I joined. I'm planning on being finished in 4 months. I started 2 years ago.

For exams, you have to get a proctor to administer them. I use a library manager. It can also be a Human Resource manager, college professors, state certified teachers, etc... You nominate the person and the college will approve them and they are automatically sent the exams.

All in all, it's working out o.k. for me. It's a bit expensive, so if you're just starting off there are cheaper ways to do it. And if you do not have many credits now, I recommend getting a degree in something OTHER than aviation.

 

[shamrock]

How are your classes conducted? Do you have online lectures or some sort of video to watch?

I just started online classes at another school and I've been very disappointed. It's basically "read 130 pages a week and I'll ask you a question about it." No lectures of any kind. Just read and attempt to understand 130 pages of cold information each week. Our class dwindled from 9 students down to 6 and the class participation blows. People just seem to disappear for a week at a time and 30% of my grade comes from a group project, due in a week. Half the class is in the Middle East, a 12 hour time difference. I don't think it's going to happen.

I'm about ready to throw in the towel and reapply to Riddle. I was accepted into the DE program a year ago and the tuition there is cheaper than any other online program I've found. The 33 credits I would receive for my ratings would also shorten things up tremendously.

 

[Len]

I've been at it for two years. They gave me a bunch of credits for former Navy stuff plus a bunch more for ratings. It is expensive but my GI bill covers the cost.

Shamrock, ERAU distance learning is also "read the book, answer the questions," just like you are used to. I suppose the benefit is that you don't have to sit in class at a particular time. I have spent lots of time studying while waiting on pax or in between students. Only trouble is when you have to carry a big thick textbook around on trips. As I type this I am taking a break from micro-economics.

 

[fr8dogfo]

I have taken five classes online with ERAU and the participation level depends on the instructor. Its broken down in weeks and in each week there is assigned reading and usually some online assignments. Some instructors deduct points if the assignments are not done by the end of the week and some understand that people work and travel and cant post each week. I needed about 42 or so hours and am doing it pretty leasurely. My company pays for $3000 a year which is about 5 or 6 classes at ER depending on books.

As mentioned before, unless this is the quickest way to go, get your degree in something else besides aviation. Fly for fun, not a living.

 

[semperfido]

I finished MAS from ERAU in 99...took a number of years to complete. i already had a BS from ERAU. employer paid for all of MAS. there probably will never be any way to determine tangible benefits, but i am glad i did it. it was interesting at the time.

 

[Kingairrick]

I finished in Aug. '03. I did about half of my classes online, and half at the local Air Force base. If you have a military base nearby, you probably have a Riddle campus there. The online stuff was prety much as described, except lots of my classes had powerpoint lectures to accompany them. The live stuff at the base was good for the math classes and other technical stuff. Also enjoyed getting to know others in the program. Riddle gave me 38 hours of credit form my certs and ratings, (CFI, ATP, FE-TJ,) which helps with the cost considerably. All in all, I'm glad I did it, and I'm considering going back for the MS...

 

[C172gal05]

I am considering it but am curious...I already have 60 + hours..and starting FSI...wondering how many credits I will have count if any..and how many I will need....

 

[Flyboy Sabre 65]

I've been at it for a year and a half now. Just like everyone else a lot of reading. Mostly really boring stuff, makes you want to sleep!!! I have to complete 50hrs.

 

[redneck jihad]

Thanks to all for the good information. I'll most likely give it a try once I see what credits transfer and what they give me for my ratings. Sounds like it'll be something I can do when I'm gone 2-3 weeks at a time.