Online Degree

[JediNein]

University of Nebraska @ Omaha has an online "General Studies" degree with a concentration in Aviation. They tell you up front what your ratings and certificates are worth. They're a lot less hokey than UVSC, too. UVSC was a nightmare for the run-around (Riddle has nothing on 'em) when it comes to things like getting exams, financial aid, classes offered that aren't available, and other typical college B.S.

www.unomaha.edu

 

[avbug]

When I originally put my paperwork in with ERAU for their distance learning, they issued about eighty credits (don't recall exact number) toward the 120 for a BS degree. I was told that additional credits could be issued, but they didn't because they wouldn't apply toward the degree. I have five FAA certificates and the credits were based on those. The bulk of the work left to be done was largely general credit work such as math and english.

I knew the individuals at UVSC who formed the flight department long before it was a college or had a program. They were advertising a four year resident degree for years, before they had one...promised students the moon and after two years they were left without a way to finish a degree. Promised them jobs they couldn't deliver, and even parked a drug-siezed casa at the Provo airport and claimed it was part of their "large airplane training program." They painted the college logo on it, even though it wasn't airworthy or legal...and told people it was one of their aircraft.

I drove through once and stopped in out of curiosity, to ask what they could do for me with a degree. I showed them my certification, and they told me they'd recognize only my training up through a private pilot level. They told me they'd require me to re-do my training in their aircraft for credit. I asked them if they seriously expected at ATP to come back to do primary training in their little katanas, and they said absolutely, if you want any more credit beyond that of a private pilot. I walked out laughing...their program, in person or online, is nothing more than a way to collect cash.

If you're going to spend the money and the time, you won't get any more for it with ERAU, but at least you'll get a brand name.

If you've got an A&P, you can get a two year degree with Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, through distance learning, by taking just three classes. Everything else is already covered by your maintenance training and certification. You walk away with an AS degree in aviation maintenance technology, fully acredited, for very little investment...and you an apply that degree toward a 4 year elsewhere. Something to keep in mind.

 

[BLing]

University of Nebraska @ Omaha has an online "General Studies" degree with a concentration in Aviation. They tell you up front what your ratings and certificates are worth. They're a lot less hokey than UVSC, too. UVSC was a nightmare for the run-around (Riddle has nothing on 'em) when it comes to things like getting exams, financial aid, classes offered that aren't available, and other typical college B.S.

www.unomaha.edu

I transferred from UNL to UNO back in 05. I was a regular student and didnt do the online deal. That program is a joke. Dr. Larson is the only guy there with any idea or background in aviation. Besides, a dregee in aviation is sketchy enough, let alone a degree in gerneral studies. I left and didnt look back!

 

[Seadogrun]

I was planning on doing my degree through ERAU a while back. If memory serves me correct, I think it was about 30 credits for all your ratings up to CFI. I dont think an ATP or a type rating gets any credits? I am going to get in touch with UVSC soon and would assume the same story.

ERAU granted me 34 credits for my ATP only (I'm not a CFI). I'm happy to have just finished the program.

 

[Way2Broke]

Thanks everyone. I'm really not interested in ERAU, mostly because I think that they steal from 18 year olds that know any better. Then again isn't that what most colleges do; maybe its just that they take a little more than most. If it wasn't for the fact that I am going to be getting credit for my ratings I would major in something as far away from aviation as possible. Mostly because it's nice to have something to fall back on if I were to ever lose my medical. As a adult I have learned that work experience far exceeds what any book can teach me. But it's a box I have always wanted to check and with my current job I sit on call alot and with the upcoming downturn in the industry (again, geesus!) I am preparing to ride out a while at this job. There is no better time than the present. I have the time, the company will help with tuition, and the older I get the more I enjoy learning. I would have never made it through college at 18 (In know that to be a fact because I gave it a go; lots of good times, not many classrooms). I spoke with 2 friends that took the online courses at UVSC and they both graduated. All and all they said alot of the courses seemed like a review. I want to learn, but I don't want it to be a pain in the ars either. I think most of you know where I am coming from here.

With that said I am going to take 6 hours this Summer at UVSC as a trial run. After that I will decide if I want to continue with it. I want to knock out what I know I am going to have a hard time with first (Math, dag gum Tennessee public schools).

What do you guys know about this COMPASS test they have you take for placement. I'm going to go take it over in Ann Arbor. I also have to get my transcripts from my old College days together. Aww, something to do with my time. NICE! Beats the hell out of just waiting for the pager to go off.

Did you get a actual College student ID? I don't know why but if you do I think that is pretty darn funny. Think about all the money I will save at the movies.

 

[Way2Broke]

I'm going to start off with 6 hours this summer. Any recommendations on what classed to take the first semester. It sounds like some of you have been down this road before. Looks like I am going to end up with about 36 credit hours from transfers and previous experience. Associates degree is at 60 hours. I'm going to go for that first and see how motivated I am to get the Bachelors when that is done.

What do you guys know about this COMPASS placement exam?

 

[learflyer]

Those who have/are doing /done the uvsc thing. Did you get the pro-pilot degree, or Aviation Admin? And can you get credits for your ratings for the Aviation Admin degree or just for the pilot degree?

 

[Way2Broke]

Those who have/are doing /done the uvsc thing. Did you get the pro-pilot degree, or Aviation Admin? And can you get credits for your ratings for the Aviation Admin degree or just for the pilot degree?

It looks like the Pro-pilot degree is the easiest, but with only about another semester of work you could have a degree in both. Like I said before I am starting off just shooting for the Associates, and then I am going to go for the Bachelors. I think when I get to the point that I am eligible for the BS I will get the pro-pilot first, but chances are that I will get a dual degree. Thats years down the road, as I am not planning on taking a heavy course load. I kinda have a job..... emphasis on kinda. You know whats odd, as I get a little older learning is becoming fun. I have to go bang my head against the wall now.

A side note, I am taking the COMPASS placement test this week. Any suggestions?

 

[Guam360]

yea, what is it? the COMPASS placement test?

 

[Way2Broke]

yea, what is it? the COMPASS placement test?

I'm guessing it is going to be similar to taking the ACTs. In fact the test was developed and written by the same people that make the ACTs. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I bomb the test. I havn't looked at algebra in....hummm.... about 10 years. They use the scores to determine what which level of Math and English to put you in. I was told alot of adults end up having to take a remedial math course that is non-credit, but still counts towards your GPA.