University of Phoenix - Online Campus Review

I earned my Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Phoenix Online in 2006. I honestly don't know how I survived it. I'm glad to have my degree, but I would never do it this way, again.

It's like getting your Masters via independent study, except that nearly half your grade depends on projects you must complete with your "learning team." Sometimes you get to choose the other members of your learning team; other times they are assigned to you by the instructor. Either way, there always seems to be at least one slacker who does not contribute, but still gets the same grade as the rest of the team. I got tired of carrying other people's weight all the time. My grade depended on it, though, and my employer was looking at my grades to determine eligibility for tuition reimbursement.

The program runs at lightning speed, with 6-week classes. I took a week off between classes, just to catch up on some sleep and try to regain a shred of my sanity. I never slept more than 5 hrs/night when class was in session, and that includes weekends. There was absolutely no time for anything but work and school for 2 years.

Academic advisors and financial aid advisors seem to be caught in a revolving door. As soon as you figure out who your advisor is, they have moved on. Issues that you might have raised with them are left hanging, and the new advisor is often brand new to the job with apparently little preparation. I had 2 excellent advisors out of about 8 over the 2-year stretch. They actually seemed to have a clue, and they returned phone calls and answered emails with some insightful responses. The others that came & went were forgettable and not of much assistance. That makes life hard when you're wholly dependent on electronic communication and there is no brick and mortar location that you can go to see them in person.

All in all, I'm glad I did it, but I'm even happier that it's over & done with. I would not recommend this route unless you're prepared to devote every ounce of energy you posess to the process...and then some.