On-Line Degrees. Are they of any value?

[L210]

Originally Posted by Bjranard

I recently graduated from Ashford University with a BA in Health and Wellness and a BA in Health Care Studies. I am showing a total of $66,000 owed in school loans on all 3 credit bureaus, having until the end of October to start paying back. My question is also in regard to whether or not an employer will even recognize my degrees. I feel like I do not have any more knowledge of ANY kind of health care position than before I ever started online classes. I have no clue as to what kind of job I may possibly be qualified for. I don't feel like I learned anything of importance. All four years were spent doing research papers for classes that didn't have anything to do with anything. If I walked out the door tomorrow and said I was going to apply for some jobs, I would most likely go to McDonalds or Walmart. I don't have a clue as to whether or not I AM qualified for anything important. I do know that the money I owe is real, but my education doesn't feel real.

What did you think you could do with a BA in Health and Wellness and a BA in Health Care Studies? I don't see a Health Care Studies degree on their website, but I'm looking at the one in Health and Wellness. This is more of a check-the-box degree for someone with experience or for personal trainers or aspiring health business owners who want to gain more general knowledge. It's not meant to train anyone for any particular position. It's not going to qualify you to be a dietitian, nurse, medical assistant, or any other licensed or certified professional. You can possibly use the degree to work in community health, but they usually want people with experience in some kind of healthcare field.

[prospectheightsresident]

I've known people who are doing just fine after attending the University of Phoenix and other online degree programs. Some are doing fine, while others are doing not so great. I really can't say if those who are not doing so great are in that position due to the degree or if their initiative (or lack thereof) has more to do with it.

[sideman]

Originally Posted by prospectheightsresident

I've known people who are doing just fine after attending the University of Phoenix and other online degree programs. Some are doing fine, while others are doing not so great. I really can't say if those who are not doing so great are in that position due to the degree or if their initiative (or lack thereof) has more to do with it.

Bingo. You cannot teach motivation. You either have it or you don't. It's been called "fire in your belly" and "stay hungry" et al. This is the reason why some are successful regardless of their credentials.