Accounting Major at NAU? (credit, degrees, profit, degree)

[luvjaz]

Hi, I am a married mother of two with a full time job. I want to go back to school to finish my accounting degree. A school like National American University would be the best option for me to finish my degree because of the flexible scheduling option. I am wondering if I will be able to get a good job in an accounting field with a degree from National American University?

Thanks for your help.

[parttimetechie]

I think if you have a job and can hold the job AND go to school, you do not lose anything by getting the degree, since you already have a job and the degree will only open up doors, not cost you education for experience like so many young kids like me who got the degree instead of 4 years in our profession.

[statisticsnerd]

Is that something like the University of Phoenix?

If so, forget it. Not only do those "for profit" online diploma mills cost more than traditional universities, but the quality of education is garbage.

I have worked in both a CPA firm and as a staff accountant for a private company and in both working environments, EVERYONE had a degree from a traditional university. There was not one person who had a University of Phoenix type "degree". Employers treat online "degrees" as a joke.

[mclarlm]

What's the tuition like? Their website just directs readers to contact their local branch for details. Google search turned up a figure of $250-260 per credit hour. That's $100/unit more than distance learning programs from UCLA, Berkeley, and Cornell.

I'd be wary of paying so much given today's job environment. That is, unless your employer has a tuition reimbursement program.

[lovetheduns]

Originally Posted by statisticsnerd

Is that something like the University of Phoenix?

If so, forget it. Not only do those "for profit" online diploma mills cost more than traditional universities, but the quality of education is garbage.

I have worked in both a CPA firm and as a staff accountant for a private company and in both working environments, EVERYONE had a degree from a traditional university. There was not one person who had a University of Phoenix type "degree". Employers treat online "degrees" as a joke.

You make some good points but you also make some inaccurate ones as well.

An online degree from a reputable university is NOT considered a joke. You can get almost 100% online degrees from Harvard University, UNC CH, Cornell, Columbia, etc.

My master's was done online from a competitive state university program. Apparently none of the respective business schools from Duke, UNC CH, or Wharton are turning their nose up at my Masters. My employer a large financial services firm also did not mind paying for my masters or any other online courses I have taken.

I would highly recommend if you are going to get an online degree you get one from a regionally accredited college or university that is a not for profit such as Strayer, Everest, Phoenix, etc.

[deanwichester]

If it has to be online go for a good public university with a good online program. Remember even the public universities online programs are ranked differently than the univ's traditional program.

[bande1102]

Originally Posted by statisticsnerd

Is that something like the University of Phoenix?

If so, forget it. Not only do those "for profit" online diploma mills cost more than traditional universities, but the quality of education is garbage.

I have worked in both a CPA firm and as a staff accountant for a private company and in both working environments, EVERYONE had a degree from a traditional university. There was not one person who had a University of Phoenix type "degree". Employers treat online "degrees" as a joke.

Agree. CPA and tax acct here. No one I know in this business has a degree from Univ of Phoenix or any of the other schools that only have an online presence. I've taken online classes, but all have been from traditional, brick and mortar schools that happen to offer online classes. One of my faves is LSU--very cost-effective and great acct courses.

[luvjaz]

Wow - thanks for the advice. I am really happy to hear replies from people in the industry, as I know a lot of people who have told me that these degrees are considered OK.

Yes, National American University is a school like University of Phoenix. My employer has tuition reimbursement and a huge discount is given because of my emplyer. These were also huge factors in my consideration for going there.

[jasmineflower99]

So this is really devastating to me. I currently go to NAU (yea - it's like U. of Phoenix). I am going for accounting, but your replies on here are making me rethink what I am doing.

Should I transfer to a regular college while I can? Are you sure I can't get a job with my degree there?

[bande1102]

Yes, I would transfer. I think most of the online schools that specifically target working adults (like Phoenix) are too expensive and too watered down. In other words, they aren't teaching what you need to know. This is only my opinion and based solely on my review of coursework that I've seen when friends and coworkers have taken Univ of Phoenix classes. Again, my concern is that these schools are way overpriced, not highly regarded, and, most importantly, aren't teaching you what you need to know. Also, regional accreditation is better than national.

Incidentally, even though I already have my degree, I'm always taking courses somewhere. Here's some of my favorite schools that offer online courses/distance education (Note: for some you'll have to arrange proctoring at a local library, college, or school)

Community colleges: metropolitan community college of nebraska & central community college of nebraska--MCC has some particularly good basic accounting courses.

4 year public: Eastern Oregon university (offers a BSBA in bus admin that can be done completely online) and Louisiana State University.

Sure there are others, but these are colleges I've dealt with most recently.