DePaul University

I chose DePaul because of its flexibility but after 2 years in the program, and watching coworkers move through other online programs I feel that you pay for the flexibility with a greatly increased work load. There are also several odd required courses that take too long to complete, since they must be done sequentially. You get the same mix of great, good and mediocre instructors you'd find anywhere else. The most irritating thing (especially in an online program) is that the best of DePaul's unique classes are only offered locally in Chicago.

I evaluated a number of online degree programs and chose the DePaul BA program for the following reasons. Flexibility and number of online of classes, experience and suitability of online instructors and DePaul's proven track record in educating working adults. Each quarter I took 2 classes which was doable even with a family and business. The support you get from the SNL staff is excellent. After completing the Foundations Course (which maps out your entire learning plan) you will be assigned both a facility advisor and professional advisor who are available for questions and support through your SNL experience. The instructors are very good at distance learning and for the most part provide excellent feedback and are quite accessible. You will be able to transfer most if not all of your previous college level classwork (if you have any). In addition you will be able to complete some competence requirements by writing about your previous experience if for instance you have completed specific training previously. I would not hesitate to recommend DePaul SNL. The level of attention and support I received from the faculty, staff, and other students was fantastic. We have opportunities to participate in many of the same programs as on-campus students such as travel abroad, honor societies, and scholarships. BTW - the School for New Learning has the highest GPA of any school within DePaul. Distance education students can graduate 4 times a year and may participate in the formal graduation ceremony held each June at the Civic Opera House on Wacker Drive. Your diploma is exactly the same as those who take on-campus classes.