Hi I've been going to school at the University of Phoenix now for about a year, and now I am having questions about the views employers take toward the UoP.  Ten years ago when I should of gone to college I joined the military and I just now realize how important a degree is.  Currently I work in law enforcement but I would rather get out of that field and do something with I.T.  So a year ago I signed up for UoP on a kind of a spur of the moment thing.  So far I have a 4.0 but I'm not sure if this is because UoP is easier than other schools, and when I get my degree I really don't want employers thinking the same thing.   At the same time I don't want to get into another school and lose points because their format doesn't work with my schedule.  What I am asking is what are the general views toward a UoP degree in the I.T. world and should I stay for the next 3 years or should I consider another school?

Thanks in advance

Justin 

Justin, I work in law enforcement currently and am looking to change careers myself, so let me just say "I feel ya".  As for UofP the school itself is okay but their marketing tactics combined with being an open university and aggressive enrollment tactics have really hurt their reputation with many.  Unfortunately because UofP is a household name many people have jumped to unjust conclusions or have drawn uninformed conclusions based upon hearsay and rumor.  But the school does cast something of a shadow on some of their graduates whether unjustly or not.

My primary complaint about UofP is the price of tuition.  There are so many better priced alternatives out there.

 
For example, Peru State College has a BSBA program with a concentration in Computer and Information Systems http://www.peru.edu/online/index.htm#.htm

Another example is Fort Hays State University which has several IT BS degrees and also Associates degree offerings http://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/degrees/bachelors/index.htm

Or you could try American Public University....the list could literally go on for days. 

 

The University of Phoenix's reputation isn't the greatest, but neither is it the worst.  It's expensive, but if you're using a military benefit and not taking out loans then I suppose that's not such a big deal.  However, Cajun's right that there are million options for Bachelor's degree programs in IT.  The only concern is that you switch, and then find you like the school less than Phoenix.

Basically, if you're not taking out loans to go there and you're enjoying success, I'm not sure I'd mess with that.  If you're the one paying, I'd advise you to stop paying champagne prices for beer. 

-=Steve=-