Arizona State University, Online

I was exciting to go back to school for my Masters as I'm creeping every closer to 40. I am disabled and live in California, so of course I chose the online route, but I have been severely disappointed from the beginning. I don't know why I was surprised, but just like all corporate run state colleges, this one was no exception. They must assume that everyone is a clueless freshman that has no direction in life (not saying this applies to all freshman), as, of course, they enroll you in classes that... Read More you already know you will never use the information from in your professional career. But they get to justify it because that's just how it is and they can get away with it. It's a money grab. This is the way it's been for a very long time, but then for those classes, like Calculus I or II, they set you up to fail. Again, no logical explanation other than to force you to retake a classes and give them more money. Calculus is not a beginners math class and is in no way a subject you should be forced to take unless you already know it is used in your future career of choice. It is NOT in may case (facts based on friends and colleagues establish in the same career) and I simply do not have the brain power to memorize BS that will be useless 6 months down the road. But they have to justify filling those seats, which they couldn't do if they only offered it to people who actually needed it. They are no better than the extended warranty offered when you buy a used car. Scam. But the real problem comes when your ONLINE tests are proctored. Not only do you have to take the test with your webcam and microphone on, they apparently believe they have the right to tell you to not have any music on, rearrange your office or desk so that there are no other materials anywhere in sight, and don't talk out loud. Basically, they want to control every facet of you home life when taking their class. It is a GROSS invasion of privacy and unnecessary control. You literally have to pick up your laptop or camera and show them all around the room, forcing their way into your home. Unbelievable. If you are a stay-at-home parent with a baby to take care of, probably the reason you chose online courses to begin with, then apparently you need to lock your baby in a closet, otherwise you'll get an email about rules violations while taking the test and the noises from the baby that can be heard. I have a dog and he has issues and growls at times. *Rule Violation! Sorry school, you don't have the right to tell me I need to spend money on a sitter, that I don't have. As far as I am concerned, they do NOT have the right to tell you how you recall information or how you study, so it's become a joke now and as far as I am concerned their rules hold no value. I continue to talk to myself, that's how I recall and study, I am no longer concerned for their opinion of it. And to be clear, these things were NOT discussed in any capacity as I enrolled in the school, paid the overpriced application fee and spend time submitting all required documentation. It is only revealed AFTER you enroll in the class and become aware of their test taking policy. You know, when it's a little late to back out. Just be warned and think about your reasons for taking the online route. You privacy will be violated, you will have to re-think the way you study, the way you recall information etc etc. And while we're on the subject, shouldn't schools get with the times? No company worth their weight will ever limit an employee to only using information that they have memorized. Any good manager will provide their employees with all the resources they need to get their job done, whether it is reference material, notes, etc etc. So why do school insist that you don't use notes when taking tests? Having notes is no guarantee that you will ace anything, you still have to understand what you are referencing, but they care more about outdated memorizing than actual learning. The only logical explanation is they desire to set their students up to fail, thereby forcing those that did not eagerly await this class, to fail, and pay them more money to retake it. Look at a picture of any scientist in their lab/office. What do you see? Books and notes, everywhere. And it's literally rocket science for some. So, in conclusion. You are far better off just paying the monthly fee at Cousera, and learning on your own terms. Our school system is outdated and as can clearly been seen in recent news, just as corrupt as any bank or government agency. Do yourself a favor and save both stress and money and seek alternate solutions. I have been very happy with my representative at the school, but that's about it. This is 2019 and the videos (the real teachers) are from 2012. I have pointed out 3 errors to date and clearly they will not be changed, further setting up unsuspected students to failure. Very, very disappointed.