I am attending an out of state university for a BS degree in construction engineering technology through DISTANCE LEARNING, ONLINE. I have heard all the negative talk about distance learning degrees but this degree is from a legit school, University of Southern Mississippi. I can continue attending or enroll in my local university for construction management, which has a horrible schedule and working would be nearly impossible. Is it worth sacrificing everything to attend my local school or would I be better off with my distance learning? I also have a design and construction background to go with the degree. How would an employer in this field view my degree if online, even though I have a related background?
From my experience you do not learn anywhere close to what you would learn in the classroom when you study online, I did it for a year. You miss lectures and most of what you learn comes from reading. But you also miss the very important interaction with your professors. So when you graduate you really do not have academic references, you are just a name on a screen to them. The visual and hands on experience is also lost in distance learning. Is there another school, or can you move to a different school? Having studies online and now being at a university, I would never in a million years go back. I think that maybe you should just try it, or go to your local school part time to see what the construction management program is like in person. Then you can me a comparison for yourself. But whatever you chose, good luck!