Excelsior College MSN Degree Graduates

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Any Excelsior College MSN degree graduates out there?

Just looking for someone willing to answer my questions, clear my doubts based on personal experience.

Just curious, what program are you in that allows you to complete projects, etc on your own time? online schools that I've checked out (besides graduating from EC) all had requirements of posting weekly comments, etc. How are you going to "graduate faster" by changing schools?

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To Military Spouse, there was one class that I hated (can't remember which one) because the professor was not so nice. I had a heated debate with her because I couldn't do my assignments while I was stuck in Florida for an extra 4 days due to weather and my flight cancellation. I had access to the internet, but my books which I brought on vacation, were checked in and I couldn't get them back. Personally, I found them all interesting in their own way. You might end up cheating yourself, but I found that you didn't need to read every single assigned chapter or article to answer the questions. I like to research online, so I found other information to back up my statements.

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Specializes in cardiac, M/S, home health.
Just curious, what program are you in that allows you to complete projects, etc on your own time? Online schools that I've checked out (besides graduating from EC) all had requirements of posting weekly comments, etc. How are you going to "graduate faster" by changing schools?

Hi Mr. Silly,

I switched to WGU. Before formally withdrawing from all my EC classes and enrolling at WGU, I asked them about a millions times if I would need to post something on a weekly basis, etc. So far, so goo at WGU (my 6 month term started on 7/1). I can graduate faster b/c all courses are "competency based" so as soon as I turn in my assignment into what's called "TaskStream" and get a "pass" for all of the tasks for the certain class, I am done. A few of the MSN courses also have just tests that can be taken at home with the proctoring done via web-cam. Like EC, the papers/projects are graded on a rubric. The drawback I see in WGU is that they do not give out grades like EC, but it's strictly a pass/fail (pass being equivalent to a "B"). So, I may run into getting accepted into an NP program. Anyway, b/c I can just churn out the tasks, I think it truly will be possible for me to get my MSN by 6/30/2011--at least that's what I am shooting for. Like I said, this reminds me of EC when I got my AS(n). I just took all of the tests as fast as I could and the only hold up was scheduling the CPNE since there was almost a 6 month wait back then...Congrats to you though on making it through the EC program. And I agree with you that I thought the teachers were very nice-- as well as the students.

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Good luck to you too! I hope everything works out!

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To Military Spouse, there was one class that I hated (can't remember which one) because the professor was not so nice. I had a heated debate with her because I couldn't do my assignments while I was stuck in Florida for an extra 4 days due to weather and my flight cancellation. I had access to the internet, but my books which I brought on vacation, were checked in and I couldn't get them back. Personally, I found them all interesting in their own way. You might end up cheating yourself, but I found that you didn't need to read every single assigned chapter or article to answer the questions. I like to research online, so I found other information to back up my statements.

I know one of the classes requires statistics as a pre req, but do you think I need to take it BEFORE starting the program? I really appreciate all your help!

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To Military Spouse, there was one class that I hated (can't remember which one) because the professor was not so nice. I had a heated debate with her because I couldn't do my assignments while I was stuck in Florida for an extra 4 days due to weather and my flight cancellation. I had access to the internet, but my books which I brought on vacation, were checked in and I couldn't get them back. Personally, I found them all interesting in their own way. You might end up cheating yourself, but I found that you didn't need to read every single assigned chapter or article to answer the questions. I like to research online, so I found other information to back up my statements.

Thanks for the info. How many hours were you spending each week on each class? I'm sure that was frustrating being stuck without your texts. Did you find the classes challenging? I can't honestly say that I'm looking to be too challenged :cool:

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Hi,

I was enrolled in EC's MSN (Education) program this year for all of 1.5 months before I decided it was not the program for me. First, let me say I absolutely LOVE EC (I got my AS(n) through what was then called Regents College, back in the early '90's. I did not have to do the RN-MSN since I have a B.A. and EC does not require a BSN to enter directly into the MSN program) and I would recommend the school to anyone. That said, I did drop out after already paying for 14 credit units, enrollment fee, etc. and trying to "go to class". I could not get back any of the tuition costs, but I do not begrudge EC any of it. I am now enrolled in a different MSN program and it fits much better into my life. My biggest problem with the way EC's MSN programs are set up was that all courses require you to post at least 3 discussion threads per week (either you start, or you have to respond to someone else's discussion, and you have to post at least 1 of your own).

My situation is that I want to get my MSN ASAP, with an eye toward getting a post-MSN NP, so things may have been fine if I just started out with one or two classes. However, even if I had 1 class, I absolutely could not devote the hours I would need CONSISTENTLY for 15 week periods. Long story short, if you have consistent available time and can devote that time consistently, EC will be a good choice for you. Due to my life situation (F/T+ job outside of nursing field, being one of these geriatric parents, blah, blah, blah...) I am enjoying the flexibility that my new on-line program is affording me. As soon as I decided that I absolutely could not keep up on a weekly basis, I immediately enrolled in the other school. I have to do a RN-MSN now, but from what I am told, I will get my BSN along the way as well. I am having to take more classes, but they are truly done as fast or as slow (within reason) as I want.

So, I hope that helps. Again, if you choose to do the EC program, good luck to you. Even in the short time that I was enrolled, I really thought it was a good program--just not a program that fit my schedule. (Truth be told, the program I am in now reminds me a lot of how I remember my EC/Regents experience of almost 20 years ago...) Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Thanks for sharing!! How many hours did you feel it required each week? Is your new program accredited? I'm really trying to decide between Excelsior and Gonzaga, but leaning toward Excelsior d/t cost.

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Specializes in cardiac, M/S, home health.

Hi M. Spouse,

Yes, WGU is accredited by CCNE (EC is accredited by NLN) as far as their nursing programs go--both are "good" for nursing programs. WGU is also accredited by the appropriate regional accr. body (as is EC). As far as how much time was needed, b/c I was in the program for such a short time, it would be unfair for me to give you even an estimate. I am sure I would have gotten faster as I got used to the format. That said, I was spending upwards of 3-4 hours per "original" post for a given class and another couple for the "replies". On top of that, there were reading assignments (which really weren't bad, but just time consuming.

If cost is an issue, I really think that EC gives you good value on a per credit basis. With WGU, it basically comes down to how fast you can get through since they charge you a flat fee per 6 months period, regardless of how many "classes" you pass.

As for Gonzaga, I am not familiar with their nursing programs, although I am passingly familiar with their law school. If I can make a suggestion, why not try EC for 1 course? You may really like it, in which case you can continue on, and if you hate it, you haven't wasted too much $$. Classes start times are pretty generous (make sure you check out when the class(es) you want will start--they post it on the regular EC site).

Good luck to you!

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Bumping....need info on the Education track.. how long? How many hours a week of dedication? HELP ANYONE.

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Specializes in informatics.
Hi M. Spouse,

Yes, WGU is accredited by CCNE (EC is accredited by NLN) as far as their nursing programs go--both are "good" for nursing programs. WGU is also accredited by the appropriate regional accr. body (as is EC). As far as how much time was needed, b/c I was in the program for such a short time, it would be unfair for me to give you even an estimate. I am sure I would have gotten faster as I got used to the format. That said, I was spending upwards of 3-4 hours per "original" post for a given class and another couple for the "replies". On top of that, there were reading assignments (which really weren't bad, but just time consuming.

If cost is an issue, I really think that EC gives you good value on a per credit basis. With WGU, it basically comes down to how fast you can get through since they charge you a flat fee per 6 months period, regardless of how many "classes" you pass.

As for Gonzaga, I am not familiar with their nursing programs, although I am passingly familiar with their law school. If I can make a suggestion, why not try EC for 1 course? You may really like it, in which case you can continue on, and if you hate it, you haven't wasted too much $$. Classes start times are pretty generous (make sure you check out when the class(es) you want will start--they post it on the regular EC site).

Good luck to you!

I am wondering how Catiern is making out at WGU, and if she still likes it more than Excelsior. I am kinda torn between the two.

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Thank you for the response. I'm heavily leaning towards Excelsior at this point. The price is right and I like the idea of having 7 years to complete the program. Any thoughts on not having taken a stats class? Do you think I need to do that before even starting the program? I REALLY appreciate you answering all my questions!!!!!

University of Texas at Arlington has an MSN program for $12,600

http://stateu.com/uta/ProgramInfo.aspx?id=259

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My clinical instructor told me to find a CLINICAL MSN program. I'm so confused now. Are EC's MSNs clinical?

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