Hello everyone, I am looking to back to school for Masters in education. Need advice.

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So far looked into Kaplan, Capella, and Indiana Wesleyan University. Please advise. Is there anyone who attended any of these online universities. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

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Specializes in ICU,ER, Radiology, Online education.

I am doing my MSN in education at Chamberlain. Have 2 more classes to do and then I am DONE! I have enjoyed Chamberlain and instructors have been great! 8 week classes!

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Kaplan's overall enrollment is shrinking, and it has been sued or under investigation by multiple agencies in the past few years. I would avoid them, personally.

I'd generally avoid any for-profit institution if you have a viable non-profit option... as the recent ITT collapse demonstrates, there's a different level of risk in for-profit that has not been fully realized by either regulating bodies or the market itself. Not that some programs don't provide good education, but it can be very hard to objectively distinguish the good from the bad, both educationally and financially. What criteria are you using to make your selection?

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thanks for your response WOODSYNY BSN, RN. are there testing involved. I am trying to get as much info as I can from a student rather than the advisers so I am not missing anything. Please let me know Thanks

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Thanks for your response BRENDANO. I am looking for as much info as i can get from fellow students who did MSN in education. Regarding classes, testing, clinicals, and books purchase. I have talked to several advisers of different universities but students currently enrolled in program are best one to answer the questions. all info is greatly appreciated. thanks

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Current students are the best ones to answer certain types of questions, but not others. They can tell you what the current classes are like.

But they they probably can NOT tell you about a school's financial footing or their status with respect to pending lawsuits, investigations, the status of the accrediting agencies, etc. Please educate yourself as to what is happening in education right now in relation to for-profit education. Many for-profit institutions are under fire from both state and federal governments. So are their accrediting agencies. A few major for-profit schools (such as ITT) have recently closed or been shut down. Others have lowered their enrollments dramatically.

I don't know any details about Chamberlain -- other than it is a for-profit school of the type that is frequently mentioned in news articles about the for-profit schools' troubles. Investigate that situation thoroughly before investing. You don't want your academic program (or future degree) under a cloud of suspicion and/or questionable quality.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Chamberlain is a DeVry subsidiary. At this point, DeVry seems to be in a much more stable position than other for-profits, but that could change.

I encourage everyone to investigate their local (not for profit) MSN programs. Most have a plethora of online & distance course options, and they are generally much less expensive. I'm also a proponent of graduate programs that have an actual practicum (residency) requirement so students have an opportunity to actually apply the skills/knowledge they are learning. It also provides a way to begin to network with future colleagues that are in your desired field. This is extremely important for nurse educators. AND - your diploma will have the name of a well-regarded program that'll look very nice on your office wall.

Another issue: over the years, I have become aware of a pervasive bias and snobbery in traditional nursing academia. They do not have much regard for 'mail order' degrees - e.g., programs that substitute "capstone" for thesis & have no residency requirements. If you ultimate aim is to enter academia, it is a good idea to make sure your MSN is associated with a program that can offer a scholastic environment (exposure to all stages of research including assisting a doctorally prepared mentor/professor, attending oral defense presentations, etc). The bonus? Your masters thesis can probably save you a considerable amount of work (allowing you to skip a step or two) when you move on for your doctorate.

Best of luck on your educational progression. I'm so glad you're choosing education. We need talented and energetic 'new blood'.

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