Jewish or non-Jewish online degree?

amother

OP ↓

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 10:43 am

I’m looking into doing an online masters. There is a Jewish program that partners with a secular college allowing a Jewish cohort to take the degree on the schedule of the Jewish calendar.

This program would be less stressful than a regular secular online degree because there are breaks for the chagim.

However, it is more expensive than the non-Jewish programs I’m considering, and it will take longer to complete (closer to 3 years vs. 2 years).

My kids are in school and I work part-time, 5-10 hours a week.

Has anyone done either of these types of online degrees and can weigh in on whether a Jewish cohort program is worth it or not? Thanks.

amother

PlumPink

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 11:45 am

Jewish. Personal experience, I was doing a Master's at one of the CUNYs and I had to leave due to antisemitism. You don't want to deal with that, either online or in person. I was accepted into a Jewish program and am relieved.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 12:48 pm

Thanks for replying and your comment about antisemitism is another important consideration.

The non-Jewish programs I’m looking into are Christian and have a conservative student body so hopefully that will be less of an issue (although it would bring other issues into the mix).

However, here I’m asking more about doing an online degree aligned/unaligned with the Jewish calendar. I would love to hear from people who did either.

amother

Snapdragon ↓

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 12:52 pm

I did an online degree from a non-Jewish program. It was very challenging to balance everything close to yt. I didn't ask for extensions. I managed. The price was a huge reason for going with this particular program vs Jewish program.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 2:21 pm

Thanks for replying. So… was the price break worth the extra stress in your opinion?

amother

↑ Snapdragon

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 3:03 pm

amother OP wrote:

Thanks for replying. So… was the price break worth the extra stress in your opinion?

Absolutely.

shofar

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 4:28 pm

I went to UND and it was totally online and it very affordable (16K for a masters in special ed)
No interaction with other students

amother

↑ OP ↓

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 4:31 pm

shofar wrote:

I went to UND and it was totally online and it very affordable (16K for a masters in special ed)
No interaction with other students

How did you manage getting the work done around the chagim?

amother

Iris

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 5:06 pm

Would love to know as well! Also would love to know which programs people went to/op is considering and what fields...
Thinking of doing masters but not sure what field might be for me...

amother

Ultramarine

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 6:06 pm

I got my Master’s at a catholic university online as many of my frum friends did. I found them completely respectful. Around the chagim I just tried to be as organized as possible- I don’t think I ever asked for any extensions. However, although I work full time, I don’t have little kids in the house anymore. My time crunches were when the grandkids were born. And again, the professors were great about it.
Hatzlacha!

amother

↑ OP

Sun, Jun 16 2024, 1:09 pm

amother Iris wrote:

Would love to know as well! Also would love to know which programs people went to/op is considering and what fields...
Thinking of doing masters but not sure what field might be for me...

I’m looking into a masters in Mental Health Counseling. Considering Bellevue University which has a Jewish cohort through YIEPS.

But I know someone who did it at Liberty (a Christian college) for cheaper. His professors were accommodating around the chagim but I’m still trying to work out if the more relaxed pace of the Jewish cohort is worth the extra money.