UPDATE - 3/11/2015: It's been almost 3 years since I graduated in May of 2012 from USU's online post-bacc program so the information I have on the program is waaaaay out of date! I've heard that there have been a few professor changes and tuition changes so I will only be able to answer very general questions about attending school online.
The best places to get the most up to date information about attending USU and the classes are the Utah State Online COMD Group! to talk to current students and USU's online post-bacc page to get info straight from the program.
Related post by @SLP_Echo: The SLP Post-baccalaureate Plunge. She has compiled a list of other post-bacc programs, so there are more options to explore besides USU!
Hi Rose!
ReplyDeleteWow this website is fantastic! I seriously cannot thank you enough!
I am looking into the USU post-bacc program myself. First of all, how long did it take you to complete the program? What is a typical class like? How long would you say that you spent learning the material and preparing for exams and projects? I work full time, do you think it would be possible for me to work full time and still complete this program? Was this the case for you? Did you feel like a lot of what you learned came from the textbooks or the professor or both?
Sorry, I know these are a lot of questions! I'm just so happy that there is someone out there who is willing to answer these questions.
Hi! No worries! I remember when I started researching USU I had so many questions, but not a whole lot of resources.
ReplyDeleteSo, it took me 5 semesters to complete the online post-bacc. You can do it in 3 semester, taking 4 classes each semester, but I spread it out a bit more and took 2 my first semester, 3 classes each for 3 of the semesters and then 1 over the summer semester. I worked full time for most of it, but my last 2 semesters I worked just under 30 hours a week. It was hard at times, but my work was very flexible so that helped a lot. There were definitely many of my classmates who worked full time and had families as well, so it definitely can be done!
Each class is a bit different... most had assignments and exams, a few had just exams, one had quizzes and exams, a few had quizzes, exams, and assignments. Almost all of the classes (maybe even all of them now... one class just had lecture notes) have audio powerpoint lectures. Some classes you need the book for quizzes and assignments, a few you need the books for exams but most had exams pretty much strictly from lectures.
I put in a lot of study time for most of the classes for exams... maybe about 3-5 hours per week per class. Assignments, some were easier than others, some more time consuming than others.
Exams are proctored for all of the classes except 2, so you will need to secure a place to get your exams proctored. There are due dates for assignments, but quizzes and exams typically have a window of time you have to complete them, i.e. exam could be open for 5 days over a certain range of dates.
I think I got all of your questions! Another great resource is facebook. There is a Utah State Online comd group as well as groups for specific classes.
Hi, i plan to transfer as a junior into the online SLPa program at USU this fall. My question: Is it possible to do summer classes and graduate in less than two yrs? As opposed to taking classes fall and spring sessions only. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteI know all of the comm dis classes are offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Since I was a 2nd bachelor's student at USU, I asked on the USU State Online COMD Group! on facebook to find out about whether or not all of the classes are offered all three semesters and here is one of the replies:
ReplyDelete" It was my first bachelor's degree. I transferred with my AA, so I just needed the COMD classes plus about 4 extra. They were always offered the semesters I planned on taking them."
So that sounds like a yes depending on what classes you have left to take. If you are on facebook, I would definitely recommend joining the fb group I mentioned. It's a great resource on the program and it's a mix of 1st bacc and 2nd bacc students. Good luck!
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteHow was COMD 3120? I'm planing on taking this fall and I want more insight? How hard or easy was the class?
It's a more challenging class, but if you participate in the exam study chats that the prof holds before exams, join the Utah State Online COMD Group! on fb and find out what the fb group for that particular class is, you should be fine. Also, 3120 has a group project so joining the above fb groups can help you connect with others who are motivated to do well on the project. An 'A' in the class is definitely possible! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteokay,thank you so much. I will definitely check out those websites. What about COMD 4450? Do you think I will need a book for both classes? How did you study for both of the classes. I understand our study habits maybe different but I just want to know what worked for you?
ReplyDelete4450 is taught by the same prof so the tests are the same style: short answer and fill in the blank. I barely cracked a book in the program... mostly relied on lectures, notes from classmates, and my own notes. The only class that I did use the book for was 5200. Quizlets helped too: http://quizlet.com You can type in the number of the course i.e. comd 4450 to see what others in the class have posted for study cards. Note on that though, double check the info to make sure there are no mistakes!! There is a research paper for 4450 that you can either do on your own or team up with a couple of other classmates to work on.
ReplyDeleteAnother VERY useful site that has notes on all of the classes is the USU COMD FORUM: http://www.usucomdforum.com/phpBB3/ It was put together by the AWESOME Carol Hurd and if her notes are still relevant to the class (classes may have changed since she took the classes and/or TA'd for the classes) definitely use hers! There are other useful things on that site as well.
Thank You so much Rose. I stumbled on your page a few months ago when I felt like giving up on a masters program in speech pathology. I was so encourage by your story and how you managed to finish your second bachelors degree. Thank you so much for sharing your story because I can relate to your story so well. Your story has also giving me hope. I wish you all the best in grad school and believe me I will be reading your post weekly.:-)
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! My first undergrad stats are AWFUL, but I wanted to put them out there so others would not give up hope and know that there are ways to strengthen your grad school apps. Good luck to you!!
ReplyDeleteI've had the last couple of months off from school, but will be starting back up writing posts again in September when I start school again. It's definitely going to be a busy one! Thank you for the best wishes. :)
Hi Rose!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I came across your blog! Thank you for posting a lot of useful info for the aspiring slpeeps :). I am currently taking my post-bac courses at Idaho State Univ, but I am thinking about switching to USU Online. I have a ton of questions about the program. I am not new to the online environment, but I find that each program is a little different. So here are my questions.
1. What learning system does the USU Online use?
2.What was your interaction with your instructors like? Were they prompt in their responses?
3. Did you have any way to interact with your peers through the learning system? Discussion boards, discussion posts, etc?
Thank you so much!
Masha
Hi Masha!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found it and thanks!
1. They use Canvas and most profs have a powerpoint/audio lecture with lecture notes, and other resources. All classes but 2 need a proctor for exams: http://comd.usu.edu/htm/distance-education/online-post-bachelors-degree/online-post-bach-exams and it depends on the class on whether or not you have quizzes and/or papers/projects. All of the classes had exams except for the observation/grad prep class. I've heard that some of the classes have changed a bit so some of my information may be outdated, but you can join the fb group Utah State Online COMD.
2. 1 professor had online exam chats before exams and when I was there, he taught two classes. Some post study guides before exams. Emailing and contact... well, that depends on the prof. Most were pretty good at getting back to you within a reasonable time, some not so good. I think all of the profs had T.A.s and you could get a hold of them as well to answer some questions. I feel like I what I did learn is comparable to what others in my grad school cohort had learned as well. Overall a solid program, but like all programs online as well as on campus there both positives and negatives.
3. Definitely join the Utah State Online COMD fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/109935279077833/
It was a great resource when I was going online and you can interact with students who have graduated, are currently in the program, and those who are thinking about going to USU.
I hope this helps and definitely join the USU group to get the most up to date info on what's going on now with the program! :)
Hello Rose,
DeleteThank you very much for your reply. I really appreciate it. Your blog and your responses have been very helpful. I have one more question. Did your diploma state you completed your second bachelor's degree online or did it simply state you were granted a bachelor's degree in COMD? Thank you so much again. Happy Holidays!
It just states that I was granted a bachelor's in COMD! Nothing about it being online. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I am looking into applying for online pre-SLP programs and I had a lot of questions!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you very much for posting the info, really is helpful.
- USU program; Can you explain more about "proctored exams"? Is it like going to take an exam for Praxis/ GRE at universities/ community colleges? No open book exams? Sorry if you covered it already but I have never heard of "proctored exams" policy so I was wondering what its like.
- Is it difficult to get into those pre-SLP programs or the hard ache begins when you start applying for grad school? I ask this because I am not sure I should apply for handful number of pre-SLP schools or not.
- At USU: Do you have to be online at certain time just like regular face to face classes?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Yuka!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found the information helpful!
Proctored exams: when I was attending the online post-bacc program at USU, 10 out of the 12 courses required you to find a proctor so you can take the exams online. Proctoring is typically done at a school, library, or certified testing facility. USU has compiled a list of approved proctors throughout the States (and if you have a proctor that meets the requirements, such as a librarian, a teacher, you can submit their information to see if they are approved and they will be added to the list). You will submit a request for your proctor to receive a password, so when you take the exam, they enter in the password to unlock it. Some professors will provide your proctor with passwords for all of the exams and the proctor will just keep them on file and enter the password for you when the exam period opens. The proctor is there to make sure you don't use notes, the internet, your textbook, etc. Most classes will allow the proctor provide you with scrap paper. My proctor was a librarian at my city library, and they charged $25 per test. Some of my classmates in other states reported that they had no fee while others said they were charged $50 per test!
You can find more information on approved proctors in your area here: http://distance.usu.edu/online_courses/proctored.cfm
Like I said, 10 out of the 12 had proctored exams. The other 2, it was open book, open notes, no proctor and you can take the exams at home. Classes that had quizzes, those were open book, open note, but were on a time limit so you still have to be familiar with the information.
Admissions: it wasn't difficult at all to get into USU. I had a poor 1st gpa, but had no problems getting in. I can't say if it's the same at other schools, such as LaSalle.
Online times: Unless this has changed since I attended, then nope, you don't have to be online at a certain time. BUT, there was one prof who would have exam chats at certain times to discuss information that would be on the exam and to answer questions. Also, there may still be threaded discussions that you will have to participate in that were typically open for a week or so. Exams were typically available from 3 days to a week.
I think I answered all of your questions. If there is anything you want additional clarification on, please feel free to follow-up! And feel free to ask any other questions that come up for you! Good luck!
Thank you for the information about proctored exams. That seemed a little overwhelming but when you think about regular setting exams that you actually have to go to classes to take, then I guess it make sense :)
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thought on 2nd bachelor program VS non-degree leveling program? My biggest concern is the cost and time of those programs even before getting into graduate school.... (Im sure a lot of people go through this!)
USU seems very expensive for out-state but heard a lot of good things. I also found other leveling non-degree programs that offers anywhere between 8-12 courses (24-36 credit hours), so I really am not sure which program to choose from. I guess it will all depends on which grad school you are gonna apply to because some schools dont require any courses while others require 10 courses to be completed...? I just want to be prepared to apply to multiple schools (mainly online base since i am a non traditional student) so if you can give me any advice at all based on your experience that will be great :)
You're welcome!
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand the concern over cost. The cost per credit at USU is currently $290 per credit which is the cost per credit for both in-state and out-of-state tuition. It has definitely jumped a bit since I took it when it was $219 per credit. My current university does offer a leveling program and that is $266 per credit hour (and then jumps up to $465-535 per credit hour for grad level... YIKES!) for instate. It may be cheaper in the long run to go through a leveling program if you are going to a university in your state of residence. At Eastern, that cost jumps up to $784 per credit hour for the leveling classes for out-of-state tuition. So that's something to consider if you want to get into a program out-of-state.
Another thing to think about is the competitiveness of a post-bacc vs a leveling program that goes straight into a graduate program. Unless things have changed in the past 4 years, USU at least, was not really competitive. And you have to make sure that the leveling program does indeed automatically let you into the grad program (depending on grades, of course!). Eastern Michigan does have a leveling program that is built into the grad program where they take a mix of leveling classes with grad level classes and it's even more competitive than just applying to grad school alone because less spots are offered to leveling students. Out of the 25 in my cohort, 6 are leveling (Eastern received over 250 applications for admission to the SLP grad program).
USU was pretty solid overall. When I started grad school I felt as prepared as most of my classmates, more prepared than a few, and not as prepared as a few. So overall, I was on a level playing field as those in my cohort who went to traditional on-campus schools!
It's all going to come down researching the programs you are interested in! Let me know if you have anymore questions!
Im very glad you mentioned about $ 290/credit because I wasn't able to find tuition information on PreSLP program page and was only looking at their "out state tuition" from their tuition page(main website)and it says $1569/credit for undergrad out state tuition so I was thinking that is way too much.
ReplyDeleteAfter you have mentioned "$290/credit", went back to their PreSLP program website, and that's what I saw so that made me feel a lot better lol (Still is expensive but not as bad as I thought it was gonna be).
Nice tips on finding leveling courses that are built into the grad school program. I am gonna look for an online school that has program like that.
Thank you again for your great advice :)
You're welcome and good luck!
ReplyDeletehey rose I'm taking this fall 2500 nd 3500 do u have any advice,ideas,tricks to get A in both cases?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely join the Utah State Online COMD facebook group and connect with others in your classes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/109935279077833/ they are going to be a great resource with sharing quizlets, notes, etc. I think people have also set up facebook groups for individual classes too and that's the place to find out where to go. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the info! How do letters of recommendation work with profs from online classes? Since you can't meet them in person, does this affect the quality of recs? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Well, I did receive two very good letters of recommendation from profs at USU! No, they don't really get to know you online, but they have written many letters for many students all over the country who have gotten into grad school. Some write better than others, some have more strict requirements to write a letter than others. All require you to email them first to ask if they will write a letter. Most require you to have an A in their class(es). If they say yes, then they will let you know if they want you to use the online request form (they will send you the password information) or if they want information sent to them directly. I sent an up to date resume, my SOP, and my most recent transcript. Definitely join the Utah State Online COMD Group to find out the most up to date information from current students about the best profs to contact for letters. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Rose!
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you are answering questions for people like me who have so many! I'm so glad I ran across this blog! I do have a few questions for you.
I already have a bachelor's degree and am looking into doing UTU online second bachelor's degree program. (I actually planned on going home tonight and applying!) I think $290 is very reasonable, however I am concerned about the $700 fee you mentioned. I had not heard about that until now and was wondering if you knew anymore about it. Do you pay it for every class? Or once a semester? Is it a one time thing?
I am waiting for approval to join the Facebook group that you talked about! I am excited about that!
My next question is about summer classes. I was told by an advisor I would need to start this May in order to be finished in time to start my graduate degree next fall. I already have a vacation planned and paid for for this July for a week. What if a proctored exam falls on this date? Are professors flexible with this or no?
Thank you!
Holly
Hi Holly!
ReplyDeleteI'm almost getting to the point where I don't know the answers anymore because things have changed since I've attended! So my suggestion is to wait until you are in the USU fb group to talk to current students. It will be a great resource for you and you can find out about the $700 fee and how it applies to classes.
As to summer classes, exam dates, and your vacation... it all depends on the professor. All I can say is email the professor to find out. I was never in that situation so I can't say either way. I know some of the professors have changed since I attended.
Sorry I can't be of more help! Good luck!
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate all the information here. Can you disclose the names of the USU profs. who wrote you great recommendations? Thank you for your time.
I received a really great one from Professor Childs. My other really great LOR was from someone I know personally who is in the field of audiology. My 3rd LOR was okay, but not great... I've heard from others that this prof has written pretty good LORs, but compared to my other letters, it was just okay. I won't share that prof's name because my LOR may have been written on an off day. Contact any prof you are considering for a LOR no more than a semester after you have taken their class so you are at least fresh in their minds. Ask them if they will write a letter for you when the time comes, what their requirements are (do they want you to contact them directly or go through the LOR site for USU, do they want a resume and mini bio, etc). You can also ask on the USU website to find out who currently writes really good letters. Good luck!
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