Adult Learning
Written: Feb 17 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Classes meet just one night per week.
Cons: Cost, cost and did I say cost.
The Bottom Line: Choose Belhaven, if you want to finish your degree but don't have the time for traditional programs. The Christian atmosphere and small classes makes this program less intimidating.
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| jbuilder7989's Full Review: Belhaven College |
After high school, I decided to work full time and go to school in the evening. However, after 3 years of going to school at night I was burnt out. Fast forward several years later with a wife and a child I thought the dream of a college degree was lost. However, after hearing advertisements for Belhaven and other colleges offering an adult program I decided to look into the possibility. After meeting with an enrollment counselor and learning that I could attend college just one night per week I decided to pursue my long forgotten dream.
School Background:
Belhaven's main campus is in Jackson Mississippi. This location offers a traditional program and the adult program called Aspire. Belhaven also has satellite campuses in Memphis, TN and Orlando, FL. The satellite locations only offer the Aspire adult program.
Aspire Background:
You have to be an adult student at least 21 years old. Most general educations credits will transfer from other schools. We meet one night per week and you meet with a study group once per week. Depending on how many credits you transfer in the program takes 2-4 years to complete. I started in June of 2003 and will graduate in June of 2006.
Cost: I am pursuing the bachelors program. My current costs are: Application fee $35.00, tuition per hour $310.00, and resource fee per class $150.00. The resource fee covers your books, online library, and tutoring in some courses if needed. This program is expensive, but financial aid is available. Also, most major companies offer tuition reimbursement.
Degrees: I am attending the Memphis campus. They offer an Associates of Arts, Bachelors in Business Administration and a Masters in Business Administration.
Class size and info: My class has 17 students. Most classes run 15 to 20 people. We meet the same night every week in the same classroom. Also, the same students who you start with will be the same students you graduate with. Well, a few drop out and a few may pop in classes to pick up a class they were unable to take with their group. Most classes run for 5 weeks. So if you struggle with a course you are assured that you get to start fresh next month.
Professors:
Most of the professors are very good and have real life experience. I have found the lessons taught from learning it the hard way are more valuable than the words in the textbook.
Faith:
Belhaven is a Christian college. Most instructors pray with the class and all of the courses have biblical assignments.
Memphis Campus: The classes are in the second floor of Clark tower on Poplar Ave. They just finished a major renovation of all classes, student lounge, and the faculty offices. Hopefully, the new computer lab will be up and running very soon.
Accredited:
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Belhaven College. They are also a member of the American Council on Education, the Mississippi Association of Colleges, and the Association of Presbyterian Colleges.
Homework:
The only downside of completing a standard course in five weeks is the tremendous amount of homework. This is the reason for the study groups. We are able to get together and divide up the course load. We are also responsible for at least one team project per class. Even after dividing up the workload I typically spend about six hours a week doing work out of class and study group.
Dislikes:
One of the worst problems is the communication between the Memphis campus and the office in Jackson. The accounting and financial aid departments are in Jackson. Simple tasks like receiving your 1098-T can get mixed up. Also, the two campuses don't communicate well. If you don't take a class on your original schedule, you will get charged for the course. Then, you have to go through the headache of getting a refund. Also, since the main campus is in Jackson, I don't qualify for in-state grants or scholarships. The state of Tennessee considers me an out of state student even though I attend class in Memphis.
Conclusion: Going back to school is a lot of work. However, this program fits my schedule and I plan to graduate with my Bachelors of Business Administration next June.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jbuilder7989
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Location: Memphis, TN
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Love all -- Worship One
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