Empire State College, State University of New York

I attend ESC.  I took 32 credits, 8 of which were cross registered courses, and they are not considered "transfer."  These 32 credits fulfilled by requirements for a B.S. degree in Biology (focus on pre-healthcare).

Thundercat, I suggest that you Google search the terms "LinkedIn" and "Empire State College," along with relevant medical school phrases, including the names of specific programs you are looking into. When you find someone at LinkedIn with relevant education history, check the profile to see if he or she is open to contact and then reach out directly with questions. I've successfully used similar methods while researching former ESC students and found relationships to my graduate program of choice.

This school is scary.  You must create a degree plan - NONE are pre-set like at any other school.  Even if you want something that is a cut and dry Psychology degree, you will have to "argue before a Committee" why your plan fits a litany of rules and regulations for Degree Plans.

I do not feel challenged in my course-work and feel over-charged for what training I get.  Some professors "Commentary" that is posted on each module amounts to a paragraph, literally.  That is truly scary.

I have taken online classes at two local Community Colleges and I would say those were as good or better.  They were more challenging (and cost less).  Good luck - I thought this would be a good option, but it likely pales in comparison to any of the brick and mortar SUNY schools that offer Bachelors degrees.

The last poster is right, "Run to the nearest exit!"

Did you ever get into law school?

Hi, I am to enroll in ESC this Fall as a biology major. I am planning on going to medical school and was wondering if anyone has successfully went on to medical school from ESC, because I am just now finding out that none of their science classes offer a lab, and cross registration has been so far a nightmare for me. Before I paid my enrollment fee and signed up for orientation I called the 1-888 number almost everyday to ask them if they can really a truly provide me with the requirements I need and it wasn't until I sat with a mentor that I found that the answer is no. I would have to cross-reg. for the science lab and still fulfill my ESC  32 credit requirement, because any cross-reg. courses will be considered transfer credit. So when my mentor said that i will be graduating in a year, I now realize that is not true. Before I give up, I just really want to know has anyone successfully completed and science degree and went on  to medical school from Empire 
State College. 

Thanks

I will graduate in December 2011.  Having attended a community college and a major university prior to coming to Empire State I have found Empire to be much more difficult.  I don't work so I have time to do all the assignments. If you need to be led by the hand this is not the school for you.  I had a great mentor and I have taken classes both on line and in house at Saratoga Springs. Empire State is not a diploma mill.

Sorry. I must have been halfway asleep that day. 

Your math is off Tammy. I'd love to know of a college where I can take 40 classes for $8,000. It should be more like $24,000.

Take this for example:

A school on the semester system usually has 3 credit courses. You need 120 credit hours for a bachelors. You will need 40 courses to complete your degree (maybe a little less if you have some 4 credit courses). If you're paying $200 per credit, your degree is going to cost $8,000.

A school on the quarter system usually has 4 credit courses. You need 180 credit hours for a bachelors. You will need 45 courses to complete your degree (maybe a little less if you have some 6 credit courses). If you're being charged $200 per credit, your degree is going to cost $9,000.

All in all, schools on the quarter system are a rip-off.

120 semester hours = 180 quarter hours

That is why you need the conversion.

1 semester hour = 1.5 quarter hours

180/1.5 = 120 

Empire State College is not doing anything wacky or trying to devalue your previous credits. 

Every school that is on the semester system will reduce the amount of credits you have from a school on the quarter system. A regular course at a semester school is 3 credits. The same course providing the same amount of education at a quarter school will be 4 credits. A bachelors at a semester school is usually around 120 credits while it's around 180 credits at a quarter school. Schools on the quarter system cost more because you're paying per quarter hour, but you're getting the same amount of education. Converting quarter hours to semester hours is like converting kilometers to miles. It's the same distance, but you have two different ways of measuring, hence, the difference in numbers. A semester hour = 1.5 quarter hours. 

Please do your research before you start bashing someone for something they did right. 

I appreciate your honesty about the ESC atmosphere! I also acquired an Associates from another college and transferred in with 90 credits but they only gave me 55 credits after some wacky equation they did (quarter semesters vs full semesters) where they are trying to minimize the value of my previous education, yet are asking for an additional $300 to consider the balance of credits that I earned but they did not allow! Whaaat??? I discovered some other tidbits, like dropping a coursel but not being allowed to take another course because the professor has provided 9 assignments in 4 days but he's unavailable? Guess What? I've only been in ESC..8 DAYS!! 

Krisitne, I think your mentor acted responsibly to note earlier student questions and to have information ready for you. As for your additional statements, can you please provide links to specific pages for background information and context?

I am a new student and just got off the phone with my mentor. I feel as if he is selling me the college and before I could ask any questions, he had an answer. So he must get the same questions from new students about the quirky dp planning system.
 I also read In the website the CDL is a pilot program?   It appears the graduation rate to complete the program 4 years is only 16%.  Anyone know about this?    

I graduated from ESC with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management and Economics (Management concentration) and let me say this much in response to some of these comments: it was not easy!  I had attended a traditional college for several years in a normal classroom setting and did very well (3.43 GPA).  I switched to ESC to expedite my degree progress and have the convenience of working from home.  Well, ESC was the right choice for me.  They accepted all of the transfer credits towards my degree, and I earned some extra credit for valid, verified training through my employer.  I completed my degree by being highly motivated, disciplined and relentless in my academic performance.  The workload in the ESC online classes is very demanding.  There are many tough writing assignments that are graded accordingly.  Furthermore, you as the student are on a clock regarding the submission of all writing assignments, posting responses, homework and group projects.  Be prepared to work very hard to reach your goals.  In the end, the reward will be great.  In conclusion, I found ESC to be a top-notch college with a demanding curriculum that puts their students to the test.

I am graduating in December and very pleased with my experience at Empire. If it was not for ESC, I would not be where I am today. Yes, it is very difficult at times trying to rectify problems - This is COLLEGE, not Kindergarten. I never expected anyone to hold my hand and glad I took matters into my own hands when necessary. During my orientation/first semester, my mentor was "MIA". I would not tolerate this and pushed the college to assign a new mentor. This is NOT common practice as reassignments RARELY happen (as in close to NEVER). I would not settle and within a few days had a new mentor whom I absolutely ADORE.  I struggled during my first semester. ESC is MUCH more difficult than a traditional college. Everyone always comments "can't you CHEAT online? isn't it easier because you just Google and have open book tests?" - THIS IS NOT THE CASE. If you think taking online courses will make life easier assignment and reading wise - think again. Yes, you can go to school in your pajamas and not have to drive anywhere. But, you make up for that "saved time" with a tremendous workload. Now that I am almost done with my studies, I am actually thankful for the much more difficult workload. I would slack off in college and basically memorize vocabulary and concepts. At Empire you are forced to actually grasp the entire CONCEPT, understanding the topic from head to toe - inside and out. Since 90% of assignments are papers, there is only research work which must be done and a LOT of reading since you are basically teaching yourself 80% of the time.  If you want an easy degree, perhaps try your local community college which feature multiple choice quizzes. If you are looking for a solid education which will help in your career field, Empire is the way to go I don't want to sound like a spokesperson because I did have some difficulties at Empire. It started day one with my mentor. But like I said - do not expect someone to hold your hand. Take matters into your own hands, follow-up with the appropriate departments. Some professors will be absent and non-existent throughout the semester. COMPLAIN. And when I say complain --- I MEAN ON A DAILY BASIS. It is YOUR FUTURE AND MONEY. I had a professor, Freida Mendelsohn, who was A NIGHTMARE. I complained and so did my ENTIRE CLASS. Apparently she is some big shot at the school and must have a free pass to not work all semester, tell students to "figure it out", take 5-6 weeks to grade assignments, and basically not attend - and get away with it! This was a COMPLETE disappointment and 'till this day I cannot believe proper attention was not paid. She treated her students like animals and put us down on a daily basis. Watch out for her. If you are able to work independently, comfortable writing, schedule tasks and can keep up with deadlines, and can take responsibility for yourself - ESC is for you. If you like working in groups and having your hand held while driving to school - try another university.

I needed to complete my education online after a move to another country. After three years at ESC, and with a 
background that included matriculation at a traditional SUNY college, I would observe that ESC is neither better nor worse than the average college. 

As with *any* college, if one wants to avoid dissatisfaction, he or she must review a school's accreditation, policies, administration, professors, and the quality of course materials. Yes, there are some issues at ESC, but these are related to matters similar to what I also ran up against at the traditional SUNY level. Lack of real guidance or availability? Discouraged by peers who are lackluster? These problems exist offline at SUNY and to the same degree, in my experience. In real terms, I take control of my own education, so my ESC experience has been satisfactory in many respects  

Concerning instructors, I favor qualifications over location since my remaining studies are online. For instance, I have benefited from studies with an instructor who is current in her field, active and available, and in good standing at Russell Sage College. On the flip side, I have avoided a SUNY-affiliated nightmare professor against whom complaints are mounting. If some insist on SUNY-only affiliation, in spite of verifiable credentials and professionalism, then to each his own.  

By the way, as when working with a doctor, lawyer, or businessman, I personally select good instructors based on information found through Google, review sites, LinkedIn, and even Facebook. There's no need to enter a virtual classroom blindly.

ESC is not for everyone, but time will also tell if the school will rise to meet the challenges put forth by some dissatisfied students. I do not dismiss the dissenting opinions expressed on this site. The bottom line is that we own and respect a degree based on the effort we put into attaining it. Keep this in mind, and you will be fine with your ultimate decision.

@ DOOR--- thank you very much for your literate, intelligent, and extremely helpful comments.  You have helped to solidify my distaste for, and even fear of, ESC.  I have already enrolled for the approaching fall semester, but will not return thereafter.  Thank you,thank you, thank you.

College enrollments are skyrocketing, especially at community and adult oriented colleges. Many schools are hiring adjuncts to fill the need, the hope is ESC maintains strict standards. I've been happy there but am comfortable with self guided courses. I prefer not to sit through classes in oversized lecture halls with little to no class participation, so the online boards work better for me. While it would be nice to have a hands on instructor guiding every opinion it's not very realistic, except in small community college classes and small liberal art schools, often those classes also discourage positions that oppose the instructor's. If you're looking for a good foundation to build practical experience on, and can handle autonomy and self direction, than ESC is a great school for you. On the other hand if you want constant feedback and guidance consider community college or a small liberal arts college.

I graduated from Suny ESC in 2005 with a BS in Business and I found to college to be very good, affordable and the professors that i had to be great.  Just choose your courses carefully and always try to be on top of your classes because because getting a degree online is very challenging.

Finally finishing after 3 years of 3 semesters a year and I must say I have had friend attempt to help me with advanced degrees and they consider some of this material and grading more difficult than what they learned in school. Regardless you must teach yourself the material which makes it considerably more difficult but enhances your education. There were many moments of frustration and I must have written hundreds of papers that are graded harshly so you will get your money's worth. The administration is very friendly and helpful but prepare yourself for giving up half of your week writing papers and researching till your brain becomes mush.
    I took a business course with a concentration in finance and the material they expect you to absorb within months is insanity. Imagine teaching yourself economics and financial formulas without a teacher/tutor and becoming reliant upon yourself. The graders are sticklers but let me tell you know that you are on your own. They grade diligently, and the assignments are numerous along with some courses requiring online class with microphones weekly. One word of advice choose your courses carefully to ensure you know the prior material and do not simply jump into advanced courses.

Thank you for all your reviews and comments.  Have been researching on line colleges for about a month.  This helps so much.

I have been attending ESC for about two years now. Since starting I have had some very good professors and some not so good. I transferred in with 80 previous college credits which left me to take 12 classes. At the beginning I used my mentor a lot now I hardly talk to him. This experience is not for people who have problems self starting. ESC is far more challenging then any other college classes I have taken. There is no scheduled class time, no professors lecturing you on the subjects, and you can not just make an appointment for extra help if you need to. It is up to you to read the course material on your time and get a hold of the professor over e-mail or on the phone to help with the problems. 

Most Professors are very helpful, as a member of the United States Navy I often times had to turn in assignments a little late because of low bandwidth. And I would sometimes have to join the discussions late. The only professor that gave me the most problem was of course retired Navy (go figure). 

I am very proud of everything I have achieved at ESC and by no means agree with any of the negative comments posted above. A degree from ESC does carry weight it a SUNY school and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Which is the same as NYU, Cornell University and Penn States accreditations, which I have been accepted to continue one for my Master's program. This goes to show me that ESC is not a scam or a sham. 

All I can say, I recommend ESC to anyone who asks, but remind them they have to be a self starter who needs little or no supervision at all. They must be willing to read every word of every chapter over every assigned reading, and must be willing to write paper after paper. 

Great experience, I’ve learned a lot, and look forward to putting my degree to use once I retire from the Navy and continuing my education at Penn State.

I am currently atending ESC (concentration in Human Development w/ "minor" in Child Development)with one semester to go! I cannot say that it has been an easy experience, but it has been rewarding. The assignments and discussions are challenging. However,the professors are kind (some more than others) and more than willing to help you. I am pleased with my experience at ESC thus far and with the price of tuition is reasonable as well. Good Luck all!

I have recently grauated with a Bachelor os Science in Business, Mangagement and Economics with a concentration in Business Administration and Finance, from SUNY Expire State College. I was able to transfer 96 credits, which I earned at Hobart College and Hofstra University. I mapped out a degree plan, with my mentor, for the remaining coursework, and to ensure I filled all requirements.  I needed to take approx 11 classes, of which I can say were amongst the most rigorous I have ever taken, anywhere. There were times I felt I could have used some more traditional classroom time, and other times when I fully appreciated not having needed to go in. The assignments and workload I received practically borderlined on ridiculous (Meaning a ton of work and meeting a very high standard of work quality). However, now that I have successfully completed them I truly appreciate the rigorous work. SUNY ESC is a great great place. It allowed for to finish my degree while working full time and earning a living. However, I never felt that I was at an online school at all. It really does depend on the person. For me, I took full advantage of my mentor, (who is there for you in addition to the professors fr the full time you are at SUNY ESC)and of my professors along the way in each class. They were very accomodating, and I graduated without a hiccup. I do live in the area and this made it feel more like home for me as well. I recommend this school and program to others.

I'm entering my third semester at SUNY Empire and have been impressed so far. Yes, it's primarily self guided learning, yes, there's a lot of work and writing and yes, no one is going to hold your hand and walk you through the learning process. It's far more personal than some enormous lecture halls at prominent universities where you never interact with the professor though. I've been to community college and now online at Empire and I'd say I'm learning as much if not more at Empire because I'm able to focus on the material without the distractions of attending class in person. Denigrating it as a "waste of time" or "rip off" sounds more like sour grapes than an honest opinion. I don't believe any of us, mentors, instructors or students are wasting our time. Far from it. I absolutely love it so far, except for the expense.

I wanted to look for anyone that knows someone that has taken the education degree and became a teacher? Please let me know about your or their experience. Thank you

I agree with the professor the stduent was trying too hard. Edu is to be approached like the Tao detached- do ur best. When are ppl going to open their eyes and realize that edu is a brainwashing dumbingdown operation. i am very happy i found this school. i believe in self edu and with this school i can put my piece of pape on the wall to rep that i have a degree. thats it ppl. edu ain't nothing but a standard ppl use 2 judge themselves. free ur mind. go 2 the most economical school that what edu is worth.

It's really a disservice to Empire to call it an "online" school.  I earned my BS in Finance from there, and I took a total of TWO credits "online".  All the other credits were earned through textbooks, assignments, and meeting with the teacher in person.  

I attended SUNY Stony Brook for two years and let me tell you this- Empire was MUCH more work, but I learned SO much more. 

And the quality of teaching at Empire is just like anywhere else- you get some great teachers, and you get some horrible teachers.  Just a short example: At Stony Brook, I had a teacher for Financial Accounting who barely spoke English (she was Chinese) and I finished with my "A" and 3 credits, but walked away feeling almost robbed.  At Empire, I had a teacher for Corporate Finance who was incredibly bright, articulate, and always made himself available.  It's all relative.

Bottom line is this- it is all what YOU make of your experience.  If you want to do well, you put yourself in that position.

So in other words, don't apply

I enrolled at SUNY Empire State (ESC) three semesters ago because of the convenience and excellent value-for-money. I was also attracted to the school because I prefer full-length semesters to the drastically abbreviated sessions that have become the hallmark of online diploma mills and are increasingly disparaged by many employers.

So am I happy at ESC?  Decidedly not. Like most online institutions, the faculty are scattered all over the country.  Most teach for more than one school and project no sense of personal commitment to ESC or have the time or inclination to address students individually.  The courses they teach are not of their own design and their lack of personal investment in the assignments is often very evident as well - quite often they don't even know what's supposed to be happening.  On average it's taken five weeks to get my first grade/feedback of the semester and most instructors stay seriously behind in their grading throughout the term.  Their conspicuous lack of presnce makes for poor partcipation in class discussions as well, so you really do feel like you're learning entirely on your own. 

I was also surpirsed by the lousy level of scholarship I've found in the many assignments that are intended for peer review and exchange. I'd attribute some of that problem to the lack of course leadership, too, because many students don't seem the least bit motivated or confident in their work.  The result is the frustration of having to craft meaningful responses to halfhearted, uninteresting submissions on a regular basis. A serious drag.

I should note that I had already earned an online Associate's degree before I enrolled at ESC so I'm no stranger to online learning, and I really enjoyed going to college in cyberspace until I transferred. Over time the toxic apathy at this school has eroded my interest in what I'm studying to the point where I am actively trying to find another school for Fall 2010. 

In short, SUNY Empire State is not a particularly good atmosphere for education and definitely not worthy of the SUNY brand.

"To NY Long Island "    did you went to this school, did you took classess online?
 if you can please send us real online college or university,

please everybody i just need some advices, i want to start study but i cant decide to which school i have to go

please help me.....

To poster "NY, Long Island", it seems like you are just ranting without saying what is wrong with ESC! This is SUNY you are talking about so you better be direct with your statement.

You did not even say if you went to the school, the courses you took...NOTHING! 

I was looking for recommendation and your posting just wasted 2 mins of my life's time!

Please list REAL online colleges.

ESC is part of the SUNY program.  If it's not good enough, try elsewhere.

Empire is a scam!  It's a lie.   Empire is a Sham!  Run. 
    
The professors take weeks to get back to you --providing they respond to you at all.  YOU ARE LEFT HANGING.   Empire promises you personal attention and flexibility; anything to get your money.  Once your fee is paid you are disregarded and ignored.  Eventually you quit, hurt and discouraged but don’t take it personal.  This is how Empire does its business.
   
Nothing on Empire's web site is true.  If they were a business, the management would be in jail. Empire one of those places where you’re just waiting for the 'shoe to drop'. You know trouble is coming but you just don't know when. Empire’s unethical practices and the crooks that run the place will hit the newspapers sooner or later. The lighting is visible; we’re just waiting for the sound of the thunder to arrive.
   
And don't but that 'suny credit' stuff.  When they tell you “All our credits are suny credits and accepted anywhere you go.”  That is not completely true.  Most maybe, some are not.  Not by some other colleges and not by some New York State Licensure agencies.   Not everyone accepts all Empire credits face value, and in some instances will reject Empires credits as having no use or value at all.  Do you homework before you even think about attending.  And don’t bother asking them, remember they lie.
   
Best thing is to stay away.  Go to one of the REAL online colleges where you will learn something and get value for your money.  And your degree be worth something. Avoid the insults and aggravation you'd feel when the professors ignore your phone calls and e-mails.  Don't waste your time complaining, the people in charge enable the problems by doing nothing about it.  They know what you’re experiencing when you complain about how shabby you have been treated.  They have heard it many times before.  They are the bigger part of the problem.  They don't care!  In fact, they'll blame you! 
    
You deserve better, and anything is better than Empire State College. 

New York, Long Island.

It makes no sense to disparage the institution through which you have taken your certification; on the contrary, to a degree holder, the praise received by the institution illuminates its graduates.  No one who takes a degree from any institution is, therefore, unconflicted in criticizing or in praising that institution.  

With that in mind, and having taken a B.A. from SUNY Empire State, I felt it necessary to include the following remarks.  

In half of the courses I took, getting any kind of feedback from the instructor was a Sisyphean exercise in futility.  In these "courses," it was only necessary to buy the book(s), write the papers, and move on.  The "instructors" were conspicuous by their disinterest and silence.  They seemed to see their roles as detached spectators or referees.  

In one instance I was finally told by one reticent professor that I was "trying too hard."  You pass if you do just what is required, no more and no less.  Each course is simply a phase in an industrial process, one which requires little or no human oversight or intervention.  

If you are, as I was, looking for instructors to act as mentors, give up the idea.  Such involvement is rare.  

Of course I must admit that there were exceptions.  In three cases out of all the courses I took, the instructors bothered to maintain a meaningful (and educational) exchange with me.  

If you feel that the human dimension of a modern education is spurious, then ignore my remarks.  I, however, was overwhelmed by the sense that my certification proves that I have read several books and written acceptable papers in response to them.  Nothing more.

I have also just completed my BS in Community and Human Services and previously attained a AAS in Interdisciplinary Skills with SUNY ESC and am in agreement with the previous writer, the school is a good one.  In New York they are highly recognized, and if any one knows the SUNY name they know that SUNY is known highly respected.

The things I mostly valued were the cost, you cannot beat the tuition rates, they are almost as good as community college rates.  Mostly the instructors were good, there were a few that were less than desirable, but I am sure most would say that about their college experience.  I also felt that most professors wanted to see you succeed and would work with you at times on some of the time constraints.  Materials always good and up to date, however, they never sold used books.  I never really had a problem with the financial aid, I think most students will also say that the financial department in any college USA has its issues.  I also like the fact that you could tailor your degree.

Dislikes were when they changed the course space, the new space took some time to get used to and to me was not as user friendly.  My mentor was great but I know of someone else who's mentor is not so great and you depend on them a great deal especially in the beginning.  Also the tailoring your own degree did get confusing at times.  I also did not like having to take classes just to learn to tailor your degree.

All in all a good college experience and I hope to continue on to graduate school there as well.

I have just completed my BS in Community and Human Services with SUNY/ESC. What the first reviewer left out was probably the most important factor pursing a degree in ESC; it is a State University of New York degree. Not as valuable as a SUNY Cornell degree, but valuable nonetheless.
It is true, as in every college, you have some okay professors, some schmucks, or diamonds in the rough. One would be in criminal justice classes S. Raptis. I had this professor for two semesters, his knowledge, clarity, and truthfulness was genuine. There are some others to avoid, especially Prof. J. Putt in Urban Studies, he is as useful as nipples on a bull.
My life credits brought me to 75 credits after completing the Educational Planning, no worries with that, if you have a decent mentor they will give you a template. Remember when you succeed, so does the mentor.
I received federal and state grants rather easily. I suggest that you buy all of your required reading used - you will save hundreds of dollars. Some classes require literature from ESC, so you have no other choice on those. 
If you are an adult learner, and have accomplished a lot in your life vocationally, and the likes, I strongly suggest ESC over ANY online school. ESC degree does hold weight - I myself will be taking the LSATS in order to get into Northwestern School of Law that shows you the weight of ESC.