University of Phoenix

I earned my Masters in a program I completed mostly online at a state university. I started teaching at UOPX a couple of years later and was amazed at the expectations for faculty regarding engagement with students in the classroom, rigor of curriculum, extent and timeliness of feedback, and just about every area you can think of. My Master's degree program was nowhere near as rigorous, the faculty were nowhere near as engaged, the feedback was comparatively very weak, and the entire learning process simply not to the same standards as UOPX. After teaching at UOPX for a couple of years, I started exploring doctoral programs in leadership. I scoured every source I could find looking for the best program, the best value, the most challenging curriculum, one I could fit into my 10-12 hour days as an executive leader in my day job, and a program that would result in satisfying my quest for knowledge in my chosen area. After all the research, I could not find a program better than the DM program at UOPX. The coursework in the program exceeded my expectations, as did each of the faculty members I had. There were two who didn't meet up to the minimum standards, and I advised the school. Without exception, every other faculty member I had for any course or seminar was highly skilled, knowledgeable, and professionally successful. I worked my tail off in a very difficult program, and it was worth every minute. Our original cohort of students at the first residency consisted of two groups of students with around 40 in each group (84 total). Of those 84, 9 of us graduated together, 3 more finished a little earlier, and I only know of 2 who completed the program later. That's 14 out of 84 who made it just through the coursework portions of the program. It was tough - slackers need not apply. One thing UOPX did that was extremely helpful, yet also a time challenge, was managing the dissertation process. There were a series of one-on-one courses for the dissertation, with set deliverables that challenged you to write continuously. Progress was important; without it the cost rose as you had to repeat these classes until meeting the requirements. That structure might not work for some, as it forced quite a bit of individual discipline on the candidate, but I found the structure a very positive thing - I needed the deadlines to keep me moving forward. In the end, it took me just over 4 years to complete the program. I have a published dissertation I am very proud of. I learned more in the program than I ever expected, it was more challenging and difficult than I expected, and I loved it. I knew the finished products (me and the dissertation) had both been tested and had succeeded. No one I've worked with has ever challenged my credentials or knowledge in my areas of expertise. Over the years, those who saw me working through the program learned how challenging and difficult it was, but also saw me grow as an individual, a scholar, and a practitioner of my craft. I don't want to go through it again, but I would highly recommend the UOPX DM program to anyone who is truly interested in an intense learning environment where you will reach higher than you ever expected!

I cannot vouch for other Phoenix degree programs because I earned a BA and an MS at brick and mortar institutions. However, I would stack the DMOL program against any doctoral program and I have the battle scars to prove it! Ninety nine percent of the faculty was outstanding. The other one percent received scathing performance assessments from me. Phoenix's library is second to none. In fact, colleagues in prestigious brick and mortar programs asked me to retrieve articles for them. Earning a doctorate at Phoenix is not cheap. So...if you can get your employer to pay, then do it. If I had to do it again (if I was younger), I would attend Phoenix. A final note... Phoenix is the world-class leader in online technology.

I have seen more people complain on sites like this and even in the school news threads abotu the way they feel about UOP. I am currently working on my dissertation and have completed all of my content courses for my DM. College is not easy regardless if it is on-ground or on-line. If it was easy EVERYONE would have a degree. The problem many people have is that they want something for nothing. UOP has opened many doors for me. All of these doors have led to better job opportunities, better pay, and better growth potential. Most people complaining about UOP fall into that "I want the degree but I want it without working for it" category. I completed my Masters at UOP with an honors gpa and have also completed all my content courses on the DM level with honors gpa. It takes hard work, self discipline, and dealing with the good and the bad. STOP COMPLAINING and pushing the blame onto UOP simply because you do not want to do the work to get the degree!

I am currently in my 2nd year of this program. I find the ability to research on my own time with the guidance of my mentor and committee members very rewarding. The committee members are similar to your instructors who motivate you to excel and to push the envelope a little further to think critically. I am proud to be a UOP alumni!