It's my understanding that the diploma doesnt say anything about distance learning work. Just dont buy a Rolex or Breitling watch and walk around the airport like you own the place....LOL! It will just further the reputation of Riddle grads with the rest of the pilot community....

I have been working on my degree by way of the distance learning program for a couple of years now and have found it to be a more or less positive experience. I have also completed some classes at the Memphis Center, so I have experienced a mix of what they have to offer.

In my life as a "traditional" student, I attended a state university and it seems to me that the quality of education is pretty simillar. I also got my fix of beer/football and women out of the way while at the state university and I am glad that I had those experiences.

The distance learning program is heavily subscribed to by military students, as ERAU has a pretty large presence at bases all over the world. It's not a big deal, but you might end up being the only "civilian" student in the class. I have had that happen a couple of times and I learned quite a bit from the experience.

Make sure you order your textbooks well in advance of the start of class. You will generally need them on hand the first week of class, they dont waste any time.

--Andy

 

More comments about ERAU distance learning:

If you buy your books from the Daytona bookstore, be prepared for high prices, plus the shipping cost. There are other ways to get them, but be careful as you might not get a current edition or the condition might not be as advertised. Also, you wont get more than half of the original buying price on sell back, but I think that's pretty standard everywhere.

The pace of the classes is quite high, so be prepared to work and keep up. It is *very* difficult to catch up if you fall behind. You should be aware that the due dates and times for assignments is based on the "system" time, which is maintained at Daytona Beach. That's only important if you turn things in at the last minute

The distance learning program was "sold" to me by pointing out that classes start every month on the 15th. It is possible to start one every month, but I think that would be exceedingly difficult to do. Particularly if you have other time demands in your life (work, family, etc....). The instructors will have a set schedule for the class plus weekly assignments and reading to complete. This makes it tough (but not impossible) to work ahead. I have never been able to finish any of the online classes that I have taken ahead of the deadline.

Having said that, I do like that I can work on the assignments when I want to, and not have to conform to a class meeting schedule.

I would be happy to answer any other questions you might have, just let me know...

--Andy

 

If I already have my bachelors and was thinking about getting a Major in either aviation management or maybe just Business in general. Any good places I could do that on-line? I'm in Del Rio Tx so I'm short on options here.

 

Working on the AF base?

Try University of Phoenix or American Military University - they both have on-line only programs. I'm going with AMU for my MA - Military History starting next year...Things are too busy right now w/ family and work...

-LAFF

 

I think Riddle would be an option worth considering. I am seeking a undergraduate business management degree currently. I already had some coursework that would transfer from my other university experience, so doing the pro aero degree would actually set me back. I am not familliar with the schools that LAfrequentflyer mentioned, so I dont know how things would stack up, but it never hurts to have options!

Last summer, we had a student posting his Riddle assignments from the sandbox, so I know the instructors are flexible on these things...

--Andy

 

Don't go to riddle or get a degree in avaition. Make sure you get a degree in something besides aviation for a back up. You never know flying may not work out and then you are screwed and the only thing you have is a huge debt to embry riddle. Its not worth it.

 

What's your initial impression of AMU? I've heard some good and bad things about them, would like to get your take on it as well.