How do graduate schools admission departments view online classes?
I work full time right now which is why I’m interested in online courses. My only concern was how online classes were viewed on your transcript. From what it sounds like, this doesn’t seem to be a concern. I didn’t mean to sound like a snob when it comes to schools but I’ve honestly heard from many admissions people that places like ITT and University of Phoenix and other diploma mills are more harmful than helpful when it comes to admissions. I just want to find a decent place for online courses. Thanks for all the feedback so far.
I’m seconding that the state schools in many cases offer very good quality courses via distance. Also, in many cases, these courses are not shown any differently on your transcripts (as compared to on-campus courses). This is because they are not materially different. The work you complete will be comparable regardless of the delivery method. Another school is not likely to know if you took it on campus or off (unless they realize you couldn’t have taken the class in one state while working in another). Proctored exams are more an issue that arises out of Professors feeling uncertain about the security level of online exams. They are not connected with accreditation. If you feel uncertain about your graduate level math skills, do NOT take a distance ed graduate math course to show that you are ready for grad school. As vincele says above, your GRE scores will make a bigger difference. Wait until you are admitted and then take the courses that particular school recommends to bring you u
Are there any online programs out there that offer math courses past linear algebra? The Diploma for Graduates in Mathematics from the University of London External programme sounds right for you. The programme begins with the assumption that you’ve passed first year calculus and linear algebra, you can check out the syllabus here. It’s entirely a self-learning programme and the exam is tough (I’m taking it too now). I’m not sure how well recognized it is in the USA though, but if you’re planning to go for graduate schools in Europe, I’m pretty sure that it is fairly recognized.
