Hello All,
I am new to this website, and decided to run a quick search on my school, Fielding Graduate University. Wow, what harsh criticisms from such a curious lot of students, no offense intended. I especially like reading the belabored point that Fielding is an "on-line program," in spite of the fact that it was created and approved by the APA long before the internet was used in universities. I do understand, however, that ignorance leads people to say some perculiar things.
Here is my story: I am enrolled in Fielding's Neuropsychology program which I beleive is the best in the U.S. Am I biased, well maybe. Am I qualified to make such an expert comment? I would say yes. You see, not only am I a student at Fielding, of which I am very proud by the way, but I am also a board certified neurologist. What's more, as a Fielding student, I am also the winner of a sizable NIH grant to conduct research in a designated area. Why did I pick Fielding?? Because it is, bar none, the best program for experienced and educated adults in the US and Canada.
Am I typical of the students at Fielding, you might ask? Yes, quite typical. Another colleague of mine happens to hold a PhD from UCLA in organizational psycholgoy. She decided on Fielding for its top-flight, APA approved, "clinical respecialization program." Additionally, my colleagues include published authors (popular and academic), film makers, Oxford Grads, medical doctors and the like. By the way, Fielding's model is adapted from Oxford University's tutorial mode.
Now, of course Fielding has students who do not make it to graduation. Fielding is the only school I know that has a course in Critical Thinking, as the first course students take in the program. Not only is it difficult, even for me, but if one fails the course, they are asked to leave Fielding. Moreover, the acceptance rate getting into Fielding, at least for my year, was less than 20 percent. Sure, some schools are lower. But typical "college kids" never make it in Fielding, nor would they succeed at Fielding. It's for real grown-ups who own companies and practices, who alreday work as therapists, or come with advanced degrees from the world's best colleges and universities.
So, why am I writing this. Because I think there are too many people that think of Fielding as "that on-line school." When looked at critically, though, Fielding requires the same of more residency hours as any other school. Moreover, we don't have to live on a campus to make sure we'll show up to class on time. You see, at Fielding, we can do our work, and wipe our noses.
Thanks for reading my post. I am sure it will result in the propagation of more fallacies. That's okay, I am here to defend what may be the best university in the world.
Sincerely,
Dr. R.J.
