Online Masters (non-thesis) - Opinions?

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UCSD1984

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I'm interested in obtaining a Master's degree (non-thesis) in order to make myself a more competitive applicant for Dental School. However, I'm currently managing several family businesses in the San Diego area and cannot leave, and it seems as though none of San Diego's universities have a non-thesis Master's in Biology program.

A friend of mine on here told me to look into Masters degrees that can be obtained online, specifically "University of Nebraska Online Worldwide." Here's the link --

http://onlineworldwide.nebraska.edu/Degree-Programs/Masters-Degrees/Biology-Masters.aspx

What do you guys think of this? I was told that when submitting grades from this program into a dental application that they wouldn't appear to have been taken online.

Unfortunately this seems to be the only option for me. I've already done an informal post-bacc (finishing this quarter) but there are far too many credits impacting my GPA for there to be any more benefit in continuing a post-bacc. I'm applying to Dental School this cycle with my current stats but I'd like to have a back up plan.

Any input is appreciated.
 
The day ds start offering some of their pre clinical courses online will be day to start considering on line courses.
 
UCSD1984 said:
I'm interested in obtaining a Master's degree (non-thesis) in order to make myself a more competitive applicant for Dental School. However, I'm currently managing several family businesses in the San Diego area and cannot leave, and it seems as though none of San Diego's universities have a non-thesis Master's in Biology program.

A friend of mine on here told me to look into Masters degrees that can be obtained online, specifically "University of Nebraska Online Worldwide." Here's the link --

http://onlineworldwide.nebraska.edu/Degree-Programs/Masters-Degrees/Biology-Masters.aspx

What do you guys think of this? I was told that when submitting grades from this program into a dental application that they wouldn't appear to have been taken online.

Unfortunately this seems to be the only option for me. I've already done an informal post-bacc (finishing this quarter) but there are far too many credits impacting my GPA for there to be any more benefit in continuing a post-bacc. I'm applying to Dental School this cycle with my current stats but I'd like to have a back up plan.

Any input is appreciated.
Click to expand...

I think the dental schools are going to know something's not right when they see the institution name as "University of Nebraska Online Worldwide"
 
So what do I do if I can't leave San Diego? A thesis Masters isn't what I'm looking for. Is the online option truly that bad of an idea?
 
UCSD1984 said:
So what do I do if I can't leave San Diego? A thesis Masters isn't what I'm looking for. Is the online option truly that bad of an idea?
Click to expand...

What's your informal post bac looking like? (GPA, science GPA, number of degree credits, number of post bac credits already taken, etc.)
 
AwesomeTeeth said:
What's your informal post bac looking like? (GPA, science GPA, number of degree credits, number of post bac credits already taken, etc.)
Click to expand...

Fall 2011 - Genetics (B+), Molecular Biology (A-), Organismic&Evolutionary Biology (B)

Winter 2012 - Drugs and Behavior (B), Mam.Phys2 (B), Reguation/Gene Act/Eukaryotic (B), Evolution (A-)

Spring 2012 (currently in session) - Immunology, Virology, Organic Chemistry III

This quarter has been a devastating one for me. I should have dropped and obtained W's for Immuno and Viro when I had the chance. I've been dealing with a traumatic personal situation and have not been able to focus all quarter, despise my efforts. I'll probably be getting C's in Immuno and Viro and maybe a C in O.Chem.

Things aren't looking too good for me.
 
UCSD1984 said:
Fall 2011 - Genetics (B+), Molecular Biology (A-), Organismic&Evolutionary Biology (B)

Winter 2012 - Drugs and Behavior (B), Mam.Phys2 (B), Reguation/Gene Act/Eukaryotic (B), Evolution (A-)

Spring 2012 (currently in session) - Immunology, Virology, Organic Chemistry III

This quarter has been a devastating one for me. I should have dropped and obtained W's for Immuno and Viro when I had the chance. I've been dealing with a traumatic personal situation and have not been able to focus all quarter, despise my efforts. I'll probably be getting C's in Immuno and Viro and maybe a C in O.Chem.

Things aren't looking too good for me.
Click to expand...

That's tough. If you were making all A's in the postbac, I would say keep doing that. But with C's and B's in there, its almost pointless to keep going. You need a master's to start fresh again. Why don't you do a thesis masters if you want to stay in SD?
 
AwesomeTeeth said:
That's tough. If you were making all A's in the postbac, I would say keep doing that. But with C's and B's in there, its almost pointless to keep going. You need a master's to start fresh again. Why don't you do a thesis masters if you want to stay in SD?
Click to expand...

I keep hearing to stay away from Thesis-based Masters, and not to mention a Thesis-based program doesn't interest me at all. I'd be grinding through. I'd be much more comfortable taking a non-thesis based program that involves course-based work and not so much research and theory. Perhaps it's time I gave up.
 
UCSD1984 said:
So what do I do if I can't leave San Diego? A thesis Masters isn't what I'm looking for. Is the online option truly that bad of an idea?
Click to expand...

Not to worry. Dental school will come to you in SD.
 
doc toothache said:
Not to worry. Dental school will come to you in SD.
Click to expand...

...was that a sarcastic response? I'll be honest man, I know my situation is dire...you really don't have to slap me in the face with a response like that.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
 
And the reason I can't leave San Diego at the moment is because I'm managing several family businesses at the moment. If I left, it would have to be for Dental School. I couldn't bare to leave my family for a Masters. That's why I'm looking at other options.

I think it most definitely is time I stopped pursuing this dream.
 
I would contact your top schools admissions and ask them for their opinions and advice 🙂 And then go from there. Good luck!
 
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