Job Discussion Forums

[vhfroggy]

I saw advertised on the site www.mastersabroad.com and thought, ah, what a great idea! They're a school in Poland/Turkey working in conjunction with Framington State College who offers Masters of International Education degrees, so the masters would be fully accredited by Massachusetts. Classes meet for two weeks of intensive study during the winter and summer vacation. That's the claim.

My question is whether or not this place is legit. I can't find its being mentioned anywhere before, despite the fact that they refer to alumni of their program, and I can't find any reviews of it or anything.

Question 1: Is it legit?
Question 2: Are there any alternatives like this out there? I personally don't have any problems with online degrees, but I'm aware of their perceived sketchiness (and the potential employers' opinions are more important than mine!), but I don't really have the time or money to stop working for years to earn a masters in the traditional way, so this seemed like such a happy medium!

Please let me know, and thanks a lot in advance!

[Julieanne]

I think there is nothing wrong with taking online classes these days. All courses are going to be on the net sooner or later.

[Ernst]

Hello Froggy,

I just happened across this while I was running a google search. I work for OPTA, and would be happy to answer any questions you had about us.

For the record, we aren't an online course, as Julieanne seems to think. (Though she does have a point - sooner or later the online option will be widely used.) Under this model you take intensive classes in a physical classroom with professors who are sent over from Framingham. The degree comes from Framingham State College, and is regarded on par with any other graduate degree they offer.

If you would like, I can put you in touch with current students, or you could contact Framingham and ask about us. We are part of the International Education Center at Framingham.

If you are interested, go to our website and fill out the online application. I will be the one talking with you from that point on.

Regards,

Ernst