Online Learner Profiles: Marie
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Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Marie, Ph.D. in General Psychology
Meet Marie
Name: Marie Andreoli
Age: 56
Title: Instructor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Employer: Keystone College
School: Capella University
Target: Ph.D. in General Psychology, 2008
Though she is no longer considered a "temporary" instructor, her position is non-tenure track and she knows she can be let go at any time.
Marie also felt like her lack of a Ph.D. was holding her back from teaching certain courses. When she inquired about teaching social psychology, she was told that only instructors with a Ph.D. were being considered to teach it.
Marie knew it was time to look into a Ph.D. program. But her schedule was already packed. "I usually teach five classes each semester (normal load is four) and I really did not have the time or inclination to travel," she says.
It became clear to her that an online program was the way to go. She learned of Capella University through a colleague.
"One of my colleagues has her Ph.D. from Capella and I spoke with her about her experiences. She was very positive and I decided to call and speak to an admissions counselor. He was excellent and I signed up that very day."
That was back in October 2004. Marie has now completed her coursework, and is currently studying to take her comprehensive exams this summer.
In the past three years, Marie's mindset about pursuing a Ph.D. online has changed quite a bit. "When I started at Capella, I was almost afraid to tell people I was pursuing an online Ph.D. because I did not think they would take it seriously," she admits.
"When I attended my first colloquium, I realized then that all of those people could not be wrong."
Capella requires all students to attend three week-long colloquia. Students get to meet teachers and fellow learners face-to-face.
At the colloquia, Marie says, "I met many professionals who also had families and full-time careers and did not want to spend the time commuting to a brick and mortar school. They were bright, articulate, and very serious about pursuing their degrees."
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