AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about online programs and what is expected of an online student or instructor. I am an instructor as well as a student in an online program. If you are looking for a program or have questions about online learning in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society. Read about my experiences as an online student at my blog thinkPhD.
Expert: Cynthia Wolfe Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: Financial Aid for Distance Learning
Question Hello again Cynthia!
You helped me find distance learning programs in sexology, I am happy to report that I will be participating in one of the programs you suggested to me (an intro-online course at LSU) . I also followed up some of your other leads and found a more encompassing program at IASHS that I would LOVE to take however tuition is about $6,000! As a recent college graduate I haven't yet made the type of money to pay for this out of pocket and the institute representatives say that their institute does not accept financial aid. I really have my heart set on this certification and would like to know if there are any financial resources that I can tap into without taking out a personal loan for this course. *I've copied and pasted our previous e-mails below for reference* Thanks so much!
~Mindy
****Thanks for the follow up questions. I think an intro course would be a fantastic idea. Since you have an undergrad degree in business, you will most likely have to take psychology undergrad courses before you can work on a master’s degree. Most grad programs require previous related undergrad study. For example, I have a science undergrad degree; when I went back to school to work on my MBA, I had to take some undergrad business courses. This gave me an opportunity to discover if my interest was where I thought it was. You definitely have some options to consider.
There are distance learning masters in psychology programs offered by the University of Phoenix, Walden University and Capella University. The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, CA, offers distance learning and has masters, PhD, and certification options in human sexuality. This is a well-known organization. The Master’s program allows students to travel to Paris or China for a cultural perspective on public health. Here is a link to their website: http://www.iashs.edu/academic.html
There is some fascinating reading in the IASHS’s electronic journal; here is a link: http://www.ejhs.org/
If you are interested in taking an undergrad course to see if your interest level will warrant pursuing a master’s, I suggest taking an Intro to Psychology or a Human Sexuality course at a local community college.
Louisiana State University (LSU) has an undergraduate independent study program in which students may enroll at any time. Courses are completed by independent and distance learning. Students work at their own pace by submitting a series of assignments and taking one or more examinations. A 3 hour course would be less than $250, a real bargain! Here is a link: http://is.lsu.edu/default.asp
Take a look at the course content for KIN 2600 Human Sexuality************
Answer Hi Mindy,
Yes, I remember your question. It's good to hear that you are "loving" your coursework and want to expand your learning. You mention that IASHS does not accept financial aid. This may mean that they do not accept federal student assistance. The qualifications are fairly stringent in order for a school to accept this type of aid - and frankly not every school can meet the criteria.
On that page there are also links to banks which make student loans (even though I know you mention that you do not want a loan). It is very hard to find money available for a non-traditional school, other than loans. Most scholarships require that a school be accredited by one of the four major accrediting bodies (IASHS is not accredited through one of these).
I hope that one of the links will help you.
Regards,
Cindy Wolfe
