I was admitted to Villanova University cps and Georgetown scs for an online bachelor’s degree for the Fall of 2024, I will be starting College for the first time since graduating high school in 2005. I plan on pursuing a career as a technical writer and have interests in writing, creative writing, English, and communications studies. I also have an interest in theology and philosophy from a Catholic/ Christain perspective. Because of this I chose a BA in General Studies at Villanova. at Georgetown my option is a BA in Liberal Studies.
Georgetown’s program is very cheap at $400 per credit hour but the program raises a couple concerns for me. Everything is done through Coursera so my only class options to pick from is through Coursera online. They provide concentrations which I chose humanities. The core curriculum is only 18 credits but is dropped down to 12 for the fall of 2024. Also, they are dropping the core requirements for concentration courses. I’m assuming this is because they don’t have enough classes in general. seems to not have a great deal of structure. also, not good reviews on advising and administration.
Villanova’s program seems perfect and matched all my boxes except for the price, $760 per credit hour. The core curriculum is the same core as traditional on campus students and it’s a solid one. with a lot of great writing courses along with interesting philosophy and religion courses. For my major I have a ton of subjects to pick from to create a concentration of my choice including English, writing, Communications, astronomy etc. Villanova has terrific administration, and my advisor is incredible and had a similar path as me academically, so we click well. I’m filling out FASFA. I can ultimately afford both programs. Villanova seems more involved on campus and part of the community as opposed to Georgetown’s program.
I feel, if I went to Georgetown route, I wouldn’t feel like I’m getting an authentic Georgetown education, at Villanova I feel I would authentically be getting an authentic structured Villanova education. If any non-traditional students have any experience or info about these two programs, I greatly appreciate it.