[nagrom867]

Hi there! I was just wondering if I could get any opinions or information about the DLP, in particular the MA in Professional Counseling. Of you you could point me in the direction that I could find some information.

Thanks so much!
Morgan

[topcat86]

I graduated with a MA in Counseling in 2003. Many things have changed for the better - overall excellent program.

http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=8747

[LUconn]

Just know what you want going into the DLP. The counselors have kinda turned into telemarketers over the last few years, so dont let that discourage you too much.

[Fumblerooskies]

The best thing about DLP, is all the courses have gone to 8 week blocks...
...and most have eliminated the videos.

[Libertine]

...and most have eliminated the videos.

Not all, unfortunately.

[PeterParker]

Just know what you want going into the DLP. The counselors have kinda turned into telemarketers over the last few years, so dont let that discourage you too much.

I hope for credibility's sake that LU's DLP arm doesn't turn into University of Phoenix online, Almeda College, Capella College or any of the other for-profit incorporated distance education outlets. That classification will hamper what the resident college is trying to do in bringing academic prestige to the school

[Sly Fox]

So far the DLP has been far from a impediment to the school's success. It has only enhanced our brand nationally and internationally.

And I agree, the sooner those crappy tapes are gone the better.

[PeterParker]

I agree that DLP has enhanced it in the form of name/brand recognition and will continue to do so if approached from the manner the traditionally academically strong schools approach their distance learning modules in that they are seen as a supplement to the resident program. Being bigger or ubiquitous does not automatically equate to academically strong or reputable. Hence the simple caveat that as long as DLP doesn't devolve into the outlets that are actually incorporated as companies and some that are publicly traded (University of Phoenix, Capella etc.) then it will enhance instead of detract from the academic reputation of the school. If the quality of the product is first rate (continued elimination of the outmoded forms of delivery coupled with seeking endorsement by the major accrediting bodies and professional academic organizations within each academic discipline, i.e. AACSB International for Business, then I say march onward.)

Reference:

http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/Accr ... embers.asp

[LUconn]

Just know what you want going into the DLP. The counselors have kinda turned into telemarketers over the last few years, so dont let that discourage you too much.

I hope for credibility's sake that LU's DLP arm doesn't turn into University of Phoenix online, Almeda College, Capella College or any of the other for-profit incorporated distance education outlets. That classification will hamper what the resident college is trying to do in bringing academic prestige to the school

It's too late. I'm embarassed by it as well. I dare you to get your name and number on their list of potential applicants.

[Seeker1]

Hey LUConn, and anyone else who might have an opinion on the issue, can you go a little further into expressing your concerns about the DLP? Academic integrity issues? Watering down of the on-campus rep? Commercialization, and thus some forms of corruption, of Liberty's image?

Your opinion is valuable to me, particularly because I'm looking into the DLP, having already completed a degree from a real university but wanting more. Upon initial review, my knee-jerk reaction is that the DLP is an entirely separate entity, with the same brand and image but none of the 'good vibrations' (from an outsider's point of view)... and quality is the thing that concerns me. As someone else stated, the telemarketer image is fairly apparent (from my initial phone calls to get info). I'm the type that would go to on-campus events, and take on-campus classes as well... But I'm imagining DLP students might be considered red-headed stepchildren if people knew who they were.

With the push for 25,000 students on and off campus, is there any real way to quality control what comes out of the DLP? I think if the focus is on building a large program it's going to be difficult to build a quality program. There aren't many real-world universities that do distance learning well, and there programs are quite limited, especially in certain subjects. Many schools, from Penn State, to Villanova, and even Harvard have a distance education program of some type... but will Liberty's subtract or add to the university in the long run?

It's an interesting issue. I think Liberty has far better brand quality than University of Phoenix and that sort. Barring some drastic change of course, it's sticking around too. But will the DLP go the route of leading the way for main stream, 'bricks and mortar' universities in distance education or become another generic resume filler? It's a scary debate for those of you who put 4+ hard years of work into your degrees on-campus. I know I cringed a little when my alma mater added a DLP...

My hope is that there is guidance enough to bring the DLP much closer in-line with the on-campus expectations, and that includes involvement in the community by DLP students as well. I'm hoping the DLP doesn't become (or continue to be) the weird cousin no one really wants to have over for dinner, but invites out of obligation because he's shares a name. I do believe the on-campus administration/leadership is at a crossroads, whether they know it or not. They can expand the program to be a world leader or let it slide into something that's temporarily comfortable but eventually disastrous.

[LUconn]

no, no. I don't want to look like I'm challenging the quality of the DLP program. As far as I understand, it's a very good program and you'll get everything out of it you need. The only part I have a problem with, is the numbers driven mentality that the counselors are told to have. If they get your number, they will call you everyday until they get an application out of you or until you tell them to never call you again. And sometimes they'll call you after that. (not on purpose, but your number might not get marked not to call properly the first time) If you get into the program, I have no doubt that you'll not regret your decision. But their attitude of "get application of anything that breathes" will definatly be turning some people away and make LU look a little pathetic. I'm not even sure how they get their list of numbers of prospective students but I think some of it is from people signing up on the internet because they wanted something free. You know, that kind of stuff. I just think, somewhere along the way, they got caught up in production numbers and forgot that this isn't DeVry. It's Virginia's largest private University.

[El Scorcho]

But I'm imagining DLP students might be considered red-headed stepchildren...

I take offense to that statement.

[TallyW]

Seeker--
I've done both Liberty's Undergrad and DLP. The DLP is for my Master's.

DLP isn't a watered down version. I've taken external classes from the University of Florida and believe me, Liberty is every bit as good if not better than U of F when it comes to external degree.

Most of the courses are now 8 weeks long which makes them much more intense. There are 3 lectures per week along with reading assignments and papers. The assignments are graded at the University and the tests online are timed. Honestly the course work is not like some diploma-mill.

As for being treated differently... I haven't felt that at all. In my experience I was always able to get help when I needed it in a timely manner and the reality is that most of my interaction can be done apart from the phone or standing in the lines (DOES ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER registration or books in the Shilling Center???) All of that is online and the materials show up UPS at your door. Very easy. As for the profs... they give you their contact info and I've always gotten a response in a timely manner... and remember... the profs are actually lecturing on campus as well... you don't have to talk to a 18 year old freshman if you need help with your class.

All in all I've enjoyed the DLP experience. NO system is ever perfect so I'm sure others may have had a different experience but my personal experience has been very good and as I said... much better than my course work with U of F. I seriously felt like a number in their database during my time of taking their course. In addition I never got help from the professor on the tape so it was a horrible experience trying to re-explain what I think I saw... then get them to help me. I say go at it... the LU stuff is good. Also if I'm not mistaking LU has been doing this as long or longer than nearly anyone... they've learned a lot over the years.

[PeterParker]

no, no. I don't want to look like I'm challenging the quality of the DLP program. As far as I understand, it's a very good program and you'll get everything out of it you need. The only part I have a problem with, is the numbers driven mentality that the counselors are told to have. If they get your number, they will call you everyday until they get an application out of you or until you tell them to never call you again. And sometimes they'll call you after that. (not on purpose, but your number might not get marked not to call properly the first time) If you get into the program, I have no doubt that you'll not regret your decision. But their attitude of "get application of anything that breathes" will definatly be turning some people away and make LU look a little pathetic. I'm not even sure how they get their list of numbers of prospective students but I think some of it is from people signing up on the internet because they wanted something free. You know, that kind of stuff. I just think, somewhere along the way, they got caught up in production numbers and forgot that this isn't DeVry. It's Virginia's largest private University.

Is it me or does the tone of Seeker1 line of questions seem more like a reporter doing some digging or a blogger looking for inside info.

I don't think the numbers focus is unique to Liberty; I inquired about a college in the UK, University of Liverpool and I routinely get email contact every couple of months now after getting called every week for a little while after my initial inquiry.

I still hold to the line that as long as LU balances the two, and allows the residential program to lead the way and take steps to ensure that the DLP focus on growth doesn't impinge on the academic marquee brand equity the resident program is working feverishly to establish then all will be well. However, from the telemarketer standpoint, LU surely doesn't want to get on the "blacklist" of annoying businesses/organizations that cause you to avoid answering your phone.

[Seeker1]

Is it me or does the tone of Seeker1 line of questions seem more like a reporter doing some digging or a blogger looking for inside info.

I don't think the numbers focus is unique to Liberty; I inquired about a college in the UK, University of Liverpool and I routinely get email contact every couple of months now after getting called every week for a little while after my initial inquiry.

I still hold to the line that as long as LU balances the two, and allows the residential program to lead the way and take steps to ensure that the DLP focus on growth doesn't impinge on the academic marquee brand equity the resident program is working feverishly to establish then all will be well. However, from the telemarketer standpoint, LU surely doesn't want to get on the "blacklist" of annoying businesses/organizations that cause you to avoid answering your phone.

As much as it might seem like I'm looking for headline news, I'm not a reporter Peter. I'm just looking for the right environment, something I won't regret. I want LU to be everything I hope it is... and some of the assurances I've seen here go a long way in solidifying my hope. You can't get the good neighborhood info from the web site or from calling the university. I will be investing a lot in LU, and I want to be sure. I'm checking out everything from the academics, to future prospects, to how proudly I will wear a LU sweatshirt two or five decades from now.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your opinions and information. It helped a lot.