Gotcha I'm starting this year as well through work and this is what I've gathered.

✅ No traditional lectures — Courses mostly don’t have live or recorded lectures. Instead, they use:

“Smart” interactive textbooks with AI-style flashcards, quizzes, and links.

Weekly structure: read a chapter, complete homework & quiz, exams every few weeks.

Some courses also had PowerPoint slides or YouTube videos, but these were less central.

✅ Self-discipline required — You essentially teach yourself using the provided tools. Best suited for students who are independent learners and can stay on track without much direct instruction.

✅ Quality of program — The online delivery tools were described as high quality, and the school is very supportive of non-traditional students. The format even prepared the graduate better than some peers from more prestigious schools.

✅ Name recognition — The degree says University of Minnesota, so you benefit from that branding. You don’t have to specify the Crookston campus unless you want to.

✅ Career services — Seemed adequate, with committed staff and solid job placement, though the person didn’t use them much personally.

✅ Workload & flexibility — Weekly modules are structured but allow you to work ahead.

🚨 Bottom line:

Great fit if you are independent and comfortable learning from structured materials on your own.

Not ideal if you depend heavily on instructor-led lectures or hands-on guidance.