Letters of Recommendation

[npk32]

Hello! I'm researching the application process for online graduate history programs and I'm somewhat concerned about my ability to produce academic letters of recommendation. Long story short, similar to quite a few others on this forum, I completed 50+ undergraduate credits at a B&M university ~20 years ago and then finished up my degree over the last 2-3 years through a combination of non-traditional courses. However, only 3 of those most recent courses were led by a professor. Does anyone have a similar experience of successfully requesting letters of recommendation from their online professors after such minimal academic interaction? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Supermind]

Do online graduate programs also expect letters of recommendation? Which university are you looking at?

[sanantone]

Do online graduate programs also expect letters of recommendation? Which university are you looking at?

Many traditional colleges want letters of recommendation even if the program is online. It also depends on the program. At one school, one program can require LORs while another doesn't.

[cookderosa]

I had to provide letters of recommendation for a few schools, I can't remember which ones. I applied to 7 grad schools and when required, I simply submitted professional recommendations. No one said anything and all went through without a hitch, accepted at all. I'm not saying you won't hit a snag, but try and collect letters from anyone who might be able to speak to your career aspirations, work ethic, volunteer effort, etc. and just have them ready.
Someone somewhere MIGHT say they need more, but with so many colleges to choose from and based on my experience with this, I don't think this should be a deal breaker.

Also, though I did NOT apply to med school, when I was considering it, I sent emails to multiple online lab science teachers at programs I considered doing my premed sciences (important for med school applications) and a handful said they would write a letter, but only within the scope of what they could evaluate (which is fair). I spent a lot of time thinking about this, and if I were in your shoes, what I *would* have done is not to ask for a "Letter of Recommendation" but I would word it more creatively. Perhaps a "Letter of Reference" instead.
You can lead your professor/teacher a little to say something like "I understand a recommendation requires more interaction than our class experience has allowed, but I am applying to graduate school and wonder if you would write a letter of reference on my behalf, specifically commenting on the work I've submitted to you for this course and my potential for success in a graduate program in history" (or similar) And then actually do excellent work that aims above and beyond the expectations of "A" work.

I would think you could FOR SURE do this of your Capstone teacher, but any upper level history courses you take / will take could be contenders as well. If possible, and you have to pick/choose, choose the teachers with the highest rank or academic level. In other words, choose Ph.D. over MS when possible. I had 1 person with no academic credentials after his name and it didn't seem to matter, but people who HAVE those tend to USE those when they submit letters like this, so it certainly couldn't hurt.

[npk32]

Do online graduate programs also expect letters of recommendation? Which university are you looking at?

Of the ~20 programs I'm considering only 5 do not include letters of recommendation as part of their admissions requirements. Unfortunately those 5 are at or near the bottom of my list of preferred programs.

---

I had to provide letters of recommendation for a few schools, I can't remember which ones.  I applied to 7 grad schools and when required, I simply submitted professional recommendations.  No one said anything and all went through without a hitch, accepted at all.  I'm not saying you won't hit a snag, but try and collect letters from anyone who might be able to speak to your career aspirations, work ethic, volunteer effort, etc. and just have them ready.  
Someone somewhere MIGHT say they need more, but with so many colleges to choose from and based on my experience with this, I don't think this should be a deal breaker.

Also, though I did NOT apply to med school, when I was considering it, I sent emails to multiple online lab science teachers at programs I considered doing my premed sciences (important for med school applications) and a handful said they would write a letter, but only within the scope of what they could evaluate (which is fair).  I spent a lot of time thinking about this, and if I were in your shoes, what I *would* have done is not to ask for a "Letter of Recommendation" but I would word it more creatively.  Perhaps a "Letter of Reference" instead.  
You can lead your professor/teacher a little to say something like "I understand a recommendation requires more interaction than our class experience has allowed, but I am applying to graduate school and wonder if you would write a letter of reference on my behalf, specifically commenting on the work I've submitted to you for this course and my potential for success in a graduate program in history"  (or similar)  And then actually do excellent work that aims above and beyond the expectations of "A" work.      

I would think you could FOR SURE do this of your Capstone teacher, but any upper level history courses you take / will take could be contenders as well.  If possible, and you have to pick/choose, choose the teachers with the highest rank or academic level.  In other words, choose Ph.D. over MS when possible.  I had 1 person with no academic credentials after his name and it didn't seem to matter, but people who HAVE those tend to USE those when they submit letters like this, so it certainly couldn't hurt.

Thanks Jennifer! I'm currently working in an unrelated field so unfortunately I don't think professional references would be relevant. Since I've only taken three professor-led courses in the past 20 years I'm guessing my only option is to reach out to those three to see if they could send a letter that speaks to my ability to excel in a graduate program. However, I'm concerned with my lack of options if one or two decline.

[pws]

Search for courses or jobs that you could ask for a letter of recommendation. It's not the best and most "organic" way, but it's better than not having any.

[npk32]

Search for courses or jobs that you could ask for a letter of recommendation. It's not the best and most "organic" way, but it's better than not having any.

Search for courses or jobs?

[NAP]

Hello! I'm researching the application process for online graduate history programs and I'm somewhat concerned about my ability to produce academic letters of recommendation. Long story short, similar to quite a few others on this forum, I completed 50+ undergraduate credits at a B&M university ~20 years ago and then finished up my degree over the last 2-3 years through a combination of non-traditional courses. However, only 3 of those most recent courses were led by a professor. Does anyone have a similar experience of successfully requesting letters of recommendation from their online professors after such minimal academic interaction? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was in a similar situation and getting the courage to ask was the hard part for me.  Here is my post about it:
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...#pid158722

[cookderosa]

<<Thanks Jennifer! I'm currently working in an unrelated field so unfortunately I don't think professional references would be relevant. Since I've only taken three professor-led courses in the past 20 years I'm guessing my only option is to reach out to those three to see if they could send a letter that speaks to my ability to excel in a graduate program. However, I'm concerned with my lack of options if one or two decline>>

I don't think I explained myself well. The field you work in doesn't matter- you can have people to vouch for your soft skills. Simply ask a supervisor or colleague to address your X (communication, critical thinking skills, leadership, etc.) You might have to be specific- saying something like "I would really like you to address my communication strengths. Since this is a distance learning program, I will have to do a lot of writing and use technology to communicate with my classmates. You've read my memos for years and we use Skype here for our meetings, so it would be really helpful if you speak to those strengths of mine." That tells them exactly what you need - which I PROMISE YOU they will appreciate.

To save time I stole this list from Google - but these are all things that ANYONE can speak to:

COMMUNICATION
Listening
Negotiation
Nonverbal communication
Persuasion
Presentation
Public speaking
Reading body language
Storytelling
Verbal communication
Visual communication
Writing reports and proposals
Writing skills

CRITICAL THINKING
Adaptability
Artistic aptitude
Creativity
Critical observation
Critical thinking
Design aptitude
Desire to learn
Flexibility
Innovation
Logical thinking
Problem-solving
Research
Resourcefulness
Thinking outside the box
Tolerance of change and uncertainty
Troubleshooting
Value education
Willingness to learn

LEADERSHIP
Conflict management
Conflict resolution
Deal-making
Decision making
Delegation
Dispute resolution
Facilitation
Giving clear feedback
Inspiring people
Leadership
Management
Managing difficult conversations
Managing remote/virtual teams
Meeting management
Mentoring
Motivating
Project management
Resolving issues
Successful coaching
Supervising
Talent management

TEAMWORK
Accepting feedback
Collaboration
Customer service
Dealing with difficult situations
Dealing with office politics
Disability awareness
Diversity awareness
Emotional intelligence
Empathy
Establishing interpersonal relationships
Dealing with difficult personalities
Intercultural competence
Interpersonal skills
Influence
Networking
Persuasion
Self-awareness
Selling skills
Social skills
Team building
Teamwork


Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/list-o...ls-2063770

[pws]

Search for courses or jobs that you could ask for a letter of recommendation. It's not the best and most "organic" way, but it's better than not having any.

Search for courses or jobs?

Either, or both; depends on what the person/school asking for recommendations is expecting.