My graduate experience at Goddard was a joke.Inept eccentric (aka progressive) professors who had no place to even instruct others. Administration was worthless (Vaccaro the inept president). After I decided to stop returning there, Their inflated tuition costs really reinforced what a joke it was to attend the school. In undergrad, I was an honor student in a Harvard-based society (Delta MU Delta). When I challenged certain professors, I was black-listed. When that happens, all of the professors stick up for each other and the student is deemed "insignificant". I worked very hard while in graduate courses, yet the whacked , eccentric professors made it even more difficult for me. So much for their supposed mission. Now- they are defunct for different reasons, but my experience with those 'inept" professors contributed to their downfall. And re: doctorate designations? Sometimes those designations are ill-awarded. One goes through the academic hoops, but that does not necessarily make you worthy of that designation. That was obvious with certain professors at Goddard. Anyway, those who are sad at Goddard's eventual downfall, there are others who saw it a different way. read more

I will begin with the punchline, and then you can read the details if you like. I did one semester at the Goddard Graduate Institute in the fall of 2020. It was not only the worst educational experience of my life, it was one of the worst experiences of my life. Yelp does not give me enough room to post my full, detailed review, but you can read it online at http://nobleeightfoldblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Papers/GoddardReview.html. read more

Goddard College was not a fair return on investment for me, and many other students I know who graduated are haunted by debt and lack of job prospects. Much of the work done here would be achieved if you joined a book club and went to therapy. No resources for students. Hit or miss academic advisors. When sharing I needed to work while in the program I was told this would take away from my "real work." Sometimes what seems supportive is really just a scam. Internal instability, a revolving door of administrators (they get out as soon as possible), many years of fending off bankruptcy, and almost lost accreditation. Cult-like mantra of "trust the process" echoed constantly. A degree from here is essentially worthless. Personally, I submitted my nontraditional transcripts to an employer for a raise according to having a graduate degree and was denied. Goddard's nontraditional transcripts may seem cool or progressive but beware the consequences. If you already have employment in your chosen field, and your employer is willing to pay for your degree and adjust your salary after the fact, then their hybrid model is a great choice. read more

Goddard is an amazing experience that feeds one's independent creative processes, and will yield only what you put into it. It is a place for intellect expansion, and self-realization. That is almost unheard of in the arena of contemporary education. I've attended the University of British Columbia, fine arts schools in Vancouver and New York, and have worked with influential thinkers for years so I have an appreciation for the challenging-yet-fair learning environment. Goddard offers a chance for people with limited exposure to the world come into contact with some of the greatest thinkers there are near and far. Their faculty is rich with academic advisors who will help you sore. read more

Exceptional breadth of coursework and studies, many choices for focus of education. Design your own program, distance learning with 10 day intensives once a semester in VT. Campus picturesque. Old, once-working farm. Great community of students and camaraderie despite short amount of tine in residency. Wonderful experience being there with a graduate. read more

I applied to Goddard back in the early 90's when it was still a fully functioning on-campus college, not the current "low-residency" model. Loved Goddard's campus, but even back then, I knew it was too small, remote and isolated and Burlington was the nearest civilization at a 45-50 minute drive from campus. I don't think I would have survived there. Was a good "back-up" college choice however. Hampshire was still overall a better college fit for me. Goddard would have been a mistake. Nowadays, with Goddard's current academic model; I wouldn't even bother applying. read more

The good, the bad, and the ugly all rolled into one. Four years at Goddard made grad school way easier than it would have been otherwise. Truly. If you know what you want to do, are motivated, and work well independently, this is the place for you. The campus and the surrounding woods have terrific energy. Plainfield VT is one of the most beautiful little towns in the whole, wide, world. You will meet life changing people at Goddard, and you will be in company with some amazing, brilliant, and inspiring people. But be aware; Goddard has the same problems that can be found at any college. Mixed in with amazing and dynamic faculty advisers are the burnt out, the personality disordered, and the incompetent. Goddard admin has it's unique set of problems, and low residency is much harder than traditional type college. All that said, I'm so grateful I went to Goddard. I never would have learned so much about the world and about myself. I designed my own studies, instructed myself in everything from herbal tincturing, Jungian dream analysis,creative writing, transpersonal theory, and developmental psychology. And, based on my studies, I got accepted at a great graduate school! Goddard is an experience that never really stops; my time at Goddard shaped the way I interact with the world in general. It changed me. In the best ways. If you go to Goddard, take a sidetrip down the street to the Plainfield Co-op -- Plainfield Co-op rocks!!!! read more

It takes a special type of person to really do well at Goddard. I wouldn't recommend it to those who don't actually take an active interest in their own education, or anyone with poor study habits. (Although, a lot of us do procrastinate!) Many kids that have previously been home schooled end up here. My experience at the college thus far has varied depending on my advisor, so it's imperative you pick a good one. I do agree that Goddard credits don't transfer well, but as Goddard is the "last stop" for many students, it usually doesn't matter. read more

They will deter you from your plan. They do not follow rules of conduct when it comes to students. They will not allow you to study Western European artist. They make your life hell if you appreciate Western Europe art. They retaliate and conspire to get rid of students they don't like. My friend wants to start a lawsuit on discrimination. The faculty is forcing me to throw my money away by controlling what I'm allowed to study. They are abusing and nobody is held accountable or held to any standards. The staff bans together by having private meetings about students so they're all on the same page on who is who. If you're an artist who has experienced hurt from those who do not understand you- it will be that 100 fold from the staff alone. They are artist failures jealous of others, and who are in this for the money and the least work possible. They're like sharks who smell the blood of talent, and seek it out to grind up between their sharp teeth. When I used disability services, they began a campaign against me, forcing me to prove my critical thinking and writing skills . They've been covering for each others asses for too long. I have to make complaints to several entities now. read more

This is pretty much on of the best colleges around. The low residency program is a really interesting aspect, that lets people earn a degree in their field of study and the ability to stay in their current location. Students can focus on what their passions are and earn a degree at the same time. The Staff are great, and the faculty are accessible and engaged in your education as well as their own. Even if you don't go to school the campus is worth a trip to check out! read more

Goddard College - Music building - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Plainfield, Vermont

I am relieved I made the decision to discontinue my studies after a single semester at Goddard College for several reasons. With a 10k per semester price tag, Goddard, as a previous reviewer stated, offers few financial options aside from loans. Hence, you won't be surprised to see a homogeneous, white student body. And you won't be alone in ending up with 40K plus in debt by the time you are finished. The other reason I am happy I discontinued my studies has to do with my experiences with faculty and staff. I spoke with my program director about my indecision to continue my studies due to finances and she was completely unsympathetic. In fact, it was clear she didn't really want to engage in a conversation about finances, which tells me there are no grants or robust scholarships coming to Goddard any time soon. And also tells me the faculty are more interested in retaining students than with empathizing with our burden of debt and possibilities after Goddard. I learned a lot in my single semester there, but ultimately the cost of Goddard and Goddard's lack of commitment to making the school more affordable, more accessible, and therefore, more diverse contributed to my decision to leave. read more

A transformative experience that allows individualized studies for community and civic minded people. Goddard celebrates 150 years of academic programs. Tim Pitkin's Dewey based philosophy on education is the current model integrating - since 1938 - experiential understanding into the academic study plan and process. read more

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For someone like me who had much experience in Independent and Critical thinking, I only wanted a school that will allow my being to flourish and not be stifled. I found Goddard and Goddard found me. I'm proud to have my MA in Health Arts and Sciences through an education process that gave me the freedom to create the topics of interest to me rather than impose things on me. It made me even more confident in my life's journey so I can continue to make a difference, be part of the solutions and belong to a community that cares and acts beyond self. read more

RUN WHILE YOU CAN! The school is a scam and run very poorly. It is in financial ruin and on the brink of bankruptcy. Don't waste your money and time getting a degree from here. Taking the "easy way out" doesn't pay off, because it comes with a price. When I initially arrived for my first orientation, I had a sick feeling in my stomach to just leave, but I had already handed over money and made the travel commitment to show up. I wish I had listened to my gut instinct and just left. The pros: you design your own schedule and pick your own curriculum. -It is lax and you can get away with putting very little into the curriculum (if that is what you want to do). Great place to float. -A great option for single parents or older people that have very little time for school and have full time jobs. -The school is located in a pretty forest. -Catherine is a fantastic advisor. There are some good people at the school, but if you get a bad advisor you will suffer the consequences. -I met some very nice students there. But be cautious, some people are very unstable. -If you want to study something very unusual that is not offered at a college than this can be a good option. One person I knew studied about human trafficking, another in trauma studies, another person rennaissance history. I studied Chinese and Ayurvedic herbalism and medicine, phyto chemistry and neuro psychology. And I taught myself a lot in the process. I learned more than I did at a regular state school, but there are serious problems with how the school is run. And there are repercussions many face upon graduating. It is a great school for an older person that is going to college to learn something at their own pace or for someone that doesn't have much on their financial plate. It is great for someone that is well off financially. If you are young and starting out, and need a career plan and an income to set up your future I would look elsewhere. Goddard is great for some people's needs, but not for others. It really depends on what your goals are. And some people do well there, in order to do well you need to be self reliant and very motivated and independent. Cons: Campus computers barely work and are outdated, because they can't afford to update their system or buy new ones. The school is nearly bankrupt Some of the professors take a long time to get back to you, you have to fish hard for guidance and help. You need to be a strong advocate of yourself. You are 100 percent on your own. The campus is very dirty to the point it is not hygienic. Be prepared to smell strong body odor through out the buildings. Beware the bathrooms. Be careful what you eat at the cafeteria, several classmates contracted food poisoning. At my graduation ceremony, on the stage I received an invoice in my diploma folder for $7.42. I owned the school seven dollars and they kept my diploma hostage until I forked that 7 dollars over. I was a long time student that had donated money to them and paid them for my education was humiliated at my own ceremony over 7 bucks. My other classmate received an invoice instead of a diploma over $20.00 Be VERY careful with your thesis project do not bother going through with the IRB to get approved. Don't do it! Pick something boring and safe. The school is not respected, many people have never heard of it. It wont look good on your resume or to good reputable colleges. Few of my classmates were prepared for GRES and had a hard time getting into graduate school. They had to audit classes first in order to get in. Bottom line most of my classmates are unemployed or at dead end jobs. After graduation I realized my only way out of this huge mistake was to forge my way and start my own business. I'm a business owner now and am doing well. My degree from Goddard didn't contribute to any of my success in my business. One semester half of the staff was fired because the school was nearly bankrupt. only 15-20 students returned and the campus was a ghost town. limited resources and mentally ill students with serious problems are a big issue. One semester there was a student who had a psychotic break, stripped his clothes off and was running through the woods after eating bad mushrooms and smoking sage. He had to be carted off with the help of paramedics and police. This was in 2010 FYI. You aren't getting a shortcut coming here, yes they will take all of your credits from previous colleges so transferring on paper is easier. The repercussions you will face in you future simply isn't worth it. I was a fool to have gone there. Honestly I picked goddard because they would take all my old credits, I didn't want to waste those and be set back a few more years. I was burnt out and just wanted my degree and I thought I was getting a short cut and easy way out. I was WRONG. You don't get what you pay read more

Goddard "College" turned out to be a complete scam and waste of my time and money. The majority of the college credits I thought I earned there were not accepted anywhere else. The curriculum is an absolute joke. Very unprofessional "teachers" and staff. My advice... go to community college or any other college for that matter. Good luck in your search for a great college/education. read more

The graduate program is utterly defunct. I was admitted under the pretense that I would be able to study a specific subject, only to be partnered with an advisor (essentially your professor) in a completely different field. I requested to be changed, was denied, requested repeatedly throughout the semester, was denied, eventually dropped out because I was literally unable to study what I applied to the school to study and filed three grievances on the basis of false advertising, ethical violations, and misrepresentation of the program, only to be denied any refund. Let me mention that I was working in the admissions office at the time, and thus has a very intimate understanding of what my program should have been like. I am taking my grievance to the state attorney and beyond. I refuse to be saddled with debt for a program that does not exist. As a previous undergraduate admissions counselor, take my advice, and don't go to this school. read more

I received my MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard in 2010. I haven't stopped recommending the program or the college to people since my first semester there. After having a really structured experience in undergrad, it was important to me to find a grad school that would value all the media I work in and not just put me in a box and see all my work that didn't fit in that box as "in service of" my Art. The MFA-IA program was perfect for recognizing all parts of my artistic practice as part of my art. The low-residency was perfect for me. It allowed me to get my MFA without having to uproot myself. It also allowed me to maintain a job, and to easily transition from student to artist and scholar, fully capable of balancing and blending my art and my life, and giving me a good foundation for self-directed and life-long learning. The residencies allowed me the opportunity to get to know many other students and professors whose art practice and experiences were different than mine. Discussing my art and my goals with them opened me up to knowledge and opportunities I would never have experienced otherwise. Working one-on-one with a professor each semester was great. I really enjoyed the lengthy individualized feedback I received in response to my writing and my artwork. They pushed me in directions I wouldn't have considered and helped me grow into the artist and person I am today. I trace many of my best traits back to my experience there. Goddard may not be right for folks who really need a structured daily schedule in order to thrive, but for someone who is self-directed, the freedom Goddard provides can allow your learning to take you places you'd never imagined. read more

What higher education should look like. Goddard is student-centered learning for wimple who want to integrates college into the life that they already have. Each program meets here for just one week each semester, then everybody goes home and does their work. It's a rigorous and self-directed way of learning, ideal for people returning to finish an undergraduate degree or expand/deepen their practice through a masters program. Come here and create the kind of learning that you need! read more

I had a wonderful experience at Goddard College. One I will remember for the rest of my life. I graduated with my B.A back in 2003, and to be honest I don't think any other college would have been a better fit for me. Some of the teachers there were some of the most supportive people I have ever met. Those supportive teachers helped me to grow in way I never thought I would. Because of my education at Goddard I gain the confidence to go out into the real world and implement programs that nobody in my community wound have done. I am the first person to start a gardening program for people with mental health issues in central California. I am also one the first people to do Holistic talk radio program to be broadcast on air. I have my education at Goddard to thank for these achievements. read more

In my role as a company partner and exec I have and will continue to make hiring decisions on recent graduates. Given the grip on reality demonstrated by the recent student body decision of a commencement speaker I just want to let future students know that Goddard on the resume = circular file. I know a number of execs who have expressed this same viewpoint. read more

The "course contracts" are a joke- especially when there is sufficient conversation with the relevant professors. My advisor AND Psyche Program Director initially agreed with my legitimate complaints re: last minute , numerous hours worked...30- plus pages submitted and the pertinent professors in question forgot that not only students pay their salary, but their ego and unreasonable requests went unanswered by the former President. The former President dropped out of school when young, yet she re-entered the academic scene with a "purportedly" adult-oriented vision of academics. And then, she refused to engage herself ( demonstrate mature communication) when I- as an intelligent student questioned what others alluded to. Essentially, when you question or challenge "any" Professor, it seems that a title supersedes any balance when one questions the fact that students pay for their salaries and livelihood. The current President is the same- blind to student questions, and more importantly losing focus of students whu are just as intelligent- PHd or not. That degree means shit to me...The current President exhibited arrogance, lack of any initiative to resolve "anything', etc. So yhe supposed mission of Goddard- whether historical or not, obviously varies when it comes to former students. I have always been an achiever...I chose Goddard because of the liberal apect...but it is an insult to me - an insult to my intelligence, that professors who have a certain agenga have such power to break dreams. The Professors return to their own business or prcatice following the residency. After that, it's hit or miss whether regular communication takes place. And even with regular communication, Deborah Hickey thought that her she could force a Psyche approach down my throat. My advisor at the time scoffed at that idea.... So eventually, the President shirked her responsibility with the appeal process, and I was thrown to the woves re: my Advisor and Program Director. So sad...when so many people tell me how intelligent I am, you start to question those whom you pay to supposedly enhance your education. Eeryone has their own subjectivity....I am smart enough to question those who arrogantly belive their attitide or viewpoint is superior to mine. Nope. You're not all that....sorry! read more

Goddard is a mixed bag. It works for some people, but I wouldn't recommend it at large. Goddard is not financially supportive of its students given the current economic climate. They don't offer work study, they have few scholarships available, they don't go out of their way to help you find other financial aid, AND they will not permit you to miss a residency based on financial need. Goddard does not provide faculty who teach you anything, rather they encourage you to teach yourself and learn from others. This can be good if you want such freedom and you have the resources to pursue it, but it is difficult in terms of building a credentialed career. Additionally, their library is weak, lacking up to date books and variety. While they sell the inter-library loan it does not make up for having a strong library. With the ILL you cannot borrow between semesters, except your last semester. Also you generally will only have a couple weeks to view the book. If you live far away from Goddard most of your ILL time is used by shipping. I don't know what the official retention rate of Goddard is, but I can tell you that among those who began with me only half finished. Expect to spend alot of time on school. The best thing I can say for Goddard is that is it the most rigorous scholastic experience I have ever had in my life! Unfortunately, it is because you have to teach yourself, make your own curriculum, motivate yourself daily, work without any peer or communal support, and work tirelessly to make sure that your degree is going to be worth something. Oh and let me just say that it is almost impossible for any of your credits to transfer from Goddard to another school. read more

Unless you know exactly what you want to study and how you want to study it, I don't recommend this type of learning environment. It can be a little too chaotic. Also, don't go here if you ever want to transfer anywhere, because the credits usually don't transfer. They have high fee's for things like transcripts ($25?!?) and late books. The teachers don't really teach you, they just babysit and ask "deep" questions like "how does that impact our social environment?" Basically you're just paying for the legal document that says you got a degree, but you do all the learning and planning. I wonder why exactly student are giving Goddard so much money, when it's the students that do both the teaching and the learning. read more

Was part of the last on campus program student body. Excellent experimental college, but would highly recommend that they bring back the on campus program. Constant interaction among faculty and students is an essential aspect of the learning process and this is diminished with distance programs. read more