Originally Posted by $5 submissions

True. Also, no substitute for live interaction with fellow students discussing and brainstorming issues. But open courseware is great for people who want to learn on their own time, their own space, and their own terms. I've been thinking about getting an MA in History so I've been trying to get a taste by devoting at least 10 hours every week checking out differing universities' online offerings. I figured I'd get a taste first before actually committing.

One can't get enough education, I always say. It doesn't have to be "practical" or lead to more money. Knowledge/Learning is it's own reward.