im considering going back to school and getting a business degree. i have a full time job and dont have the luxury of going the traditional college route. im afraid the only way ill ever get my degree is if i get it from an online program. does that online degree hold the same weight as a traditional one in the employers eyes?
How credible is an online degree versus traditional?
Most employers do not give much credence to degrees from "online universities" like University of Phoenix / Axia, AIU, Capella, Penn Foster, etc.
However, many longstanding, regionally accredited, and completely reputable state universities now offer courses and even degrees online. This is called "distance education."
The links below are the absolute best you will find. They contain more links to many well-respected state university distance education programs.
What distinguishes these sorts of programs is that the courses are generally transferable between regionally accredited institutions. Sometimes, the degrees offered are identical to those earned on campus.
I would advise you to start by looking at the state university system in the state in which you live, and check to see if they offer the programs and courses in which you are interested. If not, check some other state universities. (Pennsylvania has a great system, for instance.)
Just avoid the "online universities." These for-profit businesses are not the same as non-profits institutions of higher education, and they are notorious for not delivering on their promises. I can also assure you that these degrees are laughed at in academia.
Note: In institutions of higher education, regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. This sounds odd, but I assure you that it is the case. The regional accreditors are:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
If a program is not accredited by one of these associations, it is best to stay away.
Best wishes to you, and good for you for asking the question before wasting your money!
Reply:You are so welcome. That's why I answer questions on this site... hoping to give some valuable information to people who might benefit from it.
I wish you every success! Report It
Reply:An on-line degree isn't as good as a degree from a regular college (as far as reputation goes) but they aren't bad.
Good Luck!!!
Reply:Only because you're already employed, I would say go for it on-line. I always say that the degree is only as good as what you really can do.
I've been a CEO, etc. and somewhat frown on a lot of the on-line degrees for those who have no real experience. However, if all you need to apply for a job is degree, it gets you past that hurddle.
Good Luck!
Reply:The answer above this is a great answer. (and I copied part of his answer below) Listen to what that guy says about the online schools, especially about the accreditation
BUT I would also say that even with accreditation you have to be careful. When a school is accredited it only happens for about a week and only once in about 5 -10 years. So the accreditation is very minimal. It at least certifies that the school really exists, but it doesnt certify that the program is a good one. That's why they have rankings!
Most employers do not give much credence to degrees from "online universities" like University of Phoenix / Axia, AIU, Capella, Penn Foster, etc.
However, many longstanding, regionally accredited, and completely reputable state universities now offer courses and even degrees online. This is called "distance education."
The links below are the absolute best you will find. They contain more links to many well-respected state university distance education programs.
What distinguishes these sorts of programs is that the courses are generally transferable between regionally accredited institutions. Sometimes, the degrees offered are identical to those earned on campus.
I would advise you to start by looking at the state university system in the state in which you live, and check to see if they offer the programs and courses in which you are interested. If not, check some other state universities. (Pennsylvania has a great system, for instance.)
Just avoid the "online universities." These for-profit businesses are not the same as non-profits institutions of higher education, and they are notorious for not delivering on their promises. I can also assure you that these degrees are laughed at in academia.
Note: In institutions of higher education, regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. This sounds odd, but I assure you that it is the case. The regional accreditors are:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
If a program is not accredited by one of these associations, it is best to stay away.
Best wishes to you, and good for you for asking the question before wasting your money!
Source(s):
http://www.r1edu.org/participants.asp...
http://www.nudc.org/aboutnudc.shtml...
http://www.sloan-c.org/index.asp...
Reply:Be very wary of on line courses unless sponsored by a ministry recognized university.
Those not linked to a university are just out to get your money.
Even a university on line program will not hold the same weight as a traditional course. Formal classes force you to attend and complete assignments whereas it is so easy to get lazy with on line programs by putting them off until it is too late to catch up.
Reply:Get it from a regular university/college. Stay away from those TV advertised places, they won't help you get a job at all. Employers don't really care for those degrees.
At the college I am at right now, the online classes are the same exact information and assignments as on campus. Look for something like that.
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