What's up with all of the fake degrees?  This has certainly set the stage for the denigration of authentic, accredited online education.  I've read news articles concerning educational achievement in the modern age, and some studies show that more people are reporting bachelors degree level education than ever before in history....is this a bunch of bull?  I can say that employers are generally looking for the "entry level" employee, and prefer to train them, rather than pay a higher salary for a college education.  I have also spoken to others that told me their employers do not recognize "online" degrees.  Perhaps this is due to ignorance, laziness on the employees part, or because of all of the pay for the degree scams. Are the people with real education getting set aside due to all of the fraudulent activity?\n\nJoel
198750
If you have a degree from an accredited University, then you have made a great and arduous journey.  Online education is now a part of almost every major university in one form or another.  As education moves forward, online classes will become more of a norm.  If you have ever taken one from an accredited program, you know that they are no joke.  They require a level of discipline that only you can provide.  But they are also giving people the opportunity to get an education they would not otherwise have.  \n\nI do believe that the number of people with bachelor's degrees is increasing, because a bachelor's degree is required in more fields than ever before.  There are more people enrolled in post secondary education than ever before.  Its just the natural evolution of things.  So as students, we must commit to a lifetime of education to remain competetive in the marketplace.  I plan to have at least 3 masters degrees in my lifetime.  I start my MBA program in August.  I have put a lot of thought into this matter.\n\nWhen an employer doesn't recognize an online institution as legitimate, that is their decision.  They may think that without the classroom, an education is just not the same.  they may not understand the standards that are set for an online education to be accredited.  \n\nFake degrees have been a problem for a long time, and it is true that the online thing can facilitate the fake degrees.  its sad, but true.  So employers need to be warey.  \n\nJust remember that the education you recieve is worth more than just a piece of paper.  You represent your education.
244202
Simply put, no... it will not be recognized to the same degree that a 'real' bachelor's degree will be.  Many positions that requires a BS/BA will not even consider you for employment, that doesn't mean that none will; just that most won't.  Online degree's overall are looked upon as lessor than a degree given at a physical institution. (a degree for life experience would be even more so)  This doesn't mean that the education is bad, but some online school's have... questionable practices when it comes to issuing diploma's and degree's... this carries over to all of the legitimate online schools and the effect is the same; online degrees are less valuable and often looked down upon when it comes to real life employment.  Especially when it comes to sciences, psychology included.
313858
Is it too expensive? YES! Overrated, idk... So many ppl get college education today that it has almost become an expectation when looking for a better job. To really pull away from the crowd you have no choice, but continue your education, grad. school, etc. And that's becoming a natural step for many as well, while college has become almost an another high school.
357350
Yes, many traditional colleges offer online degrees and I would be VERY cautious about others. I am currently getting my graduate degree from Keller Graduate School of Mgmt and each course is about $2,000 (including book). Going to class online is very challenging - unlike some commercials say. Go for it..!
131988
I am pursuing this career also.  My main advice if you're just starting is to make sure the school you choose is accredited.  Many unaccredited programs will offer you online courses and take your money, but a degree from them isn't really worth anything.
159721
yep, people do that all the time to save money on college. just make sure you go to an accredited university to get your bachelors, online degrees are sometimes frowned upon by some companies
121972
I am homeschooling my four children right now. When I graduate them (still many years away before the last one graduates) I plan on getting a teaching degree. Online and computer-based learning is an intergral part of my teaching the children, so I already know that my preferred way of learning will be online when the time comes. Here is some of what I have researched so far - \n\nHere is a useful webpage for finding online education degrees (Bachelors degree). http://www.alleducationschools.com/featured/bachelors-education/\n\nObviously you want to avoid diploma/degree mills. The Department of Education has a webpage to help you ID those scam programs. It is located here: http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/diploma-mills.html\n\nI don't know if you are coming in to education from another career area or not. Just in case, there are some non-traditional means to enter into teaching. Here is an interesting article on entering education through alternate certification routes (legitimate) - http://www.post-gazette.com/headlines/20011209teach1209p6.asp\n\nTo find out what the teacher certification requirements are for your state, go to http://www.uky.edu/Education/TEP/usacert.html\nand select your state.
304792
I have a neighbor doing that right now through Un. of Phoenix.  First, she's paying over $200 per credit which is no cheaper than the local community college's online program, so I think she made a mistake.  What I read online is that the CEO has just resigned in March I believe it was.  I've also read on boards that there is question on the "certification" of the professors involved, not all check content regularly, and some may have faked their credentials and the university never really checked.  I've also read that they grade too fairly passing students who should otherwise be failing.\n\nAnother issue I've heard is that many businesses are not considering degrees through these online degree programs as legit because of the questions of passing failing students and teachers without credentials.\n\nI'd check local community colleges first.
352269
Yeah they offer all these great programs but don't offer degrees.  They only offer diplomas.  I guarantee that a future employer will be searching for a diploma graduate and not a diploma no matter what course it is in.  I researched them and decided to go to a college instead and I am 33.  Never too late, wish I would have went years ago.  If you want to raise your education level might as well go for the gold and go back to college.  Good luck!
190713
Just to let you know, most employers ARE NOT impressed with University of Phoenix degrees or really any degree from an "online university". Your best bet, if you can, is to enroll in a regular college with a physical address and then take their classes online. Good luck!
125865
while there are online degrees such as university of phoenix, they are not free by and stretch of the imagination.  An associate degree from Uof p was quoted at costing over $15,000.00 to my spouse. \nAny online program that is offering you a free degree is most certainly not going to be a legitimate degree.
634172
I have heard and asked about it. A friend of mine once registered for their course and it turns out that it is not as real as they say. He had to drop off because he was asked to go for the final year to Cambridge to complete his course. This is not as they say that it is a full distance learning programme.\n\nAnother nasty thing about it is that you absolutely do not know where your degree will be awarded from. It is all based on a certain passing system that will result in a degree that is from some dingy briefcase institution in Europe.\n\nAlso note that the Cambridge Intl College HAS ABSOLUTELY NO RELATIONSHIP with the famous and well established Cabridge University. This is where the catch is because marketers of the College will never say this fact and will play with the minds of the applicants to think that they will be getting a Cambridge University qualification.\n\nI would suggest that you visit the local centre and ask them to be very open and tell you the truth about this course. Do not take my word for gospel truth. Find out for yourself.
564268
This "online university" stuff has just gotta be a scam.
186699
No it is not as good.. only 67% of employers recognize an online degree regardless if it's accredited or not.
346059
Why take even this much trouble? Buy a fake certificate instead! Truthfully there is no short cut to education my friend.
554424
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Thompson Education Direct is a scam.  They are nothing more than a bogus diploma mill.  You can google the name and discover they've operated under dozens of fake university names, and there are countless victims of the scam out there besides yourself.  Here's one such article:\nhttp://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:y1x0bOZBC6kJ:online.degree.net/showthread.php%3Ft%3D27+Thompson+Education+Direct+is+a+scam&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3\n\nIn the future, anytime a "college" promises you credits for "life experience", it is a scam.  You might get a certificate that says you have a degree, but no employer will hire you or respect it.  Unfortunately, even in the internet age, a college degree is largely still earned via the traditional methods.
164951
There are a lot of online and distance learning programs out there - some with good reputations, and some, not so good. In order to get the most bang for your buck, you'll want to try to find a program that's affiliated with a real, brick and mortar university. Employers tend to respect an online degree more if it's from a "real" university. \n\nSince money and confidence are an issue, I'd suggest that you start locally, with your own state college system. If one of those offer an online/distance program, then that'd be great, because you'll qualify for in-state tuition. Before you do anything, check the websites for your own state colleges, and if you don't find the information you need, call their admissions office and see if they have a program that will work for you. \n\nOnce you find a program, you'll actually end up being surprised at how many people in your program are exactly like you. They're older, they've been out of school for a while, and they are nervous. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to ask for help, to ask for tutoring - these schools usually have so many students in your situation that there are programs already set up to help you with these things!