are online college degrees as good as "regular" degrees?
369424
It depends on what you're majoring in.\n\nIf you can afford it you should go to a regular college.
426703
I believe that your best bet is those that offer Distance Education through the actual university that actually exists, has a building, and has actual students attending it. They look less legit than attending the university physically, but more than those schools that advertise on TV that offer you a free computer. If a school is advertsing on TV you might want to look elsewhere.
180385
An on-line degree can be just as valuable as one earned through a traditional, on-campus degree program--if the on-line program is sponsored by an accredited/credentialed college or university that has a solid reputation.  \n\nThe question really should be whether an on-line program can meet your specific educational needs as well as a  traditional program.  Before you rush off to enroll, stop a moment and consider whether or not virtual learning is right for you.\n\n\nIs the class or program of study offered by an accredited university?\nDoes this university have a solid reputation in the field in which you will pursue your coursework or degree?\nWhat sort of training do the instructors have?\nHow long will it take to complete a course or program of study?\nAre all of the classes taught on-line or will you need to attend a real classroom some of the time?\nIs the class taught in real-time (meaning you'd have to log on during specific hours/times/days), or is time management up to me?\nHow much will it cost me?\nAnd, finally, is there any financial aid available to me?\n\nIf, after working through these questions, you're satisfied with your answers, an on-line degree program may well be a good match for you.\n\nGood luck!
1039764
Usually, not very well. \n\nMost "online" schools don't have good reps. Consider your options carefully. \n\nThere are reputable, "brick and mortar" schools that offer degrees online. Their good reputation for their on-campus programs will flow over into their online program. \n\nSo to be quite blunt, an online OR an offline degree from U Phoenix, or Devry, or ITT, will only get you so far, because the reputations of these schools isn't the greatest. A degree of any sort from UMass Amherst, or U Nebraska Lincoln, or U Maryland, will likely be seen as more acceptable by more employers, and may, therefore, get you further. \n\nSome great universities that offer online degrees include:\n\nUniversity of Massachusetts at Amherst\nRensselaer Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Denver\nUniversity of Maryland\nDuke University\nDrexel\nCarnegie Mellon\nPenn State\nBall State\nU Nebraska - Lincoln\nBabson\nWorcester Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Illinois\n\nAnd there are others. But in general, when you're looking for a distance learning degree, try to find a program at a school that has a good reputation for their "brick and mortar" campus.
1059347
Definitely look into accreditation!  If it's not accredited, it is not worth it at all.  \n\nI don't have any experience with online programs, but I do work in a large university, and the only thing I would caution you about is the stigma attached to online education.   Many people (prospective employers, for example, or graduate school admissions committees, if you're talking about a bachelor's degree here) view online degree programs as less rigorous as traditional university programs.  I'm not saying that this is true or not, but that negative view certainly does exist.  I suspect it's largely dependent on your field and whether the program you're looking into has any kind of reputation (good or bad), as well.  \n\nGood luck!
346811
In my opinion, online education is only suitable for those who are very self-disciplined. It is very easy to fall-behind and then eventually become swamped, where there is no return.
522871
There are many schools out there that are reputable that offer on line degree programs. University of Maryland, Drexel University, University of Baltimore, Nova Southeastern University are all traditional that have very good on line degree programs and they are accepted by industry. When you receive your degree it won't say "Online Drexel University" it will be the same degree that traditional students get. Just stay away from University of Phoenix and American Intercontinental University. These maybe accredited schools but they are not schools with good reputations.
761116
Online classes are not necessarily harder, but they do require a lot of self motivation. You also need to be good with deadlines. I have wondered about what employers think of online universities, but I think as long as you choose a school that is accredited, you will be okay. Good luck.
407933
I would say that it depends on the employer but more and more are looking less at where you got you degree and focusing mostly on the degree itself.  I know a lot of people who have degrees, especially Master's degrees, from online universities, particularly UoP.  They have done very well with them.\n\nAfter working in Admissions for a University and now in HR for a major company, I really do think that the degree itself is most important, not where you got it.  If you have the knowledge and especially the experience demonstrating that knowledge, you can do well.\n\nBut, like I said, it depends.  You will always run into people who will have a bias but they will be missing out on some good employees because of that bias.\n\nGood luck!
137820
Mediocre. I feel that online schools take away  from the experience of being in a live college environment. Although the at home convenience may be helpful and beneficial to others, i think that everyone should participate from a college campus. However i believe the education offered is the same. Also i do believe that you learning may be easier when in the classroom setting.
535701
The important thing is to get your degree from a school with a good reputation from their "brick and mortar" campus. That reputation carries over to their online/distance programs as well. \n\nSo there are online degree programs that employers respect (UMass Amherst, U Maryland, RPI, Carnegie Mellon...) and those that they do not (Devry, U Phoenix, Keller, ITT.)
582609
Most "online" schools don't have good reps, and U Phoenix, in general, doesn't have a great rep with employers. Like you, I've also heard that people attending online programs graduate with less frequency than people who attend campus-based schools. Consider your options carefully. \n\nThere are reputable, "brick and mortar" schools that offer degrees online. Their good reputation for their on-campus programs will flow over into their online program. \n\nSo to be quite blunt, an online OR an offline degree from U Phoenix, or Devry, or ITT, will only get you so far, because the reputations of these schools isn't the greatest. A degree of any sort from UMass Amherst, or U Nebraska Lincoln, or U Maryland, will likely be seen as more acceptable by more employers, and may, therefore, get you further. \n\nSome great universities that offer online degrees include:\n\nUniversity of Massachusetts at Amherst\nRensselaer Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Denver\nUniversity of Maryland\nDuke University\nDrexel\nCarnegie Mellon\nPenn State\nBall State\nU Nebraska - Lincoln\nBabson\nWorcester Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Illinois\n\nAnd there are others. But in general, when you're looking for a distance learning degree, try to find a program at a school that has a good reputation for their "brick and mortar" campus. \n\nGood luck.
980720
Let me begin by offering this warning--BE VERY CAREFUL!!  Yes, there are some online colleges that are legitimate; and there are others that are nothing more than degree mills. It is very important to recognize that all of these colleges are private institutions and are usually for-profit. That makes a huge difference when it comes time to validate your degree to either your employer or to another college.\n\nThere are several factors that you must consider.  First, what exactly do you want to accomplish with your degree. If the answer is personal satisfaction or perhaps a raise or promotion at work, then online may be the way to go. However, if you are looking to advance yourself with a master's or doctorate degree, like I am doing, then online may not be a viable route. For example, there are at least three online law schools--none of which are accredited by the American Bar Association. Without ABA accreditation, you cannot practice in Florida, which is where I live. So, online is not a viable option for me. \n\nSecond are the cost considerations. Online schools are typically outrageously expensive.  And there is no benefit to paying that additional fee. \n\nIf you are interested in obtaining your degree online, start with your local community college. Most community colleges are facing a funding crisis that prohibits them from building additional classrooms. As a result, many have turned to online versions of thei9r classes. They carry full college credit (make sure that they are regionally accredited) and the cost involved are quite reasonable--in some cases as low as $30 per credit hour.  \n\nI would try this route first and see if it will allow you to achieve your goals. Good luck!!
1007319
The easy answer is: No.\n\nThe more developed answer is: they can be.  If you want to get your degree online, your best bet is to find out what traditional, accredited colleges in your area have online degree programs.  Find out whether your degree will be stamped, "online program," or not since employers are (rightly so) suspicious of anyone getting a degree online.  There are many diploma mills such as the University of Phoenix, which are not, in fact, quality educational institutions.\n\nIf you're looking to save money, going to school online usually costs MORE money than going to a traditional school, so I'd recommend comparing costs carefully.\n\nIn Wisconsin, we have programs via the University of Wisconsin system, and the University of Platteville, for example, has a complete online degree program that is offered in either online or correspondence course-based format (the latter does not require as strict of a timeline since you are not "in class" with students online).  It does not stamp your degree as being "online."  The University of Wisconsin also offers a two-year degree program online, but it is stamped as "online."  If you think you want to get your general studies courses out of the way and will do your last 2-3 years at a traditional university, this degree being stamped "online" may not matter much.\n\nCheck with your state or the surrounding states and see what options you might have.  Many of the traditional universities and even many private colleges (which have been accredited forever and are constantly undergoing review) will offer you an online program (or online courses to supplement a traditional program) and they will be a legitimate degree that is not a "diploma mill."\n\nCompare your costs.  Find out how much it costs to do the program in different kinds of schools.  Community colleges, if you have any where you live, are often a great way to get the "general studies" courses out of the way at a smaller, more supportive environment, and many tech schools now offer an associates degree program that transfers to a traditional college (with those general studies courses out of the way).  Tech colleges are often cheaper, too!  You might find an online program is cheaper, or you might be better off in traditional face-to-face classes (we're used to learning that way and many cannot learn effectively in an online format).\n\nFigure out first what you think you want to study, then do the work of comparing programs (luckily almost everything is online now).  Most schools will offer you financial aid as a full-time student, whether or not the school is online, but your safest bet is to make sure your online program is backed by a traditional university that has real buildings and real professors (not all part-time teachers).\n\nGood luck!
134084
Yes, you can use the degree if it is from an accredited and recognized university.  These days, many univerisities are offerring online programs, so it should not be too hard to find one that is suitable for your program of choice.  I know several people who have taken online bachelor degree and masters programs who are doing quite well in their fields.
1071164
Find out if the online school is accredited.  This means that their diploma is equivalent to the standards and practices of real time universities.\n\nMany universities offer online courses, I think the University of Pheonix offers degrees online, but I could be mistaken\n\nGood luck!
321496
This question is really difficult to answer.  So much depends on what you want to do with your degree, your individual learning style, your ability to finance higher education, and your over-all committment to learning.\n\nMany public and private (both non-profit and for-profit) universities are moving courses, and sometimes even entire degree programs, into an online environment. Your whole educational process, from admissions through your terminal course work, is conducted via phone, fax, e-mail and the web. What a wonderful concept!\n\nBefore you rush off to enroll, however, stop a moment and consider whether or not virtual learning is right for you.\n*Is the class or program of study offered by an accredited university?\n*Does this university have a solid reputation in the field in which you will pursue your coursework or degree?\n*What sort of training do the instructors have?\n*How long will it take to complete a course or program of study?\n*Are all of the classes taught online or will you need to attend a real classroom some of the time?\n*Is the class taught in real-time (meaning you'd have to log on during specific hours/times/days), or is time management up to me?\n*How much will it cost me?\n*And, finally, is there any financial aid available to me?\n\nIf, after working through all of these questions, you find yourself fully satisfied with the answers, then the online course or degree program is probably a good match for you. If not, weekend or accelerated degree programs may be your answer. If all else fails, its time to sit down and rearrange your schedule and make time for the traditional graduate program.\n\nBest of luck to you!