Do online masters degrees really count?
367150
No. Never to the extent of a Master's degree from a "brick and mortar" institution.\n\nEven accredited online degrees are worthless in the larger context of academia, because legitimate Master's degrees in the arts and sciences require close mentoring and guided research within the context of an active intellectual community. Online programs can only provide reading lists, examinations, and discussion groups, and are only able to focus on content or data. \n\nA real Master's degree from a "brick and mortar" institution is not merely about reading, taking tests, and discussing the reading with others. A real Master's degree focuses on theory and methodology. It requires a setting in which a student can take the first steps toward a certain level of competency in a subject area, guided by professors with expertise in that area, and engaged by peers with ongoing similar methodological and theoretical investigations.
564700
Different universities grant different degrees based on the subject.  One school may give a Master's of Art in Education.  The next school may give a Master's of Education.  It really doesn't matter though as long as you get it.
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!
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!
239363
Yes, absolutely. I know many students who've got a bachlors degree in one subject and a master's in something else. I'm going to do the same. Best of luck to you. =>
626861
online degree courses donot have much more value...
872582
My guess would be that they only will pay for state funded schools.  Most schools are going online now, you should check out the state colleges to see what they offer as far as online degrees.
560407
No online Ph.D. will be taken seriously anywhere in academia.  I have no real proof in regard to an Ed.D., but I strongly suspect that the same stigma would apply.
368822
That would depend entirely on your current level of education and career goals.  There are numerous, accredited, institutions that offer courses and degree programs over the Internet or in conjunction with the Internet (hybrid).  More information can be found at http://www.worldwidelearn.com/index.html CAUTION: If you are concerned about obtaining a professional license at some point, be sure to check if the program you desire is accredited.  In general, stay away from non-accredited institutions.
437731
check to see how they are accredited but most of them aren't and your degree wont be worth the paper its printed on.\n\nmy school is a normal university that will offer some classes online, call your local university and see if they have the same thing.
655366
IT is interesting, in that the skills you learned there can apply to lots of different masters programs.  For example, I know that programs in things like Economics, Linguistics and Political Science love to get technical people to apply.  But you basically need to find out what you would ENJOY, and go that route.  Don't limit yourself.  Lots of programs would consider you.
44023
No, it's a Masters in Business Administration. (but sometimes it can seem like "bad activities")
21758
There is still a stigma by some toward college degrees that are earned by distance education. So, degrees from colleges that are traditionally identified with distance education--Walden University, University of Pheonix, to name only two--may be viewed in a more negative light than degrees from non-distance schools. I think that it also means that in some cases you might be better served by getting a distance education degree from a college or university that has traditionally given degrees by campus attendence. It is less identifiable as a distance education program. Again, my opinion on this, and, while these attitudes may or may not be fair, I think they exist.\n\nIn some settings a distance education degree might not even be recognized as a legitimate occupational credential. For example, if you want to practice as a psychologist (clinical, counseling or school psychologist, for example) you need to make sure that the states in which you want to practice count distance education degrees as meeting the educational requirements for licensure (North Carolina, for example, does not). Also, if you want to teach in a college or university you should know that it is difficult to get hired in most academics in traditional colleges or universities with a doctoral degree from a distance education program.\n\nThat said, many businesses or other job sites would not find a distance education degree objectionable. Distance education programs are also becoming more accepted in fields where the distance education degree is an "upgrade" from a degree previously earned at a physical campus program (such as in respiratory care). But some would, especially if you are in competition with someone who has a degree from a more well-known "physical" campus.\n\nHope that this helps.
1154169
It's not that difficult. I have a college diploma and transferred to a 4 yr. degree online studies with another school. They gave some credits towards the degree, and I was given a deadline to complete it. I completed it way ahead of schedule, as a matter of fact I broke the record for that school ! Now I am thinking of doing my MBA online with a more prestigious university. There are a lot of online colleges/universities, and you need to check out their accreditations and credentials first before signing up. But these days, a lot of real universities are putting their full degree online as well. \nThere are a lot of online information for your research that you don't even need any library at all. It also depends whether you are the type who prefer to be alone (leader type) in their studies and can get more done by yourself, or needs to be with a group of students as in interacting or socializing as with a peer group (follower type) to get anything done. \nIn the end to be successful, it all depends on your own motivation and aspiration to get yourself through, with or without a peer group. G'luck!
555532
Unfotunately, as we have jumped into the Internet era, employers still don't look too favorably upon online degrees. U of Phoenix IS an accredited school, but keep in mind that you might meet with some resistance from hiring managers still.
451679
This depends on a couple of factors.\n\nThe first factor is the person who is examining the degrees.  If he or she doesn't understand education, it probably won't make a difference.  If he or she does understand education, the reputable degree will be taken more seriously.\n\nThe second factor is the reason for the degree.  For a person who already has a job and is performing effectively, and needs to provide the company an excuse to keep her or him, or to give a raise, the online degree may be completely acceptable, since it's just a formality.  But, for a person who is looking for a job and needs to demonstrate serious study in a particular field, or just in general, the online degree may be worthless (so long as the first factor doesn't negate the meaning of the difference).
617456
Check to see if they are accredited, first off.  If they aren't, don't even bother wasting your money because the degree will not be recognized.  Be very careful of any online school.  The are propriatary (for-profit) and most just want your money and don't offer quality in return.  Look to see if your local state college or university offers an MBA.  Many schools tailor those programs to working adults so people can maintain a job while earning an MBA.  \n\nGood luck!