Are online courses credible to employers?

Question

I am going to go back to school to get a degree in Criminal Justice and it seems a lot of colleges provide online degrees for associates, bachelors, and masters degrees. Are they as good as a degree gotten from actually going to the school?

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Answer 1

They are just as good and could actually be better. The key is to make sure that the college is accredited but I think you will find that most of the ones you are seeing advertised are. The only ones that may not be would be private colleges and even most of them are accredited because nobody wants to go to one that isn't.

The reason it may be better is if you are taking online classes and have the time to work, you may be able to get yourself in a position somewhere that gets your foot in the door. A potential employer would be very impressed if he/she knew that you were working and taking a full time load of classes and still making good grades. That would show that you are a hard worker who is very thorough and accurate in the work that you do.

The downside of online is that it is harder. As someone else mentioned, the professor is not in front of you so you can't stop and ask questions right away. You have to wait for them to check email and other things. You also don't have all the other students beside you to get together with during a lunch break to study with.

Also, whether you attend classes or take them online, if you work (as I suggested above) you need to know that it is a LOT of work. A full time load of classes gives you enough homework that it is like having a full time job. So working on top of that will take a lot more time and can wear you out.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Answer 2

I am currently pursuing my Criminal Justice degree. I attend college full time, and I take several of my classes online and in class. I believe with all my heart, online classes are alot harder than being in class. There is not an instructor in front of you teaching. You also have to make yourself sit down and do the work.
The degree will be the same whether you went online or attended classes. The only way they would not be legal, is if the college was not accredited. The ones you see on T.V. are more than likely accredited. You can easily find out by requesting more information. It is illegal to have a college up and running when they are not accredited.
It is all the same to Employers. They will look at you grades, your extracirricular activites, and other things.
They are just as good, and you work harder to get that degree.

Answer 3

Yes - as long as the school is reputable, it does not matter how you go about obtaining your degree from them. I got both my Associates and Bachelors degrees through online programs. It is great from an employers point of view as well, because I got tons of on-the-job experience throughout my education.

Word to the wise - know which colleges your credits will transfer to in helping determine whether or not it is a reputable school. If the state college won't accept the credits, then you might want to look elsewhere, especially if there is any chance you get an even higher degree in the future.

Answer 4

I'm attending fully online classes for the same degree. You are going to school there a only the slight obvious difference. As long as you go to a accredited school you will be fine. Employers will acknowledge these credits. If your not sure talk to your school or where ever you want to apply for when done. I am currently enrolled at Aakerscollege.edu check it out.

Answer 5

Yes, I sure would hope so I am taking online courses for my AAB. So with the loans I have due now I need a job or 2 when I'm done. My mother in law has a great carreer and has her Masters through online courses. That way she could still work raise kids and go to school.