How valuable are online degrees?

Question

I want to finish my bachelor's degree. I've been considering obtaining it online however; I am concerned with the validity of an online degree in the business world. My reasoning for wanting an online institution is that I work approx 45 - 50hr per week (varying hours) which makes it difficult for me to attend "campus" classes. Anyone have any advice in regards to how online degrees are revered in the business world?

Answer 1

In general, I think most companies would not trust a job applicant who had ONLY an online degree. But if, let's say, you had taken fifteen or twenty courses at your local college and gotten a B or B+ average, and then you took some online courses to finish the degree, that would be different. A few years ago nobody accepted these, but now they are getting better and better known. Especially if you can explain why you had to do that instead of attending your local college with a good evening division.
Also you have to be ABSOLUTELY sure that the online school is "regionally accredited." That means, the school has to have the same accreditation that Harvard, Penn State, Stanford, Michigan, UNC, Duke, UCLA and all the other respectable schools have. There are several different regional agencies, in the Northeast, South, Southwest, etc. So you can check the website of one of the respected colleges near you to see what accreditation they have.

Answer 2

When you say online do you mean one that you just pay a few bucks for and they hand you the certificate? If so then that's not the way to go because, they are 1. worthless to anyone in the business world, 2. mostly scams to sell you something that is worthless, 3. do nothing to help you get qualified.

Of course if you are talking about enrolling into a real university which offers the course online then that's a totally different story. You will still have to do all the course work and submit assignments and do exams, but apart from studying via the Internet you are covering the same information as on-campus students and therefor deserve the qualification at the end of your studies. These are equally accepted in the business world, especially since your degree will have a reputable university as the certifying institution.

You should check if your current university offers distance education and continue with them if possible. If not they may have some alternatives for you to look at. BUT make sure you go with a reputable university, else you'll be wasting your time and money on anything less.

Good luck,
Pugs

Answer 3

Matt said about the accredited college thing is absolutely correct. You have to ensure that the college is an accredited college in US, and not like an institute around the corner.

As far as I know, you may not be able to obtain a bachelor degree only by online classes because some may not be offered online while some are. When you ask the admission counselor, make sure you state it very clearly because sometimes they would try to get you in first, then tell you the truth that they only offer partial courses online and you need to attend campus classes for credits. I know because I work at the Admissions office of my own college and we offer SOME online course but not all within the major.

Answer 4

If you get your degree from an accredited college, there should be no problem. Many people are in the same situation as you and have benefited greatly from finishing their education online. Good Luck !

Answer 5

If I were a hiring manager, and a resume had only an on-line degree listed, I would not call the person to schedule an interview.

Answer 6

i dunno but I dont trust them. they dont envolve the same work and evaluation as taking it in a classroom. I suggest working less and making time to go to school if you really want it.