Which looks better to an employer? An online degree or a degree earned in college?

Question

I want to major in Criminal Justice and eventually get into Crime Scene Investigation. How do I get started?

Answer 1

As long as it is from an accredited institution, a degree is a degree. How you obtain it (whether in class or online) is your business. Most universities offer online courses of study now in order to reach out and attract out-of-state students without them having to move.

Answer 2

Well, depending on your particular situation, if you are able to attend a university and get a degree, the benefits of hands-on learning and general social education most likely will out-weigh an online degree, in my opinion. In crime scene investigation, you are dealing with people on all levels, and you will do that on campus, as well as possibly get an internship at the same time. However, if you find an accredited, online program (not a scam), that is a well-known accepted degree (I would check these out with the FBI or any other criminal agencies that you may wish to work with before signing up for any), then I would enroll. But, personally, I would go for the four year degree, as it has many more benefits, even if it takes longer. You may find yourself pondering another part of criminal investigation you haven't considered. Good luck!

Answer 3

If the online program is with an accredited university, it doesn't matter. The transcripts are from the university and just show the degree.

I'm working on an MBA program online that is through a state university. When I get the master's degree, I can walk in the graduation ceremony and attend the hooding ceremony if I choose to do so.

Online programs are not easier. In fact, in some ways they are more difficult.

Anything too easy is most likely a scam. Steer clear of the "buy your diploma online" scams. You can't get a real degree without doing the work.

A broader perspective is achieved in a good program with discussion boards. Some of my classes require that you participate in discussion and answer posted questions. The person who said that they do not offer interaction with classmates is mistaken. A good program has that. I've even had to do group projects and submit papers jointly written. The use of the internet for e-mails, and even IMing with voice has made a lot of things possible.

Best Wishes,

Sue

Answer 4

A "degree ISN'T a degree." Go to a university, otherwise known as a REAL university. Online degrees won't even get you an interview most of the time.

Go to the best REAL university you can get into and afford.

Answer 5

Either one as long as the college is accredited. In some cases, online degrees are preferred. I am a full-time online student majoring in Health Information Technology. I plan to go into the Medical Coding field after I graduate. Many hospitals (such as Duke) PREFER our graduates for their remote coding positions because they know if we were able to handle an online degree program, then we can most likely handle a remote coding position.

Answer 6

It depends, but the degree itself is the main thing. If you are working and taking on-line courses that is an asset for your resume but attending a university gives you a broader perspective through interaction with classmates.

Answer 7

You could probably take a few online classes through a college and get away with it, but college is the way to go.

Answer 8

A degree earned at a real University...
Online degrees have little credibility..

Answer 9

Probably a degree from a college. Many online universities are no accreditied.

Answer 10

A degree is a degree. As long as the school is legit. It would do you good to get as much hands on experience as possible, such as through internships with the FBI or local police.