How do I know whether a distance degree program of a college is reputable?

Answer 1

Research the college, start with their accredidation. Are they accredited by an organization such as the North Central? Do they have the same accredidation as the regular colleges you might want to transfer to , would their credits be accepted there? Where do you want to work when you are out of school? Will your employers accept a degree from that college. Most long distance degree programs that are affiliated with an on site college ARE reputable, be very cautious when considering a college that does not have an on site campus or equivalent.

Answer 2

Hello,

I am an admissions officer for a graduate university in Virginia. The following are a few steps to ensuring that the online school is worthy of your time and money.

1. Make sure they are regionally accredited. To determine what that is simple google regional accreditataion. It should return certain organizations like SACS, NCA, etc. I think there are only 7 or 8 of them.

2. Ensure that the school has a phsical location. An online program should be the extension of an excellent on-campus program. No address - reputation.

3. You want to know the background and bios of the profs. If the faculty are from reputable schools, then they would likely insist on a legit program.

4. Ask to tak a look at the curriculim. For a master's program, you should be completing at least 30+ credits. Less than that, it's probably not a descent program. For a doctoral program - at least 60 credits. Now, please note that onilne schools are out for the money, so be careful with quarter credits, and extensive courses that are very light in nature. A reputable school will have rigorous course work.

5. You want to know something about the alums. Ask about the placement of their alumni. If they are teaching and working for reputable orgranization, then ask to speak with an alum. The former students will give you the "real deal" with the school. A reputable school would be very eager to put you in contact with their alum - they have nothing to hide.

6. This may not always be possible, but if you are in the area - make a visit to the school - ask for a tour

Hope this helps ?

Answer 3

To me "reputable" mean accredited and thus the credits can be transfered to another college or used in becoming certified such as in teacher education. If the distance degree is not accreditited by one of the Regional accrediting agencies, then it probably doesn't meet those standards and I would stay away from them. For example, when I looked for my PhD through distance education there were some institutions that offered the degree for about $500. Obviously their credits wouldn't transfer to any other instituion anywhere. So the $43,000 I spent on my PhD was much more cost effective than the $500 because the credits are from an institution that is also regionally certified.

Answer 4

U know it Based on the Reputation of the College.. If the College is Good its Distance Degree program is Bound to be Good..

Answer 5

that the education you receive will meet your goals:
·Determine what type of accreditation is required to meet your personal and career goals and then find out whether the program you are considering has the appropriate accreditation(s).
·Speak to current students and those that have graduated from your program to ascertain their impressions of the education they received and preparedness for the next step in their career.
·Ask potential future employers what credentials and qualifications they look for in job applicants in order to determine whether your planned degree will measure up.

Answer 6

in my opinion, not very. i think youre better off actually attending. i have never heard any one speak of a distance learning program in a positive manner. i think its just another way to suck money out of your pocket.