Are there are well respected, credible online universities?

Question

I am very busy with my work and dont have time for a traditional college schedule. I have completed much of my general education, but need to move on to my major, which is IT. I want a school that people won't smirk at when they see it on my resume.

Answer 1

The only reputable online college programs are those offered through actual, real live, brick and mortar universities.

Here's an excerpt from a recent New York Times article on this topic.

"In one recent survey, employers overwhelmingly preferred traditional bachelor’s degrees when hiring over credentials even partially completed online. In the study, published in the January issue of the quarterly Communication Education, two communications professors asked some 270 small and medium-size companies in eight cities about their attitudes toward online credentials. The companies primarily sought managers or entry-level employees in accounting, engineering, business and information technology.
Ninety-six percent said they would choose traditional candidates over those with virtual degrees. Graduates of hybrid programs (online and in classrooms) didn’t fare much better, with 75 percent choosing candidates with traditional degrees.
“Recent graduates who apply for jobs without much work experience may find that having an online degree on their résumé translates into having little chance of being hired,” concludes the study, by Margaret H. DeFleur, associate dean of graduate studies and research at Louisiana State University, and Jonathan Adams, director of interactive and new communication technologies at Florida State University."

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/education/edlife/conted.html?ex=1154404800&en=40abdedf02107d2a&ei=5087%0A


The good news is that there are more and more state universities offering coursework, and even degrees, online.

Look at your state university first. If it does not have a "distance education" program, then look at other major state universities.

Here are some superb links to guide you toward finding the right state university distance education program for you.

Answer 2

I've seen employers just throw away resumes with University of Phoenix. The classes are extremely simple compared to a decent brick and mortar school. Look at previous questions about University of Phoenix to see how everyone thinks how useless a degree from there is to employment. Go to a community college. Lots of them have online classes now a days. Good luck.

Answer 3

Not sure if it's opem to US citizens, but here in the UK we have "The Open University"... It's been a distance learning university for many years and has a massive reputation and a huge range of subjects.

Might be worth a try?