im considering going back to school and getting a business degree. i have a full time job and dont have the luxury of going the traditional college route. im afraid the only way ill ever get my degree is if i get it from an online program. does that online degree hold the same weight as a traditional one in the employers eyes?
2007-01-26 17:53:27 · 8 answers · asked by dan s 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Most employers do not give much credence to degrees from "online universities" like University of Phoenix / Axia, AIU, Capella, Penn Foster, etc.
However, many longstanding, regionally accredited, and completely reputable state universities now offer courses and even degrees online. This is called "distance education."
The links below are the absolute best you will find. They contain more links to many well-respected state university distance education programs.
What distinguishes these sorts of programs is that the courses are generally transferable between regionally accredited institutions. Sometimes, the degrees offered are identical to those earned on campus.
I would advise you to start by looking at the state university system in the state in which you live, and check to see if they offer the programs and courses in which you are interested. If not, check some other state universities. (Pennsylvania has a great system, for instance.)
Just avoid the "online universities." These for-profit businesses are not the same as non-profits institutions of higher education, and they are notorious for not delivering on their promises. I can also assure you that these degrees are laughed at in academia.
Note: In institutions of higher education, regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. This sounds odd, but I assure you that it is the case. The regional accreditors are:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
If a program is not accredited by one of these associations, it is best to stay away.
Best wishes to you, and good for you for asking the question before wasting your money!
2007-01-26 19:26:03 · answer #1 · answered by X 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer above this is a great answer. (and I copied part of his answer below) Listen to what that guy says about the online schools, especially about the accreditation
BUT I would also say that even with accreditation you have to be careful. When a school is accredited it only happens for about a week and only once in about 5 -10 years. So the accreditation is very minimal. It at least certifies that the school really exists, but it doesnt certify that the program is a good one. That's why they have rankings!
Most employers do not give much credence to degrees from "online universities" like University of Phoenix / Axia, AIU, Capella, Penn Foster, etc.
However, many longstanding, regionally accredited, and completely reputable state universities now offer courses and even degrees online. This is called "distance education."
The links below are the absolute best you will find. They contain more links to many well-respected state university distance education programs.
What distinguishes these sorts of programs is that the courses are generally transferable between regionally accredited institutions. Sometimes, the degrees offered are identical to those earned on campus.
I would advise you to start by looking at the state university system in the state in which you live, and check to see if they offer the programs and courses in which you are interested. If not, check some other state universities. (Pennsylvania has a great system, for instance.)
Just avoid the "online universities." These for-profit businesses are not the same as non-profits institutions of higher education, and they are notorious for not delivering on their promises. I can also assure you that these degrees are laughed at in academia.
Note: In institutions of higher education, regional accreditation is better than national accreditation. This sounds odd, but I assure you that it is the case. The regional accreditors are:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
If a program is not accredited by one of these associations, it is best to stay away.
Best wishes to you, and good for you for asking the question before wasting your money!
Source(s):
http://www.r1edu.org/participants.asp...
http://www.nudc.org/aboutnudc.shtml...
http://www.sloan-c.org/index.asp...
2007-01-26 23:45:41 · answer #2 · answered by matt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am nearly 100% certain that your diploma will not have the ONLINE BA in ... prefix. So you don't have to worry. Taking your degree online doesn't really make you any less of an educated individual. If a brick-and-mortar university or college, like yours, has an online program it is advisable to take certain courses online. Or, even the entire degree online. I have completed my bachelor degree partially at a regular university and partially online. I saw a tremendous difference in the amount of time I was saving, money on commute, and I felt more inclined to study at my own time. Rather than driving to school to make it to my 7 am class I turned in my assignment at 9 pm, when I was ready. Make sure that your courses are asynchronous, that way you don't have to be present for lectures and other time sensitive events. If your classes are synchronous, or have a synchronous component, I would still take the online class. This will save you time and money. Good luck!
2016-03-29 04:36:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only because you're already employed, I would say go for it on-line. I always say that the degree is only as good as what you really can do.
I've been a CEO, etc. and somewhat frown on a lot of the on-line degrees for those who have no real experience. However, if all you need to apply for a job is degree, it gets you past that hurddle.
Good Luck!
2007-01-26 18:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by mhcgjl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very wary of on line courses unless sponsored by a ministry recognized university.
Those not linked to a university are just out to get your money.
Even a university on line program will not hold the same weight as a traditional course. Formal classes force you to attend and complete assignments whereas it is so easy to get lazy with on line programs by putting them off until it is too late to catch up.
2007-01-26 18:04:35 · answer #5 · answered by ethelsed 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get it from a regular university/college. Stay away from those TV advertised places, they won't help you get a job at all. Employers don't really care for those degrees.
At the college I am at right now, the online classes are the same exact information and assignments as on campus. Look for something like that.
2007-01-26 17:58:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An on-line degree isn't as good as a degree from a regular college (as far as reputation goes) but they aren't bad.
Good Luck!!!
2007-01-26 18:01:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it depends..
2016-08-23 16:21:08 · answer #8 · answered by lily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋