Has anyone gotten an online degree? are online degrees scams?

Question

If you have what are some of the good websites?

Answer 1

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 your own state university system and check to see if they offer the programs and courses in which you are interested. If not, check out those of other states.(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!

Answer 2

It depends on what you consider "online". I am a distance student through Oregon State University where most of the work and interaction is done online. We also are required to watch videos (lectures), write papers, take tests, and interact with our classmates via blackboard.

I live in New Mexico and will never have to touch the campus of Oregon State to get my degree (I graduate in June).

I have done the traditional route and the distance and I personally prefer the distance. I have had to work harder but have had more one-on-one interaction with my instructors and they have been amazing to work with. Some of the very best instructors I have ever had have been through the distance program. You do have to be very dedicated and organized to get through it though.

I do not feel as though my degree is in any way inferior than a traditional, I worked just as hard to get it! In the end, it will be an OSU diploma and nobody will know the difference.

I would recommend only going through accredited universities if that is the route you wish to take. Most of them are offering online/distance programs nowadays.

Answer 3

Yes, I rec'd my degree from Baker College's on-line program. My degree looks just like the degree Baker awards for the traditional classroom learning.

Baker College is an accredited institution with both traditional brick and mortar classrooms as well as a 100% on-line degree program.

The program is affordable at about $185 per credit hour.

Fast paced with 4 semesters per year. 2 6-week sessions per semester.

However, this program is not a cake walk. You have to do assignments and participate just like traditional classes only at an accelerated rate.

Check them out at www.baker.edu

Answer 4

Most universities have on-line education processes all have rewards for doing well ,
yes some are scams,
but most higher educated schools providing exemplary education opportunities with degree's that would be a great tool in your search for a meaningful job opportunity.
these are welcomed by any knowledgeable business anyplace on earth.