Finishing a degree online, is it a joke? Are you taken seriously when looking for a job?

Question

If there are reputable and good online programs, please list them. Please, no spammers or advertisers!

Answer 1

No it isn't a joke. You have to be very careful and check out the credentials of the University you are considering, however. The joke comes from the unfortunate truth that there are some so-called degrees out there that aren't real.

I read an article somewhere that employers don't trust online degrees as much, however they are more likely to respect the degree if it is from a University they recognize (which are usually brick and mortar Universities).

If your degree is from an accredited, recognizable University, it doesn't say anywhere that you did it online, though your prospective employer would be able to judge that from your resume. Getting a degree while working is an impressive accomplishment, though, so that would probably be a positive.

Answer 2

The first thing you need to know is that most "online degree programs" that you see advertised all over the internet and TV are indeed problematic.

The problem is not with the concept of "online education," or even with accreditation; the problem is that degrees issued by the University of Phoenix, AIU, Capella, Penn Foster, etc. are often not respected in the business world, and frankly, they are not taken seriously at all in academia.

However, there is good news. If online study is your *only* option, it is now possible to earn your degree from a completely reputable state university. (Note the difference: Distance education, not "online university.")

The links below are the absolute best you will find. They contain more links to many well-respected state university distance education programs.

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 and Maryland have great systems, for instance.) A degree from a state university will be recognized and respected as authentic by employers and academics everywhere.

Bottom line? Just click the links below. You'll be glad you did.

Answer 3

I think it all depends on WHERE you get your degree. I studied in a graduate program through Boise State University in Educational Technology. My degree is looked as as if I got it by going to the brick and mortar building. Most employers have been impressed at the fact that I COULD get the degree online and that I did while having a family ;-)

The biggest key is to do research on the school. I was looking a few PhD programs online through schools like Northcentral University. After reading some articles and other things, I became uneasy about giving them my money. I am more apt to trust online degrees that come out of a well established University.

Answer 4

Dear All Prospectives Students,

I did my MBA on-line and it was with University of Wales, UK.
Think this is a joke ? Read my line:

First: a) You may need to have not only " DISCIPLINE " and " CONCENTRATION " - but more so on " FOCUS " ...to be a successfull student to graduate with an Online Degree.

Second: b) After you have what it takes in a) above, You must be " CONSISTENT " in your study to make it !

Thirdly: c) It gives you more " TIME of CONVENIENCES " in gaining your ongoing Working Experience while still on board as a Student (unlike Full Time Students - Gets No credit for Working Full Time or Part) which would be an added advantages to all Employers.


Take it from me: I am in my early Fifties which I also holds position acts such as an: Employer, Employee, Father, Colleague, and Business Partner in life today.
I make good opportunities in all angle, may it be in financial standing, job satisfaction, social standing and status plus more so the ability to progress contributing to society in dispensing all the business knowledge, skill and capabilities to all those around me.

So take it seriously, that Today's World is ever changing and so are the way things are going to be - in the future: more so that coming to pick knowledge no longer confine to the Classroom with Chalk and Blackboard.........but with the media of the IT world - Internet, Online Chat, Online Classes and the lot.

I am not only a Statistic today - you would be - if you are brave enough to take the first step forward as I have done three years back and I chose not a local University but of an prestigious University in Wales, UK

I am motivated to share this knowledge and experience - with any one out there whom would like to join me in this route of futuristic search for the better way of life !

I would know that any student who graduated with Online would be the right person to be chosen as they have had to go through what I did and they are with DISCIPLINE, CONSISTENCY and with things in better FOCUS that those without these important quality !

Answer 5

Google "accredited online degrees"