Are online degree's as good as a regular collage degree?

Answer 1

If you are getting your degree from an Accredited University or Accredited College, and the diploma/degree when you receive does not say "online degree". then yes.

Be sure you are attending an accredited college, not something where you order a self paced kit and get a certificate.


Harvard has online programs, that should tell you something.


EDIT: A lot of online classes at reputable colleges have what are called proctored exams. Meaning you must take your exam in front a third party which has no interest in letting you cheat. ie not your best friend, but a librarian at the college is okay.

Answer 2

People who tell you that you won't learn as much or won't interact as much have likely never taken an online course at a quality school. Reality is that you can't help but learn more than just sitting in a lecture hall listening to John the grad assistant lecture on the history of WWI. In an online course you are required to read and write - all by yourself. You will indeed learn more. The assessment is likely to be in the form of a paper and not a multiple guess test - you will learn more.

Chances are though (statistically), you'll fail out. It's too hard for most people. Keep that in mind - it's not the easy way to go about things.

As for acceptance by employers: Let's say you have two applicants for a job. Once has his degree from Harvard U and the other from whatever little college is around the town you live in.

Let's say the Harvard applicant did his degree online but the YourTown U applicant did his in the classroom there in YourTown. Who do you hire if all other things are equal? There's your proof.

If you're asking should I go to Boston in the classroom or East Podunk online; Boston! But that's because Boston is the better school. Boston online or East Podunk in the classroom? Well, in the online program you won't get drunk as often or have wild sex parties (and we know that's the main reason for going to college) and in the online you'll have to take classes with professors who are the best in the world.... It'll be really hard and not as much fun.... hmmmmm

Bottom line - it's not a question of online vs traditional. Almost every traditional degree in the US now has some online component. The real question is about "how good is this college" online or not.

Univ of Phoenix is not Florida State - online or not. Kaplan is not UMass - online or not. It's very possible though that UoP is better than your local town U. (or not) and I'm certain that it's better than nothing at all.

add: one of the problems with all degrees is that there is no way of knowing who did the work and if they got any help. When was the last time you were asked for your ID when you arrived in a classroom. That's a straw man argument with no basis.

Answer 3

It has mixed feelings in the workforce because they don't know for a fact that you actually earned it yourself or had help from someone else to get the degree. Not all managers that do the hiring are computer savvy either and still believe in the old fashioned ways.

The problem with online degrees and exams is there is no way of knowing for sure who is doing it so respective employers tend to be more cautious of those over the ones earned in a reputable school.

On day it will be looked at the same but right now it isn't.

Answer 4

As a general rule, the quality of a degree depends in the level of tuition and the assessment procedures, not the learning mode. Sadly, many online / distance learning programmes are lacking in these aspects, which is why online learning is sometimes viewed with suspicion. However, an online degree from a reputable college might carry more weight than an "on-site" degree of a less notable institution.

Answer 5

Many "regular" colleges also have on-line programs these are for people who are working or have other commitments or for distance reasons. As long as its an accredited college or university you should have no problems. The only thing that I would warn you about is that it is sometimes hard to sit at the computer and do the work the other thing is that I wouldnt take math courses just because those usually are easier if you have somebody to teach and answer your questions. So good luck.

Answer 6

It's hard to say. I think an online degree can compliment a regular degree, but I wouldn't go for one just on its own. You don't get the same amount of exposure to the material as you do in a classroom.

If you do decide to do it, just make sure it's from a reputable university. There are a lot of non-accredited diploma mills out there.

Answer 7

As good in which way? If you mean, will I learn as much, the answer is probably no. If you mean, will it be as readily accepted by employers, the answer is yes, as long as it is an online degree from a regular, accredited university, not one of those for-profits who do nothing but online degrees.