Are there ANY online colleges that are taken seriously by employers?

Answer 1

None that I know of.

Answer 2

Harvard, Oxford, UMass, UFlorida, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, Stanford University.... all of these are teaching online. In fact, almost every college in the country is teaching online at some level and very many are offering whole degrees online.

If you mean those "XYZ College Online" places - no, probably not. They don't have such a great reputation.

It's all about the reputation of the college. Just as we know that East YourState Teacher's College isn't the same as Harvard University; we also know that University of Phoenix isn't the same as University of YourState. It's not about online or classroom - it's about the reputation of the college.

So, yes, there are online programs that are respected by employers. They are delivered by colleges that also have classroom programs that are respected by employers. It's all about the reputation of the college.

ADD: "Are they better? Never. Classroom settings allow discussion and exchange of ideas, something which is crucial not only in learning the material, but in the critical comprehension of it."

Explain to me how sitting in a lecture hall with 100 other students listening to Joe the grad assistant try to learn to teach is better than hearing the leading lecturer in the world at Harvard University by streaming video. This is a myth - there is no interaction in 90% of all classroom situations. There is far more intergroup interaction in a typical online class.

Sitting in a lecture hall listening to someone pontificate is not "better" than watching the lecture streamed in video. In fact, by using technology, I can be lectured by some very well qualified professional educators. It's really true - the traditionalists need to take an online class at a really good school and see the difference. It's mind boggling the difference it makes when you're lectured by someone who truly knows his stuff.

Add again: my BA and MA were in-the-seat, my BSc was online. When in literature class in my BA (15 hours of lit.) I never once had an opportunity for debate - we sat and listened to lectures and we wrote papers. In the online classes, we debated a lot. Every day. It's exactly what we did. And we debated in writing so that people could add to it days later. I'm not buying the argument, and I'm not buying it because I've done both. While many people haven't figured it out yet, online classes are more in depth in most areas that can be taught online. That's the reality. Sorry if the traditionalists don't like it but it's the way things are going to be.

Answer 3

It probably depends on the employer. Here in Canada Athabasca University has been offering degree programs by distance education for a very long time. It has built up a certain level of respect over the years. In the US the one I hear mentioned often is the University of Phoenix, I believe. In any case, I would do my research carefully before deciding on an on line school, but yes, they are taken seriously by some employers.

Answer 4

Online classes DO offer discussion, through BB postings, online chat rooms, audio conferencing and more. Luckily for professors, it is possible to keep track of which students contribute to these discussions and how well and often they do so. When you're figuring classroom participation, it is not recordable and reviewable, as it is online.

Any online program offered by a regionally accredited college or university is reputable, and should be worth as much to any emplpyer as the same program offered onsite.

Answer 5

Are online classes just as good as some classroom ones?

Maybe.

Are they better?

Never. Classroom settings allow discussion and exchange of ideas, something which is crucial not only in learning the material, but in the critical comprehension of it.


However, for people that are constrained by time or location, a reputable online education is their best bet. Just make sure you take these classes from a reputable, accredited college.


EDIT: Hehe, it looks like I struck some chords with a few online college graduates? I'm telling the truth. Part of academia is the opportunity to exchange ideas. Especially in classes such as literature and human sciences. Math, well, you can't debate math, but you can certainly debate Aristotle and Shakespeare, or business matters. Unfortunately online college doesn't offer that, so don't get mad at me for saying it.

I never said online college was bad, just that it lacks in that area, and that one should attend an online college that is accredited. Angry? Take it up with the universities.

Answer 6

Absolutely! Many online colleges are highly regarded by employers. Online education is more common now then ever before and employers are finally recognizing that an online education is just as good or better then campus based education. In fact, Herzing College Online placed 96% of 2006 graduates in their chosen field. Before you choose any online college, be sure you review their accreditation and career placement statistics.

Answer 7

Sure. All accredited schools should be taken seriously.

Answer 8

Long Distance Education for long established Brick schools often have weight and the same accrediation. They also ususally have the same fees!

Answer 9

Nope. Don't even bother.