Is getting a degree online as good as if  you got it at a reputable college?
451679
This depends on a couple of factors.\n\nThe first factor is the person who is examining the degrees.  If he or she doesn't understand education, it probably won't make a difference.  If he or she does understand education, the reputable degree will be taken more seriously.\n\nThe second factor is the reason for the degree.  For a person who already has a job and is performing effectively, and needs to provide the company an excuse to keep her or him, or to give a raise, the online degree may be completely acceptable, since it's just a formality.  But, for a person who is looking for a job and needs to demonstrate serious study in a particular field, or just in general, the online degree may be worthless (so long as the first factor doesn't negate the meaning of the difference).
198402
It definitely depends upon the field you're looking to get into and who is likely to be responsible for hiring you.  People in general tend to be wary of "get educated quick" schemes including online degrees because they are unproven and people in hiring positions tend to not understand how you could possibly accomplish the same level of education with these types of programs. \n\nRegardless of your decision, make sure whatever program you're in is accredited...some online programs are, and some aren't just as some local university programs also aren't.  This ensures to you as well as to your future employer that the education you got at least covers the fundamental things you need to know in order to be successful in your field.
313459
Online is not necessarily cheaper. Also, there are good online  programs out there, but you have to be very careful about choosing one. Like any program, some are better than others. However, if you don't have the time or ability to get to a live classroom a few times a week, then I would persue an online degree. Also, if financial aid is an option, then online will work equally as well as traditional courses.
796113
Some of the local universities that offer classes or whole degrees online.. your degree actually comes from the real university.. so it basically says you went there.. the one i go to (tri state university) i take all of my classes online.. but it is going to say that i went to the main campus so its no different than actually going to the school.. mine will look just the same as someone who spend a bunch of money on a dorm room and all of that..
1151724
I know the answer. Yes, as long as the school is accredited. As far as the other person says that it is too easy to cheat. NO! I am doing this degree online. It is not my first. Well, before you do a test you put in your social and all other information. THe test starts and is timed. You cannot go back and change the answers nor can you take too long or it will be marked incorrect. Also, If you try to pull up a website during the test. The test will shut down and you will recieve a 0> Next some schools are starting to do a typing imprint. Meaning for the first couple of days, you do typing only. If your typing pattern is off during one of your test. The test halts, and you will have to enter a series of codes that only you should have to complete each question. It is much harder to do your degree online. I have had both sides. As a HR director myself, I have hired many workers with an accredited degree. So YES< YES< and YES
892919
If they accept fin. aid, they are probably accredited. If they don't, they are not..With most online colleges, you can do it in less than 4 years.  Depends on the college..BE SURE THEY ARE accredited..They all have accreditation but I went to one and needed 3 classes for my bachelors only to find out I would have to move to OHIO to use it..Also know that if you might plan on attending an offline school, the classes you took may not transfer.
540608
In general, I always recommend that people look at online degree programs from schools that have a strong reputation offline - their brick-and-mortar college has a good rep, so thus their distance learning program is often also respected. So, rather than U Phoenix, I'd also suggest that you check first with your local colleges, especially your state colleges. If you can go online to a state college as an instate student, you get the instate tuition rate - which is often a HUGE discount. If nothing in state appeals to you, then check for reputable colleges that also offer online/distance learning programs. \n\nSome reputable colleges that offer distance degrees, off the top of my head:\n\nRensellaer Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst\nUniversity of Maryland\nWorcester Polytechnic Institute\nThe New School for Social Research\nCarnegie Mellon\nUniversity of Denver
813644
Trust me on this one -- I've been in the higher education business for decades.  Most online universities are NOT a good idea.  They are for-profit institutions making money from uninformed consumers, and from employers who subsidize their current employees' "educations."   People who are NOT currently employed will have a hard time getting prospective employers to take their degrees seriously, particularly if they come from University of Phoenix, AIU, Capella, or other for-profit schemes. \n\nIf you MUST work toward a degree online, the state university in your state is always the cheapest and best route. They are fully (regionally) accredited, and the degrees they issue are most often the SAME as the degrees awarded to students who study in person. \n\nIf your state university does not yet have a "distance education" program, then surrounding states will. Some of the best ones are:\n\nArizona State U\nColorado State\nKansas State U\nOklahoma State U\nPenn State (PASSHE)\nUniversity of Alaska\nUniversity of California\nUniversity of Florida\nUniversity of Illinois\nUniversity of Maryland\nUniversity of Michigan\nUniversity of Minnesota\nUniversity of South Carolina\nWashington State U\n\nCheck the website below for more info.
962488
Uh, no, definately not.   Why would some non-accredited piece of toilet paper fake degree that nobody will recognize be better than going to an actual school where you might actually learn something?
593110
Be cautious with online schools. Most "online" schools don't have good reps. Consider your options carefully. \n\nThere are reputable, "brick and mortar" schools that also offer degrees online. Their good reputation for their on-campus programs will flow over into their online program. I strongly recommend that you look at some of those. \n\nSome great universities that offer online degrees include:\n\nUniversity of Massachusetts at Amherst\nRensselaer Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Denver\nUniversity of Maryland\nDuke University\nDrexel\nCarnegie Mellon\nPenn State\nBall State\nU Nebraska - Lincoln\nBabson\nWorcester Polytechnic Institute\nUniversity of Illinois\n\nAnd there are others. But in general, when you're looking for a distance learning degree, try to find a program at a school that has a good reputation for their "brick and mortar" campus. \n\nGood luck.
535701
The important thing is to get your degree from a school with a good reputation from their "brick and mortar" campus. That reputation carries over to their online/distance programs as well. \n\nSo there are online degree programs that employers respect (UMass Amherst, U Maryland, RPI, Carnegie Mellon...) and those that they do not (Devry, U Phoenix, Keller, ITT.)
313816
I am pursuing this career also.  My main advice if you're just starting is to make sure the school you choose is accredited.  Many unaccredited programs will offer you online courses and take your money, but a degree from them isn't really worth anything.
140687
Online colleges are worth it. There are thousands of people are going online. You just have to make sure the college is legit. I was going through Kaplan which is a good one. But like you I am looking at PCDI and it is on the governments accredited list. If you are older or have kids and a job, people look at you also going to school online as a good thing. It looks good for you.
324384
stay away from online colleges if you can.  Almost all of them are proprietary schools (for profit).  Look at state universities, many of them are offering online options and it'd be the same state tuition.
761116
Online classes are not necessarily harder, but they do require a lot of self motivation. You also need to be good with deadlines. I have wondered about what employers think of online universities, but I think as long as you choose a school that is accredited, you will be okay. Good luck.
791598
You need to find an accredited college online courses. Many universities these days offer on campus and off campus courses. If it's accredited, you don't have to specify it's online or on campus.
437731
check to see how they are accredited but most of them aren't and your degree wont be worth the paper its printed on.\n\nmy school is a normal university that will offer some classes online, call your local university and see if they have the same thing.