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Online Degrees: Fair or Phony

By Justin Bathon

A question I seemed to get asked a lot concerns the validity of online degrees. My standard response is that it depends on the program. Then, invariably, I will get asked whether "X" University is an acceptable online university degree program. Of course, I am never familiar with the program they ask me about so I usually just respond that they need to know whether it is accredited and they need to know their alternative options.

Here is a link to an MSNBC report on the validity of Online Degrees. Basically, I agree with the report and if you are also a person that gets asked this question a lot, perhaps you can refer them to it.

Here is one of my personal stories on the issue and the one I tell people when I am asked about this. My sister who works in DC as a nurse (and works odd hours), was looking for a way to get a Masters in nursing within her odd schedule. She asked me what I thought about several of the online options she identified. I told her that some of them might be acceptable, but I also asked whether she had examined what the traditional universities were offering within her area. She had checked some (GMU, Maryland, etc.) but not all. I told her that first we needed to check with them because I consider a traditional university still the best option for a college degree if it is possible (there are elements of scholarship and expertise sometimes not found in newer programs). After some looking, we identified that George Washington University had started an online program which offered several degrees in Nursing and required only a minimal on campus commitment (an occasional weekend and a week during the summer). My sister has related the findings that the coursework has been rigorous and demanding, but that overall she has been very pleased with the experience and feels very comfortable with her degree from a respected university. 

People just need to be aware of their options before signing up for any program (including traditional programs). While this may take some additional time and effort, usually there will be a program that both meets a student's time needs but also offers accreditation and a respected name.

EDIT: Also, if you have a ton of time on your hands, you can take classes at some of the nation's best schools ... for free. Is it too soon to start my 1 year old on courses in MIT's engineering program?

Full post as published by Edjurist on January 02, 2008 (boomark / email).