Online Degree Programs General Information About Accreditation and Online Degree Programs

Online Degrees and Accredited Universities

With the large number of online schools and universities available, one of the most important distinctions that a potential student should make when choosing an online university or college is accreditation. This is fundamental to the student seeking an online university degree. If you are already educated in this topic, feel free to move on to the next topic in this article, otherwise please read and understand the following information.

Accredited Online Colleges and Universities

If you are considering signing up with an online college or university beware of the following:

The online college claims that the degree can be earned in a short amount of time; for example, completing your bachelor’s degree in 3 or 4 months.

The online college offers discounts if you sign-up for more than one degree program.

The online college offers an unusually high number of credits for “real-world” experiences.

The online college offers Minimal to No interaction with school professors.

The name of the online college sounds similar to a university that is reputable.

The accreditation does not include either of these two reputable organizations:

1. The U.S. Department of Education

2. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation

If the online school in question is not recognized by either one of these organizations you may want to look further into their accreditation claims. Before signing up with any online college or university please run their name through the Better Business Bureau and look for complaints. In addition, both of the reputable organizations listed above have links to or provide a searchable database to look-up the online college or university you are considering.

The Advantages of Online Degree Programs

Clearly there are advantages and sometimes disadvantages to online degree programs. With a wide variety of degree programs available, the choices online are often greater than a local college that specializes in a limited number of degree options.

If you work, have a family, or other obligations that keep you busy, an online college or university is a resourceful way to reach your educational goals. When choosing your online school you may want to consider the geographical location of the school. Even though the school is accessed over the internet, there may be cost advantages in choosing a school in your city or town.

Another advantage of online college courses is that you get to choose your study time. Being busy at work, home or even on vacation, as long as you have internet access, you will always be able to download your latest lesson, test or assignment. Some online classes will let you download the entire semesters work so you may work ahead and complete work without access to the internet.

The cost for online degree programs is also typically lower than traditional schools. You may also save money on books as most of the material needed will be downloadable and paid for as part of your class fee.

Some Disadvantages of Online Degree Programs

If you’re a people person and enjoy the classroom setting, peer interaction and having face to face discussions with your professor, online instruction may not be as gratifying as a conventional college. In addition, depending on your degree and plans for the future, an online degree through an accredited university may not carry the weight of a traditional degree in the eyes of some employers. A good remedy for this is to take online classes from a traditional college in your region.

Online Degree Programs - Summary

Students should be looking for accredited universities and beware of “Diploma Mills” that offer degrees in a short period of time and quote accreditations from organizations that are not listed by The U.S. Department of Education or The Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Online education is a great way for students that work, have a family or a busy lifestyle to achieve their educational goals. Moreover, as the quality of online education improves, online colleges and universities are becoming widely accepted as a viable method to receive an advance degree.