Evaluating Online Degree Programs

The popularity of online degree programs continues to rise, as more and more students seek to improve their education with a flexible program. Studying online offers several advantages, such as reducing scheduling conflicts and geographic limitations. However, online degrees are not always as credible to potential employers as traditional degrees are. Why? Well, first of all, employers must guard against hiring anyone who has a degree from a diploma mill. In addition, they may worry that online courses aren't as rigorous as those in a traditional classroom.

Check the accreditation

If you are considering an online graduate degree, you must choose a credible school so you don't waste your time and money on a degree that is worthless. Your first step must be to look for an online school that is accredited by regional or national accreditation agencies. To be accredited, a school must meet standards for student achievement, curriculum, faculty, services, and academic support for students. And don't just take the school's word that it is accredited. Write to the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify a school's accreditation.

Depending on your area of study, you may also need to look for additional levels of accreditation specific to the field. For example, a law school should be accredited by the American Bar Association, a psychology program should be accredited by the American Psychological Association, and a library science program should be accredited by the American Library Association.

Talk to potential employers

Talk to people in the industry to find out their points of view about online degrees. Do you sense that online degrees are well-respected, or do they carry a stigma? If you are already working but hope your graduate degree will lead to a raise or a higher position, ask your employer whether an online degree will be accepted. The most popular areas for online graduate programs are in fields such as business, engineering, education, law, health sciences, and information technology, so you may find these fields more accepting of online degrees.

Check rankings

Institutions such as professional organizations and US News and World Report publish rankings of colleges and universities. These rankings may be based on criteria such as faculty resources, starting salaries for graduates, and peer assessment. By checking such lists of rankings, you can choose a school that has a solid reputation in your industry.