The validity of online schools

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I've heard both good and bad things about them. The only reason I even consider it is because it's my only option for the next year or so. Are they thought of as the least bit valid? The last thing I want to do is waste my time and scarce money.

 

So long as they are accredited in that field of study, you are fine. For example, the University of Phoenix is accredited in just about everything.

 

I'm aware of them being accredited and all that, but i'm more worried about them being viewed at as sub-par compared to regular places. I can't seem to find any good indication of how they're viewed.

 

I think there is a lot of mistrust out there regarding these schools. You are right to be worried. i would contact governing bodies to ensure that the school in question really has the credentials it claims to have.

 

I vote for sub-par. This is based entirely on perception and may have no basis in reality, but I believe it will be harder to turn an online degree into a job than a traditional college/university.

 

You should contact the univeristy you eventually want to enter and see if credits from an on-line school transfer. Often the validity of any work done is very dependent on the courses taken. Many major universities have correspondence courses which will completely transfer.

 

I agree with Snook, simply because of perceptions (accurate or inaccurate) that an online degree is essentially a mail-order degree, and thus not very attractive to potential employers.

 

Well, I know a lot of people who have MBAs from Phoenix University. Here's the thing, if you already have a job, most workplaces that offer tuition reimbursement will be thrilled to hear you want Phoenix University, because it's cheaper.

As for how it's viewed, it depends on what the alternative is. For example, you're certainly not going to convince anyone that the MBA you got from Phoenix University is just as good as someone who went to Wharton.

 

To add to what Aldeht said, I think the degree is great if you are already in a company that is requiring higher ed or more ed in another field. As long as they are ok with a Univ of Phx type, you should be fine. But if you looking to get the degree and then hunt for jobs, teh on-line degree will make probably you the weaker candidate. Unless of course you kill it at the interview.

For example.... In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Penn State is a very large college with a ton of branch campuses. They ahve a very large student population. A degree from Penn State will usually land you a job in Pennsylvania as there is a very large brotherhood of alumni. So if you apply for a job in Pennsy with a Univ of Phx degree, odds are the candidate from PSU will get hired before the on-line degree holders. I'm sure it also varies from field to field as well. I doubt an on-line degree in Bio-Physics will get you anywhere in that field, but an on-line accounting degree would probably be more valid. (Not that I think you can get an on-line Bio-Physics degree, but hopefully uopu get the point...)