Q&A: Are there any fields in which an online degree program is generally well-accepted?

5 Responses to Q&A: Are there any fields in which an online degree program is generally well-accepted?

1. Vaiveahtoish

   September 2, 2010 at 12:25 pm

   Each individual field has its own importance in separate respects. Yes but there are some that are targeted more online that the others. That some may be accounting, marketing, medical billing and many more. They are preferred as they give the person choosing them the liberty of attending classes. One can attend class with his time availability. But keep in mind always do your degree from an accredited online institute as there are lots of scams out there.
2. Education Guide

   September 2, 2010 at 1:06 pm

   Discovering the right field for your particular degree or finding the appropriate degree for your particular field of interest is easy!

   There’s actually a great deal of free services currently available such as Education Connection that specialize in connecting students with online schools.

   I’d recommend checking them out and meeting with an adviser.
3. researchbug83

   September 2, 2010 at 1:40 pm

   The others are right– business, marketing, and accounting are generally the best-accepted online degree programs, especially MBA programs. A lot of older working students pursue MBAs, so it’s understood that they need the flexibility an online degree can afford. (Employers also want to be assured that the school’s regionally accredited.)

   In general, any field that requires laboratory experience or clinicals isn’t going to be widely accepted if you earn that degree online. You can make an exception for some things, like design degrees– you can still build a portfolio as a graphic designer if you’re studying remotely. Learning to insert an IV or practice chemistry? Not so much.

   However, there are legitimate online nursing degree completion programs. These are generally for currently licensed, practicing RNs with associate degrees who want to take the additional theory courses needed to complete a bachelor’s degree.
4. Mark

   September 2, 2010 at 1:45 pm

   Many of the best online programs are in technical fields like software engineering. This is because, when schools started doing online degrees, the teachers and students with technical backgrounds were the best equipped to handle working with the new technology. Now the technology is easily accessible and is being used for all kinds of other area, but you’ll still find that there are many more degrees from top schools in computer or engineering programs.

   Online degrees are often looked down on for various reasons. However, if you can pick a field where technology is quickly embraced, you’ll have less stigma from an online degree. So a degree in computer programming or networking will likely be viewed with more respect than other areas simply because people working in those fields are usually on the cutting edge of technology and you’ll find fewer people skeptical of new technology in those fields.

   Keep in mind that your choice of school, probably matters more than the specific degree. An online degree from Harvard, Penn State, Stanford or Columbia is going to be more accepted than a degree from University of Phoenix or Capella–regardless of the field.

   You’ll probably be better off in your career, picking a field that you enjoy and trying to go to a well recognized school. Your choice of school matters more than the field when it comes to how people will view your degree.

   I don’t know what area you are considering or even what level of schooling you have in mind, but here are a few places I’d start by looking at:

   http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/
   http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/
   http://www.extension.harvard.edu/
   http://scpd.stanford.edu/
5. MariaVladimir

   September 2, 2010 at 2:06 pm

   Good question, yes. Online degrees and certifications are more popular than ever before due to the competitive climate and the down economy.

   While one can find almost any “degree” program online it’s important to find an accredited college.

   Accreditation will carry much more weight than any degree, whether on campus or off.

   Name recognition goes much further than simply holding a degree.

   Do you research, find a college with a good reputation which carries the type of degree you’re after.