Accredited Degrees

10 Myths of Online Distance Degrees Debunked

Despite the growing number of online distance degree programs and institutions offering online distance degrees, there is still a stigma attached to the idea of pursuing a degree or certificate online. Potential students may be afraid that their future employers won’t accept a degree earned over the Internet or that all online schools are illegitimate organizations trying to rip people off. While online school scams do exist, there are a multitude of valid online degree programs out there and worth your effort. To clear up some of the myths about online distance degrees, we’ve debunked 10 of the most popular here.

1. Online degrees aren’t accredited: Making sure your online school or degree program is accredited is extremely important. If a school isn’t recognized by an accrediting organization, your degree is probably worthless in the eyes of your future employer or other university. Worse, some schools will pretend to be accredited by showing a fake certificate or approval. While some online degrees only claim to be in the process of getting a charter or accreditation status, many online schools and programs are regionally accredited and respected. To research your school’s accreditation, check their website or call the school to ask which organization has granted them accreditation status. The best organizations are six regional accreditation councils, and you can find them listed here.
2. Online degrees aren’t accepted in the real workforce: Legitimate distance learning degrees still have to make some progress in convincing individuals that “getting a degree over the Internet” doesn’t necessarily mean signing up for random classes with a phantom organization. In many cases, students who choose to enroll with a program that offers on campus and online courses will find that their degree appears to be and actually is exactly the same as the degree or certificate earned by a traditional student going to class on campus. If you’re worried about what an employer will think of your online degree, make absolutely sure that the program is accredited by a legitimate organization, and consider enrolling in an online program that is part of a respected brick and mortar institution as well.
3. Degrees are awarded by low-budget organizations: It’s definitely possible to earn an online degree from a low-budget, non-accredited institution, but it’s just as possible for you to earn a degree from a well-respected university with high ranking academics, a strong tradition of research, and internationally recognized faculty. Schools like Notre Dame, Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois are just a few examples of distinguished universities that offer some of their high quality degrees online.
4. Online degrees are too expensive: Just as traditional students have to make financially smart choices about which university to attend, distance learners are faced with the same decisions. A well-respected private school will most likely offer more expensive programs than smaller state schools. Distance learners also save money on gas and car maintenance since they don’t have to commute to and from class each day. Many online schools offer financial aid and tuition assistance to qualifying students. Another option for decreasing the cost of your education is to consider enrolling in a non-U.S.-based school, though make sure you check its accreditation status and credibility.
5. Earning an online degree is too impersonal: Students who want a lot of face-to-face contact with their professors and classmates may find that online classes are too impersonal; however, credible online degree programs try to engage students in the course by setting up chats, message boards, audio and video lecturers, and of course, encouraging communication via e-mail.
6. Online credits don’t transfer: Finding out if your online degree program has a satisfying transfer policy is vital. Don’t waste time taking classes over again if you can get credit for them and move on to more stimulating, major-specific courses. Military personnel may also find that they can transfer previous military work or training experience in the form of credit. Make sure that the courses you take from the distance learning school can transfer, too, in case you want to switch programs or pick up your education again in the future.
7. Taking an online course is much easier than a traditional one: The difficulty of your degree program depends on the school and subject you decide to enroll in. Online degree programs supported by well-respected universities often offer the same curriculum and faculty in online courses, and want to uphold a reputation for providing quality education and training. If you think online courses are “dumbed down” for adult learners, you may be surprised.
8. All online schools are the same: This myth is absolutely untrue. An online degree from Boston University will not be the same quality as a degree earned from a low-budget organization that isn’t regionally accredited.
9. Online courses and programs aren’t moderated and don’t need to be completed: Distance learning schools and departments expect their students to be ambitious and self-driven, capable of independent study and discipline. If you don’t complete assignments or unofficially drop out of the course, you will fail, just like if you were in a traditional campus environment.
10. Earning a degree online means you miss out on traditional experiences and resources.: Many online schools and departments award students access to the library system, the career services office, tutoring, mentoring and advising, financial aid, and other traditional services. If you live in Missouri and are enrolled in a distance learning program in California, you probably won’t be able to participate in your school’s varsity athletic teams, but you can still feel like you’re a part of the greater college community.