Online degree hold the same weight as an actual BA?
Question:
So, college BA vs. online BA. Any ideas?
Answer:
On line BA's aren't different then regular BA's. Certain fully accredited Universities offer on line degrees. Consider RIT for example, they offer many different degrees. My Dad finished his Engineering degree on line as he previously only had an associates degree. It's helped him a bit. Just make sure the College is fully accredited, and it's not just a quick fix scam.
There is no difference between a degree earned on campus versus online. The only main thing your friend needs to make sure of is that the school is accredited. The schools web site should give that information, check out www.accreditedschools.org for the International Registry of Accredited Schools.
Being a college grad myself, I personally think there is no replacement for sitting in the classroom and getting face time with a professor. Lately though, the quality of on-line colleges (such as Regis) have improved a lot and an on-line BA or BS can in many cases be just as good as a college BA. I know a few on-line grads and since the degree doesn't specifically state it was gained on-line, most employers have treated it the same as any other degree.
at actual school usually viewed better, but your friend has some/ a lot of on campus, so shouldn't hurt him too much if explains finished up online and why
It depends on the institution offering the degree, but usually an online BA is considered to be much lower quality. Many institutions offering online BAs are not accredited by legitimate agencies, which basically means their degrees are worthless. The key is whether the institution is completely or mainly online. That should be a big warning signal. I won't name names, but we've all seen ads for various online universities. Go look them up on Wikipedia. You may be shocked.
Online degrees offered by a "traditional" school that does most of its work offline are usually OK, if not as good as an offline degree. There are various complicated reasons for this, but basically there is a tremendous advantage to "face time" with professors and other students that online hasn't been able to beat yet.
Finally, I am currently employed by, and attending a grad program in, a school that specializes in adults returning to college. It's a state school, which means tuition is low, and there are really about a million ways to make this work. (My tuition is free as an employee.) The school will bend over backwards to figure out how to get you in. Late night and Saturday classes, accelerated schedules, the works. Trust me, it can be done. And they'll do all this for you for FREE. Tell him to contact a counselor and set up an appointment to talk. It's really a lot easier than it looks.
Bottom line: online from an online school is probably going to be more expensive and worth less than a traditional program. To be honest, such programs prey on people who didn't go to college and don't know any better. There are options. I urge your friend to do this. I can't tell you how important it is to his future. It's even more important for the future of his child.
i think an online degree is still not looked at as good as an actual classroom degree. whether this is wrong of them or right of them isnt the issue. i still think hiring managers give less weight to an online degree.
I received my "online" degree from the U. of MD, University College. I went to a 4 year state school on campus for my first two years, but then had a child and a full-time job and had to switch to online classes. I was able to complete my degree completely online and of course the U. of MD is accredited. Honestly, most people do not even realize I have an "online degree" unless I tell them. Also, I found online courses much harder and much more time consuming than going on campus. I am now in Grad school (not online) and I still think that some of my undergrad online classes took more effort and time than the classes I am taking now!
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