How to Choose an Online Accredited Degree Program

As the economy shakes and quakes from roiling energy and consumer goods prices, many adults consider returning to school to attain an advanced degree. Study after study proves that as educational attainments increase, one's income increases too. Yet attending a college or university in the evenings or on weekends is daunting for most people. For others living in rural or similar areas, traveling to a school offering the degree program they seek may be impossible.

Many people turn to online degrees to attain additional credentials and a Master's or Ph.D. degree. It's wise to take your time selecting a school and program before investing time and money into an online degree program. Here's how to find a reputable, accredited online degree program to get your Master's degree or other credentials.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet connection
• Telephone
• Several months to review schools

1. Begin by narrowing down your interests and abilities. What type of degree are you looking for? Are you seeking an MBA or a Masters in Education? Some degrees and credentials are more suited to distance learning than others. Programs that require hands-on skills may be best suited to traditional seat-based programs, while those requiring many case studies and papers can easily transfer to the internet.

2. Next, research universities and colleges online. If you're wondering what the difference is between a college and a university, colleges typicaly have two and four year programs, while universities are defined as those awarding Master's and Ph.D. programs. Look at all options including Ivy league and bricks and mortar schools. Many have online versions of classroom programs or other distance learning options. Look first for quality of program, credentials of the instructors, and the course of study.

3. Narrow your list down. If you've included online-only institutions, such as the University of Phoenix, check with the regional accrediting bodies to ensure that the universities have been reviewed by the nationally accepted accrediting institutions. The U.S. Department of Education does not monitor degree programs directly, but guides six or more regional accrediting groups around the country. Schools and programs of study submit documentation and forms for scrutiny, and are awards accreditation based on how well they meet strict standards. Choose only accredited schools. Employers look askance at other types and may consider them 'diploma mills.'

4. Begin by inquiring at each school on your short list about their admission requirements, course of study, degrees, professors' credentials, typical hours to complete a program, and other important information. Do you have to be online at specific times to join your classmates, or is the program self-directed? Consider how well the program fits your lifestyle.

5. Ask if they will let you speak or email students currently enrolled. If that's possible, ask how well they like the program, if it helped them get jobs, how many hours they had to invest in their studies, and similar questions.

6. Choose your final school, and prepare your admission paperwork. You will probably need an official transcript from your high school or former college. Apply and enjoy your degree program.

Tips & Warnings

• Be selective in choosing a degree program. Your degree takes time and money. Be sure it fits your ultimate career goals.
• Avoid schools promising easy, fast or 'no work' diplomas.
• Select only accredited schools.

Resources

• Links to the accrediting bodies