Is online learning right for you? Like everyone else who might be considering an online degree, you are concerned about whether the degree has the same worth in the marketplace. Before I pursued an online education, I invested several months making sure the degree was right for me. In retrospect, and now having earned several master’s and two doctorate degrees from online universities, I am confident I made the right decision.
When selecting an online university, make sure it is approved by one of the six organizations under the auspices of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Those organizations include:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
The university you select must be accredited by one of the organizations listed here. If it is not, many employers will not recognize your education.
After earning an MBA from a traditional university (face-to-face), work and personal responsibilities no longer allowed me the time to physically attend a university. I stumbled upon a virtual education by visiting the HR department of a major insurance company where I was employed. The HR rep told me that the company recognized online degrees the same as those earned face-to-face. The rep also informed me that the company paid 100% tuition for the online education. That was all I needed to hear.
One notable advantage to online learning is that you can pursue nearly any degree from the comfort of your home, or from anywhere you might be across the world, including a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. You are in control of when you do the class work. You still have the same rigor, but when the work is done during the week is up to you.
Technology is making online learning even more exciting. In many of the classes I teach, we are using video and audio. For example, I often assign iTunes business shows that augment the theoretical concepts. The value is tremendous because the students have convenience and affordable content.
Making the decision to earn an online degree depends largely on individual circumstances. However, because online learning comes to the student, we have eliminated the big excuse of not having time to attend a brick-and-mortar university.
An online degree, whether it’s a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, is a difference-maker in your career. The sooner you get going, the sooner you can realize the enormous benefits.