Is distance learning degree accepted by employers?

[Samuel]

I have many queries before i decide if to get my degree online. How do employers view distance learning degrees? Can I get a job with it?

 

[Humusluvr]

I have many queries before i decide if to get my degree online. How do employers view distance learning degrees? Can I get a job with it?

Many employers do not view distance learning as acceptable, but the scope of distance learning is growing. I took University of Phoenix classes when they were first introduced, but switched to classroom based learning because online classes were not viewed as "serious." A lot of people think it is "just playin' on the computer."

I know that online classes are a lot harder than regular classroom classes. They require a lot more writing due to you not attending a class. They require group projects and presentations and research.

As learning by computer becomes more accepted in the mainstream, you will see employers taking it a lot more seriously. I took Master's classes in Education.

What type of classes are you looking at?

And, employers don't HAVE to take anything. They can decide they like another candidate for a position better based on where they went to school. Employers look at entire resumes.

One other thing to think about - some employers believe that you can PAY to get an online degree without doing the work. The city manager of the town I used to live in did just that. He bought a degree. Didn't go to class, didn't do any work, just paid $500 for a piece of paper, based on his "life experiences." The city FIRED HIM FOR FAKING HIS QUALIFICATIONS. So, don't even go that route.

All this, based on my experiences. Take it or leave it.

 

[cyjeff]

Before you start, I would make sure that any university you attend is accredited.

 

[Perky]

You could also try contacting the human resources departments of some of the companies in the field you plan to enter. They may be willing to answer that question for you. Or, you could also look for some chatboards in the field. Others in that field should be able to help.

 

[cbethfly]

I am currently an undergrad taking online courses with University of Phoenix. My employer reimburses my tuition because it is an accredited school. I plan on taking graduate courses (and undergrad Chemistry and Math courses) on campus, only because I know I would fail miserably at those online. Like Humslvr pointed out, online courses do require more writing and reading, and they are generally 3 weeks longer than your typical campus course because it is distance learning. It also requires a lot more self discipline. There is nos such thing as "go at your own pace". If anything, the deadlines for assignments are more strict. Because of this, my employer values it more. I don't know how other employers would value it, but that's my experience. I believe the scope of online learning is becoming more clear to employers and skeptics as not just "playing around online". I know you only asked how employers view distance learning, just thought I would give a little more insight as to what to expect should you go that route.

 

[AnotherMoron]

Before you start, I would make sure that any university you attend is accredited.

Regionally accredited. Other accreditation is fairly worthless if you ever want or need to move to another school and transfer credits. Just ask my sister who can't settle on a major, has been in school for 7+ years and has wracked up over 100k in student loans because none of the first 3 schools she attended (all 4 year schools) were regionally accredited. Virtually none of her credits transferred to any of her other schools. But the debt sure followed her.

OP, I am currently in the last year of an undergrad program and I attend class strictly online and have since day one. My school is a 4 year university with regional accreditation. I plan to get my graduate degree from another regionally accredited university the same way. It's a perfectly viable education. It does require self discipline, strong written communication skills and the ability to do a great deal of self study. That all happens to be right up my alley.

Check the school's website that you are planning on attending. Schools will readily advertise regional accreditation since it's highly sought after from knowledgeable students.

 

[cbg]

Whether or not an employer will accept a distance learning degree depends entirely on the employer and quite possibly on the job. There is no, one size fits all, answer.

 

[HomeGuru]

Whether or not an employer will accept a distance learning degree depends entirely on the employer and quite possibly on the job. There is no, one size fits all, answer.

**A: I totally agree.

 

[GaAtty]

GaAtty

As an employer, I am unimpressed with the on-line degrees. You should consider that the vast majority of applicants in competition with you achieved their degrees by the traditional route. Then consider that your potential employer probably also achieved their degrees by the traditional route. That seems like a lot of odds to be stacked against you unless your qualifications are truly outstanding.