Fully accredited traditional vs fully accredited on-line? (bachelors, degree, costs)

[muman]

I'm considering returning to school to get my second Bachelors degree. For the first, I attended a traditional bricks and mortar school...for the second, I'm considering an on-line program at a small private school (although the school actually has a campus). The on-line option will be much more convenient for me, as it's difficult to relocate at the moment, and there is no traditional program in my field in my area. Do employers still often look down on on-line programs even if fully accredited by the same institutions who accredit traditional schools?

[RjRobb2]

If you are going to a REAL university that offers online classes then how are employer's going to know the difference? You diploma isnt going to be any different.

[fierce_flawless]

True what RjRobb2 said.

Have you taken any online classes?

I have taken a few. I don't really like them. In some ways they are easier but that's not always good.. I think if you really want to LEARN something you have to be totally self-directed. Too many online classes have open book tests and it's easy to just do "enough" to pass or get the grade. I have taken some where I was rushed and put very little into it because I didn't HAVE to read the entire chapter to pass the test or crank out an assignment, and if there's no "lecture" then it's just a matter of scraping by. I got the A but didn't learn much. It's my own fault, but something to consider, that's all.

It totally depends on what kind of learner you are but for me I completely prefer classes in real-time. I will take internet classes if needed (took 3 this summer, in fact) but I try not to.

[christina0001]

ditto all of the above. Potential employers will not know whether you did the program online or at the school. But I also am not overly fond of online classes; I learn better hearing lectures, having in-person verbal discussions, etc. However, you may learn totally different than I.

[muman]

Yeah, to be honest, I actually prefer a traditional classroom setting. The only issue is the convenience. Also, the nearest 'bricks and mortar' program is about a 3 hr drive away, and costs almost twice as much.

[kerensa]

Find out what listing will be shown on your transcript or diploma. Will anyone know that you took the classes online? There is still a stigma to online classes in many areas.

Online classes may be convenient, but depending on your major, it will be harder to network and meet other people, harder to study with another person or in a group, and you will need to be very self-motivated.

[RjRobb2]

My online courses arent any easier than normal classes. In some ways they are actually more difficult because you have to be self-motivated to complete the coursework.

Online learning definitely isnt for everyone but I really dont have a choice if I want my degree.

[nitokenshi]

Originally Posted by RjRobb2

If you are going to a REAL university that offers online classes then how are employer's going to know the difference? You diploma isnt going to be any different.

^ this

[ddm2k]

Originally Posted by muman

I'm considering returning to school to get my second Bachelors degree. For the first, I attended a traditional bricks and mortar school...for the second, I'm considering an on-line program at a small private school (although the school actually has a campus). The on-line option will be much more convenient for me, as it's difficult to relocate at the moment, and there is no traditional program in my field in my area. Do employers still often look down on on-line programs even if fully accredited by the same institutions who accredit traditional schools?

Choose first a school with a KNOWN brick-and-mortar full-time program, that just HAPPENS to offer classes online. You don't want the college name alone on your degree to indicate that you "probably" didn't attend in-person.

This is your balance point.

[BusinessManIT]

Traditional or online, it doesn't matter. Most diplomas don't state whether the degree was earned on campus or online. You can go to a well known university if you want, whether online or on campus. But the most important thing is accreditation. And there is no such thing as "fully accredited". A school is either accredited or not accredited. A school is legitimately accredited if it is accredited by an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education or CHEA.

Then there is "programmatic accreditation" that does not accredit schools but only school programs. So in one college or university, its business program may not have programmatic accreditation, but its engineering program may have.

So in choosing a school it is very important to consider why you are pursuing a degree, the type of major, whether it is a graduate or undergraduate program, and what the business requirements are of the institutions that you plan to work at (if applicable).