Earning an Online Degree...
a Solid Investment
with the Right Program

 

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You can't go wrong with these schools:

For an online career focused degree: Kaplan University
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges

For an online/on-ground creative arts experience:
The Art Institute
.
Choose a program in Design, Culinary Arts, Media Arts, or Fashion.





Would you like a Masters in Education, a Doctorate in Education, or maybe even a Doctorate in Philosophy?  There's no greater time to pursue an education than now because many of the residency requirements have been lifted!  There is a hidden danger, however.  Anyone with a computer, high resolution printer and access to the web can purchase space to use as an advertisement for an "online university".  A diploma mill is an online "university" that offers a degree at a fraction of the cost of an accredited school. Diploma mills may advertise the fact that they are accredited, but the accreditation may be from a fraudulent accrediting organization. What happens, as a result, is that you will have invested in a degree that is not recognized by employers or other institutions of learning if you want to continue your studies. You must be very careful when it comes to your decision concerning distance learning. If you are unfamiliar with an online school, contact that school of choice and request an accreditation statement FIRST. Then check to see if the accrediting organization is indeed valid. If so, ask the accrediting organization for proof of accreditation for your school. I know there's some leg work involved here, but the outcome is so much better.

Here's some other options for those who would prefer less research:

Choose A Degree.com has already done all the research for you.
Click on to take a look at their accredited list of colleges that offer online degrees. There's absolutely no obligation when completing an information request.

Take a look at MSN.com's online database for e-learning resources powered by encarta. (You might even want to look at their career network to make sure you are pursuing a career field that reflects growth).

Peterson's Online has a database that will provide information concerning schools that offer distance degrees.

As far as recognized accrediting organizations are concerned, you want to make sure that the organization is recognized by a legitimate accreditation organization such as The US Department of Education, CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation), or ASPA (Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors).

Dr. Amy Kirle Lezberg offers an excellent list of accrediting organizations.

See the Coffeehouse discussion on earning high school credit online - many of the organizations offer college degrees, too!

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation has a very good website explaining accreditation an it's importance.

When you check accrediting organization names, make sure the name is exact as that on the list of recognized organizations. Criminals are very deceptive and will slightly change one or two words to appear to be the same organization as a recognized one. 

For example:
National Association of Schools of Theater 
vs.
National Association of Theater Schools


I studied at Indiana University, but enjoyed the luxury of completing a few classes online to complete my Masters Degree.  Now, there are great opportunities for working adults with limited time. Good luck but beware! Make sure your hard earned dollars will be invested in an accredited program that will reap benefits for years to come! If you have questions about a particular program that you would like to pursue, please feel free to contact me.

 


Copyright 1999 - 2006
Page last updated:
October 26, 2006
Education Coffeehouse
Marsha Bass, MS Ed