Online colleges and online degrees have been around for more than 30 years. Initially, both were met with great suspicion.
Students worried if degrees from online colleges would be recognized. And, their concern was well justified; many employers were outspoken about their reluctance to hire online university graduates.
For many years, established, traditional colleges opposed online education. In fact, some successfully campaigned against having institutions like the University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Nova University offer classes in their states.
Today, online colleges and degree programs are perceived quite differently. Students have no trepidation about the recognition of distance education degrees in the workplace. That's because few employers now make any distinction between traditionally earned and online degrees. Even traditional universities, which resisted online education for decades, now hire administrators and faculty who hold online degrees.
In addition, the same colleges that were opposed to distance education currently offer online degree and/or certificate programs. Even PhD's and professional degrees may be earned online.
On the downside, there are still some degree mills out there offering bogus degrees to anyone willing and able to write a check. However, most of the states in which the degree mills have operated are cracking down on them. And, more accredited online degree programs are being offered than ever before.
As late as 1975 or 1980 there were a very limited number of accredited universities with online degree programs. Furthermore, they offered degrees in only a very few major areas of study. Now there are in excess of 200 fully accredited U.S. institutions offering degrees at all levels.
Even better is the fact that students in online education programs can now qualify for all kinds of financial aid. Until fairly recently, that was not the case.
Online education is now an option worth the careful consideration of anyone who wishes to continue his or her education. And, with its flexibility and convenience, it is the fastest growing sector in higher education.
Students worried if degrees from online colleges would be recognized. And, their concern was well justified; many employers were outspoken about their reluctance to hire online university graduates.
For many years, established, traditional colleges opposed online education. In fact, some successfully campaigned against having institutions like the University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Nova University offer classes in their states.
Today, online colleges and degree programs are perceived quite differently. Students have no trepidation about the recognition of distance education degrees in the workplace. That's because few employers now make any distinction between traditionally earned and online degrees. Even traditional universities, which resisted online education for decades, now hire administrators and faculty who hold online degrees.
In addition, the same colleges that were opposed to distance education currently offer online degree and/or certificate programs. Even PhD's and professional degrees may be earned online.
On the downside, there are still some degree mills out there offering bogus degrees to anyone willing and able to write a check. However, most of the states in which the degree mills have operated are cracking down on them. And, more accredited online degree programs are being offered than ever before.
As late as 1975 or 1980 there were a very limited number of accredited universities with online degree programs. Furthermore, they offered degrees in only a very few major areas of study. Now there are in excess of 200 fully accredited U.S. institutions offering degrees at all levels.
Even better is the fact that students in online education programs can now qualify for all kinds of financial aid. Until fairly recently, that was not the case.
Online education is now an option worth the careful consideration of anyone who wishes to continue his or her education. And, with its flexibility and convenience, it is the fastest growing sector in higher education.
About the Author:
Ira Barron is an educator and journalist currently enrolled in a PhD program online. He writes on online degree programs, financial aid, and online colleges.
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