Dear Dr. Dimitry,
First, you have to distinguish between "non traditional" degrees,
"experience based" degrees and distance/online learning degrees.
I'll first refer to the last possibility. Some highly reputable
universities and degrees are offered either online, or through
distance learning modes (this is not the same, of course, because not
all of them are computer aided). For example:
Open University
<http://www.open.ac.uk/> - this is a "regular" British university,
chartered by the Queen, only that all of the degrees are done in
distance (or at least partially distance) modes.
University of London - External Programme
<http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/> - This programme is, again, offered
by one of the best universities in the world (this university also
includes famed schools and colleges such as the London School of
Economics and Imperial College).
Athabasca
<http://www.athabascau.ca/> - This Canadian university is also
well-known and recognised by the Canadian government
Phoenix University
<http://www.phoenix.edu/> - This is one of the largest, if not the
largest, distance learning institute in the United States.
American Public Universities
<http://www.apus.edu/amu/> - Governmental universities in the United
States, offering education (for example) for servicemen and women
serving far from any institution.
As you can see from the example of the University of London
programmes, also highly distinguished universities offer modules
online and sometimes whole courses (degrees). Even Harvard does:
Harvard University Extension School
<http://www.extension.harvard.edu/DistanceEd/>
Distance learning as is, is today recognised and well-known, although
the question of employability always raises (and I'll refer to it
later).
Although your comment on "Make sure it's a regionally accredited
school" is correct regarding employability, one should not disregard
this aspect: schools that are American-based but not accredited limit
your options even more. Your degree might turn out bogus and
worthless.
Experience based degrees are not always worthless, too, though the
recognition of past work and projects makes some degrees to radiate a
lesser image. You have to remember that one of the most distinguished
degrees out there, the EMBA (executive MBA) is based on the fact that
the applicants already have experience as managers. Some nursing
degrees for practical nurses (who want to become RNs) are also based
on that fact.
Last but not least, the term "non traditional" is highly problematic
in my opinion. It encompasses far too much, from the mere fact that
the students are working adults (and not the typical college
students), studying from a distance; to wacky theories and bogus
degrees. Alone, it cannot indicate on the quality of a programme. For
example (for the first, legitimate, "non traditional" type), Goshen
College is a Mennonite university. Its programmes are of course
different than what a "secular" university would give, and they
treasure philanthropic activity (at least in the "normal" courses).
However, they offer a legitimate programme from a legitimate college:
Division of adult and external studies (DAES)
<http://www.goshen.edu/daes/>
What could, however, help you to choose a programme?
(1) Universities that also have reputation for their "brick and
mortar" ("regular") departments. The State University of California
system, for example, offers distance learning programmes; in the UK,
reputable universities like the University of London or Leicester do;
etc.
(2) There's guide, written by a distance education expert, John Bear
that offers information on Online/Distance degrees. You should always
double check (because universities might gain a different image after
the book has been already published), but it is a good place to start:
Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning / by John B.
Bear, Ph.D. & Mariah P. Bear, M.A.
Also read his article on Degree Mills on Quack Watch:
John Bear - Degree Mills
<http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/dm0.html>
(3) The DegreeInfo forum, related to Bear, provides very good
information on the subject:
Distance Learning Discussions
<http://forums.degreeinfo.com/forumdisplay.php?s=8f483b8188f1090a054fa6e41d8bb8d3&forumid=13>
- people there could tell you about the job prospects of graduates of
different schools, if they worth something, etc.
Other helpful answers on GA:
University of Phoenix
<http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=216054>
College Degree
<http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=356998>
On-line college degrees?
<http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=17705>
I hope this answered your question. Please contact me if you need any
further clarifications on this answer before you rate it. |
