Monday, June 26, 2017

Online Degrees ~ What You need to Know Now!


More and more people are going back to school. They are looking for ways to capitalize on the favorable job market and get the skills and training needed to land a better, higher paying job. And many are pursuing this goal online! But before you take the leap, there are things you need to consider.....
Are Online Degrees Valid?
This question was asked on Quora.com, a popular question and answer site, and it shows how the whole subject of online degrees is one of confusion and concern.

Some are skeptical of anything done solely "online". While others question how academically sound getting a degree online can be. Then there are proponents of online learning that applaud the accessibility and flexibility that allow many who, without online options, would be unable to pursue a degree.

Now is the time that new graduates are making decisions about their futures. There are also a good number of those already employed who are considering a job upgrade or career change. For many, getting their degree online seems to make sense.

People choose to go to school online for many reasons. There are those that want or need to hold a job while going to school. Others may have families and taking classes during non-traditional hours is appealing. 

And the COVID-19 pandemic has made the idea of online learning more popular than ever!

But instead of jumping right in, this is when you need to really take the time and do some research!

The truth is, not all online degrees are created equal. Just as there are good and bad when it comes to traditional colleges and universities, the same can be said of those that are online.

That is why before you commit to any online school, it pays to Do Your Homework!

Do Your Homework Before Pursuing an Online Degree!"Tweet This"

Your best tactic in making sure the institution you choose is legitimate and will meet your needs is to ask yourself these 3 questions first.

3 Questions to Ask before You enroll for courses or pursue your degree online:

Will Your Online Degree come from an Accredited Institution?
You should only consider schools who have met the strict standards it takes to achieve accreditation. Otherwise, your degree may not be worth the paper it is printed on. Employers will give weight to a school's reputation and quality.  

Will Your Online Degree be Easy to Verify?
Making it difficult for potential employers to verify your degree is counterproductive. A credible institution will have an easy-to-find phone number, or other contact information, making it simple to validate your education information. To make it even easier, be sure to include this contact information in your application or resume. Your potential employer, and any background check company they hire, will thank you! 

Does the Online Program Fit Your Career Goals?
Only those schools that can give you the skills necessary to achieve your career goals should be considered. Otherwise, you are wasting your time and money. This advice fits if you are choosing a traditional university too! 

Find out more about what to look for in an online university, and how online learning can even be beneficial, in Warning, Check for these 3 Criteria Before You Pursue Your Online Degree!


So, what should you takeaway when it comes to Online Degrees?
Do your homework and make sure that your online degree will be worth the time and money you spend on achieving it!

Now, to get back to the original question, "Are Online Degrees Valid?", here is the answer we posted:

"I will answer this question from the perspective of someone who does employment background checks for a living ~ online degrees can be problematic. When trying to verify them, I have consistently run into problems. No clear cut person or department to contact. Trouble finding a valid contact phone number. When verifiers run into these kinds of problems, it is not only frustrating for them, but also for the employer. Then there is also the question of accreditation. Bottom line ~ not all online universities are created equal. However, those online courses and degrees that are linked to a traditional “brick and mortar” school are easy to verify and carry with them a weight of credibility that is not questioned." To see this answer, and those of others, to this question on Quora.com, click here!

That is why it is crucial that you take the time needed to do your homework. Only then can you be assured that the degree you earn online will work for you, not against you!

What Do You Think? Pay it Forward and Share your opinions and experiences with getting a degree online!

For tips and resources to help you in your Job Search, visit our Background Investigation & Applicant Services page!



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