Accredited Schools Online Degrees - How Employers View Online Degrees

Will a distance learning degree be accepted like a conventional degree? Every college, university, trade school, and distance learning institution is different, so, this is really an apples and oranges question.

Whether you choose to pursue your degree through distance learning or by attending a traditional campus, the most important thing to consider is your school’s accreditation. That is the one thing that tells prospective employers that you have gained the relevant knowledge that allows you to perform on the job. Have you thought about why distance learning is the route for you?

Most employers like to see degrees from one of the six the major regional accrediting institutions such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) or the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCASC). If your distance learning school is accredited by one of these six, you should be in good shape. But be wary if the distance learning institution you are researching tells you they are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. Chances are good that an employer will cast a doubtful eye on a degree from that school.

What are the chances that an employer will consider an online degree? The answer to this question generally depends on the online institution and the employer’s conception of online schools. There has long been a stigma on these types of schools and the degrees that they confer. Some group them all together as scams. Your prospective employer may or may not have this mindset.

On the other hand, you will find that many employers know that not all online institutions are merely diploma mills. These employers understand that the real value of an institution is not where they are located or how they operate, but whether they are accredited by one of the six regional accrediting organizations.

The hurdle you face at this point is that you can’t be sure which side of the fence your future prospective employer is on. You might want to make some phone calls to some HR departments and do an informal survey.

Realize that there is no reason to mention that you earned your degree online when you put your resume together. As a matter of fact, nowadays many large, respected brick and mortar universities have added online departments. They recognize that this is just a new way to do business and is becoming more acceptable.

Although, depending on which online school you decide on and graduate from, your prospective employer may know that you earned your degree online simply because your online institution engages in saturation advertising stating that their programs allow students to earn degrees taking one hundred percent of their courses online.

In the long run, it doesn’t really matter which accredited school awards your degree, so long as you get high marks, have a good work ethic and get an interview. Remember that from an employer’s point of view, the purpose of interviewing you is to look for a reason not to hire you, as odd as that seems. Merely by granting you an interview he is expressing interest in you and feels you can do the job. So be honest in your answers, dress professionally, and ask the right questions.