Howdy,

Just thought I'd get some opinions regarding online masters programs. What is the general perspective (perhaps from an employer)? I guess on a resume you wouldn't have to note whether the degree was completed in a classroom or online but it might be brought up in conversation. Is a degree earned online, from an accredited institution, frowned upon compared to that earned while physically attending campus? Thanks!

IMHO it depends on where the degree is from. If you complete an online degree through TAMU or another reputable institution, I don't think you have anything to worry about. If you go through the University of Phoenix, DeVry, or Strayer University you might run into some issues. I can tell you that I would be leery of hiring someone who attended those institutions.

In all honestly, it would not be a problem if the degree happened to come from a reputable institution. The name of the school will stand out more than if you went online or on the actual campus ( since the requirement for admission will be the same regardless ). I would stay away personally from Devry, Kaplan & University of Phoenix while hiring applicants. I'm sure the programs at those schools are sufficient, however it is high acceptable rate which means alot of times the standards of applicants are lower.

I'm currently taking online classes from Dakota State University for a Master of Science in Information Assurance with hopes of one day finding employment with the federal government.

I agree with the previous comments about taking online classes if the degree happens to come from a reputable institution.

Just speaking from my personal situation, but one of the reasons I picked DSU is that it is recognized by both the National Security Agency (NSA) and The Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance.

I also like the fact that some of my past professors have been "adjunct professors." When the Boston Marathon bombing took place last year, I happened to be enrolled in a digital forensics class where my professor at the time worked for the FBI. Needless to say, we got a unique perspective.

I'm in an online master's degree for civil engineering through New Jersey Institute of Technology. It's not a name school, but it is ABET-accredited. Except for one class (quantitative analysis), all of my courses relate to my job.

I picked this program basically because they accepted me. I had poor undergraduate grades, but I was 4 years out of school when I started thinking seriously about grad school. My options were limited because of my undergrad grades and because I lived in BFE, Iowa. I enrolled in NJIT's online graduate certificate for construction management to test myself. All of the courses related to my job, and I could see if I could balance my job responsibilities with the coursework. It was not always easy, but I really enjoyed the courses and professors. After I finished my certificate courses, I decided to apply for the master's degree. All of my courses for the certificate transferred to the master's, so I was almost halfway there. Two years later, I will finally finish up next year.

It is not for everyone. I miss out on a lot of opportunities by not being on campus. I get e-mails all the time about the latest lecture, presentation, or club meeting, but I will never be able to attend. Recently, I received invitations to the engineering honor societies (something I never came close to achieving at A&M), but I cannot join since I am an online student. It's not all bad though. I do enjoy my program, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an online MSCE. I have had class mates and group members from around the world. I am also able to complete the coursework anywhere. Last year, I accepted a new job and moved back to Texas (thank goodness). It was right in the middle of the semester, and all I had to do was change my address online.

[This message has been edited by rc_ag (edited 11/7/2013 6:54p).]

To me, it really matters where someone is in their career. A brand new graduate getting an online MBA....probably not going to make a lot of difference to me that they have an MBA or not. For someone with a great undergrad and a track record...I have no problem at all with an online MBA through any accredited program and I'll give it full credibility, as it deserves.

When you look at executive MBA programs, to me the key is seeing what the person was doing while they attended. An online program that someone took while having a full time job meets my expectations of someone trying to better themselves while focusing on their current responsibilities. The key for most employers is to see a progression of career and education. It shows commitment, desire, and perseverance whether online or not.

Ideally, it would be great if everyone could go to Wharton after 10 years of work experience. Not realistic for most.

Just my thoughts.

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Is a degree earned online, from an accredited institution, frowned upon compared to that earned while physically attending campus?

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I don't think it's frowned upon as much as it's not respected as much. When you go to a top school full-time, employers know a few things:

1. You were accepted into a program that was not easy to get in to. Very competitive to get into the top 20 programs.

2. You sacrificed a lot to take two years off of work. Shows how dedicated you are to the betterment of you and your career.

3. You had two years of some intense curriculum.

I'm sure there are many more, but these are what came to mind on a whim. Good luck.

I agree with BQ88. You have to take each applicant's specific situation into account. My wife has two online degree's from "I can never remember the name of" colleges but was working the whole time she was earning them and is making good money.

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I agree with BQ88. You have to take each applicant's specific situation into account. My wife has two online degree's from "I can never remember the name of" colleges but was working the whole time she was earning them and is making good money.

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Congrats on your wife doing well. I would definitely say she's in the minority of those that get degrees from "I can never remember the name of" colleges.