Will a distance learning degree limit me?

I realize those here are obviously in favor of DL, but I'm trying to get some opinions and advice from several sources.

I'm currently in Human Resources working as a recruiter, though I may not always be in this field. I'm considering getting a Bachelor's degree in psychology through
distance learning, but I'm concerned about whether that will limit me as far as any stigma attached to distance learning. I may also wish to pursue a graduate degree later. Someone who hires recently said to me, "if I get someone with a distance learning degree, their resume goes right in the trash." Maybe not very open-minded, but nevertheless, I'm hoping that's not
the majority reaction of hiring managers out there. What do you think?

The schools I'm considering are all regionally accredited and are not
diploma mills. They are:
Thomas Edison State College (www.tesc.edu)
Charter Oak State College (www.cesc.edu)
Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu)
Louisiana State University

I'm very interested in anyone who can give me an opinion supported by fact or experience. If there are any educators or employers out there, your
experience is especially valuable.

Thanks much for your input.

Tracy

 

One way to avoid prejudice against distance-based programs is to get your degree from a traditional school that happens to have a distance based program. There are many, many of these. Then if the HR person, who is obviously ignorant of distance learning in general, sees your degree they will not be so knee-jerk with their reaction because the name on your degree is that of a traditional university.

 

LSU offers a wide range of correspondence courses with very reasonable tuition. However, other than a Bachelor of General Studies degree completion program offered in concert with UNO, LSU does not have any external degree programs.



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Bill Gossett

 

Yes. I'm leaning towards Thomas Edison partly because they offer an actual major instead of general studies or liberal arts with a concentration.

 

Tracy, your post reinforces the reality of the gap, however narrowing, between what we supporters of distance learning would hope for in terms of employer acceptance of DL degrees and continuing vestiges of the "matchcover college" attitude that some still have towards DL.

I agree with the advice that a DL program sponsored by a well-known primarily residential school may be the best DL option in your case. The second-best approach, which you list, is to go to a state-funded DL school like a Thomas Edison or an Empire State. The state affiliation carries a built-in credibility with it.

Good luck!

 

I believe that Liberty University has or had a 100% DL B.A. in Psychology.
http://www.liberty.edu

If you are somewhat interested in general studies (then get your Masters in something specific), you have listed some good options. If you want a name brand school then try BYU. Terrific school and if I remember correctly Bear's Guide mentioned they have a DL B.A. in General Studies.

North

 

Here is the link to Bear's site. There are a very large number of B.A. programs some 100% DL.
http://www.degree.net/schools/bachelors.html

North

 

Governor's University has a DL major in Psych.
http://www.govst.edu/

North

 

I'm currently in Human Resources working as a recruiter, though I may not always be in this field. I'm considering getting a Bachelor's degree in psychology through
distance learning, but I'm concerned about whether that will limit me as far as any stigma attached to distance learning. I may also wish to pursue a graduate degree later. Someone who hires recently said to me, "if I get someone with a distance learning degree, their resume goes right in the trash." Maybe not very open-minded, but nevertheless, I'm hoping that's not
the majority reaction of hiring managers out there. What do you think?

Tracy,

you may consider making a compromise: earn your bachelor completely through distance then apply to a full time, on-campus master program or at least for a program with an extensive on-campus requirement. The fact that you have earned your second degree in the traditional or partly traditional way, will significantly decrease the importance of how you completed your first degree.

Dennis Siemens

 

Dennis,

I'm glad you mentioned that. I was considering going that route. It seems like most Master programs are also geared around a 9-5 work schedule, too.

 

Tracy,

For adult learners you will find that working on a degree by DL is becoming more the norm. You are also demonstrating considerable discipline to an employer when you are able to work and earn your degree at the same time. A considerable number of employers provide employee reimburesement to their employees to pursue a DL degree. The rule of thumb is to insure that the degree is accredited. At the bachelor level I had some of the same fears but as one who earned accredited B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees through DL I have never had a problem with employers.

John

 

Thanks for the positive notation, John.

Russell,
Fellow North Carolinian

 

I have recently left teaching at universities in Taiwan. Just before I left a circular came from the Minuistry of Education suggesting changes be made to pay scales and seniority to distinguish between those who had degrees earned through residential study and those who had studied some if not all their degree by distance.

This seesm to reflect the Confucian ideal that residential teachers are the font of all knowledge and students must be awe-struck acolytes fawning at their feet.