Distance learning programs with the best reputations

I posted a similar thread in the IT and computer related degrees section of the site and it occurred to me that it wasn't a question specific to that section of the site. The original post is here if you would like more info about my initial query but basically I am trying to narrow down my options before applying. So of the schools listed below, do any of them stand out as having better reputations than others, or much worse reputations than the rest of the programs on the list?

I'm mostly concerned about applying for jobs in the future. Many of the programs state on their websites that transcripts do not technically specify the classes taken as being online but I want to make sure that my resume won't be immediately discarded because of bias against online programs by someone in HR. Aside from that concern, I was also hoping to hear what some general perceptions of some of these programs are from people who are familiar with distance learning and if any on the list have had more satisfied students or quite a few disgruntled former students. Thanks for any help.

Champlain College
Charter Oak State College
City University of Seattle
Dakota State University
Drexel University
Excelsior College
Florida Institute of Technology
Northeastern University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Pennsylvania State University
Regis University
Saint Leo University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Southern New Hampshire University
Thomas Edison State College
University of Maryland - University College
University of Massachusetts
University of Memphis
Utica College
Western Governors University

 

"I'm mostly concerned about applying for jobs in the future. Many of the programs state on their websites that transcripts do not technically specify the classes taken as being online but I want to make sure that my resume won't be immediately discarded because of bias against online programs by someone in HR."


These statements always amaze me. For instance, I recently applied for a job teaching English and Literature at a local community college (in Alabama). My transcript for my Masters Degree in Writing and English is from Western New Mexico University. How to I resolve this? I have lived in Cullman for 30 years (this time) and my CV shows a work history of 30 years of work activity within 30 miles of my mailing address. My degree and transcript [fresh of the press] is from New Mexico but nowhere on either document does it say that my degree was accomplished via A) online or B) distance learning. But, do you think maybe it is either A or B? Duh!!

P.S. Got the teaching position. Incidentially, I been an adjunct at this school for 25 years; first in the Business department, then the Human Services department, then the Psychology department and now, the English department. Gotta be a record of some type.

 

Sorry, can you clarify a bit? For what it's worth, I would never lie about the method I used to obtain my degree but I just meant that certain schools like University of Phoenix have certain connotations to some people and I was wondering if any of the schools on my list are automatically linked to distance learning by people in HR. Also, having written up a mock resume using just a random school from the list above along with my other school and work experience, it would be quite a leap to assume the degree was through distance learning especially as I don't intend to stay in the city I currently live in once I finish my degree and hopefully get a job.

 

I think Psydoc is trying to highlight the point if someone an HR managed did a little homework then they could easily realize that a degree was earned online. i.e...UMASS is on your resume but all of your work experience is from California. With that said, none of the schools on your list send up an automatic red flag with me. I think the rule of thumb is to attend a state school if possible. Psydoc does have a point though.

 

Would you really want to work for them if they were dissing your alma mater?

 

The whole online stigma seems to have pretty much gone away. It has become MUCH MUCH more common. This is especially true if the degree is from an brick and mortar traditional school. Right now, 5 of the top 10 universities in the US have degree programs that can be completed either partially or totally online. Taking classes online is no longer this strange and suspect phenomena for HR personel.

However, the online stigma seems to have been replaced with the "for profit" stigma. I know several people who work in major financial firms that have told me they put resumes with certain well known for-profit schools listed on them in the circular filing cabinet, if you know what I mean. Those poor folks don't get an interview, or even a hard look at their resumes in some cases. Of course, this is not the case for all jobs. I know several people from UoP, Kaplan, and DeVry that are gainfully employed.

 

That's what some would consider a rule of thumb-- it saves you a good deal of scrutiny. You could also attend a local private B&M with an online program.

Boy, you don't know how much I wish I could agree with that statement. It is somewhat true on a regional basis, though. From what I can tell, in most of the South and the Midwest no one cares whether you went to an online DL program or not.

Getting there.

Yeah. You could thank PBS for some of that, and attribute the rest of it to less reputable operators out there (e.g. UoP).

 

I wouldn't consider someone realizing that you went to a school online as a diss. Either way, I doubt I would work for someone that did.

 

I agree with what Petedude said. I live in the South. It's not really a problem here. Most employers I know are more concerned about if the person has a degree and if they have the experience they want.

 

I think it matters a great deal, but as someone said it's more of a for profit/not for profit issue. We just did a short listing for a position - the Capella grad and the Yorkville grad were immediately in the 'not really' pile based on their degrees where the Dalhousie grad (also by distance) is being interviewed.

I'm currently looking at PhD programmes and won't consider any of the big, for profit institutions because I know how poorly they're regarded in my sector.