Really Need some Advice: Online Degrees from U.S.

Hi Everyone, I am in tough decision and would appreciate some insights or advice.

I got my 4-year BA a few years ago in Canada. Currently I am working full time. My main duties: marketing and event planning in a non-profit organization.

My hubby is with the military, so we are not going to stay in a place for a long time. We foresee that we will relocate every 6-8 years, depending on his rank in the future. Because of my family, I cannot leave home and go somewhere else to get more education.

I notice that not many schools in Canada provide graduate-level distance education. I saw a few like UVic, Waterloo MSc. Management and Athabasca. But I either don't meet their requirement (e.g. years of relevant experience) or their programs do not interest me. So I have been thinking about pursuing my graduate studies through distance U.S. university programs. I saw a few that I am really like:

- Penn State World Campus MPA
- Northwestern University MPA
- Boston University MSc. in International Marketing Management
- Durham University (in UK) MS in Marketing

I know this is my dream to get a masters degree from a reputable (+ highly ranked) school, so I really want to get it and in something that I like. I also hope that the degree will increase my chance of getting a stabler job in the future. I'll study part-time, work full-time and take care of my family at the same time.

I was wondering if anyone can share some insights on:

1. The reputation of these schools
2. How do Canadian employers in general see distance education, especially from U.S. education?
3. If not, what else do you suggest?

Remarks: I live in a small town now, with about 80,000 people. Nearest university is Vancouver Island University and UVic, but none of their programs interests me or suits me. I would love to go to SFU or UBC, but way too far from my family...

Thank you very much for any advice!

 

Those are great schools!

Northwestern probably has the most clout in that group. FYI, USC also has an MPH online. You could use the USNEWS ranking system to decide how your degree will be rated. That ranking system has its critics but national universities seem to view it as a valid standard (even though they bitch about it they also shamelessly pander to it). So, the higher your school or program is on that list the better it will likely be judged in Canada or anywhere else in the English speaking world.