Should They Be Called "Online Degrees?"

I am new to online schooling however, does it really make a difference what it is called? If you are updating your resume are you going to state the you have an "Online BSBA" from so and so college or are you going to say you have a BSBA from so and so college?

(just used BSBA for an example)

 

I personally don't believe so. A degree is a degree, and as long as it is conferred by an organization (school/college/university/consortium of schools/colleges/universities) that is legally eligible to do so, there shouldn't be a distinction.

How many online courses does someone who also physically attends an instution need to take before suddenly they have an online degree?

I prefer traditional v. nontraditional.

 

I took a graduate university course that was entirely online, except for the final week. That was on campus. And although the bulk of the course (an advanced chemcial analysis course) was online it required employment by and access to a laboratory to perform experiments. How would this course fit in the grand scheme of things? We might need a new category (smile).

 

Once you've earned it, a degree is a degree. Put the letters after your name, your graduation year and institution on your resume, and get on with your life. Don't tattoo "slap me" on your forehead by telling everyone the delivery method by which you obtained your degree. It's beyond irrelevant.

 

Some degrees are "online" degrees as the entire delivery/assessment system is internet based. Some however, do not use the internet at all (I don't think the University of London system uses the internet). Some are hybrid systems. So, as an entire group I believe it's more accurate to describe the degrees we discuss as distance learning degree programs as opposed to online degree programs (although the latter term does accurately describe some programs.)

 

I had this debate in my WBT/CBT Grad course. Seems Distance learning has become a synonym for Online courses, when if fact it could mean a few things.

1. online courses
2. Classroom classes from a B&M school that are not at the main campus
3. Classroom classes from a national school with no main campus.
4. etc

I have a distance learning degree from ERAU, but I could have taken all classes in a classroom on the area military bases, or I could have taken some or all classes online for the same degree.

My diploma says Embry Riddle worldwide on it, they used to say ERAU extended campus. Courses at the main campus are a lot more $$$

 

Distance learning seems to cover most of the bases (but not all).

 

Online DL schools have always had a negative stigma, mostly due to a select few universities who have questionable practices and grant degrees to those whom may not deserve them; but for the right price, were granted a degree anyway.

I am confident that the perception could change, but in our current climate, where for-profit schools are gaining negative attention, it has definitely set us all back a great deal. Its unfortunate, and that is way I choose a DL school that doesn't have a reputation for being an online school. I will absolutely go out of my way to let any prospective employer know that my university is a non-profit.

 

Do you think they will know, care, or understand? If not, it will look like you are trying to "sell them something" and in the end do more harm then good. Just one opinion from someone who has done a lot of interviews.

 

I prefer the term "distance learning".

This takes into account extended campuses and online courses.

 

To me it doesn't really matter. I just list my degrees with no comments. Usually, people just look at it and nod their head in agreement.

Abner

 

Yes, if it was earned exclusively online. No, if it includes short residency. However, the word "online" should in no way diminish the value of the degree.

 

As have I, and in my area, I have even been told which accreditation will be "observed" and which they will not acknowledge. (All NA schools and the majority of RA schools were included)

 

What RA schools would be excluded in favor of all NA schools?