Query about distance education programs

[Pixilated]

I'm interested in taking a distance education program and I've found a couple that sound good ... but I've also found warnings about "diploma mills" that might not only do you no good, but might actually damage your career (especially when you don't even have a career yet, LOL).

Can anybody give me some advice on how to check out distance education programs? Is there a website that 'grades' them, or assesses them, or anything like that?

Thanks for any help and advice.

[Mytical]

The best online programs are from established brick and mortar places. I've heard not so good things about itttech, DeVry...not sure about Phoenix. I wish I could give you more help.

[Seshat]

Try talking to employers in your prospective field: that should give you the best info on which places they'll hire people from.

[Andara Bledin]

I do believe that my boyfriend's cousin got her legal degree through an online program. However, I can't recall if it was DeVry or Phoenix. Whichever it was, it's a good program as she's currently working her way up in the LA County legal system.

^-.-^

[PepperElf]

I'd personally recommend finding a real college that offers online courses.

That way you know it's not a diploma mill pumping out useless crap. the caveat is that it may cost more.

[Pixilated]

Thanks, all. I think the idea of finding a brick-and-mortar place that offers distance education is a good one. I'm willing to pay a bit more if it means I get a degree that is actually worth something.

Try talking to employers in your prospective field: that should give you the best info on which places they'll hire people from.

Never even thought of that ...

[fireheart]

Another option: have a look for "Open Universities" type programs, where they'll offer a course from another university that might not be in your state (i.e. in my state, there are 3 universities: Flinders Uni, Adelaide Uni and UniSA. I could enrol at Open Universities and do a teaching degree from a university in Canberra), albeit distance.

Be warned though, make sure that whatever distance education program you go through, that they are willing to support their Distance Education learners. Some people I know will try and get support and find that they're shunted to the back of the queue.

[JPD]

Also check to see if they are accredited, who they are accredited by. In addition some states have online state schools as well.

I know CT has Charter Oak State, and on the Wikipedia page for that school it links to two other online state schools from other states.

No matter what school you choose make sure the field your going into considers it a decent school and not a diploma mill.

[taxguykarl]

This organization accredits this kind of institution--it's is recognized by the US Dept of Education. Check with them.

[LewisLegion]

Personally, I found Dr. Emmelius Browne's Correspondance College of Witchcraft very helpful and supportive

Good luck!