How do employers view online degrees?

How an online degree will be viewed by a potential employer is probably one of the biggest concerns of students these days. Education comes at a high price which makes students wary of spending hard earned money on a degree that might not be accepted by employers. In actuality, education has evolved and transformed over the last few years and online education is here to stay. Companies the world over have started giving students with online degrees equal priority as they would to a student who has earned a degree by attending a brick and mortar college. The reason for this is quite simple: companies have started to realize the amount of self-motivation and discipline that goes into earning a degree online. Not to mention the dedication and determination towards getting themselves educated inspite of responsibilities and other commitments. One of the concerns employers express about online degrees is whether students studying online degrees will receive the same level of exposure and training that students studying at traditional colleges will receive. The truth is accredited colleges that offer online degree programs have taken steps to promote effective learning and interaction amongst other students and instructors through video conferencing and chat-room discussions, podcasts, video tutorials etc. Some colleges that provide both online and on-ground programs offer students the chance to attend lectures on campus as well. And if you do your research well, you will find that most accredited online colleges offer financial aid to those who qualify, career services, tutoring, technical assistance and much more. Independence University is one such college. Independence Universityhas received accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and offers online degree programs in business and healthcare; the respiratory therapy program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The college offers monthly enrollments to their programs, financial aid with the help of a financial planner; career services and classes are conducted through an online environment called ‘LearningStudio’and is one of the most advanced online systems available today. While you might still be apprehensive during a job interview because you have an online degree, you could use the following tips to reassure a potential employer of the credibility of your degree: Show that the college has been accredited by a recognized organization Provide information on the college gained through review websites Provide the employer with a letter of recommendation by your instructors Provide a copy of some of assignments and projects during the program Speak in great detail about your program: the method of instruction, the frequency of interaction with your fellow students and instructors, frequency of assignments, test procedures etc. Finally, mention reasons for opting for an online degree and speak of how an online degree requires self-motivation and determination. Gone are the days when online degrees would be regarded with doubt and skepticism. Today most employers have acceptedthe benefits of online education. Just be sure of your reasons to take up an online degree, do a research of the program and its accreditation and that should put your worries about future employers at ease.