The Value of Online Degree Programs

Dr. Pamela Pease, the president of Jones International University, and Brian Meuller, the CEO of the University of Phoenix Online, gave an recent interview about the value of online colleges. They both discuss the benefits and drawbacks for different types of students enrolled in online degree programs.

They both readily admit that online degree programs might not be right for all students, like those seeking extracurricular activities and a campus environment. However, for adults already invested in careers and looking to make a step forward, online colleges might be the ticket to success.

Regional accreditation is important in determining the value of an online degree, they say. They also discuss how networking with teachers and peers happens in an online learning environment with small teacher-student ratios to help students get ahead in the real world.

Photo Credit: Ariel da Silva Parreira
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Why do employers like online colleges?

Employers have embraced online degree programs as a legitimate way for an employee to gain new skills and credentials. Company tuition reimbursement plans will usually foot the bill for an online degree program just like it was an on-campus program.

If you're one of the millions of people considering using an online degree program to get a promotion or a raise at work, there are many reasons why employers love this new technology.

Besides never having to miss a day of work or rearrange your schedule, an online degree program mimics a corporate environment in many ways. It beefs up your e-communication skills, improves your technical writing, and teaches you how to effectively use interactive software to communicate with peers.

Here's an interesting article that explains these and other reasons why online degree programs are helping people get ahead at work.