Posted on May 7, 2015
Online Bachelors and Masters: Are these degrees respected?
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I'm having trouble finding any recent opinions regarding this topic.
In my situation, I'm considering going to school to become a Healthcare Administrator. My most affordable solutions seem to be online schools, since I won't have to quite my full-time job, and I'll be able start classes and manage my workload more easily.
However, the question of accreditation comes up. From what I've read, this is a BIG deal in the healthcare industry. Though I'm currently working in healthcare now, my job is dead-end and doesn't sufficiently educate one to move up into an administrative role.
Basically my question is: if I were to earn my masters in healthcare administration through an online university that is only regionally accredited, will I have wasted my time, or will I move into the roles I'm seeking?
Does this principal apply to all degrees and certificates earned online, or programs that are only regionally accredited, as opposed to a popular, nationally recognized agency (like CAHME)?
In my situation, I'm considering going to school to become a Healthcare Administrator. My most affordable solutions seem to be online schools, since I won't have to quite my full-time job, and I'll be able start classes and manage my workload more easily.
However, the question of accreditation comes up. From what I've read, this is a BIG deal in the healthcare industry. Though I'm currently working in healthcare now, my job is dead-end and doesn't sufficiently educate one to move up into an administrative role.
Basically my question is: if I were to earn my masters in healthcare administration through an online university that is only regionally accredited, will I have wasted my time, or will I move into the roles I'm seeking?
Does this principal apply to all degrees and certificates earned online, or programs that are only regionally accredited, as opposed to a popular, nationally recognized agency (like CAHME)?
College
Education
Employment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
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Other: There is almost a "pecking order"
-Ivy League is at the top of the pile.
-Non-Profit is better than for-profit
-School that is a "Brick and Mortar" school is better than an Online only school.
-Regional Accreditation is better than National (or none at all)
-Depending on the degree, being recognized by that governing body (the ABA, Civil Engineering Assoc, etc) is extremely important.
-Ivy League is at the top of the pile.
-Non-Profit is better than for-profit
-School that is a "Brick and Mortar" school is better than an Online only school.
-Regional Accreditation is better than National (or none at all)
-Depending on the degree, being recognized by that governing body (the ABA, Civil Engineering Assoc, etc) is extremely important.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
TSgt Joshua Copeland
I was going to give my standard "it probably doesn't really matter too much" answer, but decided to piggy-back on your reply, as it is a bit more nuanced.
Honestly, unless you are going from college into your first "adult" career, it PROBABLY doesn't matter all that much, as long as the school is regionally accredited and accredited by any governing body for that discipline, if appropriate.
For someone's FIRST "adult job" it may matter, just because the hiring manager may use it as a proxy for drive, goal setting, and achievement. Once you've had a first real job, they are going to look at your employment record for that kind of information.
It may also matter if it is a "name" school for the field. I have an MBA from UMUC. It will never be a "top tier" degree, and would not be competitive for certain senior level positions in the way a Harvard MBA would be. However, for 95%+ of positions, it will be just fine. Especially if it isn't my first job interview since I got the degree.
There are also schools that have a regional rep. In WA, having a degree from the University of Washington, Central Washington University, or Gonzaga will open doors. But again, this is more of a "first real job" phenomena.
Similarly, as someone posted elsewhere, some schools are almost a conduit for specific large companies.
There is still a stigma against online-only schools, for those who actually check such things. As such, I would avoid a school without a physical campus. I think that will change over time, but no need to be the tip of the spear on that. Let others take point.
I don't share the "for-profit is bad" mindset. Quite simply, EVERY university is either 1) turning a profit, somehow or 2) closing its doors. The rest is details, as far as I am concerned. That said, one should research the school in question (whether for profit or not), especially where its reputation among former students is concerned. Learning/degree/employment outcomes should also be looked at, but with a grain of salt. Online schools tend to have an older student body as well as one that is much more willing to switch schools (the fact that a given school has a 25% "graduation rate" doesn't NECESSARILY mean that 75% of attendees don't get a degree. It just means that of those who STARTED a program there, only 25% FINISHED there.). Unfortunately, openly "for profit" schools are a fairly new thing, and there are a LOT of shady outfits there preying on the unaware. I would not rule for-profit out, but I would think really hard.
As a hiring manager, I have hired people with degrees from "name" schools, regional powerhouses, small schools, for-profits, and "even" UoP. I have weighed the accredited degree as a factor many times. I have almost never seen the precise school be a factor in my decision.
I have a friend who recently completed her Masters in Materials Engineering (I think I got that right) at UNC (I think, in NC at any rate) completely online, and used it to get a promotion.
I was going to give my standard "it probably doesn't really matter too much" answer, but decided to piggy-back on your reply, as it is a bit more nuanced.
Honestly, unless you are going from college into your first "adult" career, it PROBABLY doesn't matter all that much, as long as the school is regionally accredited and accredited by any governing body for that discipline, if appropriate.
For someone's FIRST "adult job" it may matter, just because the hiring manager may use it as a proxy for drive, goal setting, and achievement. Once you've had a first real job, they are going to look at your employment record for that kind of information.
It may also matter if it is a "name" school for the field. I have an MBA from UMUC. It will never be a "top tier" degree, and would not be competitive for certain senior level positions in the way a Harvard MBA would be. However, for 95%+ of positions, it will be just fine. Especially if it isn't my first job interview since I got the degree.
There are also schools that have a regional rep. In WA, having a degree from the University of Washington, Central Washington University, or Gonzaga will open doors. But again, this is more of a "first real job" phenomena.
Similarly, as someone posted elsewhere, some schools are almost a conduit for specific large companies.
There is still a stigma against online-only schools, for those who actually check such things. As such, I would avoid a school without a physical campus. I think that will change over time, but no need to be the tip of the spear on that. Let others take point.
I don't share the "for-profit is bad" mindset. Quite simply, EVERY university is either 1) turning a profit, somehow or 2) closing its doors. The rest is details, as far as I am concerned. That said, one should research the school in question (whether for profit or not), especially where its reputation among former students is concerned. Learning/degree/employment outcomes should also be looked at, but with a grain of salt. Online schools tend to have an older student body as well as one that is much more willing to switch schools (the fact that a given school has a 25% "graduation rate" doesn't NECESSARILY mean that 75% of attendees don't get a degree. It just means that of those who STARTED a program there, only 25% FINISHED there.). Unfortunately, openly "for profit" schools are a fairly new thing, and there are a LOT of shady outfits there preying on the unaware. I would not rule for-profit out, but I would think really hard.
As a hiring manager, I have hired people with degrees from "name" schools, regional powerhouses, small schools, for-profits, and "even" UoP. I have weighed the accredited degree as a factor many times. I have almost never seen the precise school be a factor in my decision.
I have a friend who recently completed her Masters in Materials Engineering (I think I got that right) at UNC (I think, in NC at any rate) completely online, and used it to get a promotion.
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My wife got the lowdown on this asking the same questions while applying to schools for a second degree. If you have a degree already, bachelors or masters from an accredited brick & mortar college, an on-line second degree, either level, will be looked at favorably. If you don't have a degree from an accredited brick & mortar college and the only degree you have is an on-line degree it will not be looked at as being credible, especially if its based on pass/fail and not letter grades. Just passing on the scoop.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
Thanks, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca !
PO2 James Marlow, come to think of it, there HAVE to be IT managers on RP who would gladly give you the straight dope. Give this search a whirl:
PO2 James Marlow, come to think of it, there HAVE to be IT managers on RP who would gladly give you the straight dope. Give this search a whirl:
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
PO2 James Marlow, might try contacting one of these folks
https://www.rallypoint.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&keyword=ITT+Tech&search_type=all&commit=+#
https://www.rallypoint.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&keyword=ITT+Tech&search_type=all&commit=+#
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LCDR (Join to see)
I agree with MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca My Bach is from ODU by MBA from UTSA but is online. With my industry experience no one is going to care that my MBA was completed online most "Executive" MBAs are at least remote with some face to face time one weekend a month at most.
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I used to work for competitor. "For Profit" universities are pretty terrible, overpriced and not particularly respected. While it's better than nothing, I would really look into other options. Many major universities offer online courses/degree programs for less money and with higher recognition value.
Accreditation comes in two flavors - Regional and National. Interestingly, national is actually the "worst" if you want to transfer. It's made up largely of religious and tech schools. Almost all major universities are regionally accredited.
Ultimately, think of how far you want to go. At lower levels, just having a degree is sufficient. HOWEVER, at higher levels, it may hold you back. "Got his MBA from Arizona State University" is much more respected at exec level than "got his MBA from University of Phoenix." At that level, things are extremely competitive.
Accreditation comes in two flavors - Regional and National. Interestingly, national is actually the "worst" if you want to transfer. It's made up largely of religious and tech schools. Almost all major universities are regionally accredited.
Ultimately, think of how far you want to go. At lower levels, just having a degree is sufficient. HOWEVER, at higher levels, it may hold you back. "Got his MBA from Arizona State University" is much more respected at exec level than "got his MBA from University of Phoenix." At that level, things are extremely competitive.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Thanks SGT Jeremiah B., I was wondering what the difference was in the accreditation.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, the official line is 'neither is better than the other." I would never suggest going to a nationally accredited school for anything other than a technical or theology degree. Period. The chances of nationally accredited classes being recognized by a major university is somewhere slightly above 0.
This site has a pretty good explanation of accredition.
This site has a pretty good explanation of accredition.
It is easier to understand the importance of accreditation if you know how accreditation works. World Wide Learn strives to provide you with the information you need to know about the different types of accreditation. Use this section as a resource to find out about the different types of accreditation and how accreditation types affect your education.
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