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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I have a friend of mine who is the department head at a small college in South Dakota. Suffice it to say, that when a resume with the UPhoenix or Capella comes across her desk, she dumps into file 13. She said it is a shame, but there are plenty of degrees that come from accredited brick and mortar schools "online," so she looks to these to fill her needs. Just a comment that needed to be said.
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Online for profit schools are just the 21st century version of "Sally Struthers U." Instead of mail-order courses, it online and there are more of them available. If they are "nationally accredited", it is a red flag that it is a on-line only, for-profit school. Unfortunately, the credits rarely transfer and many employers do not hold these degree in high regard when comparing applicants.
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SPC Kyle Kinas,
Another approach is to locate individuals that are in the career field that you desire to work in. Speak with them about your education concerns. This will not only provide you with a much more precise answer on which route to navigate, but it also will provide you with a network of individuals already in the career field.
You can also view LinkedIn profiles to see where likeminded individuals attended.
Another approach is to locate individuals that are in the career field that you desire to work in. Speak with them about your education concerns. This will not only provide you with a much more precise answer on which route to navigate, but it also will provide you with a network of individuals already in the career field.
You can also view LinkedIn profiles to see where likeminded individuals attended.
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I have both my BS/Bus Mgmt and my MBA/Global Mgmt degress with UOP. I had a conversation with an individual about to pursue her degree at Univ of Mich and she commented it will be much better than just writting a check and getting a degree, like at Univ of Phoenix. I lit into her hard. I asked how long between her first class and her first paper being due? she said about a month, maybe more. I told her I had a paper due EVERY first day of every new class. When I told her how many papers I had written, how many stand up presentations, how many team projects I had been involved with, she appoligized. But she is the main stream person. WHen i started with UOP i was making exactly 40K my pay is now closer to 100K. The degree opens doors that might be closed otherwise. YOU keep them open or then open other doors that lead to more.
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I have two online degrees. It is much more widely accepted today than it was five years ago. The programs are designed to work for the "working professional." Be sure to check for Regionally accredited schools. Most online universities fall under the same regions as Ivy League schools. Do, do your homework prior to finding a school.
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It really depends on the school in my limited experience. An online degree can be awesome, if you get it from the right school. University of Phoenix is well known for "handing out degrees" to anyone who pays the tuition and doesn't drop classes rather they deserve them or not. I know of several places that do not consider a degree from them to be a "real" degree and will not give your application a second look.
Research the school and the degree program you are going for. A good start would be a simple google search of schools that offer your degree program for prestige and merit. The higher you can get on that list, the better your degree will work for you.
Research the school and the degree program you are going for. A good start would be a simple google search of schools that offer your degree program for prestige and merit. The higher you can get on that list, the better your degree will work for you.
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If you are going to work for the Government then they are fine. The federal government only makes sure the institution that you received your degree from is accredited. Private business might look at this differently. My 2 Cents is, your resume should reflect who you are as well as what GPA your received while completing your degree. I'd hire someone with solid job experience and a good GPA from an online university over someone that received a degree from a traditional school with spotty job experience.
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Depends on the subject. I think that as with anything in life, it all comes down to the quality of the individual.
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I was always told that if it is a brick and mortar school that has an online option, you’re fine. It is the same degree from an accredited school. When it’s only online, you want to research it very carefully
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