You’ll have to complete the same amount of work for your online degree as you would if you were attending on campus, but many online programs are offered in accelerated formats.

You’ll have to complete the same amount of work for your online degree as you would if you were attending on campus, but many online programs are offered in accelerated formats.

Although best known for its traditional on-campus courses, this university also offers accredited online courses through the Harvard University Extension School. In fact, the diploma you receive will not even state that it was completed online. Find schools that offer these popular programs Agriculture Architecture Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Communications and Journalism Computer Sciences Culinary Arts and Personal Services Education Engineering Legal Liberal Arts and Humanities Mechanic and Repair Technologies Medical and Health Professions Physical Sciences Psychology Transportation and Distribution Visual and Performing Arts More Programs 3. There are also programs that prepare students for careers in particular fields, such as nursing or education. And many online programs are less expensive than their traditional counterparts so there is the added benefit of cost savings.There will also be the added challenge of self-motivation—especially in asynchronous courses where there is no set log-in time. But times have changed—a lot. Michigan State University offers more than 100 online classes that can be applied toward online or hybrid degree programs, mostly at the graduate or professional level. We also take into account the institution’s national reputation, as evidenced by national and niche rankings (like U.S. You’ll probably be taught by the same faculty that teach on campus too—and they don’t relax their standards for online students.  The first—and most basic—requirement is that all schools on our list are regionally accredited. Modern learning management systems—like Blackboard and Canvas—utilize cutting-edge technology to provide an engaging, intuitive learning experience. And the more flexible the schedule is, the more you’ll have to keep yourself motivated. These institutions are nationally recognized for academic excellence by U.S News and World Report and they offer online course options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You can complete assignments, participate in discussions, and attend lectures on your own time, wherever you are.Are Online Degrees More Affordable? Faster?The answer to this question really depends on the school you attend, but universities do often offer discounts to online students. These programs are usually offered year-round, in eight to twelve-week terms—which can propel you through your degree at a much faster pace than a traditional program. It’s hard to overstate the importance of regional accreditation. You’ll be held to the same high standards of scholarship, participate in discussions, complete labs, and conduct research. And online study is not boring.   Should I Get an Online Degree?This depends on what your greatest needs are. News and World Report. Programs are available in a wide range of topics, from pharmacology to game design to homeland security, so they can meet the needs of students regardless of their interest area. As an online student, you’ll use a variety of modalities like video, text, audio, and discussion boards to ensure that you are an active participant in your education.But on your own schedule.Are Online Degrees Respected by Employers

If you attend an accredited university with a solid reputation, then the answer is yes. One major red flag is an institution that is nationally—rather than regionally—accredited. On the other hand, you won’t have to travel to campus. Life is complicated. Choose from myriad online courses that award certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and training at the university's School of Education, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, Carey Business School, School of Arts & Sciences, and School of Engineering. Today the best universities in the world are providing high-quality, accredited, and affordable online programs.  These programs combine the highest standards in academics with the flexibility and convenience of distance education. Those choosing courses via this provider will not be required to have been registered with the university. A good online program will teach you the same skills as a campus-based program and will give you the same credentials.There are, of course, programs that will not be taken seriously. Three top universities with high-quality online programs include Harvard University in Massachusetts, Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, and Michigan State University in East Lansing. These types of courses include live web-conference courses, online courses with a required weekend on-campus, an active learning weekend, and video courses. Harvard University in Cambridge, MA Online students at Harvard University will be permitted to choose their own courses in a variety of different ways that will fit differing schedules. There are so many factors that go into your future salary that it is impossible to generalize on how much money you will actually make. Solid online programs will match the academic rigor that you will find in a traditional classroom. But the best online programs offer an array of student supports that will help keep you motivated and engaged.What Are the Best Online Colleges?When searching for the best online colleges, we’ve taken into account a number of essential factors. You’ll have to work hard to make sure you stay on top of lectures and assignments so that you don’t get behind. For 2017, the school was ranked tied at #33 among public schools by U.S. Without it, your credits will not be transferable to other institutions and your diploma will not be taken seriously.How Much Money Will I Make With an Online Degree?You’ll make the same amount of money as you would if you attended the same program at a traditional campus. The days when an online degree came with a dodgy reputation are well in the past. Michigan State University offers degree and certificate programs entirely online and in blended formats, which require some in-person contact. News and World Report). News and World Report ranked Johns Hopkins the tenth-best school in the country for 2017.

We'll look at some well-respected universities that offer accredited programs. 2. And we look closely at affordability—gleaning tuition costs from the National Center for Educational Statistics. This guarantees a level of legitimacy to their online programs. And several schools offer in-state tuition to all online students, which can add up to huge savings. Online programs can offer a huge amount of flexibility in scheduling. We hope our ranking helps you in your search for a great online college!

School Overviews For students who want to earn an online degree or certificate it is often important to chose an accredited school. Finish or further your education with a flexible, accredited online program from a top-notch university.A couple decades ago, completing a degree online was a dubious proposition. In addition, there is an online system, called Coursera that allows students to choose from more than 45 online courses. But assuming that you complete a solid program at an accredited institution, then the fact that you completed your degree online will be no hindrance to your future earnings.Are online degrees easier than traditional programs? No. So if you need (or want) to continue working while you study then online programs make a lot of sense. The College Choice Score you see beside each school is a composite score that balances academic excellence with return on investment. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD Johns Hopkins University offers online courses for credit, and some courses are free. U.S. News and World Report for 2017. Harvard University was ranked #2 in the country by U.S. And yes, they often are faster. Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Top Accredited Online Programs Now, let's take a look at other institutions that offer accredited programs online: College/University Name Distinction Location Ohio State University Extended education courses are offered online for students who want to enhance their knowledge on a subject without seeking a degree Columbus, OH Pennsylvania State University Recently began offering an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree program University Park, PA Indiana University - Bloomington Offers over 100 online programs in areas like business and law, social work, education and the humanities and sciences Bloomington, IN University of California, Los Angeles Students can choose from dozens of online certificate programs, including some for professional licensure in fields like real estate and education Los Angeles, CA University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Students can choose from totally online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as certificates; hybrid face-to-face and online programs are also offered Minneapolis, MN University of Washington - Seattle Online undergraduate degree completion program in social sciences Seattle, WA University of Wisconsin - Madison Online study options include independent study courses, professional development courses for teaching and human services, and a variety of enrichment courses in subjects like art and writing Madison, WI Through some of the country's best universities, students can find online or hybrid programs in many different topics.