Online Degree Programs | Accredited Online Degrees

Online degree programs are academic degrees that are procured through distance education rather than attending classes in a campus setting. In the recent years, distance education has gained popularity the world over. The advantage of online degree programs is that one can opt to continue working and simultaneously educate oneself through this mode. With the advances in technology, e-learning has become an easy option to those who may have financial or geographical constraints. It is available 24/7 and is customized to various learning styles. Learning is self-directed and motivated.

Online degree programs generally offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees or any other associate degree program that may be presented through e-learning modes or with a blend of e-learning and classroom learning. The latter would probably involve a few days on the campus of the university in order to promote project work, group work, face to face discussions, and meet in person with some highly qualified professors.

The World Wide Web has revolutionized the way we look at education. Information of any kind is on our fingertips at the press of a button. The following online degree programs may be offered by universities:

Associate degrees: These are undergraduate degree programs offered in the areas of applied science and arts. They are 2-year-programs and are more cost effective than a 4-year-program. They consist of major requirements, general education requirements, and electives.

Bachelor’s degree: This is a Baccalaureate degree of four years offered by colleges and universities. It is an undergraduate degree allowing students to select a major, which is the area of study, and a minor, which includes a specific area of concentration. To apply for a masters or a doctoral degree, one would need to complete a Bachelors degree.

The two main types of Bachelor’s degrees offered in online degree programs are:

Bachelor of Art (BA) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Under these main heads, a number of other Bachelor degrees are offered in subjects such as Business, Liberal Arts, Engineering and Technology, Law and Criminal Justice, Media and Communication, Education, Human and Health services, Hotel Management, Fashion Technology, Design, Music, Computer Science, etc.

Master’s degree is a graduate degree that requires specialized knowledge and focus on one area of study. The number of credits required is generally 30-60 hours. In online degree programs, where the courses are staggered, the syllabus may be condensed or the duration of the course may be increased to complete the hours required.

A Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education. They require the successful completion of both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and imply a certain level of expertise in a specific field. The two types of doctorate degrees available are research doctoral and professional doctoral degrees.

Apart from this, online courses may also include additional certificate and diploma programs which are short duration courses of a few months and help to acquire knowledge in new areas and also update skills in the individual’s area of expertise. These may include short term courses in Marketing, Project Management, Leadership, Counseling, Languages, Teaching, Special Education, etc.

While opting for online degree programs, it is always important to research thoroughly before applying anywhere. The flip side to the coin is that with an increasing number of online courses mushrooming on the Internet, some may not have the proper accreditation or may not provide the quality of material and study matter that is required of an online course.

In the USA, six regional accreditation boards offer accreditation to online colleges and fully accredited colleges need to have at least one of these accreditations.

Some of the accredited universities offering online degree programs are:

University of Phoenix, Arizona
It offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in the fields of business, accounting, marketing, criminal justice, health care, nursing, technology, e-business, human resources, education, etc.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is also a member of the North Central Association. It has campuses and centers in 40 states in the United States, and also Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Canada and Netherlands.

Strayer University
Headquartered in Virginia, USA, the university has 90 campuses in the whole of USA. Established in 1984, it provides career aspirants independent online degree programs. It offers diplomas and certificate programs, bachelor’s programs and master’s programs. The programs are:

Bachelors degree in hospitality, business, education, health services, accounting, information systems and economics. Master’s courses in business, education, accounting, human resources, public administration, and information systems. It is accredited by Middle States Commission of Higher Education. Certificate courses in accounting, business administration, and information systems.

University of Maryland, Maryland, USA founded in 1856 The University offers both undergraduate certificate programs in business and management, communication, arts and humanities, computing and technology, psychology and social sciences, legal studies and criminal justice. The master’s programs are in fields of emergency management, e-business, marketing and public relations, software engineering, technology management, telecommunications, accounting and finance, biotechnology, human resources, etc. Doctoral programs are in management and community college policy and administration.

Devry University is located in USA and Canada in the states of Illinois and Calgary, Alberta.

It offers similar associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in accounting, business, management, health services, hospitality, accounting and technology.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

This University was primarily started in 1970 to cater to the academic needs of working professionals and the programs offered were tailored to suit their needs. It offers the following online degree programs: Bachelor’s program in many fields such as business, psychology, political science, education, accounting, communication, child development, criminal justice, health care, instructional design and technology, information technology, public health, etc. Masters in all the fields mentioned above and project management, leadership, adult learning, etc. Doctoral programs in human resources, education, counseling, and psychology, public health and health services, nursing, public policy and administration, business administration, etc.

Apart from these, the university also offers teachers preparation programs and endorsement programs.

Online degree programs address the needs and constraints of working professionals, stay at home parents, soldiers, those working abroad and individuals who are differently able. Financial aid for online degree programs was not available until 2006 when federal student aid was made available in USA in the form of federal loans, grants, and work- study. The criterion required for students to avail this aid is that they enroll in online degree programs from institutions that have a Title IV accreditation.