Are online Masters degrees (from accredited institutions) given less credibility than traditional schools?

I'd really like to get a Masters degree (either MIS or similar) from an online university mostly b/c it best fits my schedule. I don't want to waste my time though if employers will ignore these types of degrees for advanced positions. What experiences (good or bad) have people had when applying for jobs or seeking promotions with an online degree?

Public Comments

  1. They are definitely not held in as high esteem as traditional Masters degrees.
  2. From the perspective of an HR professional, I would say it depends. If I were you, I would try to choose an online program from an ACTUAL, PHYSICAL university. Definitely do your research. Many states have at least one public university that offers an online option that follows the same program as if you were on campus. For example, I live in NC and I look at an appliant with a MBA from East Carolina University (which has an online option) with more esteem than one with a University of Phoenix degree. The difference? ECU is an accredited university that happens to have an online program available. UofP is primarily an online university that just so happens to be accredited. In addition, some universities have night MBA classes available. Good luck!
  3. If the school is a "real" school (this typically means one with a regional accreditation) then the bias is rapidly losing ground. Degrees from these schools are paid for by virtually all employers, will get you into other post grad programs (all other things being equal), and will get you a job. Now is it as prestigous? Maybe not -- depends. For example, you can get an MS or PD (not a PhD) from Columbia. The degree doesn't mention that you didn't physically show up at Columbia. Below is a good site that discusses such things.
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