I personally don't like distance/online classes, so my personal vote is against it.
However, if you're into it, then I advise you double and even triple check the school's accreditation. A recent report found that upwards of 30% of online degrees recently awarded were from non-accredited schools.
Just a word to the wise.
This is the best advice really and there are a couple of reasons why it is important to check. For 5 weeks I was a "student" at University of Phoenix. I hated every second of it and wondered what could one learn in 5 weeks? In many cases the answer is a lot, but two classes, 5 weeks, full time job...not such a great idea for me. One day I was telling a former CFO of my company what school I was attending and he very openly said that I should never do anything that I wouldn't want on my resume. Words to live by and they've served me very well. I started looking into local universities around me and found that of the many choices Chapman embodied the very culture that I sought. The one thing I did not want to do was complete my undergrad online. This was a personal preference as I wanted to experience college...at least once. With grad school I was more open to the idea of doing it online. I do not regret this decision.
Chapman, as any reputable school, will have to assess previous college work and see if the units/credit hours are transferrable. UoP was a wash. A $3000 wash that is. The school didn't carry the proper accreditions for an "online" degree. After completing my undergrad I applied to Pepperdine University. They contacted me and said I was a good canadite for their executive MBA program. I started researching that and fell stumbled on Utica College. UC carried all of the accredidation that was necessary for me to earn a useful degree and if I so choose to move towards a PhD I am not up **** creek due to some half-ass education like UoP. UC was 75% online and I never lost the interaction that people often complain about. I have met, learned, and spent time with all but two professors. The best thing about it all is that unlike the two courses I completed at UoP, I am using a great deal of my education in my job today. It has helped me to be better at what I do and more importantly it has given me that edge to rise even while the company has fallen.
I do not feel anything was lacking but that is me. Not everyone is like me and we can't know who you are or if you'll succeed...only you know that.
Just to point out the other side of the coin, a friend of mine is in an online grad school program, part-time while also working. The advantage was being able to "attend" the top U.S. university for the particular field of study, rather than being limited to universities in the same geographical area or having to move cross-country.
Online learning has come a very long way. When I was in high school they had classes on the local TV station. Online learning is no different and often affords people to return to school when it may not be feasible to sit in class all day or night. I know a few ladies who have had the opportunity to get a great education and raise their kids. I know of a man who underwent a major operation and while in recovery he managed to complete some courses. Online learning is really a positive for people but more so adult learners. Not to say it's not ok for younger people of course.
OP Have you checked the major universities? Or whatever your state school is?
One final thought, online learning may mean you are studying at a school out of your state. This raises the costs significantly. I had to decide if it was worth it to me and you'll have to do the same. For me I don't mind paying for my investment because it is just that, an investment.
You could really benefit from reading
this article on online degrees and their overall approval rating.
