Master’s Degrees from Accredited Online Schools
Welcome to OnlineMastersDegreePrograms.com, your source for straight talk about online learning. Our website describes accredited master’s degree programs and how they can be completed online. Below you’ll find answers to popular questions about accredited online programs. Our other articles provide program links and can help you decide which school is best for you.
When did online learning become mainstream?
The online education industry is booming. The number of online students has increased dramatically every year since at least 2000. According to a report by the Sloan Consortium, approximately 1.6 million students were learning online in 2002. By 2006, that number had climbed to nearly 4 million, including 700,000 master’s students. Since then, the numbers have continued to rise. Students in a wide variety of disciplines are speeding up their education or just making it more convenient by taking a few courses or a full degree program online.
Which online master’s programs can I trust?
It’s not difficult to find a high-quality online master’s program. According to a U.S. government website, 89% of public four-year institutions were offering online courses in 2007. However, like any industry, education has its charlatans. Our emphasis is upon helping you find accredited schools – schools that meet the standards demanded by employers and other educational institutions.
Fortunately, thousands of schools are listed as accredited in the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. The lists include online-only universities as well as residential schools, such as state universities that you probably already know. When you find an online master’s program that you’re interested in, simply verify its CHEA listing. If it’s accredited through a CHEA affiliate, then it could very well help you meet your goals. If it’s not, then it’s probably a sub-standard program or “diploma mill” that isn’t worth your time.
For more information about avoiding diploma mills, see the Federal Trade Commission’s article about academic credentials.
Which master’s degrees can be earned online?
Business, education, and technology are the most popular program areas, but just about any master’s degree can be earned from a distance. Some possible areas of study include:
- Accounting
- Biotechnology
- Criminal justice
- Distance education
- Environmental management
- Health care administration
- Information technology management
- Nursing
- Psychology
More online degree programs become available with each academic year. By 2009 the University of Maryland – University College had moved virtually all of its master’s degree programs online, and other traditional schools are moving in that direction. The University of Phoenix, which began as a distance learning school, is also known for its extensive online master’s options.
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree online?
Generally speaking, master’s programs last one to two years. However, this question really doesn’t have a simple answer. Since master’s degree programs prepare students for a variety of professions, they have different requirements. The flexibility of online learning adds to the diversity in program length; people can take accelerated, regular, or part-time master’s programs.
Variation is especially noticeable among MBA programs. For instance, California State University offers an online MBA program in international business that can be completed in 18 months. Florida State University’s program, on the other hand, takes 28 months to complete.
Online master’s programs also start at different times. Some schools require students to wait until the fall semester to start learning, but others, such as American Military University, offer new course sessions every month.
Are scholarships available to distance learners?
Yes. Distance learners and residential students are treated equally when applying for federal student aid. All applicants to accredited U.S. programs are asked to submit the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The answers that students provide help schools to design financial aid packages including scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of assistance.
How valuable is a master’s degree in today’s economy?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, every degree that a student earns is correlated with increased income. Over a lifetime, high school graduates earn about $1.2 million for, bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million, and – according to a government report entitled The Great Payoff — a master’s degree adds another $400,000 to average lifetime earnings.
Does it matter if I earn my degree online or on campus?
An online master’s degree offers many of the same advantages as a traditional master’s degree. Since schools generally treat their online and on-campus students equally — assigning the same professors, texts, and exams — they don’t find the need to indicate “online learning” on transcripts. Of course, some schools only offer online programs, so employers and other schools will know your learning format.
Fortunately, online learners are gaining a positive reputation. For instance, a University of Wisconsin professor found that her online students outperformed traditional students by 12% on tests of cumulative knowledge. A study released by the U.S. Department of Education in 2009 reached similar conclusions.
There may be some disadvantages to learning exclusively online. Some students might crave face-to-face socializing or appreciate the networking opportunities that come with traditional classroom learning. Check out a variety of traditional, online, and blended programs to see what’s best for you.