Unaccredited Online Degrees

Most employers, colleges, and universities consider diplomas and credentials from unaccredited online degree courses as a deception. It is not only an issue of selecting an accredited online degree program; you must also choose the proper accreditation for an online degree program. These days this is becoming more and more complicated. Which category of accreditation is best and what is the difference? Should you choose?

• National accreditation?
• Regional accreditation?
• Specialized accreditation?

What Does Accreditation Means?

The first thing to understand is the meaning of accreditation. It means that an accrediting group has gone to the school’s campus, checked its programs for quality standards, and has approved the online degree program’s courses. Regional and national accreditation are two different kinds of accreditation for an online degree. Both are voluntary and are not imposed by any governing body.

Regional Accreditation Groups

Regional accreditation groups cover particular parts of the United States. Each section has a regional accreditation agency. The U.S. is divided into 6 regions for this purpose. The six regional accreditation agencies are:

• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Higher Education)
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (The Higher Learning Commission)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Colleges)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (Commission on Technical and Career Institutions and Commission on Institutions of Higher Education)

United States Department of Education recognizes all of these accreditation agencies. An accredited distance learning degree program will have regional accreditation by one of the above six agencies. The U.S. Department of Education does not recognize all national accreditation programs.

Additional Factors

Cost is also an important factor. In general, regionally accredited online degrees are more expensive than nationally accredited programs. The low tuition of nationally accredited programs is a big enticement, if one will not be transferring credits and is aware of the fact that many employers will accept degrees that are nationally accredited one may want to consider programs that have this type of accreditation. All factors must be considered when making this decision.

Be aware of the accreditation of any online program that you are considering before enrolling ensuring that this program will meet your needs.

You can also earn professional certificate programs at online degree institutions. These institutions offer certificates in a variety of fields and vocations. With such a huge variety to choose from, what are the top degrees that can be earned online? What are the online degree programs that top the list of degrees that employers want? Let’s take a look.

Top Online Degrees

Hard working adults are looking for the top online degrees that can enhance their skills and add value to their employment prospects. According to fresh polls, here are the top online degrees that can be earned online:

• Online Language Degrees
• Online Nursing Degrees
• Online Technology Degrees
• Online Business Degrees

Other Top Online Degrees Students Are Studying

Note that these online degree programs are just averages, each individual may find other online degree programs that will specifically enhance their selected career goals. Search engines have made it very easy to find online schools and colleges that offer the top degrees that can be earned online. These are the degrees that employers look for and the ones that give their bearers an edge career wise.

How to Find the Top Online Degree Programs?

There is no problem finding these online degree programs. The internet can provide working adults with lists of top degrees that can be earned online, and online colleges and universities help prospective students find suitable and quality online degree programs nationwide.

Many web pages help working parents and career students along with those with full time jobs find the top online degrees. Many popular online degree programs listed on the internet have excellent online programs and lessons.

Now is the right time to begin online degree programs that can launch or improve your career.

Increase in Online Degree Students

With this increase, the online degree students now account for almost a 35 percent of all college students. The growth, to over 5 million learners studying in online degree programs, symbolizes an increase of more than half a million pupils.

Growth in Online Degree Course Registration

“The tempo of expansion in online registration is 100% more than of the growth in all college students,” says Sue Lieber, vice-president of the MSEAG. In all categories of college education registration grew by almost 3% from 2009 to 2010.

Rush To Benefit From the Convenience of Online Education

The rush forward to take advantage of online degree programs stands as an essential movement in the methods students are using to get schooling. This trend is motivated equally by the expediency and flexibility that attracts many to distance learning in general and the web environment specifically.

Momentum of Online Degree Enrollment

Whereas the increase in online degree program attendance increased faster than campus based education, the surgeat the end of the last decade was lower than previously recorded climb but the sheer volume was unmatched. This proves that the shift to online degree programs is no fluke, and it should maintain momentum well into the next decade.

Future Role of Online Degree Education

The educational representatives that were asked to report on student satisfaction during surveys by both agencies gave online education about the same reviews as classroom courses. Nearly 70% of those surveyed stated that online education would have some role in their long-term education approach.

Nattering Nabobs of Negativity and Online Education

Nevertheless, it continues to be noted that there are left over’s in the scholastic community in leadership positions that still cling to the notion that online study is inferior to classroom programs. Most are slated for retirement soon and will be remembered in the same breath as those who shun the internet for libraries and scoff at calculators and use their fingers.

Choosing a Career Path with an Online Degree

Graduation is the most exciting time in a college student’s life. But that excitement can slowly fade away once these college grads realize that the online degree they hold is one that is not valued in the workplace. Employers are very particular when it comes to online degrees, so career seekers need to make sure that they do thorough research before choosing a career path if they plan to use distance learning programs to earn their degrees.

Distance Learning Programs

Graduating with an online degree from a reputable online school is a great accomplishment, but the job prospects may not be great if the degree is not valued by employers. This is where it gets to be a problem for career seekers that use e-learning programs.

Online Degrees That Are Not Valued In the Workplace

An increasing numbers of working professionals are taking advantage of online courses or completing their degrees online. These online programs are an attractive alternative as they help busy working adults balance work, family and school. As the demand for these online programs steadily increase, the number of online institutions providing these online degree programs also continues to rise.

However, while acceptability of online degrees is increasing among employers, there are still a few online degrees that employers don’t want.

The top two online degrees that employers don’t want are:

1. Diploma mill degrees
2. Unaccredited online degrees

The above degrees are unacceptable regardless of the subject in which they are pursued. The least popular online degrees, subject wise are:

1. Online degree in History
2. Online degree in Art
3. Online degree in Music
4. Online Degree in English

Should College Students Avoid Certain Online Degrees?

Most definitely! Those that are new to the workforce and are considering online colleges should stay away from the top 6 online degrees that employers don’t want. Find out which online degrees rank lowest in terms of employment prospects. Earning a fake degree through a diploma mill might sound tempting in the short term but in the long term it will only lead to trouble.

I would love to hear your opinions as well! Please leave your comments below.

Top Online Degree Programs for a Career Change

1. Bachelors in Business include the study of subjects like finance, economics, and commerce which can help you to develop a lucrative career in business. This is because the career outlook is very bright in this area. You can get a job as a marketing specialist and can bring about a change in the business of financials of the companies. Your potential average annual salary would be about $66,850, as indicated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

2. Bachelors in Nursing can be pursued by those who are interested in nursing or who want to get more career options. Owing to a large number of Registered Nurses (RNs) retiring in the near future, online degrees in this field has become tremendously popular. A host of online degree programs in this field are offered at various levels which can help you get a license to become a registered nurse. According to the Department of Labor, about 600,000 new registered nurses, with an average annual salary of $67,720 are likely to be hired in the decade from 2008-2018.

3. Bachelors in Computer and IT can enable you to change your career, especially if you have strong technical knowledge and prior experience. If you have knowledge of computer technology, you can opt for career options like computer systems analyst who has an average annual salary of $81,250. The career prospect is very bright and is likely to increase by 20 percent during the 10-year period from 2008-2018.

4. Bachelors in Healthcare is another flourishing career option with fast job growth as 3.2 million new workers are projected to be hired in the 10 years through 2018 based on the figures provided by the Department of Labor. One potential career change option is seen at positions like entry-level medical and health services manager with an average annual salary of $93,670.

5. Bachelors in Criminal Justice is ideal for those who want to develop a career in criminal justice. It can also enable you to develop careers in various challenging and rewarding professions. You can pursue career options like private detectives and investigators.

6. Online Degree in Management can enable you to develop a career in various areas related to management of a company and develop careers at managerial level or higher. You will be involved in analyzing and solving problems and critical thinking.

7. Online Degree in Fine Art can help you develop careers in various area of art like painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Based on the figures indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 60 percent of artists are freelancers and run their own businesses.

If you are already pursuing a career and aspire to switch to another field, you can opt from one of the popular online degrees mentioned above which can help you in developing a lucrative and well-paying career as well.

Declaring an Online College Major

Even if you have already started college, it’s not too late to declare a major. You still have time to pick a major that will provide you with a good job after you graduate from college. Some fields may require graduate programs, while others may not. If you want to make more money in the future, you can always use your undergraduate degree to advance to graduate studies because that’s where you will really start making the big bucks.

Online Degree Programs for Career Seekers

Earning an online degree is a great way to start a rewarding career in a field where you can make a good salary. In these tough economic times where a degree is necessary to get the best jobs, pursuing your degree online while maintaining your current income and family commitments makes sense. The fields mentioned below offer many benefits in terms of excellent employment opportunities, pay, and job fulfillment. The question is, are you ready to make the commitment to earn one of these degrees?

Earning an Online College Degree That’s In-Demand

It is no surprise that some of the highest paying online college majors for 2011-2012 are in the medical and technical fields. Engineers play a vital role in almost every industry. However, it is still possible to earn a good salary in other non-technical professions as well. The healthcare industry, for example, always seems to be in need of highly trained professionals and offers excellent pay, in addition to incentives and benefits packages to attract candidates. Other fields like finance, biology, business, marketing, law and political science, are also excellent career choices which provide you the potential of making lots of money.

Highest Paying Degrees for 2011-2012

The fields listed below have a starting salary of up to $50,000 for new graduates and $100,000 and up at mid-career.

• Petroleum Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Nursing
• Finance
• Biology
• Business
• Law
• Political Science
• Marketing

Choose from the highest paying online college majors for 2011-2012 and enjoy a good annual salary with the potential of doubling your start off salary at mid-career.

Benefits of Online Charter Schools

This form of online schools enables learning to happen easily as most online charter schools offer an online curriculum and enable students to work at their own pace. Apart from this, online charter schools enable students who are pursuing online high school education to avail the following benefits:

• They are cost-effective.
• After completion of one grade students can move on to the next grade
• They offer portability and students can easily interact with teachers which results in greater accessibility.
• They are ideal for those who enjoy working independently
• There is no need to travel to the campus

Most online charter schools are funded by the government whereas online private schools charge specific tuition fees. Though there is no campus study through this form of online learning, it needs to adhere to the requirements of the state as well as of federal government. However, private schools have more freedom.

Type of Curriculum Offered By Online Charter Schools

Students opting for e-learning through online charter school are provided with instructions and supplies free of charge. At times, they are even provided a personal computer and an internet connection. The type of curriculum chosen by charter schools is dependent on the school offering online high school education. While some states want charter schools to follow strict curriculum requirements, others enable them to choose their own curriculum. However, most of these schools offer courses similar to traditional schools.

One disadvantage of online charter schools is that students are unable to enjoy physical activities like gym, woodshop, and home economics. Similar to traditional public schools, online charter schools usually cater to need to of minors. However, the cut-off age is dependent on the state. While some states offer this form of online learning till they are 21, older adults can also earn a high school diploma, but through a private online high school program.

Therefore, online charter schools are an emerging alternative to traditional education and are fast becoming popular with more number of students opting for this option due to its numerous benefits.

Searching for the Most Valuable Online Degrees in 2011

Adults with full time jobs are searching for the most valuable online degrees in 2011 to enhance their skills, make their resumes standout, and to make themselves wanted by employers nationwide. Recent polling has found that earning online degrees in the following areas and levels add the most value for applicants:

• Online Nursing Degrees
• Associate Degrees Online
• Online Technology Degrees
• Online Business Degrees
• Online Management Degrees

Many Online Degrees are Valuable in 2011

Many online degrees are valued; however, those listed above have more worth for your education money. You should also remember that these online degrees are marked as ‘most valued’ by a number of surveys. However, there are always lucrative exceptions that you should not just pass up. If your chosen online degree program is not mentioned in this list, do not be worried. You may have just chosen a degree that will make you part of a small group of few selected degree holders in that field which makes it even more valuable.

Choosing the Right School for Earning Online Degree

When choosing a school to earn an online degree, no matter how valuable the degree is, it is important that you enroll in a reputable, established and accredited college or university. Unaccredited degrees hold little or no value. There is also a chance that credits you earn from unaccredited programs may not be accepted if you choose to transfer to another school or continue your education to the postgraduate level. With all of this in mind, your choice of online college must be based on the goal you wish to obtain by earning a degree and you must think about budgetary concern also.

Picking the online degree route for continuing education is increasingly becoming the way to access higher education throughout the nation. Most of the people who choose this method do not have the time or money to attend old-fashioned classroom-based degree programs. Online degree opportunities are a refreshing alternative for these individuals.

Start a Search Now for the Most Valuable Online Degrees in 2011

Begin an online degree program that will change your life in 2011. This is the best time to start an online degree program and embark upon new opportunities to enhance your career. People who aim for success choose the most valuable online degrees for 2011.

Types of Online Federal Aviation Administration Degrees

Online aviation administration degree programs and training are available at several levels including the associate and bachelor levels. These online degree programs will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the aviation industry including aviation administration and management.Take the time to learn about the various online programs that are available in aviation and check the requirements needed to land a job as a federal aviation administration professional and make sure the online degree program meet those requirements.

Study Federal Aviation Administration Online

Online aviation administration degree programs are well-rounded and focus on the skills and training that the aviation industry requires. Some of the online courses in Federal Aviation Administration may include the following courses:

• Airline management
• Airport management
• Airport administration
• Finance
• Aviation insurance
• Aviation policy and procedures
• Aviation labor relations
• Marketing
• Transportation principles
• Federal aviation law
• International aviation management
• Air cargo management

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements

Some online federal aviation administration degree program may require internships in addition to the main academic requirements. Internships will give you hand-on training and experience as well as possible opportunities for employment after graduation. You will also need to take several tests including a background check, physical fitness tests in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Make sure to check the requirements for employment in this field.

Qualities of Federal Aviation Administration Professionals

Aviation professionals should possess certain qualities to succeed in this field. Some of those qualities include a strong passion for the aviation industry, excellent people skills, good oral and written communications skills, good leadership and marketing skills, excellent organizational skills, problem solving skills, and technology skills among others.

Job Outlook and Salary for Federal Aviation Administration Degree Holders

The job outlook shows an upward trend with increase job opportunities in the aviation industry. However, salary will vary depending on many factors like level of experience, education level, employer, demographics and level of responsibility. On average salary for federal aviation graduates varies widely from $31,500 and $81,500 annually. Competitive benefits packages are also an added bonus.

Study Federal Aviation Administration Degree Online?

Several online colleges and universities offer various aviation degree programs that will qualify you to land rewarding careers in the aviation industry. Browse through the list of accredited aviation schools that are listed on this website and find an online program that is right for you.

Why Choose Accredited Online Accounting Degree College?

Accreditation ensures the public and prospective employers that academic standards have been met. Accounting students can graduate with confidence that they have earned a degree that holds the same value as traditional degrees. The online degree programs are just as good as campus based programs. In most cases they are taught by the same faculty and the curriculum is identical to that of traditional students. However, in order for the online degree to hold the same value as traditional degrees, it must be accredited. If the online accounting degree college is not accredited, the degree is deemed worthless.

Benefits of Accredited Online Accounting Degree

• Distance education programs are often cheaper than traditional programs. You will save money on travel expenses, tuition, room and board and other campus-related expenses that traditional students have.
• If you live in a remote area where there is no access to a campus, online learning is a wonderful alternative. This is a great opportunity for anyone living in small towns or remote locations where traditional campus is not easily accessible.
• You can choose to attend college full-time or part-time and study at your own pace.
• There is a wide range of online degree programs that can be completed entirely online from the comfort of your own home or virtually anywhere.

Career with an Accredited Online Accounting Degree

Accredited online accounting degrees are valuable in the workplace. There are countless job opportunities that can lead to a rewarding career with the right online accounting program. Your accredited online accounting degree college program is the first step toward this exceptional career path.

Some of the most popular online universities offer accredited online accounting degrees. Browse through the list of the many reputable online schools and pick an accounting degree that is just right for you. By choosing an accredited online accounting degree program, you will have a better chance of career success.