distance learning colleges : are they real, or does the college only exist in cyberspace

Many people are hesitant to invest the time and money it takes to get a degree from distance learning colleges, simply because they think that the rolled parchment from a "real" university has more value.

While there is a certain caché to the gown and cap of a regular university, it is possible to get the same level of education and equivalent credits, from distance learning colleges that are properly accredited and have experienced instructors on staff.

They key is in knowing which colleges are accredited, and which ones may be nothing more than diplomas mills. These phony institutions turned up everywhere in the 1980s, and enabled people to get diplomas on the barest of "life" qualifications as long as they paid the required sum.

A task force crack down on the mail order frauds, and reduced those cranking out useless diplomas to some extent, however the boom in online universities and colleges has meant an increase in questionable e learning institutions.

Students considering a degree from any of the distance learning colleges, should first check to see if they are accredited. Not every online university is, but that does not make them a fraud. It simply means that the courses offered may enhance your knowledge or skills, but will give you no academic credit when it comes to applying to a degree program. Next, verify the accreditation, and determine whether it was from a legitimate source such as the Department of Education, or an organization you've never heard of.

You should also ascertain whether their credits are transferable to other degrees or colleges, before signing up. Ask questions before you make a financial and time commitment that may, in the end, may not provide you with the degree that an employer wants to see on your resume.

Remember, while some employers may be fooled by imitation diplomas, those requiring university degrees are usually conversant with the ways to get them without the effort, and will easily recognize bona fide distance learning colleges from the fake ones.

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