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Viewing Do Potential Employers Value Distance-Learning Degrees?Do Potential Employers Value Distance-Learning Degrees?
By M. Jackson With the ability to keep working, take care of a family, and receive a quality education without relocating, distance-learning degrees have continued to increase in popularity. Unfortunately, the Internet also provides a venue for bogus diploma mills sprouting up to make money on the sale of fake degrees. In a report published in 2003, USA Today says 400 such businesses are currently in operation, and the numbers are increasing as these dubious businesses continue to make approximately $500 million annually. However, despite all of the negative talk about the value of distance-learning degrees, many such colleges and universities offer valid online learning degrees and diplomas. The students and instructors are held to the same standard of educational excellence as those in the traditional classroom. The method is simply an alternative for the individuals who may otherwise not have an opportunity to earn a degree. Online courses, online video lectures, test examinations, and even online library facilities ensure that students truly earn their degree in higher education. Unfortunately, many potential employers have heard about the bogus degrees and tend to assume that an online degree is of lesser value. In an effort to change the negative perception, the U.S. National Education Board has established six accreditation agencies to evaluate and provide accreditation to the higher learning institutions meeting the minimum criteria for a quality education, thus differentiating between the bogus degree programs. For example, the Distance Education and Training Council provides accreditation for those institutes solely dedicated to online degree programs. The agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For students looking for specific programs of specialization, various associations are available to assess the excellence of these distance-learning degrees and grant the necessary accreditation to qualifying schools. For example, accounting programs are scrutinized and accredited by the International Association for Management Education, and health programs answer to the evaluations of the American Health Management Association. Only the agencies recognized by CHEA or the Department of Education have the authority to grant institutional accreditation. Why should a student be concerned about an educational institution's accreditation? Basically, it is to ensure that all are receiving the same quality education, whether they are attending classes on campus or seeking distance-learning degrees. Before granting accreditation for online degree programs, an agency assesses whether the basic requirements for support, education, and learning facilities are in place. In addition, specialized programs must submit curriculum to be evaluated, based upon the pre-determined standards of the specialty, regardless of the college or university. Accreditation ensures that students have received quality and adequate training in their respective areas of study and have definitely earned their distance-learning degrees. Parents and potential employers can believe that these students are prepared to become a productive member of society. Similarly, employees who have taken accredited courses have met the requirements of their specialized area of study. Alternatively, it also mean that institutions denied accreditation have not met the minimum standards of excellence. In the end, it is totally up to potential employers to decide whether to hire an individual with a distance-learning degree. With skepticism influenced by all the bogus diploma mills, no wonder they are being more cautious. Therefore, if the accreditation is supplied by a trusted and recognized source, the application for a job is less likely to be set aside. Instead, it has a better chance to be found in the stack for a second interview or final selection for a job position. About the Author: Get help and advice about various online education degree programs and other distance-learning degree programs. Article Source: A Language Guide - http://www.a-language-guide.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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