Online Technical Degrees

Question:
I currently work for a major defense contractor and have gone as far as I can with a two year degree, though it doesn't count much to me it was time and effort. I've looked at going back to school but have found no time plus I feel ancient. Do online technical degrees carry as much weight as a class room degree? I have been given conflicting advice.

Answer:
This is certainly a modern question, isn’t it? Online schools, like traditional campuses, vary in quality so it really depends which school you pick and what field you are interested in. Look for an accredited school. Online programs, of course, are wonderful for flexibility and independence, especially for adults juggling busy lives. Some online programs use a hybrid model (some face to face time with online classes) while others are entirely online.

Fields that are more technical or computer based are likelier to value the features of an online education. A career that requires “hands-on” work such as dentistry or nursing needs to either offer a component with this training, or provide guidelines in how to receive it. Online schools generally have counselors or other staff that can answer these questions.

Whatever route you go, do some research (probably online!) on the school and program you are interested in. Further education is an investment so seek the best quality you can.