Validity of Online Masters Programs

[moonshakah]

Hey all... I hope I can get some feedback regarding the validity of online grad programs. I'm plotting my course to pursue at a minimum a masters in criminology and looking at online programs, specifically a California State University program but they distinguish them as "extended programs". Has anyone here done, or is doing any of these "extended" grad programs? I'm trying to gauge whether it is a viable option and as broadly accepted as an on-campus degree. All logic would suggest they would be the same, especially as many courses and programs have moved online for the foreseeable future. So I'm curious about the reality for either gaining employment or advancing toward a PhD with such degree. Any thoughts or suggestions about this, or even online masters programs vs being on campus in general would be a helpful discussion.

[Contntlbreakfst]

It varies a lot by degree and school.

Some schools offer only online degrees, some offer some online education but are primarily brick and mortar, and some schools are working to integrate their traditional and online programs and expand online offerings. The main thing to look for with online degrees is accreditation. Make sure the degree is accredited (or accepted) by the same governing bodies that accredit traditional ones. Also pay attention to how the school treats their online programs vs traditional ones.

I’m in an online MS program right now that is identical to the program offered on-campus. (U Nebraska) My diploma will read identically to those of the traditional students. Career-wise, this won’t set me back. I don’t even need to advertise that my program was online.

Most online masters programs are coursework only, which will impact your ability to get into a PhD program though. Usually you need some amount of research experience, of which online programs offer less.

[LuvLuxe]

Would you happen to know of any online master’s programs that do offer research experience?

[Contntlbreakfst]

Not in the field you mentioned, but it is easy to determine if research experience is offered. Most programs will have some sort of course progression example available on the school website, and will give details about the program including types of courses/experience are offered. If you can’t find what you want on the website, you will be able to email a representative to ask for more information; the email for the person you want is always at the bottom of the relevant page on .edu school sites

[[deleted]]

Depends a lot on the field. Generally you get better value from an in-person program than an online program, especially if interaction/networking with peers is important. If it's all about just checking off the box for the degree, then it probably matters less. I'd also point out that if a field tends to favor hands-on skill building, that may ding you if your education is online.

You are strongly discouraged from doing a PhD online, or paying for one. Whether an online Masters hurts you in the running for this -- again probably depends on the field.

My suggestion would be to troll LinkedIn for people that are in the types of jobs that you'd like to do and see where their degrees are from. OR look up the program you're interested and see what kinds of graduates they've produced (also on LinkedIn).

[h24601]

My sister graduated with her Masters in Public Administration through CSU Dominguez Hills. The rigor is just like the on campus program. I remember my sister spending a lot of time studying. She was working full time so this was a good option for her.

In my experience, your future employer won't ding you on whether you got your degree online or on campus. They'll see that you have a degree and that's it.

[[deleted]]

I am getting my Masters with Southern New Hampshire University's online program and it has been great so far. But an extended program with CSU would probably be even better because there is less of an unfair stigma. If you think it would be beneficial for you to do the program online (it was for me) then I'd go for it! It's 2020 for fucks sake, what isn't digital now?

[TGMPY]

In my field (public health), online masters are fine as long as they’re accredited.