The term online degrees refers to college degrees (sometimes including high school diplomas and non-degree certificate programs) that can be earned primarily or entirely through the use of an Internet-connected computer, rather than attending college in a traditional campus setting. Improvements in technology and the increasing use of the Internet worldwide have led to a proliferation of online colleges that award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Perceived quality of online degrees

The recognition of the quality of online degrees compared to on-campus degrees varies. While most major online colleges are regionally accredited, the public perception of their quality is in dispute. Some experts argue that degrees in certain fields are more accepted online than in others, while some programs are less suited for online-only schools.

A survey by the Distance Education and Training Council found that 100 percent of employers who responded felt that distance education program graduates performed better on the job as a result of their degree (as compared to their previous performance). Additionally, employers felt that an employee receiving a distance education degree compared favorably, in terms of knowledge learned, to someone with a resident degree. On the other hand, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported in January 2007 on a Vault Inc. survey that found 55 percent of employers preferred traditional degrees over online ones. 41%, however, said they would give “equal consideration to both types of degrees.”

The Sloan Consortium, an organization funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to maintain and improve the quality of distance education, publishes regular reports on the state of distance education in the U.S. In its 2006 report “Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States, 2006,” it stated that “in 2003, 57 percent of academic leaders rated the learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to-face. That number is now 62 percent, a small but noteworthy increase.”

In some instances, an online degree may be no different than a degree earned in a campus-based program. The instruction is often exactly the same, and the online degree contains no special designation. An example of this is the degree offered to Columbia University students who earn a degree through the Columbia Video Network (CVN) versus the campus-based program.

Prevalence of online education

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a distance education study based on the 2001-2002 academic year at 2-year and 4-year Title IV (Federal Student Aid)-eligible, degree-granting institutions. The study reported that 56 percent of all institutions surveyed offered distance education courses. The study also found that public institutions were more likely to offer distance education than were private institutions.

The Sloan Consortium, based on data collected from over 2,200 colleges and universities, reports that nearly 3.2 million students took at least one online course during 2005 (a significant increase over the 2.3 million reported in 2004). According to the same report, about two-thirds of the largest institutions have fully online programs.

What is Distance Learning Really Like?

While online distance learning is a relatively new concept for many people it has come a long way since inception in the late 1990s. Contrary to popular belief distance learning via online education is highly interactive providing many opportunities for students to communicate, discuss and interact with both fellow students and professors.

And not only are online degree programs gaining popularity but they are becoming one of the primary ways that working adults earn their college degree and aspiring professionals receive advanced career training.

Benefits of an Online Degree

Online degree courses can be described as a boon in today’s competitive world. Benefits of online degree are numerous. Online degrees are counted as realistic mode of improving the career profile. But, to get the complete benefit of online degree courses, the correct choice regarding the colleges or universities should be made. One such benefit is improving the scope of your present career. Employers give more weight to online degrees today. Benefits of online degree become even more attractive for those who are working full-time. Online courses provide them the chance to increase their salary.

Synchronous and Asynchronous: One get the option to decide over the schedule of the class. Mainly there are two types of schedules known as Synchronous and Asynchronous. In synchronous courses the student has to be online when the professor is taking the class. But in case of asynchronous courses the student can study and take the tests whenever he wants.

* Flexibility: The online courses save your time. It give the students the privilege to participate from any place, may be from their home or place of work.

* Access: Online courses serve those students who live in distant places and can not attend regular classes.

* Choice: Online courses offer the students varied choices regarding subjects and courses.

* Realization of the advantages of the web: It is only through the websites the study materials are provided to the students. Students interact and improve their understanding about the study material through websites. It is over the Internet the courses are taught to the students.

* Collaborative: The instructor and the students communicate online. The online degree courses gives the scope of collaborative learning that uses the interactive style. This improves the students understanding.

Students can access the study materials any time as per their convenience. Unlike regular courses students can re-read the lectures of the instructors, the discussions or any explanation in case of online degree courses. Student-oriented teaching can be defined as one of the key benefits of online degree courses. Students do not have to bother about their attendance. A student gets complete practical knowledge from any corner of the globe through online courses. Information gathered from a lot of research is delivered.

Evaluating Online Degree Programs

Is the program accredited? While there are several factors you should consider when evaluating an online learning programs by far the most important is accreditation. Is the school accredited? Is the schools accreditation recognized by state and/or national education authorities. You’ll also want to take a critical look at the program delivery system. Remember online learning requires a certain amount of self-discipline, you will want to decide if your learning style is compatible with the program you choose.

The prospect of online degree courses have become really very attractive because of its flexibility and financial advantage. The colleges and universities offering online degrees are getting prevalent nowadays as compared to the traditional colleges and universities. In today’s competitive job setup the students find it more comfortable to adopt quickly the learning environment of the online courses. The online courses tries and creates a learning environment that aptly suits the needs of the students. This facility of the online degree courses makes it more credible and gives it a mainstream status.

Points to notice before enrolling into an online college:

* Accreditation of the online institution offering online courses
* Complete details about the course or specialization area
* Courses offered in the accredited college or university
* Quality of education of the online institution
* Ranking of the online college or university
* Educational philosophy and prospects of the online institute
* Legitimacy of the online college or university

Some of the Best Online Colleges
It is very important to gather complete knowledge about the college or institution offering online degrees, so that you can find the best school to fulfill your dreams. Here is a list of some of the best accredited online colleges that will help you in improving you career profile and job prospects.

Kaplan University: It is one of the leading online education institute that offers diversified online degrees and programs. The institutes commitment and excellence advances the job prospects of the students.

University of Phoenix Online: It offers the students the most convenient mode of online education. You will get the finest quality online degrees, be it Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Degrees.

Liberty University: This institute offers online degrees in a very flexible and accelerated way to the busy students with the most warm learning environment.

Ashford Online University:The students can get the privilege of earning online degrees in a real convenient, affordable and fast pace.

American InterContinental University Online: The university has designed its distance learning programs in such a way that fulfills almost all kinds of demands of the students who are willing to make a mark for themselves in the present scenario fastest growing career fields.

Everest University Online: The online degree courses of this university offers the students the varied scope of attaining a fully career oriented program that focuses mainly on career training. The faculty comprises of personalities who have industry specific expertise.

Capella University: At this online university the students gains practical knowledge and learn about the required job skills through regular interactive and innovative education session. The students will benefit from the university’s brand name apart from the rich learning environment.

Grand Canyon University: This university offers online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The main objective of this institute is to form future market leaders through its online course curriculum, personal development and academic excellence.

Virginia College: This online college is specifically a career-oriented institute that has designed its entire online study pattern keeping in mind the work and family commitments and responsibilities of its students.

Westwood College Online: It offers online Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. This online institute prepares the students to face any challenge of the competitive job market. This college provides a flexible online learning program and gives the students an enriching experience of real world education.

Walden University: This university is known for making a social positive impact through its online learning programs.

Western Governors University: It mainly offers online Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. At the same time it offers online degrees in Business, Education, Computers and IT and much more.

Dominican University: This university forms a strong economic foundation in the society through online learning programs.

South University: This university provides online Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The students also receive personalized attention from the faculty.

Apart from the above list, Keller Graduate School of Management, Strayer University, Colorado Technical University Online, Florida Tech University Online, Villanova University, South University, DeVry University are also regarded as some of the well known colleges offering online degrees.