Accreditation from a recognized agency attests to the quality of online programs offered at traditional and online-only schools. Even degrees that cannot be fully completed online may have hybrid programs that give a student the opportunity to complete the majority of coursework and then take an internship or clinical lab on-campus.
What Colleges and Universities Offer Accredited Degree Programs Online?
Communications technology allows colleges and universities to offer online degree programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education database of accredited schools (www.ope.ed.gov) can guide a prospective student to accredited degree programs offered over the Internet. Because program offerings change, prospective students may wish to follow up on colleges selected through the database by visiting the college’s website, which may also allow students to apply for admission online.
Types of Degrees Available
A prospective student can earn any degree that is available at traditional colleges online with the exception of degree programs that require hands-on training. In addition to a full range of degrees, including doctorate programs, colleges offer GED programs and certificates of achievement through online programs. Online degree completion programs allow a student with some college credit through earlier on-campus studies to fulfill the remaining degree requirements online.
Some associate’s degree programs can be taken entirely online. Students can earn an Associate of Arts in Psychology from an accredited degree program. Others include Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, Associate of Interdisciplinary Studies and Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems.
Bachelor’s degrees that can be earned online from an accredited college include Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Transfer students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies, Bachelor of Liberal Studies and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Master’s degrees that are accredited can be earned online. Many schools offer online master’s degrees in education, business, psychology and information technology.
Types of Schools
Schools such as the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University and Capella University offer postsecondary education entirely online. Many traditional colleges have expanded their degree programs to an online presence. Some disciplines, such as nursing and engineering, are often presented as a hybrid course. Students attend clinical labs and workshops on-campus, but complete coursework online.
