College online?

I wanted to know is it safe to take college courses online. And I want to know what's the difference between going to a regular college and a online college? With an online college can you still get a diploma or do you have to go to a regular college to get one? Any answer will help. Thanks and have a great day!

College online?
Hello,





There are several regularly accredited educational institutions that have online degree programs. Personally, I have never been a fan of Phoenix University which seems to have grown in popularity. The overall feel for this "college" in the educational community is that it is more of a business then an actual college providing a solid education. It took them a great deal of time to receive their accreditation as a "distance education" institute, which really isn't the same thing as accreditation from the likes of Middle States or other Higher Education Commission authorities.





I would recommend looking at schools like the University of Michigan, Univeristy of Maryland and a few other actual physical colleges that also happen to offer programs online. There is an increasing amount of them that do, you just need to do your homework.





You do receive a dimploma from colleges and universities when you complete your degree requirements, and generally earn transferable credits. One thing to keep in mind is that if you start with a degree online and decide you want to transfer to another insitution, many are still not accepting the University of Phoenix because of it's questionable course offerings and overall reputation in the academic world.





Good luck! Feel free to email me cool_coffee_chick@yahoo.com if you want some help. I'm a Director at a college in my state, and also an adjunct instructor in management, so I may be able to help you.





Take Care!
Reply:I would select a good university....depending on where you live....not like Pheonix online or none of those cheesy overpriced ones.....Go to a regular college that is well known or even community colleges are great for online course. I take all my classes online from a University and I love the flexibility. Usually you have to be organized and self motivated. Depending on what type of student you are online can be more work....When i attend class on campus i usually doodle, take few notes and just cram for the tests..when online every week you have to either write a one page paper or participate in a discussion for an hour or so. Its great! try an easy class and see how you do.
Reply:Make sure the program and school is accredited. Accreditation is a big deal so if they aren't it won't be displayed up front.





It is becoming much more common these days --just make sure the school is a legit school.





I take a masters program through California State University at Dominguez Hills. They may have an undergrad program but I'm not sure. It's pretty affordable too.





Best of luck to you.


here's a book that might help:


Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning Programs 2005





here's a link to amazon to buy it if you want to:


http://www.amazon.com/Peterson-Guide-Dis...