are growing faster than ever before. According to the Sloan Consortium, a group that studies online education, approximately 3.2 million students took online courses in the 2005 school year--a big increase over the 2.3 million students studying online just one year earlier. As more students seek out online education programs for their ease and convenience, several non-legitimate online universities have sprung up, making some potential students leery of online school in general.
Q: What is a "diploma mill" and how can I spot one?
A: Online "diploma mills" are websites that offer degrees without requiring you to complete any coursework. They often advertise degrees earned based on your past life experiences. According to USA Today, diploma mills are a $500 million-a-year industry. For a fee of $50 to $5,000, you can purchase a diploma and transcript from a non-accredited college. Often the colleges exist in name only, and their names are designed to sound like familiar colleges and universities. Penalties for using one of these phony diplomas are mounting. Two states, Oregon and New Jersey, have made it illegal to apply for jobs using bogus degrees. Even those people who are able to snag a job based on false credentials have no guarantee that they can keep it because they have none of the training they would have acquired in a legitimate
Q: How do I know that online degree program I am considering are high quality?
A: First of all, you should check the online school's accreditation status with regional and national accrediting bodies. Accredited programs are carefully examined to make sure that they meet applicable academic standards. The U.S. Department of Education keeps a comprehensive list of accredited schools on their website. Second, find out as much as you can about typical programs of study in your degree area. What courses generally are required to earn a degree? What degree level is necessary for an entry-level job in your chosen field? Ask yourself if the programs you are considering offer the degree and coursework you need.
