| -> | | | | long-term finances handle that? Many of us are |
| If you're thinking of studying toward a master's | | | | married by our thirties - you need to make sure your |
| degree while continuing to work full time, and you've | | | | spouse and children are fully aware and supportive of |
| decided to look into earning your degree through an | | | | the consequences of this move. |
| online learning program, there are a few things you'll | | | | An online degree program, however, will allow you to |
| want to look into first. Not all distance learning | | | | continue working - no loss of salary for years, no |
| programs are worthwhile; some truly could be a | | | | need to take out loans for living expenses. (And no |
| waste of your time and your money. | | | | need to be paying those loans back.) |
| This article answer two questions you should be | | | | What's All This About an Online Degree Program's |
| asking: | | | | Accreditation? |
| -What career choices and moves will benefit from an | | | | Accreditation schmeditation, right? |
| online education? | | | | Not at all! Accreditation is very important. Unless your |
| -How important is an adult education program's | | | | chosen distance learning program is accredited by a |
| accreditation status - or lack therof? | | | | nationally recognized accrediting organization - such as |
| I Want to Earn a Master's Degree Online? Will This | | | | the Middle State Commission on Higher Education - |
| Really Help Further My Career? | | | | employers who offer tuition assistance won't |
| The answer, frankly, is "It depends." It depends on | | | | reimburse you. Study unaccredited online degree |
| your career goals. It depends on where you are in | | | | programs and you're ineligible for a government |
| your career - are you just starting out or are you in | | | | student assistance program. Finally, and worst of all, |
| "mid-career?" | | | | attending an accredited online learning program means |
| We all read about how a masters degree can cause | | | | you can be sure the program will be around for many |
| a career - and a salary - to skyrocket. But be careful. | | | | years. There's no chance you'll log on one evening to |
| If you're in your twenties, taking time off for the | | | | find your school no longer exists - and it has taken |
| traditional on-campus, full-time program can be very | | | | your money. Think it can't happen? Think again! |
| beneficial. But taking that time when you're in your | | | | Overall, pursuing an online education - whether it be |
| thirties or later? Possibly not so much. There will be | | | | an adult education program; an accelerated learning |
| costs to you that are higher than tuition - you'll miss | | | | program for a bachelor's degree, or a distance |
| two, three, or four years of salary. That's | | | | learning master's degree - will improve your career |
| $60,000-$300,000 worth of income (or more) missing | | | | tremendously. Your life will expand both professionally |
| from your bank account. In addition, if you're single, | | | | and personally. Ours is a business world where |
| or if your spouse doesn't work, you also might have | | | | continuous education is essential. But pursuing |
| to take out loans for living expenses. Can your | | | | additional training needn't be all-disruptive. |