Distance Learning Online: Are the Degrees Genuine?

Some distance degree programs sound almost too good to be true. They advertise that you can get a degree in only eight to fourteen months through a college degree program. What they fail to tell you, however, is that they aren’t accredited.

How important is accreditation for online degree schools? If your degree isn’t from an accredited university, it is absolutely worthless. You won’t be able to take exams or get certification in the career field you choose. In fact, unless you are very fortunate, you may even get a degree in a career path that doesn’t even exist. For example, a few universities offer online business degrees in tax preparation.

What they don’t tell you is this isn’t really a college degree - it is a certificate program. Further, you may or may not receive enough information about the program to actually prepare taxes. Often, people who want to earn a degree online fall for these scams and find themselves out several thousand dollars and a lot of time and energy.

You cannot, no matter what some sites tell you, get a college degree online in ten days. You cannot get a degree based completely on life experience. And, if your degree isn’t from an accredited university, such as the ones listed on this site, it is worthless. 

Finally, if you get a fake degree from online programs, and apply for a job based on that degree, understand that you are committing fraud. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) begins to crack down on these programs, often referred to as diploma mills, they are strongly advising companies to make sure applicants’ degrees and credentials are genuine. You, and your company, can be held liable for fraud if your degree isn’t real.

For an example of these fake degree programs, visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=_8v55xn8YII .