I'm considering doing some online courses or maybe even a degree. Could anyone suggest which online universities are the most respected, especially if I'm planning to transfer credits or continue my education later?
There are a number of online universities that have received recognition for their quality programs and prestige. Here are a few options that I think could be a great fit for you:
1. Pennsylvania State University—World Campus: Penn State's World Campus offers various bachelor and master degree programs, all online.
2. University of Florida—Online: UF has a strong reputation and offers a range of bachelor’s degree programs, in fields such as Business and Psychology.
3. University of Massachusetts—UMass Online: UMass offers more than 100 online degree programs, with good selection in areas like Healthcare, Business, Education, Public Health, and other fields.
4. Arizona State University—ASU Online: ASU is known for innovation and offers a huge number of degree programs online, ranging from English to Engineering.
5. University of Illinois—UIS: UIS is particularly known for offering a respected online Computer Science degree.
One key factor is to look at the school’s regional accreditation. This type of accreditation is recognized by the Department of Education and is particularly important if you plan to transfer credits to a traditional college or university later. All of the above universities carry regional accreditation.
Don't forget that some "in-person" universities also offer strong online programs. For instance, universities like Boston University, Georgia Tech, and Johns Hopkins have highly respected online programs in certain fields, offering hybrid degrees or full online programs.
Before enrolling, reach out to the potential schools you wish to transfer credits to, making sure they typically accept credits from the online school you chose. Likewise, if you plan on continuing your education (like going to graduate school), double-check that your chosen graduate programs accept degrees from the online school you're considering.
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