Are Online Information Technology Degrees Legit?

If you're thinking about pursuing an online information technology degree, chances are, you have questions. In particular, you may be wondering if online degrees are worth the time and money. Are online IT degrees legitimate?

The majority of online schools offer respectable, legitimate online degrees in a range of fields, including information technology. Getting an online IT degree offers many benefits, including the ability to complete your studies without sacrificing other priorities in your life.

Read on as we dive into this topic. Also, keep in mind that there are many affordable online IT degree programs available.

Do Employers Respect Online Information Technology Degrees?

There has never been a better time to get an online degree. More and more schools are offering them, making adjustments to their curriculum to provide the highest-quality education possible in a remote format. In this day and age, employers are well accustomed to hiring candidates who obtained their degrees online.

While some may still prefer to hire those with campus-based degrees, the majority do not discriminate based on how you completed your education. What's more, many schools don't distinguish between their online and in-person degrees: both types of students receive the same degree regardless of how they obtained it. This makes it harder for employers to tell the difference between online and in-person degrees

What To Look For in an Online Information Technology Degree Program

When choosing an online degree program, it's important to make sure you study at a reputable school. Let's take a look at some factors to consider when choosing your school.

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important factors that will lend credibility to your online degree. You should always choose a school that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or some other accrediting body. Non-accredited schools and degrees are less likely to be respected when it comes time to find a job.

Reputation

A school's reputation can depend on many things, including its:

• History
• Graduation rate
• Number of students
• Average GPA

It's best to choose a school with an overall positive reputation, as this can influence how employers and other schools view your degree.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

For-profit schools typically offer highly flexible programs and legitimate degrees, but they don't have the same prestige or academic reputation because their ultimate aim is to turn a profit. Nonprofit schools are assumed to focus more on improving their academics, so they tend to be more respected.

Graduation Rates

Schools with higher graduation rates are typically more respected than those with lower graduation rates. This is because they tend to provide better curriculum and student-focused support options.

Each school has different graduation rates that are affected by various factors, such as a student's GPA. It's important to note that many students do not graduate on time for reasons such as mental health issues and economic reasons.

Differences Between Online Information Technology Degrees and Traditional Information Technology Degrees

Online information technology degrees consist of coursework that can be completed remotely; all you need is an internet connection and a quiet place to study. Some programs include live class sessions students participate in via videoconferencing. In most cases, students complete the coursework on their schedule.

Traditional information technology degrees are completed mostly or fully on campus. Students attend classes and lectures at set times each day and complete homework assignments on their own time. Online programs are generally much more flexible than traditional programs, allowing students to work their studies around job or family commitments. They are also typically cheaper than traditional programs, as tuition rates may be lower and students don't have to pay for room and board or transportation.

Benefits of Earning Your Information Technology Degree at an Online School

One of the benefits of learning online is the ability to study whenever and wherever you want, setting your schedule according to your preferences. College is expensive, so a more affordable degree program can also be highly beneficial for students on a budget. Getting a degree online can help students who wouldn't otherwise be able to go back to school finish their degree and improve their career prospects.

Featured Online Information Technology Degree Programs

Let's take a look at some top colleges and universities offering legitimate online information technology degrees.

1. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is a public university with a reputation for providing quality in-person and online degrees. It receives regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

This school offers the following information technology degrees:

• Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Master of Information Technology

2. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is an online campus belonging to the Colorado State University system. It provides a wealth of flexible online programs and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

You can pursue the following IT degrees online at this school:

• Information Technology - B.S.
• Information Technology Management - M.S.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University is located in Virginia but serves around 100,000 students throughout the world through its online and campus-based degree programs. Its accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students can pursue the following online information technology degrees at this school:

• Information Technology - B.S.
• Information Technology - M.S.

Specializations are available with each program, allowing students to personalize their degree.

4. American Public University

American Public University is an online-only school offering a variety of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs and certificates. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this school.

Consider pursuing the following IT degrees:

• Information Technology - B.S.
• Information Technology Management - B.S.
• Information Technology - M.S.

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is another online-only institution. It is known for its flexible, self-paced degree programs and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Several IT degrees are available, as follows:

• Information Technology - B.S.
• Information Technology Management - B.S. Business Administration
• Accelerated bachelor's to master's degree in information technology
• Information Technology Management - M.S.
• Information Technology Management - MBA