I came across a website the other day that offered "life experience degrees" and wondered if anyone really paid for that. Wouldn't the work experience you have listed on your resume be enough or do you actually need a certificate that validates your work experience? When looking for the right online college or university to attend, here are a few pointers to make sure the degree you get is a quality degree vs. a "diploma mill" degree.

First and foremost, it cannot be stressed enough that you must check the accreditation of the online college or university. To receive accreditation, an online college or university must undergo a thorough evaluation process to ensure that the online college or university offers a quality education that is equivalent to that of a traditional college. An outside accrediting body performs the evaluation. Some schools don't qualify for accreditation and some accredited schools have even lost accreditation for various reasons. Accreditation also ensures that the online college or university adheres to academic standards. A great way to check accreditation is to visit the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website.

In your search for an online college or university, you may come across sites that offer quick degrees or claim that you can earn an associates or bachelors in no time. Be wary of these claims. The length of time to earn your associates degree or bachelors degree online should be very similar to that of earning your associates degree or bachelors degree through a traditional school such as a community college or state university. While some online colleges or universities can help you earn an associates degree or bachelors degree in a little less time, be cautious of those that can offer you an associates degree or bachelors degree in just a few short months.

Finally, make sure there is a counselor or professor you can actually speak to or even meet with if necessary. If you need help or guidance, you want to make sure that there is someone you can call or see rather than correspond back and forth with a computer. Established, accredited online colleges or universities will typically provide you with a list of numbers to call for specific situations.

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