Eduardo Said:

Has anyone studied a Distance Learning degree or masters course? What did you think of it?

We Answered:

I'm doing my BA in History with the Open University and I love it. Personally I preferred it to more traditional university. I love the freedom and flexibility the courses offer. The course materials are excellent and the support I've received from the university in general and my tutors in particular have been second to none.

The downsides are that you have to be very good at organising your time (though this means that you have 'transferable skills' which may come in handy when you apply for jobs), since you do it in your spare time you'll have less time with friends and family, and you may miss the socialising a traditional university provides.

I have to say for me the pluses of distance learning far outweighed the minuses. I don't have to drop everything to do my degree, I can do it in my own time in a manner that suites me. Of course it's not for everyone. But you asked for my personal experience.

Be warned though you need to be quite motivated to keep up with things. This wasn't an issue for me as I love my course and enjoy doing the work, but if your course is a struggle or you're doing a bit on something you're not that interested in, then it may drag on a bit.

Herman Said:

is distance learning degree in psychology gets consider or make student eligible for Mphil or PHD in psycholo?

We Answered:

I don't know outside India, but here, a distance education Psychology M.Sc is not accepted by many universities like Calcutta, Delhi, NIMHANS, CIP Ranchi, IBHAS New Delhi etc for M.Phil. only Amity University does not Barr Distance education students. but there is no problem doing Ph.D with it.
the distant education students ARE eligible for M.phil, only the institutes don't accept them. In the circular given by Rehabilitation Council of India, there is no mention of barring Distant Education students from doing M.Phil in a regular course. They clearly state in the "eligibility for M.Phil clinical psychology" that a student needs to have passed M.Sc with a specialisation in clinical psychology with min. 55% in aggregate (5% relaxation for SC/ ST /OBC ) and they have to appear for NET or the entrance examination of the institute.

Debbie Said:

Online degree - Distance learning -What are the most legitimate?

We Answered:

The key is to make sure the college/university is accredited. I have three basic recommendations for everyone looking into online/distance education. They all have to do with exploring; after all, you have to defend your assets.

1. Make certain that you have triple checked their accreditation. First, they tell you what it is, then you go to that accrediting body’s website (not through the link provided by the school), and thirdly you would visit the department of education to see what they have to say. Do your diligent research into the institutions once you have narrowed down to a couple. You can look at the Better Business Bureau for more information on the college.

2. You must have extreme self motivation and be able to teach yourself per say. This means that you will not have someone telling you verbally, so it is up to you to get the information from the course room, text, and other resources. The best way to look at it is like a guided independent study course.

3. Review your goals, personal and professional. Make sure that the school that you are going to offers the programs that match your goals. Do not settle. There are many programs that are similar, but you have to make the ultimate decision. Do not let it be based on finances and length of program, but the fact that when you are finished or near finished you will be able to assume your proper place in the career field sought.

You should market yourself and not the degree or university. There are many traditional universities offering degrees that can be earned through online methods. Distance Learning Alliance has a list of these traditional online schools. Look at that if you are truly concerned with the name of the school. Good luck on your search!

Neil Said:

Cheapest distance learning degree from the UK?

We Answered:

I study with the Open university and most degree's cost around £700 a year. However, they have a very good financial aid scheme and if you work part time, are on a low income, are claiming benefits etc then they will most often pay all fees for you. I work part time and have had mine paid for completely. I would recommend the OU as they give you a BA or BSc etc and it's real lol. I did a lot of research into other companies and found that their 'degrees' aren't worth the paper theyre written on. In fact, many simply award certificates from unknown certification boards. If you do decide to look into the OU option further then feel free to drop me an email if you have questions =]

Nora Said:

Is a distance learning degree is good for just sake of graduation?

We Answered:

Yes dear, you can get graduation degree from any university which is UGC approved.. you will be called a graduate.

For getting job, it not a big deal..
I have done BCA from IGNOU which is distance learning degree too and I am working in CMM Level 5 Company...

You must have talent and zeal to do some extra which can not be done by others the you will get success and many more things...

ALL THE BEST for your Future.... ;)



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Ankur Bakliwal
LetsPrint - Lets Print The World Together..

Audrey Said:

Is distance learning degree accepted by employers?

We Answered:

Most employers still seem to have a strong bias against distance learning degrees. Thus if you can go to a traditional college, in person, you may be better off.

In any case, you'll do better with more employers if you stay away from the for-profit schools (those are the ones that you tend to see advertise on tv). If you must go to school online, get a degree from a school with a good rep for their offline programs.

First, check to see if your local community and state colleges offer online degrees. A lot do, and they'll be reputable, and your cheapest option. If they don't, look into the well respected unis that I'll list here, all of which also offer online degrees: UMass Amherst, Northeastern, U Maryland, Penn State, U Texas, U Florida, Florida State, U Nebraska, U Denver, Drexel U, Boston U, U Illinois. There are others as well: Southern New Hampshire U, Regis U, Ball State, several of the SUNYs, UMass Dartmouth, Tiffin U, Utica College.