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Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a respectable online Masters program? If you know the secret, please share it in the comments.

I’ve considered an online degree program because of it’s convenience. However, if I were to be accepted to Cornell’s Master of Management in Hospitality program (I think I have officially decided on Hospitality as my Master’s…more on this later), I would probably pack up and move to Ithaca. I mean, who in their right mind would pass up an Ivy League education. I have to wonder if it’s worth the $70 application fee just to say I applied and was rejected by Cornell.

but I digress

An online degree program gives me the freedom to move when I want to, to work where/when I need to and just seems like a more convenient way to pursue higher education at this point in my life. However, when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. I can’t seem to find a program (I’m currently exploring hospitality management programs…more on this later) that I am comfortable with.

I know that thousands of working adults get degrees from accredited online universities every year. I would not want to insult anyone pursuing any sort of education. I am a firm believer in seeking any sort of education, whether it be a trade school, on-the-job training or an Ivy League school. But I have to wonder what a potential future employer would think if I attended a four-year university, graduated with flying colors, scored above average on the GRE and then proceeded to go to University of Phoenix.

You can’t even get any information from the University of Phoenix unless you give them all of your information (address, phone number, etc…). Compare this to this. It makes University of Phoenix look like an internet scam. Ashworth also requires your entire identity before giving you any information on their degree programs.

Imagine…future employer goes to check out your “school’s” website and there’s nothing there!

I would never discourage someone from getting an education. If you have to go to University of Phoenix, because it’s the only way to better yourself, I support you. I know that my criticism of these psuedo-universities could be controversial or condescending–or both! The fact is that I have held myself to a very high standard academically and an online degree program, as convenient as it may be, does not uphold my standard.