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How Can I Get My Diploma Online?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

When attending a traditional educational setting is not feasible, it is still possible to use the Internet to earn a diploma online. However, there are several important considerations that must go into selecting the right online institution if the online diploma is to have any real significance.

Up until the last several years, diploma programs online were often considered suspect by many employers and others. To a degree, the hesitancy to recognize online diplomas was justified. Many of the programs were not accredited and did not comply with the standards that most brick and mortar institutions had to meet in order to be recognized.

Online degree programs offer convenience and flexibility.
Online degree programs offer convenience and flexibility.

However, the benefits of distance learning via the Internet were gradually recognized by traditional schools and colleges, leading to the implementation of fully accredited programs sponsored by reputable institutions. As trusted colleges and universities have implemented more online programs, the perception of an online degree has changed considerably. Today, many employers and others will accept an accredited degree obtained online as readily as a degree from a brick and mortar college.

It's important to find the right diploma online or it won't be recognized by employers or graduate schools.
It's important to find the right diploma online or it won't be recognized by employers or graduate schools.

The task facing anyone whom wants to obtain a diploma online is to wade through the many unaccredited programs and focus on educational opportunities that are operated by accredited institutions. In some cases, this is relatively easy. Online programs will always provide information about their accreditation on their web sites. Programs that are not accredited will usually bury that fact deep within the small print on one of the more obscure pages on the site. If you cannot find proof of accreditation with ease, turn your attention elsewhere.

Once you have identified accredited institutions that operate online programs, begin to evaluate each one in terms of cost, degrees offered, and the time frame it will take to complete the coursework. Make sure the online interface is set up to function even with a slow Internet connection. This will make it easier to manage your coursework even if your high-speed connection is down for a period of time. There are even online schools that offer laptops to their students.

Along with online degree programs, it is now possible to obtain a high school diploma online. The option of obtaining a diploma online makes it possible for adults who dropped out of school to finish at night, or for students who are housebound due to illness to continue their studies and complete high school. As with the college programs, it is important to make sure the high school online program is accredited and will be considered legitimate.

While online programs do provide a great deal of flexibility, don’t assume that you can get a diploma online with no effort. Any accredited program will require compliance with their standards, the successful and timely completion of all coursework, and participating in online labs and discussions along with the coursework. If you are willing to put in the effort, you can get your diploma online and be proud of your accomplishment.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

Earning a career diploma online works fine in many instances, but some degrees should be earned in a classroom setting because of their natures. Some professions require a good amount of social interaction that is best simulated in larger groups, so that a person earning a degree will have more experience interacting with people when he enters the workforce.

Drentel

Taking classes online is great when I want to learn more about a particular subject. I find sitting at my computer less intimidating than sitting in a classroom, and getting to class is much easier when the classroom is in my house.

I haven't decided to try to earn a degree online, but it is a viable option if I decide I want a higher degree.

Animandel

As the article drew attention to, one drawback with online diploma courses is that the requirements from one company or school to the next can differ so much. When I hear people say they received a diploma online, I immediately wonder how much they actually learned through the online program they participated in to earn the diploma.

When someone tells me he graduated high school or college I don't have the same immediate concerns.

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    • Online degree programs offer convenience and flexibility.
      By: Leo Lintang
      Online degree programs offer convenience and flexibility.
    • It's important to find the right diploma online or it won't be recognized by employers or graduate schools.
      By: Elnur
      It's important to find the right diploma online or it won't be recognized by employers or graduate schools.