online degree programs psychology | Is bigger really better?
So which type of institution is best a delivering online courses?
Is it the institution that is the biggest online university, or is it the smaller brick and mortar college that offers online courses as part of it’s overall program.
I’m afraid the answer is different for everyone. It really depends on the type of program you’re looking for. Is it a four year undergraduate degree or an MBA? If it’s an MBA then you can find a wide selection of online programs across the country.
It then depends on how well you know the instituion.
Here are some facts about two of the largest online degree-granting institutions in the USA:
FIrst, we have the University of Phoenix. A Huge presence in the online degree world. You probably see their ads all over the internet.
University of Phoenix got started about 30 years ago, and it began with online courses in 1989. It now has about 300,000 enrollments and offers something like 126 degrees and certificates.
If you can’t find a program at UOP, it’s probably nowhere 
They have 191 campus centers, some of which are at military bases.
Yes, it’s huge. Probably the biggest. BUT…
Did you you know that it was fined by the U.S. Dept. of Education and Dept. of Labor?
And did you know that for whatever reason, it has earned a Web site devoted to it called uopsucks.com?
Here’s another big instituition - Capella University.
Capella’s head of operations is in Minneapolis, Minn., was they were incorporated in 1991.
Interesting fact - Capella was founded by the head of Tonka.
Capella received their first accreditation in 1997, and they original focus was on graduate programs and their market was serving military students. They now have about 16,000 enrollments.
Again, Capella is big. BUT…
Did you know that it’s under audit by U.S.Department of Education?
And did you know that some states won’t license students from Capella programs because their programs don’t meet state standards?
I’m not trying to scare you aware from either of these schools. Overall I think they’re OK. The point I’m trying to make is be VERY careful. Do a complete evaluation of the program any school has and do some research. In fact, do a LOT of research on the school.
You’ll thank yourself in the long run if you do