Online Masters vs traditional school - does it matter?

[WannaBeNrse]

Hi all,

I am looking at different schools and was wondering if it will make a difference to employers in the future where I get my MSN. I noticed that traditional universities have quite strict admission criteria for grad school - essays, letters of recommendation, interviews etc. In contrast, most online schools have pretty basic requirements and it seems fairly easy to enroll. So does this mean employers will view a Masters from an online school as less worthy than one that was awarded by a traditional school?

I am torn between going back to the school where I got my BSN (Minnesota State University) - which means structured program, instructors I know, program is still mainly online, downside - it takes at least 2.5 years - OR choosing WGU or Aspen as a self-paced online option. Any opinions?

Thanks!

[BCRNA]

Many traditional school offer online degrees (fully online). When choosing a school you need to consider your career goals. Most of the time no one will know where you got your degree (as long as they are accredited and allow you to take the appropriate certifying exam). If you want a career as an academic you need to avoid schools like University of Phoenix and the like, they aren't looked highly upon by full time academics because the main criteria for acceptance and graduation is the ability to pay the tuition. If the program has extremely low entrance criteria, that is a good clue that they just want your money. I legitimate program won't let absolutely everybody into the program. A good program will not let someone in who does not have the potential to finish the program. There is nothing wrong with an online degree, and there are many good programs. But they aren't all created equal, and many have poor reputations.

You should talk to people who actually finished the program you are looking at, this will tell you if others have been successful with them. I would recommend a good in-state public university that gives instate tuition rates.

[zmcintosh23]

I did the online experience and would strongly recommend traditional school. Personally, I get so much more out of traditional classes.