When researching distance learning programs, there are key questions that you will want to ask of a program.  Dr Amy Kirle Lezberg, accreditation expert, gives some tips in her article below,  What To Know Before Enrolling in Distance Education ©.

What Program are you thinking of Enrolling in?

• Are there any residency requirements?
• What other institutions offer similar programs and do they grant the same credential for similar work?
• How does the variety of courses offered compare with similar on-site programs?
• How are course materials made available to students?
• What arrangements have been made for me to complete any required laboratory requirements?

Who Designs, Delivers and Monitors the Program?

• Who designs and delivers the program (and if they are different, how is the delivery controlled)?
• Where can the qualifications and current professional activity of the faculty be found in writing?
• What arrangements are made to ensure faculty-student and student-student interaction?

Other Expectations of the Institution and Available Student Services

• What academic, linguistic, and technical skills does the institution require for students enrolling in this program?
• What equipment must I have access to and how will the institution help me in any problems that arise concerning the interface between my equipment and their offerings?
• What counseling, career, financial aid, or other non-classroom services are provided for distance education students?
• Is there a student handbook for distance education students? If not, where are these issues addressed?
• What is the process for filing complaints?
• What is the institution’s refund policy if I should have to withdraw from this program?

Final Check on the Integrity of the Degree

• How can I assure outsiders that the degree represents an assessment of my work rather than that of someone else?
• Where is there official representation of faculty qualifications, the program’s course sequence and requirements, the nature of student/faculty interaction and assumptions about technical skills?

Beware!  Not all colleges, universities and distance learning programs advertised in the newspapers or provided in online databases are accredited by one of the regional or national accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Therefore, when researching colleges and universities in the United States, your first step should always be to verify accreditation.  To check if a school is accredited by a recognized U.S. accrediting organization, go to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education website at: http://www.chea.org

With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to find just the right distance learning program for your specific needs.  Below are search engines that can help you narrow your options.  Remember, you may want to consider accreditation, method of delivery, cost, type of program, and if there are any residency requirements.

• Petersons
• Get Educated