How to Evaluate an Online Degree Program in Computer Programming

A degree in computer programming could help you launch a successful career. There are still many opportunities in the field, and demand does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. However, many professionals who are looking to make a career change may not have the resources to go back to school full-time. An online degree program can be the perfect solution, giving them the degree they need while offering them the flexibility to work or balance family obligations.

Not all online degree programs are created equal. If you are going to invest the time and resources in going back to school to get your degree, it is important that you get a quality degree that can really help you to launch your new career. Here are a few tips for how you can evaluate an online degree program in computer programming to make sure that it is the best one for you:

Investigate the Curriculum

Most programs should have their curriculum listed online. If it’s not, you can request it from the admissions office. The curriculum should tell you what courses are involved in completing the degree and what information is covered. It should also tell you what the philosophy is behind the program and whether the courses will be heavily steeped in theory or will include more hands-on work (or include a healthy mix of both).

Taking the time to research the curriculum will tell you a lot about what you can expect from the program. Make sure that what you uncover will meet your needs.

Research the Professors

Generally speaking, you learn best from those who have experience in the field. Check out the backgrounds of the professors in the program, including their education and their professional experience. The better educated and the more experienced they are, the better instruction you are likely to get from them.

Check on Career Placement Assistance

The bottom line when you graduate is that you want to get a job. Some schools do everything they can to make this easier on you by offering you career placement assistance. If your program offers it, chances are better that you will find gainful employment when you graduate. You can also think of career placement assistance as a kind of guarantee — not that you’ll get a job, necessarily, but that the school cares about seeing you succeed.

Check Accreditation

There are many professional organizations that evaluate the quality of schools and their curriculum. If certain standards are met, the school receives accreditation. Make sure that any program you attend is accredited by the regional authority where the school is located. Make sure this is the official accrediting agency for that region and is not some secondary institution.

Research Reputation

Finally, one of the best ways to determine the quality of a program is to find out what others who completed it have to say about it. The Internet is your friend here, especially for an online program. Go in chat rooms, browse forums, and research blogs to find out what former students have to say. If there are problems with the program, you will find out very quickly.

It is important to take the time to evaluate any online program that you are considering attending thoroughly before you send in your enrollment papers. An online degree program represents a significant investment of both time and money. Use these tips to make sure that any online program in computer programming will give you the education and the jump start you need for your new career.

About the Author:

Alexis Bonari writes for one of the largest open databases of college funding opportunities. Specific topics like undergraduate scholarships are described in detail to provide multiple resources for students.