Contributor Charles Choi

As well as convenience, credit and cost, reputation can also influence a student’s choice of online science courses and programmes. Monica Mogilewsky particularly liked the University of London “because it had the oldest distance learning programme in the world, so they seemed like a good choice because I figured they had got the kinks worked out of distance learning. Also, I found out later that Nelson Mandela graduated from the University of London Distance Learning Programme, so I was in good company.”

“The reputation of the institution offering an online course is paramount,” says Chip Paucek, CEO of educational technology company 2U in New York. “It’s why students attend a school – it’s why we partner with top-tier colleges and universities to help create online degree programs for students. What’s important is getting a degree from a great school, regardless of whether you attended online or not.” Continue reading →