Customer Reviews

Distance Learning Programs 2005 (Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning Programs)

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I ordered Peterson's at the same time I ordered the Bear's Guide on distance degrees. I should have stuck with the latter and saved a significant chunk of change. While Peterson's is larger, that is only useful if you plan to use it as a booster seat or door stop.

Peterson's fails to provide key information such as identifying 'degree mill' schools whose diplomas are worthless. It also leaves out accredited schools in other parts of the world, which seem to be viable options, at least based on my research. Petersen is especially weak in graduate degrees outside MBAs or MEds, or the usual Capella, Regent, U of Pheonix, Walden expensive options.

Virtually all of the information in this publication can be found for free on the Internet - an option I suggest along with the Bear's guide!

A more comprehensive book on this topic is Campus Free College Degrees: Thorsons Guide to Accredited College Degrees Through Distance Learning by Marcie K. Thorson. See my review.

In the fast-changing world of distance education, current information is crucial. This book was last updated in 2005 and many programs have begun or have changed since then. With that caveat, this is an excellent and comprehensive resource. The information on the schools is quite comprehensive, and program details are relatively abundant. The index is helpful for finding programs by subject area, and the overall format is both logical and easy to use.

I think this is an excellent place to start a search for an online educational program. Although program changes may have occurred since this edition came out, the reference and Internet contact information makes current information readily accessible.

For anyone considering an online educational program, I recommend this book, although I would like Peterson's to revise the book in a new edition as soon as possible given the rapidly changing educational landscape.

As the VP of sales and marketing for TheDistanceLearningExpo.com, we use many sources to guide prospective students to an online university that matches their needs. The Peterson's Guide is very up to date on the information they provide and is also very informative. A must have for someone interested in distance learning.