Online degrees have started coming into picture after tremendous growth in technology and internet. Online degree is one that you can get by studying and attending classes from home. You are getting a degree from a recognized University located in a developed country like USA with least expenses. While online master degrees has advantages like flexible timings, staying back in home country and lesser expenses, is also has concerns like lessened social life and lesser practical approach. If you are planning for an online course, these following tips will help you choose the right career path 1. Choose the University that has wide reputation and also see that the course you have chosen is accredited by agencies like Northwest commission on colleges and universities, Middle states commission on secondary schools etc 2. Talk to hiring managers of companies associated with the course of your study and find them if your degree is recognized by them 3. Talk to your seniors and alumni of the course and find out what they are doing now and if the degree is worth it. You can get the contacts from social networking sites like Facebook 4. Dont choose a University that is not accredited and sells online degrees. You might be tempted to choose that as you are getting it in a short span of time without actually preparing for the course. But, in the long run, your degree wont be recognized anywhere and you will have a tough time finding a job. 5. If the course fee is very low, there is chance that you are taking a risk. Extend your research timings if you have encountered these kind of schools 6. If you are already working, see that you have enough time to complete the course. Check with the admission department to find about flexible timings, weekend lectures etc 7. Know about the faculty who will teach you the course online. Find out where they have worked before, their qualifications and experience. Good universities will be ready to provide information about their staff 8. See that you have all the media required to communicate effectively with the school. For example, if the primary means of communication is email, ensure that you have proper internet connection set up at home 9. If you are planning to stay back in the current company that you are working for, see that your level will increase after you complete the course online. Talk to the HR in your company about this and make sure that they will consider a better position for you 10. Some universities may need you visit the University once or twice or more than that during the course of your study. Ensure that you have sufficient funds for the travel and accommodation