How can I search for online masters programs from reputable schools? It seems impossible to search for online programs without encountering ads from the likes of Kaplan, Strayer, Phoenix, DeVRy, ITT, etc.  They may be all right for some, but I am looking for programs from public universities and better known and regarded schools. Is there a way to search for online grad programs that doesn't include these usual suspects?

Not really, and that's not necassarily a bad thing.  See, this is an opportunity to do some critical research, you develop your criteria and elminate all of the options that do not meet your criteria.  For example you can search programs listed using the "advanced search" options under the "online degrees" tab.  You'll likely see at least one or more of the schools listed in your post, just skip them and go on to the others like George Washington U. or Boston University.  Of course you could also just tell us the masters you are looking for and maybe we can help.  You also have to realize that schools like Kaplan and UofP have been at this distance learning thing a lot longer than some of the non-profit, private and public schools have, like it or not UofP and the like have changed the paradigm of how education can be delivered in a non-traditional format and I for one consider that to be a good thing.  Just my $.02.

I agree -- skip them and look for the others, and if you're looking for a Master's in a particular field just ask.

-=Steve=-

---

B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

Hi, try to take a peak on this site: www.gradschools.com maybe this get you a little help to get some info.

I agree with you , there are many ads for online learning. Like you I was interested in an online MBA program and I am currently in the Georgia WebMBA program through the University of West Georgia. It is a great program. I am learning a whole lot online. The tuition  per semester is affordable compared to other online MBA programs.

Search for accredited colleges and universities for online master programs. Accreditation ensures quality in education. Accredited institutions provides society with reliable information on the quality of education offered.

That is not true.  There are over 100 online programs, many of which are offered by highly regarded brick and mortar schools, some of which are ranked by US News & World Report as being the top schools in the country. In fact, I just submitted my application for the BS in accounting program at Washington State University, which is a far superior school to for profit institutions like Kaplan and Phoenix. 

Superior according to who and for who?  For some Kaplan or UofP is the best option for their particular circumstance.  Otherwise, there'd just be one really big school to meet the needs of all instead of thousands.

Why should anyone go to Kaplan or UoP? They are nearly twice the price of most non-profit schools.

That would depend entirely on the individual.  For example UofP has a strong cohort program, for a person for whom cost is not a factor and who loves group work, I could see UofP being attractive.

Kaplan University is unique in their offering of a fully online, regionally accredited law degree, something that may be attractive to some executives or those working within the legal profession who are not in fact lawyers themselves.  It depends on the program, the schools and of course the person.