If you're thinking of studying toward a master's degree while continuing to work full time, and you've decided to look into earning your degree through an online learning program, there are a few things you'll want to look into first. Not all distance learning programs are worthwhile; some truly could be a waste of your time and your money.

This article answer two questions you should be asking:

-What career choices and moves will benefit from an online education?

-How important is an adult education program's accreditation status ? or lack therof?

I Want to Earn a Master's Degree Online? Will This Really Help Further My Career?

The answer, frankly, is ?It depends.? It depends on your career goals. It depends on where you are in your career ? are you just starting out or are you in ?mid-career??

We all read about how a masters degree can cause a career ? and a salary ? to skyrocket. But be careful. If you're in your twenties, taking time off for the traditional on-campus, full-time program can be very beneficial. But taking that time when you're in your thirties or later? Possibly not so much. There will be costs to you that are higher than tuition ? you'll miss two, three, or four years of salary. That's $60,000-$300,000 worth of income (or more) missing from your bank account. In addition, if you're single, or if your spouse doesn't work, you also might have to take out loans for living expenses. Can your long-term finances handle that? Many of us are married by our thirties ? you need to make sure your spouse and children are fully aware and supportive of the consequences of this move.

An online degree program, however, will allow you to continue working ? no loss of salary for years, no need to take out loans for living expenses. (And no need to be paying those loans back.)

What's All This About an Online Degree Program's Accreditation?

Accreditation schmeditation, right?

Not at all! Accreditation is very important. Unless your chosen distance learning program is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization ? such as the Middle State Commission on Higher Education ? employers who offer tuition assistance won't reimburse you. Study unaccredited online degree programs and you're ineligible for a government student assistance program. Finally, and worst of all, attending an accredited online learning program means you can be sure the program will be around for many years. There's no chance you'll log on one evening to find your school no longer exists ? and it has taken your money. Think it can't happen? Think again!

Overall, pursuing an online education ? whether it be an adult education program; an accelerated learning program for a bachelor's degree, or a distance learning master's degree ? will improve your career tremendously. Your life will expand both professionally and personally. Ours is a business world where continuous education is essential. But pursuing additional training needn't be all-disruptive. An accredited, online learning program could be your link to a more satisfying and rich life, literally and figuratively.