Originally posted by Gregory Gulick
Before medical school I went to graduate school and earned a masters degree in gerontology from the University of South Florida. I did it in three semesters. After completing the program I remember thinking that the entire degree could have been earned via distance learning (online) without any loss of quality.
I wouldn't rule out online degrees entirely. Instead, look at the individual programs and talk to people who have been through them. A lot of the health care administrative type degrees are online now out of necessity for the students earning them. Many residents and practicing physicians want these degrees and there is no way that I (or others like me) could earn these degrees in the traditional manner.
If you visit USNEWS.COM and look under the e-learning section, you'll find a lot of online degree programs; and many are from state universities. Some require a "residency"; that is, you must spend 1 to 2 weeks full-time on campus. This is impractical for many of us.
So in sum, don't rule out a degree program just because it is online. Instead, look at the institution offering the degree and talk to people who have been through that program.
Good luck.