Many traditionally "brick and mortar" universities offer online degrees, and the good reputation of those universities can help graduates of online programs when they seek employment. According to Harvard University, the quality of its online courses is equal to that of traditional classes and allows students to work around their schedules.
Many accredited colleges offer only online degrees. Those colleges are generally accredited by program rather than as a university. The University of Phoenix, the largest online college in North America, has accredited degree programs in business, nursing and teaching. However, some employers consider online-only degrees as inferior to degrees from traditional universities.
Accredited, religion-affiliated colleges have a significant presence among online colleges. Catholic institutions have been particularly effective in embracing the power of the internet as an educational tool. Those institutions offer degrees in subjects such as Catholic history, church leadership and theology.