I work in a food safety laboratory. I only have a high school diploma. I need a degree in chemistry, food science, biology, or some related area.

It’s not strictly necessary for my job, but I was recently turned down for a management position in favor of a less qualified candidate because apparently experience based ability and education doesn’t outweigh education mom and dad paid for.

I was curious about the legitimacy of online colleges, their validity in employers’ eyes, and which would offer the best science courses for an Associate’s (to start with) and Bachelor’s degree.

Side note: I’m a full time employee and a full time parent of two babies, so that’s a factor in my ability to take classes.