There are dozens, if not hundreds, of places to get your associate degree online these days. While some of them are scams, most are excellent schools with a great reputation. And, Stratford University is one of these.

Stratford University is based just outside Washington, D.C. They offer the full range of degrees, from associate to Master’s, and also award professional certificates to those students who don’t have to the time, or inclination, to get a full degree.

At Stratford you never have to worry about getting a sub-standard education. They’re accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. And, their culinary department is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.

Now, if you live close to the Washington, D.C. area you can take advantage of their outstanding culinary department. The school has a restaurant on-campus called The Chef’s Table, which offers the public a fine-dining experience at rock-bottom prices. This gives their culinary students an opportunity to see what it’s like working in a real, professional kitchen.

If you’re interested in attending Stratford University online and you’re nowhere near Washington, D.C., then you’ll have to skip the bargains at The Chef’s Table. Sadly, this is not something the school can offer online. But the good news is that at Stratford, you’ll still be able to get your associate degree in high-demand fields such as Hotel/Restaurant Management or Business Administration.

Stratford University encourages students to choose a learning model that’s right for them. You can take 100% of your classes online, or you can do a blended format if you live close enough to campus, taking some courses on-site and the rest from home. It’s entirely up to you.

Stratford also makes sure that you’re supported both while you’re enrolled, and long after you’ve graduated. Their Career Development and Placement department will assist you with resume writing and submission, effective interviewing techniques, provide you with interview opportunities, and give you career planning and placement assistance.

And remember, this goes for after you’ve left school as well. Once you’re an alumni of Stratford University, they’re always willing to help.

The great thing about Stratford is because their so close to major employment hubs like Fairfax, VA and Washington, D.C., they have a lot of valuable connections. This helps give their students a leg up when it comes to finding a job. Even if you live outside this area, their Career Development department can still assist you in finding a job once you’re done with school.

Stratford also keeps their class size relatively small (the average is 20-24 students) which means your instructors won’t be overwhelmed with people, leaving them more time to get to know you and your specific needs.

There’s no doubt that these days, you’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to getting your online degree. But Stratford University definitely deserves a closer look; they offer a high-quality education in fields that are in high-demand. And if you’re lucky enough to live close to campus, you can always swing in for a great meal at The Chef’s Table!