There are two kinds of online programs – one that is just message board based and one that there is actual interactive classses that you have to attend. I did my undergrad for accounting 75% online thru message board based classes. I would really not recommend that. My sisters both did their speech therapy masters online and they both had interactive classes where they had to be online at a certain time for class, saw the teacher via webcam and were called on to answer questions. If you are going to do it online look into program first and make sure there are actual classes. You will learn a lot more that way!
Empire State College is a division of SUNY, just as Brooklyn and Queens College are. It is a “message board” based system but it results in a reputable degree.