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Are online degrees as valuable as those earned via traditional on-campus study? More and more people are asking that question every year. It is possible to point to research indicating that students earn equally well in online and in classroom-based instruction, there is research indicating that traditional programs result in better learning outcomes, and there is data which suggests that online learners take more away from their experience than students in traditional campus-based programs. Thus, it seems likely that broad generalizations about the quality or perceived value of online degree programs will not be useful to people considering them. What might prove more valuable is an analysis of their individual situation, with particular emphasis on their educational and/or vocational goals. Of course, students should always limit their choices to fully accredited institutions, whether they plan to pursue a degree online or attend a traditional college or university. The process of choosing your best educational options should always begin with questions. What are youir personal goals? Career goals? How strong is your commitment? How much time do you have to devote to your education? Will your goals require licensure or certification of any kind? As you answer these questions, your options will become clearer. Convenience, especially for working adults, tends to be a primary consideration. Of course, if you will have trouble finding time to commute to a college in your area, or if family and/or other responsibilities make it difficult for you to attend classes offered at fixed times, an online degree may be your only option. And, because online degree programs are designed to accommodate adults, they often are more willing to allow credit for life experience, shortening your "time to degree". Financial considerations, for most of us, are also pretty important. At one point, colleges and universities were far more willing to offer financial aid and scholarships to traditional students than to their peers in online or distance education programs. Today, almost every college and university offers financial aid to students who qualify under current regulations. Online degree programs are attractive for many reasons; convenience, affordability, and flexibility among them. And, it's not hard to find educators, business people, engineers, and others who will tell you they would not be where they are without the degree they earned in an online program. How are online degrees seen by employers? That can be a tough question to answer with a generalization. You might best answer the question by contacting folks in your profession, especially those who are in charge of hiring and promoting, and ask them if an online degree would serve you well. Ask if they have found qualitative differences between students who have sat in a classroom and those who have availed themselves of online education. And, when speaking with admissions counselors at the institutions you are considering, ask them for placement information. While you're at it, be sure your admissions counselor addresses any licensure or certification concerns you may have. Don't forget to consider your learning style, academic skill levels, and motivation when deciding if enrolling in an online degree program would be a good step for you. A great way to be sure is to take a single course online before seeing if online education is your best choice.
Daniel Z. Kane has worked at schools and colleges for 30+ years. He has created nearly a dozen educational websites on online degrees and online colleges to assist students and educators. Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content online degrees article here.
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