How Do Online Degree Programs Compare to Traditional Universities?

Online degree programs are becoming increasingly popular with students.  With this new educational system come many questions.  Students want to know how distance learning programs compare with those offered at physical locations.

The most important consideration is accreditation. Some "degree mills" issue basically meaningless diplomas. You will be wasting your time and money unless you choose an accredited online degree program.

Many colleges offer the same degree programs via internet as they do at their traditional campuses.  Some colleges will allow you to take the entire course online, while others require your attendance for certain projects and labs.  Oftentimes you will find that with more students going online for courses there are smaller class sizes. This means more personalized attention.  Schools can also focus their budgets more on degree materials making the overall higher quality of the programs.

Online colleges often require their teachers to have a Master or Doctorate in the subject that they are presenting.  More highly trained, knowledgeable teachers mean a better quality education for you.  Search for teachers who have several years experience in online training.

It is a common myth that taking classes online requires less effort and commitment than an on-campus education. While it is true that courses can be scheduled when it is convenient for the student, you can expect to put in the same amount of time and effort into studying.  Online students must also motivate themselves to stay on task as there is no set schedule to direct the activities.  You should plan on a minimum of 15 hours a week per course.

Another misconception is that online students do not have interaction with other students.  Some online degree programs require attendance for labs and group projects.  Other colleges encourage study groups either in person or via email or chat rooms.  There are even websites exclusively for connecting distance-learning students to each other.  You will not only meet students from your own area, but there is also the possibility of meeting students from all over the world without ever leaving your home.

Employers are concerned about whether an internet student has enough experience working with other people when learning online.  While test scores are similar between candidates from traditional colleges and online schools, distance learning students do not have as much day-to-day interaction and team building that comes from attending classes.  For this reason it may be useful to choose a school that supplements online training with class or lab time.

However, sometimes employers in more technical fields will look at an online degree as an asset.  Students who have obtained an online degree are often comfortable with computers and the other technology involved.  These distance learning students are more comfortable with the internet, software such as word processing programs and often have a preference for technical jobs.

When interviewing for a position, you will want to be aware that while the employer may be aware of online degree programs, they may not completely understand how they work and the quality of the education. You shouldn't conceal how you earned your degree, but you should be prepared to answer their questions and support your choice of schooling.

There is no guarantee that completing an online degree program will get you a job, just as there is no assurance that a diploma from a traditional college will result in employment.

Much of the value of an online degree program will depend on your employer. Some will consider it a plus, while others will still prefer a traditional degree. Before pursing an online degree, speak with experienced people in your desired career field and get their opinion.  You may discover that they even prefer an online degree!

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