For a long time, adult students were discouraged and unable to pursue further education due to busy lifestyles, family concerns, full-time careers, and social interests; this was a problem. Then, online degree programs emerged as a possible solution to fulfill this void and are considered the same as traditional degrees. It also gives adult students and those excluded from the on-campus educational system a viable learning alternative.
Research Data Interpretations for Online and Traditional Degree
Research data indicate that most students prefer online degrees instead of traditional degrees significantly than ever before. For example, in 2018 National Center for Education Statistics reported that more than 2.3 billion students were admitted to online courses. This percentage accounts for over 16% of the total number of graduates and undergraduates in the United States. Moreover, those numbers continue to increase as more people become aware of technology and web-based learning alternatives.
In the year 2020, only 17% of returning university students preferred on-campus classes. In contrast, other students focus on the hybrid approach that combines online instructions and traditional learning methods or a completely online curriculum. As students’ preference changes over the year, more and more online courses were available to virtual learners. In addition, students have multiple concerns regarding the worth of online degrees compared to a traditional degree, future job goals, the credibility of online degrees, and much more. We will discuss these concerns one by one in this blog and answer all your questions.
Online Degree vs. Traditional Degree
In recent times, online degrees are considered reliable, just like traditional degrees. The majority of employers and industrial managers are now embracing online degree programs. As more and more trusted colleges and universities offer online degree programs, the recognition continues to grow. Online education is currently trending, and registration in online courses has soared over the past ten years as in CollegeDegree.Education.
According to the survey conducted by educational personnel, “83 percent of executives proposed that “an online degree is as authentic as one earned through the conventional campus-based program.” Furthermore, recruiters said that the school’s accreditation, quality graduates, and institution’s reputation were crucial things that make an online degree more credible.
Is an Online degree as Credible as Traditional Degrees?
The answer to this statement will rely on the type of degree or program you select. As long as you choose a credible program, there’ll be hardly any difference. You’ll take the specified courses and find yourself with a similar degree as somebody who attended in-person classes. However, there are some differences between traditional and online degrees. If you prefer an online program, then your experience will be utterly different from classroom students.
Online Degrees Provide Students Extra Flexibility
Most students believe that online learning is the best way to earn a degree. Online courses allow students flexibility to attend classes from any area and take lectures at whatever time of day. This benefit makes online learning a good option for parents, students who function during the day, and those who prefer to take courses in the house. These are several advantages of internet learning that you can expect.
- You can fit class time around work duties or childcare plans.
- You might have the ability to save cash, as online courses are normally less expensive than regular programs.
- Some programs enable you to take the course at any time of day.
- Some online courses may have interactive components, giving you an opportunity to engage with the material.
- Online education permits you to learn at your own pace.
- There’s no requirement for lengthy commutes, as long as you have internet access at home.
On the other hand, online education presents some challenges. Therefore, before selecting an online program, you should consider whether these barriers will cause any issues for you. These are a few complaints about online learning that you must be aware of.
- Not all programs or majors will be readily available online.
- You should have resources like a laptop computer, printer, and printing products available.
- Self-motivation and self-directed learnings are predominant in online education.
Are Online Degrees Respected by Employers?
Many employers have concerns regarding degrees and also focus on the institution from where you got the degree. Therefore, companies will see any degree from a certified school with a favorable track record.
That’s particularly real when contrasted to a degree from colleges they consider to be “diploma mills.” These are schools that essentially distribute diplomas to any individual that pays the tuition costs. They are strictly for-profit schools.
If you earn the degree from a certified university, employers will not care whether you went to a 100% online institution. So, accreditation, as well as the institution’s reputation, is something you’ll wish to study when searching for an online degree program.
Furthermore, it will certainly be hard for a company to recognize that you got your degree online unless they ask directly. It might not even be apparent if they ask to see your transcripts to confirm your course work and participation.
However, if they noticed during the interview process, keep in mind that honesty is the very best plan. You can additionally mention the extra abilities you learned through online education, such as self-motivation and good time management.
Online Level vs. Traditional Level: Salary Distinctions After College Graduation
It’s not likely that an employer would hire you at a low salary because you gained an online instead of a standard degree. Most employers aren’t sure about online degrees unless you provide proof that you obtained from your authorized institution.
It means the pay difference between the two degrees will be minimal. Therefore, you must ensure that an online degree from a recognized university will undoubtedly provide the same job possibilities and salary benefits as any traditional degree.
Is an Online Degree Well Worth My Time?
Educational institutions and companies are now accepting online degrees and diplomas for the hiring process. With the advent of technology, the stigma once connected with online degrees is fast disappearing.
CollegeDegree.Education is a good option for those who are not able to manage on-campus classes. It opens doors to new opportunities and career facilities while minimizing the cost of a degree.
If traditional programs don’t interest you or don’t match your current lifestyle, going for an online degree might be a rewarding opportunity.
Conclusion
Online programs can provide the playing field for learners who might not have time or sources for conventional learning. Online education is likewise optimal for those who stay in the backwoods and might not have the ability to attend in-person classes. In addition, the fact that online programs are less costly than conventional degrees means they are easily accessible to a bigger student market.
CollegeDegree.Education continues to grow, so take time to research all your interested fields. Discover a program that fulfills your requirement for flexibility while still offering the learning facilities that are very important to you.