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Online Degrees: The Pros and Cons
of Getting Your Degree Online
Although most people consider online degrees a new trend, they are actually a type of "distance learning," which has been around for decades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines distance learning as "…a mode of education in which the students and the instructor are separated by space or by both space and time."
Essentially, distance learning includes earning a degree or taking courses in the following ways:
- over the phone
- through the postal service
- using the internet and email
- via prerecorded video
- with special software.
In this article, we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of getting online degrees and distance learning.
How Does an Online Degree Work?
Universities around the world, including some of the most prestigious ones, have added online degree programs to their curricula. In most programs, you log onto the Internet whenever it’s convenient for you to read lecture notes, watch streaming videos or visit a discussion board.
Many courses will require you to participate in online chat rooms or electronic forums to keep you connected with others in the online course. Like traditional classes, you will have homework, papers and tests that you take at home and submit by a certain time through email. In most cases, students also have the option of contacting the professor directly through email or chat rooms to ask questions. Some courses even require group projects where you work with other students over the Internet.
The Advantages of an Online Diploma
There are several advantages to earning online associate, bachelor's or graduate degrees. Here are some reasons you may want to get your degree online:
- Online classes fit into your schedule more easily: Because you can get online, read course materials and log into chat rooms whenever it is convenient for you, online classes are easier to keep up with as you balance the demands of work and/or family. You can log online once the kids are asleep and not have to pay for a babysitter.
Alternatively, if you have a full-time job, you can do your course work during your lunch hour, in the evenings or on the weekends. Without a set schedule of when you have to attend class, online classes provide you with the flexibility you need to continue on in your daily life.
- Online courses connect you to international schools: Because the Internet connects people around the world, you can take courses from prestigious universities in distant countries without ever leaving your home. This gives you the opportunity to seek out the best online programs for what you want to study, no matter where the school is located.
- Online programs are cheaper: While the cost of books is generally the same, signing up for classes is generally cheaper because you aren’t paying for the classroom time on campus. Similarly, because you aren’t commuting to a classroom, you will save money on the cost of gas and parking.
- You can get your degree faster: In general, online courses take less time to complete, which allows you to earn your degree faster. Not only does this keep tuition costs down, but it puts you on the fast track to advancing your career.
Looking for a school that focuses on this subject?
Here is a list of institutions and the number of programs they offer.
The Disadvantages of Online Degrees
Unfortunately, while there are some negative sides to training for your career online, most of them can be overcome with some preparation. Here are some factors you should be aware of before enrolling in an online degree program:
- Consider how you learn best: Because there is no face time with the professor, if you learn better when someone demonstrates a concept to you, or through a question and answer session, then online courses may not be the best way for you to learn new material. However, if you can effectively learn by reading on your own and interacting online, then online classes are the way to go.
- Make sure that the degree will advance your career: Contact potential employers to find out their views on online career training. While some companies consider online degrees to be on par with degrees from traditional universities, some do not.
- Make sure that your computer skills are up to speed: Because all course work will be online, if you are not computer savvy, or if you do not have a fast Internet connection, you could have problems participating.
- Not all online programs are accredited: You need to carefully research your chosen school to make sure it is a respectable institution and not a "diploma mill" that takes your money and gives you a phony degree. You can easily verify any program with the U.S. Department of Education or a regional accreditation association if you have any doubts.
Similarly, find out how long your particular school has been offering online degrees. Avoid institutions that are only a few years old, as they may still be ironing the kinks out of the system. You don’t want to suffer or receive a lesser education as a result.
- Only self-disciplined people should enroll: Because you will be studying and "attending" classes on your own time, without a professor monitoring you, be sure that you are disciplined enough to fit online classes into your schedule. There is no instructor marking your attendance, and no other students around motivating you to study. So, it’s up to you to take the initiative.
What to Consider Before Enrolling
Before enrolling in an online program, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you good at learning new computer programs? Because different online courses may require you to download and work with new programs, being able to navigate and quickly learn how to work new software is crucial to being successful in online classes.
- Do you express yourself better by writing or talking? If you can communicate clearly through the written word, then you will probably do better with an online course. However, those who prefer talking and verbal communication may be stunted in an online forum.
- Do you have a good computer with a high-speed Internet connection? The answer to this question must be yes for you to proceed with an online degree.
- Do you need people around to motivate you? If this is the case, then you may be better off on a traditional campus. However, if you have strong self-discipline, or if you prefer a quiet environment, you could thrive in an online class forum.
- Why do you want to get an online degree? If the answer is to learn more to advance in your career, earn a raise, or simply to continue your education and earn a degree, then online learning may be an excellent choice for you.
Other Information About Online Degrees
Online education has become more popular than you might think. Over three million Americans currently take online courses, and nearly 50 percent of higher education institutions offer them.
The growing popularity of online degree programs allows you to be more discerning in your choices and find the best fit for you. As you are shopping around for an online program, take the time to carefully research each school. Investigate the available faculty interaction, the nature of the coursework, the professor’s method of communication (lecture notes, video, slides or even animation) and the level of interaction you will have with the other students. Then, select the best program according to your preferences, and get started on the next step in your education today.
Do you have a program in mind?
Research different schools that offer any of the below programs with the links below.
Associate's Programs
Bachelor's Programs
Master's Programs
