Getting a college or university degree online has many advantages, but also some challenges, when compared to traditional campus programs. Although online degrees and distance learning have become popular in the last decade as technologies have improved, it is important to weigh the benefits of each to determine which type of learning environment is right for you. To get you started we have put together a list of pros and cons of online education in order to help you make the best decision about your education.
The upside of an Online Education:
A computer, an internet connection and a phone line are the basic tools needed to get your degree through the internet. The beauty of an online degree is that you can be in any location to study, so long as you can access the internet.
Most online schools will provide you with specific software for your degree program to install on your computer. You also may need the use of the basic standard Microsoft Office suite (including Word and Excel) to complete assignments as necessary.
- Earning your degree online may be a faster way to boost earnings. Click here to review the earnings benefits of a college education.
- More specialization options: Online programs do not have to find professors to teach in a specific location, so they are able to find highly qualified professors in many areas of specialization.
- Credibility: With accredited online degrees on the rise, employers recognize the value and quality in a similarly positive light to traditional campus degrees.
- Efficiency. In many cases, you can earn your degree at an accelerated pace because online programs generally allow you to obtain more credits per year as compared to typical campus programs, which may limit credits per year.
- Flexibility. Work at your pace. While you can earn your degree faster, you may also choose to go at a pace that works best for you. Being able to balance family, work, and other obligations while still earning your degree is one of the vital benefits of online education.
- Year round start times. There are many options during the year to begin your course work. Classes start each month, so you can get started when it suits your schedule.
- Travel and commuting: There is no need to travel to class, so you can study when and where it fits your schedule. Your education will be fully focused on your studies instead of commuting. You will also save money by not having to travel to school.
- Housing costs: Keep your current housing situation, since you will be learning from home and need not to relocate.
- Less Expensive: In most cases, online degree programs cost less than traditional programs. Ask your Admissions Advisor to explain the fees versus a traditional degree when you request information from an online institution.
- Easy to get started: All you need is a computer, software, a phone line, and an internet connection. If you are reading this on a computer you probably have everything you need to get started.
- Flexible Payment Choices. In much the same way traditional universities have a number of payment options, online programs have a variety of financial aid options available. Click here to learn more about the many choices.
- Accessibility. When earning your degree online, you will be able to access your assignments, documents, research material, and any other course related items completely online. You can check notes and read assignments when you want, without sitting through long lectures on those days when it does not fit your schedule. If you're not good at taking notes or have a short attention span, an online degree may be for you; all material can be read and re-read until you are comfortable with it.
- Focus: Because you will be studying when it fits your schedule, you can choose times that allow you to be fully rested and focused to best absorb the lessons.
- Personal interaction. While your degree will be earned online there are still many opportunities to interact with your professors and other students. There are a number of ways to contact your professors to ask questions and seek advice. Some find this less intimidating, as opposed to seeking out a professor in his or her office. Anonymity also ensures that each student is treated equally; everyone gets attention, not just those that speak up in class. In addition, you no longer need to wait for a professor’s office hours to meet.
- Personalized attention. Because of the nature of online distance learning, your professor is able to work around your schedule, particularly if you are a stay-at-home parent or have a normal work-week schedule. You can get in touch in the evenings or any time that's convenient.
- Up to date learning. Because the bulk of your education will be online, materials are constantly updated. When events real-life events occur that affect your area of concentration, you are able to integrate that information in to your studies immediately. In addition, you will learn how to find current information through online research. The ability to command internet research will be a valuable tool for employment as well as social networking.
Potential Challenges of an Online Education
- For younger students, an online degree doesn't provide some of the college experience and spirit that a traditional campus education includes. If the social experiences of college are integral to your goals, this may be a challenge.
- Perception of online degrees. Online degrees have increased in popularity and credibility in the last few years. But they are an innovation that is gaining currency. While there may still be some hesitancy by certain employers to give them the credit they deserve, online degrees are becoming mainstream. Earning your degree through an accredited school with a solid reputation is crucial to your success. Click here to learn more about how to make sure you understand the accreditation process.
- Self-discipline required. As with any level of education, earning your degree requires the discipline to meet required deadlines. The bonus is that you are able to set your own schedule; however, there will be no one there to push you to meet the requirements. Some people are self-motivators and can handle this type of arrangement well. But if you don't have the ability to concentrate and make time for studies, an online degree may not be the best option for you. You may also be asked to find your own way with many projects or assignments, so the ability to research and find information (though some initial instruction that will be provided to you by almost all online schools) is imperative. Also, it's going to be important that you can create an environment at home or in a public place that you can focus on your studies - some find it hard to avoid the disruptions of family and social life.
- Credit transfers. If you plan to continue your undergraduate online degree to a graduate program, be sure to see if your program's credits can be used for graduate courses as some graduate programs may not accept undergraduate degrees.
- Professors. Some online degree professors will be better than others, just as is the case in traditional universities and colleges. Be sure to research the staff that will be guiding you through your online program.
- Limited social interaction. Although there are opportunities to interact (forums, chats, email, potential offline meetings) with fellow students and professors, an online program may not give you all of the networking potential campus programs. There are opportunities, but online degrees will require a self- starter to find them.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you will have to determine what is most important to you regarding your education experience and priorities. It is clear that an online degree provides numerous benefits and deserves a very strong consideration for anyone looking to obtain their postsecondary degree.
Would you like to know more? Use our search tool to find the perfect degree fit and request information from a school - its free and a school advisor can answer your questions and walk you through all of the plusses and minuses noted above.
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