For many people, choosing to go to college is not just about getting a quality education but also the experiences it brings, the exposure they get, the new people they get to meet, etc. for others, getting a complete on-campus college experience isn’t always possible. There can be various reasons for this. Many people have full-time jobs or other responsibilities that just don’t give them the time to go to college. In fact, due to the recent covid pandemic, many people have completely shifted towards online learning and find that it suits their needs better.
However, many students are apprehensive that their online degrees don’t have as much value as an on-campus one. On the contrary, if your online degree has good accreditation and a quality curriculum, employers shouldn’t bat an eyelash if your mode of learning is online. With an increasing number of courses being offered by top universities, it can be difficult to choose what option would be the best for you. To help you out, here’s a short guide to choosing the ideal online degree for you.
1. Accreditation
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not the online degree you’re considering is accredited by a reputable university or not. Accreditation makes all the difference when applying to jobs. Plus, if you’re applying for a scholarship, accreditation is a requirement.
2. Length Of The Study
The best part about online degrees is that there’s no time limit for their completion. While an on-campus degree would be regular and take about 4 years for Bachelors vs. 2 years for Masters and Ph.D. degrees, online degrees can take however long you need. For example, Masters’ and doctoral programs in education online can last from 3 – 4 years depending on how long it takes you to complete your thesis. Therefore, you need to consider how much time you can commit to your online studies and then decide which degree would be best for you.
3. Entry Requirements
Entry requirements usually vary depending on the accredited university and the field you’re applying to. Online degrees tend to have lower entry requirements as compared to on-campus degrees but some requirements still need to be completed. Basic requirements include computer skills to successfully navigate the online course requirements and basic English skills for communication.
4. Tuition Fees
Another important factor when deciding on your online degree is the tuition fee. Although online degrees are relatively cheaper than those provided on-campus, they still charge a lot. However, you are applicable for student loans or scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria.
5. Job Placement
Many people who opt for an online degree do so to boost their careers. Therefore, considering job placement and employment opportunities is an important step when choosing an online degree for yourself. So, if employment is your top priority, make sure to check out the programs that provide high employment numbers.
Deciding on an online degree can be tough with the numerous options available these days. However, it’s important to remember that, whatever option you select, that you make sure you consider the above-mentioned options for a good experience.
Staff writer
