Online Degrees in 2023: Are They Truly Valid in the Eyes of Employers?

Obtaining a degree online: It used to be that students were hassled or felt degraded when they obtained a degree online. The question of whether employers care about where the degree comes from is more relevant today than ever.

Employers do care, but with the rise of many great schools offering online degrees, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find fully on-ground degrees. However, it is essential to check the legitimacy of the school you choose to ensure a quality education and a degree that employers respect.

Consider my experience: I've never been degraded or heard of someone being degraded for having an online degree. In fact, I plan to obtain my E.D.D. or PhD online, and I believe this decision is based on the value of the education and not just the institution's location.

The Challenges of Online Learning

While many online programs offer a legitimate path to higher education, the reality is that not all online programs ensure high-quality education. In many instances, online programs are set up to cut costs and generate revenue rather than impart real learning. These initiatives may receive a similar reputation as those that fail to meet standards, leading to a generalized skepticism from employers.

Here are some common issues with online education:

Lack of Intensive Feedback

Many online degrees do not provide the intense and detailed feedback on writing, math, and labwork that students at traditional schools receive. This can result in students being less sound in their knowledge and skills. Even the best online programs face challenges in replicating the one-on-one interaction and hands-on experience that on-ground programs offer.

Memorization vs. Problem-Solving

A recent student who attended an online engineering program using the Intellipath software told me that he did not learn much, as the program simply allowed him to memorize the right answers without actually solving real problems. This highlights a critical difference between online and traditional education. The goal of education, ultimately, is not just to gather information but to apply it to real-world scenarios.

Top Universities Abandon Online Initiatives

Top universities like Johns Hopkins have abandoned their online initiatives, and even top-tier institutions like MIT offer online classes but do not provide course credit for them. This underscores the fact that not all online programs are created equal and that many are not suitable replacements for traditional in-person education.

Employer Perceptions and the Value of Online Education

Employers are well aware of the differences between online and traditional education, recognizing that students who graduate from schools like Arizona State or the Colorado School of Mines come from a completely different world than those who have gone through online programs.

While the initial hesitation is understandable, it's important to note that many online programs now offer a robust and valid educational experience. With proper research and careful selection, online degrees can be just as credible as on-ground degrees.

Key considerations for finding a reputable online program include:

Check the school's accreditation. Ensure the program aligns with your career goals. Look for feedback from current or past students. Consider the availability of support services, including tutoring and career counseling.

Ultimately, as long as you do your due diligence and choose a reputable program, an online degree can be a valuable stepping stone to your career goals.

Conclusion

The debate over the validity of online degrees is ongoing. However, with the right research and selection, an online degree can be a legitimate and respected path to higher education. Employers are becoming more understanding of the value that online education can bring, given the proper attention to quality and legitimacy.