Many students pursuing bachelor’s degrees have busy lives. It may not be possible for them to attend classes in-person due to work, family demands, or other personal commitments. Luckily, there are now many degree programs offered partially or even completely online, meaning these students don’t have to miss out on advancing their careers and achieving their goals.
Online degrees aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For anyone with time restrictions or who lives far away from a physical college campus, it’s a realistic avenue for starting and completing a bachelor’s degree in dozens of respected fields. Some online degree programs are completed 100 percent online, with no physical interaction with other students or professors. Rather than having to attend class on a set schedule, these students can learn at their own pace, studying and completing assignments in the spare time between work shifts and caring for children. Other online programs feature a hybrid of online and on-campus instruction. These programs may hold a majority of courses virtually with a few cornerstone courses taking place in-person, or in an internship/incubator environment, so students still get valuable face-to-face mentoring. It’s also possible to have degree programs that simply have an online component, offering hybrid classes that combine in-person and online classes for the same course during a semester—giving live or recorded online learning formats to those who need it most.
According to The National Center for Education Statistics, in 2016:
With so many online learners making up the student body at top institutions, it’s becoming less acceptable for these degrees to be ignored. Companies have been taking notice of this trend and have adjusted their hiring practices to account for all types of degree-earners.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), approximately 92% of employers view online degrees more favorably from recognized schools that also provide residential, physical programs. This positive perception extends to online degree holders despite their accreditation. However, it’s essential to note that opinions may vary, and some employers still prefer candidates with traditional, on-campus degrees.
In summary, online degrees are increasingly respected by employers, especially when they come from reputable institutions. As long as the program is accredited and aligns with the candidate’s career goals, employers recognize the value of online education.
