Online college is no longer just an option for many students – it has become the norm. Even as institutions plan to resume on-campus instruction, experts say colleges are poised to offer more online degree programs and develop new ones to boost enrollment. Advancements in technology, course design, high-speed internet availability and more are moving online learning forward.
One reason students enroll in online degree programs is for the flexibility to study from anywhere. Students with family responsibilities or full-time jobs may also be able to work around their own schedules. Online students need to have good time management skills and be able to overcome distractions in their environment.
Though online formats still present students with unique challenges, accredited institutions usually offer tailored support for students to adjust to online courses and plan their academic futures however they learn.
Online College Degree Programs
Earning a bachelor’s degree – in person or online – can open doors to employment opportunities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the employment rate among 25- to 34-year-olds in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 86% in 2020.
Compare that with the 69% employment rate for those with only a high school diploma.In the fall of 2019, about 7.3 million undergraduate students were enrolled in any distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, and more than 3.4 million were enrolled exclusively in online classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Students in online programs usually earn the same degree as on-campus students. The curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree typically matches the on-campus curriculum at the same school, and the diploma usually doesn’t state whether that specific degree was earned online or in person. This can help ease fears that employers won’t accept applicants with online undergraduate degrees.
Many online bachelor’s programs require students to complete general education requirements in the arts, humanities, and sciences if they haven’t already done so at another college or university. Prospective students will likely need to decide between a liberal arts major and one that is more career-focused, with the latter being the route many take to change career fields or advance professionally.
Still, experts say it may make sense for some online students to major in a liberal arts discipline if it’s a subject they are truly passionate about. Academic advisers can offer guidance on which route is best for you.
About The Author
