Online college degrees are here to stay. How do we know? Well, they keep growing, with both local traditional colleges and online colleges choosing to offer them [ii].
Instead of having to choose among three or four relevant schools, today’s students can find online college degrees or certificates at hundreds of schools. In fact, official 2012 data from the Department of Education’s IPED data showed that 5.5 million students took at least one online course and 2.6 million studied completely online.[v]
Why are students choosing to enroll in an online college degree program? 2014 research conducted by Aslanian Market Research [v] indicates these things as primary motivations for enrolling in an online college degree program:
- I want a career in a new field
- I want the satisfaction of finishing my degree
- I’m unemployed or underemployed and need more education to pursue a new career
- I want to keep up-to-date with the skills and requirements of my current job
- I was seeking a promotion/new position within my field
Even Employers are looking at online college degrees in a more favorable light. According to a poll conducted by the SHRM: 87% of HR professionals agree that a degrees earned online are viewed more favorably today than they were five years ago. In addition, 79% of organizations asked had hired job applicants with online degrees in the last 12 months (of the time of the poll) [iii].
Still not convinced? Well, Aslanian Market Research[v] has indicated that About 60% of undergraduates and 70% of graduate students report being completely satisfied with their investment of time and money in their pursuit of thier degree. And that among students pursing college degrees online - 40% report within a year of graduation, improvement in their employment status, typically a raise or promotion. Need more? Well the study also indicated that Almost 90% of online students surveyed report that online study was equal to or better than classroom study.
What Are the Projected Degree Statistics?
Worried that earning a degree is no longer necessary in todays world? Strong degree attainment projections would argue otherwise. According to IES, the total number of degrees awarded to individuals is expected to grow across the board from 2009/10 to 2021/22[vi]
- Associates Degrees: 21%
- Bachelors Degrees: 21%
- Masters Degrees: 34%
- Doctoral/Ph.D.s/Ed.D.s: 24%
Many of America's Best Colleges and College Experts Value Online Learning
YES! Even America’s top colleges – Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Columbia (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report) – offer some form of a degree online, whether it be an entire online college degree program or just a few online classes. Many of the nation’s top schools use online learning as a tool for “open access.” Students from around the world can observe and learn from prize-winning instructors and study alongside the academically elite.
Some critics argue that degrees earned online area fad or just an inexpensive way to enroll more students without expanding crowded campuses. But perhaps the best judges of different online college degrees quality – professors and instructors – are confirming that online study has a rightful place in the academy. As of 2009, more than 33 percent of public university faculty had taught an online course. More than 50 percent felt comfortable recommending online study to students.[vii] This vote of confidence from highly-educated teachers at traditional colleges helps to show that e-learning is a legitimate vehicle for higher education and professional development.
Is An Online College Degree Program Right For Me?
It may provide flexibility that you require. Your classes could fit your schedule, which is ideal for students with work and/or family responsibilities. You don’t have to get to the college campus to take courses, which may save you money on transportation costs. But you need discipline organization and focus to force away distractions, set a schedule for yourself and complete the work.
If you have transfer credits choosing an online college degree could be a factor here as well. Again, the Aslanian Market Research shows that 80% of undergraduate students surveyed reported having credits to transfer—the typical number falling between 30-60 credits. Roughly half of these students said “most” or “all” of their transfer credits were accepted into an online program. Not only that, but 80% reported that it was easy to find information about transfer credits.[v]
Carol Aslanian also remarks: "In my experience, many students worry—unnecessarily—that they won’t be able to interact effectively with their classmates when they study online."
What Could You Do With Online College Degrees?
The answer here depends on what you’re interested in. There are all sorts of online programs available today, including nursing, computer and information sciences, business and general studies. You can even get a master’s degree online. In fact, 9% of students going for a master’s degree today are doing it entirely online[iv].
What Subjects are Available Online?
While it may be unlikely that some some of the more unusual degree options out there such as Fermentation Sciences (beer making), Comedy, Viticulture (wine making) and Popular Culture are available as online programs, there are plenty of other online degree options. Some of which may include a MBA or BSBA in Business Administration, to a MA or BA in Psychology, a MSM in Healthcare. A BA in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a MS in Information Technology, a BS in Criminal Justice and so much more.
Online Degree Programs: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
What is the difference between synchronus and asynchronous online learning approaches? Synchronous online classes are those that require students and instructors to be online at the same time.
Asynchronous classes are just the opposite. Instructors provide materials, lectures, tests, and assignments that can be accessed at any time. Which Online Degree Learning Format is Best for You?
[i]bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm. This statistic compares the 2014 median annual earnings of Bachelor’s degree holders versus those with a high school diploma [ii] nces.ed.gov/pubs2012/2012154.pdf [iii] shrm.org [iv] nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80 | [v]aslanianmarketresearch.com | [vi]nces.ed.gov/programs/projections | [vii]sloanconsortium.org |
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