Jun
15
2011
Recent employment trends have begun to show that many employers are no longer put off by online degrees or certifications. There was a time when an online degree carried a sub-par reputation, but today's online courses are more in-depth and provide real training that can compare favorably with the education you would receive through a traditional college program. Now that several universities have begun to offer online degrees, it is possible to attend classes online and receive a diploma that isn't any different from the diplomas received by students who attended classes on campus.
Type of Coursework Makes a Difference
Not all degrees are suited for online programs. If you plan to work at a job that requires heavy networking skills, like marketing or sales, you would probably benefit more from classes that put you face-to-face with the people you need to know. Other degrees make perfect sense for online studies. Programs that rely heavily on reading and writing skills are ideal for online delivery. If you simply need to finish a degree or complete extra coursework to qualify for a promotion, an online class could be a good way to accomplish that goal without cutting too deeply into your daily schedule.
Online Course Completion Proves Certain Qualities
Employers are beginning to understand that it takes certain personality traits to successfully complete an online college program. Students must be self-disciplined and they must be able to organize their time so that they finish their assignments. If a person has completed an online degree, the employer can feel confident that the person is self-directed and can be trusted to finish work in a timely manner. Online courses don't have the luxury of meeting once a week so that the instructor can remind students to stick to the timeline.
Nationally Recognized Schools Offering Online Degrees
A recent trend in online courses has also helped build a better reputation for these classes. Many nationally recognized universities and colleges now offer complete degree programs online. Students can attend state university from anywhere in the country and bring home a degree as if they had been on campus. More online colleges carry accreditation than ever before, as well. These trends will continue to separate the high quality schools from those that are simply selling pieces of paper. Employers can look up a school's credentials and easily know whether an applicant's degree is respectable.
Online Costs Similar to Traditional Costs
Most online college programs charge the same amount as traditional on-campus programs, especially if the online classes come from a school with an established campus system already. Students can enjoy the same scholarships, grants, and student loans that they would be able to receive if they were attending on campus, as well. If you have the drive to complete your classes on your own time, an online degree can give you all of the benefits of a traditional degree without any extra costs. Now that employers are beginning to appreciate online degrees, there is no reason to put off earning those credits to get better work.
Jessica Bosari writes about family and personal finance at Billeater.com, a site offering tips and advice on how to save money.