Online Degrees - Facts VS Myths
Online education has changed the academic landscape of the country. More and more students now prefer the flexibility of an online college degree to the fixed schedule of classroom-based learning.Unfortunately, anything that has the potential to revolutionize an established system comes with its own set of detractors and misconceptions. Critics will only fade away with time, but we can try to dispel the incorrect perceptions about online education. Here are five top online degrees myths dispelled and separated from online degrees facts.
Myth: Quality of online degrees is lower than that of campus-based degrees.
Fact: This may have been true some years back, but with the increasing popularity of and demand for online degree programs, education providers have certainly upped the ante as far as quality is concerned. Accredited institutions offering online education have to adhere to the strict quality standards set in place by the agency that recognizes them or risk losing their accreditation. Moreover, the curriculum of most online programs offered by brick and mortar colleges is the same as the classroom degrees. However, be wary of diploma mills that continue to grant degrees that are substandard and of little academic value.
Myth: Online degrees are not accepted by employers.
Fact: If you earn your degree from a prestigious, accredited institution, there is no reason why employers would dismiss it. Employers now recognize the importance of technology in imparting education and are also aware of the improvement in the quality of online college degrees, which is why they are likely to treat them at par with a traditional degree.
Myth: Online degrees mean you have little outside help.
Fact: Yes, online degrees involve a great deal of self tutoring, but that doesn't mean you're on your own and don't get any help from instructors. Any institution of repute has a proper system in place for helping their online students. You may be able to speak to your professors over the phone or get your doubts clarified on email. Your institution may also assign you a student advisor or a study partner if necessary.
Myth: Online programs are easier than classroom degrees.
Fact: This is perhaps the biggest mistake that students make when enrolling in an online program. Before you commit yourself to an online program, you should be aware that not only do they have the same curriculum and difficulty level as on campus degrees, but they also require a lot of independent study. You will probably be juggling your education with other commitments and need both discipline and focus to stay on top of your coursework.
Myth: With online degrees, I can study whenever I like.
Fact: While it's true on a broad level that most online degrees are not location or time specific, some programs may require you to log in for live video lectures at times. You will have deadlines for submitting assignments and projects and will be required to appear for examinations as scheduled.
Stevens-Henager College® was established in 1891 and is distinguished as one of the oldest colleges in Utah, offering degree programs, both on-campus and online for Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's Degrees. Working professionals can enhance their career and qualifications with the in-demand online degree programs offered by Stevens-Henager College.
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