Online degree programs are more popular than ever, and with greater availability comes greater choices. Their greatest advantage is the convenience of completing lessons any time to suit your schedule. Work and personal commitments are no longer obstacles to pursuing a degree. Assignments may be submitted online for review, and forums provide discussion on course topics. You'll save time and money on transportation, too.
Despite increased options, online degrees still have fewer majors and smaller course offerings than brick-and-mortar colleges. Tuition costs are about the same as for brick and mortar, although students will save on additional fees. People may not give online programs as much respect, thinking that they aren't as rigorous as live classes. Employers may ask why you chose an online program.
In addition, you must be self-motivated to complete assignments without the instructor and peers pushing you on.
With a full range of degree options and majors, brick-and-mortar schools can accommodate most desired degrees. And a regular schedule of attendance is necessary for some students to keep on track. Also, live classes offer face-to-face contact with other students. You won't have that with online courses. According to Tips4students.com, "Such contact is very important in learning how to deal with many aspects of nonverbal communication that aren't obvious in an online chatroom."
If the school of your choice is far away, you may have to relocate. Class schedules may be inflexible, making it difficult if not impossible to work courses around your schedule. Most universities have attendance policies you'll have to adhere to, so if you're absent too many times, it could affect your grade. Even tardies could count against you.
Get a catalog from the institution so you can evaluate their programs, structure and credentials. Make sure your chosen school is accredited. Find out by contacting the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education. Talk with people you respect in your field and ask what they think of online degrees. While negative opinions of online programs persist, the tide is turning in their favor. In 2003, 57 percent of educational leaders thought that the learning outcomes in online education were as good as or better than face-to-face classes. Today, that number has risen 5 percent.