Should I Get an Online Degree?

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Read time 4 minutes

Lauren Abraham

Published on Jun 18, 2021

Today, many people choose to pursue their college degree online. Pursuing an education in this format can be convenient and flexible, allowing you to create an educational path that is suitable for you. With the many proven benefits of online degree programs, it is no wonder so many people are choosing to earn a degree online.

But, is it right for everyone? Here are some things to consider when deciding if you should get an online degree.

Goals

Your educational and professional goals are perhaps the most important thing to consider when it comes to getting an online degree. What major are you interested in? What kind of career would you like to pursue? It is important to ensure your degree program of interest is offered in an online format. Doing research at this stage will allow you to determine whether or not your degree can be earned online and if it will be advantageous in pursuing your career.

For example, some occupations, such as physical therapy, require hands-on application of principles. Therefore, this type of degree in an online format may not be available. On the other hand, a business degree may be a great choice for an online degree. No matter what you choose, taking the decision seriously is the first step toward success.

Accreditation

If you’re wondering whether or not a future employer will take an online degree seriously, the answer may be in whether or not the college is accredited. It is extremely important to earn your degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation speaks to the quality of the university and its academic programs. In addition, accreditation represents an acknowledgement by peer of meeting set criteria or standards.

In choosing where to pursue a degree, especially an online degree, ensuring your choice is accredited provides an assurance of quality and continual institutional program improvement. Degrees that are not earned from a reputable institution may not be acknowledged by employers or other schools if you are looking to further your education. So, be sure to do your research in choosing where to earn your online degree.

Transfer Credits

If you have previously taken coursework from another institution, you may be able to transfer those credits toward your degree program. Be sure to contact the college transfer center of the university you will be attending in order to learn how your credits can be applied to your degree. As a result, you may be able to save time and money, and earn your degree sooner than you think.

Dual enrollment is a very smart idea for students looking to get general education classes out of the way. Look to see if your local community college or university offers classes that will transfer into your degree.

Available Resources

Before committing to an online degree program, it is important to ensure you have the resources necessary to be successful. For example, will you have enough time to dedicate to studying and a peaceful and quiet place to do so? While you will not have to physically attend classes, you will need to dedicate the proper amount of time to interact with the class material.

Therefore, earning an online education requires dedication and motivation. In addition, it is important to research what technology requirements are necessary for completing an online degree. For example, if you do not have regular access to a computer or have a poor internet connection, it may be difficult to keep up with your classes.

Cost

The cost of your education is another factor to take into consideration when looking into an online degree. The benefits of an online degree program are that it has the potential to be less expensive than a traditional campus program. However, it is a common misconception that all online programs are less expensive. It is important to do research and explore financing options of different degree programs. In addition, be sure to investigate potential scholarship opportunities. Also, look beyond just college scholarship opportunities to find contests related to your degree.

Online programs have given many individuals the opportunity to pursue a college-level education. For those who want to further their education in a convenient format, pursuing an online degree may be a great option.

Diverse Degree Options

The diverse number of degree options that can be taken online is very encouraging for those looking to switch or even advance in their field. These degree options are not limited to bachelor's degrees either. You can also earn a master's or doctorate in an online degree program.

On Your Own Time

One of the major benefits of getting an online degree is that you can be much more flexible with your time. While assignments will have a deadline, you can complete them when you have free time. A good example is for individuals who have jobs and need to be in the office. The ability to take courses without being in designated class times means you can balance a job and school more effectively.

Convenience

A very important part of getting an online degree is convenience. Students with families, a full-time job, or other responsibilities may not consider getting a degree since it would be hard to go to in-person classes. However, one of the best parts of taking online classes—even if you’re in Florida, Texas, or California—is being able to do classwork on your schedule. This flexibility helps students balance their responsibilities while advancing their education.

Grand Canyon University offers a wide variety of online degree programs for students. GCU is an accredited university that stands out from other online education institutions. To learn more about pursing an education at GCU, contact us today using the Request Info button at the top of the page.

Written By

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Lauren Abraham

Student Writer