Do Recruiters Look upon Online Degrees less Favourably

The Internet has truly expanded the avenues for learning in ways unimaginable before its inception. Not only do students now have a plethora of information available at the click of a button, they can even complete their educational requirements sitting at home without ever setting foot in a university by opting for online degrees.

Benefits of Online Degree: 
           
            a.       Flexibility 
            b.       Ease of managing studies while working 
            c.       Cost effectiveness 
            d.      Reduced additional expenses such as books, learning material, and accommodation etc.

The online degree market has expanded in recent years. Online education grew more than 13 percent in 2009, and earning online degrees through distance learning is becoming quite a trend. Initially students would take a few courses online but now more and more students are showing interest in distance learning and online degree program.

Despite its advantages, there is a certain stigma associated with online degrees, and there is an impression that courses online does not carry the same value as traditional degrees.

Online Degrees Do Not Have The Same Value As Traditional Degrees: Is It Really True?

Well, courses online have not exactly gained total acceptance from the fraternity but there has been a change in overall perception of distance learning in the last decade. Five or more years ago, employers would definitely hesitate hiring an online degree graduate, or would at least prefer one with traditional degrees. Those lines are blurring now.

In recent studies and surveys it has been found that employers are accepting accredited online degree programs that are well recognized. The most important things are:

·         Accreditation

·         Recognized institution in terms of brand name

·         Complementing online coursework with some internship or group project to show team interaction

Be sure to avoid universities that are regarded as degree mills – they produce low quality and low value programs that are almost worthless.  Researching and doing due diligence is imperative, as is proper accreditation. Also it comes as no surprise that courses online from reputed schools such as Stanford will be more welcomed in the marketplace than one from an unknown, purely online school.

Most companies that provide tuition assistance/reimbursement to students hardly discriminate on the type of your degree. As long as you are availing the opportunity to learn new skills and increase your knowledge, they will be more than willing to help you. At the end of the day, it is important what you make of the degree and how best you represent yourself.

Will The Online Degree Ever Be At Par With Traditional Degrees?

We have not reached that stage yet when benefits of online schools and degrees are as recognized or respected as traditional degrees. However, perceptions and opinions have changed a lot since these online schools started, and if the mushrooming of online institutes is any hint of what is to come, then we can safely assume that with time there will be more acceptance. Of course, that depends on the quality of the online schools as well as of the students they are producing.

As more adult, mid-career professionals opt for the flexibility of an online degree, mindsets of employers and recruiters will change.

Author’s Bio: 

Richard Sandlar is the outreach coordinator of specialized online education based blog which offers comprehensive reviews on accredited online degrees, accredited online schools, colleges and universities. He also occasionally contributes articles to the blog.