Is an Online Degree Respected?

As virtual learning continues growing in popularity, it's easy to wonder if online degrees are worth pursuing. With that in mind, we interviewed an expert in this field to find out their insights and the advice they have for students considering degree programs at accredited online schools.

Many job postings say that a degree is preferred, but that doesn't always mean a college degree is actually required for the position. That said, earning a bachelor's degree can help set an applicant apart from others who do not have one, giving that person an edge when hiring managers are deciding which job candidates to interview and which ones to skip. 

Either way, where the degree was earned hardly matters as long as the school was accredited.

Geller also adds that many colleges and universities now offer both in-person and online courses, which means there may not be an opportunity (or a reason) for the job applicant to make a distinction.

"It may be impossible for a hiring manager to tell from the diploma — or from a resume — whether the individual attended classes online or on-campus," she says.

As a result of the pandemic, many employers pivoted to a remote environment out of necessity. This ultimately led to a situation where remote work is more accepted and appreciated, and it has been shown that many companies even have plans to keep their workforces remote indefinitely. 

Dr. Geller says this also means that many employers have a better understanding of how remote learning works, and how the same job outcomes can take place in a virtual setting.

College degrees have been proven to increase job prospects and economic outcomes for workers, yet it may not matter at all whether a degree program is pursued in-person or online. There are also many other factors that matter more to hiring managers and human resources professionals than the method a student used to gain their job skills, knowledge, and expertise.

First off, Dr. Geller says companies are looking for prospective employees who may be a good fit for their organization. For example, they want to hire someone who will be successful, happy, and likely to stay in the job. 

"That means looking for an individual who has prior experience that has prepared them to be successful in the job, whose values are consistent with the organizational mission, vision and values, and for whom the job change makes sense," says. Dr. Geller.

Geller notes some other specific skills, abilities, and credentials hiring managers look for: 

Dr. Geller also says her personal experience has shown her that accomplishments in a prior position are more important than job duties in that prior position: 

"The hiring manager wants to know how you made a difference in your prior job, and how you can make a difference for them if they hire you," she says.

While a college degree isn't even a requirement for many jobs, Dr. Geller says her research and practice reinforce the difference a degree can make both in the hiring process and in lifetime earning capacity. 

With that in mind, online degrees can work well for anyone but particularly for those who have other responsibilities to juggle as they pursue higher education:

"For many people, including those who are fully employed, managing medical issues, deployed with the military, or raising a family, an online program may be the perfect way to earn or complete their degree," says Dr. Geller.

Earning a college degree can absolutely be worth it, and that's particularly true for individuals who earn a bachelor's degree or higher. The reality is, degree attainment leads to higher earnings that can pave the way for a higher quality of life and better career prospects to boot. 

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights this fact very plainly. The figures below show the average weekly earnings of American workers by degree attainment in 2021:

The same data set also reveals that the unemployment rate goes down based on the level of higher education completed:

These statistics are undeniable, but they still beg the following questions: Is an online degree the same as a traditional degree? And, do employers care if you have an online degree?

For all intents and purposes, online degrees provide the same job prospects and opportunities for higher pay as degrees from on-campus programs. However, they have their own share of pros and cons, which are worth noting before you sign up for a degree program that requires online learning in place of in-person instruction:

Pros of attending college online

• Accredited online schools can be more affordable. Online degree programs often require lower tuition and fees than traditional programs, which helps you boost the return-on-investment (ROI) in terms of the time and money you spend attending college.

• Learning online makes it easy to save money in other ways. Online programs also pave the way for other savings, such as being able to live at home and avoiding a commute to your college campus.

• Some online degree programs are self-paced. Completing courses at your own pace could allow you to spread your degree program over a longer timeline if necessary.

• Attend school around your own schedule. Online degree programs make it easier to continue working and taking care of other responsibilities while you attend school, mostly due to the fact you can complete your coursework at any time or place of your choosing.

• Pick the best school regardless of geographic location. Finally, online programs can be pursued anywhere in the country, so you don't have to attend college close to where you live.

Cons of attending college online

• Online degree programs are not easier than traditional programs, despite what you may have heard.Accredited online colleges have the same rigorous curriculum and requirements as traditional schools, so your online degree won't be a cake walk.

• You won't get the benefits of a traditional classroom environment. Online students don't always get the same level of interaction with their professors and peers. As a result, online students have to put in more effort tomake strong connections.

• You'll need self-discipline to stay on track. It takes a lot ofmotivation to learn exclusively online. Unlike traditional classes — where your peers might notice if you're not there — online programs leave you in a position where you're only accountable to yourself.