Online Degrees vs On-Campus Degrees: Which is right for you?
Whether you want to study online through distance learning or in-person on-campus, pursuing higher education to enhance your qualifications is great for your professional growth to enhance your career prospects and overall skills. So when looking for a course, how do you know which study mode is right for you? Are there advantages to taking classes online and are online degrees accredited? Will students miss out on on-campus experiences by opting for an online course? Is online education an overall effective choice? In this article, we explore the frequently asked questions and the differences between both to see which could be right for you. Before making a choice, ask yourself these questions:
What are the differences between online classes and traditional classes?
While there are a variety of different online degree programmes to choose from, you probably won’t have the same selection of courses, so it is also important to consider if the degree you want to pursue is practical-based or knowledge-driven. Online courses allow you to log in from virtually anywhere and access study materials online. Traditional classes take place in a classroom environment with the primary source of information being learnt from your lecturer compared to online content.
Am I concerned about attending classes in person?
Many students will pursue online education for better work/life balance and flexibility. Whether you’re a full-time worker or full-time parent, studying online allows you to attend classes online without travelling to campus and are usually structured to be fit around your other commitments which can be more convenient in the long run.
Are online courses accredited? Are both study modes effective?
Universities that are accredited will list this on their website and many prestigious universities are continuously offering online degrees on their websites. Universities that have physical campuses are also generally more credible. On-campus learning is also generally more engaging as you are in contact with your lecturers and many others like yourself on a day to day basis so studying online would require discipline much in the same sense traditional learning does. However, online courses are becoming increasingly interactive with more immersive software and features being adopted in presentations compared to recorded lectures.
Are online degrees less expensive than traditional degrees?
Good online degrees usually have the same price as a traditional degree. Considering living expenses and travel costs, it will be generally less expensive as you will be living at home and not travelling to university.
Will I be motivated enough to complete my online degree?
On-campus learning provides more face to face interaction with lecturers and their peers so students will have more social experiences compared to online virtual discussions. It is easier to receive social and academic support on campus, so this is something you should also consider if this aspect is important to you.
