Last year, approximately 2,642,158 students enrolled in only online degree programs.
That number may imply that online degree programs are popular, but many are skeptical of these programs due to several different myths.
Knowing the truth behind these myths can open up new learning possibilities and allow more flexibility in your education.
If you’d like to learn the truth behind getting a degree online, keep reading for more information!
1. Easier Work
One of the biggest myths about online degree programs is that they are easier to accomplish than on-campus degree programs. Many believe online education will have an easier workload overall due to a lack of in-class supervision.
However, online courses are just as hard as standard university settings. The same amount of work is needed to complete each assignment given. There are no shortcuts or easy ways out since the work still needs to be done.
In reality, online education can be harder to maintain since there is so much flexibility in the schedule. This flexibility means each student needs to be self-motivated and focused on staying on top of their studies. They can’t rely on hard deadlines from professors but instead need to push themselves to keep up with their work.
2. Lower Quality
A campus degree program is usually held to high standards for each course. When many people hear about online classes, they believe they are lower quality. This belief comes from the myth of disconnect between students and teachers.
This low-quality myth is untrue because online degrees are held to the exact standard as any other program. These standards ensure each student understands the curriculum well and holds them accountable.
The quality of learning online is no different than on-campus learning. Professors and students can communicate freely, ensuring no quality is lost. Additionally, materials and lessons are similar no matter the location of education.
3. No Scholarships or Financial Aid
Attending any degree program can become expensive, and many may not be able to afford it. Students turn to help from scholarships, financial aid, or grants to enroll in a university. These beneficial financial aspects can save students thousands of dollars to help with learning costs.
For some reason, many people think these financial assistants are unavailable for online degrees. This myth heavily revolves around paying for schooling entirely out of pocket, with no assistance.
However, many online programs offer the same aid as many regular campuses. You can still apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid for online education.
4. No Peer Interaction
One of the great things about on-campus learning is peer interaction. Each day you can communicate with your fellow students about education or just for fun. You’ll often create bonds and relationships since they are in similar situations as you.
The popular myth about online education is there is absolutely no peer interaction. Online education may not have as much face-to-face interaction, but it is still readily available in other ways. Online relationships can still be established, and bonds can form over education.
Many students often interact through online tools, including discussion boards, chat, video meetings, etc. Today, these tools even keep students safe from the threat of sickness. Many also find themselves more comfortable interacting in these settings.
5. Credits Cannot Transfer
Many students go into new programs with credits from previous programs. However, some students avoid going into online programs because they believe their previous credits won’t transfer. This fear pushes many away from their chance at online education.
This myth is not true since many online programs accept credits from other universities. The easiest way to ensure your credits will be accepted is to contact an enrollment consultant with any questions you may have. They will inform you of what credits are accepted and which are not.
6. Cheating
Many students try finding the easy way out of work and tests by cheating each day. Online courses have received a false reputation that cheating is extremely common. Many think it’s easier to cheat since there is no professor in the same room and all of their work is done on the internet.
Online education has many different methods for monitoring students during tests and assignments. Often, during tests, students must participate while being monitored through their webcam. For other assignments, professors use tools like plagiarism checkers and other software.
7. No Instructor Interaction
Lots of people think there is almost no instructor interaction, or they are difficult to get ahold of in online classes. Professors may not be in the same room, but that doesn’t mean they are unavailable.
Most professors post their office hours, giving their students ample time to contact them when in need. Contact with these professors can include phone calls, chat, email, message boards, etc.
8. Employers Disregard Online Degrees
After graduation, many students go out into the world searching for jobs. They want their degree to be highly valued so their potential employers will be impressed.
Many people believe employers disregard online degrees and prefer in-person universities. In an employer’s eyes, they do not care where your degree comes from as long as your skills are up to par. Companies understand that online education is a valuable asset that takes discipline and dedication to accomplish.
Getting a Degree Online
Hopefully, all of this insight will help you learn more about receiving a degree online.
You can take complete control of your education and enroll in a program that works for your lifestyle.
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