Distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to what many view as the “traditional” college experience. In fact, 54% of college students are taking at least one online class—a nearly 50% jump from 37% in the fall of 2019. Despite the increases in enrollment, many prospective students still wonder if earning a bachelor’s degree online will provide the same value as attending a brick-and-mortar university. Fortunately, the answer is yes.
Not only will earning an online degree help you reach your personal and professional goals, but an online program can also offer many benefits that more traditional formats can’t. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of online degrees to help you decide if earning your bachelor’s degree online is right for you.
Top benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree online
Increased flexibility
For many adult learners, the thought of pursuing a bachelor’s degree while juggling work and family commitments seems daunting. Online degree programs, however, provide the increased flexibility in education you need, allowing you to attend classes whenever and wherever is most convenient.
With no fixed schedule to adhere to, you’re able to manage your time based on your availability. You can choose to complete your coursework at the times when you’re most focused, whether that’s mid-day when your energy is high, or at night, after the kids are asleep. Plus, you can shift your schedule around as needed when life throws you a curveball, like an illness or last-minute work trip.
Without having to attend class in a fixed location, you can make progress toward earning your degree as long as you have an internet connection. You can also reclaim the time it would take to commute, find parking, and sit through a lecture and spend it studying for that next exam or pursuing other personal goals. That additional time is no small advantage—those extra 20 minutes can really add up. With 24/7 access to your coursework, you may be able to reach graduation faster than those in a traditional program, depending on your specific program requirements.
Customized learning environment
Learning is not one-size-fits-all. By earning your bachelor’s degree online, you’ll be able to tailor your educational environment to meet your learning needs and help you get the most out of your courses. In your personalized online learning environment, free of distractions, you can breeze through lessons so you can spend more time on the concepts that you find challenging while revisiting the material at any time.
Plus, while traditional students are limited to the teaching style of the professor, online students can choose to interact with course material in a way that’s most compatible with their learning style. Visual learners, for example, will digest the information best by watching a slideshow presentation or a “whiteboarding” video on the material, while strong readers may opt to leverage the textbook or print out a transcript of the lecture. For those who crave an interactive experience, there is the option to participate frequently in the online forums and discuss lecture materials with peers.
Improved accessibility
If you’re looking to earn your bachelor’s degree by attending in-person classes, you’re faced with two options: choose from local universities or uproot your life to move in pursuit of the degree. Fortunately, students are no longer limited to programs offered in their region. Online degree programs offer a third option, giving students access to schools around the globe without disrupting their current work and family obligations. These bachelor’s degree programs open up students to some of the most sought-after courses at leading institutions that would have otherwise been geographically out of reach.
One-on-one communication
Without regular in-person interaction to rely on, frequent online communication between students and professors is common and encouraged. There’s also more opportunity for professors to individually address your questions and concerns without having to balance the needs of other students during class time. Unless you can catch them walking out the door, it can be difficult to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet with a professor on campus. In an online program, however, professors remain highly accessible via multiple channels, including email, phone, and discussion boards. This increased access to one-on-one feedback can help you get even more out of your courses.
Exposure to global perspectives
In an online program, you have the opportunity to expand your worldview by interacting with students and professors from around the globe. Without being limited by geographical constraints, you’ll be exposed to a multitude of backgrounds, cultures, communication styles, skills, and perspectives that will expand your understanding of the world beyond what your local environment can provide. Using tools like FaceTime and Skype, you’ll work with these diverse individuals on group projects and interact in classroom discussions, providing you with valuable insights and giving you the opportunity to improve your cross-cultural communication.
Better self-discipline
Without the need to attend physical classes, you’ll have to hold yourself accountable for joining virtual lessons, reading assigned material, setting aside time for studying, and meeting project deadlines. Along the way, you’ll develop better self-discipline and improve your organizational and time management skills.
Do employers care about online degrees?
Despite these clear advantages, there may still be reservations about earning a degree online due to the perception future employers might have. However, it’s essential to realize that employer attitudes toward online degrees have become increasingly positive, resulting in online degrees being highly respected. This shift is due to more reputable universities offering online programs and the improving quality of these programs.
Technological advancements and rigorous standards upheld by accredited institutions ensure that online degrees match their on-campus counterparts in both content and professional outcomes.
In addition, with the rise of remote work, the skills acquired through online education, such as digital literacy and remote collaboration, are not just relevant but highly valuable in today’s job market. This highlights the growing benefits of online education.
Ensuring success with an online degree
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree online not only provides the flexibility you seek while working full-time but will, more importantly, prepare you for a modern professional environment that increasingly values digital ability and the ability to collaborate remotely. Learning how to succeed in online learning platforms will aid in future workplaces, as the skills you acquire through online education will become essential in the workforce.
If you aren’t already proficient with online communication platforms, you’ll become an expert in these technologies and flourish in future working environments. You’ll also be required to collaborate online with other students to complete projects regularly, bolstering your teamwork and problem-solving abilities. These, and other critical skills you’ll develop in an online degree program, will help you succeed well beyond your college years.
Are you interested in earning your bachelor’s degree online? Learn proven strategies for online learning success and explore Northeastern’s online bachelor’s degree completion programs.