For those who want to study remotely, online degrees are an excellent solution, but are they respected and credible amongst employers? Here, we examine the misconceptions that surround digital learning and explain why online degrees are more respected than ever.
The rise of online university courses is nothing new. Research tracking the increase in online degree enrollment has been in circulation for more than a decade. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the widespread application of online degree programs, with the number of applications more than doubling in 2020 and a further 32% increase in 2021.
Even with astonishing increases in online university course uptake, some students still wonder whether online degrees are respected in their chosen industry. Here, we dispel some common misconceptions about online university courses and illustrate why they’re more respected than ever.
Online University Course Misconceptions
Employers don’t take online courses seriously
One of the most prevalent myths about online study is that, somehow, employers won’t take them as seriously as ‘traditional’ degrees taught on-campus. This is simply not true. According to UCAS and research provided by Open University, employers view online degrees in the same way as they would an identical on-campus degree. In fact, some saw it as a benefit!
One recruiter interviewed said: “When I’m recruiting and I discover people who have studied with The Open University while working full-time, it tells me how organised and dedicated they are. I know they’ll be great employees.”
Online studies are easier and are lower quality
Another common myth surrounding online degree courses is that they are easier, or of lower quality, than their on-campus counterparts. This is simply not the case. All of the online degrees at dBs are designed in the same meticulous way that our on-campus degrees are, and they’re also accredited by Falmouth University. The only difference is that the study happens in your own home, on your schedule and lectures are provided in a digital format.
The growth of online studies during the pandemic
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 and the government’s response to the pandemic, accelerated the uptake of online studying, as people were confined to their homes for months on end. Although in the short term there was widespread disruption across education in the UK, as the Harvard Business Review puts it, the transition to online university courses has been long overdue.
Education lagged behind most other sectors when it comes to adapting to an ever-increasingly digital world. Although progress had already been made, as illustrated by the growth of online degree enrollment over several years, the pandemic put in sharp focus the need for further acceleration. Moreover, the transition to remote studying didn’t put students off, with an 8% increase in the 2020/21 academic year in comparison to 2019/20 and a 15% rise in Open University’s student body during the same period.
The shift in the perception of online degree programs
Now that students are used to studying online, lecturers and tutors are acclimatised to teaching online and employers have to assume that graduates who started their degree between 2017/18 and at least 2020/21, at some stage, studied their course in a remote capacity, any remaining stigma around online university degrees has evaporated. Every industry and segment of the public sector was impacted, in some way, by the pandemic and it’s this ubiquity of experience that has created a fundamental shift in the way online degree courses are perceived.
Can I study an online master's degree?
Yes! If your MA has taken a back seat as family and work responsibilities took over, studying for online master's degrees is an excellent way to balance work, study and home life. There’s no drop in quality or accreditation and online MAs are just as respected as their on-campus counterparts.
Our Online MA Music Production & Sound Engineering and Online MA Electronic Music Production programs are designed in the same way as our on-campus degrees and go through the same rigorous accreditation process.
FIND OUT MORE:
11 ways to get the most out of studying a degree online
Are you interested in studying one of our postgraduate degrees in music production online?
Check out our online degrees here.
FAQs
As many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. If they are not familiar with a school, however, or the institution isn't known for producing prepared graduates from its programs, your degree may not be seen as having the same value.
Why are online degrees looked down on? ›
Experts say employers are largely more interested in the person than the degree. They generally won't recognize immediately if that person's degree was obtained online or in person. Some schools are fully online while others offer online programs in addition to their traditional in-person options.
Is an online degree as good as a regular degree? ›
Just like degrees earned on campus, online degrees are widely respected by employers.
Is an online degree better than in person? ›
Benefits Of Online Classes
As more institutions offer online classes and fully online degree programs, you may be wondering why is online school better. A meta-analysis by the US Department of Education found that students learn better in online classes, on average.
Are online graduate degrees credible? ›
Ultimately, the viability of an online college degree depends on your unique situation. However, the degree itself can be just as valuable as an in-person degree. Before you select an online program, evaluate the institution based on our recommended criteria to ensure that you make the best decision for your career.
Is there a stigma against online degrees? ›
Despite the great advancements in distance education, and it being embraced from academic institutions of all varieties, a stigma has lingered around the topic for years. Negative perceptions exist, suggesting that online degrees are “less credible” than degrees earned in person.
Do online degrees hold the same value? ›
Many students worry whether an online degree holds the same prestige as a traditional degree. The truth is, they're equal in terms of academic quality, job preparation and career opportunity. Online degrees and traditional degrees only differ in the format they're delivered.
Do employers look down on online colleges? ›
Most Employers Accept Online Degrees
employer acceptance of credentials earned online has been slowly and steadily increasing.” When the study was released five years ago, 61 percent of HR leaders believed that online credentials and degrees were of equal quality to those learned in person.
Are online diplomas legit? ›
Colleges have a variety of admissions requirements, and can decide what they do or do not accept from prospective students. However, in general, most schools do recognize regionally accredited high school diplomas whether they're earned online or at a traditional school.
Are online degrees harder? ›
But in many cases, an online degree is more challenging for students because it requires more self-discipline and motivation to "take an active part in their learning," Mathes says. And, like residential students, online students need to maintain academic integrity when completing assignments and taking exams.
There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree. Fortunately for many, that's not all they're concerned with, though.
Is online degree better than offline? ›
generally, Online Degrees hold the same value as offline degrees. Many Online degrees are obtained from accredited and reputable institutions. Just like Amity Online. This university is offered UGC-DEB and NAAC Accredited Degree courses.
Do people hire online degrees? ›
The findings are great news in terms of equity and access to education. NACE's Job Outlook 2024 survey found that among employers that capture their new hires' degree modality, 87.4% hired new college graduates with an online degree.
Is online education effective? ›
While an online method of education can be a highly effective alternative medium of education for the mature, self-disciplined student, it is an inappropriate learning environment for more dependent learners.
Is online school better for mental health? ›
In a virtual setting, these students tend to feel less pressure to interact with peers or fit into the social norms of a brick-and-mortar classroom. Having a more comfortable learning environment online can help shed social anxieties and lead to positive mental wellness outcomes.
Do employers care where your degree is from? ›
There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree. Fortunately for many, that's not all they're concerned with, though.
Do online degrees say online on the diploma? ›
Many universities and colleges follow the standard practice of not designating on the diploma any distinction between degrees earned online and on campus.
Do employers take open university degrees seriously? ›
Do Employers Respect Open University Degrees? Depending on your area of study, you may be expected to attend a certain university to work at certain companies or firms. However for the majority of degrees, your employers are going to respect your degree like it is any other degree, after all, it's a degree.
