Earning degrees online is becoming increasingly common, with the most prestigious schools now offering these types of education tracks. Although this modern way of learning is becoming more widely accepted, a portion of the population still looks down on any type of online higher education. Some students may also be concerned about learning online and wonder if their degree will say “online” in the title. In most cases, the answer is no.
Below, we’ll explore what earning a degree online means, choosing the right college for you, and approaching job-seeking with an online education.
How Do Employers Feel About Online Degrees?
Although many industries have shifted their view on degree and educational requirements, HR leaders believe there will continue to be a demand for higher levels of education. According to Northeastern University’s Educational Credentials Come of Age survey, over half of them also think that most higher education degrees will actually be earned online.
Most employers understand that the dynamics around education and work are changing as the home office or home classroom becomes an everyday reality. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of people working primarily from home was almost 40 million, as of 2023. Here’s a look at some intriguing statistics about online degrees from the Northeastern University survey:
- 39% of HR leaders believe online education is lower quality
- 61% of HR leaders consider online degrees equal in quality to those completed on campus
- 71% have hired someone who earned their credentials or degree online
Most employers consider the two types of education to be of equal quality, especially if they know your degree was earned from an accredited school and program. These institutions are held to the highest educational standard and must provide online coursework at equal value.
How to Choose an Online Degree Program
When considering different online degree programs, compare the institutions on factors such as cost, number of credits required, and admissions requirements. Think about what your goals are and what’s most important to you about the college experience. Do you still want to be involved in things like student government or interest groups even though you’re online? Or maybe networking opportunities with faculty are a main concern. Create your must-have list and ensure your top contenders check all the boxes.
It’s also important to note that there are online “institutions” claiming to offer comparable degrees. However, these organizations often lack the accreditation to be deemed legitimate by other colleges and employers. Without the quality assurance accreditation agencies provide, these diplomas are often seen as void when attempting to transfer schools or find a job with specific educational requirements.
Ensure the college you attend is accredited by one of the country’s regional accrediting organizations to avoid issues around the legitimacy or quality of an online degree. The U.S. Department of Education offers a search tool that you can use to quickly find any given college program’s accreditation records. If you need to take an exam for licensure or certification after graduation, check with your state to ensure you attend a school recognized by your local government.
How to avoid scams
With the rise in acceptance of online degrees from employers and post-secondary schools, students also have an increased potential to get scammed or waste precious time and resources. Due to the increased demand for online degree programs, there has also been an unfortunate increase in organizations pretending to offer full educational programs if you’re willing to pay.
Universities and employers know this and will want to see transcripts and official documentation of any claimed educational experience on your resume. It’s best to stick with accredited, well-respected institutions to avoid scams and illegitimate degrees.
Writing Your Resume
Resumes are your chance to showcase your hard work in the marketplace and the classroom. List out all of the degrees and certificates relevant to the position you’re applying for in the education section. Include the institution you attended and either the enrollment dates or the graduation year.
If you’ve earned your credentials online, there is no need to disclose this fact or list it as an “online degree.” Depending on the position, you may want to include other information, such as your GPA or any honors.
Here are some examples to look at for formatting:
Education
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Master of Arts — Educational Studies with Elementary Teacher Certification | 2013-2015
Bachelor of Arts | 2008-2012
Education
Master of Business Administration (Concentration: Project Management) | May 2024
GPA: 4.0
Bachelor of Theater, UCLA – Los Angeles, CA | 2013-2017
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) Speech-Language-Hearing Science
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | May 2023
GPA: 3.8Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Speech-Language-Hearing Science
Columbia University, New York, NY | June 2019
GPA: 3.6Member, American Sign Language Club, 2017-2019
Dean’s List, 2016-2019
Magna cum laude
How Should You Approach Job Interviews?
You aren’t required to disclose how you earned your degree during an interview. It’s also possible that an interviewer may not even ask how you received your education if they have your resume and/or transcripts. Also, your transcripts usually won’t disclose whether a degree was earned online unless the word “online” is within the title of the school or program. Just in case, know exactly what is stated on your transcripts before sending them to a potential employer to avoid any surprises.
Be honest if asked directly about your education. If you are required to go into detail about learning online, a great technique is to highlight all the positives of earning your degree as an off-campus student. Make a list of pros and personal insights into how your online education experience was beneficial.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of common questions that may be asked during an interview. Take a look at our list to get a better idea of how to prepare thoughtful answers to these questions, so you’re not caught by surprise:
- Why did you choose [school] or [program]?
- Which course has helped you the most in your professional career?
- Why did you choose your major and/or minor?
- Tell me about your extracurricular activities.
- Why did you pursue your degree online?
- Did you receive the same quality of education as an on-campus program?
- Tell me about when you had to work with your classmates on a project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Degrees
What technology specifications do online degrees require?
In most cases, you will need a computer with either Windows or macOS and a strong internet connection at a bare minimum. Some programs may have other requirements, such as using remote conferencing software like Zoom. You may also need a headset with a microphone or a mobile hotspot. An admissions counselor can tell you what you need to have to succeed.
Are all degree programs available in an online format?
More degree programs are offered online every year, but it’s not feasible for every program to have an online option. For example, hands-on disciplines like nursing and automotive technology require in-person training and experience. However, some programs may offer a hybrid option where you can take some coursework online and only have to attend in person when required.
Is an online degree cheaper?
An online degree can be more affordable than a traditional program, but it’s not guaranteed. Some schools don’t charge out-of-state tuition for online students, which can result in dramatic savings. You’ll also save money on commuting expenses and may have more schedule flexibility to keep working full time. Always compare the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses across institutions to understand how much an online degree may cost.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.