Can Online Programs Really Be As Effective As Campus Based Programs?

Many students automatically eliminate online degree programs because they believe them to be subpar educational programs.
However, online schools can also be regionally accredited schools, and students may be surprised to realize that online degree programs can be just as effective as degree programs at physical colleges or universities.

The Accreditation Process is the same It's important to realize that the accreditation process is the same for both physical colleges and universities and online degree programs.
Online schools must use the same standards of education, the same course offerings, and the same testing standards as the other schools in their region. Education Quality Comparison The quality of education received in regionally accredited schools and online programs is almost identical.
The method of education, of course, differs between these two types of programs.

Online education is presented through interactive software or prerecorded lectures.

Physical colleges and universities, on the other hand, require students to attend lectures and classes taught by instructors.

Despite the differences in educational method, students can learn just as much and receive the same level of educational preparation regardless of which post-secondary degree program they choose.
Campus-based schools do not offer better education, a more comprehensive education, or an "easier" education than online programs. Likelihood of Degree Completion Comparison One thing that is important to consider when comparing regionally accredited schools to online programs with regional accreditation is the likelihood of degree completion that exists in either program.
While online degree programs offer greater flexibility and more freedom that degree programs at physical post-secondary educational institutions, students are often less likely to complete these programs because they must rely on self-discipline and inner determination. There is no instructor or guidance counselor monitoring your progress in an online program.

Your motivation and commitment must come entirely from within, and some students have trouble finding this inner motivation.
For this reason, students who do not possess self-start skills may perform better in regionally accredited schools.

Employer Response and Reaction Comparison Some students mistakenly think that an online education is perceived as a softer or less-valuable educational institution by employers. This, however, is no longer the case. When online degree programs were first established, very few were provided with regional accreditation. This meant that the quality of education received through an online program could not be verified by employers.

For this reason, many prospective employers were skeptical of online degree programs.
With the increasing number of regionally accredited schools operating online degree programs, however, this bias amongst prospective employers has almost completely disappeared.

As long as you pursue an online degree through regionally accredited schools, your degree will be recognized as valid by employers. In fact, many employers realize that pursuing a degree online requires a greater level of commitment and determination, and they respect students who have successfully completed these programs.

Further Education Comparison One thing that concerns many students who are debating between regionally accredited schools and accredited online schools is the question of furthering one's education with advanced degrees. There is a misconception amongst students that online school credits will not transfer to physical colleges or universities.
This is simply not true.

If a student receives an associate's or bachelor's degree from an online program that is one of several regionally accredited schools on the Internet, the credits received at that institution are just as transferable as credits received from a physical college.

If, at a later date, you decide to pursue a master's or doctorate degree, other regionally accredited schools will recognize and accept your online degree.