Many times I’ve heard someone say that online degrees aren’t as legitimate or rigorous as on-campus programs. But that mostly comes from those who have never experienced an online course, whether in a structured program or a single class.
I want to debunk this notion that online education is always easier than in-person studies. Generally, when we think of an “easier” degree program, we may think of one that takes less time and effort and doesn’t hold students to high standards. Consider these three facts about online degree programs to see how far that is from the truth.
My diploma simply states that I have an MBA – not an online MBA. When you attend a reputable school, the quality of both on-campus and online learning will be high. Programs may be customized to a student’s needs – whether full time, part time, executive or online – but no matter the form, the substance overall remains the same.1. Standards are typically the same for online and on-campus students. More and more top-ranked U.S. colleges and graduate schools offer online courses and programs. A strong reputation typically means students are held to high standards.
During my online program, I also had the same faculty as on-campus students, and I studied the same materials and analyzed the same cases and problems.
2. Online degree programs require a lot of time even though you aren’t on campus. During my online MBA course, my classmates and I spent at least 15 hours a week per course studying.
This time commitment is not light or easy. Together with other aspects of your life – including family, work and hobbies – balancing all of your responsibilities becomes very challenging.
As an online student, you will have to be ready to devote a serious part of your week to reading, researching and writing. I didn’t have to physically attend a class, but I had to watch lectures, read articles, take notes, participate in offline and live discussions with professors, communicate with teammates on group assignments, write essays and prepare for exams – whether on the way to work, during lunch breaks or during evenings and weekends.
3. Online classes require self-discipline. On average, I had two assignments a week that had separate research requirements.
To deliver graduate-level analysis, I had to become very disciplined and develop ways to study more efficiently, given my many other personal commitments, including moving cross-country and starting a new job during my second year.
The takeaway: An online degree takes time, dedication, self-control and self-motivation, and you will earn a degree that is on par with a program on a physical campus in terms of quality. With that, you will get what you put into it, just as you would in person.