Online Education - You Can Have the Best of Both Worlds

The problem has to do with how others perceive online education. I have received numerous questions regarding the value of an online degree. For some, online degree programs seem too good to be true and they want to make sure that their efforts will be appreciated and will lead to a better career.

As online degree enrollment is growing so is its perceived value. Today, employers value the dedication, motivation and self discipline of students enrolled in online degrees. They realize that most students in online programs have to juggle work, family and education. Employers value that online students tend to be lifelong learners, focused with strong working ethic. As the number of online degree programs grows, they become more familiar, common and normal to employers.

Research has found that online business, technology corporations, communication and media marketing organizations tend to be vary favorable toward online degrees.

GetEducated.com began surveying employers and students on questions of perceived quality of online education in 1989. They have continued their researcher to data and their long time inquiry determined that public acceptance of distance degrees has increased sharply.

With raise of the internet as the delivery method for information so has the perceived value of online degrees. This research found that 79% of corporate manages rated distance degrees as good as a campus degree. This was true for less then 50% of managers in 1989. Having campus programs that also have online degree programs has added to the acceptance of online degrees. These schools have added credibility to universities that are exclusively online.

However, the same study found that the acceptance rate can go as high as 90% for an online degree obtained from a well know school, a school with an active physical campus. Thus, online degrees from University of Connecticut, University of Maryland or Pennsylvania State University are far more valued than online degrees obtained from schools that are solely online, with no campus program. This too, is expected to change as solely online schools start proving themselves.

The employers who are most skeptical about online education are those that know the least about it. Educate them and help change their mind. If your future employer is not impressed with your online degree, you could point out the following:

• You have experience and skills in technology and online communication
• You have developed self-discipline, motivation, and time management skills due to the nature of online learning
• You are able to communicate with others across time- zones and geographic boundaries
• List studies that have shown that online education is just as valuable as a traditional education.

In summary, if the only reason you are debating an online degree is due to perceived acceptance - don't. The odds are in your favor.

Maja Aleksic has a doctorate in education psychology and has worked for both the Arizona State Department of Education as well as a prominent Arizona High School District. For more tips and advice on choosing the best online degree program, courses and career opportunities go to http://www.Select-Online-Degree.com for up to date education news.