Is an Online Degree the Same as a Regular Degree?

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
does an online degree look bad

First, it is important to understand the two general types of online degree programs – schools that are only online, and brick-and-mortar universities that have an online presence. Schools that exist only online are likely to have “online” in the name of the school, and it will be evident that a degree was earned online from “Example University Online.”

Online Bachelor’s Degrees received from brick-and-mortar universities that have an online presence will be indistinguishable from other diplomas and will not indicate whether a degree was earned online or in a traditional setting. Because of accreditation standards and processes, graduates of online degree programs receive the same rigorous level of education as traditional degree program students. The degree is the achievement earned. Online is the format or mode used to receive the education, and therefore, is not part of the actual name of the degree earned. In the same way that a diploma would not read “Traditional Bachelor’s of Arts In Psychology” a degree will not read “Online Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology.” The degree earned in both cases is a “Bachelor’s of Arts In Psychology.”

Featured Programs

What is an Online Degree and How Does it Compare to a Traditional Degree?

In the digital age, more and more people are turning to online learning as an alternative to traditional degrees. But what exactly is an online degree? How does it compare to a traditional degree? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

An online degree is a college or university-level education that is completed entirely over the internet. Online degrees are typically offered by accredited institutions, and they often offer the same content as traditional degrees. The main difference between an online degree and a traditional one is that students can complete coursework from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. They also have more flexibility in terms of when they work on their coursework.

In this article, we will explore the differences between an online degree and a traditional one, including their advantages and disadvantages. We will also discuss how to choose between them depending on your needs and goals.

Advantages of Earning an Online Degree

Earning an online degree has several advantages that make it a great option for those looking to further their education. With an online degree, you can enjoy the flexibility of studying and learning on your own schedule, create a better study environment for yourself, and save money in the process.

Online education offers many advantages over traditional learning methods. With an online degree, you can enjoy the flexibility of studying when it suits you best and create a better study environment for yourself. Online courses can often be ideal for working adults.

Additionally, online degrees are often more cost-effective than traditional degrees as they require fewer resources to complete. With online degree programs, students can save money on transportation costs, housing, and other associated expenses. Moreover, they can also take advantage of flexible scheduling and learning options that allow them to study at their own pace. All these factors make online degree programs more cost-effective than traditional degrees.

In today’s digital world, online degrees offer a unique opportunity for students to pursue their educational goals without having to sacrifice other commitments. With the flexibility of completing courses anytime and anywhere, online degrees provide an ideal solution for those with jobs, family obligations, or other responsibilities that hinder their ability to attend traditional on-campus classes. Furthermore, because most programs are self-paced and allow for asynchronous learning, students can work at their own speed and still achieve success.

Comparing the Quality of an Online Degree with a Traditional Degree

In recent years, online degrees have become increasingly popular. But the question remains: how does the quality of an online degree compare to that of a traditional degree?

In order to answer this question, we must consider a few factors. First and foremost, we need to look at accredited universities and colleges offering online degrees. It is important to make sure that the university or college you are considering is accredited so that you can be sure your degree will be recognized in the job market.

We also need to consider the quality of online education offered by these universities and colleges. This includes looking at their competency-based assessment methods and how they ensure students are learning effectively. An effective learning management system can makes attending school online just as good as traditional education. Online classes provide online students with online instruction – it’s still education.

Finally, we need to compare the outcome of an online degree with that of a traditional degree – do employers recognize it as equally valuable? Graduates from online degree programs earn the same salary as graduates from traditional programs, since online programs offers the exact same degree. A prospective employer will not care if you attended an online program or took classes online – they care if you can do the job.

Disadvantages of Pursuing an Online Education

With the rise of technology, online education has become a popular option for many students. While it offers convenience and flexibility, there are some significant drawbacks to pursuing an online education that should be considered before taking the plunge. Aspects such as lack of human interaction, self-discipline required to stay on track with studies, and potential for distractions can all be detrimental to one’s academic success.

With the rise of online education, many students are now opting for online degree programs instead of traditional physical classrooms. However, this shift has also led to a decrease in human interaction. While online degree programs offer convenience and flexibility, they lack the personal touch that comes with attending physical classes.

This lack of human interaction in online degree programs can have a negative impact on student learning and engagement. Without face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers, it can be difficult for students to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. Additionally, without regular feedback from instructors, it can be hard for students to gauge their progress and receive guidance when needed.

Self-discipline is an important factor in succeeding in an online degree program. Without self-discipline, it can be difficult to stay motivated and keep up with the coursework. The good news is that there are several strategies and tools available to help students stay on track and develop their self-discipline. From setting achievable goals to using helpful technology, students can find ways to stay organized and focused on their studies. With the right strategies, students can make the most of their online degree program and achieve success.

With the increasing popularity of online degree programs, students are facing a whole new set of challenges. One of the biggest issues that they have to deal with is potential for distractions. From social media notifications to online games, there are endless opportunities for students to get sidetracked while studying from home.

This can be a major issue when it comes to completing assignments and studying for exams. It is important for students in an online degree program to be aware of these distractions and take steps to limit their impact on their studies.

In this article, we will look at some of the potential distractions that students may face when taking an online degree program and how they can manage them in order to stay focused on their studies.

Which Type of Learner is Best Suited to Earn an Online Degree?

Earning an online degree is becoming a popular choice for those who want to pursue higher education without having to attend traditional classes. With this type of learning, it is important to know which type of learner is best suited for success.

Those who are independent learners and have the skillset and characteristics of a self-motivated student will be best suited for earning an online degree. Independent learners are able to set goals, stay organized, and work independently with little supervision or guidance. They also have the ability to manage their time effectively in order to complete assignments on time. Additionally, they must possess the motivation and discipline necessary to stay on track with their studies in order to ensure success.

Will My Employer be Able to Tell if I Earned My Degree Online?

With the rise of online education, employers are faced with an interesting dilemma: how do they know if a student has actually completed their degree? Fortunately, there is a simple solution: they can simply ask. Asking directly is the primary way employers can tell if students completed a degree online and verify the legitimacy of their credentials.

Employers are increasingly interested in the qualifications of applicants with online degrees versus traditional degrees. As a result, companies often ask interviewees to clarify the type of degree they have earned during the hiring process. This is to ensure that potential hires have received an education of equivalent quality and content, no matter which type of degree they have achieved.

The stigma of online degrees has been changing drastically in recent years. With advancements in technology and the proliferation of digital learning, more and more people are finding that online degrees offer a viable alternative to traditional campus-based education. Today, these programs can offer the same quality of education as a traditional degree, often at a fraction of the cost and time commitment.

But individuals who are unsure about an employer’s reaction can prepare for questions from a future employer by promoting the qualities of a successful online learner and describing ways they will bring value to the workplace.

  • Self Motivated and Independent Learner
  • Excellent Time Management Skills
  • Superior Writing Skills

Another way an employer may realize a student earned a degree online is by information on a resume or a transcript. If a work resume details a job experience in Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree earned from a college in California, it is fairly obvious the student did not obtain the diploma in a traditional setting.

When it comes to hiring a new employee, potential employers often require college transcripts as part of the qualification process. These documents serve as a complete educational record that details the courses taken, grades achieved, and credits earned during an individual’s college career. College transcripts are an invaluable tool for employers when looking to hire based on qualifications from a newly obtained degree.

To know for sure if a school has an “online degree” on a transcript or has classes listed as online, a student should call the school and ask the records department. But, requesting a personal copy of one’s transcript is the best way for a student to verify 100% how it will read.

Will My Employer Care if My Degree Was Earned Online?

Most companies are not too concerned about online degrees, but many are wary of degrees earned from for-profit “diploma mills.” The reputation of the school, the degree received, and the accreditation of the program are the most important facts to most employers. Companies accept well-known and respected universities that offer online degrees. Future students should find out the reputation of each school before deciding on a program.

Additionally, prospective employers do not hold unaccredited schools in high esteem. Finding out if an online degree program is accredited should be the first step when looking for an online bachelor’s degree program. Any program that is not accredited should be eliminated from the search since unaccredited schools are usually not eligible for federal financial aid, and credit hours earned may not transfer to another school. College accrediting bodies recognize each other’s local standards and degrees as legitimate, but without accreditation, students may be wasting valuable money and time on a worthless degree.

Online degrees are changing the face of education. They have “leveled the playing field’ for access to education, and the bad stigma associated with online degrees has diminished significantly. Earning an online degree is just as difficult, if not harder, as earning a traditional degree – don’t be ashamed of it!

Related Rankings: 

Featured Programs


Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Enter a search word or phrase