Are Online Degrees Valid and Recognized?

In 2021, more and more universities, both physical and virtual, are offering online degree options.

16:45 10 February 2021

This is made even more prevalent by the current global crisis, where many traditional in-person degrees have switched to an online forum for necessity’s sake. It has also meant that the world has had to adapt and recognize online degrees as valid and sufficient in the workplace. Perhaps you would like to obtain a degree because it is an area you are passionate about and need formal qualifications to pursue. Or maybe online learning suits you because you have a family and job or other commitments. Or possibly you are hoping to apply for a new position and you need to have a certain degree behind your belt to do so. Whatever your reasoning, this applies to you.

 

Degrees Have Become More Accessible

 

In the past, obtaining a university qualification like a degree was reserved for a very select group of individuals. It required enormous wealth, connection, intellect, and opportunity to be considered for admission. This meant that attending university was not a reality for a large part of the population. 

 

However, today that has changed with there being thousands of programs offering degrees online, catering to all budgets, interests, and requirements. This number has also increased since the start of the 2020 pandemic. Sometimes, the type of degree and the requirements of the job might influence whether the person needs to study in person or not. For instance, certain health professions require patient contact hours.

 

A More Time-Efficient Option

 

The beauty of an online degree is that it can often be done at your own pace, thus giving students a high level of autonomy. Nowadays, some degrees even allow you an option of fast-tracking your classes as seen on the multiple programs listed on this website, allowing students a faster way to complete the degree of their choosing. The opportunities really are abundant when it comes to distance learning options.

 

Do Your Research When Picking a School

 

When it comes to picking the institution through which you will study, it is important to research your options thoroughly. You should be looking out for reviews and feedback from previous students that have since obtained the qualification and since entered the job market. You should be looking at the course content, credits, and faculty credentials. There are ways you can check the validity of the school and course seeing if it is approved by a professional body for your industry. For instance, if you wanted to study psychology, you would check whether it was approved by the professional body of psychology in your region. If something does not feel right, or there is a lack of information online, don’t be afraid to send an email clarifying your concern.

 

Employers Are Less Worried About Where You Obtained Your Qualifications

 

Ensuring your online degree comes from a legitimate provider is an important step in your process. However, it is also worthwhile remembering that once you’ve obtained your degree, employers are not as phased about where and which institution you went through, but rather that you have the necessary qualification. They will also likely be far more interested in your skills, experience, and character traits when it comes to hiring for a specific position.

 

In 2021 online degrees have become pretty commonplace for scholars around the world. However, this still leaves some uncertainty about whether obtaining a degree online is a valid and recognizable route. While there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this, it seems that most university degrees are seen as valid and recognized, provided the institution is legitimate and meets certain criteria. The nature of the course will also be a factor in this.