Online Degrees: 5 Myths to Leave Behind in 2023

Even before the global pandemic that pushed online learning to higher levels, online degrees were popular enough (for long enough) to fuel some pretty big myths.

And despite labor analytics from Lightcast’s report that 64% of the 3.04 million bachelor’s and master’s degrees earned in 2021 were available online, some people still have some misconceptions about online instruction, online degrees and distance learning.

To help you separate fact from fiction, here’s a look at the five most common myths (and the truth behind them).

5 Myths About Online Degrees

1. You’ll be isolated.
In 2021 more than 1 million people completed degree programs that were offered 100% online. So, while it’s true there is a certain amount of self-motivation and personal responsibility that comes with learning online, when it comes to getting your online degree, you won’t be without help and support.

Yes, there may be times when it’s just you working on your computer, perhaps late into the night. But that will be your choice based on your schedule, preferences and time management skills. With the right degree program and today’s advanced technologies, however, it’s easier than ever to stay connected to your peers. Thanks to chat rooms, forums, group projects, text, email and breakout sessions, you’ll have ample opportunity to engage with your instructors and classmates.

Still not convinced you won’t feel isolated? The only way to know for sure is to take an online class to see if it suits you.

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2. Your degree won’t be respected by others–including your employer.
Honestly? Online degrees are exactly the same as traditional degrees. The only difference is in how you take your classes.

Many years ago when some large, for-profit diploma mills were making headlines, employers may have been a little wary about online degrees. In general, though, employers appreciate and respect hard-working professionals who’ve earned a degree 100% online.

So, when it comes to getting the job or the promotion, what employers want to know is do you have the education, skills and experience to do the job. They want to know if you have a willingness to grow and learn. And they want to know if you’ll bring value to their organization. As for your degree, one of the things that can really matter is whether it’s from an accredited university.

3. You’ll rarely interact with your instructor.
Just because you’re not in the same physical room as your instructor doesn’t mean you won’t see and interact with them.

Faculty profiles, blogs, virtual office hours and video conferences can actually give you more and unprecedented access to your instructors.

Before choosing an online degree program, make sure you find out how the school facilitates instructor-to-student and student-to-student relationships.

Here are some questions to ask before your enroll in an online degree program:

• How do I access course information online?
• Are there meet/class sessions at specific times that I have to go to?
• Will I be required to have any in-person meetings?
• What kind of feedback can I expect from my instructor and how will it be delivered?
• How do I contact my instructor?
• Is there an option to meet with my instructor face-to-face?
• Can I get technical help and is it available 24/7?
• Who do I contact if I need tutoring help or academic assistance?
• Am I able to work offline if I need to?

4. You won’t learn as much.
Of course you can’t just Google your way to test answers or a degree. On the contrary. You can expect to have as much or more oversight in a virtual classroom as you do in an on-campus one. Proctored exams, for example, are just one way to ensure you’ve earned your grade through hard-earned knowledge and skill.

With an accredited online degree program, your online coursework is held to the same educational standards as any on-campus program, meaning it’s just as rigorous and challenging.

Like traditional classes, the level of difficulty for your online classes depends on such things as what you already know about the subject, who’s teaching the class, and the course content itself.

5. You’re not earning a “real” degree.
Not true–but only if you’re earning your degree from an institutionally accredited college or university. Accreditation is intended to provide a reasonable assurance of quality and acceptance of diplomas and degrees.

If a university or college chooses to become accredited, they go through a voluntary evaluation and validation process administered by a reputable third-party accrediting agency. When and if the college or university meets established education standards, then and only then are they accredited.

The U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database is a great resource if you’re looking to quickly and easily verify institutional or specialized program accreditation.

Keep in mind that specialized program accreditation is especially significant for programs that lead to licensure, such as nursing and education, but is also available for other programs, including business and public administration.

Navigating Online Degrees

Now that you know what’s true–and what’s not–about earning an online college degree, perhaps it’s time to find a program that lets you earn a 100% online college degree and still have time for work, family and other important things.

Of course, it can’t hurt to do a little more digging and read up on the 10 top traits of the best online colleges, the pros and cons of online classes or how online classes work.

Whether you’ve made up your mind or not about going the distance learning route, remember that you’re not alone. There are millions of people just like you who choose to start or advance their career by earning a high-quality online degree from an accredited university.

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