DOES ONLINE DEGREE HAVE VALUE?

Change happens with time as inventions find their way into our world, resulting in growth. Online education has brought with it a new perspective to traditionally confined brick-and-mortar classrooms. There exist no boundaries for education; a student is able to study at any university in the world without having to be there in person if they are offering online education.

The question that bothers a student’s mind is regarding the recognition and validation of online education. Online degree programs are equally recognized and valued as any on-campus degree. There are numerous online education courses that a student can find in their respective field of interest, be it science, commerce, or humanities.

 Recognition

1. Universities that provide online degrees have them approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), and some of the institutions are accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.

2. The universities offering online degree programs should be UGC (University Grants Commission) approved and DEB (Distance Education Bureau) approved. DEB is a UGC service system responsible for Distance Education in India.

 Employment

Students also worry if employers will consider them with online degrees, and the answer to this question is also yes. A student who has completed an online degree program is very much eligible for their dreams job as much as a regular on-campus degree holder. You can also secure a government job easily with your online graduation.

Similarity and Difference

It is also important to note that you get the same degree whether you attend an online degree course or an offline degree course. The only difference is that everything from admission to examination happens virtually. The curriculum is the same for both online and offline degrees. Some universities may decide to offer extra subjects online, but the syllabus is the same.

Benefits

1. The degree holds weightage, credits, and legitimacy same as the offline classes.

2. The online mode is more convenient, as one can study in their own comfortable space and can avoid any sort of discomfort of travel and more.

3. Online degree programs are also affordable and can save you the direct and indirect costs of studying on campus.

4. E-learning resources are not only more available but also accessible around the clock.

5. Online courses teach students to have fundamental computer literacy and improved soft skills.

6. Studying on your own ignites curiosity, which improves knowledge.

7. It encourages self-discipline and time management.

Online education enrollments in degree courses have been on the rise since 2019, and as per various surveys, they will continue to grow. The value of online education has also increased since the pandemic period.

Conclusion

An online degree is similar to a traditional degree, other than the additional consideration that makes it attractive for students. There is flexibility and other perks that come with an online course. The value of an online degree programs is dependent mainly on factors such as accreditation, physical presence, and reputation.