What is the Difference Between a Traditional Degree and an Online Degree?
There can be many differences between a traditional degree and an online degree or there can be few. Some of these distinctions are most felt when an online degree is obtained from a non-accredited university, and others when you get your diploma or transcripts. For instance, some schools automatically make note that you obtained your degree online, while others don’t, and some online schools have physical campuses, so the actual weight of your degree is not considerably less than if you attended classes on the campus. Additionally, the way a traditional degree and an online degree, provided they both come from accredited schools, can be weighed depends upon your major, your career path, and also if the degree is a first stop toward additional studies, as in graduate programs.
Some students and educators contend that the many differences between a traditional degree and an online degree are felt by the students, but may not be assessed by future employers. A very skilled program that is conducted online is still very different than the experience of taking classes in a traditional classroom setting. Some classes may have a certain amount of student participation, where students are learning together, and others are self-paced and self-directed. The truth of “physical campus” classes is that learning opportunities exist not just from teachers but from other students too.
Participation and discussion in a classroom may enhance your education, giving you opportunities for thinking about the things you learn in different ways. Moreover, some General Ed courses have a certain amount of hands on requirements, such as science labs. It’s hard to know how online classes would match these requirements, though a non-science major may not ever need to have taken a science lab. Nevertheless, if you get an online degree from a well-respected, accredited university, it isn't likely to be viewed as that different, though it may make sense to get a degree from a university that also has a physical campus and doesn’t specify that your degree was earned online.
There may be some differences between a traditional degree and an online degree if you plan to attend graduate school. Graduate school applications often rely on you getting excellent letters of recommendation from instructors. Never meeting your instructors except in an online setting means it is less possible for you to make a fantastic impression on them. They don’t get to know you in a personal way, as they would if you were sitting in their classes; they may not even know what you look like. This can take the glow off a recommendation, and top grad schools often look for letters of references from instructors who are very well known, so you may be somewhat limited in terms of where you can go to continue to pursue your education.
Certain fields where a large amount of practical work are required, such as in health care fields, may mean there are huge differences between a traditional degree and an online degree. If you’re taking nursing, and your online university does not have an accepted program for you to complete practicum hours, it may be almost impossible to get employment and the degree may not be worth the paper it’s printed on. Since much of a nursing degree depends on learning things hands on, you would be better served by obtaining a traditional degree.
Some universities offer many online courses, which can help with things like commuting to school, but still require you to spend some time on a physical campus. Degrees you receive from these universities aren’t considered online degrees and will match up well with any traditional degree. Taking some classes online may be a good option if you work well independently and if you have a very tight schedule. You will still probably need to complete some of your courses at the university, which may be the best of both worlds.
Naturally, the biggest differences between a traditional degree and an online degree may be felt if you get your degree from a university that is not accredited. This basically means that various learning institutions have not judged the degree to be as good as a traditional degree. This may matter hugely if you are seeking employment or want to continue your education. Do make sure that any university you attend has an excellent reputation and is accredited so that other universities and employers will recognize your degree.
Written by Tricia Ellis-Christensen
