| The problem has to do with how others perceive | | | | have online degree programs has added to the |
| online education. I have received numerous questions | | | | acceptance of online degrees. These schools have |
| regarding the value of an online degree. For some, | | | | added credibility to universities that are exclusively |
| online degree programs seem too good to be true | | | | online. |
| and they want to make sure that their efforts will be | | | | However, the same study found that the acceptance |
| appreciated and will lead to a better career. | | | | rate can go as high as 90% for an online degree |
| As online degree enrollment is growing so is its | | | | obtained from a well know school, a school with an |
| perceived value. Today, employers value the | | | | active physical campus. Thus, online degrees from |
| dedication, motivation and self discipline of students | | | | University of Connecticut, University of Maryland or |
| enrolled in online degrees. They realize that most | | | | Pennsylvania State University are far more valued |
| students in online programs have to juggle work, | | | | than online degrees obtained from schools that are |
| family and education. Employers value that online | | | | solely online, with no campus program. This too, is |
| students tend to be lifelong learners, focused with | | | | expected to change as solely online schools start |
| strong working ethic. As the number of online degree | | | | proving themselves. |
| programs grows, they become more familiar, | | | | The employers who are most skeptical about online |
| common and normal to employers. | | | | education are those that know the least about it. |
| Research has found that online business, technology | | | | Educate them and help change their mind. If your |
| corporations, communication and media marketing | | | | future employer is not impressed with your online |
| organizations tend to be vary favorable toward online | | | | degree, you could point out the following: |
| degrees. | | | | • You have experience and skills in technology |
| began surveying employers and students on | | | | and online communication |
| questions of perceived quality of online education in | | | | • You have developed self-discipline, motivation, |
| 1989. They have continued their researcher to data | | | | and time management skills due to the nature of |
| and their long time inquiry determined that public | | | | online learning |
| acceptance of distance degrees has increased | | | | • You are able to communicate with others |
| sharply. | | | | across time- zones and geographic boundaries |
| With raise of the internet as the delivery method for | | | | • List studies that have shown that online |
| information so has the perceived value of online | | | | education is just as valuable as a traditional education. |
| degrees. This research found that 79% of corporate | | | | In summary, if the only reason you are debating an |
| manages rated distance degrees as good as a | | | | online degree is due to perceived acceptance - don't. |
| campus degree. This was true for less then 50% of | | | | The odds are in your favor. |
| managers in 1989. Having campus programs that also | | | | |