Are online degrees respected by employers?

In recent years, higher education has undergone a transformation as more institutions have expanded their offerings to include online options. Even with the reopening of university campuses following the COVID-19 pandemic, many students still chose the convenience and flexibility of online courses, and some students are choosing online degrees over on-campus programs. In the 2022-23 school year, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course, compared to 35% in the 2018-2019 school year.

Prospective students may wonder if online degrees are just as respected as on-campus programs. Research indicates that 61% of human resource leaders firmly believe in the equal or superior quality of online learning compared to more traditional methods. This is an increase from years past showing the growing acceptance of online education in professional settings.

Explore how earning an online degree can help you advance your career.

What employers think of online degrees:

Over 70% of organizations have acknowledged hiring job applicants with online degrees within the past 12 months. This recognition of online degrees by employers reinforces the credibility and value of pursuing education through online programs.

An overwhelming 96% of online program graduates report a positive return on investment in terms of employment opportunities. Armed with the skillsets and knowledge they set out to develop, online graduates emerge with a solid foundation that meets the evolving demands of the job market.

“One of the main reasons students go back to school, and often do it online, is to advance their careers,” said Dara Crowfoot, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). “Career advancement is a top priority at UIC. Graduates from UIC’s online programs are in a great position to be hired because they are equipped with the skill sets necessary for today’s competitive job market.”

Online vs. on-campus programs:

Traditionally, on-campus programs have been the gold standard for higher education. However, the rise of technology has paved the way for online education, and students can now earn the same degree online that was once only taught on-campus.

UIC recognizes the evolving needs of working professionals who can’t come to campus. Online courses are designed to ensure that students obtain the same learning outcomes as they would in on-campus courses.

“UIC is focused on developing high quality online degrees,” said Crowfoot. “The university recently launched a new production studio to help faculty create high quality and high engagement online courses. We’ve invested in this resource because we know how important it is for students to have an option to complete their degrees online.”

UIC’s new Instructional Design and Media Production Studio (IDMPS) partners with faculty to develop student-centered online courses. It ensures that the same academic quality is maintained in both online and on-campus programs. Utilizing Blackboard Learn Ultra, online students access their online courses using the most modern and intuitive learning management system.

Why choose an online degree:

An online degree can be just as valuable as an on-campus degree. Studies show that even though online degrees are different from traditional degrees, they are comparable in terms of quality, and students in an online class perform slightly better than those in traditional classes.

Major public universities are expanding their online program offerings so that working professionals can earn their degrees online with the same accomplished faculty who teach on campus.

UIC offers over 45 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Through the convenience and flexibility afforded by online learning, students can earn the knowledge needed to advance their careers while effectively managing work and other responsibilities.

“I loved my time in the online MESA program,” said UIC online graduate, Mary Elizabeth Stephens. “It was a program built for working professionals, and it had a level of polish I hadn’t expected and truly enjoyed. My boss and colleagues also noticed higher levels of confidence and a stronger sense of direction with my research projects and reports.”

The surge in online degree programs reflects a shift in higher education, with increasing acceptance and recognition by both employers and academic institutions. Online graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a competitive job market, armed with the same skills and knowledge as their on-campus counterparts.