Because of recent developments in online education, more and more people are considering getting an online degree as an alternative to traditional education. Online education has greatly evolved over the past few years, making it a prime choice for many young professionals today. But, is an online education the right choice for you? In this article, we’re going to weigh some of the pros and cons of online education so you can make the right decision.
Pros of Online Education
One of the most powerful advantages of online education is how flexible it is. Online education is the perfect choice for someone with a bachelor’s and in a position to further their education part or full time without compromising their jobs. In some cases, employers will encourage their workers to specialize and might even offer incentives.
This is especially true in healthcare. Someone with a degree in public health could easily seek an online master of healthcare administration in strategy and innovation in their spare time. Online MHA degrees are in great demand and are the perfect addition to a degree in public health.
Another advantage of online colleges is that they are often, but not always, cheaper than their brick and mortar counterparts. This is especially true when it comes to study materials since everything is served digitally and you also don’t have to worry about campus or commuting.
But one of the greatest arguments for online courses is that you can finish them much sooner than regular programs. Many online colleges streamline extraneous courses and focus only on the essential courses you need, allowing students to get their credentials much sooner.
Cons of Online Education
While many courses can be easily extrapolated online, not all course are conducive to a virtual environment. In some cases, these obstacles can be surmounted with lab time, but some courses are just too hands-on to be taught online.
Another thing that has to be taken into consideration is that online education isn’t for everyone. Some people just need the stimulation of a college environment to succeed. They need the feedback of other students and their professors to give them that extra push. Some people might have a problem with the individual aspect of online learning.
Also, some people might feel that they will be missing out on all the connections they could be making at a traditional college, especially in fields like finance for instance. Some might feel that belonging to a fraternity or sorority is just as important as having a high GPA.
Conclusion
While online education does have its fair share of advantages, it does have some drawbacks that need to be considered as well. If you’re a fairly disciplined person and feel like you are independent enough to complete your task with minimum help, then online classes are definitely for you. They’re also a great way to further your education while keeping your current position. However, if you’re a social butterfly and are more interested in the human aspect of college life, online education might feel a bit alienating. The choice is up to you to decide the best option depending on your personality and needs.
