Are Online Degrees Respected by Employers?

Are Online Degrees Respected by Employers?

5 mins readComment
Jaya
Jaya Sharma
Assistant Manager - Content
Updated on Jun 7, 2024 18:37 IST

The first online course was offered by the University of Toronto in the year 1986. Since then, the market of online learning has kept on growing. However, it was COVID-19 that gave a boost to online learning when the online learning market crossed the mark of $187.87 billion. This market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.23% within the next five years.

is an online degree respected by employers

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While we are seeing the market expanding at a fast pace, the credibility of online degrees is still in question. In this article, we will be evaluating the reasons that make online degrees credible. We will also learn what more they expect from online degrees in the coming years.

So, the main question is…

Is an Online Degree Respected by Employers?

The answer is majorly yes to this question and here are some statistics in favour of the positive reputation of an online degree:

  • More than 70% of organisations have acknowledged applicants with online degrees within the past 12 months. 
  • 58% of employers trust in the institution's brand and reputation to trust the credibility of a candidate's online degree. 
  • Over 96% of people who enrolled in online programs reported positive ROI when it comes to employment opportunities with online degrees. 

These numbers indicate that more and more employers are accepting online degrees these days. 

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Reason Behind the Credibility of Online Degrees: Why Should You Enrol in Them

Let us now look at the reasons that make online degrees credible:

  1. The curriculum of online degrees and regular degrees is the same. Therefore, there is no doubt about what the student learns in an online degree. 
  2. Classes of online degrees are taken by experts in that domain. These experts ensure that students are getting world-class education without any compromise.
  3. Online degree programs are offered by reputed universities around the world. This is one of the main reasons why employers accept online degrees. 
  4. Frequent updates take place in the online degree curriculum so that you stay updated with the latest trends in the industry.
  5. Many online degrees are being accredited by recognized accrediting agencies due to which they have become credible.

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Factors To Consider Before Enrolling For Online Degree Programs

The following factors must be considered before enrolling in online degrees:

1. Is It Accredited?

The online degree that you choose must be accredited by a reputed accrediting body. If an online degree program is not accredited, then it would have no value for you.  

2. Is It Offered By a Reputed University?

It is also important to ensure that the online degree is being offered by a university or college with a good reputation. This increases your chances of getting selected by employers even if you hold an online degree.

3. Does It Offer Employment Opportunities?

Network with alumni to know whether they have gotten jobs after degree completion. If the employment success rate is lower, then you should look for those online degrees that offer better job opportunities.

4. How Many Career Opportunities Are Available After Degree Completion?

It is a significant question that you must ask yourself before enrolling for the online degree. If there are fewer career opportunities and you are still exploring your options, then you may have to rethink your decision. You must pick an online degree that will offer you more opportunities in your career. 

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Online Degrees That Are Not Valid in India

In India, the below-listed online degrees are not considered valid:

Stream

Courses



Engineering

  1. Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
  2. Master of Technology (M.Tech)
  3. Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
  4. Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic)



Medical

  1. Bachelor of Medicine
  2. Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
  3. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
  4. Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
  5. Diploma in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS)
  6. Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS)
  7. Bachelor of Unani Medicine (BUMS)


Dental

  1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
  2. Diploma in Dental Hygienist
  3. Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)


Architecture

  1. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
  2. Diploma in Architecture
  3. Master of Architecture (M.Arch)



Hotel Management

  1. Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (BHMCT)
  2. BBA in Hotel Management
  3. B.Sc in Hotel Management & Hospital Administration (B.Sc HHA)
  4. B.Voc in Hotel Management
  5. PGDM in Hotel Management
  6. Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management (MTHM)
  7. Master of Hotel Management (MHM)
  8. MBA in Hotel Management
  9. M.Sc in Tourism & Hospitality Management


Pharmacy

  1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
  2. Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm)
  3. Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharma)
  4. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Online Degrees That Are Valid in India

The following online degree programs are valid in India:

1. Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP)

This is an initiative for working professionals. WILP allows working professionals to manage their professional and learning curve. Here is a list of WILP that you can choose:

Conclusion

An online degree is an excellent replacement for a traditional degree. Nowadays, many companies are accepting candidates who hold online degrees. The only thing to ask yourself is whether these online degrees are worth your time. If the answer is yes, then you must leverage the power of technology.

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FAQs

Do employers verify the accreditation of online degrees?

Employers often verify the accreditation of online degrees to ensure the quality of education. Accreditation indicates that the institution meets certain standards of quality.

Do online degrees carry the same weight as traditional degrees?

In many cases, online degrees carry the same weight as traditional degrees. The mode of delivery (online or on-campus) is often less important than the reputation and accreditation of the institution.

Are there specific industries where online degrees are more or less respected?

Some industries, particularly technology and business, are more accepting of online degrees. However, fields that require hands-on training, like healthcare, may prefer traditional degrees.

About the Author
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Jaya Sharma
Assistant Manager - Content
Jaya is a subject matter expert who specialises in K–12 education and competitive exam preparation for JEE Mains. With a BSc degree from University of Delhi. She has over 10 years of experience in creating high-qual Read Full Bio