According to Jeffrey Buck, dean of Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology, this not only allows you to watch the lectures at your leisure, but it also allows you to revisit the information as many times as you need to, allowing you to understand each idea better.
Another advantage is that some online degrees allow you to complete them faster, saving you time and Money. For example, colleges such as Thomas Jefferson University offer accelerated programs that allow you to get your degree in two or three years rather than the four years it would normally take on campus.
Because online programs are typically organized into quarters rather than semesters, more start dates are available throughout the year. Although certain programs, such as those at Arizona State University, require applicants to submit SAT or ACT results or have a minimum GPA to apply, the bulk of these programs have flexible criteria. For example, to be considered for admission, you may only need to send a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate along with your transcripts in many situations.
Of course, there are drawbacks to balancing out the benefits. For example, the curriculum might be heavier because quarter classes are shorter in duration than the typical semester-long college class. “It’s going to take a lot of dedication and effort,” Buck says.
You’ll also miss out on traditional university experiences, like networking and engaging with your classmates. That is not to imply that there will be no group projects, internships, or other opportunities to interact with your peers, but they will be far more limited than if you attended a physical college.
Finally, it can be difficult to determine program-specific outcomes for any major, like as graduation rates or job placement rates. But there’s another issue with online education: there are no official statistics on how graduates of online programs compare to graduates of similar in-person programs. This means you’ll have to conduct extensive research on each of the institutions you’re considering to ensure they’re worth your time and Money. (We’ll go over how to achieve it in more depth below.)
What Are the Differences Between Classes and In-Person Programs?
The average college class lasts about 15 to 16 weeks, and if you’re a full-time student, you’ll usually take at least four classes per semester. On the other hand, classes in online programs last eight to ten weeks, and you’ll take two courses per quarter on average.