The Pros/Cons of an Online Masters

Reader Comments
Back to blog

It's very easy to discount an online masters degree if you have no need of a masters degree at all. But I do need it, and for me online is the ONLY option. For personal reasons I will be moving to a larger city within the next 2-3 years, and when I do that I'll surely need a masters to get a decent-paying job in my field and beat out the competition. However, I like my current job and don't want to interrupt my career track to go to school. The answer? An online masters.
Nobody out there should forget the reason online degrees came into existance in the first place: because there was demand. Without this option, good hard-working people like myself would be unfairly shut out of the educational process. And education should be inclusive, not exclusive.
I need to join other posters in emphasizing that many respected universities offer online programs that would be a boost to many resumes and careers.

GJ of VT 10:10PM August 30, 2009

In response to the post titled "It'll close doors", you are making a gross assumption believing that all online degrees are so easy to spot. Most major universities now offer online graduate and undergraduate degrees that are absolutely indiscernible from their on-campus counterparts.
A few examples include (but are not limited to):
- Penn State University
- Arizona State University
- Indiana University (I intend to apply to their Kelly School of Business online MBA program which is currently ranked #22 in the nation and my degree would be no different than if I had attended class on campus).
- Gonzaga
- Oregon State
- Carnegie Mellon
The real driver comes down to the individual. Do you have the wherewithal to attend class, complete projects and assignments and participate in general knowing that the only one driving your time line is you? If you do then there should be no reason for you to discount an online degree as one of your options for furthering your education.

Tony of WA 3:11PM August 23, 2009

I think when most people think of online education they immediately think of the usual suspects- University of Phoenix, Strayer, AIU, Devry, etc.
What most people forget is that many well known public and private universities offer online graduate programs where, upon completion, the students receive the exact some degree as those students that physically attended the school. These programs have the exact same admission requirements and standards as their on campus counterparts.
Just to name a few schools with these programs: Drexel University, Auburn, Arizona State, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Indiana, UMass, Virgina Tech, OK State. I'm sure there are many others and I think more and more schools will be looking into online courses and degree programs in the future as a way of making it easier for non-traditional students to further their educations.
Let's not lump all online degrees into the same pile and label them worthless.

Tony 1:38AM February 12, 2009

I don't know anyone who takes an online degree all that seriously. It's possible that if you're already employed, but you need an MBA as a rubber stamp to get promoted, then an online MBA wouldn't hurt. But if you're young, and don't fall under the example given above, you'll likely find it very difficult to get a job. You may find some employers that don't care and just need someone with a degree (again, just a rubber stamp), but most of the time, it will matter. It will close a number of doors that would otherwise be open with a degree from a university.
If you plan on getting a job at any major business or corporation, forget about it. Why would they pick someone with an online degree instead of someone who graduated from well known universities. They won't.

Greg of CA 2:26AM February 01, 2009

So many Online schools to choose from..... I have looked at several and all are regionally accredited. Prices range from 16K to more than 60K. To name a few Keiser, AIU, Northeastern, Capella, Strayer.... When compared to ASU, University of Houston(Where I am located) most seem to be a good deal. I understand ASU is a tier one school, but how do I choose? How do I know if they are a paper mill as you suggest? One other issue, most of the Online schools some how waive the GMAT requirement, how is that possible?
Thanks!

Edward of TX 2:28PM December 09, 2008

I view all education and continuing education as a positive. It shows that a person is willing to invest in themselves to enhance their skill-sets and advance their career. With that being said, I do believe it depends on the profession.
I believe that one must be extremely careful when applying at a for-profit college or university. Students need to do their research to confirm a college or university’s reputation and credibility in order to make sure that it holds true to the cost of the courses. However, depending on the type of degree or certification you are looking to obtain, it may be a cost effective way to gain a trade.
I would view accredited degrees with more weight. Accreditation means everything when it comes to education.

Cheryl of FL 2:54PM August 20, 2008

The pros/cons you list pertain to a masters (or higher education) in general. If you want to look at an *online* masters, you have to factor things like the convenience to study anywhwere in the world, the lack of networking opportunities, the lack of widespread acceptance in the value of an online education, etc.

Matt of CA 12:50PM August 20, 2008

I took the GMAT about 3 years ago while still in undergrad. however, the math part does really suck. Its stuff you don't see since freshman year at the latest! I had to retake the test to get into a fairly easy school.
Search amazon, they have books that concentrate only on the math portion. They start every basic and work their way up. I went with a book you can write in and gives you alot of practice. I took about a month to skim and browse the math portion on my second exam and completely ignored the rest. I scored very well after that!

Brandon Alsup of WI 11:56AM August 20, 2008

I went thought the same thought process. My hesitation in choosing a graduate program and school was the entrance exams and making sure what ever I chose to study I would actually use. I enrolled in an MS program for Organizational Leadership. It is an intensive year long online degree. It does require discipline, but I love it. I have been able to apply what I am learning therefore retaining it, while maintaining my professional and personal life. I have a phenomenal group of people in my cohort ranging from a president and executives of fortune 500 companies to engineers, and educators. Most looking to enhance their skill set and transition into a new career. If you are interested in learning more, please contact my Director Barbara at bbenjamin@mercy.edu Good Luck!

Gina of CT 12:38PM August 19, 2008

I think you're right: My plans of Jobacle world-domination would collide with the pursuit of a degree. I'll definitely check out your blog. Thanks so much for reading!

Andrew G.R. of NY 4:10PM August 18, 2008