Universities have offered online degree programs for over 20 years, but there are still some misconceptions about online learning.
Myth 1: My online degree won’t be respected.
Employers are most interested in your ability to demonstrate the skills you learned while earning your degree by applying them to your work. Skills like working independently and effectively communicating online are vital to today’s work environment and are qualities necessary for online students.
Overall, employers are less concerned with how you earned your degree and more focused on where.
The key details about what matters in a degree program are:
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- Accreditation – Boise State meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality and is evaluated through a peer-review process. In addition, many academic programs have special accreditation or endorsement.
- Core of Study – Each degree program at Boise State Online is designed by expert faculty and staff through a rigorous development process. The thoughtful and engaging online model fosters learning among students.
- Program Applications – Courses offered by Boise State Online are taught by high-quality instructors with connections in the community and in industry. Combining professional experience and faculty insight equips students with the knowledge they need to apply their degree.
Additionally, most employers may not realize that your degree was earned online, any Boise State Online degree is a Boise State University degree and the online designation will not be listed anywhere.
Myth 2: Online degrees are for people who don’t want to interact with others.
Students in online courses have to be engaged and active learners. Participation and interaction with fellow classmates and instructors is a key component to all Boise State Online courses. In many courses, students will collaborate remotely with fellow students. This ability to balance time zones, geographic constraints and other scheduling barriers to accomplish a collective project is an advanced skill found in online students.
In online courses, participation can be more evenly distributed. While you can’t hide in the back of the class and abstain from participation, you now have equal opportunity to engage in discussions. Participation and interaction are also done on your schedule. The flexibility of Boise State Online lets you engage in discussions or assignments when you have the time – from late nights to lunch breaks or other free blocks of time.
Engaging with classmates and instructors may be different in an online classroom, but the connections and friendships made by students are the same.
Myth 3: Online programs don’t have resources for me.
Boise State Online has a team that is here to support you. Online students have unique challenges and needs. Our Student Success team helps you find the right programs, answers questions about courses and is there every step of the way. The Student Success team can also connect you with resources at other departments like Financial Aid and Veteran Services.
Just like your degree is a Boise State University degree, you are a Boise State University student and have access to the same resources that campus-based students do. Academic support resources can help you with writing skills, answer questions about the academic calendar or assisting with a financial need during an emergency.
Campus resources for Boise State Online students also include Library Services, Technical Support, Remote Proctoring and Career Services. From research to academic accommodations to a job search, you’re surrounded by real people who have a passion for helping you achieve your goals.
The Truth About Online Learning
While there are a lot of misconceptions about online learning, the truth is that Boise State Online offers convenience and flexibility to students while maintaining the standards of all Boise State University degree programs.
Our team is ready to help you find a degree program that will help you achieve your goals. If you’re interested in discovering more about our degree programs, visit the Boise State Online website for more details or contact our Student Success Coaches at (208) 426-5921.