The combination of advancing technology and the COVID-19 global pandemic led many employers across all businesses and industries to change their perspectives on online education and degrees.
With most colleges and universities offering online programs to meet the increased popularity of the learning format, several employers now view online degrees equally with degrees earned on a brick-and-mortar campus.
Prior to the pandemic, online education was already booming with convenience and affordability, leading to droves of new learners. In 2018, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 35% of all college students enrolled in at least one online course.
Then, the world shifted to doing most of its work online, so even employers hiring for their companies gained a new perspective on doing business virtually. Additionally, almost every college student had to go online to remain in school during the pandemic.
Boise State University has offered online programs since 1989 and continues to offer quality, affordable and flexible bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, certificates and individual classes online to students across the globe. Each online program provides students with the same quality education as on campus.
What to Know About Distance Learning
Because online education is still relatively new compared to attending classes in person, there are plenty of questions potential online students have. Here are some of those questions and answers:
- Do employers care if my degree is online? It depends. Of course, no two employers are the same. While the majority of potential employers see little-to-no difference between online and on-campus degrees, some still could, depending largely on the field of work.
- Can I get a job with an online degree? Yes. Most employers don’t know immediately whether a degree was earned online or in person. When you graduate from Boise State University, your diploma won’t say online. It isn’t necessary to distinguish the method on a resume. They are also usually much more concerned with an individual and how their degree applies to the industry than how they earned a degree. The method of obtaining a degree is far less important than it used to be.
- How do employers view online degrees? Overall, employers view online degrees favorably — especially from schools with strong reputations, such as Boise State. Accreditation is also an important factor, but employers largely respect online degrees.
- Are online degrees more accepted now than in the past? Yes, especially because so many students work full-time, online is the only way they can earn a degree. The stigma of online learning has largely disappeared, although some employers prefer non-profit over for-profit institutions.
It’s All About Knowledge and Skills
No matter how a potential employer feels about online education, the most important things a potential employee can demonstrate are their skills, what they learned in school and, if applicable, their work experience.
Another advantage of online education is the collaboration of students with classmates who bring different perspectives to enhance the learning process. Plus, students can gain real-world experience working in the field while earning a degree.
Explaining to employers the tangible skills gained in an online program, such as project management or mentoring partnerships, can also help alleviate any reservations they might have.
No matter the higher education goal, Boise State online can tailor a degree program, certificate program or individual classes to meet the need of students.
Learn More About Online Programs, Classes at Boise State
Boise State University offers a wide array of online degree programs, certificate programs and individual classes. Are you ready to hear more about them?