Does it matter if you earn your master’s degree online or if you pursue your master’s degree education in person? A busy schedule makes it difficult for anyone to have time for extra tasks. Getting a master’s degree could mean new opportunities, better pay, or more specialization in an area that interests you. One way to do it all is to complete an online master’s degree. You may know this is an option, but is it a viable option?
It’s worth taking a few minutes to really determine if this is the right route for you. Take a closer look at a few key factors that should play a role in your decision. Ask yourself these questions:
Ultimately, whether you head to campus or flip open your laptop depends on what works for your needs and lifestyle. Before factoring in any other consideration, ask yourself if learning online is a good fit for your learning style:
The key here is to determine if you will thrive in the online education format. If so, consider both programs to determine how well they may work for your needs.
This is a common concern. While the first online education programs were simplistic and of questionable quality, that’s no longer the case. In fact, some of today’s most well-respected, ivy-league schools now offer online educational tracks.
The key to remember here is that every program is unique. It’s incumbent upon you to do some research to verify the program you select is one that’s worth the investment. While researching, try to answer these questions:
Take some time to ensure you’re choosing a quality graduate degree program that meets your needs.
Let’s be frank – costs matter when it comes to making the decision to go back to school. Online programs may be more affordable in some situations but not necessarily. Again, this differs from one program to the next. As a result, when comparing your options on where to go to school, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re getting for your money.
There are many benefits to in-person learning to think about, including being able to interact with your professor and other students. That may cost a bit more but may be worth it to some students. You should also consider what financial aid options are available to you. There are student loans and scholarship opportunities available for online programs. That may help to defray some of the costs associated with the process of getting your education.
One of the core benefits of studying online is the ability to maintain your lifestyle. For some people, that means being able to continue working while pursuing an education. This is common at the graduate level, as you may be in a position right now that you don’t want to lose or put on hold by going back to school.
To figure out how effective it may be for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to dedicate specific time to your education. It’s not something you can do on a lunch break. Determine how much time you’ll be able to spend with coursework each day or week. Block out time as you would your work schedule to ensure you have the flexibility you need.
Hybrid graduate school programs offer a blend of online and in-person classes. In them, you’ll spend most of your learning time online with some classes or tasks performed on campus. At the grad school level, this can include capstone projects, meetings with professors, and labs.
Online video conferencing has made it possible for some programs to not require in-person education at all. This may allow for some master’s degree programs to be fully accessible from a distance. The key benefit here is that you can choose a school that’s across the country from your home, allowing you the opportunity to study at any school.
There’s a lot of difference from one school to the next. However, choosing an accredited program ensures you are receiving valuable instruction from quality staff to meet your goals and objectives.
Most reputable universities only use well-qualified professors and faculty for their master’s programs. You may even be able to learn more about these instructors before making a decision. Take the time to research the professor’s experience. This can give you more insight into who is likely to teach you during your master’s program.
Online learning in a master’s degree program typically includes a wide range of methods. Some programs offer self-paced classes. You can log in and complete the course material as you have time, perhaps with target dates for completion. This may include recorded material or self-study classes. Other programs offer live lectures where you need to be present in the program at a specific time.
Some graduate-level programs are research based, meaning some or all of the work is done on your own. Other times, you may be working with a small group of people through an online portal and email. The good news is these schools can provide you with a wide range of options to consider and generally make it clear what to expect before you register.
Is an online degree for your master’s right for you?
Let our team help you to find out. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career goals, contact us at 855-979-5563 or web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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A master’s degree allows you to advance your career, expand your knowledge, and develop skills. While in-person classes are the traditional way to earn this degree, online programs are also available. How is online school different than in-person school? With an online graduate degree program, you can earn your master’s degree from the comfort of home. Choosing an online school for your advanced degree offers other important advantages, as well. Keep the following in mind when deciding between in-person and online master’s degree programs.
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