In the last five to ten years, there has been a significant increase in online bachelor degree programs on the Internet, and this trend is expected to continue expanding rapidly in the future. The growing popularity of online bachelor degree programs is largely due to the now widespread acceptance of an online university's bachelor degree as equivalent to what can be obtained from any traditional brick-and-mortar school.
When online classes first emerged on the Internet in the 1980s, they were primarily focused on certificate programs or technical degrees. Some schools were established hastily without proper accreditation, which tarnished the reputation of online education. However, in the last decade, there has been a notable turnaround. This shift in attitude is largely attributed to the increasingly exceptional education provided by online universities. Today’s online bachelor degree programs rival traditional university classes. Reputable colleges and universities that have long been recognized for their traditional programs now offer these online programs. Employers recognize that the curriculum is identical whether the course is taken online or in a classroom, ensuring a top-notch education in either case.
In fact, online bachelor degree programs often provide more one-on-one attention because students can regularly communicate directly with professors via email for feedback and direction. Quality online bachelor degree programs are now accredited by the same agencies that accredit more traditional colleges and universities. Three organizations recognized by the Federal Government as high-quality indicators are the U.S. Department of Education, Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Any online university accredited by one of these councils offers a program considered at least equal to a bachelor’s degree program at a traditional post-secondary school.
If you graduate from an online bachelor degree program today, you will receive a diploma that is no different from the one given to students attending the residential college. You will have completed the same curriculum, including core requirement classes, and will graduate with the same knowledge. When applying for jobs, employers will not know whether you attended traditional classes or online classes because it is no longer indicated on official transcripts or diplomas. Employers favor online bachelor degree programs for their employees. Employers have always recognized the value of allowing employees to pursue a college education. In the past, this was usually done through night and weekend classes, with the employer sometimes reimbursing costs. Unfortunately, many class schedules aren’t flexible, and employers began to realize the expense of university classes in terms of both money and time. An online bachelor degree program has become the ideal solution for employers who encourage employee education. Employees can set their own pace and work schooling around their work schedule. Additionally, the cost of online classes is generally less than traditional classroom settings, making it attractive for company reimbursement programs.
Finally, employers appreciate the additional opportunities that an online bachelor degree program can offer. Since all work is done online, location is not an issue. For example, if a computer salesman with an associate’s degree wants to focus on a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, he can look for an online university anywhere in the United States that offers this specialized degree. With everyone from accrediting agencies to employers giving them high marks, online bachelor degree programs have firmly established themselves in the educational mainstream.