Can I get hired with my online degree? Plus 5 other FAQs about online education
by UTEP Connect
Despite over 5.8 million students being enrolled in distance learning courses, the facts about online learning continue to be muddled. If you’ve been considering an online degree but still have some questions, get them answered today.
Can I get hired with my online degree?
Before online learning became popular not only with students but also accredited universities, online degrees were viewed as the brainchild of diploma mills. Today, the shifting faces of first-time students and the growing number of high-quality online learning options make an online degree just as respected as a traditional diploma. In fact, most employers never think to ask about how a degree was obtained, as long as the institution is accredited and known for quality education.
Can online learning fit into my busy schedule?
With 84% of online bachelor’s students employed during their schooling, the answer is yes. Online learning offers flexibility for full-time employees, parents and everyone in between to pursue higher education outside of a classroom. Classes allow students to learn when and where they want, whether that’s after the kids are in bed for the night or following a graveyard shift. The lessons and material are accessible 24/7 for maximum convenience.
Is getting an online degree faster than engaging in on-campus learning?
One of the biggest benefits to an online education is that students can learn at their own pace. While traditional college students need to wait for classes or take multiple classes in the same semester, online students have the flexibility to take as many or as few courses as they want. This allows students to complete their degrees quickly or slowly, depending on their needs.
Will I qualify for student loans and scholarships?
While online degrees are often less expensive than traditional post-secondary education, the costs can still add up. Luckily, students can obtain loans, scholarships, grants and other forms of funding for online courses, just like traditional college students. In fact, there are even options only available to online college students to help defray the costs.
Can my previously earned credits transfer?
Whether you've been taking classes at a local university or pursued a career before life got in the way, losing credits can be a financial blow. Accredited colleges offering online degrees will often take transfer credits from other accredited institutions. As with traditional students, those credits are subject to review by your online institution, but they can often be applied to the degree you’re pursuing. If you have questions about transferring your previous credits to UTEP Connect, please reach out to an enrollment counselor.
Is staying motivated harder if I don’t have to attend on-campus classes?
One concern with online learning is that it's perceived as sterile. You don't attend class at a set time, and you aren't face-to-face with other students or professors. Despite this, an online education can actually provide better accessibility and more ways to interact than traditional classes. Professors hold "office hours" to answer students’ questions, lectures and notes are available 24/7 for review and clarification, and forums serve as a place for students to converse and learn together.
Why UTEP Connect?
While a brick-and-mortar education may be out of reach for working professionals, online degrees make it easy to pursue your educational dreams. Through flexible learning at your own pace, online institutions can help you reach your professional goals and provide for your family. We’ve been providing excellence in education for over 100 years.
Ready to learn more? Start here with more information about our online degree programs and the UTEP Connect programs.
