It is not surprising that the rate of persons pursuing a bachelor’s degree online is rising steadily over the years.
Online degree programs come with a lot of eye-catching benefits one of which is the opportunity to learn from wherever you are and at a pace that is convenient for you.
Moreso, you’re able to get the same credentials as on-campus students without having to attend physical classes. However, earning a bachelor’s degree comes with its own price.
So, can you earn a bachelor’s degree online? Certainly, but it is not that simple. Follow me closely as I provide you with relevant information about earning a bachelor’s degree online in this article.
What Is A Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to students who have completed a three to six years course.
Basically, after completing their k12 education, students who wish to advance their careers enroll in college or the university. Through this, they gain more knowledge that helps them become more competitive and qualified for better-paying jobs.
Lastly, a bachelor’s degree is equivalent to six to eight years of experience in a field.
Are online bachelor’s degrees really worth it?
Yes. Online bachelor courses are accredited by colleges and universities and the degree is equivalent to those awarded to on-campus students.
Opposed to three general notions, online bachelor’s degrees are actually worth it. Many universities partner with MOCC platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, etc., and list their accredited courses for interested participants to take.
Here are some of the pros of getting a bachelor’s degree online:
1. Distance learning
One of the notable benefits of acquiring an online bachelor’s degree is that students can take classes from wherever they are.
With the proliferation of the internet and technology in education, foreign students, particularly in developing countries are able to access high-quality education and earn international certificates that can boost their portfolio from their homes.
Moreso, individuals with physical disabilities can acquire a bachelor’s degree by enrolling in online bachelor courses offered by a college or university.
2. Self-paced learning
Another exciting benefit of pursuing a bachelor’s degree online is that students are able to control the pace of their learning.
For adults who are working jobs or have other commitments to attend to, an online bachelor’s degree gives them the opportunity to learn at their convenience and at periods when they are less busy.
Additionally, students can also choose a time for their class based on when they are able to learn best. Moreso, students can adjust their classes so that it doesn’t interfere with other activities they have for the day.
3. Flexibility
Some online courses give students the opportunity to speed up the time of acquiring their degree. This provision is known as accelerated degree programs and they allow you to finish your program and earn a degree in a year and some months if you decide to.
4. It is more affordable
With online programs, you eliminate the cost of transportation and accommodation that you would usually need to bear as an on-campus student.
Moreso, most online bachelor’s degree programs offer cheaper tuition than on-campus programs.
5. Students gain the skill to be self-reliant
Because students have to work on their own a bulk of the time while undertaking bachelor’s degree programs online, they learn to be self-motivated and disciplined. This skill can help them in future job roles and in their personal lives.
How Can You Apply For A Bachelor Degree Online?
To apply for an online bachelor’s degree, first, you should make a stand on which school you want to enroll in. Secondly, take note of the time of application, requirements for applying and deadline for applying, submitting test scores, and application for financial aid.
You will also be required to write an essay or statement about yourself. You’d equally need to fill out the common application form.
Additionally, the application process requires submitting a letter of recommendation which may come from your teacher or school counselor. Lastly, you’d need to submit your high school transcripts and for those without college credit, SAT or ACT scores will suffice.
How To Choose The Right Bachelor Degree Program?
Before choosing an online degree program to enroll in, there are a lot of things to consider. First, look at your availability to avoid choosing a school where you would find it difficult to cope with class schedules, so you don’t risk falling below the average pass mark.
Second, you should look inward and think deeply about what you’re really passionate about and choose a course along that line. If you already know your passion, then it is better for you. After this, proceed further to make research its prospect for you in the real world.
This is really important because many students find that they cannot cope with a course while studying because they were never passionate about it before choosing it. Sometimes it may be too late to back out of a course especially once you have made payment.
Furthermore, there are a myriad of school options that can fit into your budget if you search carefully. Also, look into their application fees, financial aid, and other extra costs including course materials, and online service fees.
Additionally, check to know if they have an active online support service as this shows the school really values and cares about students.
How Long Does An Online Bachelor Degree Take?
Basically, a bachelor’s degree for full-time students takes three to four years to earn. Part-time students take five to six years to complete their undergraduate courses online.
However, you may look out for schools that offer accelerated or flexible programs that allow you to complete your online degree program in a little over a year.
How Much Does Bachelor Degree Online Cost?
Generally, online bachelor’s degrees are more affordable than traditional degrees.
According to the US News, one hundred and ninety-eight private institutions reported an average per credit fee price of $513 for online programs while six hundred and twenty-eight private colleges reported an average tuition price of $1287 for on-campus programs in the 2021/2022 academic year.
Furthermore, one hundred and eighty-three public schools reported an average tuition fee of $333 per credit for in-state and in-district online students, while in-state on-campus degree was an average of $385 per credit.
Asides from that, you do not need to settle transportation and accommodation fees while studying online. Moreso, students can apply for financial aid that can lessen their tuition fees.
Which School Offer The Best Bachelor Degree Online?
Some of the best colleges and universities where you should consider enrolling for an online degree program include:
- The University of Florida
- The University of Illinois, Chicago
- Oregon State University
- Arizona State University
- Ohio State University, Columbus
- Colorado State Uni-Global Campus
- George Washington University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
- The Medical University Of South Carolina among others
These schools rank among the best because of their curriculum, course materials, online courses, credentials, tuition, and remote support services.
What Is The Course Unit For Online Bachelor Degree?
Both bachelor’s of arts and science require that students complete at least 120 credits units. Some schools allow students to add additional units per semester.
Hence, the number of credit unit students are able to take determine the speed at which they can complete their degree program and earn a certificate.
On the other hand, some follow a standard credit unit per semester which students cannot adjust.
The drawbacks of getting a bachelor’s degree online
1. Limited interaction between peers and instructors
Online degree programs don’t give students the avenue to interact with peers just like physical classes. Moreso, students are able to ask questions and get immediate feedback from instructors in an on-campus program.
In contrast, students may begin to feel isolated and demotivated due to limited social interactions with peers. and their inability to ask questions and get immediate feedback from instructors in an online degree program.
Although synchronous classes can help improve student-to-teacher engagement by bringing everyone together in real-time for online classes, it still doesn’t give the same level of satisfaction that comes from physical interaction.
2. It requires a higher level of discipline
Many students who enroll in degree programs find it difficult to meet up with classes and assignments over time. This is because as they progress, they get demotivated to continue because of inadequate engagement and support from instructors.
Moreso, the internet can be so distracting with social media, incessant messages as well as environmental factors like noise. All of these can make students lose focus easily.
3. Excess exposure to screen
One underrated setback of enrolling for online degree courses is that students have to spend a chunk of things in front of their laptops, phones, or tablets.
Most degree courses require at least nine hours of lectures per week. So, students really have no choice but to stick with their devices so as to meet up with classes.
4. Light and internet problem
Students who live in developing countries where the internet is a major issue face challenges with online degree programs. From fluctuating internet connection to the high cost of internet tariff, there are a lot of issues to deal with.
Also, the problem of unstable light may make students miss out on classes since they need light to power their phones or laptops.
FAQs
Is an online degree a real degree?
Yes. An online degree is real and accredited by universities that offer them.
What is the easiest bachelor’s degree to get online?
Some of the easiest bachelor’s degrees you can enroll for online includes business administration, agricultural science, psychology, sociology, liberal arts, accounting, and English language, among others.
What are the hardest bachelor’s degree online programs?
Some of the hardest bachelor’s degree programs include architecture, engineering, physics, medicine, etc.
Final Thoughts
From this article, you can rest assured that you can earn a bachelor’s degree online if you do not have the time to enroll for a traditional on-campus degree.
Hence, if you really desire to advance your career regardless of your busy schedule an online degree program may be your best bet for continuous learning.
Additionally, take your time to look at the requirements, schedules, and tuition fees of different schools before choosing the one that fits perfectly with your plan.
Lastly, you may check the article on how you can become a software engineer without a degree or check the article on how you can become a personal trainer without a degree if you wish to become one.
Thank you for reading. I wish you success as you pursue your bachelor’s degree online.
