How do employers view an online masters degree? Chances are, a person who is considering pursuing this type of degree online is interested in the answer to this question. Not surprisingly, the people who are taking these advanced courses want to benefit from them in form of a better job or a promotion at their current job. The following offers some answers to students regarding this important question.
Divided Opinions
The answer to the above question depends upon which employer you ask. In short, employers have a variety of views on online education. Some of them believe that a masters degree earned in the traditional way holds more value. Other employers are embracing the modern technology that allows adult students to easily take courses and add to their education. Some employers take an online masters degree more seriously if a student earns it from a school that also offers traditional classes to students. An employer’s thoughts on an online masters degree depend upon his or her own beliefs and experiences with employees who have earned a masters degree online.
The Pros of Having an Online Masters Degree
While evaluating a job applicant some employers consider the persistence it takes for a person to earn a masters degree online. Oftentimes, an adult student has to study and take the appropriate courses while maintaining a job and family life. Persistence and dedication are qualities that many employers find valuable in an employee. In addition, an employer may admire the person’s decision to pursue advanced education and garner more skills. Some employees just float along on the skills they have and never try to improve. A person who earn a masters degree online is showing a desire to continue to improve and grow in a profession.
The Cons of Having an Online Masters Degree
Unfortunately, some employers look at an online masters degree as something that is easy to get. The student is willing to pay for the online courses so the school makes sure he or she can finish the program successfully. If the person needs assistance, the school makes sure that he or she receives it in order to further build a favorable reputation with students. This is a false impression that some employers have about online education. In addition, there are employers who think that more work is involved in pursuing a masters degree in the traditional way. They think that sitting in a physical classroom and interacting with classmates benefits a student more than learning online. This may be true for some students, but many of the students who study online are more comfortable with this modern method. They can focus more on the subject at hand and don’t have to deal with the distractions of a traditional classroom.
Finally, making sure that an online school is accredited is one way for a student to feel more confident about getting a job after graduation. Also, a student should do a little research on the online school to see if students who earn masters degrees there are having success in the workplace.