How to Defend Your Online Degree

Table of Contents

Guide to Online Education

Our comprehensive guide addresses what online education entails, what online learning options exist, how to select the best online education for your needs, and much more.

In designing the "Guide to Online Education," we worked closely with online students, graduates, professors, and online learning experts to collect practical information to help you succeed in online learning.

Download the "Guide to Online Education."

Debt-Free College Guide

Need help paying for college? Learn how to get someone else to pay for your education, so you can finish college debt-free.

Check out the Debt-Free College Guide for different ways to help finance a college degree.

How To Reference This

eLearners.com. (2007). Guide to online education. Retrieved 7/5/2009, from the World Wide Web. http://www.elearners.com/
guide-to-online-education/.

How to Defend Your Online Degree

How to Defend Your Online Degree

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Guide to Online Education > Online Education Trends > Hot Topics in Online Education > How to Defend Your Online Degree

In the grand scheme of higher education, online education is relatively new. Like anything nontraditional, some people may be unfamiliar with online programs and a little skeptical of the value of a degree earned entirely online.

As a graduate of an online degree program or as a current student, you may have to explain your reason for not enrolling in a "traditional" brick-and-mortar program.

Whether you are discussing your resume with a prospective employer or chatting casually with friends and family, here are ten talking points you can use to defend your decision for earning your degree online.

My online school is accredited.

Online colleges and universities who are accredited by an accrediting agency are required to adhere to the same standards (and a few extras) as traditional, campus-based schools. Human resources (HR) departments routinely establish institutional accreditation as a fundamental requirement when evaluating and accepting an individual's academic credentials.

A school's accreditation is an important factor for HR, whether reviewing a job applicant's resume or approving a request for tuition assistance/reimbursement. Accreditation separates legitimate schools from diploma/degree mills. Because accreditation distinguishes your school from a diploma mill, let people know your degree comes from an accredited school!

I can manage my time effectively.

One of the most important skills online learning teaches you is how to manage your time effectively. It is advantageous for employers to have individuals on their team who know how to manage their time effectively.

Illustrate how you were responsible for managing your time by prioritizing and meeting the deadlines set by your professors. Demonstrate how applying effective time management practices was the only road to success by explaining how much advance planning and time was required to complete the coursework.

I have a lot of experience with new software and software applications.

List all the computer skills you have acquired from your online degree program, including troubleshooting your PC. Highlight the software programs you have utilized, like Microsoft® Office, and your familiarity with posting in forums and discussions, chat rooms, and synchronous meetings. These skills can be directly applied to any work environment.

In a global economy, computers are the lifeline of business, and meetings are often conducted by teleconference, video or web conferencing. Having experience and familiarity with these types of technology can set you apart from your peers. You bring experience from your online coursework and know the various forms of etiquette of these types of communication require. Be certain to highlight your experience in the area of computers, software applications, and related technologies.

I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Every organization value the ability to read and manage the emotions, motivations, and behaviors of oneself and others in a social-interactive context. During interviews and reviews, companies must assess and measure those skills in a candidate or employee. You can demonstrate the strength of your interpersonal skills by talking about:
  1. online teamwork and the frequency of group projects in your online courses;
  2. crafting messages in order to express, clarify or persuade others of your ideas;
  3. and maintaining regular contact with your peers and professors online.
It takes a lot more effort to communicate ideas effectively without being able to rely on body language. Highlight how you have successfully been able to work with others without depending solely on physical cues. By working effectively with others online, your degree is proof of your excellent interpersonal skills.

I have proven leadership skills.

Online classes frequently include a group component in the coursework or syllabus. Not only does this allow the students to learn from one another, but it also helps develop a sense of community. Most online students will have had the opportunity to lead an online team. Highlight that experience and the leadership skills utilized in order to effectively lead a team. Most likely, you used a combination of:
  1. Communication
  2. Decision making
  3. Running meetings
  4. Reporting out
  5. Project planning
Because of your work leading an online team, know that you are prepared and capable of leading in today's business environment, which increasingly must deal with technology and remote workers.

All Accredited Online Degrees

Ready to get started? These fully accredited online colleges and online universities are committed to academic excellence and offer online degrees delivered in a flexible, convenient format.

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