What will employers think of an online degree?

It's a common question: People are intrigued by the convenience of an online degree but wonder what it will be worth in the workplace.

To get some answers, Dr. Pamela Pease, president of Jones International University, and Brian Meuller, CEO of University of Phoenix Online, two of the largest and best known online universities, were asked to explain the value of an online education.

It's clear these online universities aren't trying to fill the same role as traditional institutions. If you're considering an online degree, read the expert answers below to help you decide if it will meet your needs, capabilities and situation.

Question: Many people are unsure if employers will recognize an online degree. How do you respond to their concerns?

Dr. Pamela Pease: JIU has been awarded regional accreditation (March 1999). Regional accreditation is the highest form of accreditation in the United States. Most employers understand the significance of accreditation, and it serves as the endorsement most corporations are seeking. Online learning is a new paradigm, and what employers are realizing is that an individual who has tapped into the inherent benefits of online education has demonstrated sought-after characteristics, including being a self-starter, tech-savvy and with advanced written communications skills.

Brian Meuller: There are very few employers, in our experience, who have any opposition to students earning degrees online. Once we've had a chance to speak with an employer who may have an issue -- questions about the authenticity, validity or the rigor of it -- for the most part, those issues are resolved.

Question: Many traditional universities have resources to help graduates find employment. Do your universities offer these resources?

PP: JIU graduates are encouraged to take advantage of the school's career center, which offers many helpful links to online resources for job seekers. Many of our students are also active in the Graduate Management Association, an alumni and current student peer group that serves as a network for career advice and assistance.

BM: We don't have that kind of a service. The reason is that the mission of the university is to offer degree programs to working adult students. We have a minimum age requirement of 23, and you have to be employed full-time. More than 50 percent of our students get some kind of reimbursement from their company. Most of our students are not career changers; they're not looking to move outside but to move up within their companies.

Question: How is an online university better able to help someone's career than a traditional university might be?

PP: What our students learn can be immediately applied to their careers. Our mission is for students to be able to apply what they learn today on the job tomorrow. With today's use of high tech tools in the workplace, our students find that receiving their education via the Internet means they understand technology and feel comfortable using these tools to communicate.

BM: The informal networking capabilities of our students are fairly significant. The student-to-teacher ratio is very small. Students get to know each other and faculty members very well. Students frequently go back and communicate with a previous instructor about a business issue they're dealing with or to discuss employment opportunities at one company or another.

Question: How do you know when a candidate would be better suited for a traditional brick-and-mortar university?

PP: JIU is designed for adult learners who are serious about advancing their education and, in turn, their careers without sacrificing their life. So it's probably not appropriate for someone looking for the extracurricular offerings of a traditional university, such as fraternities or sports.

BM: Many times, people say an online student needs to be more disciplined, more structured, maybe more self-motivated to be effective in an online environment. Well, that depends on how the online format is set up. Phoenix is very structured. Students who will have problems are weak writers. They will need to get some help, because all coursework is conducted through writing.

Four Questions to Ask Before
Entering a Virtual Campus

Am I Their Typical Student?
Most online universities cater to working adults, many already working in their fields. How well do you fit the profile for the online university you're considering?

What Is the Experience Like?
Several online universities offer copious information and advisors to help potential students make informed choices. Take advantage of resources that allow you to judge the quality of the online educator you're considering.

What Is the Student-Teacher Ratio?
UOP Online caps classes at 13, and JIU caps theirs at 25. However, some online providers don't offer these small class sizes.

Is Online Learning Right for Me?
Be sure to find out before you commit to spending a large amount of time and money. JIU and UOP Online both allow you to take courses one at a time. That way, you can reassess your educational options if you decide an online degree isn't the right approach.