Does it matter if you earn your master’s degree online or in person? Both have benefits, and ultimately, the decision comes down to your priorities and needs. Consider asking yourself these questions:

1. Is online learning best for me?

Ultimately, whether you head to campus or flip open your laptop depends on what works for your needs and lifestyle. Before factoring in any other consideration, ask yourself if learning online is a good fit for your learning style:

• Do you learn well on your own? While some classes may offer live lectures, you’ll still be on your own for much of this process. That means you’ll have to be comfortable with self-directed learning.
• Are you good at keeping yourself on task? It’s important to have a schedule and stick with it. Otherwise, you may find it very challenging to get work done.
• Do you thrive in team atmospheres or need to ask a lot of questions? If so, that may limit the benefits that online learning can offer to you.

The key here is to determine if you will thrive in the online education format. If so, consider both programs to determine how well they may work for your needs.

2. Is an online degree less respected?

This is a common concern. While the first online education programs were simplistic and of questionable quality, that’s no longer the case. In fact, some of today’s most well-respected, ivy-league schools now offer online educational tracks.

The key to remember here is that every program is unique. It’s incumbent upon you to do some research to verify the program you select is one that’s worth the investment. While researching, try to answer these questions:

• Does the program prepare you for any certifications you plan to earn?
• Are the program and school accredited by a recognized organization?
• Is the same type, quantity, and quality of information provided by comparable schools and in-person curriculums?
• Is the school’s online program well established, ensuring there are fewer kinks in the process?
• Does the school provide the same degree online as they would to an in-person student?

Take some time to ensure you’re choosing a quality graduate degree program that meets your needs.

3. Does an online master’s degree cost less?

Let’s be frank – costs matter when it comes to making the decision to go back to school. Online programs may be more affordable in some situations but not necessarily. Again, this differs from one program to the next. As a result, when comparing your options on where to go to school, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re getting for your money.

There are many benefits to in-person learning to think about, including being able to interact with your professor and other students. That may cost a bit more but may be worth it to some students. You should also consider what financial aid options are available to you. There are student loans and scholarship opportunities available for online programs. That may help to defray some of the costs associated with the process of getting your education.

4. Can you work while earning your master’s degree online?

One of the core benefits of studying online is the ability to maintain your lifestyle. For some people, that means being able to continue working while pursuing an education. This is common at the graduate level, as you may be in a position right now that you don’t want to lose or put on hold by going back to school.

To figure out how effective it may be for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to dedicate specific time to your education. It’s not something you can do on a lunch break. Determine how much time you’ll be able to spend with coursework each day or week. Block out time as you would your work schedule to ensure you have the flexibility you need.

5. Do online programs require you to come on campus at all?

Hybrid graduate school programs offer a blend of online and in-person classes. In them, you’ll spend most of your learning time online with some classes or tasks performed on campus. At the grad school level, this can include capstone projects, meetings with professors, and labs.

Online video conferencing has made it possible for some programs to not require in-person education at all. This may allow for some master’s degree programs to be fully accessible from a distance. The key benefit here is that you can choose a school that’s across the country from your home, allowing you the opportunity to study at any school.

6. Do online programs offer quality faculty?

There’s a lot of difference from one school to the next. However, choosing an accredited program ensures you are receiving valuable instruction from quality staff to meet your goals and objectives.

Most reputable universities only use well-qualified professors and faculty for their master’s programs. You may even be able to learn more about these instructors before making a decision. Take the time to research the professor’s experience. This can give you more insight into who is likely to teach you during your master’s program.

7. What learning methods are used online?

Online learning in a master’s degree program typically includes a wide range of methods. Some programs offer self-paced classes. You can log in and complete the course material as you have time, perhaps with target dates for completion. This may include recorded material or self-study classes. Other programs offer live lectures where you need to be present in the program at a specific time.

Some graduate-level programs are research based, meaning some or all of the work is done on your own. Other times, you may be working with a small group of people through an online portal and email. The good news is these schools can provide you with a wide range of options to consider and generally make it clear what to expect before you register.

Is an online degree for your master’s right for you?

Let our team help you to find out. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career goals, contact us at 855-979-5563 or web@geneva.edu.