Getting an online certification may be a fantastic way to further your career, but there is a stigma attached to achieving it online. The best way to determine whether you should go to school online is to weigh the pros and cons and decide if it’s right for you.
Pro: Flexibility and Convenience
In today’s world, it’s even harder to go to college on a regular schedule when you also need to have a full-time job to make a living. Unfortunately, this situation can cause many people to avoid college, but online certifications and degrees allow people to further their education on their own schedule. Even if you work a graveyard shift, you can finish your assignments before or after work.
Con: Self-Motivation Driven
It can be hard for many students to set their own deadlines and complete work within a timely schedule without a forced deadline. You become much more responsible when it comes to finishing your online certification plan, which can often be very overwhelming for some students. Online universities require you to complete them at home, so you need to be extremely self-motivated.
Pro: Potentially Cheaper
It’s no secret that the price of college is continuously being raised, so we’re trying to find ways to cut costs wherever we can. Online universities are potentially much cheaper than traditional colleges, although it’s important to remember that every institution differs from the next. There is no guarantee that every online university will be cheaper than a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
Con: Non-Accredited Programs
One of the biggest issues with getting an online certification is that there is a myriad of non-accredited programs on the market. Some online universities offer a degree to anyone who is willing to pay. These issues can make it difficult for someone to know what is accredited. Intense research is required to determine whether you're wasting your money with your online certification plan.
Pro: Faster Completion
Because you can complete the online certification process in your own time, there is a chance that you’ll have the ability to finish in much less time compared to traditional in-school degrees and certifications. Some programs are created toward using credits you’ve already completed so that you can obtain your degree, graduate, and start your dream job in no time.
Con: Networking Challenges
One of the most important things to do while at a traditional university is to network. Without networking, it can be difficult to get a job or get into a master’s program (if that is your goal). Online colleges lack the one-on-one networking opportunities that are necessary to move to the next stage in life. That being said, while it’s difficult, it’s certainly not impossible.
Pro: Greater Options
Sometimes the program you need isn’t in your hometown. Moving may not always be possible or ideal, so what are your other options? Online universities offer you the chance to get the job of your dreams without the hassle of moving. If you live in a small town, you no longer have to drive several hours to get to school. Now you can complete your program in your home.
Con: Negative Stigma
Because there are universities that offer degrees to anyone who is willing to pay the price, there is a negative stigma for online colleges. Fortunately, this stigma seems to be lessening in the last few years, but it is still a prevalent issue. There are always traditionalists that require you to go to a traditional university to achieve employment.
