Frequently Asked Questions

People choose to pursue a master's degree online for a variety of reasons. Convenience and flexibility, however, are usually at the top of the list. Earning a degree from home-or anywhere with an Internet connection-offers a variety of benefits, according to Sheri Scott, who earned her master of science in education training and performance improvement online.

"If you have time restraints due to job shifts, child care, health or commuting issues, then I strongly recommend that you accomplish your education online. Online is flexible, therefore, allowing you to create your [own] classroom time."

Finding the right time to start an online master's degree can be a challenge. It's important to look at where you are in your career and whether or not you are able to balance personal, professional and academic responsibilities. Sid Simone, an online MBA student, took his decision to go back to school seriously. He believes that the time is "when you have schedule flexibility and can balance personal, work and school life."

Mittenthal touts the importance of looking at prerequisites before signing up. "Consult with a program advisor to ensure that the program can be completed within your desired time frame." Many programs won't admit students who have not fulfilled the required prerequisites, and having to complete them first will add to the time it takes to complete a master's degree. For some, this could mean putting the online master's degree on hold to earn the necessary prerequisites.

Nowadays, almost every type of master’s degree imaginable is offered online in some form. Some degree programs may necessitate a hybrid-format for hands-on training or laboratory work; however, these programs are generally flexible in the time commitment and location of that in-person requirement. For example, Bowers explains that her online nursing education program included a clinical component. Typically, this would include direct contact with others in the profession or patients for a traditional nursing program. However, because Bowers was in an online program, her instructor allowed her to complete the clinical component online as well.

The application process for most online master's programs is similar to that of traditional programs. Specific application requirements will vary, but in general, submission of a completed application, official undergraduate transcripts, relevant test scores and letters of recommendation are required.

When Bowers applied for her online nursing education program, she needed to submit personal information as well as official transcripts from prior colleges. More competitive programs may require high school transcripts, a resume, extracurricular activities and recognitions, references, and even a credit report. The university's website should provide information on requirements and deadlines. When in doubt, contact an advisor or the college's admissions office for information

It depends on the program. Mittenthal, for example, reports that his university's master of science in operations management program is virtually identical whether taken online or on-campus. Some distance learning students, however, have found that more independent work is required in an online program. Additionally, some assignments may be modified to accommodate online learning, which makes them slightly different from assignments given in traditional classes.

The length of an online master's program varies depending on the degree, the program itself and the motivation of the student. Some programs, such as those at the University of Phoenix, start year-round and classes are compressed to just a few weeks, allowing students to complete programs in an accelerated time frame. Other online programs follow a more traditional semester-based calendar and, therefore, can take two to three years to complete.

According to Mittenthal, hands-on experience is not always necessary. "Nearly all of the students in our online program are already employed in the field that they wish to pursue, so this is typically not an issue," he says. Scott, however, had a different experience. "You must intern, volunteer, and go beyond the homework to educate yourself in the field," she says. Additionally, some programs that necessitate hands-on experience, such as teaching, will build the requirement into the curriculum. Students can often schedule these obligations around their own personal and professional schedule, within their geographic area.

Generally, no. Most colleges award the same type of diploma and do not distinguish between degrees that were earned online or on campus. An exception would be if an online-only university conferred the degree-in that case, a current or prospective employer would know it was an online degree.

Most colleges do allow their distance learning students to participate in the graduation ceremony once all degree requirements have been completed. "You will have to make arrangements to travel to the graduation ceremony-possibly out of state-but you will receive a cap, gown and a ceremony," Scott reports.

Yes! Many employers hire, promote and increase compensation based on the individual's level of education. In terms of your degree being earned online, most employers will recognize and accept the degree if it was earned at an accredited college or university. Accreditation ensures that online programs meet certain academic standards and, therefore, prepare students for the workforce the same way a traditional campus-based program would.

Telling a prospective employer that you earned your degree online versus in a more traditional program is up to your personal preference. If your online master's degree is from an accredited university that offers the same program and curriculum as the on-campus program, there really is no difference. If you do choose to disclose this information, or are asked by a potential employer, you can mention what you learned from the online experience. Earning an online degree requires time management and self-motivation, both of which are important skills in the workplace.