Online versus Traditional Masters Program

[lowcountry]

For the members who are project managers and in HR, if you were looking at candidates, would you put more value into a candidate with Masters from a traditional program over an online program from a reputable school? I am finishing up BS in Geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Science and Technology and looking at graduate programs. I am currently at UNC Charlotte and have been looking at NCState's Masters in Geographic Information Science and Technology program. After talking with some faculty at UNCC, one option is to stay there for a Masters. I was drawn to the online program because I work full time as a GIS Analyst and going to school during the day is a pain in the ass. Plus I am ready to get the hell out of Charlotte and back to the coast. However, if it means a better future, I might be willing to make a sacrifice. At least it is always yoga pants season on campus.

 

[Cowboy]

My wife starts her masters online come Monday. Good luck either way you decide to go.

 

[Culper]

I got my Master's online (from a local school, but only 2 classes were on campus.) There is definitely value in going and sitting in class/lab, but there is also value in being able to knock out classes without scheduling conflicts. I was working a full time job, plus a part time job at the time... It would have been impossible to complete the program trying to take classes on campus. Weigh out the time and money it takes to complete either program versus each program's potential return on investment. Then, go from there. I went to NCSU for my undergrad, great school by the way.

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[BigWaylon]

I'd absolutely look at a traditional school one over an online only program. I had that exact question for some of the senior management at my company (AT&T) several years ago. Places like University of Phoenix weren't very highly regarded.

Now, I believe they also have some classroom stuff available these days, but I'm not sure.

There are lots of local schools that have online programs, so nobody would ever know the difference. I attempted to get a Masters of Engineering at NCSU (same place I got my undergrad) a couple years ago, but had some issues with my first class ended up dropping it. Hoping to go back at some point.

 

[ontheroad]

I started an online-only program for CJ at UMass Lowell in the fall. Due to my fluctuating work hours there's really no way that I could have done it via the traditional route. 2 classes per semester, 2 more in the summer and I will be done in less than 2 years. By enrolling in a grad certificate program first and leveraging a good GPA to get into the actual Masters program, I won't have to take any entrance exams, and after completing 11 classes with a satisfactory GPA there's no thesis needed. At the end of it all I will still have the same degree as someone who took the ride to school and sat in class.

I had mixed classroom and online for my undergrad and it took forever to finish up since I had to put off classes that conflicted with work. Well, that and the brilliant idea to be a double major and throw an internship in as well. Live & learn.

Go with a reputable school and stay away from diploma mills.

 

[WeepingAngel]

I'd value the school and program over the delivery method. Plenty of good online schools, plenty of crap brick and mortar. Most of the good schools (which are usually- but not always- b&m with an online option) the difference won't be seen on any of the transcripts, diplomas, etc. They see - for example - NC State and have no idea whether it was online or in-person.

 

[maven]

I'd value the school and program over the delivery method. Plenty of good online schools, plenty of crap brick and mortar. Most of the good schools (which are usually- but not always- b&m with an online option) the difference won't be seen on any of the transcripts, diplomas, etc. They see - for example - NC State and have no idea whether it was online or in-person.

This times a million. The name of the school on the degree you will be adding to your resume speaks volumes over whether you did it in person or online.

 

[Chuckman]

I'd value the school and program over the delivery method. Plenty of good online schools, plenty of crap brick and mortar. Most of the good schools (which are usually- but not always- b&m with an online option) the difference won't be seen on any of the transcripts, diplomas, etc. They see - for example - NC State and have no idea whether it was online or in-person.

Definitely. Accreditation is the most important factor that most employers look for, not how it was obtained.

I was in grad school at Duke in the early 90s (did not finish; way too expensive); I am in grad school now (online, ECU). I do far more reading and writing with the online program. Just the way it's panning out.

 

[NCMedic]

As others have pointed out the accreditation is the biggest factor to consider with any online degree program. Probably more so while doing a associtates or bachelors online.... Know several people who have taken a substantial amount of classes through various online programs to only be told that they school they wanted to attend later didn't accept those credits due to issues.

One good piece of advice I got while shopping around was to make sure that the school actually has a "brick and mortar" school... If they don't it seems their chances of being accredited go down substantially.

I actually prefer online classes rather than the traditional setting. There are a lot of really good higher education programs available now, and honestly most employers don't care where you got it from.
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[lowcountry]

I got my Master's online (from a local school, but only 2 classes were on campus.) There is definitely value in going and sitting in class/lab, but there is also value in being able to knock out classes without scheduling conflicts. I was working a full time job, plus a part time job at the time... It would have been impossible to complete the program trying to take classes on campus. Weigh out the time and money it takes to complete either program versus each program's potential return on investment. Then, go from there. I went to NCSU for my undergrad, great school by the way.

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My wife went there for undergrad and grad (vet school) and she liked the school. So far, they have been answered all my questions and I am impressed with their Masters program I am looking at.

 

[lowcountry]

I started an online-only program for CJ at UMass Lowell in the fall. Due to my fluctuating work hours there's really no way that I could have done it via the traditional route. 2 classes per semester, 2 more in the summer and I will be done in less than 2 years. By enrolling in a grad certificate program first and leveraging a good GPA to get into the actual Masters program, I won't have to take any entrance exams, and after completing 11 classes with a satisfactory GPA there's no thesis needed. At the end of it all I will still have the same degree as someone who took the ride to school and sat in class.

I had mixed classroom and online for my undergrad and it took forever to finish up since I had to put off classes that conflicted with work. Well, that and the brilliant idea to be a double major and throw an internship in as well. Live & learn.

Go with a reputable school and stay away from diploma mills.

Sounds like we are in the same boat. I have a job and marriage to keep up with so being able to sit in a class room during the day followed by catching up on work is difficult.

 

[lowcountry]

I'd value the school and program over the delivery method. Plenty of good online schools, plenty of crap brick and mortar. Most of the good schools (which are usually- but not always- b&m with an online option) the difference won't be seen on any of the transcripts, diplomas, etc. They see - for example - NC State and have no idea whether it was online or in-person.

That is a good point, my degree will say from NC State, not NC State - online.

 

[lowcountry]

As others have pointed out the accreditation is the biggest factor to consider with any online degree program. Probably more so while doing a associtates or bachelors online.... Know several people who have taken a substantial amount of classes through various online programs to only be told that they school they wanted to attend later didn't accept those credits due to issues.

One good piece of advice I got while shopping around was to make sure that the school actually has a "brick and mortar" school... If they don't it seems their chances of being accredited go down substantially.

I actually prefer online classes rather than the traditional setting. There are a lot of really good higher education programs available now, and honestly most employers don't care where you got it from.
​​​​

I agree with preferring online classes for technical stuff. I don't think I could learn how intubate through an online class with out airing up a stomach, but I have no problem learning/writing code in an online environment.

 

[lowcountry]

Well, finished my first semester and have learned a lot. I haven't been able to apply much to work, but have been able to do a lot of testing and setup for the fire department which is what I truly enjoy. I am hoping this will turn into a GIS Manager for the town or department in the future.

Pretty much have given up shooting and fishing, but the knowledge and experience has been great. Going to try to do some manly stuff over the break.

 

[noway2]

I agree with @WeepingAngel in that the reputation and accreditation of the school are what will matter, especially if upon graduation there is no indication as to whether it was an online or in person degree. It shouldn't matter. The school sets the standards and they're asserting you met those standards by handing you that paper.

 

[Tim]

I was drawn to the online program because I work full time as a GIS Analyst and going to school during the day is a pain in the ass.

I value experience over credentials. Here's how that applies to your situation:

For a younger person new to the field/career, I'd value the on-campus degree from a reputable school over an online degree.

For a person with significant actual experience in the field/career that is supplementing real-world experience with a degree, I'd value the on-line equally if not more so. Assuming, of course, it's an accredited school.

For the service related guys out there, I'd make this analogy

Chief Warrant Officer/Mustang > Academy Grad > ROTC

I'd hire the CWO every time.

 

[pinkbunny]

I thought I should point out an aside for you, since you're at UNCC:

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is going to be doing hirings, both internship and full time, in January, and are really looking for GIS, geographic tagging people. If you get a full time job with them, they will pay for your masters.

 

[lowcountry]

I thought I should point out an aside for you, since you're at UNCC:

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is going to be doing hirings, both internship and full time, in January, and are really looking for GIS, geographic tagging people. If you get a full time job with them, they will pay for your masters.

I appreciate the heads up, but I am back in Charleston, SC again. I wish the airport here was hiring experienced GIS people or looking for a GIS manager. I have over 10 years of experience and my GISP but stuck in a grunt role at my current company. Everytime I show my managers some examples of better ways to do something with newer tools, it gets stopped by red tape.

 

[Chuckman]

I value experience over credentials. Here's how that applies to your situation:

For a younger person new to the field/career, I'd value the on-campus degree from a reputable school over an online degree.

For a person with significant actual experience in the field/career that is supplementing real-world experience with a degree, I'd value the on-line equally if not more so. Assuming, of course, it's an accredited school.

For the service related guys out there, I'd make this analogy

Chief Warrant Officer/Mustang > Academy Grad > ROTC

I'd hire the CWO every time.

I agree with most of this, but generally I put more emphasis on the online degree than the resident (i.e., "on campus" degree) because most people who take an online degree do it while they are working full-time, so to me it shows that a person can handle a work-life balance better and knows how to prioritize and triage responsibilities. As you say, it's assuming the degree is from an accredited school. But in my line of work, HR won't even look at a resume/app unless the school is accredited.

 

[Tim]

I agree with most of this, but generally I put more emphasis on the online degree than the resident (i.e., "on campus" degree) because most people who take an online degree do it while they are working full-time, so to me it shows that a person can handle a work-life balance better and knows how to prioritize and triage responsibilities. As you say, it's assuming the degree is from an accredited school. But in my line of work, HR won't even look at a resume/app unless the school is accredited.

yup. I think we're saying the exact same thing.

 

[wvsig]

To me it all depends on the discipline and the school you are attending. Some careers and disciplines easily lend themselves to online study some do not. For many disciplines the on campus experience cannot be replicated in an online environment. For example with business degrees the interaction and the networking that is part of a on campus program is lost in an online degree. Web chats and a few weekends a semester cannot make up the difference. In many industries those contacts and networks are a huge part of later success. I would ask those in your field who are involved in hiring for their thoughts. They will give you much better insight into what your job market demands.

Another huge consideration is are you looking to better your skills or simply punch a ticket that allows you to advance beyond your current position. Many people who return to school via online programs are simply looking to check a box because they have plateaued because a lack of a certain level of degree. They do not really need to add a new skill set or knowledge base as much as they need a piece of paper. If this is the case you find yourself in the online path is much more efficient. It is not always more cost effective in terms of straight tuition costs.

As others have said the schools accreditations are a huge part of the equation. Most people agree that the best online programs are offered by schools which have real campuses and offer the same degree on that campus. A huge consideration is also how long has the online school been accredited. How long has the University had an online program in your discipline. If they have just launched it people within your industry will likely know that and may scrutinizing the "value" of the degree more than if the University has a long standing brand in your field.

I would disagree that even if there is no reference to online vs on campus designation that it 2 "different" degrees from the same school will mean the same thing. It might not say it on the diploma you list on your resume or a CV but it will come out in an in person or even in depth phone interview. Curriculum for online vs in person are by necessity different. The instructors are often different. Depending on the school and the degree they can be weighted differently. In many industries there is still a lot of bias to the in classroom setting. In others not so much.