Online or On-Campus Education—A Comparison
Making the decision to go back to school is no small feat. With so many options nowadays, one of the factors you may be considering is whether to study on campus or online. Queens University of Charlotte has a long tradition of providing transformational educational experiences on campus, and we now proudly offer the same quality of education in our selection of online degree programs. If you are considering applying to one of our online programs or are new to studying online, you may be wondering about the differences between online vs. traditional education.
This chart compares the key features that students look for when they compare degree programs. As you read the chart, think about how these considerations factor into your own educational and life/work needs.
| Factors to Consider | Online | On Campus |
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DegreeTo a graduate school or employer, there is no difference between a degree from an online or campus-based program. |
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FlexibilityOnline students can choose a program based on its course and degree offerings without being tied to a geographic area or set schedule. |
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QualityOnline courses share the same standards and outcomes as classroom instruction. |
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24/7 AccessOnline courses can be accessed 24/7, so you can work at the most convenient time for you and at your own pace. Students who are self-motivated and good time managers succeed at online learning. |
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Set ScheduleMany students prefer the structure of on-campus classes, with its defined schedule and clear boundaries between class and personal time. |
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Transferable CreditsMost schools accept transfer credits from both brick-and-mortar (traditional on-campus) and online courses, as long as they are from accredited institutions. |
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Interaction with Students and ProfessorsClassroom education provides face-to-face interaction while online learning offers virtual interaction through discussion boards, video, chat, and email. |
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AccreditationOnline schools and programs must be accredited and meet the same standards applied to their on-campus counterparts. |
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CredibilityConsider whether your program or its faculty have received national awards and recognition from leading professional organizations. |
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CommuteYou save the time and expense of a commute when learning online. |
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Student Campus LifeBeing on campus puts student life within easy reach, with access to sports, extracurricular activities, and social and cultural events. |
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DemographicsIn an online learning setting, you have the opportunity to interact, network, and do coursework with other students who could be across the U.S., or even in another part of the world. |
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Balancing Work, Life, and EducationOffering a more flexible schedule and the option of accelerating your coursework to complete your education faster, online learning facilitates a balance between work, life, and education. |
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Graduation DayWhether you attend classes online or on campus, you will have the option to participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrate your accomplishment. |
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RésuméThe online degree you earn will appear exactly the same on your résumé as that obtained on campus. Your mastery of online and social technologies could, however, enhance your technical credentials. |
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Still have questions about whether learning online or on campus would be best for your individual needs? To learn more about online programs at Queens University of Charlotte, call 866-313-2356 to speak with an admissions advisor or request information. If you are considering campus-based programs, visit www.queens.edu.
Source: Johnson, Kevin, and Manning, Susan. Online Education for Dummies®.
Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Copyright © Wiley 2014