Who can do online degrees?

In the recent past, online degrees have gained immense acceptance and have greatly impacted the face of higher learning institutions. This type of education entails flexibility and availability since students can attend their classes from anywhere in the world at any time that is convenient for them. 

This convenience has led many people to embrace online learning, which suits a wide variety of circumstances. For instance, stay-at-home mothers who still need to attend college while caring for their children can benefit from online degrees. Military personnel, due to the nature of their job relocations and deployments, can also significantly benefit from online degrees.

The online education market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.06% (2024-2029), resulting in a market volume of US$18.94bn in 2029. Let’s learn about online education’s convenience and who can pursue it.

You’ll also benefit from reading essential job skills for online degree students to cultivate.

The Flexibility of Online Degrees

• Self-Paced Learning

Flexibility is a prominent characteristic of online degrees, especially in terms of scheduling. Students can schedule study time according to the flexibility of their timelines, including work or family calendars. Flexibility, as a characteristic of online learning, entails that learners complete the course at their own pace.

Flexible scheduling, which is characteristic of many online programs, allows students to view the materials, contribute to the discussions, and perform assignments at their own pace. 

• Access from Anywhere

Studying online also means that you can study from any location of your choice across the globe. Students can attend classes, participate in group projects, and complete coursework through an internet connection and an appropriate device from any location. This does away with the need to travel to a campus or move to another city or country to further your education.

The advancement in technology helps ensure that online education is available worldwide. Learning management systems, videoconferencing tools, and collaboration platforms allow students to participate in real-time discussions, attend lectures, and complete group assignments without difficulty.

Stay-at-Home Parents

• Balancing Family and Education

Stay-at-home parents experience certain difficulties in obtaining higher education in traditional environments. Taking care of children, performing household chores, and attending classes at a fixed time can be daunting and sometimes unmanageable.

Online degrees can be viewed as a revolutionary option for stay-at-home parents. They can take care of their families while attending classes and completing assignments. They can study during nap times, in the evenings when their partner is home, and in other spare moments.

This means that stay-at-home parents can easily incorporate education into their lifestyles because they can access course materials at their convenience.

• Career Advancement and Personal Fulfillment

Online degrees allow stay-at-home parents to enhance their expertise or even switch careers. Most women who have quit the workforce to stay at home with their children discover that, through online education, they can relaunch their careers.

Thus, through new knowledge and skills obtained in online classes, parents can increase their chances of finding a job and getting ready for re-employment when the situation improves.

Also, read online education and lifelong learning.

Military Personnel

• Mobility and Deployment

Military personnel face changing stations, getting deployed, or irregular working schedules, which make it difficult for them to attend a conventional in-person learning setting.

Online degree programs allow service members to continue their education regardless of their station or deployment location. They can complete their coursework while fulfilling their military obligations and training schedules.

• Support and Resources

The Indian government and its military provide some education incentives and assistance for those who want to seek a degree. For instance, the Indian Army has the Army Education Corps, which offers professional military education.

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers scholarships that may provide up to 50% tuition fee waiver for military and dependents for particular programs. MAHE also has a Veteran Support Office for the students who have served in the military.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers a 10% tuition fee concession for defense personnel and their dependents who aspire to pursue higher education.

The defense personnel scholarship scheme available at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) entitles all serving and retired defense personnel and dependents to a 15% discount on all course fees.

Working Professionals

• Career Progression

The modern world is characterized by dynamic changes in the job market, which, in turn, requires constant training and further education to improve one’s opportunities and achievements. In many industries, there is pressure for employees to have current knowledge and competencies.

Online degree programs enable working individuals to acquire new knowledge, skills, and credentials without interrupting their employment. Part-time learning and undertaking coursework outside working hours make online education suitable for career enhancement.

• Time Management

Time management is a critical aspect of simultaneously attending college and working. Key time management strategies include:

• Developing a schedule that assigns particular segments of time for accomplishing work, studying, and other activities.
• Scheduling according to important and time-sensitive activities.
• Informing employers about educational obligations and potentially discussing time-offs or shift changes when necessary (for example, when taking tests or giving presentations).

Non-Traditional Students

• Adult Learners

Recently, there has been a considerable increase in the number of adults returning to education after working for a long time. More people are attempting to switch careers, gain new qualifications, or achieve education goals they may have had in the past.

Online degree programs allow working adults to complete their studies while meeting work, family, or personal obligations. The flexibility of these programs makes it easier for working adults to learn part-time and finish their assignments whenever they want to.

• Individuals with Disabilities

Online education can offer greater access and equity for individuals with disabilities than offline in-class programs. Students can learn from the comfort of their own homes with all their support systems and accommodations at their disposal.

Some of the learning features that have been incorporated for individuals with disabilities are closed captions for videos, screen reader tools, and keyboard navigation. These tools allow learners with special needs to become active participants in online classes.

Key Considerations for Choosing an Online Degree Program

• Accreditation and Reputation

Appropriate accreditation of the institution offering the online degree program is very important. Accreditation assures that the program is on par with national or international academic standards and that the degree will be acceptable to employers and other organizations.

The major accrediting bodies in India are the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Support Services

Support services are critical for success in online learning. Students should, therefore, seek programs that provide adequate academic assistance, such as tutoring, resume writing services, and study skills sessions. Career services are also useful, especially to students aspiring to use their online degrees to get a promotion. Select programs that offer career guidance, employment opportunities, and networking.

Since online learning is inherently technology-based, quality technical support is a necessity. Courses should be supported by an IT help desk to address any related concerns or inquiries that students might have.

• Cost and Financial Aid

Even though online degrees can be less expensive than traditional on-campus programs, the actual costs can be dramatically different. Students must consider tuition, resource material, and technology costs.

Students should also seek ways to finance their college education to minimize the cost of an online degree. Many institutions today provide scholarships for online learners.

Who Can Do Online Degrees?

1. Working professionals seeking flexibility

2. Stay-at-home parents balancing family and education

3. Students with disabilities or mobility issues

4. Individuals living in remote areas far from universities

5. Individuals seeking to save on housing and commuting costs

6. Self-motivated learners comfortable with independent study

7. Students who prefer a self-paced learning environment

Online Manipal: How is it revolutionizing the online learning space with online degrees?

Online Manipal is disrupting the online education arena by providing UGC-recognized online degrees from reputed universities such as Manipal University Jaipur, MAHE, and Sikkim Manipal University. Offering everything from management to IT and healthcare programs, Online Manipal helps students obtain quality education flexibly.

Online Manipal offers guidance, up-to-date courses, and faculty members to assist learners in achieving their goals. Thus, it allows students to acquire the necessary skills and degrees to elevate their careers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online degrees provide greater opportunity and convenience to a variety of learners, such as working adults, parents, and those with limited mobility. Anyone who has access to the Internet, a computer, and a desire for education can get an online degree. Students can continue working while attending class, caring for their families, and fulfilling other responsibilities. Therefore, online degrees are appropriate for disciplined, computer-literate, and time-management-savvy learners who want to pursue their academic objectives.