Traditional vs. Online Graduate Programs – Pros and Cons

There are a myriad of choices to be made once you’ve finally committed to continuing your education into graduate school. Now that you’ve decided “I will,” where should you go? Is a traditional or online grad program the best one for you?

Making a Distinction

At least for the purposes of this post, I’m defining traditional graduate programs as those offered through brick-and-mortar educational institutions. Many traditional graduate programs have been in existence for decades, require that you take classes on-campus in a traditional classroom environment, and should have proper program accreditation.

Online graduate programs don’t require that you step foot on campus. Getting your graduate education on is as simple as logging into your computer. There are several “traditional” universities that offer online extensions of their programs to cater to the preferences of their students (also called “distance learning programs”).

And then there are online graduate programs that do not operate as an off-shoot of brick-and-mortar institutions. The university is online. Many of these types of programs are delivered through for-profit institutions of higher education.

Traditional Grad Programs: The Pros

• One-on-one interaction with classmates and professors

Obviously, you get to interact with your classmates and professors in either medium, but dare I say, there’s nothing like face-to-face communication and social networking. You may not think this matters much at first, but if you’re looking to snag a job or start a new career path, those connections that you solidify could mean everything.

• Hands-on experiential component

I’ve said this countless times – grad school isn’t just about the grades. Many courses of study require some type of hands-on experience, whether it’s a team-based project, internship or practicum, and heck, even just research or teaching experience. Yes, these can be done (creatively) in an online medium, but if you’re the type who benefits from good old fashioned face time with your colleagues, you’ll get what you need here.

Traditional Grad Programs: The Cons

• Flexibility/lifestyle concerns

If you have a spouse, kids, or are mid-stream in your career, you know how difficult it can be to add yet another activity to your jam-packed schedule. You need a program that will easily fit into your lifestyle constraints. Scheduling time away from the office or the kiddos to make it to class on campus several times per week may be the biggest con you’ll face with traditional programs.

However, keep in mind that more programs are starting to adjust their schedules to meet the demands of non-traditional students. More evening or weekend programs are starting to pop up for the sake of flexibility and meeting students’ needs.

Online Grad Programs: The Pros

• Flexibility

Being able to complete coursework with 24/7 hour access is, of course, one of the biggest draws to online programs. If you’re up burning the midnight oil with a coffee in hand, finishing up a project, you can do so from the comfort of your home. Keep in mind that you will still have instructor-set deadlines that must be met.

• Self-paced

Some online programs offer self-paced programs. You start and finish it as you please because there are no specific program lengths. You complete your program by “competency,” testing out of certain courses, and if so motivated, can complete an entire “course” in several weeks rather than your standard quarter or semester, shaving months or even years off of time required to receive your degree.

Online Grad Programs: The Cons

• Pay for convenience

I don’t think anyone would say that graduate programs are cheap in general. In fact, they’d say the opposite. Just like in other industries, you may find that you’re paying a bit more for the sake of convenience, with little offered in the way of scholarships or merit aid (read: doesn’t have to be paid back) to offset costs.

• Self-paced

A large degree of flexibility may be a “con” by another name. Getting a graduate degree in record time sounds like an ultimate benefit. After all, the sooner you get the diploma, the sooner you can get back on the job market with the higher credential. However,  if you’re the type of student that thrives off of structure, clear deadlines, and defined course of study to maintain forward momentum, you may get lost in all of the flexibility.

• Academic rigor/prestige concerns

Some online grad programs have faced criticism as “degree mills.” If you apply, have a bachelor’s degree, and are eligible for financial aid, you’re in! There are few admissions requirements beyond that. Although not having to write admissions essays or take entrance exams may seem like a win, will it be in the end? Is your program considered academically rigorous or well-regarded in your industry? If not, will your job prospects be affected down the road? These are questions to ask before you enroll.

Which Type of Program Is Best?

When determining the “best,” there are many factors to consider, and it’s difficult to break it down into a single “quick-and-dirty” post. When it comes to graduate education, all programs are not created equal. Traditional programs vary in quality of education, bang for the buck, and professional prestige just like online programs. Certainly, when it comes to going to grad school, you must take a holistic view to determine what works best for your particular lifestyle, situation, and learning preferences, and ultimately, your career goals.