Which One Should You Choose: Online Degrees or Short-Term Online Courses?

Online degrees provide a well-organized and thorough education acknowledged by both employers and educational institutions. On the other hand, short-term courses stand as a potent resource for gaining targeted skills and expertise, particularly in scenarios where pursuing a formal degree might not be feasible or required. In this blog, we will help you decide which one to choose, online degree or short term online courses. Read on!

Both online degrees and short-term online courses and certifications have their own merit. Online degrees allow you to build your expertise and advance your career, while short-term courses can equip you with a specific skill set required for a specific job role. 

In India, UGC-DEB-accredited universities and colleges offer online degrees, and they can lead to the same types of jobs and promotions as traditional on-campus degrees. Short-term online courses and certifications can also be a great way to learn new skills and advance your career. However, they do not typically lead to a degree.  

Here is a table comparing online degrees and short-term online courses and certifications:

If you’re considering pursuing an online education, you may wonder whether to get an online degree or take short-term courses. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that’s right for you is important.

Online Degrees

Online degrees are accredited degrees that accredited universities and colleges offer. They offer the same academic rigour as traditional on-campus degrees and are recognized by employers worldwide.

Suppose you are a student living in a rural area and want to get a nursing degree from a recognized university. In such a scenario, taking up an online degree can be a good idea, thereby enhancing your career prospects and earning potential with a respected degree.

Also explore these online degree programmes–

Here are some reasons why an online degree can benefit your career –

A Valuable Addition to Your Resume

An online degree from an accredited university is as valuable as a traditional one on your resume. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from BITS Pilani is one such example of an online degree program from a reputed university.

Many employers are now more open to hiring online graduates as they demonstrate the ability to learn independently and manage their time effectively.

Gain Comprehensive Knowledge

Online degree programs typically offer a more comprehensive education than short-term courses. While short courses focus on specific skills, degrees often include a wider range of coursework that can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of the field, which can be valuable for career growth and adaptability.

Credibility and Long-Term Opportunities

While some technology jobs may prioritize skills over degrees, there are positions and industries where having a degree can be advantageous or even required for career advancement. 

An online degree, especially in engineering or a related field like computer science, can open doors to various opportunities, including management and leadership roles. The B.Tech. Engineering Technology by BITS-Pilani for working professionals delves into core engineering subjects as well as principles of management.

An online degree can help you qualify for higher-level positions if you want to advance in your current field.

Flexibility for Career Changes

An online degree in a non-technology field can provide the flexibility to transition into technology careers later in life if an individual’s interests or circumstances change. It offers a more versatile educational foundation than specialized short courses.

Foundation for Graduate Studies

If an individual is considering pursuing advanced degrees in the future (e.g., a master’s or Ph.D.), having a bachelor’s degree, even in a non-technology field, is often a prerequisite for admission to graduate programs.

Networking Opportunities

Online degree programs often provide opportunities to network with professors and fellow students, which can be valuable for building connections in the industry. Institutes offering these programs also offer Alumni status – a ticket to virtual networking events.

International Recognition

Online degrees from accredited institutions are often more universally acceptable than short-term courses, which can be particularly important for individuals looking to work abroad.

Now that you know the benefits of taking up an online degree, let’s take at some of its downsides –

• Time-Consuming: Online degree programs can take several years to complete, requiring a significant time commitment.
• Costly: They are more expensive than short-term courses, including tuition and other associated expenses.
• Less Flexible: Online degrees often have set schedules and deadlines, which may not suit individuals with full-time jobs or other commitments.
• Less Focused: They cover a wide range of topics, which might include coursework less relevant to your specific career goals.

Top Online Degree Programs

Listed below are some of the online degree programs offered by top Indian universities –

• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) by Manipal University
• B.Tech. Engineering Technology by BITS-Pilani 
• Online B.Sc. in Data Science and Applications by IIT Madras
• Online MBA in Finance by Chitkara University
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) by SASTRA
• Online Master of Science (Data Science) by Chandigarh University

Short-Term Online Courses

A short-term online course is a course that is typically completed in a few weeks or months and is delivered online. 

Short-term online courses are a good option for people who want to learn new skills or update their existing skills quickly and affordably. They are also a good option for people working full-time or with other commitments, as they can be completed at the learner’s own pace and on their own schedule.

Let us check out some of the reasons why short-term online courses are good –

Let us check out some reasons short-term online courses are good. –

• Quick Skill Acquisition: Short courses are designed to quickly teach specific skills or knowledge, making them ideal for skill enhancement. This is important for upskilling in demanding jobs where efficiency is crucial. Otherwise, the non-upskilling employee can be replaced with one trained in the latest developments in the domain, including AI, blockchain, etc. This is where a traditional degree may not help much.
• Cost-Effective: They are often more affordable than degrees, making education accessible to a broader audience. Further, most short-term Coursera courses are free to enrol with full access to the course materials. To get a certificate and network with online peers, you must pay a nominal monthly amount. 
• Flexibility: Short courses can be taken online, in-person, or through evening classes, accommodating various schedules. Most short-term online courses come with pre-recorded lectures that students can learn independently. Vendors, including NPTEL, feature instructors from the IITs providing short courses with pre-recorded lectures. The learner who works or is in college can log in and learn at any time in the morning or evening. 
• Career Advancement: They can help individuals switch careers or acquire specialized skills relevant to their current jobs. Some short course providers, including FutureLearn, provide globally recognised CPD (Continuous Professional Development) certificates upon completion. This is an incredible addition to your CV. 
• Practical Skills: Short courses often focus on practical, hands-on skills immediately applicable to the workplace.

Now let us understand some of the downsides of taking short-term online courses – 

• Lack of depth: Short-term online courses are typically designed to teach you the basics of a topic, but they may not provide the same level of depth as a degree course. 
• Credibility: Some short courses may not be widely recognized or respected by employers or institutions.
• No Degree: They do not result in a degree, which can limit your long-term career options in certain fields.

Top Vendors Offering Short-Term Online Courses

• Coursera Courses 
• edureka Courses 
• edX Online Courses & Certifications
• Google Online Courses & Certifications
• NPTEL Online Courses & Certifications
• Udemy Courses

Conclusion

The notion of “better” between online degrees and short-term courses is subjective and highly dependent on individual goals and circumstances. 

However, the primary distinction lies in the certification and formal education an online degree provides compared to the focused skill acquisition of short-term courses.

Online degrees are often advantageous because they offer a structured and comprehensive education recognized by employers and institutions. However, short-term courses can also be highly valuable for acquiring specific skills and knowledge, especially when a formal degree may not be necessary or practical.

Ultimately, the “better” choice depends on career objectives, time availability, financial resources, and the industry or field. As you noted, practical experience and demonstrated expertise can be just as important, if not more so, than formal credentials in many contexts.

Employers often value education and practical skills, and individuals should make informed choices based on their unique circumstances and career goals.