10 Things You Must Consider Before Enrolling in an Online Degree Course in 2024

Thinking of diving into the world of online education in 2024? Before you hit that ‘enroll’ button, there are some essentials you shouldn’t overlook. From tech requirements to hidden fees, and from accreditation to real-world applicability, we’ve got the top 10 things you MUST know. Dive into our guide and ensure your e-learning journey is smooth, rewarding.

Hi, are you looking for an online degree course but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry; we will help you out of this situation and make it easier. 

Here, in this blog, we list 10 Things you must consider before enrolling in an Online Degree Course. Or, what are the questions you must have to ask before choosing any Online Degree Course?

Must Read – UGC Chiefs Plans E-Universities to Promote Online Education in India

The first question you must ask is, From Where the Degree is Accredited?

1.Accreditation

“Accreditation is a hallmark of the quality of higher education”. It ensures that the program you are enrolling in meets certain standards and the degree will be recognized by potential employers.

Enrolling in any degree program that is not accredited means you are wasting your valuable money and precious time.

In India, online programs are accredited by the UGC (University Grant Commission); if your degree is in a technical domain, it must also be accredited by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).  The Master of Business (MBA) Program at Chandigarh University is one such example which UGC accredits.

In India, you cannot get a degree in the following courses through online mode:

Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy & Other Para-Medical Disciplines, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dental, Architecture, Law, Agriculture, Horticulture, Hotel Management, Catering Technology, Horticulture, Aircraft Management, Visual Arts and Sports, Aviation, Culinary Sciences.

After Accreditation, the next question You must ask is, What are the Program Requirements?

2.Program Requirements

While enrolling in any Online Degree Program, there are several key program requirements, like:

Course duration should be considered, as you should ensure that you have adequate time to complete each module and assignment before the deadlines.

You must carefully review the course structure and requirements so that you have a clear understanding of the program expectations and prerequisites.

Technical requirements are essential to ensure your computer and internet speed are compatible with the program software requirements.

This is important as technical glitches can be time-consuming and frustrating to navigate.

Also, note that Online degree programs typically offer different program options, including part-time or full-time enrollment, so choosing an option that fits your circumstances is important.

The BITS Pilani WILP is one such online degree program that can be completed without leaving your job.

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

The third question you must ask is: What does the curriculum entail, what are the qualifications and expertise of the faculty, and how are they delivering the training?

3.Course Content

The program curriculum must be diverse, engaging, and well-structured, covering various topics related to the subject.

The expertise of the faculty is equally important as the program’s success and the students’ feedback. Experienced professors and industry experts should be involved in designing and delivering the curriculum.

Learning delivery methods (such as video lectures, webinars, online discussion platforms, and interactive assignments) must be interactive and engaging. Assessing whether the online course provides adequate opportunities for peer interaction, group discussions, and feedback is crucial.

The Master of Business Administration at Amity University, for example, offers interactive learning content. The content is designed by the faculties who have studied in the most prominent colleges of India, including IIM and ISB. It offers a ‘Continuous Performance Assessment System’ with live training. Remote students can demand online lectures if some topic is too challenging to understand. 

The fourth question you must ask is: How much does it cost?

4.Tuition Fees and Financial Aid

Cost is one of the biggest concerns when pursuing an online degree. At least, this is what the Statista data suggests.

The best thing is that online degree courses are generally more affordable than traditional programs. 

You can always check and compare different programs’ prices on respective websites and at Shiksha Online. See if they match your budget and financial capacity.

Generally, all online degree programs come with some financial aid. So, it is important to find institutes that offer financial assistance to qualified students, such as grants and loans. 

Some programs may also have scholarships or payment plans spread throughout the program’s duration, which can ease the financial burden over time.

The Masters of Business Administration Program at Parul University offers a guaranteed scholarship of up to 20%. Apart from scholarships, it also offers easy instalment and payment options.

Regarding payment options, it’s always good to check if there is a necessary payment deadline, other hidden costs or fees, and how to pay the tuition fee.

The next question you must ask is: How prompt is the support?

5.Support Service 

One of the important things you must consider while choosing an organization is the support services provided by the institution. As an online student, you may face various challenges different from the traditional on-campus students. 

So, the institute must offer top-notch support services to cater for your needs.

These services may include student and technical services.

Student services may include online academic advising, library access, and tutoring.

Technical support may include 24*7 access to technical help, including software installation or else.

The sixth question you must have to ask is: how many networking opportunities are available (if any)?

6.Alumni Networking

In online degree courses, students don’t have the same face-to-face interactions as in traditional classrooms. Networking helps bridge this gap, ensuring that students still have opportunities to interact, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Like in traditional settings, online degree programs offer opportunities to connect with peers, instructors, and industry professionals. These connections can lead to job referrals, collaborations, or future business partnerships.

One of the advantages of online programs is that they often attract a diverse group of students from around the world. Networking in such an environment exposes students to global perspectives, broadening their understanding of different cultures and business practices.

7.Overall Reputation

When considering an online degree program, looking into the institution’s reputation is extremely important. 

Always remember that the institution’s reputation directly impacts your degree’s credibility. When you graduate, you want your degree recognized and valued by employers and peers.

You can check the reputation of an institute in this manner. 

• Checking out reviews and ratings from current and former students on different platforms like Quora or Reddit. Their firsthand experiences can give you a clear picture of what to expect. 
• They can share insights about the quality of teaching, the resources available, and the overall learning experience.
• It’s also worth checking if the college has ties with renowned organizations or industries. Such associations can enhance the value of your degree and open doors to future opportunities.

The following question you must ask is: Is the Course Flexible?

8.Flexibility

When thinking about an online degree, flexibility is key. It’s essential to find a program that fits into your life rather than rearranging your life to fit a program.

Since everyone’s situation is unique. You may be enrolled in some full-time course or have a full-time job, family responsibilities, or other commitments. The right program should adapt to you, not the other way around. 

Look for programs that offer a variety of courses and schedules. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, there should be options that suit your rhythm.

It’s important to find a balance between work and studies. An ideal program will allow you to manage both without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the goal is to learn and grow, not to add stress.

A flexible program means you can manage your time better. It allows you to allocate resources effectively, ensuring you get the most out of your education without sacrificing other aspects of your life.

So, what are the different career opportunities you may avail?

9.Career Opportunity

It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about ensuring employers value it. Before investing time and money, ensure the program you choose has a good track record for employability.

Your degree should be more than just a piece of paper. Employers should recognize and respect the institution and program you’ve graduated from. 

BSC in computer science BITS Pilani offers four specialised tracks for students:

• Application Development
• Computing System and Systems Programming
• Databases and Data Analytics
• Algorithmic & Theoretical Computer Science

When choosing an online degree, always keep career opportunities at the forefront. It’s essential to ensure that your efforts lead to tangible rewards in the professional world.

Last, the most important question is: Will this degree course give you a job?

10.Placement Assistance

The ultimate goal of the degree program is to secure a good job. Placement assistance bridges academic achievements and professional employment, making the transition smoother for the student.

Placement assistance helps students with job search skills and techniques resume writing tips, and interview preparation. These services will help you to transition easily into the job market.

While enrolling in an online degree course, you must check whether the course provider has a collaboration with the industry or not. As it will ensure that you get timely placement.
The UGC-entitled Online MBA at Manipal University offers great placement services, including employability assessment, skill enhancement, virtual placement drives, career counselling, and interview preparation, and has a strong collaboration with recruiters from top 500 Fortune group companies.