Vault surveyed 239 HR professionals on their opinions regarding candidates with online degrees.
The following are the results from the survey:
30% of HR professionals or hiring managers have encountered applicants with online degrees.
Selected quotes:
- "The candidates that I've spoken with seem to be self-dependent, eager and very abreast of the latest technologically."
- "I still view this as close to the equivalent of earning a GED through a Sally Struthers correspondence course."
- "There may be some value to online degrees, but in order for them to be truly worthwhile, they need to overcome the stigma of being just another 'degree mill' or correspondence course advertising on matchbooks."
- "I usually like these candidates more than those from traditional universities; most of them have been working in the industry and have some years of experience and accomplishments to their credit."
77% of HR professionals or hiring managers believe that an online degree earned at an accredited institution (Duke, Stanford) is more credible than one earned at an Internet only institution (Jones International).
Selected quotes:
- "Of course, an accredited University, such as Yale or Harvard, is probably favored above a degree from an online University right now. People may frown upon online degrees simply because of the stigma that follows. Reputable online Universities ensure that their students earn their degrees and are not simply handed one after paying the initial costs."
- "The disadvantage of an online degree earned at an Internet-only institution is the question of just that. Who are they? What do their programs and standards consist of and at what level? Without this public knowledge, it may be a long time before they can gain credibility. Individuals may have to go to extra lengths to be able to assure and prove to an employer that their study and/or degree from an Internet-only program merits the same weight of an accredited University."
- "As a Corporate Recruiter, I found that name branding means little when you are trying to find qualified candidates. Therefore, as long as they have the degree and experience, they are qualified."
26% of those surveyed believe that an online bachelor's degree is as credible as an offline degree, while 61% say that the online degree is not as credible, but was acceptable. Another 13% said that online degrees were not credible and were unacceptable. Likewise, 37% of those surveyed believe that an online graduate school degree is as credible as an offline degree, while 54% said that it was not as credible, but was acceptable. Another 9% said that an online graduate school degree was not credible and unacceptable.
Selected quotes:
- "Bachelors degrees should be earned through the traditional route. Undergraduates need the one-to-one contact with faculty and fellow students. I am much more apt to accept the credibility of online MBA degrees, if it is from a reputable school. Many MBA students are working; the online degree offers them the opportunity to obtain an advanced degree they otherwise might not have time to complete."
- "Knowledge isn't static; it is always moving and changing. Education happens when ideas are shared and when they transform into other ideas. In an online setting, how much real-time interaction is there?"
- "Online institutions lack qualified instructors, interaction with professors, and the ability to learn from other students."
- "Elitism in education is one of the most ridiculous entities I can think of. Surely we all can think of a dozen 'Ivy League' graduates that we have encountered that would have a hard time finding their way out of a wet paper bag. After all, it really is not the school but the individual that is important."
When asked what the potential drawbacks of online degrees, respondents answered as follows (respondents were able to choose more than one answer):
61% said students don't socially interact with peers
53% said that it is too new to gauge effectiveness
39% said that there is a loss of real time pedagogical exchange
37% said that there is a higher potential for lower admission standards at online Universities
33% said that the curriculum is diluted
30% said that students are not taught to think critically
6% said other (including concerns that there was a greater chance students would cheat
6% said they saw no disadvantages with online degrees
Selected quotes:
- "A great deal of learning occurs through the interaction between students and educators. That discussion is lost online."
- "The standards of admission, creditability of the courses studied, and the testing process and verification of testing are the largest problems."
- "Although it is still in infant stages of development, the potential is huge & will be reached quickly."
When asked which three industries were most likely to embrace online degrees, respondents:
70% said Internet/New Media
46% said Technology
44% said High Tech
29% said Media and Marketing
29% said Telecommunications
22% said Consulting
When asked which three industries were least likely to embrace online degrees, respondents answered:
68% said Medicine
56% said Law
52% said Health Care/Bio Tech
44% said Academia
22% said Government
18% said Finance
Selected quotes:
- "As an HR Professional for both finance firms and hi-tech firms, I know many hi-tech people who have received degrees online, but not as many in the finance arena. Degrees from online schools would be more acceptable with hi-tech companies b/c that is what these companies desire -- aptitude with technology."
- "With the boom in the high tech industry, companies will hire new employees from anywhere they can get them."
- "Would you use a Doctor that has a Medical Degree from Joe's Correspondence Skool? "
- "I would not want my doctor operating on me with a degree from the Internet. Can he learn accounting? Yes. Medicine? No"
When asked if candidates should be required to reveal whether or not their degrees were earned online, 57% said yes and 43% said no.
Selected quotes:
- "Until business has had time to experience working with online degree personnel, employers should know."
- "I would feel that I had been deceived if I found out the degree had been earned online if that wasn't stated on the resume."
- "I've met many people with traditional degrees who learned little. The applicant's work experience and interview should be a more relevant indication of their qualification for a particular job than where they earned their degree."
- "Absolutely not. A degree is a degree...from an accredited University. I can't speak for the validity of Internet-only institutions. However, if someone has a degree from an accredited University, you better believe they met the University's requirements."
When asked how applicants could increase the credibility of their online degrees, responses included:
- "Candidates should have industry experience to back the degree."
- "Bring along transcripts and course study examples or listings. Letters of recommendation or authenticity that their program holds equal merit to that of an accredited University. Until they are more known, I believe they will have to extend extra energy and information to curb skeptics."
- "Perhaps taking a few courses (even in the evening if necessary) to show that they have people skills. Some classes include: public speaking, debate, public forum, and group dynamics."
