The Shifting Perception of Online Education
A decade ago, listing an online degree on a resume could raise eyebrows. Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Remote learning became mainstream during the COVID-19 pandemic, and major employers have grown far more accustomed to — and accepting of — online credentials. But that doesn't mean all online degrees are viewed equally. What truly matters is where your degree is from and how it's accredited.
Accreditation: The Single Most Important Factor
Accreditation is the process by which an independent body evaluates whether an institution meets established educational standards. It's the clearest signal of legitimacy — and the first thing a savvy employer or graduate school will check.
- Regional accreditation is the gold standard in the U.S. (e.g., accreditation by HLC, SACSCOC, or MSCHE). Degrees from regionally accredited schools — whether online or in-person — are widely respected.
- National accreditation is common at vocational and for-profit schools and is generally considered less prestigious. Credits from nationally accredited schools often don't transfer.
- Unaccredited institutions should be avoided entirely. Degrees from these schools have little to no value in the job market.
Key check: Before enrolling anywhere, verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education's official database.
Does the University's Name Carry Weight?
Yes — and this applies online just as much as on-campus. An online degree from a state flagship university or a well-known institution carries significantly more weight than one from an obscure for-profit college, even if both are technically accredited.
Many highly respected universities now offer fully online programs — including master's degrees — through their main institution, not a subsidiary. These degrees typically carry the same brand recognition and alumni networks as their on-campus equivalents.
Industry Matters Too
Employer perception of online degrees varies by field:
- Tech and IT: Skills and portfolio often outweigh degree format. Online degrees are widely accepted.
- Business and Management: Online MBAs from recognized schools are respected, especially part-time programs for working professionals.
- Healthcare and Law: Clinical training requirements mean fully online degrees are rare and may face greater scrutiny.
- Education: Online teaching credentials are increasingly common and accepted in most states.
- Academia: PhD programs remain primarily in-person; online doctorates are viewed more skeptically in research contexts.
What Employers Actually Look For
Surveys of hiring managers consistently show that the factors that matter most in a candidate are:
- Relevant skills and experience
- The reputation of the degree-granting institution
- Whether the degree is properly accredited
- Performance in the interview process
The delivery format — online vs. in-person — ranks much lower. If your online degree comes from a respected, accredited institution and you can demonstrate relevant skills, most employers won't penalize you for studying remotely.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Schools that promise degrees in unusually short timeframes
- Institutions you've never heard of with aggressive online advertising
- Programs that lack any synchronous interaction or faculty feedback
- Tuition structures that seem designed to maximize enrollment, not outcomes
The Bottom Line
Online degrees can be just as respected as on-campus ones — but only when earned from a legitimate, accredited institution. Do your due diligence, prioritize schools with strong reputations in your field, and focus on building real skills alongside your credential. The format of your education matters far less than the quality of it.