Are online education programs worth it? Understanding their value

We are living in an era where technology has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives. Education has not escaped this paradigm shift, causing a rise in online learning platforms. Many of those platforms offer certifications, certificate programs, or certificates of completion, which have all created many new opportunities for those seeking to shift to a new career or enhance the skills of their current career. A big benefit of these programs is they don’t have the traditional time commitment or financial burden of pursuing degrees at brick and mortar universities.   

Online education certificate programs are typically a specialized, short-term education that are designed to provide targeted knowledge in a very specific field. Many of these programs are focused on practical, job-related skills and are offered by numerous institutions. Unlike degrees, which can take years to complete, the various types of certificate programs are usually much shorter – spanning from a few weeks to a year, depending on how complex the subject matter may be. Because of this shorter timeframe, they’re also usually more affordable, and many are designed to be completed at your own pace. Those things are very attractive for busy professionals or those with other commitments, because they don’t have the rigidity of traditional classroom courses.

Why Are Online Programs Getting More Popular? 

There are a number of reasons why online certificate programs have exploded in popularity. One of the most alluring aspects of these programs is their flexibility. Many of the people pursuing the various types of certificate programs are people juggling a lot of responsibilities. Whether they’re working professionals, busy parents, or just have a lot going on, the flexibility of these programs allows for them to study on their own time. While some of these courses can be taken with a more defined structure, the accessibility of these programs at any time of day can make them a very attractive option for those trying to expand their knowledge or shift to a new career.  

Online education programs are also very affordable. They’re significantly less expensive than traditional degrees. Getting a full degree from an institution of higher learning can cost tens of thousands of dollars, an online certification, certificate, or certificate of completion can be drastically less expensive. These typically can cost a few thousand dollars, but there are many courses and options that are free or much less expensive. It depends on the provider and the specific field you’re studying. These courses also only focus on the subject matter you are interested in. You don’t have to worry about any general education courses, which means increased concentration on the relevant subject and a more efficient learning experience.
 

Understanding the Value of These Programs 

There are a lot of reasons why people may take online certificate courses, but one of the primary motivations is to get new skills or update your current skills. Job requirements change all the time, and some of those changes come through the advent of technology. Particularly in industries like healthcare, business, and technology, the expectations are constantly evolving. Most employers expect their employees to stay current with the latest trends and practices, and these programs can keep those employees ahead of the competition. Many employers also value these programs because it shows that their employees – or potential candidates – have up-to-date knowledge in their field.  

Along those same lines, online certificates allow individuals to gather specific, job-related skills very quickly. For example, an IT professional may need a certification in a particular area to enhance their qualifications. Earning a certificate in cybersecurity, for example, would take much less time than adding another degree to his resume. For individuals that are interested in moving up the ladder with their current employers, this is a great way to show commitment to your craft. For people looking to transition into a new industry, these certificates can potentially give a boost in helping that individual stand out in the job market.

How Do These Online Programs Compare to Traditional Degrees? 

Many people wonder if online certificates can replace traditional degrees. This clearly depends on the industry you’re in, as well as what your career goals are. For many industries – like academia, law, or healthcare – degrees are still the gold standard. For example, becoming a lawyer requires formal education and licensure, which cannot be replicated by receiving a certificate. However, there are numerous online certificate programs that allow someone to become a paralegal.  

However, the flip side of that is the countless industries that may require a number of different certifications that can increase your ability to get hired. One of these industries is technology, where there is nearly an endless string of certifications you can get to boost your presence in the space. Examples of this are things like a Google Cloud Professional, or an AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or any of the various IT certifications. Some of these certifications can be just as valuable as a degree. In many of these fields, holding certifications that demonstrate specific technical skills is often more critical than having a general degree in the field.
 

Practical Learning at Your Pace 

One of the major benefits of these programs is the hands-on approach to learning. A number of these certificate programs put the focus on real-world applications, so those that earn the certificate are more prepared to jump right into those real-world situations. The curriculum for traditional degrees can often be more heavy on theory rather than applications in the real world. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the hands-on experience can be particularly valuable in technical fields where demonstrating those practical skills is essential.  

For example, if you’re pursuing a coding certificate through a coding boot camp, they may have you building and creating real applications that solve real-world problems from the start of your learning. This gives you tangible skills that are immediately applicable in the workforce. Another example comes from certificates in business management, which may include actual case studies of real-life scenarios. Those projects allow you to apply what you’ve learned. Add in that many of these can be done at your own pace, and it gives you the flexibility to spend more time on the aspects of the certificate that might be more difficult for you to grasp.
 

Perform a Cost-Benefit Analysis 

When considering the worth of an online certificate program, it’s important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and to understand which type of certificate program you are looking for (a certification, a certificate, or a certificate of completion). This analysis is designed to give an individual the pros and cons of a decision while looking at it without any bias. While these programs are commonly more affordable than traditional degrees, there is still a definite investment of both time and money. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into before you tackle the online program. This starts with understanding your budget and all of the current commitments you have on your schedule – as well as the commitments during the time period it will take you to complete the course.  

When trying to determine if the program will be worth your time and money, there are a few things to take into consideration. You have to know if the program will lead to a pay increase or a promotion from your current role. This obviously varies from industry to industry, but is important when considering if it’s worth your time and effort. If you’re looking to shift industries, you have to ask if earning this certificate will open up opportunities for high-paying positions in a new industry. Another important consideration is if the skills you gain from the course will significantly enhance your marketability. Aligning your goals with the potential returns will allow for a more informed decision about whether investing in the course will pay off in the long run.
 

Are Online Certificate Programs Worth My Time? 

Online certificate programs have certainly proven convenient and valuable for countless students. However, understanding if those programs might be worth it for you is a very specific thing. When trying to figure out if they will be worth it for you, personally, take a look at a few things about your current position, and where you would like to be in the near (or far) future. Are you looking to switch careers or advance in your current field? Maybe you just want to enhance your current skillset for the job you currently love. Taking your long-term goals into account will help you decide if a certificate is the proper next step in your journey, or if it will open up the necessary stepping stones you want to get to.  

Research your industry to determine how certificates are valued compared to degrees and other credentials. If certificates are not commonly recognized, but degrees still are, it might be beneficial to explore earning another degree. Certificate programs are typically more solo, so they may not be for people that need more structure and face-to-face interaction. Be sure to take in the financial considerations of the course. Make sure the cost of the program is reasonable compared to the potential returns in terms of career advancement or salary increases.  

Check out all types of career training, certifications, certificates (undergrad and graduate), and courses that offer certificates of completion on The Credential Hub. 

For more information on the various types of online certificate programs and how they may work for you, reach out to the experts at Innovative and Lifelong Learning today.