schoolonline

Many online schools have a reputation for providing less-than-rigorous academic environments. These schools, often short-handed as “degree mills,” may give out degrees to anyone who basically participates in discussion and puts in minimal effort on assignments. Some hiring managers still may view online classes as an easy way out.

While this perception is likely to change over time, particularly now that many top-tier schools are offering online programs, the short-term consensus is that a degree earned through an online school is someone less worthy than one earned in a brick and mortar classroom.

This discrepancy brings up the question of how – or whether – to address this issue with potential employers.

The notoriety of your online program will determine how best to handle the situation. Schools such as the
University of
Phoenix and
Kaplan
University are primarily online universities, though the

University of
Phoenix offers campus classes in many locations. A potential employer will note that this school is online immediately.

Your best recourse is to include skills on your resume under the degree area. Use bullet points with the most marketable skills you learned. Business majors may include “studied employment law” while computer science students should put any specific languages they learned.

Should your school not be known as an online school, you do not need to put on your resume that you attended online. Simply put your degree, date earned, and university name. Few employers will inquire as to how you took your classes, and you can avoid the issue altogether.

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