2 ms·

> I am guessing that many online/distance-learning degrees are conferred without making it clear that the degree was earned in this way. Although this is great

> I am guessing that many online/distance-learning degrees are conferred without making it clear that the degree was earned in this way. Although this is great for students, I'm sure this causes angst in administrations for fear of brand dilution and obvious revenue threats. It also opens opportunities for smaller universities with decent programs to make a dent. My university recently did entirely away with the on-campus format for the degree I received since most students signed up for the online format (I did). My diploma does not say "Online" at all. If the quality of instruction and coursework is alleged to be equivalent, why not put the full standing of the University's name behind it? To me, adding the caveat of "online" makes it seem like the school is admitting in advance that the degree isn't equivalent to "not-online" MSc degrees. I wonder if, since this is accredited, the body that certifies Georgia Tech's offerings wouldn't agree to do it without an "online" tag. Though, if that were the case, I wonder how my university was able to change its MSc offering (not Computer Science, though) to entirely-online without adding that word since both GATech and my college are covered by the same body.

otoburb 13y ago
>>If the quality of instruction and coursework is alleged to be equivalent, why not put the full standing of the University's name behind it? The quality of the lecture instruction and coursework is alleged to be equivalent, but maybe they are now trying to differentiate on other dimensions such as physical access to on-campus facilities, easier/more direct access to professors or more implied individual attention. >>To me, adding the caveat of "online" makes it seem like the school is admitting in advance that the degree isn't equivalent to "not-online" MSc degrees. That's exactly what they're stating in no uncertain terms -- the two degrees are not equal. The preference for students and smaller universities is to go with an undifferentiated designation, but GT is drawing a line in the sand with this specific online offering. Note that GT offers other distance-learning masters degrees without differentiation, but at much higher cost. The reduced cost is their justification for the O- prefix. >> I wonder how my university was able to change its MSc offering (not Computer Science, though) to entirely-online without adding that word since both GATech and my college are covered by the same body. This is why I suggested that the O- prefix was a deliberate choice that other major universities will push to protect the high fees of on-campus degrees.

otoburb 13y ago

>>If the quality of instruction and coursework is alleged to be equivalent, why not put the full standing of the University's name behind it? The quality of the lecture instruction and coursework is alleged to be equivalent, but maybe they are now trying to differentiate on other dimensions such as physical access to on-campus facilities, easier/more direct access to professors or more implied individual attention. >>To me, adding the caveat of "online" makes it seem like the school is admitting in advance that the degree isn't equivalent to "not-online" MSc degrees. That's exactly what they're stating in no uncertain terms -- the two degrees are not equal. The preference for students and smaller universities is to go with an undifferentiated designation, but GT is drawing a line in the sand with this specific online offering. Note that GT offers other distance-learning masters degrees without differentiation, but at much higher cost. The reduced cost is their justification for the O- prefix. >> I wonder how my university was able to change its MSc offering (not Computer Science, though) to entirely-online without adding that word since both GATech and my college are covered by the same body. This is why I suggested that the O- prefix was a deliberate choice that other major universities will push to protect the high fees of on-campus degrees.