BU’s Online Degrees Make the Grade

Can an online degree program offer an educational experience comparable to that of a traditional classroom setting? Students enrolled in Boston University Online think so. In fact, many believe the online degree program is superior. 

In an effort to gauge the effectiveness of distance education programs, the Office of Distance Education recently conducted its first systematic survey of online degree students. The office received a total of 885 responses, representing approximately 40 percent of Metropolitan College alumni and current students.

“The results are quite revealing, and for the most part, gratifying,” says Metropolitan College and Extended Education Dean Jay Halfond. “We have made enormous progress in less than a dozen years, not only in reaching out to new audiences with new formats, but in providing education that is highly valued by our students.” 

The first online program at BU — a master’s degree in criminal justice — was developed only five years ago. Since then, distance education has expanded to include bachelor’s and graduate degrees in music education, computer information systems, management, and occupational therapy.

The survey concluded, among other things, that the majority of students chose distance education for reasons of time over geography, and two-thirds chose their online program to satisfy personal aspirations rather than to immediately advance their careers. Additionally, 74 percent of current students and 73 percent of alumni said they believe online education is comparable or superior to an on-campus one.

“A good experience converts skeptics to believers,” Halfond says. “Before enrolling, only 35 percent of current students and 25 percent of alumni believed online education to be equivalent to one received in a traditional classroom setting.”

Students are pleased with the education they receive, the survey found — 89 percent  of current students and 94 percent of alumni rated the quality of the University as excellent or very good, and 74 percent of current students and 79 percent of alumni rated the faculty as excellent or very good. “Even with the challenges of remoteness,” Halfond says, “students seem to appreciate the service they receive from faculty and staff.”

The survey also verified the academic rigor of BU’s online courses. Although the programs are part-time, three-quarters of the respondents reported studying at least 15 hours a week, and nearly a third reported studying more than 20 hours a week.

“We are truly reaching a new market for part-time, adult learners,” Halfond says. “Three-quarters of the respondents are older than 30 years old, and only one in 10 lives within 100 miles of the University. We are not competing with ourselves for these students.”

Thus far, only 5 percent of students live abroad, a population that represents the next major frontier for BU’s outreach, according to Halfond. “The internationalization of America’s campuses has, thus far, required relocation,” he says. “Distance learning has the potential of comingling students globally without requiring the wealth or time to relocate.”

Of those surveyed, 95 percent said they expect to benefit professionally by their online degree, and less than one percent reported a negative response in the workplace to an online degree.

A component of MET and Extended Education, the Office of Distance Education consists of a team of instructional designers, video producers, and support staff who specialize in online education. The office is a resource for schools and colleges seeking to develop online programs, says Susan Kryczka, director of distance education. “By working closely with faculty,” she says, “the office ensures that the Boston University online experience is of the same high caliber as that for which Boston University is regarded throughout the world.”

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Vicky Waltz can be reached at vwaltz@bu.edu.