The Rise of Online College Programs After Pandemic

Do you know that almost 11.8 million undergraduate students in the United States enrolled in at least one online college course in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic? It has been one of the most significant experiences of this century, impacting different sectors of the economy, education being no exception. For many students and professionals, the pandemic has had an unexpected silver lining: accessibility to online college programs.

Whether you are planning to pursue a college program of your choice or considering an online program to return to school from a long break, you need to understand why people are now taking advantage of online college programs.

What kind of college programs can you pursue online? You will find options in this article as we will look into the rise of online college programs after the pandemic and what this trend could mean for you. Let us dive deeper into what you can expect.

Benefits of Online Learning in Higher Education

Online learning opens various educational experiences and provides access to more educational options. Especially, if you cannot attend an in-person college due to geographic reasons or other factors. Online learning has so many benefits, not just for students and professionals but also for the environment.

Affordability

Online courses often have lower tuition than traditional courses and can help save money on living costs, such as transportation and rent. Students anywhere in the world can access education, even from the most prestigious universities. The rise of online college programs after pandemic also means you can get high-quality education without worrying about tuition costs or schedule conflicts. Also, many online programs offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities that can help students reduce the cost of their education.

Environmentally Friendly

Online learning happens entirely digitally, hence doing away with physical papers and the need for travel. The programs are delivered in an eco-friendly manner, keeping the environment clean and saving on energy. According to a study by the Open University in Britain, online learning uses an average of 90% less energy and generates 85% fewer C02 emissions per student, compared with face-to-face programs. This, in turn, helps to mitigate the challenges of climate change.

Flexibility

With online learning, you can often design your schedule and adjust it to fit your lifestyle. You can work at your own pace and study from anywhere in the world and at any time of day. This is especially beneficial if you have to work or have other commitments. Plus, due to portable devices such as smartphones and tablets becoming more accessible, it is easier than ever to take advantage of online college programs.

Challenges of Online Learning

While there is a rise in the number of students enrolling in online college programs after the pandemic, some encounter challenges that hinder them from completing their programs successfully.

Technology and Technical difficulties

Technology is not always reliable and can cause temporary disruptions in learning if there are technical difficulties. It can also be challenging to use some applications or software without the real-time guidance of a tutor. This means you might have to take more time learning about them before you can complete your tasks or assignments. You could also experience internet connectivity issues disrupting the flow of learning. All these can contribute to slow learning progress and failure to achieve certain milestones on time.

Not Suitable for Some Programs

Unfortunately, online learning cannot apply to all courses. Some courses are too complex and require hands-on training, making it difficult to take them online. For example, programs in the Automotive or Aeronautics departments require handling of machines and other equipment to gain the necessary technical skills. When the pandemic started, some universities, like Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, announced that Laboratory and Clinical Instruction courses would be held on campus despite others moving online.

Limited social interaction

Even if you can access and submit coursework virtually, there is not the same level of interaction with peers as in a physical classroom, where students engage with each other during lectures and discussions.

The traditional classroom is usually livelier, with real-time interaction between teachers and students. For example, raising hands to ask or respond to questions bring these interactions to life. Students can also catch up with each other after classes and grab a coffee or walk together as they talk about topics of mutual interest.

Most Popular Online Degree Programs in Higher Education

The rise in popularity of online learning has led to a corresponding increase in online programs offered by colleges and universities. While you might want to consider getting a degree virtually, what are some of the most popular online degree programs you can pursue?

Business Administration

It makes sense that business administration is one of the most popular degree programs, especially when you look at how many companies have gone remote during the pandemic. For example, with a Business Administration degree, you will learn the ins and outs of business management, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and more.

There are many degree and professional courses that you can pursue online, like this degree in Business Administration from Southern Utah University or the Executive Program for Growing Companies from Stanford University School of Business.

Computer Science

Computer science is another popular choice for people looking for an online degree program. There is an increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals in this digital era. Plus, a computer science degree will prepare you with the skills you need to develop software applications, build networks, and be competitive in the job market.

Different universities have specialized online degrees and short course programs in computer science. You can pursue a Computer Engineering program from Seoul Digital University in South Korea or the Artificial Intelligence short course from Oxford University.

Health Sciences

Health sciences degrees have also gained popularity since the pandemic hit. With it comes courses in epidemiology, health policy, and public health. These are demanding skills needed as we face a healthcare crisis.

Online degrees also come with specializations like nursing, mental health, or nutrition—all essential fields needed to understand how health and wellness work together. Whether you want to pursue a career or learn something new, these degree programs provide valuable knowledge on how best to cater to your mental and physical well-being. For example, the MSc Mental Health in Children and Young People: Psychological Approaches program from the University of Edinburgh is a stellar postgraduate course for mental health enthusiasts.

As more universities invest in digital resources and experienced faculty members become available for virtual teaching roles, it is becoming increasingly clear that online college programs are here to stay—and with good reason! There are benefits to online learning, including the flexibility to fit learning into your schedule, affordability, and the positive impact it has on the environment.

While there are also challenges to online learning, like technological challenges and the limitations on interactions, the trend in the rise of online programs after the pandemic is likely to continue in the years to come. Students considering higher education should explore all their options, including online programs, to find the best fit for their needs.