Jaishankar Ganesh, PhD
Dean and Professor of Marketing
Rutgers School of Business-Camden
Obtaining your degree online has never been as popular, or easily achievable, as it is today. SJ Biz spoke with Jaishankar Ganesh about what employers should know about these degrees and the future they have in business.
On the popularity of online degrees: Starting off as an education channel that provides access and convenience, online education has become a true disruptor in the academic world. What was once considered by many as a poor alternative to face-to-face education has rapidly transformed to become a potent force and a real alternative to millions of potential students—young and old—all around the world. While access and convenience continue to drive many potential students to online degree programs, now one can add the growing quality of education and access to quality curriculum and top-notch faculty from brand name universities at very affordable tuition cost (particularly through MOOCs) as potential drivers of online program popularity.
On the difference between online vs. in-person: The difference in quality, particularly between online and in-person programs offered by well-established universities, is fast diminishing. However, there is definitely a difference in the learning style and experience. It’s not that one pedagogical approach is better than the other; it’s more about the potential learner identifying and figuring out which approach works best for them.
What employers should consider: Similar to degrees from traditional (in-person) programs, employers should be cognizant of differences that exist in quality of the online degree programs offered around the world. Reputation of the university, quality of faculty and curriculum, academic rigor and practical relevance, skill sets acquired and their marketability continue to be key factors that differentiate these programs.
The future of online degrees: Without any doubt, online programs will continue to grow not just in popularity but also in quality. Universities and entities that fail to comprehend or ignore this disruptive force will end up becoming “Blockbusters” to the online program “Netflixs.”
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 5, Issue 7 (July, 2015).
For more info on South Jersey Biz, click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz, click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz, click here.
