Online Master’s & Bachelor’s Degree Programs – Online MBA Degrees at Drexel.com

Frequently Asked Questions: Making Your Final Decision

Why Drexel:	I have seen many Online university programs advertised recently. How do I choose? Why is your program better?
Online vs. On-Campus:	What is better, an e-learning, or an on-campus program?
Prospective Students:	Who is e-learning for?
Benefits:	What are the benefits for students?
Quality:	What is the quality of e-learning compared to traditional, classroom-based education?

I have seen many Online university programs advertised recently. How do I choose? Why is your program better?

Online vs. On-Campus

At Drexel University you will attend an online program from a major, private, non-profit academic and research institution. You will be taught by the same faculty teaching on campus, usually tenured professors with PhD degrees and national recognition for their research and expertise in the subjects they teach.

Your degree will be the same as the one earned on the Drexel campus in Philadelphia. It will be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the highest professional accreditation authority in your field (i.e. AACSB, NLN, ALA).

Quality Education

Our online programs provide quality education and lead to credentials respected by employers. Completing our programs allows you to add the power of the Drexel name to your resume. Some of the recently established, online institutions cannot match our 110-year history and reputation.

They may use instructors who teach part-time instead of full-time faculty members.
They may lack our breadth of accreditation and program distinctions.

We also note the interactive design of our programs (offering ample communication with your instructors and peers, use of multimedia, individualized counseling, class format, structured calendar) vs. the self-paced, 'you-are-on-your-own' approach of other online programs.

Your education is a significant investment. We recommend that you do careful research before you commit to a program. Stay away from unaccredited providers (also known as 'diploma mills'). Learn more about the institution you want to appear in your resume. Choose the program that fits better to your personal interests and professional aspirations.

What is better, an e-learning, or an on-campus program?

To answer this question, we believe you need to consider the following factors:

QUALITY. In all degree programs that we offer online, we apply the same academic standards as on campus. Usually the same faculty members teach, drawing on the same curriculum as on campus.

PEDAGOGY. Through our system, interaction, which is sometimes perceived as a weak element of e-learning, often proves to be better both in depth and breadth compared to a typical classroom setting. For instance, our 'threaded discussion' facility permits students to demonstrate their thinking in a deliberate, thoughtful fashion, and for the teacher to see a learner's thought process. Students do not have to compete for 'air time' as often happens in traditional classes, and they can better think through their comments.

RECOGNITION. Completing our online programs you will receive the same, respected Drexel degree as on campus. Nothing about your diploma or transcripts differentiates you as an 'online' student.

CONVENIENCE. In this aspect, e-learning has great advantages, especially if you are a working professional or have family commitments that may prevent you from going to campus.

In the end, the answer to 'what is best' depends on the individual's priorities and preferences. An on-campus program may be more appropriate for those who value most the extensive face-to-face interaction, or those who do not feel comfortable with computers. On the other hand, when commuting to campus, work-life balance, and time-out-of-work are the most important considerations, e-learning presents a great possibility.

Who is e-learning for?

It is probably not for everyone, but it’s certainly very appropriate for most working adults with at least some prior, college-level education.

As an e-learning student you need a basic familiarity with computers and the Internet. You do not need to be an expert in computing. You have to be comfortable with using a personal computer and Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Word, MS Powerpoint), know how to use an Internet browser (i.e., Internet Explorer) and how to communicate via e-mail. Most of the interaction with your instructors and peers will be via e-mail, online chat and 'threaded discussions' (online discussion forums), so you need to be comfortable with these applications.

You also need to be somewhat disciplined as a learner and committed to your education; which makes e-learning more appropriate for adult learners who have already mastered the skill of learning through at least some prior college-level, or equivalent, education.

What are the benefits for students?

We believe we offer convenient quality education online at a lower, total cost than equivalent education on campus. We also provide opportunities for career advancement and academic credit while you receive training at your workplace. For a more detailed discussion, please click here.

What is the quality of e-learning compared to traditional, classroom-based education?

As indicated in a study by the Alfred P. Sloan foundation "The medium is rarely the issue; it is good pedagogy that matters. Good and bad results can be produced by good and bad teaching." At Drexel Online we are fortunate to draw on a long history of curricular and technological innovation. We have applied these lessons to develop a highly interactive educational experience that keeps students engaged, and helps them learn more and perform better in their studies and beyond.