The Pros and Cons of Choosing a Free Online Master’s Degree
About 24 million people over 25 have a master’s degree. A master’s degree is a postgraduate degree that you can get to show off your advanced knowledge in a particular subject.
In a competitive job market, completing master’s degree programs can put you ahead of other candidates. The best part is that you can take classes from the comfort of your home.
Getting a free online master’s degree is a pretty good deal. It’s less time-consuming and gives students the power of flexibility.
That said, enrolling in a master’s degree program isn’t ideal for everyone. Check out this guide for a complete list of pros and cons.
Pro: Added Freedom and Flexibility
The main benefit of pursuing a free master’s degree is the freedom it provides. You’re not confined to a classroom.
That can make a big difference if you’re in a situation that leaves you homebound. Being able to get your degree from anywhere means you’re not constricted on where you live as well. You can travel the country in an RV and learn while taking in the sights.
You’ll also be in control over when you take your classes. That makes it easier to plan school around having a full-time job.
Con: Time Management
Going to school online requires a lot more time management. It’s hard for some people to motivate themselves to attend class when they don’t have to walk to a physical classroom.
It can also be a struggle to fight the temptation of procrastination. You’ll have to have a lot of self-discipline to finish your work on time.
This all becomes much more difficult if you don’t enjoy a class. You may end up fighting yourself to stick to your schedule.
Pro: Communication
Communicating in an online school setting can be challenging. Since you won’t be able to rely on body language, you’ll have to be more careful with your words.
If you aren’t clear in how you phrase your questions, your professors and classmates won’t know how to answer you. This level of mental gymnastics will only help you strengthen your communication skills.
However, online communication can be frustrating if you have a question about a homework assignment. If you email a professor who lives halfway across the globe from you, it could take a while for them to get back to you.
Con: Unfamiliar Setting
If you attended physical classes when pursuing your bachelor’s degree, transitioning to an online environment might be jarring. Instead of being surrounded by classmates, you’ll be spending your days staring at a screen.
If being around others stimulates you, attending classes virtually may burn you out.
There aren’t a lot of distractions in a physical classroom. Everyone is focused on taking notes and listening to the professor.
If you have pets or people living at home with you, they may divert your focus away from your learning material.
Pro: Meet New People
Attending online classes will allow you to learn with people from all over the globe. This will expose you to brand-new cultures and ways of thinking.
You may meet people who’ve been in your field of study for over 20 years. They’re simply going back to school to refresh their memory. Asking them questions and working with them will give you a sneak peek at what you can expect after graduation.
Con: Availability
Some programs don’t lend themselves well to an online environment. If you want to go to school for culinary or acting, you’ll have to attend some in-person classes.
There might be hybrid learning options, but you’ll still be required to drive to your college campus at some point. That means you won’t have as much flexibility.
Pro: Work on Your Tech Skills
You have to be somewhat tech-savvy to attend online classes. You won’t get too far if you can’t sign into your student portal.
That’s why many schools will teach you how to use the technology required to complete classes. You’ll learn to talk with your professors on forums, turn in your classwork, read assignments, and attend virtual lectures. These are all skills that will carry over to the job field later.
Con: Quality
Some master’s degree programs are of questionable quality. If you’re not careful, you may enroll in a school that gives out fake degrees.
These fake schools often offer classes that aren’t relevant to their programs. Even when they are relevant, they only cover the basics.
To prevent yourself from wasting your time, you have to make sure you’re getting an MBA from an accredited school.
Pro: Easy Access to Class Materials
The main struggle of attending university is paying for the books and study materials. You can easily spend $1,000 or more at a university store getting everything you need.
You won’t have to worry about that if you attend classes online. Most of the material will be provided for you in a neat folder. All you’ll have to do to access it is to log in to your student portal.
The best part is that when a school advertises a free master’s degree, they mean free. It will include all the books you need.
Earn Your Free Online Master’s Degree
Earning a free online master’s degree comes with a lot of perks. You’ll be able to attend classes from anywhere in the world.
You’ll also have easy access to free books, and you’ll meet a lot of new people. Online classes aren’t for the faint of heart, but as long as you find the motivation, you’ll make it to graduation.
