Originally Posted by
FSUpilot
I disagree... In the aviation business, isn't a degree still a degree regardless of where it came from? You could have a degree in fashion if you wanted to. Right? Its not like you have to list your degree as being earned "online" on your resume.
I am finishing my degree online with UVSC, and I believe it really makes no difference at all; I am learning quite a bit and it is just as much work and studying as the traditional method of school.
Ok, so after I posted, I took the time to read the rest of the thread.
No offense, but this is completely untrue. Online degrees make a BIG difference, at least now. Whether they continue to have a stigma about them remains to be seen as the industry turns over.
There are certainly reputable online Universities, requiring the same amount of general knowledge and time spent studying, but the problem is that they're so unknown and, perhaps worse, completely out of the frame of reference for the majority of the people out there doing the hiring. While somebody familiar with such things may have no problem with the idea, most people on hiring committees have a degree of seniority with the airline and, therefore, probably didn't complete their degree during a time when the internet even existed, let alone offered degrees. Not only that, but in the aviation industry alone there have been quite a few scandals involving online degrees, including top executives at Cessna. Lastly I would also say that what most airlines are looking for when they see a degree isn't just that you have taken your Gen Ed math course, but rather looking for the fact that you can learn new information at a rapid pace and are a generally more rounded person. In an industry where learning complex new information on a continuous and rapid basis isn't just the norm but is also the law, proving that you're a capable learner before you get to the interview is extremely valuable.
All this being said, I have no stipulations against people who get their degrees online, especially if they're working at the same time, but I believe that I'd probably (at least for now) be in the minority of hiring people to hold that belief. It sounds like the path you're taking isn't irresponsible or lazy, all I'm saying is for people reading your post to keep in mind that with the whole online situation, be careful so that you don't waste your money and your time. Remember: it's College, not (0|_|_3G3, in case you get any emails telling you can get your four year degree in one
.
Oh, and it's definitely almost immediately apparent that it was done online, and if it's not mentioned on your resume, it's very likely that that's just one more question in your interview that you'll have to answer.