The difference between traditional and online doctoral programs

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The most commonly accepted route to earning a degree used to involve finding a brick-and-mortar college or university that offered a program that fit your interests, then attending classes in person on a full- or part-time basis. You might have to commute to campus and take courses at odd hours, which could be especially challenging for those with work or family commitments.

While that option’s still available, the growth of online learning has given degree seekers more flexibility in terms of when and where they can study, what learning style they can use, and the kinds of accessibility and convenience that work best for them.  

We spoke with Joshua Stanley, EdD, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at Capella University, to compare the differences between traditional and online learning.

Interaction level with faculty and peers

The most apparent difference between traditional and online learning is that a traditional format offers in-person interaction with faculty and fellow classmates. That interaction typically takes place during set class times or designated office hours.

Dr. Stanley contrasts this with the way some online programs are structured: “Instead of going to going to class at a certain time of day, you go to class whenever you want or whenever is convenient for your own life.”

Because students may not be online all at the same time, some online programs foster interaction through virtual discussion boards. “There may be optional class meetings where you can have interaction with faculty members or they might record videos explaining some aspect of the content for that week,” Dr. Stanley says. The Capella GuidedPath learning format promotes engagement through weekly discussions with classmates and regular feedback from instructors.

If interaction with fellow classmates isn’t a high priority, there are also programs such as those in the Capella FlexPath learning format. Available in select programs, FlexPath gives students the flexibility to complete assessments at their own pace within a 12-week billing session. When students finish a course, they can move to the next course without having to wait for a new billing session to begin. Because you can set your own deadlines, “your time is really more up to you,” Dr. Stanley explains.

Regardless of the learning format, students can still connect with faculty and support teams when they need assistance. There may also be opportunities to interact with faculty or peers in person, such as with programs that may require residencies or practicums.

Learning style

Traditional education provides a structured learning environment based on a fixed schedule. While this can help provide consistency and organization, some students may need extra help while others feel like they’re ready to move ahead if they grasp concepts quickly.

When it comes to online education, students have choices for which program and learning format fits the way they live. If they like the structure of weekly check-ins and fixed deadlines, something like GuidedPath could work for them. If they want the flexibility to set their own deadlines and progress through courses at their own pace, they may prefer FlexPath.

“You just have to figure out what ‘going to class’ looks like for you,” Dr. Stanley suggests. “Maybe that’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays after putting the kids to bed. Maybe it’s on Saturday or while your partner is out shopping. Whenever it is that you’re most successful, find a way to make [online learning] part of your life. Part of the benefit of pursuing online education is that school is wherever you are, as long as you have access to the internet.”

Types of degrees available

You’ll find many of the same degrees offered online that are available in more traditional programs. The main difference is location if you’re interested in pursuing a specific degree or specialization. For traditional learning, you may be limited by what programs are offered at nearby colleges or universities, especially as you reach higher degree levels. Online programs give you the option to pursue the degree or certificate that fits your professional goals, regardless of where you are. You may even be able to take individual courses.

Whether you choose traditional or online learning, it’s important to ensure that the institution is accredited. Accreditation confirms the rigor and quality of higher education institutions and the programs they offer.

In addition to institutional accreditation, some degree programs may also be accredited by industry-recognized professional accreditors. These specialized accreditation designations demonstrate that a program has a rigorous curriculum, qualified faculty and adequate resources to meet recognized high standards for a specific field, discipline or profession.

Program rigor and evaluations

Another element to consider is how you might be able to apply the skills you learn in your degree program toward your professional goals.

A competency-based curriculum focuses on practical knowledge and skills that are relevant to your chosen industry. Competency-based education also ensures that students receive detailed feedback about how they’re meeting expected outcomes for assignments.

Dr. Stanley describes how that works at Capella: “Every assignment has a rubric, and those rubrics are connected to the program outcomes. The faculty member will look at the rubric and assess whether or not the student has met those expectations, and to what level. The faculty member can also provide clarification or give suggestions specific to that individual student.”

Deciding which is right for you

Pursuing a degree is a big decision, and ultimately it’s up to each individual student to decide whether they prefer traditional or online education.

“I think what’s most important is what’s right for them in their life and also how they learn,” Dr. Stanley suggests. “If somebody knows that they really benefit from in-person lectures where they can see and interact with people face-to-face, traditional learning may be best for them.

“But if they’re motivated, if they’re busy, if there isn’t a university near them that meets their needs for flexibility – as long as they’re able to figure out a routine that works for them – online learning is a really great option.”

Explore online degree programs from Capella University.