Online Learning FAQs, Answered: What You Need to Know About Earning a Degree Online

At Merrimack College, you can pursue many undergraduate or graduate degrees online with coursework that allows you to study at your own pace. Merrimack’s online degree programs align with industry trends, emphasizing the skills employers seek in teaching, business, science, engineering and counseling. Merrimack offers online master’s degrees, a bachelor’s completion program and various certificates.  

Online learning has come a long way in a short time. Out of necessity, online education boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shutdown, many students discovered that they preferred the convenience of online study, and they continued to enroll in online programs even after on-campus study resumed. In the 2023 Changing Landscape of Online Education report, 56 percent of chief online officers at two- and four-year colleges and universities reported growth in their fully online or hybrid programs. 

Despite online education’s growing popularity, some misconceptions persist. This article addresses those, answering common questions prospective online students have and outlining the benefits of studying online at Merrimack. 

What are the benefits of learning online? 

Learning online offers many benefits, including flexible scheduling, cost-effectiveness and increased accessibility, as online programs enable you to study from anywhere. Furthermore, online programs attract students from around the globe, creating diverse cohorts in which students can learn from and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds.

Are online courses interactive and engaging?

Some prospective students worry that online courses are less interactive and engaging than in-person classes. There is no reason for this to be so; online delivery facilitates all types of interactive learning experiences. The extent to which schools take advantage of these opportunities varies among institutions. Many colleges, including Merrimack, prioritize engagement and real-time interaction in online education.

Merrimack’s online students benefit from a customized learning environment and access to a wide range of flexible online degree programs tailored to their interests and career aspirations. The school’s online degree programs provide students with the flexibility they need without compromising on engagement. Most programs combine self-paced learning and content with live, online, synchronous class sessions to ensure greater student participation and support. Live sessions typically focus on interactive class discussion and hands-on learning exercises.

Merrimack faculty members are leading practitioners in their fields, committed to connecting with students and actively participating in their career development and success. Online students at Merrimack can also access personalized support from a Success Coach. 

Will I need to come to campus as an online student? Where is Merrimack College located? 

Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts. Most online programs in the Merrimack portfolio are fully remote, so you won’t have to travel to campus. However, depending on your field of study, you might have to complete an in-person component, such as an internship or clinical placement. For example, Merrimack’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires an onsite internship.  

Do employers view online degrees differently than on-campus degrees?

As online learning grows in popularity and the number of students enrolled in online programs rises, employers are increasingly viewing online degrees positively. According to experts, employers focus more on the relevance of the curriculum and the competencies candidates offer than on whether a degree was earned online. At Merrimack College, online students receive the same diploma upon graduation as their residential counterparts. 

Can I work full-time while earning an online degree?

Many online degree programs, including those at Merrimack, offer part-time study options to accommodate students’ work schedule. Earning a degree while continuing to work full-time makes for a busy schedule, but many people successfully do both every year; time-management skills and prioritizing strategies help. Studying while working full-time also conveys numerous benefits, including: 

• Continued wages
• Continued professional development (no gap on your resume) 
• The ability to apply what you learn in the workplace 
• Potential access to employer tuition assistance 

What graduate financial aid options are available? Is there financial aid for master’s programs taught online?

Your eligibility for graduate financial aid depends on your unique situation, but most domestic online graduate-level degree students qualify for financial assistance. To determine your eligibility, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Many Merrimack students also take advantage of employer tuition assistance to help offset tuition costs. Speak to your human resources department to determine whether your employer offers tuition assistance and your eligibility. 

What’s my next step in earning a degree online from Merrimack?

Online learning has many benefits, including increased flexibility, the freedom to study from anywhere and the ability to continue working while earning your degree. However, it is natural to have questions about what to expect, especially when you are starting to research your options. 

Merrimack’s enrollment advisors are available to assist you in your research and help you find the right program. Connect with an enrollment advisor to have your questions answered and learn what to expect when pursuing an online degree at Merrimack. If you feel ready to take the next step, you can start your application online.