Online vs. Traditional Learning

When deciding between online and traditional learning, it’s important to consider your personal circumstances and learning preferences. Each mode of education has its own set of advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision.

Personalized Learning Experience

Online education can provide you with a more personalized learning experience. You can tailor your study schedule to fit your personal and professional commitments.

This flexibility is especially useful if you have an unpredictable schedule or need to balance multiple responsibilities. Additionally, with UTSA Online, you’ll be able to use a whole host of resources. You’ll have access to everything from our learning management system (Canvas) to our online library services.

Additionally, you’ll be able to earn microcredentials (like certificates and badges) from companies like Google, IBM, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more!

Interaction and Networking

If you’re worried about the lack of face-to-face interaction in online learning, don’t stress. With UTSA Online, you’ll have plenty of virtual networking opportunities. From online discussion boards to group projects and virtual office hours, you’ll still get to experience community and collaboration. These interactions can be just as meaningful and productive as those in a traditional classroom setting.

Cost-Effectiveness

Another significant advantage of online learning is cost-effectiveness. Traditional on-campus programs often come with additional expenses like commuting, housing, and campus fees. 

With UTSA Online, you’ll pay one flat rate. There are no additional fees or out of state tuition costs. This makes higher education more accessible to a broader range of students.

Flexibility and Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of online education is the flexibility it offers. At UTSA, you can access the same quality education as our in-person students. But your classes will be 100% online. This way, you get to take classes whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.

Online classes are a great option if you don’t live near the university you want to attend or if local schools don’t offer the program you’re interested in. Plus, online education offers more accessibility – you won’t have to commute, find parking, or stick to a rigid class schedule. Everything is designed to fit around your life.

6 Benefits to Earning an Online Degree from UTSA

An online degree offers you enhanced career opportunities, giving you the education and skills you need to prepare for the job you desire. The numerous benefits of earning an online degree include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

1. Same Faculty. Same Degree.

At UTSA Online, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting a quality education. You’ll take the same courses as our on-campus students. In fact, your degree will say “The University of Texas at San Antonio” when you graduate!

2. Lower Cost

At UTSA Online, tuition rates are lower than in person. Undergraduate tuition ranges from $486 and $525 per credit hour, and graduate tuition ranges between $550 and $825 per credit hour. This will make it easier for you to manage your finances while pursuing your educational goals.

3. More Free Time

Being in charge of your own schedule gives you the freedom to complete your courses and assignments at your convenience. If you’re a morning person and want to complete your work at 6 a.m., great! But if you prefer to relax after a long day and then tackle your work at 9 p.m., you’ll have the flexibility to do that. This balance is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being.

4. Independence

As we mentioned above, online classes can be taken anywhere. This means you can study from the comfort of your home, during your lunch break, or even while traveling.  You don’t need to put your education on hold.

You’ll have the autonomy to direct your own learning. There’s no worrying about fitting into a specific class time or being restricted by a professor’s office hours. You can pace your learning according to your own needs and preferences, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the material. You’ll have due dates each week, but you’ll complete your coursework on your own schedule.

5. Career Advancement

Earning your degree online offers you the opportunity to expand your professional horizons without compromising other aspects of your life. UTSA Online is designed with working professionals in mind. We offer courses that are directly applicable to your current job or desired career path.

6. Improving Time Management

Working independently to complete your assignments and making sure you meet deadlines can help improve your time management abilities. This skill is highly valued in the workplace and can lead to greater productivity and efficiency in both your personal and professional life.

Degrees You Can Earn with UTSA Online

UTSA Online offers a variety of degrees and certificates to help you achieve your career goals at your own pace.  Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s, or a graduate certificate, we offer programs to fit everyone’s goals.

Undergraduate

• 

  Bachelor of Arts in Communication | Develop and sharpen your communication skills while exploring digital media, editing, technical writing, and intercultural communications. You’ll also study organizational communications. You can choose to add a concentration in Digital Communication or Public Relations.

• Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Influence | Explore multimedia production and learn how to turn your passion for digital content creation into a rewarding career. you’ll improve your digital production skills and learn to target audiences with persuasive messaging at your own pace
• Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies | This degree offers 11 areas of specialization: Business, Communication, Data Science, Digital Media Influence, Geography, Global Affairs, Health, Humanities, Medical Humanities, Political Science, and Sociology. You can choose your own specializations to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Cyber Security | UTSA Online’s Cyber Security program teaches you to build defensive infrastructure and protect sensitive data from threats. You’ll also gain skills to contribute to long-term business success..

Graduate

• Master of Science in Facility Management | With this master’s degree you’ll become a fully-qualified facility manager. You’ll gain skills in management, operations, and leadership in a 30-credit-hour program. As a facility manager, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping everything in your workplace running smoothly and efficiently.
• Data Science Graduate Certificate | This certificate program is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. You don’t need to have any experience in data science. Our program includes fundamental knowledge for those without a programming or data science background.
• Facility Management Graduate Certificate | With this certificate program you’ll be prepared to support and advance the facility management profession. You’ll gain skills and knowledge in management, operations, and leadership. This program is considered stackable, which means all credit hours earned from it can transfer into the M.S. in Facility Management program.
• Medical Device Commercialization Graduate Certificate | This graduate certificate covers all aspects of medical device commercialization, guiding you from concept to market launch. You’ll learn about patient-focused design, engineering project management, and the regulatory approval process, including specific testing and documentation requirements. Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the industry, our program offers valuable insights for everyone.