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Referred to as "the wave of the future" just before the millennium change, a plethora of dot-com-like companies sprouted a tremendous competition for the best online learning platform. Sadly, the competition of platforms did not result in a similarly wide range of degree programs.

Those, like myself, who joined the online learning community a decade ago because of the potential to level the playing field in ways that brick and mortar classrooms never could, have been sadly disappointed. While more and more institutions are offering online courses, a search for online degrees will result in the sad realization that online learning will only launch your career if your career choice happens to be the world of business, education, or criminal justice.

Virtually hundreds of Master degree programs are available for business and criminal justice; a similar array of choices are available for education. More choices of majors are available at the Bachelor's degrees, and more still for Associate level. Yet, compared to the traditional classroom offerings, the choices are depressingly small.

One unfortunate effect is to matriculate a lop-sided market of job seekers in a narrow array of fields, while needs in high-end science and technology fields go unmet. By choosing one of the current options, the learners may be submitting themselves to increased competition.

There is little argument to be made that online learning is not equal to, if not better than traditional modalities. Active learning strategies employed in the virtual classroom, ensure, by their very nature that learning is deeper and more rigorous than a course by the same institution in the classroom. But, until a broader array of degrees are adapted to the new horizon, there may be a limited advantage to one's career.

There's still hope for the new vista of learning opportunities. Like any other market, online education will adapt to the demands of the degree seekers, but only if the degree seekers voice their vocational preferences in strong language, rather than just settling for what is available.

Learn more about this author, Pat Fox Ph.D..
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