FAQ: Are Online Degrees the Same as On-Campus? [VIDEO]
ONLINE VS. IN-PERSON
At the University of Louisville, our online programs provide the same degree and opportunities as our on-campus programs. We have designed our online programs using the same standards and curriculum—with added convenience, of course. In fact, your diploma will list your degree as no different than if you completed your degree in-person or an online/in-person combination.
A diploma from UofL is still from our accredited university, no matter how you earn it!
How do we ensure online programs meet the same quality standards as our on-campus programs?
At UofL, all of our online programs are offered through the same schools, such as the J.B. Speed School of Engineering and the UofL College of Business. Also, online courses are taught by same renowned faculty that teach UofL’s on-campus courses.
THE CARDINAL COMMUNITY
PERKS & BENEFITS OF BEING A CARD—NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE
Enrolling in an online program at UofL means becoming part of the UofL Cardinal Family—even if you never physically step on campus. As an enrolled online student, you will receive the same student resources and support services as our traditional on-campus students. Gain access to the UofL Library as well as receive online support from the writing or tutoring center(s),
as needed.
Our faculty partner with expert instructional
designers, who assist our professors in delivering a unique yet intuitive learning experience for online students. This is how we are able to provide the same rigor and quality of the learning experience as well as the same learning outcomes and same standards. The only difference is the flexible, convenient delivery format of 100% online courses.
When relevant to specific learning objectives, several of our programs include field assignments and internship opportunities, similar to the on-campus course curriculum. These hands-on learning experiences would be completed in your own local community.
Furthermore, just like a traditional on-campus student, you can cheer on the Louisville Cards and even receive a Cardinal ID in the mail.
Once the program is complete, you receive the same alumni benefits too. This includes being part of the same alumni network and taking advantage of UofL’s
Career Center.
You can take part in the Cardinal Community, wherever you are!
ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING
As you have discovered, UofL online programs offer the same degree and opportunities as on-campus programs—with additional benefits. UofL online learning offers the flexibility and convenience for you to integrate education into your work-life balance. Faculty and staff understand that you have more responsibilities than your degree as an online student and will work with you to accomplish your goals.
Many of our online programs have unique course formats to assist you in achieving your degree easier. In addition to part-time student options, multiple programs also offer accelerated 8-week terms so that you can move through the program quickly and receive the career advancement you are looking for.
Some programs, such as our Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership & Learning, allows you to earn up to 48 credit hours tuition free for current competencies upon completion of the LEAD 300 Prior Learning Assessment course.
At UofL, we’ve offered online programs for over 20 years. We understand how to design our educational offerings with the adult student in mind and have had national recognition for our online programs for many years. This includes the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best of” awards, which has recognized UofL with multiple awards for more than 5 consecutive years. 
UofL was ranked as one of the best Online Bachelor’s and Online Bachelor’s for Veterans as well as other awards including top #20 Criminal Justice programs in the nation.
With over 50 online learning programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs that encompass a wide range of industries and fields – from business and engineering to health administration, education, psychology and more – we can help you move forward in achieving your goals.
Is online learning the next step for you? View our 50+ online programs.
HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
We have other FAQ videos and articles to address common questions from prospective students, such as yourself, that you can review here. We are also actively creating resources to help you through the complete enrollment process. Check out one of our most commonly used resources – Transcript Retrieval Guide.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to the online enrollment team at online@louisville.edu. They can answer your questions as well as work with you personally through the application process.
