While many universities have been offering some of their courses online for a few years now, none have offered actual degrees (aside from dubious “professional” colleges). Georgia Tech is first to have taken the leap. In collaboration with Udacity (which I have written about before), they are offering an accredited masters of computer science degree for $7,000.
Of particular interest is the fact that the actual courses are free. It is only the degree that costs money. This is nevertheless good news. There are a number of positive things to note:
- An actual college degree can be obtained online from home without having to move and live near or on a campus.
- The cost is much less than tuition for the same degree is normally; not to mention the considerable savings in living expenses.
- The actual education is free for everyone in the world.
- The degree is obtained via proctored exams offered at 4000 Pearson locations around the country.
That last item also points to another positive trend – certification by exam. Currently, the primary value of a college degree has nothing to do with education. Its main value is the piece of paper that opens doors into the world … Read the rest