The last two decades have seen an almost exponential increase in the availability and popularity of online college courses and degree programs. Their ubiquity raises the question of the difference between a credit or degree earned in an online environment and one earned in a traditional classroom. These two teaching systems will be compared from the point of view of flexibility, student experience, the impact of technology and the question of acceptability of online courses and degree programs. One of the main advantages of an online degree program is the flexibility it offers. to someone who works a demanding job, lives geographically far from a college campus, or simply finds it more convenient for a host of other reasons. These challenges facing the modern workforce have actually been the primary driver of the exponential increase in online degree programs over the past decade. Additionally, the flexibility offered by an online degree program makes it possible to tailor a program to suit personal learning style and pace. One area of ​​great contrast between the two forms of education concerns the student experience. For example, students may enjoy taking tests or listening to lectures from the comfort of their own home. However, this has a major disadvantage: not being able to ask questions as they naturally arise. An online student may have to wait for their instructor to respond to an email, whereas being present in a classroom allows questions to be asked and answered on the spot. Another benefit of attending a brick-and-mortar university is having access to classmates for study groups or homework help. After reading several students' opinions about their online courses, I realized the overall experience...... middle of paper...... Edible Credential. World Education Reviews. 2013.3 (2013): 67-95. Educational research completed. Internet. 2 April 2014.Haynie, Devon. “What Employers Really Think About Your Online Bachelor’s Degree.” Daily News. US News and World Report, July 31, 2013. Web. April 2, 2014. LaPairie, Kimberly and Janice M. Hinson. “Commercial Spaces: Moving Face-to-Face Classes to the Online Environment.” » Journal of Interactive Teaching Development 18.1 (2005): 3-8. Educational research completed. Internet. April 2, 2014. Phillips, Vicky. “5 Things Real Students Hate About Online Learning Degrees.” Educate yourself. Word Press, August 6, 2012. Web. April 2, 2014. Pearcy, Mark. “Student, teacher, professor: three perspectives on online education.” History Teacher 27.2 (2014): 169-185. Educational research completed. Internet. April 2, 2014. Sambenedetto, Megan. Personal interview. April 3 2014.