3 Popular Degrees You Won’t Find Online

With more distance learning options available than ever before, getting a college degree has never been easier or more accessible. But some classes just can’t be earned online. They require a traditional, in-person format. Let’s take a look at the classes you have to take on-campus — and why.

Lab and Clinical Courses

For students studying science or medicine, lab and clinical courses require physical attendance. While this limitation can make a degree program difficult for many, labs and clinicals provide the practical experience necessary for these careers. It may seem like a downside of the degree program, but it’s certainly an upside for these fields.

A surgeon can’t exactly learn to do their work from online courses, videos, or a game of Operation. Instead, medical professionals and scientists need the hands-on experience that you just can’t replace with an online class. While less convenient, it is certainly necessary. 

Automotive Technology

Customers want to rest assured knowing the person qualified to work on their car has actually touched one, rather than exclusively learning from books or online modules. There’s just no replacement for hands-on experience. Mechanics need to physically see and feel the engine to work on them effectively. As a result, this is another field where in-classroom instruction is essential and can’t be replaced by a virtual class. 

Art and Design Courses

While some art and design courses may be available online, many require in-person attendance to develop the skills necessary to succeed in these fields. Students can’t bypass the practical component of these classes easily with distance technology. Instead, plan to attend these classes in person for hands-on learning. 

Before you cross these careers off your list, consider taking core classes for these degree programs online. You could enjoy all the advantages of distance learning for those initial core classes while preparing for the in-person instruction required for later, more degree-specific courses. This strategy can combine the benefits of distance learning with the requirements of hands-on, in-person learning.