Pursing English and other liberal arts degrees online continues to face a troubling stigma. Ten years ago, if you told someone you were taking creative writing courses online or that you had earned your degree online, they may have laughed in your face. At the heart of this stigma is the belief that obtaining your education in any way other than the tried and true brick and mortar institution is blasphemy.

I have heard accusations that online education represents a substandard learning experience, or that it is only for lazy writers looking for an easy way out. Some employers argue that there is no value to an online degree and actively avoid those possessing them. It’s my opinion that these individuals belong to a group of elitists who will try to find any excuse to devalue and discriminate against your knowledge, writing talent, and educational background. Fortunately, those views are changing.

We aren’t talking about degree mills here: these are high quality accredited institutions of higher learning. Their writing classes are taught by the same acclaimed and beloved professors that previously graced the classrooms of their on campus brethren. The coursework is equally as rigorous and you are held to the same standards as the traditional course. You have to study, do the legwork, and most importantly attend. You cannot skate through an online course, and online study offers great advantages.

To aid these students through their studies, some institutions are introducing online tutoring programs. This resource is available 24 hours a day from any internet connection and is another advantage that online education brings to both online and traditional students. You can get feedback on writing assignments and receive tutoring in a wide variety of subjects.

Learning online is a convenient and flexible option in a complicated world. We all have busy schedules and are trying to juggle family, work, and life without adding in the need to physically attend a school. This is particularly applicable to military service members and their families. We can’t always live near the school we want to attend. In that same vein, the schools that are close to us aren’t always the most affordable.

Without the limitations of geography, schools and students also gain access to more experts in a wide variety of language arts specialties. Part of this is accomplished because of the lower associated costs. The curriculum can be digitally delivered without the requirement of needlessly expensive textbooks. Removing the requirement for the students and teachers to all simultaneously and physically converge in the classroom gives more students the opportunity to participate. Teachers are given more time to interact with students and personalize their experience.

One notable example is the Global Freshman Academy - an Arizona State University program that offers freshman level courses for credit. The program lets students participate in and complete courses before applying to the school or paying for the credit. This is another example of how online learning is being integrated as an everyday experience. Students can take a hybrid schedule of classes - some physical, others digital. The education landscape will continue to shift toward offering open and easily accessible degree models in addition to their traditional counterparts. Over 200 accredited institutions offer online classes - proof that nontraditional writing education has a place at the table after all.