Hiring leaders are increasingly recognizing the credibility and workplace relevance of online degrees and credentials as skill requirements evolve rapidly with technology, AI, and automation. A new University of Phoenix survey conducted by The Harris Poll reveals strong positive shifts in perceptions over the past decade.
Quick Intel
As technology, AI, and automation continue to reshape work, employers place greater value on learning that is current, applied, and directly aligned with real workplace needs. The survey highlights that nearly all respondents recognize the growing acceptance of online education.
"Working adults are navigating a labor market that is changing quickly, and employers are signaling that current, career-relevant learning matters," states John Woods, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix. "What this survey suggests is that credibility increasingly comes from the ability to build and apply skills in ways that match today's workplace. For higher education, this is a reminder that rigor and workforce relevance need to go hand in hand."
Hiring leaders report that workers with online education credentials differentiate themselves through current technical knowledge as well as adaptability in modern work environments. They stand out for digital collaboration skills (68%), adaptability and responsiveness (66%), and familiarity with emerging tools and technology (64%).
Why Online Credentials Are Viewed Differently Today
The improved perception stems from several factors. Hiring leaders cite advancements in technology that enable credible online education (68%), better quality standards from online education providers (67%), and stronger alignment of online programs with modern professional requirements (65%). Additionally, greater familiarity and comfort with online learning among both workers (60%) and employers (60%) contribute to this shift.
Workplace Benefits Reported by Leaders
Employers observe tangible advantages from hiring or developing employees with online credentials. These include increased productivity (63%), employees picking up skills more quickly to respond to changes in the job market (62%), more qualified candidates (60%), improved morale (55%), and greater upward mobility (52%).
Implications for the Workforce
For workers, the findings underscore the importance of pursuing learning that keeps skills current and directly connected to job requirements. For employers, education benefits and continuing learning opportunities are expected to play a larger role in workforce strategy. Top reasons for offering more tuition assistance or continuing education benefits in the next five years include improving employee skill sets (77%), attracting new employees (64%), improving business outcomes (63%), and retaining current employees (59%).
University of Phoenix serves working adults seeking flexible, career-relevant education designed to fit complex lives. Based on more than 189,000 responses in the past year, University of Phoenix students rated their ability to gain immediately applicable skills at 9.2 out of 10 in end-of-course surveys.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
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