Online learning has been growing in popularity and trust over the last decade. But the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly pushed digital education into the spotlight in a way no one could have foreseen just half a year ago. While the chance to learn and boost your career from home is a bright spot in a world shaken by the pandemic, the explosion of online options has also made choosing the right one more complicated than ever.
Whether you’re hunting for a new job, aiming for a promotion, or just looking for something productive to do while stuck indoors, online courses are a fantastic choice. They can help you grow your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and land a job. In fact, a 2019 survey by Harvard Business School Online—where I serve as executive director—found that 85% of recruiters said online credentials on a resume make candidates stand out.
But picking the right program or course has never been trickier. With so many differences in quality, credentials, and cost, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stuck in “analysis paralysis.”
Making a smart decision doesn’t have to be tough, though. Here are four tips to help you get what you need and enjoy the process:
1. Figure Out Your Goals
Unsurprisingly, the first step is knowing what you want from an online program. Take time to clarify what you hope to achieve. Are you after a degree that’ll prepare you for a job or grad school? Do you just need quick, practical skills? Does the final credential—a degree, certificate, or something else—matter to you?
The days when universities only offered traditional degree programs—what’s often called “just in case” learning—are long gone. This type of education is what most of us think of as standard: a degree that (hopefully!) gives you useful skills but might also include a lot of material you’ll never actually use.
On the other hand, “just in time” learning is more focused, usually shorter, almost always cheaper, and designed to give you skills you can apply right away. Coding bootcamps are a perfect example, as are standalone courses in subjects like accounting or marketing data analysis. These are streamlined classes without the extra general education requirements you’d find in a degree program.
So, when should you choose “just in time” over “just in case” learning? It depends on your goals and how much time you have. “Just in case” learning is usually necessary if you’re starting a new career, but it takes longer—often a year or more. “Just in time” learning is ideal when you want to build on your current skills quickly—usually in under six months. For example, if you’re a graphic designer working on websites, a short course in HTML programming could level up your skills in just a few months.
Both types of learning have value and can be incredibly rewarding—just make sure you know which one fits your needs.
2. Find Engaging Content and Interaction
You’ll probably never hear a student say, “That 90-minute lecture with 73 slides was amazing!”—whether they’re learning online or in person. Lectures can be dull, and they’re even worse online. The last thing you want is to waste money on something you don’t finish. So do your homework. Make sure the program you pick not only covers the topics you care about but also presents them in an interesting way.
At HBS Online, we’ve seen that the case method—where students analyze real business challenges and put themselves in a leader’s shoes—works really well. Not every course has to use this exact approach, but you should look for something beyond dry lectures to keep you engaged. Ideally, there should be multiple ways the course keeps things interesting.
Classes with short, varied activities tend to hold attention better. For example, a course that mixes reading, short videos, quick reflections, and hands-on exercises shows it was designed with learners in mind. That’s the kind of experience you want.
Also, check how much interaction you’ll have with instructors and classmates. A well-designed course without live faculty can still be great—but if there’s no direct instructor access, make sure there’s a way to connect with other students, like a forum or Slack channel. Research shows that explaining material to others—or even just expecting to—helps you learn better. So if you’re part of a group where everyone helps each other understand concepts, everyone wins.
Don’t forget: Learning is supposed to include social interaction, both formal and informal. Just because a program is online doesn’t mean you should miss out on that.
3. Remember: Brand Matters—But Not How You Might Think
You’ve probably heard people say, “It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you get the education.” That’s not entirely true. You don’t need to attend an elite school, but your choice of institution can affect your success—whether you’re learning in person or online.
For example, if you live in East Lansing, Michigan (home of Michigan State University) and plan to work locally, picking a higher-ranked online program from another school might not be the best move. MSU alumni in the area are likely to give extra support to fellow graduates.
So think about not just what you want from your education but also how potential employers—in your field and location—will view your choice.
4. Make Sure It’s Worth the Cost (and Your Time)
While brand matters sometimes, there are cases where it’s far less important. For instance, many states require teachers to have advanced degrees, but it rarely matters where they earn them. In that case, spending a fortune on a prestigious name doesn’t make sense—especially when salaries in the field are limited. The same goes for fields like social work. We can argue whether it’s fair that these vital jobs don’t pay well, but for now, if you won’t easily recoup the cost, a cheaper option may be smarter.
The same logic applies to non-degree programs. There are tons of online options now, but the sheer number makes it hard to judge value. Read reviews, try free samples if available, and talk to past students—just like you would when buying a car. And like with a car, read the fine print: Few programs are truly free if you want a credential to show employers.
Many schools share data on how their programs have helped past students. For example, our own HBS Online participant survey (which we gladly share) found that one in four got a promotion or new title, one in four switched fields, and nine out of ten said their careers improved.
Look for providers that can back up their claims with solid data. If a program can’t show how it’ll help you reach your goals, your time and money are better spent elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
There are countless great options, with new courses launching all the time. With in-person learning still uncertain, online programs will stay a top choice—and they can teach you just as well (if not better) than traditional classes. Stay open-minded, but do your research and choose carefully. The money you spend is an investment in yourself—make it count.