A new survey by the University of Phoenix conducted by The Harris Poll found that, as of Mar. 25, nearly all hiring leaders view online degrees and credentials as more credible in the workplace than they were a decade ago. The survey showed that 98 percent of respondents believe online credentials have gained credibility, while 78 percent say workers with these qualifications stand out due to their new and emerging skill sets.
The findings highlight a shift in employer attitudes as technology, artificial intelligence, and automation change workplace needs. Many employers now place greater value on learning that is current and aligned with real job requirements. According to the survey, 85 percent of hiring leaders expect their industries will become more likely to consider candidates with online education credentials over the next ten years.
John Woods, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix said: “Working adults are navigating a labor market that is changing quickly, and employers are signaling that current, career-relevant learning matters. 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 reported several practical benefits associated with employees who hold online education credentials. These include increased productivity (63 percent), faster skill development (62 percent), improved morale (55 percent), and greater upward mobility (52 percent). The survey also found advantages for these employees in digital collaboration skills (68 percent), adaptability (66 percent), and familiarity with emerging tools (64 percent).
The study pointed out reasons for this change in perception: improved technology supporting credible online education programs (68 percent), higher quality standards among providers (67 percent), better alignment between programs and modern professional requirements (65 percent), along with increased comfort among both learners and employers regarding online environments.
According to the official website, the University of Phoenix works to address barriers to education for underserved communities. It features both a physical campus in Phoenix as well as an extensive online delivery system according to its official website. The university offers more than 100 career-focused programs linked to over 300 professions according to its official website.
The University seeks to provide higher education aimed at equipping students for career advancement, organizational enhancement, and community leadership according to its official website. It serves students across the nation according to its official website and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission according to its official website.
The Harris Poll surveyed 502 U.S.-based full-time employed adults aged 21 or older working at companies with at least one thousand employees within manufacturing, financial services, information technology or health care sectors.
