In 2023, at a university fair Gen Next facilitated, in a renowned high school in Bengaluru, I met with a student, Aditya Ranganathan° and his parents. It was one of the most unusual student counseling sessions I ever had and I remember every detail of it vividly till today. Aditya requested me to convince his parents to allow him to do an online Bachelor's in Computer Science. My first lesson as a counselor is always to be unbiased but, let’s be honest—online degrees still carry stigma. People assume they’re easier, less rigorous, or second-best. He was a stellar student with the credentials to get into any physical degree program of his choice and his parents were open to the idea of paying full tuition for his bachelor's in the U.S. as well. As his counselor, my role was clear, I set aside my apprehensions and asked him to convince me first why he thought an online degree was the best fit for him and boy did he do a great job of it. I was quick to alert the family to be mindful of certain parameters, when they were looking for an online degree program that was the best fit, including accreditation of the program, profiles of the faculty, practical exposure along with theoretical learning and long term job prospects. In a matter of minutes Aditya and I were a team and together over multiple phone conversations convinced his parents to take this leap of faith. Circa 2025, Aditya is seamlessly sailing through his online Bachelor's in Computer Science, with a concentration in AI, from Arizona State University. I requested Aditya to share his thoughts with GenBuzZ, to open our minds to the world of online degrees.
Why I Chose an Online Degree in Computer Science—and Don’t Regret It One Bit
"There’s a moment of silence whenever I mention that I’m doing an online degree. The polite nods, the subtle pause, the unspoken assumption: “Couldn’t you get into a regular program?”
But here’s what they don’t realize. I didn’t choose an online degree because I had no other option. I chose it because it was the most relevant option. I work in the space of data science and artificial intelligence—a field that evolves faster than most textbooks can keep up.
I didn’t want a syllabus frozen in time or a lecture hall removed from real-world problems. I wanted something that moved with the industry, not behind it. So I picked an online program that focused on practical skills. Taught by people actively working in the field and centered around projects that mirror what companies actually need—not just academic theory. And it’s working. I’m not just learning concepts; I’m applying them. I’ve built machine learning models, worked with messy real- world datasets, and understood how AI is transforming sectors like healthcare, logistics, and finance.
What’s more, the flexibility of online learning has been a strength—not a compromise. It’s allowed me to structure my time, dig deeper into areas I care about, and go beyond the bare minimum.
There’s still a perception that online degrees are somehow “less than.” But if we care about outcomes, that perception doesn’t hold up. The right online degree can be sharper, faster, and more industry-relevant than many traditional programs. This isn’t about replacing universities. It’s about recognizing that the format of delivery shouldn’t matter more than the value of what’s delivered.
For me, this degree isn’t a backup plan. It’s been a strategic decision. Because in the world of AI and data, your value isn’t defined by where you studied—it’s defined by what you can build."
My journey with Aditya had me recalibrate my thoughts. We need to move past the idea that learning only counts if it happens in a traditional setting. In today’s world, where capability matters more than pedigree, the smartest move might just be the one that fits reality and makes you 'future ready'—not tradition.
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