The Value of Distance Education Degrees in Career Development

Distance education is one important avenue that could provide educational opportunities to working adults either in formal education, in professional development or in skills training. It is also gaining ground in Malaysia where there are now four public universities, three private universities and two private open universities that offer distance education programmes. However, there is a growing concern regarding the impact of these programmes on working adults, specifically on their career development. This study explores the Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Distance Education (SDE) graduates’ perception of how the programme has affected their subsequent career development and progress. A total of 90 graduates from the SDE were randomly selected from 11 of the 13 states in Malaysia. Based on the interview data, it can be discerned that degrees offered by the SDE did not really lead to a job change but in the majority of cases, they led to job promotions, notably in the public sector. Government employees enjoyed relatively easier promotion and their job security was guaranteed unlike their private sector counterparts who faced stiff competition for promotions. Moreover in the private sector, in many instances promotions were based on performance rather than paper qualifications. A closer inspection of the data revealed that the distance education degree does not differ from conventional degrees as far as job change, promotions, responsibilities and security are concerned. It is on par with other degrees. This augurs well for the School of Distance Education, USM as it demonstrates the value of its degrees in the job market.