Over the last 20 years or so, there has been a huge proliferation of online courses for students to choose from. At one point, people contemplated the possibility that such courses would replace in-person instruction. That didn’t happen, but online offerings are multitudinous.

Should it be possible for students to obtain degrees taking only online classes? The University of California system has recently established a rule against that. In today’s Martin Center article, Chris West argues that this is a good move.

West writes, “Two months ago, the University of California System made a procedural move to address a loophole that allowed undergraduates to piece together an entirely online degree program. The move caused outrage online, with opponents calling it a step backwards. However, when one looks at what the new policy actually does, it becomes clear that the University of California System’s move represents a step forward, ensuring that programs that are meant to be residential remain so.”

Students may still earn a significant number of credits via online courses, but must also earn at least six credits per semester through “in-person” classes.

West explains his support for the UC policy: “Earning a degree from a university is difficult for a reason and not accessible to everyone. This should require us to ask questions about equity, access, and affordability. Nevertheless, the answer will not be simple, and it is not as easy as providing online options for every experience.”