Insights into Online Education Discipline Preferences

As online education continues to evolve, its reach and impact are shaped not only by the availability of programs but also by their alignment with student preferences. The 2024 Studyportals report sheds light on how institutions worldwide are tailoring their offerings to meet the growing demand for online English-taught programs (ETPs) in specific disciplines.

Dominant Disciplines

Business & Management tops the list as the most popular field, accounting for a significant portion of online ETPs in both anglophone and non-anglophone destinations. This dominance reflects the global relevance of business skills and the flexibility of online platforms to deliver such programs effectively. Similarly, Computer Science & IT has gained traction, driven by the increasing demand for tech-related skills and the feasibility of delivering these courses online. According to the report, Computer Science programs grew by 123% between 2019 and 2024, illustrating their critical role in the digital age.

Social Sciences rounds out the top three disciplines, indicating strong interest in understanding societal dynamics and developing critical thinking skills. These fields collectively form the core of online offerings in non-anglophone regions, accounting for 61% of the total programs.

Staple Disciplines

Fields like Medicine & Health and Engineering & Technology serve as staple disciplines, present in most regions but less dominant than the top three. While the Big Four (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia) lead in offering comprehensive programs in these areas, non-anglophone regions are steadily increasing their presence.

Market-Specific and Marginal Disciplines

Market-specific disciplines, including Education & Training, Humanities, and Applied Sciences & Professions, exhibit varying prominence based on regional priorities. For instance, Education & Training programs are more prevalent in anglophone regions due to the global demand for certified educators

Marginal disciplines, such as Agriculture & Forestry and Journalism & Media, represent niche areas. While these programs have limited reach, they cater to specialized professional needs, particularly in regions like MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa).

Gaps and Opportunities

Despite the growth, certain fields remain underrepresented. For instance, disciplines like Arts and Environmental Studies have seen limited expansion in non-anglophone regions. Addressing these gaps could diversify offerings and attract a broader student base.

Future Outlook

The focus on discipline-specific offerings highlights the strategic decisions institutions make to compete globally. As online education evolves, aligning programs with market demands and student preferences will be crucial for institutions aiming to attract international students.