How is online different from in-class? This is perhaps the most important consideration to take into account when deciding whether to enroll in an in-class program versus online.  If you have not taken an online class before, please know that it is very different from an in-class program.  The key difference with online is that class starts when you say it does.  This means that a certain amount of self-discipline is required to succeed in an online environment.  There will not be anyone telling you when you have to go to class or when to study.