Online Degree Programs

By earning degrees online, students are offered a convenient way to get the skills and cost effective training or education that they need in order to get the job they want or advance their career. Most of this can be accomplished without even having to leave the house. In between work projects and time with they may want to spend with their kids, students have the flexibility to earn a diploma with little more than a functioning computer and a reliable Internet connection.

Students can earn an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, MBA, PhD or JD and pursue programs in the fields of business, education, medicine and technology from the comfort of their own home. And, as many employers continue to place a greater value on higher education, these degree programs provide a valuable opportunity for people to advance their education and get the jobs they want. Also, many of the scholarship programs (external resource) that are available to traditional campus-based students, are available to online degree students, as well.

There are many benefits to earning your education online. Especially convenient for adult learners who are already in the workforce, internet-based degrees give students the flexibility to work at their own pace and to study whenever and wherever it is best suited for their schedules. With some programs, all the information a student needs to complete their chosen degree program is available through the web, and students have access to lecture notes, reading materials and assignments 24/7.

Typically, an online education is less expensive than a regular education. Not only will students be able to cut costs on travel expenses, but they will also save money in other ways. The tuition for many online degree program offerings is about the same as that of a community college, and these students do not have to worry about additional housing or living expenses. In some cases, textbooks or online versions will be required. However, with the rapid increase in technology that we are experiencing, printed textbooks should soon become a thing of the past. Prospective online degree students will also be happy to hear that an online program typically takes less time to complete than a regular degree because students usually do not have to fulfill elective requirements as part of their coursework and they can work at their own pace.

Of course, online degree programs are not always the right solution for everyone, and it is important for anyone considering this educational option to make sure that it will be the best learning environment for them. Self-discipline is an absolute must. The convenience of online classes is a definite perk, but not everyone is able to deal with the lack of face-to-face communication between students and professors or their instructors. While students do have the opportunity to correspond with classmates and instructors through e-mail, chat rooms, and discussion forums, immediate feedback may not always be available. Students should enjoy working independently and have the self-discipline to complete assignments on their own.

The bottom line is that earning a degree this way can be a great opportunity to continue your education on your own terms. Just be sure to first make sure that it is the right choice for your career and income goals, as well as educational needs.

Outside Resources Related to Online Programs that may be helpful to you.

• Is your chosen degree program accredited? This information is not specific to just online schools, but all postsecondary college and university learning opportunities. The US Department of Education has an informative section on their website that provides useful information in explaining what accreditation means when choosing a postsecondary school and allows you to search their database of college, school and university listings for institutions and programs (such as accounting and MBA degrees) that have been accredited by organizations that they recognize as a “reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education.” There is an important fact to keep in mind, however. Not all schools seek this status or are required to be accredited. It is still possible to receive a good education from an institution of higher learning that does not show up in the list when you perform a search. This service is merely provided to assist you with making this very important decision. It is certainly not the only factor you should consider. See the important tip above on other ways you can check out if a particular program is right for you.
  
  Web address: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
   
• Don't be fooled into using a diploma mill. This consumer alert (regarding diploma mills or illegitimate providers of higher education) issued by the FTC in 2006 may be a few years old, but the advice it provides still holds true. As with any offer, if it seems to good to be true, it often is. If it seems too easy, there is a reason it is. Just because you have experience in a particular area of study, often referred to as "life experience", it doesn't necessarily mean you are as qualified or prepared as those that have taken the time to fully learn and understand what is required to have their name on that diploma. Employers and others you work with need to be able to trust that what you have received is more than just a piece of paper. They need to be able to know that you are capable of performing the job tasks and responsibilities that that degree represents. The bulletin offers some pretty good tips on how to spot educational institutions you should avoid because they are probably not legitimate. Don't get fooled into spending thousands of dollars on a diploma that is not worth the paper that it is printed on. Make sure you know who you are dealing with.
  
  Web address:  http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt149.shtm

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