Online Learning Sounds Right For Me! How do I choose a program?

Ready to dig into the details and choose the online learning program that best fits your needs and circumstances? Trying to choose the best online school for you? Since geographic location is not part of the criteria, you literally have thousands of programs and online universities to choose from. However, you can’t depend on name recognition alone. Remember, online schools vary in what they offer and how they deliver education. And price is not a reliable indication of an online univerities’s value. So here is some helpful information to help you choose the best online college for your online degree.

Start with Statistics

Track Record

An online university can have glitzy advertising about how easy it is to earn a degree, but its graduation and drop out rates tell the true story. If retention rates are low, it probably means students are not being taught well at that particular online school.

Experience

It has taken years for online universities to learn how to best design courses, train faculty, and serve online students. Quality institutions continuously learn about and develop new methodologies. Some major universities have the name recognition, but do their online programs have the recognition, too? Be sure to choose your online college carefully.

Number of Students in Classes

In face-to-face classes, you can see how many students the professor has to accommodate. Online universities who have a low student-to-teacher ratio will proudly publicize it. Those who cram online students on a teacher’s roster will keep it quiet.

Standards and Practices

When an online college promotes its standards and best practices for quality online education, there has to be some accountability. Ask about standards the online univerisity has adopted and then check out the organization that awarded them. Diploma mills are quite clever in assigning themselves accreditation and stamps of approval–caution is necessary if you want the best online degree available.

Will This Program Meet Your Needs? Does It Specialize in the Courses You Want?

Some online colleges are strong in business courses, others in engineering. Take the time to research each online degree program thoroughly and make sure it has what you need. Be sure to find out if the courses taught focus on what is currently relevant to that technical field-it won’t help you to graduate without the most up-to-date knowledge. When it comes to licensing or certification, it’s even more critical. If you take courses toward a license or certificate from an out-of-state online university, make sure the degree, license, or certificate is valid in the state in which you will use it.

What Is the Policy for Transferring Credits?

Transferring credits between institutions has gotten better since online education has become more accepted. However, not every institution will accept online credits.

What Happens if I Need to Leave a Course Partway Through?

For online students with jobs and families, life sometimes unexpectedly gets in the way of studies and the only way to deal with it is to leave a course. Before enrolling, ask what provisions the online degree program makes if you have to drop a course in the middle. Can you get a refund? What are the policies for readmission?

Does the Online Degree Program Have Services for Students with Disabilities?

A program’s brochures, Web site, and course catalog can give you a lot of information on how the online degree program handles accessibility issues. Some programs have a disabilities coordinator. Ask about policies and accessibility. What kinds of accommodations can students with disabilities expect, such as taking longer to complete tests?

Consider Who Will Teach You: How Do Teachers Respond to Students?

Every teacher has a different teaching style but in online classes, how each teacher teaches is crucial. Student success, in part, depends on the instructor at online universities. Ask questions such as “How long have faculty members taught online?” and “How long does it take to get homework back?” and “Do professors answer e-mail frequently?”

If at all possible, view a portion of the online course before deciding to take it. Note the instructor’s writing and teaching style and expectations. Be sure there is a clear plan for content presentation, interactivity, communication, and assessment.

How Are the Teachers Trained to Teach Online?

Find out how much emphasis an online college gives to training since institutions have very different ways to train. For-profit online institutions usually have control over faculty members and can require their training. However, in institutions with a strong tradition of faculty and/or union control, such training may be suggested but not required.

Are Teachers Certified and Experienced in Their Fields?

Some online universities use adjunct faculty members who are practitioners in their fields. For instance, a marketing class in health administration might have the CEO of a health group or a person running the health-care system of a senior center develop and/or teach the class. Students would work with the CEO to develop a proactive marketing plan so that they not only learn information but also use it in real-life situations.

How Is the Curriculum Developed?

Don’t assume that just because a history teacher is a terrific professor in a face-to-face environment that he or she has any idea how to transfer that same course information to online classes. The design of an online course is crucial to student success because the physical cues and interaction of a face-to-face class must be built into the online environment. Well-designed courses combine the talents of faculty and professors, hands-on teachers, graphic designers, instructional designers, programmers, animators, and experts in web programs. All of these components are extremely important in providing successful online learning.

What Does a Well-Designed Course Look Like?

o Clear organization

o Clear goals and objectives

o Thorough instructions for all assignments and other course logistics

o Instructionally appropriate media (graphics, audio/video, animations, etc.)

o Opportunities for interaction

o Activities that encourage students to be active learners

o Student resources (library, tutoring, technical support, etc.)

o Clear content that’s easy to read and aesthetically pleasing

What Does a Poorly Designed Course Look Like?

o Unclear content organization, unclear navigation

o Incomplete or wrong information in the syllabus

o Unclear expectations and learning objectives

o Incomplete or missing instructions for class participation, homework assignments

o No clear communication plan

o Few opportunities for students to interact with other students, instructors, or the course material itself

o Poor content presentation (typos, errors, text-heavy and difficult-to-read materials, technical problems, etc.)

o Assistance and/or resources for students are incomplete or missing

*List created by Jennifer Freeman, Course Development Team Leader, University of Texas System TeleCampus

Are Student Services Set Up for Online Students?

Since you most likely can’t physically walk into an office to get what you need, services for online students are an essential component to your success and satisfaction. Though you have to be more of a self-advocate than a face-to-face student does, the online degree program you are considering should have someone designated who can help you or point you to someone who can, whether for financial aid, veterans’ affairs, or the library.

Look to see how clear and accessible information on the online school’s Web site is for prospective and current students. How responsive is the online degree program adviser to your calls or e-mails? Does the program provide toll-free numbers for assistance?

What You’ll Probably Ask a Student Advisor

o Is the degree program totally online? Students want to confirm if they are required to be on campus for some periods of time during the course.

o Is the degree the same? Students want to be sure their diploma doesn’t say something different from diplomas for on-campus students. Occasionally, a campus that is part of a consortium might have a different degree plan.

o Do I have to take entrance exams? Students assume that online education is different. Most likely you will need to complete campus admission requirements identical to face-to-face students.

o What degrees do you offer? Lots of online students think they should be able to get any degree that is offered for face-to-face students. Because of the use of development resources, not every institution can offer every on-campus degree online.

o How do I register? Each online program is different. The information for registering should be on each institution’s website.

o How long will it take to get my degree? How long it takes to complete the course work depends on whether the student attends full- or part-time, and on the requirements of the college.

o How will I be tested? Students want to know if they will have to take proctored exams and where their grades will come from. This information should be clear in the course information.

Will You Be Able to Get Tutoring and Mentoring Online?

Students who have been out of school for a long time have a learning curve to climb. Writing papers does not come easy. They get discouraged and feel they can’t keep up with the homework. Foreseeing the problems of many new online students, some online program providers contract out online tutoring services in math or English composition. Others have “dial-a-tutors” available in different languages for students.

Does the Library Provide Services for Online Students?

Students on campus spend a lot of time in the library. Digital libraries can be confusing for those not accustomed to them, so quality online programs have librarians dedicated to helping their online students acclimate to their system. What if you are looking for a specific journal? You should be able to get in touch with your institution’s librarian to find it online or have it mailed or delivered to you or a library near you. Faculty members teaching online courses should work with the librarians to make sure the resources needed for their classes are available online.

How Helpful Is the Help Desk and Other Technology Questions

Be sure to research the technical and technology requirements for online students at each online university you are considering. Some programs send enrolled students a CD with free software or provide all the materials needed to download from their Web site. A few require students to buy supplemental software, such as microphones. Your ISP should be able to support being online for long periods of time. You do not want to be halfway through an essay question and get bumped off because you have timed out. Ask if there is a tech fee. It is usually not much, but you will want to know about any extra fees.

Will You Get Tech Support When You Need It?

Online learning programs cannot afford to let students spend hours on the phone trying to fix a software hiccup. Since students tend to do assignments at odd hours, tech support should be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Author: Cecily Kellogg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Today, most people own at least a college diploma degree when they enter the job market. And, many working individuals have an intention to earn a second degree in their job related field or want to further getting a higher degree such as bachelor, master or PHD for their job promotion or career advancement. You may be one of them, but your busy working life may stop you from putting your intention into an action by going back to school to pursue your desired degree. The available of online degree programs may provide you with a perfect solution that enable you to stay busy with your work while completing the degree of your dream.

Your first job may not last forever and you definitely do not want to stay at the same position along your career path, surely you are hoping for job promotion or getting career advancement when there is an opportunity. Hence, along your career path, while you build your working experience, a stronger education degree with an appropriate degree will define pave you career path toward a brighter future. With the available of online degree program, getting a degree or more degrees are ever easier than before. You can plan to earn a degree or more degrees that can help in your career with online degree programs.

The best 3 features of online degree program are flexible schedule, self-pace and allow you to attend classes online from anywhere. These 3 best features will benefit you as a working individual to earn your degree online without anymore excuses. And, you do not need to waste much time in searching for you degree because you can get most of information from internet. There should be many online schools offer the same degree program which you are planning to enroll, but be aware that the courses might be different. Hence, you should request for detail information about your prefer online degree program from your select online schools and careful review each course to ensure the courses are inline with your career goal.

The degree you earn may not get you an immediate job promotion or a jump in your monthly salary. But a stronger educational background will prepare you for more challenging tasks and be more competitive against your colleagues when there is a vacancy for job promotion. If you current career is not what you dream for, then you may want to move to your preferred career field some way along your career path. You may need to have the related degree in order for you to make the success move. You could take the advantages of online degree to pursue your degree online while secure you income with your current work.

Summary

Online degree program provides a solution for working individuals who are planning to earn a degree for their career advancement to continue stay focus in their current job while managing their time and plan their own online study schedule that fit into their busy working life.

Author: Amelia Turner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Why should look for an Accredited Online Degree Program and not the Non Accredited Ones?

What is an accredited online degree program actually? There are numerous of universities offering online degree programs. However, a large number of them are not accredited, which means they are not recognized by the state government as a functional institute to conduct an accredited online degree program.

When you opt not to get an accredited online degree program, you run the risk that your degree not to have any value in the eyes of many institutions, employers, or other universities should you want to study further.

Learn the Facts

How do you make sure your school is accredited and that it offers an accredited online degree program? If you do a little research on the internet as you are already online looking for education programs, you will be able to get a full list of universities that are accredited by the government, thus minimizing your risks. You can also always ask the university or institution that you wish to study with if the degree is an accredited online degree program before you begin the course.

Online studying is not necessarily easier than a traditional study but very convenient as you have many advantages such as, flexible hours, studying when you have time without having to go to class and commute, learning at your pace rather then one imposed on you. However, online degrees are not frowned upon with doubtful eyes.

The main reason why your online degree program should be accredited is that you may very well be verified by the next employer you present it to. Another major reason to follow an accredited online degree program is your own peace of mind. Fraud possibility in online schools is very high just like any other online based business. By getting into an accredited online degree program you don’t face the risk of fraud and thus relax. Rest assured that no fraudulent university will have their programs accredited.

So let’s conclude, why should you look for an accredited online degree program?

” To be certain that your efforts are not in vain; at the end of your online course, after you spent time and money, you find out that you degree is not valid but a big scam!

” An accredited online degree program commands lots of respect and is appreciated as any traditional obtained degree.

” No matter what kind of degree you pursue, an accredited online degree program is serious and offers quality higher education. This will give you value for your expenses.

Look for accredited online degree programs to finish or complete your education or simply enhance your knowledge and don’t be led into believing that getting a non-accredited version will give you the same value. It’s waste of time and money.

Author: Nic Haffner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What had you written in your high school’s essay about your ambition? Do you still remember it? Is your current career in conjunction with what you ambitious for? If not, do you still want to realize the career that you are dreaming for? If you answer is yes, but you are not willing to put on hold your current job, then enrolling into an online degree program may be your best option. By enrolling into an online degree program, you can pursue your goals without disrupting your current lifestyle, because online degree programs are designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Look For An Online Degree Program

Before you enroll into any of the online degree programs, you need to know what you want to do with the degree you going to earn. Make your career direction clear and start to search for online degree programs that offer courses that meet your career goal. There are many accredited online universities or colleges offer various online degree programs. The best place to search for this information is Internet. You may find many online degree programs that close to your needs that make you confuse and hard to decide one. Don’t rush your decision making. Make a request for information for those online universities or colleges. The information requests are free of charge, so make use of these resources.

Once you get all the information in hand, carefully study the courses’ description of each online degree program. If you have any doubts or questions, you better get them cleared before you sign up the program. There are many online universities making their admission officers or counselors live for chat, get your questions answered at these live chat sessions. If you prefer to ask through phone call, the university’s contact or toll free number should have stated in their website or in the information brochure that they sent to you. You won’t be charged for asking questions, so ask as much questions as you have and make yourself clear on what the online degree program is offered and it is meeting your career goal.

Scheduling Your Online Classes

The best feature of online degree program is the flexibility. It tailors to fit your schedule so that your can still maintain your lifestyle and career. The drawback it, you have to schedule it. Typical class-based degree program has a fix learning schedule that you just need to follow, but with online degree program, you make the calls on when you want to attend your courses, put the time into your own schedule and ensure the online classes do not crash with your working schedule. Before you know it, you can be on your way to a college degree and your dream of career will be soon comes true.

Summary

Not many people will realize their career ambition due to many reasons. Now you have a chance to make yours comes true. With the available of online degree programs, busy working schedule and unable to put on hold your current job for earning a degree should not be your excuses any more. Put your dream into an action by enrolling into an online degree program and move your career according to your ambition.

Author: Amelia Turner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Online degree programs leading to a diploma, number in the thousands on the web. To research all of the different online degrees being offered would take more time than most people have. In fact there are well over a hundred million pages devoted to the subject of ‘online degree’ on the internet so just making a start can be a daunting process. Deciding to go ahead and pursue an online degree has been the first big step that you have taken. This will have the effect of making your dream of a better career turn into a reality. Many people choose an online degree, or a diploma course, because they were or are simply not in the position to be able to get a degree whilst still at home and this has always had the effect of limiting career options. People who live in remote places have often had to forego a degree because of their isolation, but now obtaining an online degree has closed these miles. It was not all that long ago, that their only choice was that of the cumbersome and slow correspondence courses which often proved to be a long drawn out and frustrating option.

The speed of the internet has brought about these very welcome changes, enabling many people to obtain an online degree or diploma who would under any other circumstances be prevented from pursuing this course. An online degree will allow those with no time to be able to complete their degree in their own time. Cost factors are another consideration that will bring an online degree within the reach of many who would not have been able to afford to attend the traditional teaching establishments. Online degrees now offer fast-paced, personal discussions amongst students and teachers, as well as live chat rooms, teleconferencing, bulletin boards and listservers that have revolutionized the area of remote education.

Before choosing an online degree or diploma study, you need to keep in mind whether you are going to need a synchronous course that is one that happens in real time, with live chat, streaming audio, etc., this being the closest thing you will find online to an actual bricks-and-mortar college. The other type of online degree is the asynchronous type, which is time-independent. This online degree makes full use of email and listservers for communication. This latter type of online degree is fully suited to the busy person, with an unpredictable schedule who has to study in his own time. It is this flexibility that has been such a help in allowing so many to change their lives around by obtaining an online degree. With either type of online degree, it is essential that you check the accreditation of the school to ensure that your online degree carries the weight of a real school.

Author: Sam Ness
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are various types of online degrees. As the job market demand increase and more employers are accepting and recognizing the degrees earn through online study these days, more and more universities are opening their degree programs online and they cover nearly every subject taught in traditional face-to-face learning environment.

Let review some of common degree types:

Business Degrees

If you are considering a degree in business field, you could consider degrees in Marketing, Human Resources and Management, E-business, Banking, Acquisition and Contract Management, Business, Finance, Legal Studies, and so forth.

Basically, there are 4 areas of business degrees which you can consider based on your interest.

• Sales – In sales your focus is to connect and build relationships with consumers. You can consider a general business administration degree with concentration in area such as marketing and customer relationship management (CRM); or you can choose the specify degree that related to sales such as marketing degree, travel and hospitality degree, advertising & etc.
• Retailing – refers to the specific act of selling directly to the customer. To be success in this field, you should have knowledge in understanding consumer behavior and needs, communication, problem solving, product evaluation and feedback. Any business degree with specialization in these areas can be your choice.

• Health Care – Business oriented health care reforms handle the new demands of increased costs, human resource logistics, diverse economic considerations for patients, and insurance regulations.

• Nonprofit Organization – Non-profit organizations need qualified business professionals to make the programs work, to service consumers and investors, and to uphold responsible financial management practices.

Arts Degrees

If you are interest in arts fields, you may want to look into arts degrees like professional accounting, acquisition and contract management, database tech, general studies, marketing, information systems, economics, network and security tech in either Internetworking or computers, and business administration. An arts degree open up a variety of career possibilities, almost half of all job vacancies available to new graduates are open to students with arts degrees. Hence, earning an arts degree can lead you to a brighter career future.

Education Degrees

If you are interested in teaching, then an education degree can be your option. The education degrees will provide you the advantage of working in private and public schools. Education degrees have various specializations such as school administration, education leadership, curriculum and instruction. You can select an area of your interest. If you are looking for a degree which can provide you teaching licensure, ensure your selected education degree has this package.

Computer Degrees

Earning a degree in Computer Networking Engineering will help you to use your human skills, including thinking critical and putting things in logical perspective. Whereas, computer networks management enable you to gain knowledge in problem solving and critical thinking patterns and internet technology.

Engineering Degrees

Engineering degrees include electronic & electrical engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, software engineering & etc. For example, you can find many options in electrical engineering degree program; those options are more than enough for you to find a job in a field of your choice.

In Summary

Almost all degrees offered in class-based universities are available online. These degrees cover about all the subjects in traditional study fields. Some degrees are offered the program entirely online (100%) whereas others may need some hours of physical classes or lab works.

Author: Julie Harvard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Sloan Consortium, a group of organizations dedicated to quality online education, said in the seventh edition of its annual report on the state of online learning in the U.S. that online enrollments, which have been growing at a faster rate than the total higher education student population, are showing no signs of slowing.

The report stated that over 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall term of 2008 – an increase of 17 percent over the previous year and far exceeding the 1.2 percent growth in the overall higher education student population.

It is clear that online education is emerging as a popular choice for the new-age student. However, a debate is still raging over which is better – online degree programs or on-campus degrees. While there is no easy answer to this because which of the two alternatives work better for you depends to a large degree on your circumstances, let’s compare the two modes of education on some important parameters to get a clearer picture.

Accessibility

Online: One of the greatest breakthroughs of online education has been that it has made higher education accessible to many people, who are unable to attend a bricks and mortar school for a variety of reasons. Moreover, online students are not bound by any geographical limits. They can apply to any school of their choice as they are free to pursue an online program from anywhere.

Campus: Campus-based education still works within a fairly rigid structure. From location to lodging, everything needs to fall in place if you are considering traditional, classroom-based degree programs.

Validity

Online: “Diploma mills” are the biggest bane of online education. Diploma mills are fraudulent institutions that sell unaccredited degrees, which involve no serious academic study. It is, therefore, imperative that students check the credentials of a university offering online programs. Accredited online degrees are accepted as valid degrees by academicians as well as employers. There is no greater indicator of its validity than the availability of federal student aid to those enrolled in an eligible online degree program at an accredited Title IV-eligible institution.

Campus: Although there may be some fraudulent bricks and mortar schools, the prevalence of such schools is comparatively less than substandard or unaccredited online schools. However, even if you are attending campus-based programs, it’s good to have your tracks covered by checking the reputation and accreditation status of the school.

Acceptance

Online: Various research organizations have statistics to prove the growing acceptability of online degrees. Academic leaders as well as employers now acknowledge the legitimacy of online programs and most treat them at par with traditional degrees.

Campus: According to some experts, certain programs are less suited for online only schools. Campus-based learning is generally advisable for disciplines like engineering. Programs that require extensive practical and hands on training or involve great deal of laboratory work are better pursed at a bricks and mortar institute.

Quality

Online: This again ties back to the question of validity and acceptability of online degrees. There has been a greater acceptability of online degrees because of the perceived improvement in the quality of education disbursed through these programs. In fact, many universities have started offering online programs to capture the growing market. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 66 percent of 2-year and 4-year Title IV degree-granting post-secondary institutions reported offering online, hybrid/blended, or other distance education courses during the 2006-07 academic year.

Campus: The quality of education offered by reputed campus-based programs is most often top-notch. The faculty members are trained and the programs, designed by experts, adhere to strict quality criteria. However, there is a rising trend wherein online degrees offered by an institute are exactly the same in content as its on campus degrees.

Flexibility

Online: This is where online education wins hands down. The flexibility offered to online students is unparalleled – whether it’s in terms of the pace of learning or setting your own schedule. Online degree programs are ideally suited for working professionals or those who have other responsibilities. Online programs allow them to draw a better balance between work, home, and education.

Campus: Campus-based programs are pretty structured and still operate within rigid schedules. There are set timetables that need to be followed and a minimum attendance requirement for most on campus degrees. It is often difficult for people to manage full-time jobs while they are attending a bricks and mortar college.

Cost

Online: Online degree programs are more economical than traditional degrees. If you pursue a degree online, you also benefit from saving costs associated with commuting, housing, food, and textbooks (as the study material is available online and costs considerably less).

Campus: The spiraling cost of college has been an area of concern for a long time now. However, given the state of the economy, the sky-rocketing tuition fee for campus-based programs is discouraging many from pursuing higher education altogether.

Evidently, degree programs, both online and traditional have their pros and cons. That’s probably why many colleges have now started looking towards hybrid education, which combines the best of both worlds. A generous use of technology and liberal amount of flexibility coupled with world-class practical training and invigorating social interactions – that’s where the future of education lies!

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There are many online degree programs offered by online universities, but not all degree programs are equal. The degree you earn through online may directly impact your career in future. Your options depend a lot on what kind of accreditation your school was granted. If your purpose of earning an online degree is to advance your career by getting a better position and better pay, then you should make sure the school will meet your expectations and help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.

When an online university is accredited, it means that it has passed or surpassed a set of nationally recognized standards for its teaching process. Many employers are more opt to hire graduate from an accredited online university. Comparing the following options will help you make the choice that is right for you:

1. Accredited By A Proper Regional Agency

Regional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation a university can obtain and is recognized throughout the United States. If you earn a degree from an online school that is accredited by one of these associations, you can be assured that it will be as valid as a degree from any regular university. Most employers will automatically accept your degree. Most schools will accept your credits through transfer if you plan to further your education at other university in the future.

2. Accredited By Distance Education and Training Council

If your school is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, your degree will be accepted by most but may be rejected by some. As online education becomes a trend today, more employers are beginning to accept online degrees. Hence, you should be no problem in applying a job using your online degree. But there were students graduated from an online university which is accredited by Distance Education & Training Council facing difficulties to transfer their credits to other institution. You may need to prove the legitimacy of your degree to others. However, this is still a valid option.

3. Accredited By A Professional Organization

If you are pursuing your degree at online university that is accredited by a professional organization, such as “The American Library Association”, your degree will only accepted by employers from specific profession. In term of credit transfer, some traditional colleges will accept your credits, but it really subjected to how the school looks at the professional organization which accredited your online university.

4. Not Accredited Or Accredited By Illegitimate Accreditation Agency

If your school is not accredited or is accredited by an agency that is not accepted as legitimate, your degree will be rejected by most employers and schools. Most employers will not view your degree as valid or legitimate. And most universities will not accept your credit transfer. If you are planning to use this degree to apply for a job, you will be at the losing edge when compete with other job applicants for the same position. Unless, your goal of online degree is simply to learn for your own enjoyment, then accredited and not accredited will not be an issue and choosing a non-accredited institution may be a fine option for you.

In Summary

Many people have difference goal on getting an online degree, know yours. Your career after you graduation will be affected by the accreditation of your online universities; hence, check to make sure the school will meet your expectations and help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.

Author: Julie Harvard
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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No doubts about it – online degrees have become very popular that most busy individuals that don’t have the time and convenience for a traditional college or university study can now get the degrees they desire at their convenience.

The following statistics goes further to prove that online degrees are obviously becoming the “in thing” among most busy individuals, especially mums that have a family and a job yet want to get a university or college degree.

- According to International Data Corp. online enrollments are growing by 33% a year, and hundreds of schools now offer online degrees.

- Also, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 8% of the 16.5 million undergraduates in the 1999-2000 school year were enrolled in distance education programs. Of that group, 605 were using the Internet to do so.

These two statistics show the fact that online education is gradually becoming very necessary and workable solution for those who want to kill two birds with one stone. The temptation of receiving lectures completely over the Web with real-time virtual classrooms is so strong that almost everyone with less time on their hands are considering online degrees.

But before you pay for any online college or university, ensure that it fulfills the following requirements:

First and foremost, ensure that the online college or university you want to enroll in is accredited by a recognized accreditation body.

Legitimate online degrees awarding colleges and universities are always accredited by higher bodies, to prove their credibility and quality. Such legitimate online degree awarding colleges and universities offer real opportunity that anyone can take advantage of to earn their degrees online. Be it a bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree, or even doctorate degree, you have to ensure the online degree awarding university or college is accredited.

If the online college or university isn’t accredited you could end up with a degree that is not only low class, but one that won’t be acceptable by most companies and organisations within the United States, let alone outside the United States.

Secondly, don’t fall for the temptation of paying exorbitantly for an online degree. There are lots of online colleges and universities that charge too high for their programs. Don’t rush into joining such.

Take your time and search to find others that are affordable yet are accredited. You can get started by asking your local department of education. Talk to them about your desire for an online degree and ask them to recommend one to you that is affordable yet accredited.

Thirdly, ensure that the online college or university gives you the freedom to choose the times you will take your lectures and do your assignments. In other words, you should have flexibility – isn’t that why you decided to enroll in the first place in an online college instead of the traditional college?

Stay away from online colleges or universities that force you to a particular timing.

Conclusively, before enrolling for any college or university, you should ensure that the above checklists are strictly adhered to. The most important of these is to spend enough time with your local department of education. Talk to them about your wants and they will give you good advise. Make sure you do this before spending a dime paying for any online college or university.

Author: King J. For
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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This article looks at the current level of acceptance of online degrees by employers, and advises prospective students on comparing those available from the traditional institutions with those from the newer providers who offer only online degrees.

There are a wide range of benefits to be gained from undertaking online degrees. Because of this, the number of students enrolling in courses leading to online degrees has risen tremendously since the mid-1990s. The make-up of the student groups is as diverse and varied as for any site-based degree program you could wish to name.

Considering the traditional learning institutions, over two-thirds of them now offer online degrees, at either bachelor or master’s level. So, how do employers’ view those who have gained online degrees, whether at a graduate or a post-graduate level? And which type of institution is best suited to provide your qualification?

Realistically, the fundamental response to these questions is actually rather simple: in order to ensure that prospective employers take their online degrees seriously, those looking to enrol in them do need to carefully research their chosen field of study, and the institutions offering them, before starting on the lengthy (and, in some cases, costly) process of completing online degrees.

Sadly, this preliminary step of researching the institutions offering online degrees needs to be done because, though some of them do offer valuable accredited online degrees, others merely provide a poor substitute for more traditional study programs.

Studies reveal that three-quarters of employers’ today view online degrees gained from established universities as being more valuable than those from universities that cater only for online degrees. Whether or not it is fair for them to make such sweeping judgements is debatable but is nevertheless a fact that has to be faced. Whether we care for it or not, employers are far more likely to know the name of an existing, traditional learning institute than that of a new learning institute established to provide only for online degrees.

The good news is that employers’ recognition of online degrees obtained from the newer learning institutes is increasing as the profiles of these learning centers – and the online degrees they offer – rises.

Further evidence of this fact can be seen in the number of companies who are now offering their employees incentive schemes to undertake post-graduate online degrees. This may take the form of paying for their tuition fees and providing time-off for study, in much the same manner as has previously been provided for more traditional types of post-graduate programs.

The best news of all is that a recent survey shows 85% of employers saying that they would be willing to employ someone with an online degree. With this high level of acceptance the way is clear to making an online degree your next move.

Author: Graham Fielding
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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