Online learning has grown in popularity over the past few years. Even as campuses scramble to upgrade their amenities to boost admissions, they’re investing an equal amount in expanding their online degree programs. With advancements in technology, high-speed internet access, and creative ways for instruction, now’s the time to consider one of these programs to get your degree.
Students are flocking to online degrees because of their flexibility. You no longer have to change your life and relocate for the degree you choose to explore. You can keep your full-time job and stay close to family while seeking a specialization for further career advancement.
People want degrees and all the benefits that come with them. For many colleges, offering online degree programs is the icing on the cake. According to a report produced by the Boston Consulting Group and Arizona State University, higher education student enrollment has been declining by 1 to 2 percent per year. In comparison, online study continues to grow by 5 percent annually.
And why not? The curriculum for online degrees is just as rigorous as in-person. When you earn your degree, the diploma doesn’t specify the type of learning. If you’ve worried employers won’t consider it an acceptable degree, you can put those fears aside.
Pros and Cons of Online Degree Programs
Is a college online degree program for you? There are many pros and cons:
Pros of online degree programs
- Students can learn anywhere at any time. Because classes are held virtually, they can utilize video to further the learning.
- Students can pursue the best program for their needs rather than settling for a college program nearby.
- Students can weave class and study time into their daily activities. No more scheduling your life around class meetings.
Cons of online degree programs
- Students need motivation and solid organizational skills. You’ll be in charge of fitting class and study time into your daily routine.
- Students have little face-to-face time with the instructor and fewer opportunities to socialize with classmates.
Online learning isn’t just for earning an undergraduate degree. Have your sights on a Master’s program? There are plenty of opportunities online.
Where do you begin?
Start By Finding a Reputable U.S. College Offering Online Degree Programs
If you’ve been looking at college campuses, a lot of it may be based on reputation. Just because you move online doesn’t take that requirement away. Top schools already have a solid reputation. They carry that forward when designing online degree programs. Because you aren’t utilizing the same on-campus resources, many offer you top-notch education at a more affordable price.
You can search online to find various degree programs. A good place to start is with the US News and World Report’s ranking for online degree programs. They look at more than 1,800 colleges and rank over 1,700 bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Be Sure To Check the Accreditation
As you’re narrowing down your choices, visit a school’s website and ensure the online program is accredited. This means the school and the degree program have been checked by an authority and meet all the requirements established by US educational standards. You can also use the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website to ensure a specific program meets the requirements.
Accreditation is important as many employers require applicants to have degrees from an accredited school. It also ensures your credits will transfer to another school if you choose to do so in the future.
Prepare Yourself For Your Course of Study
Online programs require you to be self-motivated and self-prepared. Are you up for the challenge?
Online students should start by making sure they have adequate technology. This includes computers, software, and strong internet connections. If you have questions before signing up, spend some time talking with a technology representative. Schools provide access to help desks to ensure their students are well-prepared.
You should also study the coursework before you sign up. Are you prepared for the complexity of the class? Professors are getting very good at creating detailed descriptions. If you have questions before you sign up, ask.
Don’t underestimate the difficulty and complexity of online learning. It’s just as rigorous as if you’re sitting in a classroom. You’ll have to be more diligent in structuring your schedule because you’ll be in charge of the entire process.