Online Degrees: The Solution to a Hard Choice

By studying for an online degree, you'll be able to both get your college degree and get started in your career and earn money. Online degree programs offer flexibility, allowing even those with the busiest work and personal lives to get and education and maintain a career. In addition, your job and education can compliment one another if you choose to pursue a subject similar to the field you work in.

Choosing an Online Degree Program

If you've already decided on or begun your career, online education will allow you to get both on-the-job training and academic training in a specific field. It will also make it simple to choose the subject you want to study. For example, if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, it is obvious that you need a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject--either a traditional or an online degree--which will allow you to enter the graduate training for your chosen profession.

Online Degrees for the Undecided

Many people don't know exactly what they want to do or study, even if they're already working. If that sounds like you, consider a broader area, such as business studies. If, for example, you decided to work while studying online, you could enroll in an online degree program in a business or management subject that's relevant to your job. Similarly, you could enroll in an online social science degree program at the same time as working in human services, such as social work.
By pursuing this option, you'd have a chance to get both your online degree and valuable work experience at the same time, giving you a real edge when you graduate.

Choosing a School

Whatever your career or your academic interests, be sure to talk to several online schools to see what they offer, as different schools will specialize in different academic areas.
By combining a higher education with work, you'll have a greater choice of career options, and means that you will earn more money over your working life. Maximize your education and experience--an online degree may be the answer to your problems.

Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.

Distance Learning Provides Options for Busy Students

The Convenience of Distance Learning Programs

Both public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities offer distance learning options, including online degree programs. The majority of schools offer asynchronous courses, meaning that the courses are not taught in real time, so students can take them at their convenience.
Through the use of Internet and video technologies, distance learning students can complete their coursework at a time that best suits them--as long as they complete their coursework within a period outlined by the instructor or institution. This gives students who work full-time or those with families more access to education, since they don't need to spend time commuting to a campus or arranging for child care.

Online Certificate Programs

Many distance education programs also give students the choice of getting a certificate rather than a degree. Some programs allow you to complete a certificate program online. Certification programs certify that you have completed a minimum level of coursework in a specified area, such as business, marketing, systems administration, or accounting, making it a great way to increase your credentials for the job market.

Online Degrees

Thirty percent of all institutions that offer distance learning courses offered students the option of completing a degree entirely online. This gives you the flexibility to complete a degree while also meeting your current professional and familial obligations.
It also gives you the option of traveling while you're in school. You can download your lectures online and access them any where in the world where you have access to an Internet connection.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees

Online degrees may not be for everyone. Some people still prefer sitting in a classroom with other students before a lecturing professor. They like the in-person interaction that traditional learning affords. Online students do have access to a community through chat rooms where they can discuss assignments with other students. You can still meet with a professor of an online class, though it may likely take place through video or Internet technology.
Take a closer look at online degree and distance learning programs--they might be the perfect option for your busy life.
Source:
National Center for Education Statistics

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development.

Finding the Online Degree That's Right for You

Deciding on an Online Degree

Choosing a field of study for a distance learning program is similar to choosing a traditional campus-based program. You look at the coursework, talk to professors and institutional advisors about their offerings, and go from there.

Exploring Your Educational Options

But what if you haven't narrowed your options to a single discipline? If you're just starting your online degree, you can work on general coursework requirements while your figure out which degree to pursue. Such courses typically include English composition, literature, history, philosophy or some other critical thinking course, along with a statistics or other math course.
Your core coursework provides a great opportunity to explore different disciplines. Think about the classes you enjoyed most in the past--was it your American history course or the class on biology? Think about the skills you enjoyed using most. Do you like solving tough problems that you're confronted with in a math or science course? Or do you prefer to think things through in writing, employing a critical thinking process that evolves with each step.

Talk to Other Distance Learning Students

In choosing a distance learning program you might also want to talk to other students completing the degree you're interested in. What do they have to say about their professors? What is the general mood among the students with respect to the quality of instruction in their degree program?
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to getting closer to deciding on the online degree program that's right for you.
Source:
National Center for Education Statistics

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development.

A Great Solution for Returning Students

If you want to return to school but find yourself wondering how you'll juggle career, family, and sitting in a classroom full of younger students every day, it's important to know that there are a variety of part-time programs, online schools, and e-learning programs that can make returning to school easier.

Options for Returning Students

These days many schools offer expanded programs, such as online learning, for returning students. Traditional programs allow students to obtain a degree by attending night classes two or three times a week, and many programs now offer independent study and correspondence courses that require minimal if any in-class time.
However, while these programs do offer increased flexibility, e-learning and online schools can potentially offer even more schedule flexibility.

Online Learning Options for Returning Students

Online learning, the process of taking classes via the Internet, is a great option for those considering a return to school. Why? Online schools are not only convenient, but these e-learning programs offer a recognized means of furthering your career.
When you opt for online learning, you are no longer required to attend classes at a set location on a rigid schedule. Instead, with online learning you have ability to "attend" your online school wherever you have Internet access--at times that are convenient for you and your family.

One Online Class at a Time

In addition to offering a wide variety of e-learning degree programs, many online schools also offer online classes that can help returning students get back into the swing of things. In some cases you can even take challenging subjects such as math in online classes that you complete at your own pace.
If you're considering a return to school, be sure and take a look at e-learning and online classes. They could be the perfect solution for you.

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.

Choosing the Right Online School for You

Do Your Online Education Homework

There are hundreds of online classes these days. However, not all online schools are created equal. Before enrolling in any online school you need to know if they offer a degree in your field.
You should also find the answers to several important questions:

• How long has the online school been in business?
• What is the tuition rate?
• What are the education and experience levels of the instructors?
• How much do online class textbooks cost?
• How long will it take to complete your online education?
• Is the school accredited?

Other Important Online School Info

An online school should be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditation body. This ensures that your online class credits and degree will be recognized by future employers, State certification and licensing boards, and other schools.
In addition to accreditation, it's important to find out how many students have successfully graduated from the online education program and the typical student/teacher ratio. If a teacher has too many online education students, they may not have time to help you if you need it.

Special Considerations for Online Classes

As the name implies, most online schools require regular access to a computer; however, before you enroll in an online education program, it's advisable to make sure your computer and internet access speed is compatible. You should also find out if any additional software will be required by your online school.
By taking the time to select the best online school for you, you could be on your way to a great new career from the convenience of your own home.
Source:
U.S. Department of Education

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.

The Evolution of Online Education

Online Degrees Leading to the Extinction of Excuses

Long ago, in a land time forgot, pursuing a bachelor's degree meant moving out of state or at the very least, away from home. Fortunately, with the growing popularity of online degree programs, a bachelor's degree can be obtained online, and the excuse of being transplanted has finally gone the way of the dodo bird. The convenience that online education offers erases many of reasons to avoid furthering your education.

The Future of Education Is in Your Hands

When you choose to earn your degree online you won't have to give up a good job or family responsibilities to further your career. Getting your degree online allows you to access your studies at anytime, from anywhere. This unparalleled access means you can earn your degree faster online than you could through traditional educational channels.
All you need to make the most of an online degree program is a good computer, Internet access, and a desire to improve yourself.

The Dawn of the Online Education

While online education is still in its relative infancy, the current generation of online degree programs allows almost the same level of interaction with teachers and students as that of the traditional educational setting.
Researchers from Cornell University have recently proclaimed that the Web now offers an improved method of "transmitting information to the student and providing forums for exchange."
The only question remaining is which online degree program is right for you?
Sources:
THE Online Journal. March 1998.
Cambridge Concord Associates

Edward Castro is a freelance writer specializing in new technology, entertainment, and the World Wide Web. He currently assists entrepreneurs in using the Web.

Options in Distance Learning

Distance learning, correspondence courses, and online education programs not only give you the ability to study and learn in the privacy and relative convenience of your own home, you also get the freedom to schedule your education around your life.
In addition, because most online education programs allow you to work at your own pace, you can spend as little or as much time as you need to cover the materials. However, it's important to select the right distance learning program for your needs.

Different Kinds of Distance Learning

While the phrase "distance learning" is a catch-all for any educational program that doesn't take place in a traditional classroom setting, there are three primary kinds of distance learning programs--correspondence courses, online education programs, and traditional distance learning programs.

Correspondence Courses

Correspondence courses are print-based classes. You'll receive all your materials at once, and then you're responsible for completing the assignments and submitting them via mail until you are done.

Distance Learning Programs

Unlike correspondence courses, many distance learning programs are offered via television, satellite, or video conference. In addition, some distance learning classes may require some in-class meetings and may require you to follow a particular schedule to make sure you are on track with the rest of the class.

Online Education

Online education classes are the newest and one of the most appealing distance learning options. While you will need to have a computer with Internet access, online education classes allow interaction between you, your instructor, and other students. And, while some programs require materials to be turned in by particular dates, others are quite flexible in allowing you to work at your own pace throughout the semester.
If you're ready to advance your career and want to balance work, family, and classes, getting your degree through an online education program could be ideal for you.

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.