Many working adults and professionals interested in getting ahead in their careers consider getting a college degree online. After all, whether you are working towards your first degree or towards a second, or even third degree, going online to do your schoolwork has many benefits. It will give you the opportunity to pursue an exciting new career.
Students in online classrooms often enjoy lower tuition fees, since schools do not have to charge for classroom use. Plus, some students enjoy using online class materials that save them money on textbooks. Students who pursue their education online also have complete control of their school schedules. They can work when they can, and still pursue a family life or a full-time job while they work towards their degree. Students don’t have to move across the country to a cramped dorm room to get a higher education; they can simply work online in their own homes.
Getting a college degree online allows students who otherwise could not pursue higher education to pursue a degree. Since the online option disrupts a student’s life very minimally, a determined student can pursue a higher education while also holding down a job or raising a family. This makes an online degree the perfect option for someone thinking of entering the workforce or changing careers. No matter where you live, you can pursue an education if you have access to a computer and have the willingness to learn. Many online schools and courses even have many of the same benefits as in-classroom education. They offer financial help for students, access to libraries, and even one-on-one virtual time with professors.
Despite all these advantages, though, many would-be students worry. Some students have misconceptions that hold them back from pursuing a better quality education. For example, some students are under the mistaken impression that getting a college degree online is somehow less prestigious than getting a degree from a classroom-based learning environment. This myth may be perpetuated by some less-than-honest academic options online. After all, the Internet is home to diploma mills, which simply send fake diplomas to anyone who applies for them. Cyberspace also boasts some so-called schools that offer degrees that require almost no work. It’s important to remember that while the Internet may have its scam artists, though, there are many legitimate opportunities for students online.
In fact, many of the top schools across the country offer online degree programs and options for students. Virtually all employers and schools are more than happy to hire someone with a quality degree, whether that degree was earned in the classroom or online. The trick is to pursue a quality degree that is recognized by employers and schools alike.
Students interested in pursuing a college degree online should not let myths stop them. There is no difference between pursuing a degree on campus or in cyberspace. However, students interested in the online option should do a little extra research to ensure that the degree they earn will really help them get ahead.
First, students should look for online education options only from accredited schools. Accredited means that a school meets certain requirements and is recognized as a learning institution. Secondly, students should research a school’s reputation and should look for a degree that offers good benefits. For example, students will want to make sure that professors conducting online courses are respected in their field and are available for help when needed. Students should also make sure that courses are challenging and require assignments and tests.
Finally, a good school should offer resources and help for students. This can include scholarships, online learning resources, and other assistance. The more a school and a degree offers, the better the chance that a student pursuing a college degree online will have a good learning experience and a bright future.
Andy West
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/getting-a-college-degree-online-counts-138418.html
December 25th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Is getting a degree online at a “real college” looked at the same as going to college?
The local college offers degrees online, but I wasn’t sure if it counts in the eyes of an employer. Any information is appreciated. Thanks.
December 25th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
na…it looks weaker…well in my opinion
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
depending on what college you go to. University of Phoenix vs. a reputable university that offers on line classes are going to be two different ends of the spectrum. If it’s strictly an on line school then maybe…. but if it’s a school that offers on line classes but is also a face to face school, not at all. I work at Franklin University in Columbus, OH and it’s a looked highly at in the community. It’s a face to face school, but you can also get your degree on line. If you’re looking for a school to go to, check out http://www.franklin.edu and see if you are interested…. Good Luck!
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
You always want the highest level of accreditation at whatever college or university you attend. Lets say you are a business student… you want your school to be a part of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. I am not sure what degree you are looking at but always look for the accreditation of your college when picking a college or university.
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Graduate Student.
December 25th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
This can depend very much on the specific employer.
For example, some employers are major supporters of on-line degree programs (typically at the MS level) at top universities, and they send lots of students there for on-line degrees. These employers have clearly embraced the distance learning concept, and they are probably less likely to have a problem with your on-line degree (from a program with a campus).
Now in academia, not everyone accepts the idea of on-line learning as readily — some people there feel threatened by the idea. So if you have an on-line Ph.D, for example (even from a very good campus based university), and are trying to get a job as an on-campus professor, you could have a very tough time.
These are two extreme examples, but they illustrate the problem.
In general, if you have a choice and can physically attend, especially for the BA/BS or Ph.D degrees, it is probably better to do that, because unfortunately not everyone completely buys into the on-line learning concept.
On the other hand, if the choice is go on-line or do not go at all, I am a strong believer that it is better to go on-line (to the best and most prestigious on-line program at a campus based university that you can find) and get the education you want.
Finally, there was a time when part-time (on-campus) degrees were not held in the highest esteem (part-time education was disparagingly called "night school"), and this bias has become less prevalent as more students who have to work full time have received part time degrees. On-line degrees (from campus based universities) may go through the same transition as enrollment rises.
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On line student studying for MS degree
December 25th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
My Fortune 200 employer not only accepted my on-line degree, they paid for it.
If this concerns you, you should check out on-line degree programs from traditional brick and mortar schools. Most all of the colleges and universities offer some type of on-line classes and/or degree programs.
My transcript and degree are the same as the ones from the brick and mortar program.
Check out http://www.baker.edu
Affordable at about $185 per credit hour.
Fast paced – 4 semesters per year, 2 sessions per semester.
But just because it is on-line, does not mean the classes are easy. The accelerated time frame means you have to do twice the work in half the time.
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