Getting An Online Degree: Is It Right For You?

Pros and Cons of Distance Learning

The Internet has definitely changed the way many people earn a college education. A wide spectrum of colleges and universities has jumped on the distance learning bandwagon, many launching high-end interactive environments in which students may choose from a diverse menu of standalone courses, professional certificates and undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degree programs.

Win-Win Educational Model

Online learning is a win-win for students and institutions alike: students may tailor studies to the demands of work and family schedules and colleges and universities may expand their student bodies to include “customers” unable to attend a traditional college program due to personal responsibilities and even distance.

At its most basic online learning allows you to complete your degree in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. Students in online degree programs can fit their education into their schedules around a part-time or even full-time job, which makes it especially appealing education option for many working adults.

At its best online education has permitted students regardless of location to choose to study at some of the best colleges and universities in the country.

Benefits of an Online Degree Program

Online degrees and distance learning programs offer a number of benefits:

  • Flexibility: Class times are usually not “set,” allowing you to complete assignments at your own pace.
  • Convenience: You can take classes whenever and wherever you are, provided you have a computer and Internet access.
  • Availability of programs: More accredited and reputable programs exist now than ever before.
  • Cost: The cost of an online degree program is often less expensive than a traditional program.

Disadvantages to Online Education

Despite the many benefits of online degree programs, there are a few disadvantages to consider.

  • Reputation/Perception: Some businesses still prefer to hire graduates of a brick and mortar school. As distance learning becomes more popular, more businesses will start to recognize online degree programs.
  • Face-time with Instructor: With online programs, you will have very limited, if any, face-to-face time with your instructors.
  • Technology: Distance learners have to be comfortable using technology, particularly computers and the Internet.
  • Social Interactions: Lack of face-to-face contact and interaction with peers is ineffective for some students.

Fact is online degree education is not for everyone. You must be highly motivated to study often late at night, after the kids have gone to bed or following a long day of work. Assignments are in keeping with the rigors of the brick and mortar programs and demand academic fortitude.

Degrees in Online Schools

Online programs offer the same types of degrees as traditional schools. Students in online programs can earn associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. But a big benefit of online programs is the huge array of professional certificates and training modules available designed to provide extra kick to many adult professionals’ careers.

Here is a list of popular degrees offered at many online universities:

  • Business
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology/Computer Science
  • Law/Paralegal
  • Human Resources
  • Accounting

Many career paths require hands-on training. Blended programs combine the best of both worlds: most of your education is spent online, with a few required on-campus courses and seminars that give you a critical classroom component. For example, blended programs are common in many distance nursing degree programs. Nursing students learn academics online and schedule remote or on-campus clinicals during which time they work on practical skills. But there are many other blended programs as well.

Technological Requirements

Getting your degree online means that you will be using technology frequently. All courses are different, but most require basic pieces of equipment, including: an up-to-date computer, high-speed Internet access, personal e-mail, television and VCR or DVD player and a CD player.

Students must also have the basic technological know-how to participate. Students lacking computer skills risk falling behind in online environments.

Accreditation: How Important Is It?

Accreditation is a process through which institutions of higher education measure their effectiveness against a set of common educational standards. It’s a voluntary process that universities undergo to validate the quality of their programs. Accreditation ensures the value of your education. While a debate grows over the legitimacy of accreditation, many employers still want their prospective employees to be graduates of “accredited” programs.

Online Programs to Consider

The popularity of online degree programs has grown in recent years. More and more universities, including community colleges and elite universities, now offer distance education. Below is a cross section of colleges and universities, some strictly online and others with a traditional campus program as well: