College: Online

So, you've been thinking about advancing your education so that you can gain that extra earning power that college graduates enjoy. It is well known that college graduates have a lower risk of unemployment, enjoy better job quality, are more likely to be in high-level positions and have much greater promotion prospects because of their advanced level of education. Perhaps you already have your bachelors and want to get your masters so that you are ready for greater opportunities that come your way. No matter what degree level you want to pursue, you can do it all from the comfort of your home through online degree programs offered by online colleges.

If you are considering studying for an online college degree, then you are not alone. Online colleges and universities are becoming very popular as more and more people are realizing the benefits of online learning. Pursuing a college degree online is an advantageous way to study as you can learn at your own pace and on your own time. But even with all the advantages of pursing an online college degree, is an online college right for you?

Pursuing an online college degree is not for everyone. You need to have the right characteristics to study for an online college degree. Some of the characteristics needed when pursuing an online college degree are:

Self-motivation & Self-discipline
Ability to prioritize
Ability to set your own goals
Good reading comprehension

Self-Motivation & Self-Discipline

You need to be highly self-motivated and self-disciplined and thus, be able to work without supervision. Since you don't have a set class times at online colleges, it will be up to you to set your own studying times. It will help if you plan out your day and carve the same specific time each day to study. Self-discipline is required so you resist the urge of other distractions in your home such as doing the laundry, washing the dishes or watching TV. Self-discipline will also help you stick to your deadlines.

Ability to Prioritize

If you are choosing to pursue an online college degree, then it is probably because you have many other commitments to juggle such as work and family. Once you have made the commitment to attend an online college, then you must keep in mind that your education is just as an important of a commitment. With that mentioned, you should possess the ability to prioritize your schedule.

Just because online college degree programs are flexible, this does not mean the courses are easy, nor does it mean you can procrastinate class assignments and projects. With the many other commitments you have, it is important to prioritize your schedule, set deadlines, and as mentioned above, stick to the deadlines you set.

Ability to Set Your Own Goals

As with getting a degree through a traditional campus college, it is easy to fall off track without clear goals. Thus it is important to set both short-term and long-term goals when you pursue an online college degree. Some online colleges allow you to get a degree at your own pace and your pace will determine whether you get your online college degree in two years or ten years. When you pursue an online college degree you should set reasonable short-term goals such as taking 6-8 units (or as much as you can take) per quarter or semester. These short-term goals will help you reach your long-term goal with ease and will show the progress you are making towards achieving your long-term goal.

Good Reading Comprehension

A good level of reading comprehension is needed as online colleges teach primarily through written material written at college level. While you may have interaction with your classmates and/or instructor, the interaction will be done primarily through e-mail, chat rooms, and message boards.

If you find it difficult to attend college courses on campus, attending an online college is a great way to earn your degree. With online colleges and universities, you now have the opportunity to advance your education without having to push aside previous commitments. Just keep these characteristics in mind and you can be successful in advancing your education by earning your college degree online.

Kimberly Diane, now a frequent contributor to EducationAdvancementOnline.com, previously served as a direct consultant to numerous accredited online colleges and universities for several years. Education Advancement Online, which promotes higher education for non-traditional students seeking an online college degree or certification program, is a premier online education directory that is a one-stop shop for available degree programs from institutions all over the United States. For more information on Education Advancement Online or to search for degree programs, please visit EducationAdvancementOnline.com

sábado, 21 de mayo de 2011

Earning an Online College Degree

Have you ever wondered if what you know about online education is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on online education. It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of online education. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

An online college degree course, like its regular or "the not virtual" counterpart, is a four-year college degree that a student needs to complete so as to earn the necessary college education that they will need in order to obtain a job or get a promotion. Or they may be looking to move to a new job. Because it is online, the only way to earn their degree is through the Internet.

The greatest advantage of getting an online college degree course is that it usually takes almost half the time it would take an individual when they enroll in a regular campus setting so as to complete a college degree course.

Generally, most of the people who enroll in getting an online college degree course are able to complete the program in less than three years. And just like a typical college or university, online college degree course provider can also accredit the subjects that you have already taken from your previous school. In this case, there is greater probability that you can finish your college degree course in quicker time frame, even in a six-month period.

Another benefit of getting your online college degree course is that the course of action is tremendously versatile. Your class schedule can be taken at any time of the day. Plus, you never have to leave the comfort of your home just to attend classes. And you will not have to interrupt your work schedule and you can still have a family life.

Hence, all course works can be completed through the Internet at the same time you are able to get in touch with your professors online. Usually, this can be done through software downloads that entail the lessons you have to learn and application of "the virtual class schedule."

The typical online college degree course will require you to at least devote twenty hours of "course work" in a week. However, since the courses are only completed through the Internet, people who are willing to get online college degree course can either work slower or faster, depending on their schedule and if they have other things to do. This is applicable as long as the virtual students can complete the course within the allowed time schedule.

The normal time schedule for the course process of an online college degree course is a one day class schedule usually in each five weeks of lectures. This schedule normally allows a virtual student to concentrate exclusively on a single course syllabus or course outline at a time, so as to be sure that the student will be able to learn all of the lessons presented in a particular schedule.

This is considered a benefit when compared to the regular four year college course because with an online college degree course, you can commit to a time schedule to each lesson that you have to learn without being diverted by other classes.

Also, paying your tuition fees is also easier with an online college degree course. Online college degree courses usually meet the requirements for the usual tuition fee assistance and support that regular college degree course providers do.

People can also request student loans, employer reimbursement programs, and payment schedules. Best of all, there are online college degree course providers that request the student to pay their tuition fees as they go or before they can get their diploma or certificate. In this way, the typical college expenses that most students and parents experience in a typical campus setting will be lessened and spread out over a period of time.

Earning an online college degree is an ultimate means for a person, who is currently employed or those who have full time jobs, to obtain the college degree they have always wanted. By getting a college degree course online, people can keep their present job and at the same time earn the college degree as early as possible.

In order to meet the requirements in an online college degree course, you should have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. There is no formal college education required before enrolling in the course. Online college degrees are definitely the perfect option for someone who must also work full time so that they can have the means to pay for their college education and continue to have a family life.

If you are still deliberating whether to get a college degree through online college degree courses, just think about the benefits it can give you. An online college degree course is definitely worth exploring. Start your bright new future today.

Bob Willoughby is a Freelance Writer. He is the owner of a home based business dedicated to all facets of education. For additional information, visit his website at http://www.education.infoforyou24-7.com

viernes, 20 de mayo de 2011

Earning a College Degree Online

Traditionally, earning a college degree has required a student to physically attend a college or University at one of the campuses the institution runs. This might require a student to relocate, or the student might be limited in the classes he or she can register for due to job requirements or scheduling conflicts. Today, the advantages of technology afford students opportunities outside the brick walls of an institution of higher learning. Many students are now opting to earn their college degrees online. As the popularity of attending college online increases, more traditional colleges and Universities are joining the fast-growing group of online-only college and Universities in offering several different levels of college degrees over the internet, presenting students with broader educational options, as well as flexibility and convenience.

There are many advantages to seeking a college degree online. A student need not live locally to attend the college of his or her choosing. Attending classes and submitting coursework online eliminates the need for commuting or relocating. Convenience is another factor in earning a college degree online. A college may be able to offer more sections of certain courses, allowing students more choices as to when to attend classes. Night and weekend sections of courses are usually offered as well, which is ideal for the student that also works full time and/or cares for a family. The flexibility of online college is very attractive. Further, for those who are considering returning to school after several years, attending college online is a great way to ease into the routine of class work and projects again, and can reduce the pressure of feeling the need to fit in with younger students. In addition, who wouldn't find it appealing to attend college from the comforts of home?

When considering going online to earn a college degree, there are a few options open to the prospective student. There are several online-only institutions that are fully accredited and offer many choices of degrees. Accreditation is an important factor to consider in choosing an online college. If you have previous college credits you would like to transfer, attending an accredited college will be necessary to do that. Also, accreditation is beneficial for having your degree recognized by employers and professional organizations. Online-only colleges offer the benefit of a cutting edge learning format technologically, as well as accelerated programs for those who are in a hurry to earn a college degree for professional advancement.

The type of college degree earned online ranges from Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees. And the fields of study and degree programs available are extensive. No longer is online education just for web designers and computer programmers. Students may study Business, Social Sciences, Humanities, foreign languages, Mathematics, Human Resources, Fine Arts, and various Healthcare programs. These are but a few of the fields of study available to the online student.

If you are worried that you might not be able to afford to earn a college degree online, there are options available to you. Some employers might offer to pay a portion or even all tuition and fees toward an employee receiving a degree. Also, financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and even scholarships might be available to you. Check with the particular online program of interest to see what financial options are available, since some colleges might not offer financial aid to students who attend part-time.

You might be concerned that earning your college degree online won't provide as enriching an experience as attending a traditional face-to-face college or University. Earning a college degree online can be an experience that is every bit as enriching, interpersonal, and dynamic as attending college the old-fashioned way. A big misconception is that online learning is impersonal. This isn't the case at all. Programs offered online present the same opportunities for group work, independent study, and interpersonal communication as do traditional methods of learning. In fact, attending college online helps to facilitate the independent learning process, as well as developing time management skills. Attending college online takes just as much commitment as the old-fashioned way of going to school, and the potential career and personal benefits are just as great, if not greater. Going online to earn your college degree is a legitimate, convenient, and flexible way for you to advance you education, as well as your career and personal potential.

Learn the essential information for picking the right online degree course at Online College Degree

jueves, 19 de mayo de 2011

Why Are Some Online Degree Colleges Better Than Others?

Any student who is on the lookout for online degree colleges would probably have been swamped with the many options marketed to them over the internet. Therefore, it is not a wonder that many students feel confused on the right college selection as they may not know the way to nail down the advantages that certain colleges have over others. Although many renowned colleges charge higher fees for their courses, the extra costs incurred may not necessarily be justified by the facilities, recognition and educational value that they provide to students.

For one thing, different online colleges are accredited by different authorities. Therefore, it is important to find out whether the degrees offered are actually accredited by the relevant educational association for your particular state. Otherwise, you may end up having a degree that is not valid and be rejected by your employers. There are also times when colleges may be in the process of getting accredited. Therefore, this information is important to you as their applications for accreditation may be rejected by the authorities later.

One of the qualifying factors that can be utilized by students to make correct enrolment decisions is by determining the type of college accreditation that has been received by their college of consideration. If the college vaguely states itself as having "nationwide or worldwide accreditation" without stating specifically which regional accreditation body it is accredited with, then most likely this college does not possess legitimate accreditation.

Once you are certain of a college's accreditation, you should then determine the history of the college. How many students have graduated as compared to the enrollment numbers? How long has the course been offered? Answering these questions will give you an idea on the level of experience and expertise that the college has to offer for the particular course you want. After all, you are paying them for online education and deserve to get value for your money.

Apart from that, different colleges will have lecturers of different educational levels. Of course, it would be best that a college have more lecturers with Ph.D. qualifications. Most lecturers should at least possess a Master's Degree in order for them to qualify teaching an undergraduate course. Again, the quality and quantity of lecturers will give you a good gauge on the standards of the college.

You can also check on the lecturer-student ratio that the college is proposing. In order for online education to be successful, the lecturer-student ratio should ideally be low. Better colleges will recognize the importance of this, and will ensure that they don't over-enroll their online students so as to maintain the quality level of their courses. With a low ratio number, students will be assured of having adequate time to work with lecturers.

Apart from that, different colleges impose different rules on their students. For example, some colleges allow students to go on overdrive mode and complete their credit hours over a shorter period of time. On the other hand, other colleges have a minimum course study period that a student has to adhere to and therefore will not be allowed to accelerate or take up extra credit hours for the course. There is good and bad to both of these scenarios as certain colleges want to ensure quality by not allowing students to sacrifice quality for speed of completion. It is therefore up to the discretion of the student to determine if slowing down on their course would be acceptable to their circumstances.

Finally, always ask for a hotline number from the online college that you are planning to enroll in. Legitimate colleges will have a number and someone qualified to answer your questions whenever you need help. Call them up before you enroll and test them out by asking a couple of questions. Also, check with them on other numbers and the suitable time that you can call should you encounter problems with your coursework. Through practical experience and gut feeling, you will then be able to make the right decision on choosing the right college for your online education experience.

Rose M. is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on distance learning colleges and why college accreditation is important.