Guide To Getting Your Online College Degree
Online colleges offer the flexibility that busy adults need to continue their education and launch new careers. However, navigating all the options can be daunting. So many programs, degrees and certificate options! Which one is right for you? How do you know if an online degree program is legitimate or if it will help you advance your career? This blog post covers everything you need to know about online college degrees and how to get one. We'll walk you through step-by-step what it takes, potential programs, what kind of time commitment to expect, costs associated with getting your degree, as well as some of the pros and cons of going the online college route.
What Is An Online College Degree?
An online college degree is a credential that signifies you studied at an accredited college and/or university and received a recognized degree. Earning a degree is a great way to boost your earning potential and advance your career. The majority of online colleges and universities offer degrees in a wide range of subjects including business, education, criminal justice, health care, psychology, and more. You can also earn a certificate in a specific field of study, or a range of related skills. Online degrees use online courses and technology to deliver instruction and allow students to complete their coursework wherever they want, at any time of day. Online degrees can be completed 100% online, or include some on-campus visits.
How To Find The Right Program For You
Before you sign up for any program, take the time to research what you want to study and how it will benefit you and your career. How will this degree or certificate help you achieve your goals? There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when deciding on a program to pursue. First, make sure the program is offered by a college/university that is accredited by a recognized agency. You can find these accreditation agencies online. Second, choose a program that is in high demand in your desired field or area of interest. You may want to consider industries that have high growth projections or areas of need in your community. Third, select a program that is relatively short and can be completed in a few years or less. This will help you finish sooner, minimize your time investment, and avoid going into significant debt.
How To Find An Online College That’s Legit
The first thing to look for when searching for an online college is to make sure they are accredited. It’s important to know that accreditation does not equal quality education, but it does signify that the institution that provided your degree meets industry standards. Any reputable online college will provide you with information about their accreditation and make it easily accessible on their website. Be wary if you can’t find any information about their accreditation or any warning signs pop up. Find out if an online college is accredited by checking out the National Center for Education Statistics website. You can also ask your state’s department of education if an online institution is licensed to operate in your state.
Time Commitment For Earning An Online Degree
The time commitment for completing an online college degree varies widely depending on the program. Some programs can be completed in as few as six months, while others may take a couple of years to complete. If you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree online, you can expect to spend about a year and a half to two years. You may also have to complete some on-campus requirements such as an internship or a capstone project. Minimum time commitment for a certificate program varies, but you can typically expect to finish in six months to a year.
Cost Of An Online Degree
The cost of an online degree varies widely depending on the program and the school you choose. While some programs are very affordable, others can be extremely costly. The cost of an online degree is driven primarily by the type of educational institution you choose. For example, if you go to a for-profit university for your online degree, such as the University of Phoenix, you can expect to pay significantly more than if you attended a state-run public university. For-profit universities charge significantly more because they have a lot of overhead, such as marketing and administrative costs.
Pros of Going to an Online College
- Convenience: The best benefit of attending an online college is the convenience. You can study whenever and wherever you want. You don’t have to be tied down to a specific schedule and can work around your work and family obligations. - Accessibility: If you have been out of school for a while or are in a rural area and don’t have easy access to higher education opportunities, you may find that online colleges are more accessible. - Cost: Another benefit of attending an online college is that you can often find programs that are much more affordable.
Cons of Going to an Online College
- Support: The biggest drawback of attending an online college is the lack of support. Unlike an in-person program, where you can network with peers and have in-person access to faculty and support staff, an online degree program provides you with almost no social support. - Time: Another drawback of going to an online college is that you may not be able to complete your degree in as short a time as you would like. This is because you are on your own and must find a way to stay motivated and disciplined. - Working full-time: If you work full-time, attending an online college may not be the best option for you. This is because online programs are often asynchronous, meaning you don’t have set due dates, and they can take a long time to complete.
Bottom line
Online colleges are a great option if you have a busy schedule or don’t live near a traditional college campus. However, you should be aware that the lack of social support and having no one to keep you accountable may make it more difficult for you to stay motivated and finish your degree. Before you sign up for any program, make sure it is offered by a legitimate school and that you can actually finish the degree in a reasonable amount of time and with a manageable amount of online coursework.