When it comes to gaining a college education, online schools have a lot to offer these days. You can say goodbye to the old concept of distance learning via snail mail, and hello to convenient classes and degree programs right over the Internet! Recent graduates and adult learners all across the world are discovering that online schools are a good bet for higher education. They make it possible to get a respected college degree on your own terms.
Traditionally, campus-based colleges and universities demand that students conform to a rigid schedule of pre-determined classes and a set schedule for degree completion. Classes meet at a specific time and place, and everyone must be in attendance, especially the professor. Everyone progresses at the same pace, and everyone is expected to graduate at once.
The great part about online classes is that they can take place anywhere at any time, completely at your own convenience. You can contact your professors and peers via email or special chatrooms to receive feedback and encouragement without stress. Simply open your personal computer or laptop and study as long or as short as you desire. Speed up the process and graduate in record time, or stretch it out and allow yourself a relaxed pace. This means no long commutes to and from campus, no baby sitters, and no strict deadlines. For many students the added advantage of maintaining current employment while earning a degree in their free time is a real selling point.
Of course you are concerned that your online education will be valued in your future professional career. There are literally hundreds of online schools and colleges across the web, and it is important to avoid the so-called "diploma mills." There are some easy ways you can find the best online colleges and ensure your education will be of quality.
Perhaps the most important step is to be sure any online school you are seriously considering is a member of a national accrediting agency related to your field of study. The accrediting agency should be approved by either the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or both. Online colleges that are accredited have been verified to provide the same quality education as traditional colleges and universities. If your online school carries any or all of these credentials, you can be confident that you are on the right track.
The next step is to investigate the specific curriculum and entry requirements. Some online courses will have no enrollment requirements whatsoever (such as online vocational schools or certificate courses); some schools will require a minimum of a high school diploma; and some online colleges and universities can require extensive previous experience or an undergraduate degree in the field prior to enrollment.
The last step is to be sure the curriculum will meet your personal schedule as well as your aspirations and goals for the future. In many fields, such as computer science, it is possible to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees completely online without ever setting foot on a campus. However, in many other fields, such as health care and medicine, there can be some on-site lab work or important exams requiring the student to travel to a specific site at a specific time. Additionally, in some fields, advanced degrees are just not offered online. So, again, it is important to check with individual colleges to be sure they are able to meet your personal needs. Talking things over with the advisors at a few selected schools will quickly help you bring all of this into focus.
If you are ready to find the best online schools, we urge you to visit our website today where you can request program information to help you make a good decision for higher education online.
By : Michael Bustamante
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