Pursuing a university degree is no easy feat; it’s a symbol of a fork in the road. Despite a student’s background, it can at times be an intimidating opportunity. Any student will work towards ensuring they get a promising career start by picking the correct degree, a task that tends to be easier said than done.
For many, deciding to pursue a university degree is not just about earning a quality education. It’s also about being independent by moving away from home, learning important life skills and meeting new people. For others, experiencing the full ‘on-campus’ environment is not an option for various reasons. That’s where online degrees come in; you can now get nearly any kind of education from the comfort of your home.
In recent years, there has been a dramatic change in the realm of higher education; getting a quality education online is now easier than ever. However, with so many programs available, it can be quite a daunting task to select the ideal online course.
Choosing an online major
With the current evolution of technology, university education is also evolving, which is making earning an online degree a very popular option. Recent research from the National Center for Education Statistics established that about 44% of university students enrolled in distance learning degree programs. This can be attributed to the fact that virtual courses are easily accessible and more cost-effective for students with family commitments, careers or other obligations.
For instance, nurses have a very busy work schedule. If you are a registered nurse and want to become a nurse practitioner or pursue an additional degree in nursing, choosing from available online post master’s FNP programs can help. This program will prepare you to become a specialized family nurse practitioner (FNP), whose vital role is to provide care for patients and meet the healthcare needs of underserved populations. These programs are ideal for working nurses who want to advance their careers without having to sacrifice their job or family commitments.
Choosing a distance degree program: Factors to consider
Choosing an online degree can be overwhelming. With so many programs and schools to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, the answer depends on several factors, including your goals, budget, learning style and personal needs. However, there are several other things you can consider in order to narrow down your choices.
First and foremost, it helps if you know what degree you want to earn and what you hope to get out of the program. Do you want to study something that will help with a specific career? Are you interested in earning a general degree? These are important factors that should be taken into consideration before choosing an online degree program. Let’s explore these in more detail…
Think about the length of study
Choosing the right program length is a key factor in determining what course you should take. For instance, many students who have already completed their bachelor’s degree may prefer a master’s degree program; a two-year period is recommended for such students. However, some people may want to save time and earn their master’s degree in just one year, in which case an accelerated track can help them achieve this goal.
However, since online degrees can take more time, you may want to think about how much time you have available to study. A course that is two to three to five years is recommended because it will generally provide sufficient flexibility for people who have limited time due to professional pressure.
Methods of assessment
Methods of assessment differ between online and classroom learning, which should be taken into consideration. In online courses, there is no physical classroom and therefore, you will not be assessed in a traditional way. Depending on the university, you may receive quizzes, tests and projects to test your knowledge.
As a student, however, it is important to work hard to make the best of any given opportunity. If you want to earn your degree, and you are really interested in the subject, it will be important to put in the required effort. Make sure that you do not procrastinate, as this can jeopardize your position in the program.
So, you need to determine the way in which your chosen online program will be assessed, as this will help keep you on track and ensure that you make the most of your studies.
What do you want to accomplish in the program?
Having thought about the program length, the next thing you should do is ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Do you want to work in a specific career? Are you interested in a research project? If so, choose a program that will help you achieve your goals. As an example, earning a doctorate degree can lead to remarkable personal and professional impact.
Programs are designed to be flexible to meet the needs of students. Some online degree programs have an open curriculum, which means that you can enroll in courses based on your personal interest. Other programs have a set curriculum; as a result, you need to take specific courses that are required for the degree you want to earn.
Most online degrees require students to complete a number of core and elective courses; achieving success in these is key to getting a well-rounded education. For instance, if you want to earn an associate degree in college, then you need to complete a specified number of core courses, such as English, history and math classes.
Other program requirements may include an internship or other hands-on experience. This can be particularly great for students who want to build their portfolio or practical experience before they graduate.
What will your program cost?
When looking at online degrees, the program cost is a very vital factor to consider. Obviously, students have different budgets, so it only makes sense for them to choose the program that will fit their budget. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to do some research online first before making your final decision.
It is also important to consider the amount of money spent on books and learning resources. Most online degree programs have full access to a wide range of learning materials that are provided for free. However, this may not be the case with some programs, as they may require you to buy textbooks and learning resources, especially if you are considering pursuing more practical courses such as those in the medical field.
Choosing the right online provider
When choosing an online degree, it is important to consider the reputation of the online university or college. Reputable schools are accredited by respected bodies, and this speaks volumes about the school’s commitment to quality education. Consider the following factors when choosing an online college:
- Courses and curriculum: Check what courses are offered and what degree programs are available to choose from
- Specializations and concentrations: Does the college offer a specialization or concentration that interests you? If yes, then your educational experience will be more satisfying.
- Supplemental learning opportunities: Does the college offer an online tutoring program in case you are having difficulties with your course? Will your academic progress be monitored? Are there any workshops or other special events organized for students? These are important factors that can make a big difference when choosing between different online degree programs.
Fully independent versus blended learning
Most students are worried about their education and how they will learn from online degree programs. Many online programs are fully designed for independent learning, where you access the course learning materials and study at your own pace. This may include recordings of seminars or lectures, as well as e-textbooks and assignments.
For many people, the best way to learn is by doing it hands-on or a “blended learning” approach where one way of learning complements the others. This approach incorporates real-life practice, e-learning and other forms of interactive teaching methods. These are a great combination because they will help students learn more deeply and faster with interactive learning experiences.
Accreditation
The importance of accreditation cannot be understated. Accreditation can help you to determine whether a university is worth choosing. It will also indicate whether the university is recognized by both governmental and non-governmental entities. This can help to establish the credibility of a university, which should be taken into consideration since it is an essential factor when researching universities and degree programs.
Before you enroll in an online college program, it is important to know if a university is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a recognized organization that oversees and accredits higher education institutions in the United States. The quality standards are very high, and if the program meets these standards, you can be sure that the education quality will be of a high caliber.
Academic catalog
Another important step when choosing a degree program online is to review the program and its requirements. You can do this by accessing the school’s academic catalog. Having this information will help you to decide if it is worth enrolling in the degree program that interests you.
The academic catalog will give you an idea of what major requirements, general education core requirements and electives are needed for a certain degree program. It also includes information regarding graduation requirements and other important details regarding specific courses.
Curriculum quality
Another important factor to consider before you register for an online college program is the curriculum quality. A high-quality curriculum will help you to succeed in your career and knowing this will help you to choose the right program.
For example, if you are interested in pursuing a degree that specializes in business, then it is important to compare the level of instruction and what courses are available. This will give you an idea of whether it is worth enrolling in a specific program and determine if it will meet your expectations.
Technology
Technology is an essential aspect when choosing a degree program; it helps you to gain a better understanding of the program and course materials. Consider this factor, as most degree programs are designed with a specific set of learning tools.
Online tutoring and learning platforms such as Canvas can help you to accelerate degree completion when enrolled in an online program. This is because the platform has video lectures, quizzes and tests that can facilitate your learning experience. Also, choosing the right internet provider can help you to maximize your online degree experience.
Employability opportunities
One of the main concerns of students who are selecting an online degree or program is the possibility of job opportunities. This is major topic students seek answers to when they are communicating directly with the university’s representatives or in their search on the web.
Some research will help you to find out if your chosen university has a good reputation with employers and industries. The university should have a good reputation with the potential employers of their students to assure them of the best chance of getting better and high-paying jobs upon graduation.
There are many ways that you can use your online degree in today’s world. With so much competition, it is hard to find good employers with only an average level of expertise and experience. In order to stand out from the crowd, you need a degree that demonstrates your higher levels of knowledge on various topics.
Another approach is to locate local alumni who have graduated from your chosen university; if these people can recommend it, then it is a good sign that another student’s experience will be satisfying.
Minimum entry requirements
Depending on the institution, you will be required to meet certain minimum educational requirements before you can enroll in an online degree program. You need to determine whether the university requires a bachelor’s degree, high school diploma or other qualifications. Make sure you only enroll in accredited universities and colleges that offer programs that set out their requirements.
You should also determine how old you need to be before you can enroll in a program; for most online university programs in the US, students need to be at least 17 years old.
Some other specific requirements may include:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- English proficiency test
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
Online degrees: The pros and cons
Today online degrees are a popular option for many students. It is not surprising because there are many benefits that can result from earning an online degree or certification. Some of the benefits you can experience with online learning include:
- Flexibility
Many people who study online find that the program offers a high degree of flexibility. This can be ideal for working professionals with hectic schedules, so they can still complete schooling and keep up with their careers.
- Reduced costs
Many students who study online find that the costs of an online degree can be less than those of attending a traditional campus. In addition to this, many programs offer the option of financial aid. Financial aid is available for both domestic and international students who earn their degrees from accredited institutions.
- Dynamic learning outcomes
Different types of programs may include various learning outcomes, which are intended to help you learn more about specific topics or specializations in your field. For example, you can expect to receive course credit for learning about research methods, thesis development and writing.
In addition to flexibility and affordability, online degrees help you to acquire the academic skills that are needed in today’s workplace. It is a good way to acquire the latest knowledge and become an effective candidate for today’s competitive work environment.
- Long-term benefits
Another benefit you can expect from studying online is that the long-term benefits of your degree will not be limited to a specific job. Once you earn your degree, you will still have many options for employment; this means that you will be able to adjust your career path as needed.
Bottom line
Online learning is a growing trend that teachers are embracing. It allows students to have access to all the necessary information in one spot. From selecting courses and taking assessments, to finding qualified instructors and access to tools to help with studying more efficiently, online learning provides all the necessary tools in one location rather than having to search through multiple class sites or websites.
Considering all the benefits of online learning, it is important that you choose the right program for you. Evaluating these factors will help you to determine which degree or program will meet your goals and expectations.
