Online University Degree Programs
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Every year, more students are enrolling in online university degree programs who wouldn't otherwise have the time or money to attend a traditional school to earn a degree or further their education. Because this web-based training is accessible to anyone with a computer and Internet connection, people of all ages and stages of life are able to pursue a higher education. They don't have to quit jobs or relocate. Stay-at-home moms can continue education without hiring additional childcare. Life doesn't have to be disrupted. Studies can be completed within the comfort of one's own home at a pace that is realistic and manageable. The web has opened the door for working adults and given them the opportunity to seek a degree or advance needed job skills. Colleges and universities are utilizing the technology in many fields and for all types of certificates and degrees. Today, almost 75% offer online university degree programs as part of regular curriculum.
Distance learning has redefined the education in the 21st century. Students are no longer confined to classroom meetings at specific times and places. Now the classroom can be anywhere and at any time with peers across the city and even around the globe. This set up works well for people who need the flexibility to study. Resources, including lecture notes, are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can set an individual pace and control learning environment. Some work need longer to study materials or work best at set times while others work faster and aren't held up by the pacing of other students. Plus, the tuition associated with online university degree programs are usually less costly than traditional colleges and universities. Courses usually require the use of an up-to-date computer and high speed internet service, personal email, and sometimes access to a CD or DVD player for certain assignments. Students who don't have computers can easily access them at a local public library. And those with computers that have WiFi capability can access the Internet for free at local coffee shops or bookstores. Live chat rooms, online forums and message take the place of traditional classroom discussions and are less intimidating for students who might feel uncomfortable speaking up in class. Professors often limit posts so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the conversation, which often is required for such courses. Students do miss out on some of the social aspects of a campus atmosphere, but relationships with classmates can be built in these forums. Interaction with instructors can occur at any time, not just during sometimes inconvenient "office hours."
One concern about online university degree programs is that they aren't legitimate. While that is true in some cases, many are accredited and held to the same standards as their traditional counterparts. Schools that are accredited have been evaluated and validated by certain accreditation agencies, not the government. The U.S. Department of Education evaluates these accreditation agencies ensure they are maintaining a high levels of education standards, but the agency makes its own decisions. In the review process, school's mission, goals, objectives, resources, admission requirements, support services and faculty are all carefully evaluated by either a national agency or one of the six regional agencies. Both types are reliable. Non-accredited institutions aren't always scams. The main difference is that some employers may not recognize the degree and credits most likely will not transfer to an accredited institution. And just because some online university degree programs are accredited doesn't guarantee a good education. Much depends on the determination of the student, his or her goals, and how much effort is applied to the program. Some students may only need a few courses to advance job skills. In this case, a non-accredited school may work just as well as an accredited one. But if a student is looking to pursue a higher degree later in life, accredited schools are the only way to achieve that goal. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (Proverbs 3:13-15)
Unfortunately, the Internet easily facilitates scams. Online university degree programs are no exception. Just about anyone can register a website with an educational URL. There are many "schools" that are fraudulent. They are in the business of selling diplomas and degrees. Education of students doesn't matter. These diploma mills ruin the reputation for online education. Certificates and diplomas are worthless, leaving students with debt and nothing to show for it. Diploma mills often cost less money and promise degrees in quickly, almost overnight, as long as the customer pays. They often use names similar to highly reputable universities and change addresses frequently. Programs are generally low quality. Degrees are simply copies that include an individual's name. The best way to avoid these scams is to check with the Department of Education or the Council for High Education Accreditation (CHEA) to see if the institution is listed as accredited. Beware of phrases that may infer accreditation but not specifically state it. Closely evaluate the programs offered. Diploma mills will focus on speed instead of education and not be very selective in their admissions process. Tuition and fees are usually paid up front and allow students to even specify their GPA. Most states don't have laws regulating online university degree programs, so it is up to the student to do the research.
Prospective students who are considering distance education should weigh all options carefully. The first step is simply to decide what to study. This is not as simple as it may sound, especially for younger students. Find several online university degree programs that offer that field of study. Ask the schools about their educational requirements and compare tuition costs. Be sure to research the university thoroughly, checking with licensing boards, the Better Business Bureau and accreditation agencies before making a final decision.
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