Adults of all walks of life and varied career choices frequently consider what their professional life would be like if they had received a college degree. More and more of these adults are researching and enrolling in online colleges in order to fulfill their goals of higher education, while keeping their professional schedule – and paychecks – in place. Online education is fast becoming a flexible, viable solution for obtaining a degree. Whether pursuing a graduate degree, like a
Master of Business Administration, or a career focused Bachelor or Associate’s degree in fields like eBusiness Management, Graphic Design or Fashion Merchandising, online schools provide a wealth of programs to fit the needs of working adults.
How are online degrees different?
To some, the concept of online education may carry a bit of a stigma. The idea of smartly dressed co-eds discussing Plato on a green campus quad is the romantic image of what a college education should be. However, this ideal is not necessarily the most productive way to advance a career with a busy lifestyle. Today’s online colleges provide a high quality education that focuses on skills that translate to real-world applications. By choosing an online curriculum, adults are able to enroll in a degree program while maintaining a full-time job, family, and social life.
Degrees in the liberal arts and sciences are, by no means, a way of the past. Recent advances in the Internet and online communications have made possible an exciting new style of education. One that is both flexible and challenging, so that students are able to gain skills focused on their industry. For example, a person studying graphic design online would have the opportunity to work in programs like Adobe PhotoShop, submit work to instructors online, and participate in forums with peers to get feedback on their work. They would have the benefits of a traditional classroom education, with a more flexible schedule and career-oriented curriculum.
What should be considered when choosing an online college?
Earning a degree online could be the perfect solution for advancing a career, but there are a few very important items to consider. Many online institutions hire industry-professionals and make use of powerful online tools to enhance the education of their students. Others, unfortunately, do not offer the same quality of faculty and resources. It is important to research any online school before deciding to enroll. Several well-known traditional colleges provide online education, while there are also many viable institutions that only offer online degrees. Still there are many more dubious schools, or "degree mills" that should be avoided at all costs. With so many options, it is best to study up on a school’s accreditation before deciding to sign up (and send your check).
There are many different accrediting agencies, some of which are recognized on a regional level, while others are recognized on a national level. A list of recognized accrediting agencies can be found here (www.elearners.com/resources/agencies.asp). When researching online schools, make sure to verify that they are accredited, and that the agency accrediting them is accepted as an authority where you live. Nothing could be worse than paying for, and doing all the work required for a degree, and realizing that it isn’t recognized by your local department of education. A few of the most highly recognized agencies are the ACCSCT (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology) the ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools) and the HLC (Higher Learning Commission).
Some Online Institutions even go beyond granting degrees and diplomas. Because online schools are often career-oriented, some institutions offer programs like
alumni retraining, 24/7 help, and online tutoring programs. Innovative options like these make earning an online degree even more valuable to the recipient. Along with verifying accreditation and program offerings, check for extra incentives like these when researching colleges.
Is an online degree for me?
It is a changing world, and the Internet is a huge factor in business, education, research and socializing. The near omnipresence of the Internet has made earning a college degree more accessible to working adults, parents and military personnel. If you ever wonder how your life would be different with a college degree, online colleges and institutes may provide the answer.
