Top FAQs About Online Degrees

Earning an online degree may be easier than you think.  Here are some ideas to get you started in your research.

• Make certain that the institution you are considering is properly accredited.  If a school is not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized body, then you are simply wasting time and money on a meaningless diploma.

 • It is also useful to inquire how many degrees and courses a school offers.   In general, the more courses offered the more experienced the school.  Also determine how many instructors teach the online courses and how long they have worked for the school.  Professors with more experience in the curriculum will have worked out many of the early problems.

• Consider your own work habits before applying.  Are you self-motivated and disciplined enough to focus and commit to an online education?  You will be solely responsible for ensuring that you receive all of the information and complete all of the assignments.  You should also not expect online classes to be any easier than classroom courses.  And of course, you must also have access to, and be comfortable using, a computer.

• What is the class size?  If the student to instructor ratio is too high, it may be difficult to get personalized attention. It could also be slow to log in for group projects.  Conversely, if the classes are sparsely attended it may be difficult to find other students with whom to discuss assignments and projects.

• Tuition will vary between schools and degree programs, but it is often comparable to those of traditional classes.  Ask about the total investment. In addition to tuition, what other fees or expenses will there be to complete the course?  You might also check into their refund policy if you decide not to finish your degree.

• Scholarships, financial aid and loans are often available for qualifying students.  If you have not planned how you will pay for your coursework, now is the time to do so.  Research what financial assistance is available and how you could qualify.

• You will need to meet certain technical requirements in order to enroll in online courses.  This will include a compatible operating system, a reasonably fast computer, sufficient memory, good Internet connection, access to email, a word processing program, and the ability to receive sounds and view videos.  Your chosen school will be able to specify the exact technical requirements.

• Language and geography are also important considerations.  You must have the ability to speak, write, and understand English. Some online programs are available only to students within the U.S.

• You will need to submit an application just as you would for a traditional college.  This may involve an application fee, essay, resume, letters of recommendation and official transcripts.

• If you have previously attended college, ask if your credits are transferable.  This will prevent the need to retake courses.

• You may also be required to take some standardized admission tests. Many of these are available only at a school location.  These could include:  the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) which permits you to earn class credits with a passing score, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which is generally required for all students entering college, the American College Testing Assessment (ACT) which is also generally required, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if you are planning to enter a non-business program or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if you are pursuing a business degree.  Check with your desired school which tests are required in order to apply.  Additional tests may be required for specific fields of study.

• Always plan ahead.  Once you have been accepted, plan everything that you need to do to complete your coursework in the allotted time period.  Schedule study hours into your daily routine.  Decide where and when you are going to study.  If you will be using the library, check the hours it is open.

Having researched and planned the above you are well on your way to earning the online degree of your dreams and reaching your goals!

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