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Can I Really get a University Degree Online?
The idea of earning a university degree from the comfort of your home may seem too good to be true. With online learning, it doesn't have to be. There are a few things to consider, though, before you enroll.
If you heard about the program from a spam e-mail message, be wary. While it's possible that it's a legitimate educational institution, it's most likely some form of scam, such as a diploma mill that awards "students" fake degrees and credentials.
While there are some schools that specialize in online learning, most online degree programs are extensions of an existing program at a brick and mortar university. You are more likely to find advanced degrees, like MBAs, offered. You can find nearly any subject online, though, so you'll never know if there's a program that's right for you until you perform extensive research.
Before beginning any online degree program, it is vital that you ask about both the school's and the degree's accreditations. You want to make sure that you will have a degree that will be recognized by employers or other universities when you finish your course of study. The school itself can be accredited by national and regional organizations, with national accreditation being more prestigious. What organization should endorse the degree program, or if it's even necessary, will depend upon your major. Check with professional organizations in your field for guidelines.
You should also take some time to reflect on yourself, your learning style and your schedule before beginning an online degree program. One of the biggest advantages of online learning is the flexibility; you can schedule class time when it's convenient for you. At the same time, online classes require as much work, if not more, than traditional programs, so you must set aside enough time for your studies. Also consider how important lectures and in-person discussions are to your learning. Some students thrive in an online environment of e-mail and web forum communication, while others miss the human connection. Finally, think about how well you think you'll perform without the external motivation of attending class every week. Will you keep on top of your work, or will you let deadlines slide?
Online programs are making university degrees available to thousands who otherwise wouldn't have been able to attend college. You can be a part of that number if you proceed carefully.
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![Online university degrees allow for convenience and flexibility while completing necessary coursework towards a degree.]()
By: AntonioguillemOnline university degrees allow for convenience and flexibility while completing necessary coursework towards a degree.
Discussion Comments
@Suntan12- I agree with you, but I think that online university degrees are a great option for a lot of people especially of you live in remote area and don’t have access to universities where you live.
Online education allows everyone equal access which is great. People that have always wanted to go back to school but were intimated can now do so from their own home. I also like the fact that with an online education you can take the course whenever you want and create a schedule around your needs rather than the other way around.
I had a friend that got her Master’s in Education this way and she is now a teacher and loving her job.
@Comfyshoes - I agree that more schools are coming out with an online university degree. I know that even the local community colleges are doing this too.
I wanted to add that I agree with the writer in that taking an online class is not as easy as it sounds. The rule of thumb for college classes was that for every three credit hours you took you had to tack on at least ten hours of weekly homework.
When you go to a traditional school you are used to the routine, but when you are home and don’t have the structure and it is easy to procrastinate and underestimate the amount of work you actually have.
You also have distractions at home that you don’t have at school. If it were up to me I would go with a traditional university and only take some classes online that were relatively easy just to be on the safe side.
@Anon8751 -I think that each school has its own requirements and you would have to contact them directly.
I did want to say that many traditional universities have online degree programs as well because they realize how important this market is to serve.
In this case you don’t have to worry about the accreditation of the school because you already know the reputation of the university. There are many of these schools that offer a master’s degree and well as a bachelor’s degree.
For example, at my old college you can get a Masters in Gifted Education completely online but you have to have a teacher’s certification and meet their other qualifying requirements.
This university distance degree is ideal for someone that does not live near the school but still would like to attend.
A lot of these school require that you submit the paperwork requested and most get back to you within a day or so.
please can anyone tell me whether a diploma holder from inid can directly take MBA. If yes how are opportunities?
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