What Are the Different Types of Online Degree Requirements?

The various online degree requirements a student will need to fulfill can vary depending on what type of degree is being earned. All students, however, will need to meet the same computer requirements, which can also vary over time. In most cases, the student must have a working computer with a relatively fast Internet connection in order to participate in classwork. Other online degree requirements will pertain to the student's education history, the degree program itself, and the duration of the degree program. An associate's degree, for example, will have different requirements than a bachelor's or a master's degree.

The best way to find out which online degree requirements will apply to a specific degree program is to consult an academic advisor from the online school. The minimal qualification a student must fulfill is a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, though beyond that, each school will have different requirements. Just about all online colleges will require the student to submit high school transcripts as well as relevant test scores, and while poor performance records may not discount the student from admission, more poorly performing students may not qualify for more competitive or difficult programs.

Other online degree requirements may focus on the student's prior performance, interests, and educational goals. Some online colleges will require the student to write an application essay that outlines the student's educational and career goals; such an essay serves more than one purpose. First, it gives the school an idea of the student's character; second, it ensures the school that the student is prepared for college coursework by demonstrating the student's ability to write a cohesive essay and analyze complex topics. It is a good idea to spend a fair amount of time perfecting this essay before submitting it with other application materials.

Once enrolled, the student will need to fulfill all the online degree requirements outlined at the outset in order to earn the degree. The student will take various classes to earn credits toward the degree. An associate's degree or a certificate program will usually only take one to two years to complete, and the student will need to earn fewer credits to earn such a degree. From there, a student can earn a bachelor's degree, which usually takes a total of four years to complete and will require more credits to earn. A program course of study will outline what courses the student will need to take to fulfill the degree requirements.