| Online degree programs are popping up all across the | | | | money or waste your time on courses that may not |
| country. A number of degree programs that were at | | | | transfer somewhere else. |
| one time only offered at a community college or | | | | 'What type of support does the online school make |
| university can be accessed via the Internet. They | | | | available to me?' An online student does not have the |
| offer an alternative to the traditional classroom | | | | opportunity to study with others in their classes face |
| setting for students of all ages. | | | | to face. For the online student, support from |
| Distance learning programs offer students the chance | | | | instructors is important. Some programs offer classes |
| to complete coursework for an associate, bachelor, | | | | that are taught via video so you actually see your |
| and masters level degrees. Students enroll in | | | | instructor. Tele-classes allow you to talk with other |
| programs that offer credit hours commensurate with | | | | classmates via the telephone. This is helpful for |
| colleges and universities. Some distance learning | | | | immediate questions that can be addressed by |
| programs can be completed in less time than the | | | | another student or the instructor. Online chat rooms |
| same degree earned at a traditional institution. | | | | and message boards connect you with others in the |
| Students can complete the coursework at a more | | | | online community at your school. |
| relaxed pace. This type of degree program is a step | | | | If online support is crucial to you, then look for a |
| in the right direction for the non-traditional student. | | | | school that offers the maximum amount. Distance |
| Working parents, older students, and single parents | | | | learning can be a challenge and extra support from |
| are all the types of individuals that benefit from | | | | the school can keep the task from becoming |
| distance learning. The programs can work around | | | | overwhelming. There are many types of distance |
| their hectic schedules without rigid classroom times. | | | | learning tools to choose from. Make sure that you |
| Completing a degree online is a worthy pursuit that | | | | decide on the one that suits your needs best. Each |
| requires some legwork. The first program that | | | | one of these important points will narrow down your |
| catches your eye is not necessarily the best. There | | | | list of schools until you reach the final few. |
| are several factors to consider. | | | | What about fees? Since there is no room or board |
| Does the school have your program of study? All | | | | to consider, tuition for online degree programs can |
| schools don't offer the same courses of study, just | | | | total less than a traditional degree. Courses may |
| like all traditional institutions vary in their curricula. | | | | require books and that needs to be considered when |
| Check out the courses to be sure that the one you | | | | computing the cost. The course descriptions should |
| want is available. If not, keep looking. | | | | list if outside resources such as books need to be |
| Picking five or six online schools that provide your | | | | purchased. |
| chosen program of study gives you choices. | | | | Ask about a payment plan. Non-traditional students |
| Compare the course book. Each school should have | | | | that have to work and attend school don't want to |
| their list of courses for each program available online | | | | get hit with a big bill all at once. Some can't afford |
| for review. If the courses are pretty much the same | | | | that. Payment plans that extend throughout the |
| from the description, at least you will know that | | | | semester give distance learners the option of |
| these are common courses. You can even compare | | | | budgeting each month for their education. This makes |
| the online courses to the courses offered at a | | | | the financial end of school manageable. |
| traditional school to see how they compare. | | | | If you are someone who has always wanted to earn |
| While online degree programs may offer the same | | | | an advanced degree but never had the time to |
| courses, credits seldom transfer between online | | | | attend a traditional college or university, distance |
| institutions or between online institutions and | | | | learning may be an option. You are able to work and |
| traditional four year institutions. Before you choose a | | | | attend classes at the same time. With a home |
| school, be aware of this. Making a commitment to | | | | computer and Internet access, you are ready to |
| that school means that you will see it through until | | | | begin a new chapter in your life. |
| the degree is earned so that you won't lose your | | | | |