| Online degree programs are a growing component of | | | | International University in Colorado became the first |
| distance learning, which includes education completed | | | | online accredited university to launch. The Online |
| outside the classroom environment such as | | | | Education Database now contains reviews of over |
| correspondence courses and video lectures. Distance | | | | 1,000 online degree programs offered at 89 |
| learning has been in existence for years. According to | | | | accredited online colleges in the country. Students are |
| the United States Distance Learning Association, 39 | | | | earning online undergraduate and post graduate |
| universities offered correspondence courses by 1930 | | | | degrees in fields including Education, Business, Human |
| to allow education to be more accessible to students | | | | Resources, Nursing and Engineering. |
| living around the country. | | | | More students are taking advantage of the increasing |
| President Obama has declared that adults will need an | | | | number of distance learning programs being offered. |
| education beyond a high school diploma in order to | | | | According to U.S. News & World Report, less |
| stay competitive in the changing economy’s | | | | than two million students enrolled in at least one |
| workforce. Distance learning allows working students | | | | online class in 2003. In 2008, enrollment increased to |
| to balance taking classes and completing assignments | | | | over 4 million in online courses. Some ivy league |
| with their demanding job schedules. Another appeal | | | | schools have even started allowing students to audit |
| of online degree programs is that their tuition costs | | | | classes online. However, U.S. News & World |
| are often less than those associated with obtaining a | | | | Report noted that there are employers who are |
| traditional university education. | | | | skeptical about hiring applicants with online degrees. |
| Advances in computer technology have resulted in | | | | Online degree programs are becoming more common |
| the evolution of distance learning to include online | | | | as they address many students need for more |
| degree programs. The United States Distance | | | | affordable and flexible ways to earn an education in |
| Learning Association reported that in 1993, Jones | | | | today’s economy. |