| More students than ever before are enrolled in online | | | | no classes to commute to and students can work |
| college courses. According to the Sloan Consortium, | | | | from any computer with an internet connection |
| an association devoted to the growth of quality | | | | anytime that is convenient for them. Online courses |
| online education, nearly 3.5 million students were | | | | are flexible and allow students to work at their own |
| taking at least one online college course during the fall | | | | pace, which is suitable for those trying to fit an |
| term of 2006. That number has jumped ten percent | | | | education around their busy life. |
| from the previous year. | | | | However, students should be cautious when choosing |
| The first form of online education was introduced in | | | | an online university. There are numerous "diploma mill" |
| the early 1990s and was used by companies to train | | | | scams that many have become victim to. When |
| new employees. As the Internet continued to evolve | | | | choosing an online university, make sure to keep the |
| and people were able to own personal computers, | | | | following in mind: |
| universities and other institutions began to use this | | | | - Choose a university accredited by an accrediting |
| medium as a way to reach out to students on a | | | | agency that is approved by the U.S. Department of |
| higher educational basis. By the year 2000, more | | | | Education and the Council for Higher Education |
| colleges and universities began focusing on online | | | | Accreditation (CHEA). You can search for a school |
| education as technology continued to progress. | | | | accredited by the Council for Higher Education |
| Completely online degree programs offered by | | | | Accreditation at |
| distinguished universities became increasingly popular. | | | | - It takes time to earn a quality degree. Do not |
| Over the years, the workforce has changed greatly. | | | | choose a university that claims you can obtain a |
| Today, many studies show that in order to land a | | | | degree within a few days or weeks. |
| higher paying position or earn a promotion, you must | | | | - Many "diploma mills" charge a flat rate or charge per |
| have a degree. According to the U.S. Department of | | | | degree. Legitimate universities collect tuition by credit |
| Labor Statistics, for a firefighter to be promoted to a | | | | or course, not per degree. |
| position higher than battalion chief a bachelor's degree | | | | - You have to do the course work to earn a degree. |
| is required in a field such as fire science or public | | | | "Diploma mills" may grant degrees based solely on |
| administration. | | | | work or life experience without requiring exams or |
| Earning an online degree is easier for adults who are | | | | assignments. Accredited universities may give a few |
| already considered to be in the "real world" and not | | | | credits for experience related to the field of study, |
| looking for the typical college experience. There are | | | | but not an entire degree. |