Accounting Degrees
Is Distance Learning Right For You?
Are you certain about what you want to study and the outcome you desire?
It's an admirable goal to return to school. Having a specific ambition in mind will put you at an advantage since many online degree programs offer very specific training curriculums, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for certain industries. Of course, due to the nature of its delivery method, those who are not 100% certain about their final area of focus can explore programs at their convenience, starting out with liberal arts studies or taking advantage of a bachelor's degree completion program. Then one can choose to specialize in a particular area upon pursuit of graduate studies.
Now that you have a good sense of your suitability to cyber-school, you'll need to understand the components of online study:
You can school anytime, anywhere. just about.
The majority of online programs offer what's called asynchronous study - class work that can be completed at a time convenient for you so long as you meet deadlines). Some programs utilize synchronous study, setting a scheduled class time at which you must sign on. Most online programs are asynchronous, since the academic flexibility for which online higher education is so highly regarded stems from the ability to log on and learn when it is convenient for you.
In fact, most online programs work this way: You receive a user name and password that grants you access to all online class materials (syllabus, supplementary readings, professor and classmate profiles and email, etc.). Most professors establish a specific curriculum with deadlines for assignments, just like a traditional program. The onus is on you, however, to meet all deadlines, post your insight and feedback for readings and lesson questions, etc. That's the major difference, and the major convenience. No longer are you tied into a set time or place to learn; online learning affords you flexibility while maintaining high academic quality. That is, if a school is accredited.
Just because a school's accreditation sounds official, doesn't mean it is.
An "official-sounding" accreditation doesn't ensure anything. There are a multitude of "diploma mills" that grant so-called degrees. One of the most important factors to consider when deciding upon an online program is a school's accreditation. In order for your degree to be widely recognized, the college or university must have this "academic seal of approval.
Corporate America is recognizing online degrees.
After all, virtually no colleges or universities indicate a degree was earned online. And, a growing number of online students report that their employers embrace the initiative and independent learning style indicative of a student with online academic experience. In the classroom and in the workforce, technology is driving innovation. Those who can demonstrate mastery and experience are those who will have the leading edge.
If you take an online course, you may still be eligible for financial aid.
Most colleges and universities extend financial aid to online students in the same manner they do traditional students. Some schools are also able to extend federal financial aid to online students (inquire with your institution). Additionally, many schools and lenders offer loans specifically designed for nontraditional students and programs.
Also be sure to explore scholarship opportunities as well as potential reimbursement funding from your employer. Many corporations recognize the benefit of having leaders with advanced degrees, and will subsidize certain tuition packages accordingly.