There are more online degree programs than ever before.
While that's a good thing, it can be difficult for students to narrow down the choices to those best meeting their needs.
But, it doesn't have to be so tough if you spend a little time thinking and putting together a list of questions. The first question should be to yourself. What are you looking for in an online degree program? As you develop answers to that question you will be well on your way to choosing an online degree program.
Below is a list of questions to which all students should get answers by reviewing college publications and websites and/or speaking with admissions representatives. You can and should add to them, depending on what you are looking for.
First and most important is accreditation. If an online college or university is not accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education it should be eliminated from consideration immediately.
Next is the question of majors? Which colleges offer the major in which you are interested? How strong are their programs? Do they offer concentrations or specialties of interest to you? What are the backgrounds of faculty? All are questions worth asking.
Finances, of course, are important to most people. But, asking only about tuition does not result in a full picture. Be sure to find out about the availability of scholarships, student loans, grants and tuition installment options. All can play a role in making an institution affordable.
If you have done prior college coursework, or if you have experience for which you might be granted college credit, ask about colleges' credit transfer policies. Specifically, be sure you understand what you must do to determine which transfer credits you might receive and the number of such credits which might be applied to your degree. In addition, ask if you can be informed, in writing, which credits will be accepted before you enroll.
You also need to ask about student services. Start with financial aid counseling. Then find out if online tutoring is available. Will you be able to email professors if you have a question or problem? Will you be able to confer with classmates? Be sure to ask. And, find out about job placement and any other services important to you.
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
The necessary answers are easy to find once you first find the right questions. The good news is that you now have all the information you need to make a good college choice.
While that's a good thing, it can be difficult for students to narrow down the choices to those best meeting their needs.
But, it doesn't have to be so tough if you spend a little time thinking and putting together a list of questions. The first question should be to yourself. What are you looking for in an online degree program? As you develop answers to that question you will be well on your way to choosing an online degree program.
Below is a list of questions to which all students should get answers by reviewing college publications and websites and/or speaking with admissions representatives. You can and should add to them, depending on what you are looking for.
First and most important is accreditation. If an online college or university is not accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education it should be eliminated from consideration immediately.
Next is the question of majors? Which colleges offer the major in which you are interested? How strong are their programs? Do they offer concentrations or specialties of interest to you? What are the backgrounds of faculty? All are questions worth asking.
Finances, of course, are important to most people. But, asking only about tuition does not result in a full picture. Be sure to find out about the availability of scholarships, student loans, grants and tuition installment options. All can play a role in making an institution affordable.
If you have done prior college coursework, or if you have experience for which you might be granted college credit, ask about colleges' credit transfer policies. Specifically, be sure you understand what you must do to determine which transfer credits you might receive and the number of such credits which might be applied to your degree. In addition, ask if you can be informed, in writing, which credits will be accepted before you enroll.
You also need to ask about student services. Start with financial aid counseling. Then find out if online tutoring is available. Will you be able to email professors if you have a question or problem? Will you be able to confer with classmates? Be sure to ask. And, find out about job placement and any other services important to you.
Spend some quiet time thinking about your educational and career goals. Add a few questions to those above. Then, start getting answers by reading and by speaking with admissions representatives. As your questions are answered it will be easier for you to eliminate some options and move others to the top of your list.
The necessary answers are easy to find once you first find the right questions. The good news is that you now have all the information you need to make a good college choice.
About the Author:
Daniel Kane has been assisting students for more than 25 years through his positions in higher education and more than a dozen educational websites on distance education and degrees and online college degrees.
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