Are Online Degrees Considered Real Degrees?
When online degrees first started, many people were hesitant about going to school online. They believed that employers would think that an online degree was worthless.
Now, people everywhere are using online colleges to advance their career and achieve their personal goals. When you go to college online, you get a similar education without the inconvenience.
6 Benefits of Earning an Online Degree
Top schools like Purdue University, Colorado State University, and the University of Florida offer online classes and degree programs. When you graduate with an online degree from a school like Purdue University, the degree still says Purdue University on it. Unless you tell your employer that you studied entirely online, they will never know the difference.
While online degrees used to have a bad reputation, this is quickly starting to change. Part of the reason why is because of the high-quality teachers and exceptional programs offered online. By studying online, students can take advantage of several different benefits.
1. Cost
One important factor in favor of studying online is the cost. Often, you can find online classes that are cheaper than classes at a brick-and-mortar school.
Plus, you end up saving money on your commute.
2. Convenience
When you study online, you are able to get a degree from any location in the world. Whether you are on vacation or sitting in your pajamas, you can work on an essay and finish your homework. All you have to do is open up your laptop.
Within moments, you can immediately start your school day and even finish making dinner while you study.
3. Flexibility
Online schooling is perfect for people who have constantly changing schedules.
When you study online, you do not have to limit how many hours you work or worry about missing out on a kindergarten performance. You can still handle your career and personal life because you are finishing your degree on your schedule.
4. Career Benefits
In many ways, online schools provide the exact same benefits as an in-person program. If you work for the federal government or a local school, you will get a raise for having an advanced degree level.
Since online schools have the same accreditation, they can get you the same raise, career advancement, or licensure benefits.
5. Comfortable Learning Environments
When you study online, you never have to worry about what you are wearing. If you want, you can study in your pajamas. When you have a cold, you can still complete your schoolwork without having to miss a day of class.
Your learning environment is just as comfortable as you want it to be.
6. Short Commutes
Some people move across the country to go to college. In other cases, students stay home and drive long distances to attend class.
If you study online, you never have to commute to your campus. Your commute time is the time it takes to travel from your bedroom to your laptop.
Where Should You Get Your Degree At?
As you consider which school to choose, you should look at your personal preferences, your budget, and your career goals. The school of your choice needs to have the major or certificate program you need to reach your career goals. You also need a school that fits your budget. If the school is more expensive than you can afford, you will need to look for scholarships or consider a different school.
To get started on your college search, consider the following schools.
Purdue University Global
If you want employers to take you seriously, a degree from Purdue University will definitely do the trick. For years, Purdue University has been one of the country’s top schools.
Now, it even offers an innovative online program. The school offers many different associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. At the moment, it only offers one doctoral program in the field of nursing.
To apply to the school, you just have to go to its website. Each class lasts for a 10-week term or a six-week term. No matter what the term length is, you can expect to spend 10 to 12 hours a week studying for classes.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is a part of the Pennsylvania State University system and has more than 150 degree programs online. Students can get anything from a bachelor’s degree to doctoral degrees. Students in the online program engage in peer-to-peer interactions using video conferences, chat windows, email messages, phone calls, bulletin boards, and social media.
Since the application process varies by program, students need to check how the process works for the degree they want.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a good choice because of its reputation in the education industry. Right now, there are more than 25,000 students enrolled in more than 150 different undergraduate and graduate programs.
This is a top-ranked university, which means that a degree from ASU will look good to potential employers. Students can also take advantage of the tutors ASU provides for tough classes as well as the school’s career service personnel.
To apply, students have to use the school’s online portal and pay a $65 fee.
The University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois is the largest university in Chicago.
When it comes to getting an online bachelor’s degree, the University of Illinois at Chicago has ranked in the top 10 schools for years. Right now, the U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the fifth-best in the country for an online bachelor’s degree.
Unlike some online schools, the University of Illinois makes sure that programs are accredited by the best accrediting agencies.
Students have to apply using the online portal before the school’s application deadline.
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Started in 2007, Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is a part of the Colorado State University System. It boasts of more than 15,000 students in its student body and was the country’s first independent state university to be entirely online.
Students can find 24 different degree programs at the school. From individualized support to tutoring resources, the school goes out of its way to make studying easier for its students.
To apply, students just have to use the school’s online application and submit the $25 fee.
Conclusion
While these are some of the best online schools, there are many top colleges that offer online programs today. Unlike in the past, online schools now have rigorous, highly respected degrees.
By going to school online, you can achieve your educational goals in a flexible, convenient format.