How can you be sure an online college education is a good fit for you? A college education can still open doors but the time constraints of busy lives can be prohibitive for many people. The logistics of juggling home, work, family and attending classes at schools which are sometimes a good distance from home can really complicate things. An online education can work in many situations and reduce some of these problems.
Before you choose any school, you have to know if it’s a good fit for you. With schools you attend on campus, there are staff and counselors available and students to talk to about the school, its programs and support resources. With online classes, your resources for learning about the school itself may be a little more limited. There are some things you can look for and look into when you are screening online college programs.
Learn About the School
Whether or not the school is accredited can and should be a major factor in your selection process. Degrees from schools that are not accredited are not as valuable as those from accredited schools. If you intend to continue your education and want a second degree or a graduate degree, credits from unaccredited schools may not transfer to other schools.
Check Out the Program
Make sure the degree program meets your needs. It should offer all the courses you need to take. If you are in a specialized field, such as nursing, accounting and others, check to see if the online program meets state requirements. Find out if your credits are transferable. If you cannot find answers to all of your questions on the school’s website, look for ways to contact them so that you can get your questions answered before you enroll.
Online Class Medium
Every college has their own policies on how online classes are conducted. Some are strictly online with no presence required on campus. You can attend these from out of state even. Others require an initial on campus orientation and perhaps several on campus visits for tests or consults with the teacher overseeing the class. Some classes may have labs that you must attend. Check the individual class requirements carefully. If you do not live close to the school, some of the classes may be impossible to complete.
You will need access to a computer with reliable Internet service. Missing due dates because your Internet service was interrupted can be a serious problem, particularly if it happens frequently. Most schools have their own applications for facilitating the weekly assignment schedule and testing requirements. Your computer will need to be compatible with this application and any other software that may be required by specific courses.