University distance degrees are no longer hard to find. Today, the challenge is choosing between the countless distance learning programs offered by colleges across the nation. It is easy to get swamped or overwhelmed with the amount of available options unless you clearly define your goals and reasons for pursuing higher education.
Why Pursue a University Distance Degree?
The world is getting more competitive and it requires more effort to stand out from the crowd. Earning a university distance degree is the surest and fastest way of building your resume. Many online degree programs are accelerated and allow you to complete degrees in half the time, if you're willing to put the work into it.
A university distance degree will also increase your salary potential. In general, higher education leads to higher pay. Many traditional degree programs will drain your savings and take years to complete. Studying via the Internet will not only save you room and board, but also pay less tuition if you complete the degree sooner than expected.
Many adults are entering online degree programs - over four million last year, in fact. The truth is, the world is changing and many jobs are becoming extinct. Recently, Forbes published an article listing jobs that don't even exist yet but will be in high demand in the next few decades. Acquiring new training and experience to keep up with this changing world is another reason why so many people are enrolling in university distance degree programs.
What Makes a Quality Distance University?
Its accreditation level primarily determines the quality of a distance learning university. The highest level of accreditation is regional accreditation. As long as the accreditation levels are the same, it is often possible to transfer credits from one university to another. If you have earned college credits in the past, check to see if they will transfer and apply to your degree.
Next, check the university's student-faculty ratio. It is very tempting for colleges to cram too many students into online classrooms since there are no physical limitations. However, the quality of education definitely goes down when the student-faculty ratio is unbalanced. If your goal is to get a quality education versus a mere diploma, this ratio is especially important.
Choose a university that has a history of working with distance learning students. You will want advisors and instructors who understand what it is like to earn degrees online. The University of Phoenix offers many distance-learning degrees and was one of the first colleges to do so. Kaplan University and Liberty University have also offered distance degrees for some time.
How many graduates get hired? What is their average salary? Don't forget to check the university's graduation and dropout rates. These figures are helpful indicators of the quality of the online university.
Finally, remember that there is a difference between teaching a live classroom and a virtual classroom. Just because an instructor is an excellent on-campus teacher doesn't necessarily mean that he or she has the ability to adjust to online learning. There are unique challenges to distance learning and instructors must be innovative and have experience teaching online.
Finding a Distance Degree School
These criteria can help you choose between the many options available. If distance learning appeals to you, identify your goals and start enjoying the benefits of online education!
