Over four million individuals were enrolled in online, graduate programs last year. This number is steadily increasing. Higher education has become more accessible since the birth of the virtual classroom. Many individuals who may not have the time, transportation, or finances to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university are looking into alternative ways of earning a graduate degree, especially thru online education.
What is an Online Graduate School?
Students pursuing an online graduate degree learn in a virtual classroom with a virtual teacher and classmates. They will participate in virtual chats and host discussions on online forums. Assignments are submitted and graded online, as are most quizzes and tests. Basically, online students study in a virtual world!
What Supplies are required for an Online Graduate School?
Naturally, the most important materials for the online student are a reliable computer and Internet connection. If your current Internet connection, router, or browser isn't dependable, make the investment and upgrade your equipment. It is your responsibility as an online student to ensure that you have access to the Internet at all times. Many professors will not consider technical issues a legitimate excuse for late assignments.
Why Should I Consider an Online Grad Degree?
By the time people have earned their bacheloros degree and are looking into a master's degree, they usually have a career and, possibly, a family. They canot spare the time away from work or home to sit in classrooms five days a week. Online education is different. It is extremely flexible, allowing you to listen to lectures, work on assignments, and read online materials at your convenience. Instead of scheduling your job around school, you can schedule your school around your job and your family.
Getting an online graduate degree also significantly reduces the cost of tuition since there are no room and board fees or other campus-related fees. Also, because online graduate schools allow you to balance education and work, you can continue to earn a steady income while studying.
Is Online Grad School For Me?
Like all colleges, there are a few requirements for online students. Prospective students should hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA (grade point average) of at least 2.5, preferably around 3.0. Students looking into an online grad degree should also have a passing score on either the GRE or the GMAT. Other than that, all you need is a healthy dose of self-motivation and an eagerness to learn!
How Do I Pursue an Online Grad Degree?
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, over four million individuals have chosen to pursue their master's degree online. Consequently, many colleges - both traditional and online - now offer online graduate programs. The University of Phoenix, one of the first colleges to offer online education, offers master's degrees in business, education, psychology, criminal justice, and many others. Champlain College also offers online master's degrees, including a grad degree in Business Administration. Penn State has nearly two-dozen online grad degree programs.
The window of opportunity is opening up for people of all ages and all backgrounds. If online education sounds interesting, contact one of these colleges for more information, and start enjoying the flexibility and financial benefits of earning your grad degree online!
