Planning For an Online Degree
Distance Learning Checklist
Consumers that shop for online degrees typically are over the age of 30, and have less than an undergraduate degree. Many have partial degrees, but few understand the components necessary to assemble a complete college degree plan. What do you need to know before you apply for a degree program? A checklist that outlines the major components of a college degree search can help enormously with organization. Keep track of websites you’ve visited; scholarships applied for, and keep to-do items organized.
Demographically, most online learners have been ten years or so out of school and many have never gone to college. The idea of “online” seems convenient, affordable, and even easy. But as attractive as distance learning may seem, it’s not for everyone.
Time Commitment
Online learners in hot pursuit of a full-blown degree must first be aware of the time commitment. Yes, online degrees are designed to afford the most flexible environments; online curriculum environments are available 24/7; and there is some freedom to self-pace assignments. With these advantages in mind, learners must have a high-degree of self-motivation. After the dishes have been done and the kids have been put to bed it’s typically study time.
- Can you maintain a busy schedule of work and family, plus add in a couple hours study time each night? Can you do this for possibly two years?
Choosing an Online Provider
There are a number of online degree providers from which to choose: online universities, traditional colleges/universities, or specialty schools. Weigh carefully your career situation, career and educational goals for the short-term and long-term, as well as the type of degree or coursework you wish to pursue. Are you looking for an undergraduate degree, baccalaureate completion, graduate, or postgraduate degree? Or are you filling in career blanks with standalone courses and/or professional certificates? Do you want the prestige associated with an elite school, —as well as the cost—or are you satisfied with a large online university, or a regional provider?
- Choose an online school.
Degree and Requirements
Online degree providers offer varying numbers and types of degrees. Large-scale online universities may have dozens of degrees: certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and even PhDs, and these in almost all majors and fields of specialty. Some providers also offer Bachelor’s Completion programs for those students with some undergraduate credit to transfer.
- Choose a degree and area of specialization.
- Make sure you understand requirements for admission.
Requirements may include previous undergraduate work, GED and high school diploma, GRE, minimum GPA from previous coursework, prerequisite coursework, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, personal statement, and financial aid information.
Financial Aid
Forms of financial aid may differ depending on the type of degree, coursework, and even the online degree provider. Many advisors suggest you automatically complete the FAFSA.
- Discuss federal and institutional aid options with a financial aid advisor.
Free Money
There may be sources for money you don’t have to pay back. Free money may include scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursement plans, and student loan repayment/waiver programs.
- Check with your employer or HR department for any available tuition reimbursement programs.
- Ask your college financial aid advisor for information regarding any institutional scholarships for distance learners. Keep close track of deadlines and fill out information completely.
Technology Needs
Online degrees require students to have at the very least a computer and Internet access. Further technological requirements are dependent on the degree provider, the type of curriculum management system, and type of degree and coursework.
- Do you have basic computing skills? You don’t have to be a computer science guru, but online curriculums require you to possess basic navigational know-how.
- Does your PC or MAC meet minimum computing requirements such as operating system and memory?
- What kind of Internet connection do you need?
- Is there any special software you are required to buy?
Online degrees are less demanding when it comes to preparation and finances than are traditional colleges; nevertheless, organization is the key to making sure all your educational goals are met.
