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Traditional degrees vs. Online degrees
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Who can take online courses? Are there any specific qualifications or requirements?
How do I register for online courses?
How does an online course actually work?
What is the difference between an online and a traditional degree?
Is online learning for me?
How much will online courses cost?
Which is more expensive: campus or online courses?
How long will it take to achieve my degree online?
What kind of degree can I earn online?
Isn’t a traditional degree better than an online degree?
How do I know that an online university is credible? How do I know my degree is legitimate?
Is financial aid available for online learning?
Are online courses taught by “real” professors?
Do I need any special software to take courses online? How tech-savvy do I need to be?
Can I transfer credits? Do online schools accept transfer credits?
Can I get tuition reimbursement from my company for online learning?

Who can take online courses? Are there any specific qualifications or requirements?
Well, almost anyone! Of course, this does depend on the type of course you are taking and what degree level you are pursuing. Some courses do not require any formal qualifications, and others do. It is best to contact your chosen school regarding what their particular requirements are.

How do I register for online courses?
This varies from school to school; the best way to begin your registration process is to choose the school you wish to take courses from and speak with them directly and inquire about their specific registration process.

How does an online course actually work?
An online course essentially works the same way a traditional campus course does - your professor will prepare a lesson and assign homework & tasks, however the assignments will be posted on the internet. Students can obtain all lesson information, assignments, and other information via the internet. Most assignments are turned in electronically.

What is the difference between an online and a traditional degree?
Other than the physical location of the classes, there is no difference at all! As within a traditional classroom setting, when you take online courses you will be assigned tasks, homework, and other work to complete. Your work will be graded, and you will be able to confer with your professors and classmates via the internet. Taking online courses allows you more flexibility with scheduling and the pace at which you complete your degree.

Is online learning for me?
Online education is for just about anyone; however, due to the fact that there is little personal contact, you must be able to stay focused and disciplined on your work. You will be missing out on the social element of the more traditional schools, however online learning is perfect for those who want to earn a degree without spending time in a classroom. This allows many people to continue working full time or part time jobs while earning a degree. Some questions you should ask yourself to make a more informed decision are:

      •  How important is face-to-face communication with my teacher and peers?
      •  Will I miss the experience of a classroom atmosphere?
      •  How much time do I have to devote to school?
      •  Can I commit the time and energy to further my education?
      •  How self-motivated am I to earn a degree?
      •  Am I willing to be self-disciplined?
      •  Am I comfortable with computers?
      •  Do I have a hard time with technology?

How much will online courses cost?
This depends on what school you go through, the courses you take, and the degree type you are pursuing. It is best to choose your school and ask them about course costs directly. Many enrollment counselors can answer these questions for you via phone or email.

Which is more expensive: campus or online courses?
Campus courses are traditionally costlier than online courses, however actual cost will vary depending on school, courses, program length, etc.

How long will it take to achieve my degree online?
There are several factors which affect the timeframe of achieving your degree. This will vary depending on the courses you take, degree type and level you are pursuing, the pace at which you complete your work, etc. In most instances, online degrees can be earned much quicker than degrees earned by taking traditional campus courses.

What kind of degree can I earn online?
You can obtain any degree level online, from a simple certificate to your PhD! The actual areas of study will vary based on the chosen school, however most offer degrees in all traditional areas including but not limited to:

      •  Business
      •  Criminal Justice
      •  Education
      •  Healthcare
      •  Technology
      •  Liberal Arts
      •  Legal
      •  Human Services
      •  Graphic Design
      •  Engineering

It is wise to contact the schools you are interested in directly to ask them what levels and courses they offer.

Isn’t a traditional degree better than an online degree?
Absolutely not! In terms of educational quality, traditional and online degrees are almost exactly the same. Studies have shown that online learning is just as effective as campus learning. Most people choose to take online courses because of the lesser cost, more flexible learning pace, and because they simply do not have time to attend traditional classroom courses. It simply depends on which works out best for you.

How do I know that an online university is credible? How do I know my degree is legitimate?
Unfortunately there are some online schools that will grant just about anyone a diploma in exchange for money, without even meeting any academic criteria. You should try to find an online school that is acknowledged by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education. The most important part is to do your homework and research each institution before committing to a certain school.

Is financial aid available for online learning?
Yes! Almost all of the financial aid options that are available to students who attend campus courses are also available to those who choose to study online. It is recommended that you contact the institution that you plan on applying for financial aid with and ask them directly.

Are online courses taught by “real” professors?
Absolutely, the professors who teach online course are every bit as qualified as any traditional campus faculty member. You will be assigned homework and tasks by online professors just as if you were taking a traditional classroom course. Most professors are available via email or phone just as a traditional campus professor would have office hours each day.

Do I need any special software to take courses online? How tech-savvy do I need to be?
For the most part, all that is required is a computer and an internet connection. If additional software or knowledge is needed, your school will let you know. You do not need to be incredibly tech-savvy in order to study online. If you can turn on your computer and navigate internet, you can study online!

Can I transfer credits? Do online schools accept transfer credits?
Yes, and yes! Most traditional schools will accept transfer credits from accredited online schools, and vice versa. However, before undergoing any course of study – online or campus – it is wise to check with your specific school to see what their transfer policies are.

Can I get tuition reimbursement from my company for online learning?
If tuition reimbursement is something your company offers, you cannot be denied for choosing to study online.

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