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Online degrees can be a good way to get your degree at a lower cost and without needing to commute regularly. They are also a great option for people who want to advance their career but need to do so quickly or while working full-time instead of being able to go to classes on campus. If you want to attain an online degree that leads directly to a job rather than just meeting general education requirements, it’s important that you do your research and choose carefully. An online college can seem like an easy way out, but there are many options available and each one comes with its own pros and cons. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explain the different ways you can get an online degree in terms of what is involved, how much time it takes, and the costs involved.
What is an Online Degree?
An online degree is a type of degree program where students are not required to attend classes on campus. Instead, coursework is offered online, usually through one or more websites, and students are able to complete their course requirements from home. Some online programs allow students to take some classes on campus, but all have at least some online coursework. A degree program is a sequence of courses designed to teach students about a specific topic. Some online programs are fully online degrees that allow students to complete an entire degree online. Others, such as online associate degree programs, only require one or two online courses out of a total of 18 or 24 credits.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Online Degree?
The exact time it takes to earn an online degree will depend on the type of degree you choose, how quickly you can complete coursework, and if you need to take any time off. Most associate degrees can be completed in just one year, though you may need an additional year to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some master’s degrees can also be completed in one year if you already have an associate degree, if you already have some relevant coursework under your belt, or if you take a very accelerated program that skips some of the required coursework. As for doctoral programs, it can take anywhere from five to 10 years or longer to earn a Ph.D., depending on the type of program you are in and the pace at which you progress through it.
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
The exact cost of an online degree will depend on the type of degree you choose and which specific online college you go with. Some online colleges have a flat tuition rate for all students, regardless of where they live or their income level. Other schools charge different rates for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. If you qualify for financial aid, you may be able to get federal student loans and/or scholarships to help cover the cost of your degree. Be sure to apply for financial aid early, as many scholarships are only available in the fall. A few extra costs you should plan for include the cost of a computer and necessary software if you don’t already have them and the cost of a printer and paper if you want to print out course materials.
Pros and Cons of Earning an Online Degree
Pros of earning an online degree include the ability to work on your own schedule and the low cost compared with an on-campus degree. You can also focus on completing a degree program that is relevant to your career and industry, rather than spending time on general education requirements. Cons of getting an online degree include the inability to get in-person feedback from professors, the potential for lower grades due to a lack of accountability, and the fact that many employers will not recognize your online degree as high as an on-campus one.
When Should You Not Get an Online Degree?
If you are concerned about your ability to self-discipline and self-motivated, you may want to reconsider getting an online degree. If you don’t already have a strong work ethic and a good system for keeping yourself on task, you may struggle to finish a degree program online. Another situation that might call for reconsidering getting an online degree is if you’re worried about the potential for lower grades due to lack of feedback. If you’re concerned about potential employer prejudice against online degrees, you should also consider another path. You may want to look into getting an on-campus degree or an online degree from a well-recognized university.
Final Words
An online degree can be a great way to advance your career and get the education you need to succeed in the modern workplace. It can also be a good option for people who are unable to go to classes on campus due to scheduling conflicts, who don’t have the financial resources to attend college in person, who want to earn their degree faster, or who want to study remotely. However, an online degree is not right for everyone. In order to get the most out of the experience, it’s important to understand what is involved and to carefully consider your options.