Busting the Top 5 Myths About Online Bachelor’s Degrees

More people than ever are taking online classes. A 2009 report by the Sloan Consortium indicates that over 4.6 million students took at least one online course in 2008 – a 17% increase over the year before. That greatly exceeds the 1.2% growth rate of the overall college student population*.

And yet rumors about distance learning – many of them quite negative – abound. So here are the top five myths about earning an online bachelor’s degree – busted!

1. Online bachelor’s degree programs aren’t accredited. There are certainly some distance learning programs that lack accreditation, so the first thing you need to know about any online school you’re considering is whether or not it is certified by one of the six national U.S. accrediting bodies. This is called regional accreditation, and it’s the highest form of accreditation a college or university can posses. Many online schools are regionally accredited, especially those associated with traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Just make sure the one you select is among them.

2. Credits earned online won’t transfer to a campus-based program. One of the main reasons to choose an accredited online bachelor’s degree program is to make sure you can transfer your credits if necessary. One accredited school will typically accept credits from another – up to a point. Each institution sets its own limits on transfer credits; some accept an unlimited amount, but many set a maximum. Regardless, credits earned from an accredited online school should transfer just as well as those from an accredited on-campus school.

3. Employers don’t recognize online bachelor’s degrees. This particular myth held some truth at one time, but no longer. An Excelsior College/Zogby International survey released in 2008 found that 83% of CEOs and small business owners who were familiar with distance learning strongly agreed that a degree earned online was just as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program**. Once again, accreditation is the key; if your online bachelor’s degree comes from an accredited institution, a significant majority of employers will accept it.

4. Online courses are less challenging. This is simply not true. Accredited distance learning institutions offer a wide variety of undergraduate programs - including bachelor's degrees in healthcare administration, BS degree's in software engineering and online degree's in web development - that require discipline and hard work. You will be expected to keep up with the same course material as students who attend on-campus classes, and you must do so without constant reminders from an instructor. Online education provides a great deal of flexibility in when and where your do your coursework, but it places the responsibility for success squarely upon your shoulders.

5. Online students can’t interact with their instructors or peers. Also patently false. At minimum, you will engage your instructors and advisors through email. But more often than not, online education involves participation in chat rooms, group projects and Internet forums. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software such as Skype and Ventrilo is also frequently used, allowing real-time voice communication over the Web. Today, most distance learning programs do not merely encourage interaction – they require it.

*Learning on Demand: Online Education in the United States, 2009
**Online Degrees Earn Wider Acceptance in the Business World, Excelsior College 2008

4 Crucial Tips on Transferring Your Community College Credits

Completing your first two years of school at a community college is a sound financial decision. The College Board notes in a recent article that in-state students can expect their public two-year college to cost about $2,544 per year in tuition and fees, compared to $7,020 at a public four-year college*. That’s an impressive savings that eliminates a lot of potential debt.

However, you might worry about having to transfer your credits when you’re ready to continue working on your on-campus or online bachelor's degree at a four-year school. Thankfully, the process is now fairly straightforward. Here are some tips on how to make transferring your credits to a bachelor’s program go smoothly:

Before Starting Community College

1. Make sure the community college you attend is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation – the highest form of accreditation in the country – is vitally important. Colleges and universities that are certified by one of the six regional U.S. accrediting agencies meet rigorous Department of Education standards, and credits earned at one such school can usually be transferred to another. On the other hand, most regionally accredited on-campus and online bachelor’s programs will not accept transfer credits from a non-accredited college.

2. See if your community college cooperates with any four-year institutions. Many community colleges are closely associated with nearby public four-year colleges, and might have established articulation agreements with them. Such agreements guarantee that most or all of the credits earned at the community college will transfer to the four-year college, and also make transferring credits between the two schools much faster and easier. If at all possible, choose a community college that has an articulation agreement with a four-year school that a) offers the on-campus or online bachelor’s program you want to pursue, and b) you are actually interested in transferring to.

When You Are Ready to Transfer

3. Meet advisors and admissions officers from several colleges. Once you know which four-year schools you’re interested in attending, contact an advisor at each of them and set up a meeting (phone meetings are acceptable when necessary, but face-to-face is much better). These advisors will be able to tell you what requirements their school places on transfer students, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test score. They should also be able to tell you about their institution’s bachelor’s programs – or direct you to those who can – so that you’ll be able to choose the one that’s best for you.

4. Explore online bachelor’s degree program options. For many students – especially adults with work and/or family responsibilities – an online bachelor’s program offers the combination of affordability and flexibility they need. Such programs are usually less expensive than their on-campus counterparts and can be adapted to fit almost any schedule. To make sure you choose a legitimate online bachelor’s program that will provide you with the degree you need, learn these nine essential tips for students taking online courses.

Popular Associate Degree Programs
• Associate's in Business Management
• Management Information Systems (MIS) AA Degrees

*What It Costs to Go to College, The College Board (Accessed September 2010)

How to Select an Online PhD Degree Program

Given the extended study and intensive work required to earn a doctoral degree, only 1% of Americans attain this prestigious credential. Online PhD degree programs are becoming a popular option for professionals who wish to earn a doctorate while maintaining a full-time job. Achieving a doctoral degree can have a tremendous impact on your career; however, it's important to do your research before choosing among the PhD degree programs available online.

What Is an Online PhD Degree Program?
In these advanced program, students lean in a virtual classroom via the Web instead of meeting face-to-face in a campus-based classroom. Many of those pursuing online PhD's currently work in their field of study to meet the requirement for hands-on experience. Pursuing a PhD Online allow for greater flexibility in scheduling class time around work and personal obligations.

Earning a PhD degree online may take between four to six years to complete, depending on your course of study and dissertation topic, and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. In most PhD programs, a panel of three to five professors oversee your academic progress and evaluate your dissertation.

What to Look for in a Web Based PhD Program
As with any degree program, your focus should be on the quality of your education. Following are key considerations in choosing a school for an online Doctorate level degree program:

1. Accreditation: Look for colleges and universities that have been accredited by one of the agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). These accrediting bodies have a strict evaluation process in place to ensure that schools incorporate sound teaching methods and exceptional faculty to deliver a high-quality education. Accreditation is important, as many employers will only consider candidates that have completed online degree programs from an accredited institution. Verify that the schools you are considering are approved by one of the recognized agencies listed on the DOE website.

2. Beware of Fraudulent Claims: Watch out for "diploma mills" that claim you can earn a PhD online in weeks or months, using work or life experience in lieu of coursework. All legitimate, accredited, degree programs will require you to complete relevant courses and a dissertation. If a company demands full payment for the total cost of the program upfront and provides a P.O. box instead of a physical address, it is likely to be a scam.

Popular Online Graduate Programs
• Online Doctorate in Business Administration
• Doctoral Degrees in Education Leadership
• Technology Management PhD Degrees
• PhD Degrees in Healthcare

3. Recognized Faculty: Take the time to review the credentials of the faculty for the PhD degree programs you're considering. Do they have doctoral degrees and industry experience? Are they recognized as leaders in their field? Have they published important works in well-known journals? You'll want to make sure you're learning from the best, and that you'll have ongoing communication with them. It's important to establish a rapport with the faculty on your advisory committee. Also, you should look to see if mentoring programs are available.

4. Professional Affiliations: Check with the licensing agencies or professional groups associated with your field of study to see if they endorse your school and its online PhD or Doctorate degree program.

5. Program and Course Availability: Review the academic calendar for the degree programs you're considering. How many terms are offered each year? How long is each session? Are your required courses available every term, or only at certain times of the year? These are important questions to answer when determining how long it will take to complete your PhD degree online program.

6. Financial Assistance: Of course, financing is a major consideration in any educational decision. In addition to the cost of tuition, you may also need to pay for books, supplies, lab fees, travel (if necessary) and other expenses. The schools you're considering should have financial aid information listed on their website. Do they offer scholarships, fellowships or grants? If your PhD program is offered by a regionally accredited university, you may be eligible for federal grants or loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online to determine your eligibility.

Whatever your personal and professional goals, earning a PhD degree online can help you advance your career and achieve greater success. Do your research and choose your PhD online degree program wisely to ensure your place among the most influential leaders in your field.

9 Essential Tips for Students Taking Online Courses

Web-based education has come of age; according to a 2009 report by the Sloan Consortium, over 4.6 million students took at least one online course in 2008*. That’s 17% growth over the previous year, which greatly exceeds the 1.2% increase in the overall college student population. Many of those pursuing online education are working adults, who find that the flexibility of web-based classes allows them to schedule their coursework around work and family responsibilities.

If you want to take online courses, here are nine essential tips to remember:

Preparation

1. Choose an accredited school. The importance of regional accreditation – the highest form of accreditation in the country – cannot be stressed enough. Colleges and universities that are certified by one of the six regional U.S. accrediting agencies meet the rigorous standards set by the Department of Education, and credits earned at one regionally accredited school can usually be transferred to another. Perhaps even more importantly, degrees and certificates from accredited institutions are generally considered more trustworthy by prospective employers.

Online schools are no different. Select one that is regionally accredited to make sure that you receive a quality education, that the credits you earn are transferable and that the credentials you graduate with are considered legitimate.

2. Meet the system requirements. Different online education programs require different levels of technology. Some will run fine on older computers and with slower Internet access, while others require newer systems and high-speed cable connections. Either choose online courses that will run on your existing computer, or make sure you can afford to upgrade to the appropriate system requirements.

3. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid is available, especially to first-time students and low-income students. You can download a free financial aid guide from U.S. News University Directory that contains the FAFSA. Once you have it, fill out the required information and then send it in. The Department of Education will use your completed FAFSA forms to determine how much aid – including grants and subsidized student loans – you qualify for.

Studying

4. Balance your responsibilities. In all likelihood, one of the reasons you chose to earn your degree or certificate online is because of the flexibility that distance learning provides. To take full advantage of this, create a schedule that allocates time for each of your responsibilities. For students with families, this might mean that you study after the kids have gone to bed – perhaps 9 pm to 11 pm every week night. If you are a working student, you might want to do your coursework in the after-dinner hours, or maybe on Saturday afternoons. The goal is to create a schedule that consistently helps you meet all of your commitments.

Also, make sure the people in your life understand the importance of the time you set aside for coursework. Spouses, children, roommates and others should know when your study time is and that they are not to disturb you during it.

5. Manage your time wisely. The instructor of your online class will probably never give a pop quiz just to make sure you’re keeping up. It is your responsibility – and yours alone – to stay on top of assignments, participate in discussions and projects, and make sure your are ready for exams. Getting behind is a recipe for failure; online courses generally move fast, so missing even one or two study sessions can make it extremely difficult to get back on track.

The time that you schedule for your coursework should be spent actually doing that coursework. Your chances of success are greatly increased if you complete each week’s assignments on time.

6. Find good study space. The place you choose to do your online learning must have a computer with an Internet connection. Beyond that, it should also be clean, comfortable and free of distractions. A home office that can be closed off from the rest of your house is ideal, and a desk in your bedroom is almost as good. A spot at the kitchen or dining room table can work if you live alone, but if you have a family or roommates such high-traffic areas often leave you prone to interruptions. Avoid the living room and any other space that is loaded with tempting distractions like television, music and video games.

7. Ask lots of questions. You will probably interact with your instructor and fellow students through email, and might use a variety of other methods to communicate as well. Web forums, chat rooms and VoIP applications (such as Skype) are all common in the online learning environment. Take advantage of these tools to ask plenty of questions.

Your instructor should be an authority on the subject you’re studying, and you’re paying for access to their knowledge and experience. Any time you have a question or need something clarified, take the time to ask about it. If you can do so in a group environment such as a chat room, so much the better. Other students in your online course might well be wondering about the same thing!

8. Learn the subject thoroughly. Too many students learn what they need to know to pass necessary exams, then promptly forget the information once they receive their degree or certificate. Only later do they discover that prospective employers expect them to have a thorough understanding of their field, leaving them unprepared to compete in the job market.

While you’re earning your credentials online, take the time to learn each subject thoroughly. Read your course materials completely, ask your instructors and fellow students lots of questions, and practice what you learn to ensure you retain the information. When the time comes to enter the job market with your new skills, you’ll be confident that you’re more than a match for other job-seekers!

Taking Advantage

9. Update your resume. Once you have the education you need, update your resume immediately. This includes online resumes you might have on job search websites like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com. Use these tools to pursue entry-level jobs (or higher positions, if you think you can get them) aggressively. Find out which format each potential employer prefers to receive resumes in – mail, email, or perhaps in person – and then submit yours to them that way. And attend job fairs whenever you can; they are an excellent way to meet the people who actually do the hiring at the organizations you’re interested in!

*Learning on Demand: Online Education in the United States, 2009 (released January 2010)

The Top 5 Moneymaking Degrees You Can Earn Online

The information age is revolutionizing the way we do almost everything, from watching movies and playing games to communicating with our families and business partners. Education is no different; the Sloan Consortium reports that over 4.6 million students took online college courses in 2008 – that’s 17% growth over the previous year*. But if you’re going to study online, which degree programs are best?

1. Business programs, including Master of Business Administration (MBA). Online college courses in business work well because business classes do not generally involve hands-on lab work that requires face-to-face instruction. Instead, business majors often acquire their practical experience through jobs and internships. Online MBA programs are excellent for working adults who want to take their business career to the next level, but can’t attend regular classes because of work and family commitments.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that business management analysts earned between $41,910 and $133,850 in 2008, depending on location, experience and the type of company at which they worked**.

2. Nursing programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BLS estimates that nursing will expand by 22% through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth has created enormous demand for nursing education, so many schools have introduced online college courses in this field. A large number of nurses attain registered nurse (RN) licensure through associate’s degree programs, but later decide to earn a BSN so they can advance their careers. This has made online RN to BSN programs very popular.

The BLS reports that RNs earned between $43,410 and $92,240 in 2008, depending on location, experience and the type of facility in which they worked**.

3. Information technology (IT) programs. The IT field naturally lends itself to web-based learning, making online college courses in areas like computer programming and software engineering very common. The BLS also estimates that employment for computer software engineers and programmers will expand by 21% though 2018 – including almost 300,000 new software engineering jobs. This kind of growth ensures that more and more schools will add IT programs to their online offerings.

The BLS reports that computer software engineers and programmers earned between $53,720 and $128,870 in 2008, depending on experience, location and the type of company at which they worked**.

4. Healthcare administration programs. Many healthcare workers who begin their careers on the patient care side of the field later decide to move into administration. Because many of them already have work and family responsibilities, the flexible scheduling of online college courses is something they require. This makes web-based healthcare administration programs very popular, and a large number of schools are expanding their offerings in this area to keep up with demand.

The BLS reports that medical and health services managers earned between $48,300 and $137,800 in 2008, depending on experience, location, and the type of facility in which they worked**.

5. Criminal justice programs. The field of criminal justice is considered exciting by many young people. It also attracts those who feel a desire to serve their community, including many former members of the military. Most schools that offer online college courses have criminal justice programs for these reasons. Those who want to become police officers typically pursue an associate's degree, while those who want to work as detectives usually enter bachelor's programs.

The BLS reports that police officers earned between $30,070 and $79,680 in 2008, while detectives made between $36,500 and $114,300 during the same period**.

*Learning on Demand: Online Education in the United States, 2009 (released January 2010)

**Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition (accessed August 2010)