Online Degrees Columnist
You might think online degrees aren't as good as the real thing, but you couldn't be more wrong. Making time to go back to school seems impossible. But when you think about an online degree, you hesitate. Would it be a lower quality education? Would employers take it seriously? Would you miss one-on-one interaction with your instructor and peers? The answer is no.
Quality
Just because online learning is affordable and more quickly paced than traditional courses doesn't mean you aren't learning the essentials. Typically, you'll take one course every five weeks, meaning you'll concentrate solely on one class at a time, and you'll have less distraction. Plus, most online programs offer accredited degrees, meaning that the Board of Education has approved all course work and lesson requirements. The degree you earn online is an accredited degree, and is comparable to any traditional degree program.Credibility
As educational institutions evolve, and the traditional model of education changes with time, human resources departments realize the validity of online degrees. Not only are most programs accredited, but earning an online degree indicates a certain technical aptitude, and a commitment to seeing things through.Collaboration
If you're hesitant to "stand out" as a returning adult in a traditional classroom, online learning is a great option. Plus, you'll still get personalized attention - perhaps even more. Asynchronous courses work like e-mail, so your instructor will provide feedback one-on-one. And many online classes use a team approach, meaning you'll engage in great dialogues with instructors and peers at a very individualized level.If you're still hesitant about online learning, some schools even offer courses in overcoming the fear and anxiety of online courses! The quicker you overcome these anxieties, the faster you'll be on the road to a wonderful career.
