Archive for December, 2009

Distance education is here to stay! Online colleges and universities understand the wants and needs of their ever growing customer base and are working hard to provide online programs that are flexible and competitive. As time changes, people must maintain a certain pace with the new advances in knowledge and job skills for career success and mobility.

An online education or distance-learning program could be the path to a degree that can help boost your career.

The following 8 best distance education programs online were identified by CareerNxt as the programs with greatest interest, enrollment and opportunity to reach your educational and career goals through distance learning.

Teaching Degree Programs:

Teaching degree program online offers professional development opportunities for practicing K-12 teachers and will qualify you to develop curriculum at the elementary and secondary levels and lead to other career advancement opportunities.

Nursing Degree Programs

Students in these different programs, such as registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN), are trained to perform administrative as well as clinical tasks in patient settings under the direct supervision of licensed health care professionals.

Hospitality and Food Service Management Degree Programs

Hospitality and food service management degree program online prepares students for a career in the industry as managers or business owners.

Business Degree Programs

Online Business degree program is a wide open field with a lot of specialized choices for students to choose from and is an excellent way to prepare for a career in the world of business.

Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Programs

Online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree program online offers a wide variety of choices with opportunities to earn valuable qualifications without the need to disrupt your lifestyle or your current work schedule.

Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Criminal Justice degree program online provides education and instruction in current criminal justice areas which are related to issues, topics, and trends for employment or advancement in criminal justice.

Human Resource Management Degree Programs

Online Human resource degree program provides students with all the information and skills needed to cope with a wide variety of human resource tasks and decision making situations using the most current information available.

Accounting Degree Programs

An online degree in Accounting prepares students to fill important financial roles in all areas of business and corporate environments.

The Flexibility of Distance Education

More and more people today find online learning the most suitable to fit their learning style and busy schedule. Online institutions cater to the needs of working professionals who are constrained with full-time employment, family and social life. You can complete a degree program on your schedule, at your own pace, from the comfort and convenience of your own home or anywhere you choose 24 hours a day seven days a week. According to figures from The Open University, a high proportion of post-graduate diplomas are now gained via distance methods. There is no single reason for this but the key is undoubtedly the flexibility that distance learning allows.

So, if you want a degree that will give you the best advantages in career options, then consider one of the degrees listed above.

Choosing the right distance learning university is very important. According to Jamie Littlefield, a former independent study teacher and journalist specializing in alternative education, there are tough questions you should ask before you enrol in any Distance Learning School some are:

1. Is This School Accredited? By Whom?

Make sure that your school is accredited by the correct regional association. If it is not properly accredited, your degree may be rejected by the majority of employers.

2. How Much Is Tuition? Are There Any Additional Fees Or Hidden Costs?

Your tuition should be comparable to that of regular universities, perhaps slightly less. Make sure that you won’t be overcharged or stuck with mandatory fees.

3. What Hardware Is Required?

Most online classes require that students have access to a computer that has the ability to run up-to-date multimedia and word processing programs. If your computer is too old, it may not work with your online degree program.

4. Will I Need To Purchase Any Additional Software?

A lot of online programs provide all the materials you need directly from their site. A few request that their students buy supplemental software on their own.

5. What Degrees Are Offered?

Not every program offers every degree. Before you enroll, make sure that your school offers the degree that you are looking for.

6. How Long Does It Take To Complete The Program?

Some online schools offer students the chance to complete a degree in a shorter amount of time. Some online students are even able to finish an entire year early with accelerated programs.

7. Can I Speed Ahead Or Take More Time And Work At My Own Pace?

While some schools let students complete tasks at their own pace, others require that students participate in virtual class sessions and have specific deadlines for assignments.

8. What Curriculum Is Used? Will I Need To Purchase Textbooks?

If you are required to purchase textbooks, determine what their average cost will be. Books can be expensive, even hundreds of dollars per course. If you are an auditory or kinetic learner (learn best by hearing and doing, rather than by reading alone), finding an online school that offers a multimedia element in their curriculum may help you master the material.

9. How Long Has This University Existed?

The longer the school has existed, the better. A school is not automatically credible because it has been around a long time but having experience is always a plus.

10. How Many Students Have Graduated?

A higher graduation rate demonstrates higher levels of student contentment and success.

11. How Will I Communicate With The School? Is It All Online Or Is There A Number I Can Call For Help?

Having a number to call or an actual location you can go to can be very helpful when you need help or are looking for answers. Most legitimate schools will give you a number you can use to reach them.

As you can see lots of care should be taken when choosing the correct distance learning institution for you. Let these questions start you off in choosing the one that is best for you.

Online MBA degree programs are excellent if you are looking to continue your education and advance your career but do not have the time to attend on-campus learning courses. Most online MBA programs are designed to fit adult learners and career professionals like you, who want to earn the MBA degree while continue working at the same time. Being a working professional or a busy parent is time consuming, however with online studies you do not have to give up on your educational goals.

Online MBA Programs vs. Traditional MBA Programs

Online learning is delivered via the internet whereas traditional learning is done in a classroom on-campus setting. Online activities consist of group projects; pair work, online discussions and debate are all included in your online degree programs. Online course work and collaboration is conducted through electronic forums, e-mail, chat rooms or discussion groups.

The online MBA degree programs provide the same quality education and curriculum content that is found in the traditional university MBA degree programs. Studies show that for most students, distance learning is just as effective as traditional on-campus learning. The main advantage to online learning is that it offers you convenience and flexibility to attend classes from wherever and whenever it is convenient.

Is Earning My MBA Degree Online a Good Idea?

Most definitely! Anytime you choose to advance your education is a good idea, whether it is online or on-campus. Studies have shown that people with advanced degrees are at an advantage for MBA career opportunities, advancements and higher salaries. According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAT) indicates that in many cases someone’s pre- and post MBA salary jump 50% or higher. For example someone earning around $38,000 before getting their MBA can make an average of $85,000 after earning an MBA degree. That’s almost doubling your salary! Won’t you like the opportunity to double your salary?

Are Online MBA Degrees Respected By Employers?

This varies from employer to employer and the career path you choose. Employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees over candidates who have not earned an advanced degree. Most employers are more concerned that the educational institution is accredited and has a good reputation rather than the method you use to earn your MBA degree.

How Long Does It Take To Earn An MBA Degree Online?

The time needed to complete your MBA degree varies according to the program and school you choose. You can earn you online MBA degree much faster in as little as nine months with accelerated programs. The time spent on your distance learning education also plays a major role on how fast you earn your online degree.

How Much Does It Cost To Earn An Online MBA Degree?

The cost varies from one institution to the next and your degree program of choice. However, most distance institutions offer a wide range of financial aid to meet your needs. Wouldn’t you like to live a more comfortable lifestyle? Well, investing in your online education is one of the best decisions you can make. Earning an MBA degree has many benefits and long term gains. The return on your investment outweighs the cost of your education.

We all want a decent education at an affordable price, don’t we? Well, finding affordable accredited distance learning programs are within reach but you will have to take the time to look around for the affordable online programs available. The best part about affordable distance learning programs is you don’t have to break your bank to get a decent education. Why pay more if you don’t have to?

Online Degree Cost Assessment

The cost of tuition varies with the level of degree, the institution and the degree program you choose. Overall online programs are offered at a more reasonable price than traditional campus programs. Distance learning programs can be offered at a lower cost because there is very little overhead cost which means cheaper classes, they charge by the course (not the number of hours), there are no fees associated with the use of a traditional classroom and the instructors work from home which means no extra funds are required to maintain a classroom or office space.

Kinds of Affordable Degrees Online

You can earn an affordable online degree at the Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate levels in addition to non-credit courses and a wide variety of certificates. Many students are able to find affordable education online in the most popular areas of study, including, nursing, computers, business, law, culinary arts, education, public administration, health care, interior design, visual communications and much more.

Campus-Based Education vs. Online Education

Choosing an affordable learning method that fits your busy life is quite possible with distance learning programs. If you are considering pursuing your degree but do not have the extra time to attend the traditional classroom setting, online degree programs can offer the freedom and flexibility that allows you to continue working and attend to family life, while earning your degree at the same time.

Benefits of Affordable Distance Learning Programs

Distance learning is rapidly growing this is due to the increase in demand and many benefits and advantages over traditional classroom setting – some of the benefits are:

Convenience: Distance learning allows you the freedom to take classes online and reach your career goals from the convenience and comfort of your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without interrupting your busy life.

Self-Paced: Self-paced allows slow or quick learners to work within their learning style and pace.

Quality Faculty: You will learn from experienced professionals with advanced degrees who are experts in their field. The online faculty has to go through an extensive training program which prepares them to teach effectively online. They bring their experience and knowledge to the classroom and prepare you for the real world.

Accommodates different learning styles: You can choose from self-paced, instructor-led, blended approach or 100% online classes or a combination of online and on-campus classes.

24/7 accessibility: Access to technical support, instructor, course work, assignments, online library, chat rooms, email and much more.

Increased retention: A stronger grasp on the subject matter

Reduced overall expenses: Travel expenses completely eliminated and lower tuition than traditional courses.

Interactive: You are able to collaborate with your instructor, work on class projects and chat with fellow online classmates via chat room, email and discussion board.

Whether you find online education to be cheaper or not, choosing the right distance learning program makes all the difference in the world. It is best to research all options before enrolling in a distance learning program. Find out the total cost of the program, decide whether the learning method is right for you or not, talk to other online students and graduates about their experiences as an online student.

You will be amazed by the multitude of distance learning programs available on the web. The question is how do you choose the right distance learning program that will suit your need?
Distance learning can be both exciting and frustrating. Making the decision to take online courses is a major step and requires that you enter into it with caution. You should do a bit of research before committing to any online degree programs.
There are a few dos and don’ts you should be aware of before jumping into a distance education program, some are listed below:
Do determine what your career goals are and what online degree program will help you towards these goals.

Don’t think distance learning is lonesome; you can collaborate with your instructor and communicate with your fellow online classmates through chat rooms, emails and discussion boards.
Do take the time to research the distance learning institution and degree program. Make sure that the school is accredited by a recognized accredited agency before committing to a degree program.

Don’t think distance learning is easy and you can just wing it. The online programs are just as intense as on-site programs. You will be given assignments, class-work, and group projects and receive the same curriculum content as on-campus class.

Do take your online education seriously. Whether you are attending online classes or traditional classroom they both require the same amount of commitment and dedication. The cost for online and on-campus education is about the same so why give your online education any less commitment?

Don’t feel too shy or intimidated to ask for help. Since you will be in an online setting it should be easier to ask for help and not feel embarrassed in any way.
Do sharpen up on your reading, comprehension and writing skills. You will be required to read and comprehend assignments. Also, being able to write and get your ideas across is essential in an online learning environment and could be critical to your online success.

Do adapt good online learning habits such as self discipline and time management skills. Make it a habit to check your emails on a regular basis and log in to your online classroom to check on assignments and class projects.

Do be an active online learner. Most online programs are self-directed so you will have to take your online education into your own hands and be active in online discussions and group projects. You want to make sure you get the most out of your online education.

Don’t put off class work and assignments for later. Procrastination can be your downfall and ruin a good online experience.
Do set aside a certain amount of time for studies and other online projects.
Do set educational goals and deadlines and commit yourself to meet those goals within a certain time-frame.
Don’t study where there is too much noise. Set aside a private quiet area to use as a study area and dedicate a certain amount of time for studies per week.

Before Enrolling

Before signing up for your distance program, make sure you ask a few simple questions to help you determine which program is right for you. Listed below are some of the questions you should ask before enrolling in a distance learning program:

Is the school accredited?

This is extremely important and can play a big role in your career success. Make sure that the institution you choose offers an accredited degree and is accredited by a recognized accredited agency.

How much is this going to cost me?

Know upfront what your online education will cost and what you will get in return for your money. Make sure that financial aid is readily available should you have a need for it and that you will be eligible for some form of financial assistance.

Are the instructors qualified?

Online instructors should hold advance degrees. Online tutors should also have a certain amount of training and qualification to assist your online instructor.

Will there be any on-campus attendance requirements?

Online learning may vary from one institution to the next. Some institutions offer 100% online degree program with no on-campus attendance. Other institutions may offer a combination of online and on-campus attendance requirement, so before completing the application process, make sure you have a clear understanding about how your program is being delivered.