Distance Learning: Can You Get a College Degree Online?

There are many people who are interested in seeking a college degree, but never pursue it for one reason or another, whether it's due to time constraints or a busy schedule. At the same time, those same people know the value of a college education in their personal and professional lives. After all, pay raises, job promotions, and new career opportunities open up to college degree holders.

Thanks to the internet, many individuals have been introduced to the idea of distance learning, where students spend time in a virtual classroom instead of attending courses at a university campus. Students email their homework assignments and maintain a relationship with the professor and classmates using online tools. The notion of earning college credits from home is appealing, but many people are skeptical of trying it because the concept is still very new.

Myth: Online degrees aren't legitimate.

It may sound too good to be true, but the truth is, you certainly can earn a college degree on the internet - legitimately. You can earn anywhere from a few college credits to an entire degree at home. Although there are many benefits to distance learning, this type of education also has its drawbacks. And like anything else on the internet, you should take necessary precautions; quick-degree scams and diploma mills are plentiful, preying on uninformed consumers. As long as you keep away from these scammers, you can be well on your way to earning your degree as early as next semester!

Fact: Reputable colleges and universities offer distance education courses.

While some learning institutions offer a few online college courses, others offer the option of taking all the classes you need towards a degree online. In fact, you can earn credits toward associate, bachelor, and master degrees from a variety of colleges, even in your hometown. To get started, you should check into the community colleges and state universities in your area. You may be surprised by their offering. Many two-year schools have partnership agreements with four-year schools to make transfers seamless for online students.

Some well-known schools that currently offer online college degrees include the University of Maryland, Pennsylvania State University, Drexel University, and the University of Delaware. You should call the colleges that interest you to find out more about their distance learning programs.

Myth: Online courses are easier than traditional classroom learning.

If you're looking for an easier way to earn credits toward a degree, taking distance education courses aren't the way to go. Although online courses are flexible to your schedule and needs, it certainly isn't easier. In fact, you'll have to remain focused and disciplined, and know how to manage your time efficiently. Learning online is often more challenging than going into a classroom to learn. Remember, when you learn away from the traditional classroom, you must read the lectures, complete homework assignments, and take exams on your own time. The only time you'll save is the time that it takes to get to the college campus and back home. Look at it this way: If a class meets twice a week for 1.5 hours, you'll have to put aside 3 hours per week for that course, plus any additional time for studying and homework assignments.

Fact: Not all college degrees are equal.

When it comes to online college degrees, you should be aware of how accreditation works. For your degree to be recognized and respected, the college should be regionally accredited. This is where many scams come into play - some schools aren't accredited, or are under-accredited. Even worse, some colleges are accredited by disreputable agencies, or ones that exist in other countries. Many times, this type of accreditation isn't recognized in the U.S. To learn more about accreditation, speak to a school counselor or conduct some research online.

Myth: A degree earned online is less valuable than a traditional college degree.

Distance learning receives a lot of bad press, simply because it's so new. Your online degree isn't any less valuable than one earned in a traditional classroom. For example, a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Massachusetts is offered on campus, as well as online. If you complete the IT program online and your neighbor completes it on campus, both degrees will look identical. A degree from U Mass is a degree from U Mass - period. Employers won't be able to tell whether you earned your degree online or not, that is, unless you tell them. Another thing to understand is that schools do recognize its online students; you can still make Dean's List and graduate with honors if your grades are good enough.

Fact: Students who work hard can successfully complete an entire college degree online.

No matter where you live and how you go to school, academic success comes from hard work and diligence. If you remain focused on the goal, you certainly can earn your college degree online in a reasonable amount of time. Distance learning is an indispensable tool that should be taken seriously. Whether you decide to study at 3am or 6pm, as long as you keep up with the course and stay on top of your studies, it is very likely that you will succeed. Don't let others knock the quality of your online education - keep going, and eventually, you'll get there. Here's to your success!