So, you’re researching online degrees but still feeling a bit reluctant, right? How do you know if you’re a good candidate for online learning? What if you apply and realize later that you made the wrong choice?

We’ll give you the rundown on some the skills you’ll need to successfully get your degree online. By the time you’re done, you’ll know if an online degree is right for you.

First of all, you’ll need discipline and motivation if you want to get your degree online. And we’re not talking about your talents for disciplining others (although telling your fellow students they need a “time out” might be kind of fun sometimes…) we’re talking about your willingness to make yourself go to class and complete assignments.

Getting an online degree means that you, and you alone, are in charge of your education. You have to make yourself go to class each week without a professor looking over your shoulder. You must be able to work on your own, and have the motivation it takes to do it every week.

Another way to find out if an online degree is right for you is to examine your learning style. If you’re comfortable learning information out of books and video tutorials, then online study might work for you. However, if you really thrive on the excitement of the classroom and you prefer a more “hands on” learning experience, then attending a brick and mortar school is a better choice.

You also need to be comfortable using current technology. Getting an online degree means that you’ll be doing everything from watching video of lectures, listening to podcasts, chatting with your classmates, emailing your professor, and mingling at your school’s Virtual Campus. If you have trouble even turning your computer on then you might find getting an online degree to be more challenging than going to class on campus.

Another factor to consider is how busy you are. If you’re working full-time, have kids, or tons of social engagements (or, perhaps, all three!) then you might be a perfect candidate to get your online degree. There’s no doubt that learning online is much more efficient than going to class on campus. You don’t have to waste time and money driving back and forth to school, and oftentimes study is more focused because you’re not distracted by other students. Most online learning students have very busy lives.

So, are you feeling it yet? Think you might be a perfect candidate for online learning? People from all walks of life, young and old, working and unemployed, opt to get their degree online. It’s an incredibly effective way to learn, but make sure that it’s the right way for you to learn.