Is an Online Degree Right for You?
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.
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |
