Posts Tagged ‘Programs’
Debunking the Myths about Online Bachelor Degree Programs
There are many people who wonder about an online bachelor degree program and what exactly the advantages might be. As these programs begin to gain acclaim, there will continue to be questions. Potential students will want to know what they offer and whether an online degree is better than a degree from a regular university. The myths continue to pile up when concerning these things. If you are considering getting your degree online, then you must be educated about the different programs. Here is a look at some of the myths that are often associated with online bachelor degree programs.
Myth number one, an online bachelor degree program is not as recognized
This is absolutely not true. Online programs are just as recognized as any university. When you are considering where to get a college degree, it is important to make sure the university is accredited correctly. While this is a concern with most four-year universities, you should take special care to ensure that the program of your choice is accredited. If you gain an education from an accredited program, then it will be as respected as any university in the nation.
Myth number two, problems with reputation
Online degree programs are becoming more popular with universities all over the world. Even popular four year universities are offering some sort of online bachelor degree program for certain students who are more suited towards this format. Many people believe that because a degree is earned with an online university, it does not carry as much clout. Online degree programs are geared towards individuals that do not have the time to take in a four-year education, or are possibly even continuing their education. Employers understand that, as well. With an online education, you will gain as much respect as with any other college degree.
Myth number three, businesses are more likely to hire a person with a traditional bachelor degree
Studies show that businesses and employers show little preference for one over another. Generally, simply having completed college is the qualifying aspect that will get you in the door. After that, your qualifications, experience, and personality will land the job. In many cases, applicants who hold an online bachelor degree will impress employers. In getting this degree, it shows that the person had the initiative and drive to gain the education needed and become more qualified for the career they wish to pursue. Businesses are always looking for people who have that motivation.
Myth number four, the price is too high
Compared to many four-year universities, the price is actually very low. While it may seem like you are paying a lot for the cost of running the online program, in most situations the price per course is much lower than a university. You must also take into account that gaining this degree will afford you the opportunity to make more money in the future. Not all online programs are the same. Like with traditional universities, they can be divided into categories. Private, public, specialized, and religiously based online universities offer different things. Finding the one to suit your needs will go a long way toward gaining a quality education at a value.
Online bachelor degree programs are growing in popularity and employers are taking notice. Despite common myths, there is no stigma associated with obtaining your education online as opposed to a traditional degree. By gaining the education qualification and valuable experience, you can position yourself to move to the top of the business world in a hurry.
Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many Online Bachelor Degree programs. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu/index.cfm to select the online program that is right for you.
Top Ranking Universities Offer Online Degree Programs
With the growing demand for more flexible educational opportunities, more schools are beginning to offer quality online degree programs, including some of the nation’s top ranking universities who are offering certification programs and undergraduate degrees as well as graduate programs- all online.
Perhaps one of the best examples of the quality you can expect from online degree programs it the University of Florida. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida has consistently ranked among the U.S. News and World Report’s list of top schools. And the pharmacy school at the University of Florida is currently ranked number 11 out of only sixty-two schools in the nation to obtain an accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and is the highest ranked school to offer a Doctor of Pharmacy degree online. The online degree program in pharmacy is also the largest of it’s kind boasting over one thousand alumni.
But the University of Florida is not the only one to gain national attention for the quality of its online program offerings. The University of Cincinnati has been ranked as the #3 top ranked criminology school in the nation, and it is the only one of its kind to offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online. The program has some of the most visible faculty in the field of criminal justice available. And according to a study conducted by the Journal of Criminal Justice, The University of Cincinnati was ranked number one in the nation for most published faculty. They have also ranked in Money Magazine’s top 100 for educational value.
Eastern Kentucky University is also among the distance education providers to boasting rights when it comes to offering top notch programs. Having one of the top undergraduate programs in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology in the nation, Eastern Kentucky University has been dedicated to lifelong learning since 1906.
The University of Saint Mary, who has been offering online education for over a decade, is also among the top ranking academic providers. The University of Saint Mary the only school in the region to be named a “Best Value College” by the Princeton Review which also listed the University of Saint Mary as “Best Midwestern College” for the past three years in a row. The dedication to serving students and offering them a quality educational experience is evident in the online degree programs offered by the University of Saint Mary.
If these universities are any indication, we can expert to see the trend in online education continue to grow, offering students an ever growing pool or degree opportunities. And as more and more people become familiar with the online classroom format, more universities are bound to jump on board and expand their offerings as well. So no matter what degree or program you are looking for, odds are you will find a national recognized program from a well established university so that you can feel good about the degree you have worked so hard to earn.
About author:
Bailey Smith writes about university of florida pharmd. Visit http://pharmd.distancelearning.ufl.edu to more about university of florida pharmd
What You Must Know About Online Degree Programs
Working on an online degree at home lets you learn on your own schedule and in your own way and lets you decide how quickly you want to earn your degree. Many people are earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree online in their field of interest whether it’s an online nursing degree, online education degree, online psychology degree, or even biology, engineering or online criminal justice degree without conforming to the traditional, time consuming campus setting.
The Dept. of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the Distance Education and Training Council as the accrediting organization for distance learning institutions and education programs that offer online degrees. In 1996, the University of Colorado at Denver expanded its metropolitan campus with the formation of CU Online, one of the first fully accredited online education programs offering online university degrees. Make sure your online degree school choice has accreditation. This means the institution has passed a certain level of standards through a recognized organization for upholding quality education.
Its been reported that employers feel that an employee receiving an online education degree compared favorably, in terms of the knowledge learned, to someone with an on campus degree. If you’re working but would really like to earn a degree, then the opportunity is there more so today than ever before. Some of the experts argue that degrees in certain fields are more accepted online than in others, while some online degree programs are less suited for online-only schools.
Finding an institution that offers successful job placement after graduating or completing an online degree program may be the deciding factor in your search. Research the schools of your choice and talk to a counselor or representative from each of the institutions. Also find out what financial aid or education loans are available. There are scholarships, grants, education loans and other financial aid available for online degree programs.
Graduates of the best online degree programs are a good source of recommendations. Make sure to ask them if there is anything they think you should be aware of or avoid. Very important: make sure that any online credits you earn are transferable. Ask the institution directly because most schools vary from course to course and with the individual school policy. Try to find online forums, blogs or chat rooms with students who are attending the school you have in mind.
Today if you want to get an online degree know that it just isn’t as hard as it used to be. Keep in mind if you do need financial aid there are plenty of education loans available if you can’t locate any grants or free online degree scholarships. And don’t forget to ask what the percentage of job placement has been for online degree program graduates if you’ll be looking to start a new a career.
For more info on choosing the best online degree program, accredited bachelor degree online and finding the best online degree scholarships, grants, education loans or financing go to http://www.OnlineDegreesTips.com for tips and info on all types of online degrees