Deciding to pursue a degree through a distance learning program isn’t as simple as choosing between attending class and watching lectures online. In some cases, enrolling in a traditional program actually makes more sense than logging on remotely. Ultimately, what’s most important is the quality of the degree program, how it can benefit your long term career goals as well as your personal enrichment, and how accessible the program is overall. Now that more and more universities, including prestigious institutions like Stanford University and Cornell University, as well as exclusively online schools, are offering programs online for nontraditional students, there are a range of options available. But as more schools embrace online and distance learning, students are faced with a more overwhelming task as they try to find the distance degree school that is right for them.
Before you start searching, make sure you have a solid goal plan for your education. What level of education are you looking for and why? Are you trying to build up a resume, get internship experience through a college or increase your salary potential? Understanding how your education directly affects your personal and professional goals is the first step. Once you have a clear set of objectives in mind, you can start researching schools that meet your basic criteria. Find a school that is accredited. If the school isn’t accredited, most employers probably won’t even consider giving you credit for your studies, and advanced study programs at other colleges won’t either. Check the college or university website to find out if the degree program you’re interested in is accredited, and then do a quick search to make sure the accreditation organization is legitimate. While you search the site for the school’s accreditation, do a brief check up on the school’s history. A school that has a long tradition of distance learning probably understands the unique needs that adult learners have, and even though Web-based courses are relatively new, a school with a history beyond the Internet age will have a stronger reputation, and it will be easier for you to look up alumni and faculty profiles. EducationOnline.com recommends checking out the graduation and drop-out rate, too, for a realistic understanding of the school’s accessibility, affordability, and quality.
Other issues to consider when choosing an online school are student-faculty ratio and the institution’s transfer policy. Low student-to-faculty ratios are important for online learners, as some colleges may try to enroll as many students as possible in a course because an instructor can theoretically just post a lecture and use e-mail to communicate with students. EducationOnline.com notes that “online universities who have a low student-to-teacher ratio will proudly publicize it. Those who cram online students on a teacher’s roster will keep it quiet.” The school gets an added plus if instructors are specifically trained to teach in an online format and use the same technology applications and systems that their students will be using. Many students enrolled in distance learning programs value their school’s ability to accept or provide transfer credits. Military students, especially, require advisors who understand how skill sets, past college credits and future advanced academic degree programs affect a student’s decision to enroll.
Another important factor that adds credibility to an institution is whether or not the college supports a physical campus or learning center. In an interview with The Press-Enterprise, Adrian Marrullier from the University Alliance Online explains that “recognized, respected, traditional institutions are quickly expanding their online offerings,” so if you can find a degree program from a traditional university that satisfies your goals, take it. Your investment will be worth it in employer recognition, credibility, resources offered, additional career services and tutoring assistance, library access, and overall quality.
There are many websites devoted to categorizing online degree programs and connecting students to the appropriate schools that will help them achieve their goals. Searching through these databases can be overwhelming, but as long as students understand their specific goals; the importance of a school’s accreditation, teacher training and teacher-student ratio; the school’s transfer policy; and the significance of enrolling in an online program sponsored by a well-respected brick-and-mortar institution, finding a distance degree school can be a worthwhile investment.
