| The traditional method of attending an | | | | or her own pace, which is a big advantage to |
| institution of higher learning was to go to a | | | | those with full-time careers and families. |
| school and attend classes inside a building, | | | | Traditional colleges and universities that |
| sitting at a desk, and listening to an | | | | offer online degree programs in addition to |
| instructor face-to-face. Today, because of | | | | their traditional face-to-face programs might |
| the benefits of technology and the Internet, | | | | not be so liberal in the length of time it |
| it is possible to attain a higher education | | | | takes to earn a degree as a full-time |
| online. Not only can a student receive a | | | | student, but most certainly will allow a |
| bachelor's degree online, but it is also | | | | student to enroll part time. However, being a |
| possible to earn a master's degree, and even | | | | part-time student might have an effect on |
| a PhD via the Internet. Traditional colleges | | | | financial aid eligibility. Specific |
| and universities are taking part in an | | | | requirements would need to be verified |
| educational and technological revolution in | | | | depending on the institution in which the |
| joining with online-only institutions to | | | | prospective student is interested. |
| offer bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, | | | | |
| and PhD degrees to students from every corner | | | | The fields available to study at online |
| of the planet. The degree programs offered | | | | institutes of higher education are seemingly |
| are quite varied, and continue to increase as | | | | limitless. Students may study any number of |
| the technology of online education grows. | | | | disciplines including business, social |
| | | | sciences, humanities, math, human resources, |
| There is no shortage of reasons to consider | | | | English, art, and healthcare programs. Each |
| pursuing a higher education online. Proximity | | | | school has different requirements for |
| is a major reason to consider it. A student | | | | admission into individual programs (such as |
| can literally be anywhere in the world and | | | | entrance exams scores and prior degrees |
| still attend class, as long as he or she has | | | | earned), so it is important to take those |
| access to an Internet connection. Attending | | | | into consideration when applying. The |
| classes and submitting assignments online | | | | requirements will be the same for online and |
| eliminates the requirement for commuting or | | | | local students, and the spaces for programs |
| relocating. This has the potential for | | | | will still be limited. |
| significant cost savings. Another advantage | | | | |
| to attending college online is the factor of | | | | The misconception of earning a higher |
| time management. An institution has the | | | | education online is that the experience is |
| ability to offer more sections of courses in | | | | not as enriching as attending face-to-face |
| the online format, allowing a student to have | | | | classes at a tradition college or university. |
| more option as to when to attend class. This | | | | While it is true that being an online student |
| allows the student to have more flexibility, | | | | requires a certain amount of self-discipline |
| and is an ideal situation for those who work | | | | and self-motivation, most programs offered |
| full time and/or care for a family. Yet | | | | online present the same opportunities for |
| another reason to consider online education | | | | group work, independent study, and |
| is comfort. Not only can a student access | | | | communication with classmates and instructors |
| courses from the comforts of home, but this | | | | as do the traditional method of earning a |
| is also an ideal alternative for those who | | | | degree. And because attending an institution |
| wish to return to college after many years. | | | | of higher education online requires such |
| The stress of feeling the need to fit in with | | | | drive, it helps to facilitate the independent |
| younger classmates is virtually eliminated, | | | | learning process, while at the same time |
| and returning to college via the Internet is | | | | helping to develop time management skills. |
| a great way to ease back into the routine of | | | | With the popularity of the Internet and |
| school and assignments. | | | | technologies such as teleconferencing in |
| | | | education today, it is possible to come away |
| When thinking about receiving a higher | | | | with not only a degree, but also being more |
| education online, the prospective student has | | | | in tune with technology, which carries |
| a few things to consider. There are several | | | | significant potential in broadening career |
| online-only colleges and universities that | | | | opportunities. Seeking a higher education |
| offer all degree types in varying fields that | | | | online is a reasonable, convenient, and |
| are fully accredited. These universities | | | | flexible way for a person to advance both a |
| often allow a student to earn a degree at his | | | | person's education and career potential. |