Online education has gained significant popularity in the last few years. With a rise in internet access, people are now able to enroll in online courses and obtain certifications from the comfort of their own homes. Colleges are also increasing their reach by offering online courses for students who have little time on their hands. According to one report, only 4% of colleges report focusing on only providing in-person courses.
With the increased interest, you might be wondering whether an online course would be the right move for your career. Whether you are working and need to get a better job or are in a remote location with no colleges nearby – we take a look at whether it’s something you should look at and what the best offers are right now.
Current Trends In Online Degrees And Courses
There has been a significant increase in students enrolling online for remote courses. These courses provide numerous benefits compared to traditional in-person lessons and can sometimes be much more affordable too.
Courses can be provided in virtual settings, where students connect with a teacher through a video conference system. In other cases, pre-recorded video content is provided to the student. Some courses also use textbooks and other media to help students get a better understanding of the subject.
In the past decade, there has been a 151% increase in the number of students enrolling in online courses. By 2026, an estimated 13.3% of all students will use online courses. The majority of these students will enroll in online degrees for part-time studying.
Tips For Finding An Online Degree
There are many institutions offering online courses and degrees today. Amongst these, some do not truly make your life easier. You should understand what to look for when you want to enroll in an online course. This will ensure you choose a course that you can complete efficiently while also giving you the credentials needed to advance in your career.
When looking for an online degree program, take these tips into consideration:
- Check the credentials of the institute offering the course. Make sure the institute is reputable and licensed with the appropriate departments. This ensures you will get a recognizable degree by the end of the program.
- Make sure the program comes with a certification upon completion. If you need a degree to help you get a better position, then you need to present a certificate or diploma.
- Take a close look at the pricing for the course. While most online degrees tend to be affordable, this is not always the case. Make sure the fees fit within your budget. Also, look for additional fees that are charged – such as assessment fees at the end of the study period.
- Ensure you consider the subjects and lessons that form part of the degree. Online colleges will give you a full overview of the subjects you will learn. The subjects should comply with your requirements.
Online Universities And Colleges
A number of recognized educational institutes have implemented their own online programs. This allows you to get a certificate from a trustworthy institute while studying from home. Some of these universities also offer accelerated programs, which allow you to complete a course in less time.
Mercy College, for example, offers an accelerated program that gives you an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in just one year. Northeastern University has a similar program, where you can complete your bachelor’s in 18 months.
Some of the top colleges that are currently offering online courses include:
- University at Buffalo
- Arizona State University
- University of Alabama
- Herzing University
- California Baptist University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Mercy College
- Oregon State University
The registration process with these universities and colleges will usually be relatively simple. Make sure you choose the right course and enter all of the details requested. Educational experts at the university will do a thorough review of your application – you will then receive a notification on whether or not you were approved for the degree. Once approved, you can follow the instructions provided by the college to start learning. In most cases, you get access to a student portal that helps to keep everything organized.
Conclusion
Online courses give you an opportunity to obtain new skills and advance in your career. With no need to visit a physical campus, you have more flexibility when it comes to learning. While there are some concerns, most students find that online degrees are helpful. We’ve looked at a few tips to get you started. This article also shared some top colleges that offer online degree programs.
References
https://educationdata.org/online-education-statistics
https://www.qualityinfo.org/-/growth-in-distance-learning-outpaces-total-enrollment-growth