As a professional who has been involved in e-learning for over a decade, I can only say that a college degree is available to all who are on the internet.There are excellent accredited programs throughout the US and even internationally.
Regional and national accreditation bodies recognize many online programs. Many programs are delivered from traditional colleges by their professors and other programs are delivered by online professors who typically have more practical experience in the business world.
The best news for online learners is this:
- Eligible students can still obtain loans and go to school
- Students need not commute
- You can stay at home and take care of family
- You can save gas and expenses to park
- You can be a road warrior and still be an online student
- Students can do it full time or part time toward an undergraduate, masters or doctorate.
The great thing about online learning is that the delivery platforms or learning technology such as:eCollege, Blackboard and others are very sophisticated. Moreover, the publishing houses of textbooks have now done all the hard work so that the texts, book, assignments, homework, videos, quizzes and exams can be integrated into the learning delivery platform for easy online viewing.
I have always encouraged adults to get the best in education, study their passion, and expand their horizons. Overall, degrees and diplomas help with securing jobs, pay scale, and access. Some degrees qualify you also for licensing in various areas that are regulated by the states.
As of 2009, there were over 2,700 (4 year colleges)in the USA according to theU.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2011). Digest of Education Statistics, 2010 (NCES 2011-015) Many of these colleges offer some online courses or a hybrid courses.Various colleges have a "so called" "City College or Adult Division" that also provides for online learning and degrees.
You need only to look at the stock charts for companies such as DeVry, University of Phoenix - Apollo, and other for-profit accredited institutions to see the phenomenal growth of online education in the USA and globally. According to US News November 2011 report, the number of college students enrolled in at least one online course increased for the ninth straight year.
As for my experience, I have taught online for over a decade, and I have truly enjoyed working with adult students, those who take care of family members at home, those who can't commute, and also students with disabilities that limit travel. My best advice is to make sure that any online degree program that you attend is accredited by a CHEA recognized accreditation agency. For a list, go to www.CHEA.org As for business or law schools, it is generally best to attend a graduate accredited business or law program that is recognized by the ABA, ACBSP and AACSB.
Other than that, if you are unemployed and have the true luxury of time, then online education might be for you. Once you learn the online educational system & platform, you can do it from anywhere. I know because I have taught these classes from China, Latin America, Arabia and Europe. Further, my students have taken classes from all over the world and many were even serving in the military while attending my courses. Many corporations and governmental institutions will reimburse you for this type of education and many employers will respect your initiative if you are engaged in online education for a masters or other degree.
Additionally, you can even obtain eligibility for a CPA or a law degree online these days and there are even great doctoral programs online too. As for graduate studies, I actually teach for an online graduate law program called TJSL Thomas Jefferson School of Law (Post JD Juris Doctorate program). They offer online programs that lead to the LLM Masters in Law, JSM Masters in Law for Bankers and Accountants, and they even have a JSD which is a PHD level research and teaching law degree. See: http://mastersinlaw.tjsl.edu/ibs-tjsl We have some of the best professors with global experience. This is also an amazing way for lawyers, accountants and bankers to obtain a degree and specialization in tax, finance,compliance, and wealth management.
Overall, the online option is a perfect way to improve your credentials and hone your skills and there are many programs to choose from both in the USA and internationally.
Reference:US News - While online enrollment increases, the pace has slowed.By Ryan Lytle
TJSL www.TJSL.edu
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
