What are the benefits of distance education?
Earning a degree online can expand your opportunities for professional
advancement and a higher salary, or enable you to enter a new career field
altogether. Many busy adults are discovering that working toward a degree is
not as difficult as it once seemed. Distance education makes it possible for you
to study at an educational institution that may not otherwise be accessible to
you due to regional, physical, or time constraints. These programs offer the
convenience and flexibility of taking classes remotely, without visiting a
campus. Distance programs most often use the Internet, email, and online
discussion technologies to deliver course content and promote student-teacher
interaction. For more detailed information check out
An Introduction to Distance Education.
How do I know if distance education is right for me?
When considering whether to enter a distance education program, keep the
following in mind:
- Do you learn better independently or interactively?
- How do you feel about learning through different media, such as the Internet?
- What level of student-teacher interaction do you prefer?
- Would you rather study/learn at home or in a classroom?
- How much flexibility do you need in your schedule?
What should I look for in a distance education program?
There are over 1,000 distance education programs in the US, which can make it challenging to find the program that is right for you. When choosing a distance education program, you should consider
the following: course content, delivery media, cost, accreditation, and student-teacher interaction.
How do I know whether a distance degree program is reputable?
Not all distance degree programs are created equal. You need to research schools
and programs to ensure that the education you receive will meet your goals:
- Determine what type of accreditation is required to meet your personal and career goals and then find out whether the program you are considering has the appropriate accreditation(s).
- Speak to current students and those that have graduated from your program to ascertain their impressions of the education they received and preparedness for the next step in their career.
- Ask potential future employers what credentials and qualifications they look for in job applicants in order to determine whether your planned degree will measure up.
What type of technology will I need to take a distance education course?
While technology requirements vary by school, most distance education programs use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies to deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction. For these programs, the minimum requirement would be access to the Internet and a computer with the necessary software (word-processing, spreadsheet, anti-virus
protection) to complete your course work. Check with your program for a list of the specific technology requirements.
How much do distance education programs cost?
Tuition and fees for distance education programs can vary widely, depending on the school, program, degree, and
your state of residence. Online programs typically base tuition costs on the number of classes (or credits) you take at any point in time, rather than charging you for a full semester of classes up front. There are distinct cost savings associated with earning your degree at a distance, as there is no need to relocate or commute to attend your classes.
There are, however, several things to keep in mind when determining how much your education will cost. A sample list of costs for a distance education student may include:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and/or class materials
- Potential decreased pay while in school (due to a decreased work schedule)
- Computer
- Internet service provider or DSL
- Software (word-processing, spreadsheet, anti-virus)
- Hardware and computer peripherals (printer, webcam, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, scanner)
Check with your school for specific tuition and fee rates.
