Most students attending online colleges and universities can only manage one to two classes with an intense workload. Take note that one class is equivalent to three credits, and one credit requires one hour spent studying and two hours spent doing homework per week — two online classes are already equivalent to 18 hours of work a week!
This is why if you are tempted to take more than two classes per term, make sure that you have plenty of time available. Or you may improve your time management skills and try to learn so much faster than normal. Each semester is split to sessions. It means you take 2 classes in fall, 2 in spring and 2 in summer. If you take 18 credits each year, it will take you 6 and a half years to complete all degree requirements. Now, if you take 2 classes per session, the total number of classes will be 12, or 36 credits each year.
In this case, you can complete degree requirements in less than 3 and a half years. Online schools that give work and life experience credit will usually ask you to take an exam to prove your competence in a certain field or create a portfolio to showcase the knowledge and skill set you obtained simply for being alive.
Here are some online schools that are known to give work and life experience credit :. But if you choose to earn it by attending an online school, you can get your hands on it in just two to three years. Skip to content Many adults think about going back to school. In order to become a BA Bachelor of Arts or BS Bachelor of Science , you need to complete at least credits in most colleges and universities: UMGC dashboard So, how quickly you get your degree depends on how quickly you complete credits.
However, there are some shortcuts which we will discuss below. Did you know that you can also earn credits for having work and life experience? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check. Previous Previous. Next Continue. Additional choices include a bachelor of science in health informatics and information management, a bachelor of arts in religious studies, a bachelor of science in restaurant and food service management, and a bachelor of arts in communication and conflict.
Teachers can earn an endorsement for teaching English as a second language. Learners can also choose from several different interdisciplinary studies choices to customize their degree tracks.
The online programs cost less than the same programs offered on-campus. The school also offers a generous transfer credit policy. Students must speak with a success coach before applying to the program.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and a minimum 2. Students may also participate in one of five degree completion options where only the last two years of coursework occur online. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in medical imaging, technology management, or university studies completely online.
For degree completion options, such as accounting, business administration, information systems, or general business, the coursework for the upper-division major courses takes place online. However, students must make arrangements to complete lower-division general education requirements. Motivated students can also continue on to several comparable graduate programs within the school. Applicants need a high school transcript or GED records to apply for fully online programs.
For degree completion choices, students must possess an associate degree and suitable lower-division transfer credits. The school requires a minimum GPA of 2. Located in Crookston, UMC offers online bachelor's degrees in both the arts and sciences.
Learners can customize their degree with an online minor and explore graduate options through the same online learning space.
Notable degrees include a bachelor of science in accounting, a bachelor of science in agronomy, a bachelor of science in early childhood education, and a bachelor of science in equine business management. Students can choose from fully online minors as well, such as cybersecurity and information assurance, chemistry, writing, or humanities. The school also offers a teacher education unit designed to equip future teachers and leaders.
Students with more than 12 transferrable credits do not need to provide high school transcripts to apply. The school offers its online programming in both synchronous and asynchronous delivery formats. Note that some online programs may require an on-campus orientation or a culminating experience. The school offers a bachelor of arts in both criminal justice and the social sciences. The school also offers graduate options for motivated students once they complete their online bachelor's degree.
Online students can take advantage of student services and advising as well as proctoring services. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2. The school focuses mostly on graduate degrees, but students can choose from two undergraduate options.
Students can choose a bachelor of arts in early care and education or a bachelor of arts in integrated social sciences. Both degrees occur solely online, and students can finish in as few as years.
Students can also take online certificate programs to augment their bachelor's degrees. The school offers all online programming in an asynchronous delivery format — convenient for working students or those with families. Applicants for the online programs must possess at least 45 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 2.
The school works with students to evaluate and accept any eligible transfer credits to ensure students can graduate as quickly as possible. Located in the city of Portales, ENMU offers affordable online bachelor's degrees in more than 20 different fields.
Notable degree choices include a bachelor of science in communication disorders, a bachelor of science in computer science, a bachelor of business administration in marketing, and a bachelor of science in physical education with an emphasis in sports and recreation management.
Students can also complete their bachelor of nursing degree with minimum in-person requirements, and business students can study several niche options.
Online students can access specialized library services and advising options designed for off-campus students.
Several programs also require students to possess some transfer credits before applying. The school does not require students to submit standardized test scores. Located in St. Louis, UMSL offers several affordable online bachelor's degrees. Online students may also take advantage of virtual student services and advising.
Students can choose from bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, and bachelor of business administration degrees. Notable majors include computing technology, business analytics, cybersecurity, and political science.
Learners can also choose an interdisciplinary degree to customize their learning path. Some schools have also created hybrid programs, in which the students conduct most of their education online but are required to come to campus for short periods to engage in live learning activities. What is easy for one student may be challenging for another and vice versa, which is why no one particular degree can be considered easier than others.
However, for many students, earning a degree online can be easier than taking the traditional route due to flexible schedules, self-paced learning, and the availability of online student resources, such as tutoring and academic advising. Virtual learners may also find it easier to identify the best program to fit their needs because there are so many online programs to choose from without having to leave home.
There are many good degrees to get online, and they are available at all levels, from associate to doctoral degrees. When choosing one, you might want to factor in your personal learning style and strengths. Online courses are often asynchronous, which means you'll most likely do a great deal of reading and writing and have somewhat less direct contact with your instructor.
If, for example, you're the type of student who needs interactive explanation and demonstration to understand a certain topic—such as mathematical calculations—you may find it challenging to earn an online degree in a math-heavy subject like finance or accounting. On the other hand, you might excel at online research and writing, in which case you might do well in an online degree program for human resources or communications.
If technology is already a strength, you might be well suited to earn an online degree in data science or information technology. With thousands of possibilities at five different degree levels to choose from — associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, plus certificates — selecting an online degree can seem overwhelming at first. There are various factors students consider when choosing an online program. These factors relate to career goals, finances, coursework, and transfer credits.
This page is designed to help prospective students explore their many options and make the right choice in their online program. Online associate degrees typically can be completed in two years and are available for a variety of programs.
Online students who've graduated from an associate degree program will often be more competitive in the job market, especially in technical and vocational fields, compared to those with only a high school diploma or GED. Online associate degrees are also a solid stepping stone for those looking to earn and transfer credits to a four-year institution so they can continue on to more advanced degrees. Bachelor's degree programs can usually be completed online in four years.
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are available online in almost any area of study imaginable, from popular subjects such as engineering to less common subjects such as personal training or Christian counseling. Graduates of an online bachelor's degree program will find themselves qualified for a wide range of jobs, or they may advance their studies by pursuing a master's degree. Online master's degree programs are a valuable option for students hoping to pursue graduate-level education at a flexible pace, as many programs are designed to allow online students to continue full-time work while completing their studies.
Online master's degrees typically take two years to complete and are available in most subjects. Obtaining a doctoral degree is one of the ultimate ways to achieve excellence in a field, and there are a variety of online doctorates available. The time required for completion of these degrees varies, depending on whether the online student is full-time or part-time. Prospective doctoral students can explore degree offerings in business , psychology , computer science , and a wide variety of other subject areas.
Certificates are available online for students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Online certificates can serve as a supplement to a degree, or as a standalone qualification.
There are over 7, online certificate programs to choose from, many leading to job opportunities as physical therapy assistants , occupational therapy assistants , dental assistants , and veterinary technicians. There are many areas of study that an online student might focus on, and deciding which subject to study in college can be a challenge.
Students may select a major based on future career goals, interest or skill, or expected salary in a given field. Some of the most popular online degree programs among students include business, criminal justice, art and design, education, liberal studies, engineering, healthcare, computer science, English, information technology, and public health. Read on for more information about these areas of study. Online business degree programs aim to develop overall analytic, writing, and project management skills as well as an understanding of how organizations work.
Those interested in accounting will find many online programs to choose from at all degree levels, and graduates may qualify for jobs ranging from auditors to accountants. Finance is another popular specialty for those seeking an online business degree and schools offer fully online finance degrees, potentially leading to careers in financial management, budget analysis, and financial advising. Students hoping to pursue business careers related to business management or administration might be interested in learning more about online human resources or management degrees.
A career related to law enforcement, the correctional system, the courts, or perhaps all three may begin with an online degree in criminal justice or a related subject such as forensics, corrections, and criminology. Those who'd like to learn about crime from a social perspective may be interested in an online criminology degree, of which there are multiple levels available, even an online doctorate.
Others may prefer to take a more hands-on approach to deal with crime by studying law enforcement online and preparing for a career in the police force or police administration. Those interested in cracking cases might be interested in exploring available online options for undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in crime scene investigation or forensic science. In total, there are 1, programs available to prospective criminal justice online students. Prospective online art students will also find a number of fine arts degrees available, as well as degrees in music and film production.
Whatever talents and interests an individual may have, OnlineU has information about the online degree programs best suited to meet the student's career goals. For those who are passionate about teaching, pursuing an online education degree will provide the skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of others through education.
Of the 5, education degrees available fully online, students will find degrees tailored to a wide variety of specialties. The breadth of available online degrees in education can lead to a variety of specializations, including elementary education, early childhood education , curriculum and instruction, administration and leadership , higher education, reading and literacy, and special education.
Pursuing an online education degree will help students realize their dreams of becoming teachers, principals, higher education administrators, and more. The broad umbrella of liberal studies is a smart choice for online students who are hoping to expand their worldview and develop stronger critical-thinking and communication skills. The field of liberal studies includes a wide array of online courses, from English to anthropology , physics to mathematics , psychology to music.
There are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees in liberal studies subjects available in a fully online format. Because career paths for graduates with an online liberal studies degree vary widely depending on the program of study, looking over our more specific subject pages will help prospective students learn more about the many available options.
Engineering may be the ideal field of study for anyone who enjoys applying scientific skills to real-world problems. Online engineering programs are available at the introductory level for new students, with a number of options at both the associate and bachelor's levels.
For those more experienced in the field, online master's and doctoral degrees in engineering are available as well. Interested students should also research what engineering specializations appeal to them, as online programs are available in areas such as electrical engineering , civil engineering , software engineering , and mechanical engineering.
Graduates of an online engineering degree program may find work at research labs, governmental agencies, large corporations, construction sites, or small companies. A wide range of healthcare-related degrees are available online, including programs in nursing , pharmacy , nutrition , personal training , public health , respiratory therapy , healthcare administration, and medical and dental assisting. These online degree programs prepare students interested in promoting health and wellness to ensure others maintain healthy lives.
Careers in healthcare vary from hands-on positions, like working as a dental assistant, to more administrative roles, such as working behind the scenes to provide others with exceptional care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that many of these in-demand careers have a bright outlook. Online degrees in healthcare-related fields are available at all levels, with a variety of associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate degrees to choose from.
Some people assume that health care-related degrees can't be earned online because they often require hands-on, experiential learning modules called practicums, fieldwork, or internships.
However, many accredited colleges and universities have overcome this barrier and now offer online degrees in a wide range of health-related subjects. Nursing degrees at every level are some of the most popular online programs. Other options include associate degrees in medical assisting, medical office administration, and sonography; bachelor's degrees in health science and health care management; and master's degrees in speech language pathology, public health, and counseling.
No, currently in the U. There are a few programs at foreign schools, but these programs do not prepare graduates to become licensed MDs here in the U. Learn more about online healthcare administration degrees. Computer programmer, systems analyst, web developer, systems or network administrator, and software developer—these are just some of the many in-demand jobs available to people who have earned online computer science degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employers will add more than half a million well-paying computer science jobs over the next 10 years. Online learning has created opportunities for distance learning students to earn degrees at every level, preparing them for jobs in this field. There are online computer science degrees available. These include specializations in such fields as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer networking and telecommunications, and software design and development.
Online students can expect to start with coursework in programming languages, operating systems, and data structures before moving on to their choice of specialty subjects. Online students considering a degree in English may be surprised to discover how versatile this option can be. In addition to careers as writers or editors, English majors can work at publishing companies, advertising agencies, PR firms, universities, and other information service providers.
Coursework for an online degree in English will focus on developing analytical and critical-thinking skills and effective writing and communication abilities. Students will also choose to study many types of literature. In the process, they will discover how to analyze and critique writing.
There are more than online degrees in English available at all levels, with a variety of associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate degrees to choose from. Where computer science focuses on programming and innovation, information technology focuses on building and maintaining existing technologies. Online learning enables students to prepare for these jobs by earning degrees at every level, from associate to doctoral.
There are 1, online degrees available, many in the most popular specializations, such as cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity. Online students pursuing undergraduate degrees will find that the coursework generally focuses on business-level information systems, applications, and basic programming.
Those at the master's or doctoral level will study advanced IT concepts and practices with a heavy emphasis on research. IT professionals can also enhance their credentials by earning an online certificate. Learn more about online information technology degrees. From preventing the spread of infectious diseases to encouraging schools to provide healthier lunches for children, public health professionals aim to improve the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and the population at large.
Most public health job opportunities are found in government agencies. These positions generally require a graduate degree, and prospective students have master's and 51 doctoral online degrees to choose from.
Online doctoral programs fall into two categories: the Doctor of Public Health DrPH for those preparing for clinical work in healthcare and policy, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health PhD for those who want to pursue research and academic positions. Online students who opt for one of the undergraduate degrees in public health will be well qualified for entry-level positions in healthcare administration and related fields.
A bachelor's in public health is also a common stepping stone to advanced degrees in law or medicine. Once you've determined the subject and degree you would like to pursue, you'll need to decide which online program to enroll in.
There are several important factors to consider when selecting the specific program that will best meet your needs, such as the reputation of the school for teaching that subject, any options for adding a concentration or area of emphasis, and the degree to which you can customize your program through the choice of electives.
Another important factor is your return on investment , meaning the cost of the program as compared to your increased earning potential over the course of your career. On OnlineU. As you conduct your school search, you might also want to investigate the school's virtual learning environment before making your final choice.
Some useful questions to ask are:. Are the courses entirely asynchronous , allowing you to complete work on your own time, or are elements of the courses synchronous , requiring you to be online with the instructor at specific days and times? Does the school require you to come to campus for any live learning events, and will you have the time and resources to attend these sessions? Will you be able to meet the expected demands of the courses in addition to your other time commitments? Will you have access to financial aid and student support services if enrolled online?
Once you've settled on one or more programs, you're ready to apply. Prospective students use the same process to apply for online programs as they do for traditional programs, and they must meet the same admissions standards.
To submit an application for an online degree program, start by visiting the school's website. You may be directed to submit an online application directly to the school, or you may be asked to submit your application through one of the communal college application portals, such as the Common App.
If you are applying to an associate or bachelor's degree program, you will probably also be asked for:. If you are a transfer student continuing with a bachelor's program or applying to an online master's or doctoral program, you will most likely be asked for additional materials, such as transcripts of your previous college coursework and a resume or curriculum vitae.
One of the most important factors in choosing an online degree program is ensuring it has been accredited by an approved, independent agency. Accreditation means that the college or university has undergone a thorough evaluation. In this process, coursework, faculty, and student resources have been determined to meet high standards for quality and value. All of the schools listed on our website have been accredited. Visit our accreditation page to learn more about specific types of accreditation and how they impact transfer credits and financial assistance.
These are important considerations for online students when choosing a specific higher education program or school. The vast majority of online degrees are legitimate, coming from accredited colleges and universities. Accreditation is the most important indicator that a school—its programs, staff, facilities, and services—have been thoroughly reviewed and found to meet accepted standards of quality and academic rigor set by the U.
Department of Education. The best online college degrees will be regionally accredited, but there are also many reputable online programs available from nationally accredited schools. What all students should avoid is enrolling in a "diploma mill," meaning a business that is awarding degrees that are not legitimate and have no value. Some diploma mills openly sell fictitious degrees, while others try to disguise themselves as legitimate educational institutions.
When conducting a school search for online accredited programs, examine each school's website carefully. Some warning signs to look for are:. Yes, in today's educational landscape, many reputable colleges and universities are offering legitimate degrees through online-only master's programs.
As long as your master's degree is from an accredited school, it has the potential to carry the same level of respect as a traditionally earned degree. An online master's degree from an accredited institution shows that you have studied the same curricula, completed the same graduate-level coursework, and demonstrated your mastery of the course materials and skills through assessments and examinations. Historically, there have been two types of accreditation: regional and national.
While many schools are regionally accredited, some—often technical colleges, trade schools, and for-profit online universities—are nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is generally considered to be the more prestigious, indicating the highest academic standards.
It is generally best to choose a school with regional accreditation if you are seeking an online degree in an academic subject, intend to apply for financial aid, plan to enter a field that requires licensure or a credential, or think you may want to pursue a higher level degree in the future. On the other hand, if your goals involve attending an online career school or trade school, you may want to consider both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
Students do not have to take any steps to get their online classes or online degrees accredited. If the school you attend is accredited, your classes and your degree will automatically be accredited. Accelerated programs usually feature up to 12 short four-, six-, or eight-week terms scheduled consecutively year-round, which allows you to complete all of your graduation requirements in about two years.
You'll find that there are accelerated programs available in many fields, including business, marketing, and health, so you can choose among many subjects to study. Depending on your history, you may be able to earn a bachelor's degree in one year. There are several schools that offer accelerated, one-year degree programs online, but you will need to have some prior college, work, or military experience, and you may need to score well on placement exams to "test out" of some courses.
Using this same approach, there are also online master's, associate, and certificate programs that can be completed in one year. There are a number of master's, associate, and certificate programs that can be completed in six months through accelerated online programs. Even with transfer credits and "earned" credits for life experience, it will probably take at least one year to complete your bachelor's degree online.
Yes, you can easily get a four-year degree online. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs through distance education in a wide range of subjects, including sociology, project management, early childhood education, and more.
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