By: Steve Patterson
Submitted: 2010-11-15 15:30:43 | Word Count: 656
An increased reliance on technology has coincided with ever-increasingly busy schedules to make online degree programs one of the fastest areas of post-secondary education. Flexible class schedules, a growing selection of available degrees ranging from associate's to doctorate's, and the ability to attend class from one's own home have all combined to make online education the preferred choice for many. A U.S. Department of Education analysis released in 2004 estimated that by 2010, there would be close to 20 million students enrolled in college level programs in the U.S. Of those, 39 percent are nontraditional students ages 25 and over, a large portion of which are obtaining their degrees via online and technology-based programs.
With the rapidly growing online degree population, the number of programs offering online degrees has grown exponentially. As is the case with traditional college campuses, some programs are more respected and a better value than others. There are several factors to consider when students are deciding which online degree programs are the best for them.
The Type and Area of Online Degree
Students considering an online degree must consider the area in which they wish to obtain their degree. As stated on GuideToOnlineSchools.com, "To ensure that you maximize the value of your investments, it is essential to plan ahead and select an area of study that is most pertinent to your interests and lifestyle." For instance, an online degree in computer programming is more likely to be viewed favorably than an online degree in culinary arts. It is also important to consider the level of degree desired (i.e. bachelor's or master's degree).
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The legitimacy of some programs can vary depending on the level of degree the student is pursuing. The Online Education Database provides a list of available online bachelor's degrees and their rankings. It also contains a database that divides the online programs by degree level and area.
Quality of the Online Degree Program
As the need for online programs grow, the sheer number of those available continues to grow as well. There are several steps a prospective student can take in order to ensure that the program he or she is considering is a quality one. Two relatively simple steps include discovering whether or not the program is accredited and investigating the program's retention rates.
Researching the school's accreditation is perhaps the most important step in deciding on a degree program. Accreditation ensures the basic level of quality of education provided by an institution. The U.S. Department of Education uses accreditation as a means to verify that colleges and universities meet established standards and to assist students in finding quality programs. It is also important to consider that prospective employers will likely view unaccredited programs as less legitimate than those programs that are accredited.
Retention rates can also be a clue as to the quality of the online program. Discovering the amount of people that have left the program prior to graduation can give a prospective student insight into whether the program is a successful one and clues to the programs the student should avoid. This information is typically available via the adviser over the area of interest.
Evaluating the Program
Once a prospective student has identified accredited schools that meet his degree requirements, there are several questions that can be asked in order to narrow the field further:
What is the student / teacher ratio?
What are the computer / software requirements?
How long has the program existed, and how many students are currently enrolled?
What financial aid options are available?
Is there an active alumni network?
The number of online degree programs is growing as more and more traditional universities begin to cater to a more technology-based public who desires an education process that meets its scheduling and lifestyle needs. As the number of programs grows, it is even more crucial that students consider all the aspects of an online education, including its advantages and disadvantages, when choosing the right program for them.
