Benefits of Online Degree and Certificate Programs

The field of online education is growing. In 2017, about 6.6 million students enrolled in some form of distance learning course, and the 2020 pandemic accelerated the trend. While some colleges are taking steps to reinstate in-person classes, many students prefer to work remotely — online classes offer serious advantages, especially for non traditional students.

Many classes allow students to complete their coursework on their own time. Lectures aren’t tied to a specific time and place; you can work on your education during your lunch break, at night, or whenever you have time. Students still have direct access to professors and classmates via videoconferencing, and tuition costs are typically much lower for online-only credits.

Most importantly, finishing your degree online provides the same diploma you would have earned through in-person classes. Whether you’re pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree, remote learning can open up tremendous opportunities.

Finding a Degree or Certification Program for Your Career

In the past, colleges restricted their online curriculum to a narrow set of majors. The goal was to get students to in-person classrooms — but the pandemic brought sweeping changes to the postsecondary education system. In 2021, hundreds of accredited schools are offering remote learning options for majors and certifications such as:

• Mental Health Counseling & Psychology
• Accounting, Business Administration, and Human Resources
• Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Web Development
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) Programs
• Medical Administration, Coding, and Healthcare Support Staff Certifications

This isn’t a comprehensive list — unless you’re looking for an extremely specific degree in a niche field, you’ve got a great chance of finding an accredited degree or certification program from a reputable institution.

Because there’s a wide range of options for online degrees, students need to exercise caution when enrolling. You no longer need physical residence in the state where you’re taking classes — though some colleges charge higher tuition for out-of-state students — so you can compare curricula at dozens of schools before making your decision.

Researching Online Options for Degrees and Certifications

Most students should plan on researching at least 3-4 schools before sending applications. Depending on your situation, however, you might want to look at dozens of options; you’ll need to decide what’s appropriate based on your degree or certification goals.

Some factors to consider:

• School Reputation- With more and more accredited schools offering online courses, students have options. Read each university’s website and check school rankings while evaluating different degree programs.
• Remote Learning Capabilities- Some schools offer all of their coursework online, while others require students to complete examinations in person. Make sure you’ll be able to take all of your required classes remotely, and determine whether you’ll need to view lectures at a set time or whether you have more flexibility.
• Classroom Size- Larger classes can present problems for some students; you might have less access to your professors, and depending on the class,
• Faculty- Find information about the school’s faculty, particularly if you’ll need to take courses with a certain professor in order to complete your degree. Determine whether professors have experience with remote learning and whether they’ll be accessible if you have questions or concerns. Most reputable schools provide detailed faculty pages, which can be enormously helpful.

Finally, consider tuition and other expenses. Make sure you know the cost of your degree, particularly if you’ll use financial aid. That includes expenses for books, virtual access privileges, and any other fees charged by each school.

Finding an Online Degree Program in 2021

Online classes can provide the convenience and flexibility you need to continue your education. More schools are offering remote learning programs than ever before, opening up new opportunities for students who need to balance their lives with their coursework.

The first step: Start researching universities and colleges that offer degree programs in your field of study. By looking at a variety of options using online resources, you can earn your degree from a reputable, accredited school — while keeping tuition costs as low as possible.