Let me ask you a question: "What is preventing you - right now - from going back to college?" If you are like many you might tell me that you have family responsibilities. Perhaps you have elderly parents or in-laws that require your attention. Or you may have a family of your own, with small kids who are still at home.
For other adults, their major obstacle to meeting their educational goals is current job responsibilities. Adults without education who are working are people who NEED to work - they have bills, financial responsibilities that must be met. They simply cannot afford to take time off from their job, or quit, in order to go to school.
And so they find themselves in a Catch-22 situation: they need to work, but they also need to get that better job and the better life that it affords. And that better life will remain an elusive goal without the degree to go with it. So, what is a busy adult to do? The traditional approach to schooling - attending classes every day on campus - will not work for them. That's where online college degrees come in.
When you enroll in an online college degree program your entire educational experience is funneled through your PC at home. Via the Internet you can attend all your classes. Communication with your instructors and fellow students is handled either through e-mails or class forums. Through these methods, you can exchange information, collaborate on assignments and class projects - everything necessary complete your coursework.
I know your next question: "Are these schools for real?" And the short answer is yes. And the reputable schools are always accredited. This will protect you from the scammers out there. You will be able to transfer your credits to another school, and future employers will recognize the validity of your degree as long as you go to an accredited school.
What kinds of degree programs are currently available, and what courses of study are available online? Most schools offering online programs of study are either trade schools (such as Culinary Arts schools), business schools (specializing in courses in Accounting, Management, Finance), as well as colleges and universities (one of the most well-known being the University of Phoenix). You will find schools offering programs in IT (Information Technology), Medical Careers (Medical Assisting, Radiology), and even Engineering.
Many folk seem to think that if you are enrolled in an online college degree program, that you will not be able to secure adequate financial aid. Nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, most of the normal options for securing financial assistance - such as various forms of student loans - are available to you if you are an online student, provided you are studying at a properly accredited school, in an approved course of study.
So how do you begin? Well, since you want to attend online, begin with the Internet: do a thorough search of available schools in your area of interest. Look at the degrees conferred, and the various courses of study. You might want to contact someone already working in that field to ask for their opinions (i.e., would they consider getting THEIR degree from that school?). Also check for - and verify - each school's accreditation. Ask for and compare tuition (and other costs). When you have narrowed your choices down to 3 or 4 then contact each one and discuss your needs. When you are ready, make your choice! Congratulations -- and welcome to the ranks of the educated!
