The first step to finding the right online university is to decide what degree you want. Do you want an undergraduate or graduate degree? Are you interested in a certificate program for work related study? If you are returning to school for work, you may want to get feedback from your employer for this decision. List your long and short term career goals to help you decide which degree will help you reach your goals best. Once you have decided on a major, you can start to research different schools.
Find out the requirements for admission into the program. Each university has its own set of regulations. All schools will want to see your transcripts from high school or college. Some will ask for test scores as well. Make sure you can meet the minimum requirements for admission before you apply. Gathering the necessary documentation before beginning the application process will save time later.
Distance education programs have different on campus requirements. Some require that you come to campus a few times each semester, while others allow you to complete the entire program at home. Programs offered completely online are more difficult to find, depending on the degree you are seeking. Make sure you can commit to the schedule required by the university. A program that requires you to travel to campus one or more times should be within driving distance of your home.
Find out if the school you will be attending is regionally accredited. Accreditation only matters when you need financial aid or plan to transfer the credits you receive to another university. Some accept credits from schools that are regionally accredited, but others do not. Check with the college you plan on attending later to make sure the credits will transfer. If you are getting your complete degree from the same school, accreditation may not be important.
Another time accreditation may matter is if you are completing a degree that will require a state license. Degrees in nursing, social work and education require licensing. Check with your state to make sure they will accept your degree for licensing. Some states won't accept degrees from schools not recognized by the US Department of Education. Check with your school, state or Department of education to find out if the college is recognized.
If you have credits you want to transfer from another school, make sure the online university you are considering will accept your credits. Have your official transcripts sent to the school for an admissions counselor to review. Ask about any restrictions the school has for transferring credits. Most colleges won't accept more than fifty percent of the degree requirements in transfer credits. Some have a limit on the time you can transfer credits, usually ten years.
Ask if the university offers credit for job or life experience. If you have extensive experience in the business world, some schools will give you some college credits for this. You may be required to show documentation of your experience or be given an exam. The requirements and number of credits offered varies by school, so be sure to ask. These credits can shorten the amount of time you need to spend in school and can help get your degree faster.
Katie Robbins is the owner of degreeclick.com, a web resource where she regularly publishes informative articles about online education. Some of the topics she covers include online universities, education master degrees and health care degrees.
If you're a student attending classes, you have probably experienced... Read More
There are over 50 Acupuncture Schools in the United States.... Read More
Distance Learning is a priority for most who have already... Read More
The Shakespearean play "Othello" describes a cruel chain of events... Read More
Getting a college degree online seemingly appears to be a... Read More
You may not miss eating Ramen noodles everyday, but you... Read More
Many have a tough time listening to the scientists debate... Read More
If you are studying for an exam or if you... Read More
An online associate degree is a two-year general studies degree... Read More
Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes... Read More
Students appreciate teachers that can show them how the material... Read More
ENTERTAINMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW! "As we celebrate... Read More
Now that the admission committees have handed you their decisions,... Read More
Taking distance education courses requires more motivation and self discipline... Read More
Any student who is on the lookout for online degree... Read More
Many who work in the healthcare or nursing industry know... Read More
When we write for college courses, we write for an... Read More
Get motivated! ('Why do I write this paper?")This is a... Read More
Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase... Read More
Online Colleges require successful team buildingMost online colleges require their... Read More
Many have complained of the Government's procurement process for research... Read More
You've probably heard it since you were little, 'get a... Read More
Do best friends make the best college roommates? Not always!... Read More
Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of... Read More
So you just got accepted in your engineering program?joy, but... Read More
The application essay is the most crucial piece of writing... Read More
Sending your kids to college has never been more difficult... Read More
It's no secret that more and more people are looking... Read More
Higher education in the university gives students a chance to... Read More
Self injury is intentionally causing self-inflicted physical pain in order... Read More
Many parents and students I counsel confuse Early Admission, Early... Read More
On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country... Read More
There are many people today from all walks of life... Read More
As with any field, there are good technical training schools,... Read More
Grants are a type of student aid that is awarded... Read More
The Get Into Uni personal statement writing guide contains systematic... Read More
Physical Therapy Schools administer course instruction to potential physical therapists.... Read More
As a student entering college, it is very unlikely that... Read More
You may be bursting at the seams with natural talent,... Read More
Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of... Read More
The reason to study the flows of civilization is out... Read More
Many college students and graduates are looking for a solution... Read More
H.G. Wells once said, "Human history becomes more and more... Read More
The Shakespearean play "Othello" describes a cruel chain of events... Read More
The internet has revolutionized many parts of our economy. You... Read More
Congratulations on your move toward a college degree. And congratulations... Read More
Distance education has been around longer than people may realise.... Read More
Everybody lies, and storytellers are some of the best liars... Read More
Before CHIROPRACTIC SCHOOLS accept one into their educational system, it... Read More
Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before... Read More
Distance learning has become extremely appealing and widely attended because... Read More
You've probably heard it since you were little, 'get a... Read More
Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?Deciding if an... Read More
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has often been... Read More
An Oxford student has been convicted of downloading child pornography... Read More
Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase... Read More
Online Colleges require successful team buildingMost online colleges require their... Read More
Distance education has been getting a lot of attention lately,... Read More
Parents, if you're already reeling from the costs of today's... Read More
There should have been a time in the human history... Read More
Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap... Read More
With the rising cost of books, tuition and housing, it's... Read More
ENTERTAINMENT & PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW! "As we celebrate... Read More
An online associate degree is a two-year general studies degree... Read More
Getting a college degree online seemingly appears to be a... Read More
Distance Learning Makes the GradeDistance Learning might make all the... Read More
College & University |