In today’s fast-paced society, few people feel like they can hack another thing on their to-do list. And with an ever-shaky economy, still more folks are convinced that a real degree is just not affordable for them. Other people wrestle with accessibility, commuting, learning disabilities, and many other factors that all boil down to the same unfortunate result: higher education is just not a reality for them.
That’s where online degrees come in. Accessible, affordable, and more convenient than traditional on-campus learning, online degree programs are opening up higher education to entire groups of people who, previously, could never even consider such a pursuit. From round-the-clock workers to busy parents and folks who live out in the boondocks, remote learning quickly becomes the solution for tens of thousands of newly-initiated students every year.
Here are a few reasons why online degree programs should be at the top of your to-do list.
Obviously, convenience is the number one reason people opt for an online degree program. After all, there’s just no beating courses that can be taken wherever you want, whenever you want, however you want. Online degree programs can be accessed on your laptop, desktop, or even tablets in most cases. So you can attend classes from anywhere in the world, and even in your pajamas. Can’t get better than that!
Online degree programs are also much more flexible in terms of assignment deadlines and the completion of course requirements. They usually don’t have strict due dates; get the assignments in before the end of the course, and you’re good to go. So you can complete projects, tests, papers, and other requirements at your own pace, making the entire academic experience more convenient and more comfortable for everyone.
Along the same lines, remote learning is the most feasible option for those with a packed schedule. If you haven’t even allowed yourself to consider getting a degree because life is just too hectic, then online learning is the ideal solution. You can take courses whenever you have time, whether between meetings, after work, or on weekends. Whatever works for you. Just set yourself up with a good schedule, and learn according to your schedule.
And since the assignments aren’t governed by a strict deadline system, you can also complete and turn in projects and other course requirements on your schedule. Study for a test during your lunch breaks, finish a research paper over the weekend, or take a test while waiting for your next work assignment to load.
Another reason online degree programs are a good option for many people is that they offer you a wider variety of degree programs. Most colleges offer a limited number of degree programs, and you’ll have to choose from those options. But when you turn to the web, the possibilities expand dramatically. You’re not tied to a location either; no commuting worries. So you can really have your pick of the litter.
Some people are real go-getters. They set a goal, powerhouse through, and blast straight through anything that stands in their way. The only thing that can stop them is time. Throwing these types of personalities into a restrictive, time-restraining classroom setting is like denying flowering plants sunlight. They feel stifled, they can’t thrive, they’re choked.
Online degrees resolve this definite barrier to learning and higher educational achievements for these types of people. Instead of sticking to a specific schedule (that’s just T-O-O S-L-O-W), students can take classes, absorb the material, finish assignments, and complete their degrees quickly without waiting for the rest of the class to catch up. Most online degree programs even offer accelerated learning programs. These allow you to speed race through as many classes as you want in a short time. So you can conceivably finish your degree in record time (not to mention for less, but more on that in a minute).
And because the programs are digital, you have the added advantage of a better understanding of the material. If you don’t get a topic, you can review the lesson repeatedly until you do. If you got sleepy at some point in the lecture, you could just rewind to hear what you missed. Try doing that at a traditional college.
Online degree programs cover the spectrum and range from basic Associate degrees to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctorate degrees. You can choose from a tremendous variety of focuses and majors, including:
So if you’ve been interested in a specific major, course, or program that is not available at your local college, check online. Chances are you’ll be able to find a reputable online college that has the degree program or course you are looking for.
Beyond more accessible courses, online degree programs offer more people the opportunity to get specialized or higher-level degrees, certifications, and training than they were previously exposed to. Finding a good quality Master’s degree program, for example, might prove to be difficult in your area. But when you go the online route, no borders are limiting your growth potential. The sky’s the limit.
Another major obstacle in most people’s path towards higher education is money. Maybe you’re working a job and can’t afford to stop working to take classes. Or perhaps the tuition fees are just too high for your bank account to handle right now. Either way, online learning programs help fix these issues. We’ve already mentioned how you can fit remote leaning into your schedule, so working and learning is no longer a scheduling contradiction.
But online degrees are also more affordable. Tuition fees are considerably lower for digital degrees than they are for their brick-and-mortar counterparts. This makes sense since online colleges don’t have to pay for the campus, staff hours, and building maintenance of on-campus classes. So they can afford to pass the savings on to the students. Nice!
But probably the biggest reason to consider getting an online degree is the career opportunities it will open up for you. If you’re studying within the field that you are currently working in, this will give you real-life experience while you study. It will also show your employer that you are serious about your career and are a good candidate for promotions. And with a higher degree level, you’ll have more job opportunities with higher-paying salaries to consider.
And FYI, the vast majority of the time, online degrees are now considered just as credible as campus-based programs, according to a recent study done by CareerBuilder.
Learning remotely will also help you build important skills like time management, experience working with technologies, and discipline. These are invaluable skills that you can use in life and when pursuing a career.
Check our top choices of online degree programs and launch your career today.