Online Degree or Traditional classes: Upgrade your skills and marketability.
One of the typical by-products of an economic recession is that colleges see vast increases in student enrollment. Many of these increases are from individuals already in the workforce seeking to increase their marketability by obtaining an advanced degree. For those that returned during the last recession, the added skill set and experience may make a significant difference in their employment status during corporate belt-tightening activities. Many are now reaping the rewards of their past efforts. For those that have contemplated returning to obtain a degree, now is the time. The web has impacted higher education in an infinite number of ways. For starters it has enabled the working adult to finish or achieve their bachelors and/or masters degrees. Many colleges and universities in Houston offer both campus and online degrees for working adults. The classes offered are available for most disciplines and allow for unmatched flexibility in a working adults schedule. The web has also become a conduit for traditional bricks and mortar universities to offer online degree programs. The advent of accredited online universities has forced traditional universities to become more flexible to needs of the adult student.
Online or Traditional Classes?
Both online and traditional classrooms offer certain benefits and tradeoffs. Determining your needs should be the first step in evaluating your options. Ask yourself these questions; What is the nature of your work schedule? Do you have a set schedule or do you face urgencies at the end of the work day? Do you work in a specific geographical area, or do you check your email in the airport lounge? Do you prefer to work with others in person or will remote teammates suffice? Your answers should give you a rough idea of the benefits and challenges that each learning environment brings with it. If you spend a great deal of time traveling then an online classroom may provide the flexibility you need. Those with set local and hours might prefer the physical interaction that takes place in a traditional classroom setting. Those seeking a masters degree should thoroughly evaluate those benefits that lie outside the actually degree; namely that of networking. One of the most valuable components of obtaining an MBA is the networking and contacts that are built in the process of obtaining the degree. Evaluate and compare these factors when choosing your program. The growth in online degree options has grown to such a degree that it is impossible to list the various options here.
Monster (of online job search fame) has put together a site of 100+ online and campus based degrees that is a great resource for those searching for a college degree program.
MonsterLearningLegitimacy and Value
Does a degree obtained in a virtual world translate into real-world benefits? The most importing aspect of evaluating any degree plan is accreditation. Is the institution recognized and accredited by a legitimate governing body? Who else does this governing body recognize and issue accreditation to? If your university has established real-world colleges and universities as it's peers then you know you are on the right foot. It is vitally important that the institution is accredited. This key component allows for peer recognition of credit hours and earned degrees. Those seeking to fulfill a masters or doctoral level degree rely upon their programs acceptance of prior work and degrees.
While non-accredited programs do have value (Microsoft Certification, PMI, CCIE,etc.) it is important to achieve a degree from an accredited institution. Many questions have been asked regarding the value of online or satellite campuses of the more popular adult learning institution. Many fear that the "online" nomenclature will discredit their hard work and efforts. This is far from the case. Much like the old Packard Automobile ad, "Ask the man that owns one" could not ring any truer.
The fact is that in some cases the online degrees have a level of difficulty that attended classes do not. Anyone who has participated in an online program will testify that these are not "point and click" programs. The work and material is real, and the self discipline that is required will convince anyone with lingering doubts of online coursework's legitimacy. Another nod to the perceived value of a program is corporate support and buy-in of the institution. Many adult learners enjoy the benefit of having educational reimbursement of their college expenses paid for by their employers. Some even receive guidance into these types of programs. Finally the entry of traditional institution removes any lingering doubt as to the quality and legitimacy of an online degree.
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