Distance Education

Find the right distance education program and take your career to a new level
By Melissa Haveman Distance education universities have become one of the hottest trends in education and they make getting a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD degree more convenient than ever. Many brick and mortar universities have jumped in with their own online or other distance education courses. Online courses and degree programs offer a number of benefits to individuals, particularly those who are already working full-time or have other responsibilities. They include:

1. Flexible scheduling so you can begin distance learning courses throughout the year.
2. Accelerated programs to help you finish your degree faster.
3. No set class times or locations so you can work when and where it’s convenient.
4. Training from individuals with real life experience in the field.

With all the choices in distance education universities available, however, it can be overwhelming to make a decision about which one is right for you.

Assess whether distance education is right for you

To succeed with a distance education program, you need to have a great deal of self-motivation and accountability. Although the programs are convenient, you must finish the courses to obtain your degree. If you think this may be a troublesome area for you, look into local universities that offer distance education courses in addition to traditional ones for extra accountability and structure.
Try:  Search for distance education courses and programs in the area you are interested in. Talk with an academic adviser at Penn State University’s World Campus for more information on whether distance learning is right for your personality and situation. Penn State also has some helpful tips on choosing an online university. The University of Idaho provides an explanation of distance education, comparisons to traditional classrooms and resources for knowing whether it’s for you or not. Some distance education universities, like the University of Maryland University College, also sponsor open houses or events where you can talk to admission advisors.

Find accredited distance education universities that offer the degree you want

Many distance education programs exist, but not all are created equal. Look for accreditation in any online university that you are considering. This way you know that you'll be getting a solid education in the area you choose and that your degree will be recognized by the outside world when you finish.
Try:  The University of Phoenix is one of the largest online providers for distance education. Although they do not offer all of the degree programs that you’d find at most local universities, they have many business degrees, including an MBA program online. Walden University has a number of online degree programs and, like the University of Phoenix, is listed as an accredited university by the U.S. Department of Education

Review the requirements for each distance education program

Each distance education program will have its own set of requirements for admission and completion of a degree. If you choose to attend an online program through a brick and mortar university, you may find restrictions on the number of distance education courses you can count towards a degree, for example. Knowing the exact requirements that you need for your degree will help you avoid problems later on.
Try:  Even prestigious schools, such as Harvard University, now offer distance education courses. You can enroll in a distance education degree program at Harvard or choose a course or two that will transfer to a local university. Other distance education universities, such as Ashworth University, Boston University, and the University of Maryland University College have varying requirements.

Talk to present and past students in a distance education program

Distance education universities often have flashy websites and brochures to entice you to sign up. By talking to other students or those who have completed their degree about the program, you can get the nitty-gritty details. Find out what credentials the instructors have, how the courses are structured and other information that's not going to appear in the brochures.
Try:  Visit the eLearners Forum where you can talk to present and former students of online universities. You can also contact a distance learning program, like Tulane University Freeman School of Business, for more information or to ask specific questions.

• Before applying to a specific distance education program, find out what forms of financial aid may be available if money is a concern. Most distance education universities will have financial aid advisors to help you. Distance education can be more expensive than taking local classes, even at the same university, so you'll want to be prepared.
• Keep in mind that many universities allow individuals to take classes without seeking a degree. If you want specialized training or knowledge in a particular area, this can be a way to get it.