Not too long ago, we published an article about whether you can really print checks online. The article provides a detailed guide on how you can print your custom checks without leaving the comfort of your home. Printing checks used to be an offline-only thing, but modern web services have made it possible for anyone to print checks and save money by doing it online.
This trend can be seen everywhere. Many offline services and activities are transitioning to online experiences. This is a trend that has been shaping the market for several years. The trend doesn’t just affect mundane, everyday things like shopping for groceries either. That is why we decided to ask another question: can you really get a degree online?
What Is an Online Degree?
An online university degree is no different than one you acquire offline. You will still receive an accredited degree from a reputable university. You also still need to complete the program in order to earn a degree of your choice. The only difference is how you can complete the selected program.
Rather than attending classes offline, you can take the entire course online – or the majority of it in some cases – through video conferencing, an online learning system, and the internet bridging the gap between your computer and the university’s server.
In fact, you have greater control over your learning experience. You can study on your own time and complete the course at a pace you are comfortable with. Some online courses are designed for professionals, giving you extra flexibility.
Can You Really Get a Degree Online?
The simple answer is yes, you really can earn a degree online. In fact, you have a wealth of options when it comes to the degrees you want to pursue. When online degrees started to gain popularity, the available programs centered around subjects like IT and management. Today, you can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University Online and other reputable universities.
Keep in mind that while you do get extra flexibility with how you take the course, online programs are still as demanding as their offline counterparts. For starters, you are still required to meet the high standards to earn your degree. More importantly, you need to qualify for the course you take. In the case of an accelerated nursing program, for example, you still need to have completed bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing discipline.
What’s great about online degrees is that you can complete the course sooner than you think. With accelerated programs, you can complete the entire course in as little as 10 weeks. For normal programs, the course length is anywhere from 12 to 36 months. Taking your next degree online comes with other benefits as well.
Advantages of Online Degrees
That brings us to the next important thing to know about pursuing an online degree, which is the series of advantages you can get by choosing this route. There are a few reasons why even high school graduates now prefer to continue their study online:
- Online degrees are significantly more affordable than the equivalent offline degrees. There is a simple explanation for this: universities don’t have to cover higher overhead costs to run online programs, hence the lower tuition. In fact, you can save up to 40% just by pursuing the same degree online. When you take into account other costs associated with pursuing a higher degree (i.e., the cost of relocating or commuting to campus, cost of physical books, etc.) you can save a lot of money with an online degree.
- The time flexibility means you can pursue an online degree while maintaining a fulltime job or running a business. This too is a major advantage. You don’t have to put your career on hold just to pursue a higher degree. Since a higher degree is a significant boost to your career, going the online route is a worthy investment.
- At the same time, online degrees are more up to date. Companies value online degrees more than ever because the courses are designed to meet industry needs. They are updated more regularly than offline courses, plus you can find new subjects and fields available as online programs first.
What You’ll Need to Earn an Online Degree
Getting started with your pursuit for an online degree is easier than you think. You can find excellent programs to choose from by doing a quick Google search. Before you decide to enroll to the program of your choice, however, there are a few things you want to understand first.
The Course Requirements
As mentioned before, each course has different requirements. Some only require enrollment, while others may require you to have a previous degree, a certain GPA, and even certifications. Make sure you check the program requirements before deciding to enroll. Failure to meet those requirements will result in you being rejected from the program.
Curriculum and Course Structure
Before deciding to enroll in an online program, take the time to go through the course carefully. Make sure you understand what is expected from you as a student. Some courses have mandatory offline classes – usually one or two per year – while others are conducted entirely online.
The course structure will dictate how much time and energy you need to allocate towards completing it. By considering these details, you can determine whether you will be able to complete the course in a timely manner. You can also start drafting a schedule.
Good Time Management
That brings us to the last thing you need: good time management. You must go through course materials, attend online classes, and complete course assignments. Of course, you have to pass tests in order to earn the degree. Unless you can allocate enough time for the course, you will have a hard time completing it.
Conclusion – Can You Really Get a Degree Online?
You don’t have to attend offline classes and jump through hoops to pursue a higher degree. Online courses certainly make getting the degree of your dream easier, whether it is a bachelor’s degree or a master’s. Find a course that suits you today and start your pursuit in no time.
