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Getting Your Degree Online
What kind of people get their degree online?
Students are career-oriented professionals: 20% are executives or owners of their own businesses, 30% are middle managers in business and industry, and 44% are technical or licensed professionals. The average age of University of Phoenix students is 38 and nearly two thirds have families.
How do you get in?
Students must be at least 23 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be employed. They must complete the University of Phoenix's proctored Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment. In order to enter the degree programs, students must have a minimum of 30 transferable credits from a regionally accredited institution. Admissions are rolling. There are no traditional semesters; students can begin a course of study any month of the year, with classes starting every 4-6 weeks.
Is there a residency requirement?
No.
How do the classes work?
Classes are limited to 8-13 students to ensure maximum interaction with the professor and between students. Students are expected to log on to the class site five out of every seven days. Online classes last five to six weeks. Each class shares its own group mailbox, which serves as an "electronic classroom." Typically, on the first day of the week the instructor sends introductory information on the week's topic and confirms the assignments, such as reading from the textbook, completing a case study, or preparing a paper on the topic you're studying. The instructor also posts a short lecture or elaborates on the material, and provides discussion questions related to the topic. Throughout the week students work on their own, just as in a traditional classroom setting. The computer conferencing system allows for class discussion; students also can contact the instructor via e-mail to ask questions or receive feedback. When assignments are due, students send them to the instructor online, where they are graded and returned with comments.
Is online education as effective as classroom study?
60% of online students graduate and receive degrees. In tests of cognitive achievement, online students perform as well as or better than students enrolled in traditional classroom programs.
Selecting an Online University: 10 Tips You Should Know
The Internet is revolutionizing the way we live and the way we learn. Although distance education has been around for 250 years in a variety of formats (including mail, telephone, TV, audiotape, and videotape), the Internet has suddenly made this non-traditional format very popular. The Distance Education and Training Council in Washington, D.C., estimates that more than 2.25 million people currently are studying online at U.S. colleges and universities. International Data Corporation estimates that the number of degree-oriented students taking online courses will grow at a rate of 33% annually for the next several years. In addition, more than 682 accredited colleges are now offering online programs (Dun & Bradstreet). If you're thinking about pursuing your college degree through online education, here's a checklist of features you should look for in a university:
1. Accredited Programs. The most important accreditation in the U.S. comes from one of six regional accrediting associations (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Western). These associations grant membership to all regionally accredited educational institutions (including Harvard, Princeton and Yale), and acknowledge one another's accreditation.
2. Proven Online Success. Most online degree programs haven't been around that long and carry with them major glitches in their technology and their format. This can prove to very frustrating to students who are looking for convenience and efficiency. Seek a program that is easy to setup, won't crash, and doesn't require much, if any technical support. Make certain, however, technical support is available 7 days a week, in case you need them.
3. Sound Technical Capabilities. Many online universities are attempting to incorporate sophisticated technology like Video Streaming, Whiteboard Capabilities and Video Conferencing. While this may seem like a good idea in theory, in practice these features are severely hindered by typical modem speeds of today. Seek classes that are conducted via proven technologies, such as e-mail, bulletin boards, and websites.
4. 100% Online University. Many so-called "online" degree programs aren't 100% online. Instead they include instruction via less effective mediums, such as mail, telephone or videotape, or they require some on-campus attendance. Be sure your university offers 100% online programs.
5. Online Faculty. Instead of recruiting the most qualified instructors from around the world, many online universities simply give local classroom teachers a computer with Internet access. Make sure instructors have received training on the facilitation of a productive online classroom.
6. Attractive Financing. Earning your college degree can require a substantial investment of money. Fortunately, many low-interest financing options are made available to students, even those with high incomes. Many of these financing options are only available, however, if the university is an eligible institution that participates in the funding process. Also, be sure to ask your employer which online universities are qualify for tuition reimbursement.
7. Quality Customer Service. Seek an online university that is very customer-oriented. To avoid confusion, wasted effort, and a longer time to graduation, look for a university that will assign you a personal advisor who will be there to answer questions and take care of administrative details from enrollment through graduation.
8. Graduation Schedule. Many universities work harder at getting you into their school than out of it. As a rule, you should be able to earn your degree in 2 or 3 years, attending classes on a part-time basis. Before you begin any program, request an outline of the curriculum and timeline for graduation.
9. Satisfied Graduates. When choosing an online university, request information about the success and happiness of students and alumni. Look for quotes and results of post-graduation surveys from students and alumni. If you don't know a graduate of the university, ask the university to provide some names of graduates you can contact.
10. Small Classes. Large Enrollments. As a rule of thumb, you should look for small classes. With fewer students, each student receives more of the instructor's attention. Conversely, you should look for large enrollments. A larger number of students suggests that the program is proven. Find out how many students have successfully completed the program.
Today, online education can offer unsurpassed convenience, flexibility, and time-savings in the pursuit of your college degree. Keep this checklist in mind as you investigate the various online universities.
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