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An online degree opens up a world of opportunities
including a new career, better job prospects,
skill enhancement and career progression. Studying
online is a great way to further your education
while keeping your present job and looking after
your family.
Here are 7 tips on choosing an online degree. |
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1. Check the credibility of online colleges or universities.
Spend time to speak with friends and search for reviews
on the internet or in publications. Find out faculty-to-student
ratios and class sizes. Smaller class is better because
you get more attention from a tutor.
2. Make sure you pursue an accredited online degree
program. Otherwise, you may end up with a degree that
is not recognized by your employer. Search for third
party reviews and testimonials on the internet. You
should be able to find out what others are saying
about a particular program. Remember, if a deal sounds
too good to be true, it probably is. Use your common
sense.
3. You must be committed to spending the required
amount of time to obtain your degree. Studying online
can be difficult for some students because they can
be lacking in the motivation usually given by close
contact with other students and lecturers.
4. Determine your interests and choice of subjects.
If you choose a degree program that you enjoy, you
are more likely to complete it successfully.
5. You should be able to set a schedule for your
work, study and other commitments. If you can’t find
the time to do so, then you definitely won’t have
time to study. Make sure that you have a quiet place
to study. If you have a spouse, kids or friends in
the house, there are bound to be distractions. Can
they give you the time and space you need? If not,
consider going to a nearby library.
6. What is the technology expected from you? Are
the technology requirements beyond your capacity?
Do you have the required level of computing knowledge?
Most likely, you are required to have a computer,
printer and internet connection. You may be communicating
with tutors and students via email or teleconference.
Would the technology or computing knowledge be a barrier
to you pursuing an online degree? Consider taking
a computing course to brush up your computer skills.
Make sure there is tech support from the online college
or university.
7. Some programs require occasional attendances at
the college or university campus. Can you fit these
into your schedule? If you don’t show up for a meeting
or class, you can be penalized by losing marks in
your overall score.
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