A degree is a great way of showing your ability to master a certain subject, and while most people go straight to a physical university straight from school, many of us do not. So what happens if you decide you want to study for a degree later in life, or from home? Well, nowadays there are many providers of degrees online. But, how do you know if the online degree you’re undertaking is any good or reputable? We are going to discuss here everything you need to consider before choosing your online degree.
Why People Choose To Study Online
People decide to study online for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you have reached a crossroads in your career, or feel you’ve reached the ceiling of what you can currently achieve within your industry. Studying for a degree in your own time at home can help you overcome these career hurdles. Others choose to skip traditional uni for various reasons; be it financial, family-related, or due to location. They may then realize that they have a passion they want to develop, and finding an online degree provider is a great way to fulfil that passion.
How Do They Work?
Most online degrees are completely remote, with you studying from home using various methods. As the experts over at DegreePlanet.com say, “With the increasing standards and continuous improvement in the delivery of knowledge, it has now come to a point where degrees earned from online programs are just as good as campus-based education.” They couldn’t be more right. With a mixture of in-depth online lectures, real tutors marking your work and guiding you, excellent course material, and even tutor groups working together, there is nothing second-rate about an online university degree.
Finding A Degree Provider
So, you’re considering an online degree, but how to choose your provider? Look for reputable schools that have been around for some time and note them all down. Have a look at what courses they provide and decide what suits you. You need to check if the school provides legitimate and accredited degree courses. Once you have found a company you think you’d like to work with, it’s time to reach out!
Do Your Research (Before You Start!)
You think you’ve found a provider or school you’d like to work with, so what do we mean by doing your research? Firstly, you should seek out impartial online reviews of said school. This doesn’t mean looking at the quotes on their own page! Look for student forums and review sites that aren’t linked to the school. This way you can find real, honest reviews of how the courses are at your chosen school.
Following on from this – if you are happy with the reviews – you should reach out to both a member of staff and a former or current pupil. Speak to the staff about the course you are interested in as well as how it is taught. Make sure it interests you, as you will have to motivate yourself a lot from home! And, if you can, reach out to a pupil for advice. They will (hopefully) give you an honest opinion about how manageable and interesting your studies will be.
What Can You Study?
Almost anything! These days technology is so advanced that a very wide range of courses can be taught remotely. You obviously won’t be able to study anything that requires real, practical hands-on teaching such as nursing or fine art, but there is plenty you can study. Almost anything administrative, business-related, or technological can be taught online and taught well. There are even online providers in law and cybersecurity degrees. We should also mention that many providers also teach master’s degrees and PhDs, so if you are further along your study journey and wish to specialize, these opportunities are also available.
Do Employers Recognize Online Degrees?
One worry many have before undertaking an online course is whether employers recognize online degrees in the same way as traditional degrees. Luckily, most employers don’t care at all where you got your degree from but are instead simply impressed with your commitment to learning. In fact, many employers find those who have studied part-time whilst working all the more impressive, so don’t let these kinds of worries hold you back.
There you have it, everything you need to take into account when planning for, or thinking of taking an online degree course. Remember to do your research, find something you are motivated to study, and make sure that you plan your course choices well. Enjoy your online classes and self-study. Good luck with your studies!