Online Degree Options In 2012
In its annual survey on the health of online education in the country
, Sloan Consortium reported a 10 percent growth in online enrollments from 2010 to 2011.* Although a bit tempered as compared to the previous few years, the growth rate in online enrollments far exceeds the growth in the higher education student population overall.Considering this sustained growth in enrollment in online degree programs, there is little doubt that this mode of learning has well and truly become a part of our higher education system.
And if you are thinking of hopping on board the online education bandwagon, nows a great time, as schools continue to expand and evolve their online degree programs. To help you in your decision-making process, heres an overview of the several types of online degrees available, from basic associates degree programs to advanced graduate programs.
Online Degree Programs: The Associates
Online associates degrees are two-year undergrad programs offered mainly at community colleges and technical schools, though some four-year postsecondary institutions may also offer these programs.
Best fit for: Associates degrees are the best fit for individuals who want a college education, but who may not have the time, finances for, or interest in, a four-year bachelors program. These programs are also ideal for people looking for technical training in a specific vocation.
Prerequisites: The eligibility criterion for an associates program is a high school diploma or an equivalent GED credential.
Programs to consider: Online associates degree programs in applied sciences like business management and graphic arts are worth considering. Healthcare degrees like nursing and respiratory therapy are also available, but students of such programs are generally required to complete a practicum portion on site at a healthcare facility.
Online Degree Programs: The Bachelors
Online bachelors degrees are also undergraduate programs, but unlike associates degrees, they require four years of coursework and are available only at four-year postsecondary universities and colleges. Some schools also offer accelerated online bachelors degree programs that can be completed in less than four years.
Best fit for: Nearly anyone can consider enrolling for an online bachelors degree, from young folk fresh out of high school to full-time professionals looking for flexible higher education.
Prerequisites: A high school diploma or a GED credential is generally the prerequisite for admission to most online bachelors degree programs. "Completion programs," (such as RN-to-BSN degrees), may require applicants to meet certain licensure requirements.
Programs to consider: The good news is that its possible to pursue a bachelors degree online in almost any field, barring a few specialized disciplines like engineering. From technology degrees like computer science and information systems, to business programs like accounting and business administration, from liberal arts majors like English and sociology, to healthcare courses like healthcare administration and health informatics, the choice of bachelors online degree programs available these days is diverse.
Online Degree Programs: The Masters
Masters degrees are graduate programs that may require up to two years of schooling. Online graduate programs, like their traditional counterparts, generally involve intensive coursework and research.
Best fit for: Online graduate programs are ideally suited for full-time professionals looking for career advancement through continuing education. Individuals considering graduate school immediately after completing a bachelors degree program can also enroll for an online masters degree to cut down the cost of attending college as well as add some flexibility to their academic life.
Prerequisites: Applicants to a graduate program must have a bachelors degree (generally in a related field, although not alwaysas is the case with MBA programs). Some graduate degrees may also require candidates to have prior work experience.
Programs to consider: Graduate programs in healthcare, business, technology, humanities, sciences, etc. are fairly popular. Judging by current employment trends, online programs like a Masters in Healthcare Administration, Masters in Business Administration, and Masters in Nursing look quite promising.
Sources:
* onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/goingthedistance.pdf
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