What You Need to Know About Getting an Online Degree

Getting an online degree is a great way to get an education outside the traditional university system, and it's also a sound investment for your future career. It's an educational path that offers plenty of benefits, though because online degree programs are still relatively young, a lot of students aren't familiar with their structure or requirements. With that in mind, here are some thing you need to know about getting an online degree.
An online degree is designed to be attained entirely over the Internet (excluding, obviously, any relevant internships you might need to complete). You'll download coursework and exams by logging in to the school's network, which is also how you'll submit your work when it's finished. On top of this, most online degree programs are asynchronous, which means you don't have to log in at the same time as the rest of the students. There's no formal "class time," meaning it's completely up to you to decide when to study and what to focus on first, second, and so on. Aside from larger due dates for papers and exams, your schedule is your own. That's a much greater degree of flexibility than is offered in more traditional colleges and universities, which dictate when and where you have to be for every class. As a result, you're freer to plan your life and keep working at a full- or part-time job, something not always possible with brick-and-mortar educational institutions. On a technical note, though, you should be advised that your computer will need to meet certain technical specifications for online programs, so be sure to check with your school to see if your system is compatible.
You should also know that online degrees need to be accredited just like those offered at traditional schools, whether it's by a regional or national accrediting agency. Employers prefer to hire people with accredited degrees, so it's important that your online degree meets the necessary professional standards. The Department of Education as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation both maintain databases that will help you find an accredited program in your field of study.
Finally, it's a good idea to do your homework and see what people are saying about the school. Has anyone filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau about the school? What about current and former students? You should also talk to a financial counselor at the school to discuss bottom-line tuition costs as well as any technology fees that might be charged to you. Additionally, your academic counselors can help you figure out how long your degree will take to complete, which can vary if you're working.