Four Things To Consider When Enrolling In Online College Courses
Online college courses make it easy for busy moms or working adults to complete a college degree on their own schedules. However, there's more to attending school online than simply having a computer. There are several factors you'll want to consider before you make the choice to attend school. Use this guide to help determine the right learning path to meet your needs.
Campus Requirements
Some online college programs do require you to visit the physical school campus at certain points during each semester. This might be simply to attend an orientation course or taking final exams in person. If you choose a school that's located out of state, or if you don't have appropriate transportation, you may find that campus requirements can be difficult to meet.
Learning And Study Style
Online college courses require a considerable amount of independent study, and that doesn't necessarily work for everyone. If you have trouble scheduling your day, you may find online learning to be a challenge. Similarly, people who are auditory learners may feel more comfortable attending lectures instead of reading lessons and group study chats. If you are unsure about whether or not your learning and study style are a good match for online courses, consider scheduling an appointment with a school guidance counselor. He or she can help you create a learning path that makes sense for you.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential when attending college, either online or in person. Getting a degree from an accredited school can provide you with access to employment opportunities, while unaccredited schools may not look as good on a resume. Fortunately, it's not hard to find a school's accreditation. You can check each school's website, or you can check with your state's education department. If you are attending school for a specialized degree, such as nursing, be sure that the school holds accreditation for both its general education and specialized degree programs.
Degree Paths
If your ultimate goal is to earn a degree, you'll want to research the degree paths that ay online courses you take will count toward. In some cases, you may find that you won't be able to tale 100-percent of the classes you need to graduate online. Enrolling in the wrong courses can be a waste of both time and money. Your school's guidance counselors can help you determine which courses you will need to obtain the degree you want. If you plan on taking some courses online before transferring to a four-year college or university, you'll also want to make sure that the classes you choose will transfer to the school you wish to attend.
