Friday, October 23, 2009

Why to Consider Online Masters Programs

While you may have already graduated from college, you may have not obtained your masters degree. For those of you who plan on pursuing an even higher level of education, there are many reasons why you take online masters programs. Not only will they save you valuable time and money, but they present a unique opportunity for those who are unable to go to a traditional university to obtain a masters degree to get one.

Why getting your degree online is easier

It's easier to receive your masters degree online than it is in person at a traditional college not because the course work and requirements are different, but because the manner in which you complete them are different. Classes at any traditional university are held at a specific day and time. You must be able to attend them. If you have a full time job, a family, or any personal life, being able to fit classes into your personal schedule is a hard feat to manage. When you take classes online, the work can be done at any time you desire, day or night.

You will not be stressed

Being able to do your work at any time that you desire will reduce your stress. You will not worry about having to get to your classes on time, or worry about missing a class. As long as you have half an hour a day to read and work on your studies, you will excel. If you are a parent, you will be able to stay at home with your children rather than having to worry about leaving them with another person.

Savings in time and money

If you choose to pursue your masters degree online you will also receive a savings in time and money. Online courses are generally cheaper than their physical counterparts. In addition to that savings in money, not having to drive to and from your classes will give you more free time. You can use that extra time to study and do your work from the comfort of your home!

Greater income

After you have obtained your masters degree you will then be able to make more money. Job opportunities will open up for you as you'll be able to apply for positions that require a masters degree. The difference in your yearly salary will be significant enough that in a few years you will have paid off the cost of getting your degree. From there the difference in earnings is extra spending money.

For information and tips on associate degree online visit Online Degree

Monday, October 12, 2009

Nationally Accredited Online Colleges - Secrets to Choosing One

Are you looking for nationally accredited online colleges? Consider this. Nationally accredited online colleges are those that have been approved by real legitimate agencies. These schools have to undergo a careful review process to determine the quality of their educational programs. If a school is certified by a national accrediting body, than you can feel comfortable that it's legit.

Some of the top accreditation bodies include key accreditation agencies such as

  • the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
  • The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
  • The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
  • The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)

Accredited online universities and schools offer a time of freedom and an education of high standards. Imagine it: no parents, no principals checking up on you, and fun student events to enjoy - even as you attend classes over the internet. That's right, online students also get to socialize with their fellow classmates during meet up events or private engagements students might plan. You get to have your cake and eat it to with fully approved and accredited online colleges of national respectability.

Everyone's situation is different, here are some factors to consider when you're searching for the right online college:

Will a college degree really help me in meeting my career goals? What kinds of degrees are offered by online universities? Do online college degree programs provide the same quality of education that is found in traditional college degree programs? How can I be sure that an online university is credible, and that the degrees they offer are legitimate? Are online university courses taught by real professors? Do online universities accept transfer credits? How fast can I earn an online degree? Do I have to earn my degree in 2-3 years from the most?

These are just some of the questions students evaluating a good nationally accredited online college may consider. There's more too and you should not wait to find out what else is important to your search for the perfect school!

B Von Ahlin is a former teacher with a Masters Degree in Education. Imagine if you could get ahead fast? Find the best nationally accredited online colleges today. Get tips and reviews of top degree programs such as popular best online psychology degrees or other high paying fields. Don't Wait - Read on to Find out More!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Open Universities Australia - The Pros and Cons of Completing an Online Degree With OUA

Open Universities Australia (OUA) has become an increasingly popular option for students wishing to complete their degree off-campus. There are many advantages of studying with OUA, however just like other universities, there are some things that should be considered before enrolling. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of completing your degree with OUA.

Advantages

- It is easy to enroll.

You can enroll quickly and easily over the phone or online. Just select your units, and enroll. If you are paying by FEE-HELP, you can arrange this online too.

- Fewer entry requirements.

For many of the degrees, OUA offers an easier entry pathway than other universities. While some programs do require a formal application, other degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts do not have any entry restrictions. This is great for people who have not studied in a while, or who did not finish their formal education.

- Flexibility.

If you begin your degree and then decide to take 6 months off, you can. If you want to study over the Christmas holidays, you can. OUA offers the chance to begin a degree part way through the year, without having to apply, wait to receive an offer, and then wait until the following year to begin studying.

- Your degree is awarded through a recognised university.

A lot of students worry that their certificate will have the OUA logo on it, or that their degree will not be a 'proper' degree. OUA students graduate through a recognised university and get the same certificate as on-campus, directly enrolled students.

- You can fast-track your degree.

For many of the programs offered by OUA, the study periods run back-to-back, all year round. This means that you can study without taking a break and finish your degree faster. For example, if you choose to study three subjects per study period without taking a break, you could potentially finish your degree in two years instead of three, or if you study four units per semester, you could finish a three-year degree in 18 months.

Disadvantages

- The cost.

While many of the units are competitively priced, some units (such as the science units) are much more expensive than those available to students who secure a Commonwealth-Supported Place, directly through a university. It is a good idea to work out a rough estimate as to how much your degree will cost altogether and then decide whether it is cheaper to apply for a Commonwealth-Supported Place instead. Another cost that needs to be considered is the cost of an exam invigilator. If you know someone who is suitably qualified, then they may be happy to do it for free, however professional exam supervision services can be quite expensive.

- Lack of course information.

OUA are reportedly trying to improve the quality and quantity of unit information available, but at the moment many of the unit descriptions, assessment details and book lists are quite brief. It is a good idea to contact the OUA representative at the provider university if you would like more information regarding a particular unit, they are usually quite helpful.

- Inconsistency.

Unless you are completing all of your units through the same provider university, this may be an issue. Each university has a different set-up, with some providing all of the course content online, whereas others send out a hard copy of all course materials, and there is no online interaction at all. Inconsistency amongst tutors and course coordinators can also be a problem, with some tutors offering online tutorials once a week and replying to queries within 24 hours, and others offering minimal assistance and feedback.

- Difficulties in planning ahead.

OUA is constantly evolving, which is reflected in the changing availability of units and courses. Unit availability for the following year is not known until around November, and if you have not registered your degree, course structure changes can occur, which may disrupt study plans. Register early to ensure that you can complete the degree that you have started!

Overall, OUA offers a great way to complete a degree, particularly if you require flexibility, would like to fast-track, or just want to try a few units for personal interest. Like all distance education providers, however, it is important to think about whether this type of study is the best choice for your lifestyle and goals.

You can read more about my experience studying with OUA here:

http://www.xomba.com/open_universities_australia_my_experience_completing_degree_oua