In this article, we’ll discuss ten things to consider before enrolling in an online degree program and how they might affect your learning and career goals down the road.
Online degree programs are all the rage right now, and many people are wondering if they’re right for them. The truth is that getting an online degree can be a fantastic way to advance your career, but there are definitely some important things you should think about before enrolling in one.
Before Enrolling in an Online Degree Program
1. What is your motivation?
Why are you trying to get a Master’s Degree? You might want to take a look at some of its benefits of it first. There are many hidden costs and risks associated with these programs.
So before you enroll in any degree program, take some time to seriously consider your motivations. Is your reason for enrolling in school to have a new excuse for why you are getting older or is it really to learn new skills and expand your life experience?
Although your goal for education may be achieving your lifelong aspirations or promoting your career, be sure that it isn’t because of imposter syndrome, or the feeling that others know more than you do.
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2. How well do you fit into this type of learning environment?
The way in which you learn may be different for others, and for this reason, it is wise to be certain that online classes are a good fit for you before paying for them.
Some questions you might ask yourself are: Do I like to study by myself or in a group? Do I follow a regimen? Am I receptive to feedback from instructors? Some people are benefitted from the flexibility of online degree programs, while others may be detrimental to their academic experience.
Be mindful of your learning style and what types of programs will be best for you before jumping into an online program.
3. What are your learning habits?
Lots of factors need to be considered when deciding on a school, but your learning habits might have a greater impact than you might think. A common complaint among online students is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unmotivated.
If you are an independent learner and like to study online, an online degree program may be for you. How do I keep up my momentum, finish assignments and stay on top of my coursework even when I find it difficult? These responses have a big impact on whether or not you’ll have success as an online student.
If you don’t have the kind of skills that require the discipline and commitment of online learning, you’re better off getting a degree through more traditional means. Instead, you may want to consider going to community college or seeing if your employer will cover your tuition costs.
4. Is it financially worth it?
Many people assume that all degrees cost about the same, and sometimes even think online degrees are cheaper. A recent report from Bloomberg News compared tuition rates of public four-year colleges with those of Florida’s accredited private institutions, and they found that students can spend tens of thousands more on a degree at a private school than at a public one.
Students should also know that accreditation matters; your major may be recognized, but not your degree if it comes from an unaccredited school. Before you enroll in an online Degree program make sure you understand exactly what you are getting yourself into!
5. Do you have access to a support system?
If you are considering a full or part-time online degree program, it’s important that you have access to a support system. This could be family, friends, co-workers, counselors, or any other entity that can help keep you on track and accountable for your studies.
Online students tend to do better when they are enrolled with others who share the same goals and expectations for their academic careers. Make sure your support network is established before enrolling in an online degree program so that you have people to lean on when times get tough.
6. Does it fit into your schedule?
Before enrolling in an online Degree program, figure out if it will fit into your schedule. If you’re planning on going back to school part-time or full-time, make sure that you know when and where you can commit yourself.
Online programs typically involve some self-paced learning, but most require at least two hours of studying per week, though some are much more flexible than others. And if you work or have children—or both—you may need more flexibility than most programs can offer.
7. How will studying this way affect your current job/career path (if applicable)?
Enrolling in a professional online degree program can help give you an edge and make you more marketable when applying for jobs or freelance work. It’s important, however, to weigh your options before making a decision.
If your employer allows it, ask if they’ll provide tuition reimbursement. If they do, check out local brick-and-mortar universities (as well as graduate programs), since these degrees usually carry more weight than an online one. They may also open up opportunities for networking through class projects with actual teachers or other students that could lead to networking or real jobs after graduation—and we all know how important those are!
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8. Do you need extra help or tutoring?
Even online degrees require some student-teacher interaction, which can include extra help sessions or tutoring. If you need additional attention to excel in your online degree program, make sure it’s a service included in your tuition or that you can pay for as an add-on.
Tuition is generally easier to come by at community colleges and universities than at private or technical schools. Most private schools are funded through endowments and donations and will be more reluctant than public institutions to provide free support services that cost them money. Think of it from their perspective: A tuition-dependent school can’t afford to make students proficient so they can graduate with good grades and get well-paying jobs.
9. Will having this degree help advance your career goals, or simply provide entry-level work?
Unless you’re going back to school just for fun, make sure that having a particular degree will help advance your career goals. Online Degree programs are designed around just one thing – training students for specific careers and vocations.
If you’re choosing between different programs, or you’re unsure about which online Degree is right for you, talk with faculty members and counselors who can help guide your education.
10. Are there other factors outside of academics that might keep you from excelling in this new environment?
This is a big one. If you’re changing careers, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of these little new details you don’t know about. On top of knowing what classes to take and how many credits are needed for graduation, you also have to learn everything else that comes with going back to school like what time your class starts and where your classes will be held (if they aren’t online).
Making sure that there isn’t any extraneous stress that could potentially deter your focus on academics is a good idea.
Conclusion
For the beginner, having a variety of available choices and features might seem daunting. Asking yourself these ten questions will help you make an educated decision on which online Degree program to consider. You may read more here.