Things to know before getting an accredited online degree
The decision of making your further education an online affair is a huge one in itself. It requires some serious thinking and analyzing on your part. If you’re simply looking for convenience in terms of time and commitment – then this may seem like an attractive option. It’s also a great option if you have to balance work alongside your education.
There are many things that you should consider before picking an online program.
Transferring credits isn’t as simple
This is one of those things you can avoid beforehand if you’re well prepared. This is also where accreditation matters. If you’re almost done with your degree from a traditional school and choose to have one or a couple of your subjects done online, it might be tricky. If the school isn’t accredited then you might get a degree that isn’t accredited either.
Transfering credits from one school to another can also be risky since the credits may not be translated toward the degree that you intend. This is why thorough investigation and research is critical before selecting an online accredited degree program.
Your whole program may not be online
Get rid of the idea that online accredited degrees are ‘only’ online. There are many offline aspects to reputable accredited degree programs. If you opt for a school that offers an online degree, as you should, then you’ll find that some assignments and tasks require you to physically attend the school or any other setting, all toward completing and attaining your degree.
You might also find that your course requires you to work in groups with your classmates and peers, all of which can be an enriching experience. This isn’t a drawback, it is a feature of online degree programs that is often overlooked.
More time commitment than you’d expect
Imagine the number of hours you’d have to invest in typical accredited online degree programs, and then completely erase that number from your mind because it’s going to be a lot more than that. Online discussions, forums, Q&A sessions, discussion boards, group assignments, and just completing and submitting assignments are all a part of an online degree program. So in many ways, it can be rigorous and taxing.
