| Only a few years ago, working adults who wanted to | | | | two years. A bachelor's degree can often be earned |
| continue their education had to go to class in the | | | | in four years of full-time study, or as quickly as one |
| evenings or on weekends. Not any longer! Today, the | | | | year if you already have an associate degree and |
| internet has revolutionized adult higher education. In the | | | | significant life experiences. A certificate can generally |
| old days, if you worked full time, had family | | | | be completed in one year. |
| responsibilities, or did not live near a college, getting | | | | How about financial aid? The availability of financial |
| career training may have been difficult. Students were | | | | assistance is generally no different for online degree |
| required to attend class at a certain time and a fixed | | | | programs than it is for on-campus programs. Many |
| location. You also had to add in travel time. For many | | | | accredited career colleges offer Federal financial aid |
| adult learners, continued education was an unattainable | | | | programs for qualified students enrolled either on |
| dream. | | | | campus or online. Adult learners should also ask their |
| Career colleges are responding to the growth of the | | | | employers about tuition reimbursement, which is |
| internet, and now there are hundreds of quality | | | | offered by many companies. |
| programs that may be completed online-even master's | | | | Do I get personal attention? Many colleges offer online |
| degree programs. We'll answer some of the tough | | | | programs that are taught by the regular classroom |
| questions students have about distance learning | | | | faculty. Generally, online programs are structured to |
| programs. | | | | allow both direct feedback from the instructor and |
| Is an online degree the same as a regular degree? | | | | discussion among the students. Students complete an |
| Yes! If you earn your online degree or certificate from | | | | assignment, post the assignment, and then receive |
| an accredited college or university, it's the same thing. | | | | comments from the instructor. There may be regular |
| A bachelor of science degree earned by attending an | | | | quizzes and tests, just like in class, as well as seminars |
| accredited school is the same as a bachelor of | | | | and discussion boards. |
| science degree earned from the same institution online. | | | | How about career services? Students' access to the |
| What educational qualifications do I need to enroll | | | | career guidance services offered by a college is often |
| online? Same as you would need for the equivalent | | | | no different online. Check with the admissions staff at |
| bricks-and-mortar program. Check out the website of | | | | the college of your choice to find out about the |
| the college of your choice. You'll see admissions | | | | services they offer. |
| information online. Or, give the college a call. The | | | | I want to learn auto mechanics. How does that work? |
| admissions staff will walk you through the process. | | | | Many technical schools offer hybrid programs. |
| Are there online degree programs I should avoid? | | | | Students complete a textbook program online, the |
| There are some "diploma mills" in cyberspace that | | | | same as any other distance learning program. Then |
| shortcut the education process. Students need to use | | | | there is a required segment taught onsite at the |
| good judgment and check out the accreditation of the | | | | school's training center. This may be eight or ten |
| college. If a school promises a bachelor's degree in | | | | weeks in length, and it is during this session that |
| two weeks, watch out! Many employers will not | | | | students get their hands-on training. The hybrid |
| accept degrees from unaccredited institutions. Stick | | | | approach may make it easier to get training because |
| with reputable colleges and technical schools, including | | | | you don't have to commit to being on campus for as |
| the ones found on Education-For-Careers. | | | | long a period of time as a regular program. |
| How long does it take to earn a degree or certificate? | | | | If you're ready to continue your education but have a |
| That depends on the program and whether or not | | | | busy schedule, check out an accredited distance |
| you're studying full-time or part-time. A master's | | | | learning program. Online education may be the perfect |
| degree usually takes between eighteen months and | | | | solution for you! |