Choosing an online degree program can be daunting. It’s important to understand the difference between accredited and unaccredited institutions, as well as the benefits of earning an online degree. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with your online education by highlighting some of the best universities for online degrees, helping you find your perfect program, and explaining how to apply.
University Of Iowa Online Degree
What Do I Need to Know About Accreditation?
Accreditation is a process that ensures the quality of a college or university. It involves an independent review by a team of educators, who determine whether an online program meets certain standards.
Accreditation is important for students because it ensures that the school meets certain standards; without accreditation, employers might not be able to accept your credits and degrees as legitimate.
Accreditation is also important for employers because they want to know that their employees’ degrees come from accredited schools with solid reputations and programs of high quality (in other words, not diploma mills).
Why Should I Earn an Online Degree?
You should earn an online degree because it gives you the freedom and flexibility to do what’s right for your life. With an online degree, you can:
- Save money by paying in installments over time.
- Take classes at your own pace, without needing to commute or wait for class meetings.
- Complete your education from anywhere in the world.
- Choose from a variety of flexible course lengths—from short-term certificates to bachelor’s degrees—so that you can complete work on your schedule.
- Finish school faster than if you were attending classes on campus—and start earning income sooner!
How Do I Apply to an Online Program?
To apply to an online program, you will need to:
- Submit an application. You can find the online application on our website under “Admissions” or at www.futurecatalog.uiowa.edu/online-apply/. You will be asked to provide your name and contact information, and select your degree program(s). The application deadline is typically in late January for fall semester entry and around April 15 for spring semester entry.* Provide transcripts from all colleges you have attended.* Pay an application fee of $50.* Meet with an academic advisor in person or via video conference before submitting any materials for admission consideration.* Fill out additional forms if selected for admission (such as a resume, portfolio review form)
What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor and Master Degree?
When you’re deciding whether to pursue a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, the primary difference is that a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete while a master’s degree takes two years. However, this does not mean that going for your bachelor’s degree will be easier; in fact, it might be harder than getting your master’s!
A further distinction between these degrees is that masters tend to be more specialized and require more rigorous coursework. This can make them more difficult to obtain than a bachelor’s degree. In contrast with this specialization, many bachelor’s degrees are broad enough so as not to limit their graduates’ career options.
Which Fields of Study Are Offered for Online Degrees?
Online degrees are offered in many fields, including the sciences and engineering, the humanities and social sciences, and the arts and design. They can be taken at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level.
Depending on your field of study, you may be able to earn an online degree part-time or full-time.
At some point, students may need to take a step back from their studies in order to make sure their academic goals are aligned with their career interests.
At some point, students may need to take a step back from their studies in order to make sure their academic goals are aligned with their career interests. If you have questions about whether or not you should continue your education online or on campus, consider asking yourself these questions:
• Are my courses challenging me?
• Am I getting the most out of my courses and teachers?
• Am I getting good grades?
If you can answer yes to these questions, then it might be best for you to stay where you are and continue with your coursework. However, if one or more of these answers is no (or even partially no), then it may be time to consider switching things up a bit by considering an outside-of-classroom approach that could help solve some of those problems.
Closing
As you consider your academic goals, it’s important to know that earning an online degree can open up many doors for you. Regardless of whether or not you have earned a traditional degree before this point, having an online degree means that you have the ability to complete coursework at any time and place without having to worry about taking classes during specific times. The flexibility afforded by earning an online degree makes it ideal for students who want more control over their academic experience; however, there are still some things students should be aware of before deciding on this type of educational path.