Frequently Asked Questions
Online Degree Basics
Q. What is an Online Degree?
A. An online degree is a college degree that is taken mainly or completely through online courses.
Q. How quickly can I earn my online degree?
A. Depending on the degree type, you can earn a degree in less than 2 years. Many colleges have associate degree programs that offer accelerated course programs. Other degree programs will take the same length of time as a traditional campus degree.
Q. Will I learn as much online as in a traditional campus setting?
A. Learning online and on campus are equal. Learning online requires more discipline from students because they are required to motivate themselves to log in and complete courses, tests and lectures without the set class times. However, the course loads are the same along with assignments, prerequisites, tests and degree requirements.
Q. Are Online Degrees credible?
A. Absolutely. While there are instances of abuse with degree mills and fake accreditation scams, there are still hundreds of online colleges that are accredited and whose courses are as challenging and as rigorous as those taken on campus.
Q. How many people take online courses?
A. Over 3 million people are enrolled in online courses and this number grows by almost 18% each year.
Q. What is the average age of an online student?
A. The average age of an online student is 34.
Q. What is the highest degree level through an online school?
A. Online degree institutions provide courses for all degree types. Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral, Certifications and Diplomas
Class Format Questions
Q. What is synchronous learning?
A. Students are required to log-in to classes at a set time each day or week. The entire class is logged on together and the learning is done in a way that is more similar to a traditional classroom setting.
Q. What is asynchronous learning?
A. Students log-in to access class information on their own time. Class lectures and assignments are accessed via an online forum or message board anytime, day or night. This class format is more flexible and provides more freedom with scheduling and managing other priorities.
Q. Do I have to attend class on campus?
A. Not generally. Many campuses offer entirely online programs that require zero visits to the actual campus. Certain campus programs offer blended learning where online courses are offered in tandem with campus courses.
Q. How large are online classes?
A. Most online classes are small in size, generally under 15 students per class. However, this depends on the college or university and their class structure.
Q. What is a virtual classroom?
A. The online meeting area where assignments are stored, forums and chats are available, grades are posted and feedback is provided.
Online Degree Support
Q. Is Technical support available for online degree programs?
A. All colleges with online degree programs offer a technical support group available to troubleshoot problems related to software, virtual classrooms or other areas required for proper participation in an online learning atmosphere.
Q. Do I need to be a computer expert to succeed with online classes?
A. No. Basic computer skills are required to earn an online degree. However, it is not necessary to be an expert or overly qualified technically.
Q. Who teaches online courses?
A. The same teachers that teach campus classes are those teaching online courses. The academic expertise is the same as well as the knowledge and education required to become a professor.
Credit Transfer Questions
Q. Do online degrees transfer to other colleges?
A. As long as the credits are from a regionally accredited institution, it should not be a problem. It’s important to check with the school for specific guidelines and their procedures.
Q. Do online universities accept transfer credits from other colleges?
A. As long as the credits are from a regionally accredited online or campus institution, it should not be a problem. It’s always advisable to check with the school regarding their specific policies.
Q. What is a work-life credit?
A. A work-life credit gives hours towards earning your degree due to previous work or life experiences that may have better prepared you for a particular field of study. While these credits are harder to earn, they are still worth pursuing as a way to lower the time and money spent to earn your college degree online.
Affordability
Q. How much does an online degree cost?
A. Online degree prices vary from college to college. However, many online degree programs are much more affordable than traditional campus programs. The overhead associated with students on campus is not required with online degrees, so the cost of tuition is able to be much lower.
Q. Is financial aid available for online degree programs?
A. Yes, multiple forms of financial aid are available for online degree programs.
Q. Will online colleges and universities assist me with obtaining financial aid?
A. Yes. Online colleges and universities have departments dedicated to assisting students with financial aid needs.
Q. When do I have to begin paying back student loans?
A. Generally, it’s 6 months after graduation.
Accreditation
Q. What is accreditation?
A. The process that a school must go through to be validated as a legitimate educational institution. The process is voluntary, however, the school must meet minimum requirements regarding their institution. Unaccredited schools should be avoided.
Q. What is an accrediting agency?
A. There are six regional accrediting agencies that are recognized as the legitimate Accreditors throughout the US. For more detailed information, see a list of Recognized US Accreditors.
Q. Are schools on Online Degree Center accredited?
A. Yes, all of our schools are accredited. |
