Learn through your computer.
Today's college student is more than the typical 18-year-old fresh out of high school. Distance learning has opened up bachelor's degree programs to working professionals, single parents and individuals seeking a second degree. Rather than living on campus and attending traditional classes, students can log on and learn from virtually anywhere across the globe. The increase in distance-learning bachelor's degree programs has made this four-year degree more accessible.
Student Profile
Distance-learning programs and courses are useful for every type of student. Working professionals can spend their evenings and weekends studying, allowing them to earn money and build their career while working toward their degree. The flexibility of distance-learning bachelor's programs are appealing to even traditional college students. Students can minimize their time on campus by signing up for online courses even if they're earning their bachelor's degree at a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
Programs
Bachelor's degree programs that are available to distance learners are broad and diverse. Online accredited schools such as the University of Phoenix offer students a variety of academic programs, from business bachelor's degrees to those in criminal justice, nursing and technology. With distance-education programs growing every academic year, students are sure to find an online program available in their field of interest.
Schools
Students might be hesitant to sign up for a distance-learning program for fear that their "online" degree carries less weight. However, many online schools are now accredited, and even traditional brick-and-mortar universities are joining the distance-learning trend. The University of Central Florida offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like health services administration, interdisciplinary studies, nursing and technical education and industry training. Students can uncover distance-learning programs at a range of schools, not strictly online programs.
Challenges
Though the convenience of earning a bachelor's degree online is appealing to many students, these programs also come with challenges. Without the structure of a traditional class, many bachelor's students risk falling behind, missing online lectures, or failing to complete assigned readings. Moreover, many professors assign more work, from class chats to discussion boards, to ensure students are interacting and absorbing the material. Therefore, students choosing to pursue a distance learning bachelor's degree must have the focus to stay on top of their assignments. Some accredited schools, such as University of Phoenix, offer access to advisors, so students can overcome these hurdles.
Tags: bachelor degree, degree programs, accredited schools, accredited schools such, bachelor degree