Since selecting the right online or traditional doctoral program is critical to career success, one of the highest priorities is finding an online doctoral program that best suits your individual educational and professional needs while maximizing the efficiency of your time and monetary investments. Selecting a program accredited by proper governing bodies is one of the best ways to do just that since ensures that the degree will be valid in the eyes of the academic world and future employers. Though the reasons why doctoral students pursue an advanced degree vary, most are seeking the degree to work in academia – a field which candidates job prospects hinge on having a degree from an accredited source.

Online learning has become more widely accepted over the recent years due to the increasing demand by students for alternatives to the time and financial investments required to complete traditional degrees. Earning a degree online can open up lots of different doors, including career advancement opportunities, employment in a new career, and so much more. Knowing exactly what an online associate degree is and in which ways it is different from a traditional degree can help you as you select the best school to meet your personal, financial, educational, and professional needs.

What an Online Doctoral Degree is

A doctoral degree, also known as a doctorate or PhD, is the highest professional degree that is granted by academic institutions in a variety of fields. Doctoral online degrees allow students to complete this same advanced level degree conveniently in an online format over the Internet. Doctoral degrees are among the most rapid growing sectors of online programs being offered today, mostly because they provide the flexibility to complete coursework and work fill-time. Online doctoral degrees are offered through programs that are exclusively online, as well as through hybrid extensions with conventional school programs.

Some of the most popular doctoral degrees are in education, law, pharmacy, physical therapy, psychology, criminal justice, and engineering. Depending on the subject area of study, an online doctoral degree can require anywhere from four to seven years to fully complete. Most require years of coursework and materials, before completing a research dissertation individually. Degrees in science fields generally take the longest, while those in the arts and humanities may only take four or five years. Once a student completes the doctoral degree online, they have the widest selection of job opportunities in the academic world, either as a professor or faculty researcher.

The Difference Between Online Doctoral Degrees and Traditional Degrees

An online doctoral program is only different from its traditional counterpart for about the first two years, since this is when the majority of the course materials are completed. Of course, this is traditionally completed in the classroom, but in online programs it is conducted through the Internet from anywhere in the world. Therefore, students have the ability to complete the assignments at their own pace and on their own time. Online classes still follow a syllabus that designates when assignments are due and when exams need to be taken. During the second part of the online doctoral program, it does not differ much from the traditional program because the student still works independently on a dissertation.

Professors usually are available to consult with students one-on-one via email, phone, or live chat on messengers. If it is an extensive of a program taught at a brick and mortar program or the student’s location allows, there may also be established office hours where professors will meet with students in person. Students also engage with other students in the class, through interactive message boards, discussions, and virtual classroom chat rooms. Most students decide to work full-time while going to school part-time because online courses provide the convenience of completing the work at any hour of the day. However, it is important to note that online doctoral degree programs are just as rigorous as conventional programs. The only major difference is that students are gifted with the flexibility of carrying on other commitments and completing the courses in their own time.

As when choosing any degree program, it is tremendously important for doctoral students to make sure the program has existed for at least three years. Doing so will be increase the likelihood that the instructors are experienced and knowledgeable about the online learning format. Beyond this, students need to find a program that fits their schedule, provides resources that suit individual goals, and offers the refined skills necessary to advance to employment as a highly qualified professional.

Students enter graduate studies for a diverse number of reasons. Many want to earn a master’s degree as a way to continue learning, and others choose to continue their education for job advancement or a change in career. No matter what the reason, most graduate candidate hopefuls feel that online degree programs are best suited to meet their educational and professional goals. Since most students must manage work and family responsibilities in addition to academics, many find that participating in accredited online master degree programs is the best way to maximize the efficiency of their time and financial investments. Plus completing a master degree leads to a number of possibilities both while attending courses and after graduation.

What A Master’s Degree Is

Most people respect the importance of education, and earning an undergraduate degree is an investment that often opens doors of opportunity. The master’s degree is the next step up the ladder of academic credentials after a bachelor’s degree. An online master degree is the same as one earned on campus, except that students do not sit in a campus classroom and have a virtual learning experience compliments of technology and the internet. A master’s degree may increase opportunities, but experts recommend that students consider the cost of spending at least another year in study in addition to the price of enrollment. The U.S. News and World Report asked business executives for opinions about the value of getting a master’s degree as a way to achieve success in the business world. Responses reflected mixed opinions, with some favoring it while others valued experience more highly. Earning a master’s degree usually requires at least one year of study after graduation from undergraduate school. Students in graduate school focus on a special area of interest, usually the major field in which they earned an undergraduate degree.

Many graduate programs combine studying with work experiences as an option that some executives recommend as a practical approach. Combining a master’s degree with on the job experience is a potential way to impress future employers, according to an executive recruiter who was interviewed by the magazine. An advanced degree that is enhanced by work experience or internships may show that a job candidate has practical as well as theoretical knowledge.

Availability of Online Master Degree Programs

Nearly one thousand schools offer online master’s degree programs, and many of them provide hundreds of fields of interest. Millions of students are currently enrolled in online master’s degree programs, allowing them the opportunity to continue working while studying on evenings and weekends. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that master’s degrees in these fields are the most popular:

Business Administration
Courses offer instruction in marketing, finance, business law and statistics for aspiring administrators, supervisors and managers.

Education
Teachers who want to advance can take courses in assessment, evaluation, curriculum development and leadership skills.

Public Health
Advanced training is available for public health workers that include program coordinators, administrators and consultants.

Public Administration
Offering instruction in urban planning, finance, strategic planning, quantitative math, budgeting and personnel management, the degree is a choice of many in the public sector.

Engineering
Many sub-fields in engineering are featured in online master’s programs, including civil engineering that focuses on viability and environmental aspects of capital projects.

Psychology
Advancement in the mental health field includes knowledge of psychological assessment methods, cognitive influences, ethical issues and behavioral studies.

Criminal Justice
A career in crime investigation and prevention is aided with courses in forensic science, law enforcement, terrorism and administration.

Information Technology
The study of information technology includes software and hardware development, networking, security requirements and business information processes.

Nursing
Advancing in the nursing field requires coursework that includes ethics and policy matters, finance and research in healthcare.

Social Work
Careers in community health require training in developing welfare policy as well as learning about clinical operations.

Opportunities to earn a master’s degree online are readily available to college graduates who have access to a computer. In combination with work experience, the degree may open doors to advancement for aspiring job applicants since courses provide the refined skills and educational background necessary to propel personal, educational, and professional goals.

With the emergence of the internet, more and more colleges and universities are beginning to offer online bachelor degree programs to students across the world. Unlike going to an actual brick-and-mortar institution, online bachelor degree programs are becoming a dominant norm for how many people across the world are obtaining an undergraduate education. Online education is now becoming a serious alternative for those looking for an undergraduate education. Years ago, it was assumed that online schooling was only for certain individuals, but now it is becoming a common option for working professionals, those interested in switching careers, and others looking for an affordable, flexible, and accelerated option that they need to pursue their professional aspirations. Because students are not going to a traditional brick-and-mortar institution for their education, most online programs are more affordable than their brick and mortar counterparts. Obviously, tuition costs and educational expenses will depend on the school and the program. It’s important to research and find the most affordable program that will suit your educational, personal, and professional needs.

The Difference Between Online Bachelor Degrees and Traditional Degrees

It is now common for many community colleges, four year colleges and universities to offer online bachelor degree options. Typically, these programs are offered for very common programs such as nursing, business management, criminal justice and information technology. These programs are accredited similar to other bachelor degree programs and require schools to meet or surpass specific standards established by accreditation organizations and agencies. Courses are administered through a variety of innovative options. The most common is that students will take courses that are taught by a professor in a remote location who is simultaneously teaching a live class. When examination time comes, students will take a class at a location where there is an official test proctor. Another common option is that students will courses offered through an online learning content management system where course materials, lectures and examinations are already created and automated for students to take.

Just like traditional bachelor degree programs, students are still expected to go through the college’s or university’s application process. This usually means sending high school and other school transcripts, letters of recommendation, college entrance test scores like the ACT and SAT and a personal statement. Some colleges may not require all of this, however, do your due diligence to see what are the exact requirements for the online bachelor degree program you are interested in.

Most online bachelor degree programs will require students to have the latest PC technology, a webcam, microphone and a stable fast speed internet connection. Most students have laptops that were made no prior to two years ago. Also students must ensure that they have a stable internet connection. It is recommended that students either have a cable or fiber optic internet service.

The typical online bachelor’s degree program can last anywhere between three to four years depending on meeting all general education prerequisites. There are some colleges that offer accelerated options. These are usually offered through health science and nursing programs. Additionally, as long as the online program is accredited, students may be eligible for all forms of financial aid such as loans and grants. Students should still seek other alternative funding opportunities such as scholarships and fellowships.

Online learning has become more widely accepted over the recent years due to the increasing demand by students for alternatives to the time and financial investments required to complete traditional degrees. Earning a degree online can open up lots of different doors, including career advancement opportunities, employment in a new career, and so much more. Knowing exactly what an online associate degree is and in which ways it is different from a traditional degree can help you as you select the best school to meet your personal, financial, educational, and professional needs.

What An Associate Degree Is

An associate degree is a degree that is earned from two-year college for completing a specific program of study. Associate degrees generally take two years to complete, but in some cases, they can take longer if the student drops to or below half time status. The online aspect of an associate degree program means that the required courses are taken online rather than on a traditional campus. The student connects to his/her classes via an internet connection and receives assignments, completes work, and takes test all from the comfort of his/her own home.

Once the course of study is completed for the degree, the student is typically given the choice to either attend a traditional graduation or simply receive his/her diploma in the mail.

The Differences Between Online Associate Degrees and Traditional Degrees

The online associate degree differs from traditional associate degrees in many ways. One of the most major ways is that courses can be accessed from almost anywhere that has an internet connection. This particular perk is perfect for students that don’t live anywhere near a traditional campus to attend school, if they frequently travel, or must maintain work or family responsibilities in addition to their studies.

Online associate degrees also allow students to truly work at their own pace as opposed to at traditional schools. A traditional student that attends school on campus might be required to sit in on a two hour long lecture, while the online student has the choice of listening to the lecture or not. If you find that you can complete the work without listening to the lecture, this is often times permissible in online classes.

Online associate degrees are also great for those who desperately need to balance work and school. Because they can be logged into at any time, they are perfect for the students that work even the most odd work shifts. For example, a person that works midnight work shifts has the same chance of passing a class at school that another student does who happens to work earlier, more traditional hours. Traditional universities/colleges require that students show up for class at certain times with no exceptions.

Lastly, online associate degrees do not commonly require that students take unrelated elective courses to their degrees. Online degree curricula are typically to the point and hinge closely to relevant subject matter. This means you only take classes that are pertinent to your field so that you can in and out more quickly, and you can enter the real world as a qualified professional ready to begin looking for work.