I'm married and going to school full time is not an option. I am interested in doing an online program. What would be the best univeristy for this? Do scholarships and grants cover online courses?Have any advice for earning degree online?
Yes, scholarships and grants cover any accredited schooling unless specifically specified in the terms of the scholarship/grant that they don't. This includes ';online,'; ';distance,'; and ';independent study'; learning.
I recommend taking at least some classes (many colleges and junior/community colleges offer classes at night/on weekends) on campus. It's a LOT easier in my opinion, having taken distance learning/online classes. You really need that support and guidance, because without it, if you aren't real disciplined, you will end up not doing your work till the last minute, TRUST ME!!! And I think IS (Independent Study)/Online is more hard work than a traditional class, so the college can maintain the integrity of it.
Anyways, college credits usually transfer. So if you take some classes traditionally, you can transfer them to your school 95% of the time without a problem (read up on your school's policy on this), especially if they are GENERAL classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Psychology, etc).
Best university for online instruction? Well, there are some universities that do ONLY distance/online degrees and these institutions are looked upon less favorably than institutions that combine traditional learning with distance learning or at least have an actual campus. So choose what best fits your needs.
In the end, a regionally accredited degree is an accredited degree. You will have a valid and legitimate degree like anyone else. Just don't shoot for a ';nationally'; accredited college, as regional accredidation is more trustworthy and legitimate. If the school doesn't have EITHER accredidation, then it's B.S.
Also, depending on your program (major), there may be an association/organization that accredits those types of programs. For example, the Bar Association accredits law schools, the American Psychological Association accredits doctoral psychology programs, and some undergraduate programs (such as Social Work) are accredited by independent organizations. This simply improves the weight of your degree.
But, be warned, some people that were forced to take college traditionally don't look favorably on online degrees because they feel that they had to give up a lot to physically go to class, so why do you get to take the ';easy'; way out and do it online?
Yes, you learn a lot more traditionally and get that crucial human interaction (instead of ';virtual'; interaction). In some states such as mine (West Virginia), 80% of your courses must have been taken on campus to get licensed as a psychologist. So if you have a career specific focus that requires licensing, check on the state requirements first.
Google is a good search engine to find specific degrees, and in specific schools (eg, online schools). Just follow the above advice before choosing a school. Make sure the student-faculty ratio is low, the school has a good reputation and didn't come into existence 2 months ago, and the professors help you achieve your career goals instead of simply grading your work.
Good luck!Have any advice for earning degree online?
Most ';online'; schools don't have good reps. Consider your options carefully.
In general, when you're looking for a distance learning degree, try to find a program at a school that has a good reputation for their ';brick and mortar'; campus.
Some great universities that offer online degrees include:
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Denver
University of Maryland
Duke University
Drexel
Carnegie Mellon
Penn State
Ball State
U Nebraska - Lincoln
Babson
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Illinois
And there are others. In fact, check with your local state college system. You may be surprised at what they offer online.
Good luck.
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