Do you know that online education has significantly made a mark in recent years because of its accessibility, flexibility, and reasonably priced education? Also, Forbes conducted a study and found that millions of students worldwide enroll in online courses each year, and the market is likely to grow by $331 billion by 2025.
If the growth is that big, why are most students still hesitant to enroll? Perhaps there may be several questions about distant learning that are still unclear. Worry not, as this article has all the important information you need to know about applying for an online degree. Read on to learn more.
What is An Online Degree?
As the name indicates, an online degree involves using technology to facilitate learning and teaching. You can attend and participate in class wherever you are with the use of a computer or mobile device. For an online degree, a laptop, an internet connection, and an eagerness to study are all you need.
Additionally, students can earn their degrees online without having to attend in-person classes. Even if there are no face-to-face interactions, the education provided is the same as the traditional degree. The coursework includes all of the prerequisites for a traditional degree, such as lectures, exams, exercises, and assignments that call for active involvement.
Moreover, to make the curriculum as effective as possible, online courses, offer comprehensive information that integrates several technical advancements, including animations, audio, video, and real-time chats with professors. Also, taking online classes does not equate to an easier curriculum. Subject-specific workloads vary, but online students devote 15 – 20 hours per week to their courses.
What are the Benefits of Earning an Online Degree?
The advantages of online learning are vast. Several of the most significant ones are related to time and creative approaches. It has enabled the growth of self-directed learning and universal access to various degree programs. So, let’s explore them one by one.
1. Adaptability
The flexibility of an online degree is undoubtedly one of its best features. It is now possible for students to continue their education without having to give up their jobs to complete their degrees, and they are no longer required to miss multiple classes to attend lectures.
Most of the courses offered online can be adjusted based on the student’s schedule. This will help the student to stay organized and not miss anything. And it is entirely up to you whether you wish to study at five in the morning or five in the evening.
2. Availability
With an online degree, you are no longer required to complete your education in the exact location where you have lived. Previously, students study abroad to take advantage of various scholarship and transfer options. However, today, you can obtain a degree without needing to relocate. You can access all learning resources anytime if you have a laptop or smartphone and an internet connection.
3. Self-directed education
Everyone moves at a different speed when it comes to catching up with one’s academics. Each person finds comfort in their subject of study in a different way. While social contact and regular schooling may seal the deal for some, slower methods and one-on-one instruction are necessary for others to succeed. Most online courses have online discussion boards where students can actively participate in peer reviews. This kind of setting will help students stay informed and will be able to interact with their fellow students and professors.
Where Can You Apply for Online Degrees?
To apply for an online degree, you can explore various online platforms that offer a wide range of online degrees. For instance, Coursera is a popular choice, providing access to courses from top universities and organizations worldwide. Another excellent platform is edX, which collaborates with universities to offer online courses in various disciplines. These platforms provide flexibility in learning and offer certificates and degrees upon completing programs.
Moreover, several prestigious universities globally have embraced online education, making it accessible to students from different regions. The University of Tokyo and the National University of Singapore are notable for their online MOOCs and self-directed programs in Asia. North America boasts institutions like the University of California and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering various online courses and degrees. Whether you’re in Europe, Australia, or Africa, universities worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of online education.
How to Apply for a Degree Online?
If you are planning to obtain an online degree, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an online degree:
1. Look for a school
The first step is to search for schools you’re interested in. This involves determining what kind of projects you enjoy working on and what skills you have that would be useful in certain industries. After that, you can look into the degree programs that align with your career goals. Then, trim down your research by looking for a reputable university offering your chosen degree program.
Not all universities offer distance learning and there are only a few countries that provide degree programs that you can study completely online. In Asia, the leading countries that offer online courses are India, Japan, and South Korea. South Korea has cyber schools that offer online bachelor’s and online master’s for domestic and international students who are unable to go to traditional schools due to various circumstances. Institutions in India mostly have a separate department that facilitates undergraduate and graduate online programs. While Japan, on the other hand, offers distance learning to a limited number of institutions.
North America also leads in offering several online degrees. You can either enroll directly at the university or on an affiliated online platform. In the USA, there are many options to continue your undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Same with Canada, there are numerous Canadian institutions that offer online learning. Students who are planning to study in a distance learning setting can choose from several universities that are known for offering online bachelor’s and master’s programs.
2. Verify the status of accreditation
You must first verify the school’s accreditation status to ensure you obtain a worthwhile education and a practical degree. The simplest method is to check the school’s website for the accrediting body and see if the Department of Education of that country recognizes it. Because gaining a degree from an unaccredited institution is equivalent to wasting time and money.
3. Reduce the number of choices
It’s time to narrow down your possibilities after you have a list of recognized universities that provide the online degree program of your dreams. This brings us back to the first step: before you can choose the colleges that best suit you, you must clearly understand your objectives and passions. Why not enumerate the benefits and drawbacks? Make a list of all the program’s benefits, and don’t forget to include the program’s cost.
4. Submit school application and apply for financial aid (if there’s any)
After navigating the challenging process of selecting the best program and university, it’s time to apply to your top picks and research your options for financial assistance. First, complete the enrollment application provided by the university. Usually, the form asks for your employment history, general personal information, and academic transcripts. Take your time completing this application; you want to show off your best self to increase your chances of acceptance into the program.
Scholarships are not limited to face-to-face learning methods. Some schools also offer financial assistance to students enrolled in distance learning. Check with the admissions committee of your chosen university or institution if they offer scholarships, and if they do, apply for one. This will help you to even lower your academic costs.
The advantages of an online degree are manyfold compared to its drawbacks. Distance learning was primarily created to help students, professionals, and adult learners earn their education studies in a more accessible way. So, if you are a busy professional who wants to further your studies or a degree-seeking student who is unable to go to a traditional learning method. There are numerous courses available online for you to enroll in.
Hopefully, this article has all the information you need to know about online learning. If you want to which countries offer distance learning, check out our Online Degrees page for more study options!
