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If
you have an independent learning style, are self-motivated, and have
strong computer skills, earning your bachelor degree online can be
particularly advantageous. Students who complete distance learning
bachelor degree programs have the ability to work on their own
schedules and time, and can work on in-depth research projects that
are designed specifically for online formats. In addition to
completing a successful online bachelor degree education, students
can enhance their technical and communication skills as they network
with students and professors from around the globe.
What is an
Online Bachelor Degree or Distance Learning Bachelor Degree?
An online
bachelor degree or distance learning bachelor degree program is a
course of study designed to be taken over the internet. Some online
bachelor degree programs may also offer video and other media
enhancements as part of the curriculum, but the majority of the work
is conducted online. With today's advancing internet technologies,
it has become easier to deliver a comprehensive education simply
using internet-based tools and applications. As a result, many
professors and instructors are using web-based platforms for
teaching, presentations, and communications in lieu of an in-class
setting. Completing an online bachelor degree or distance learning
bachelor degree program offers several advantages, and almost all
areas of study are available today in an online format. An online
bachelor degree education can be a highly attractive opportunity for
students who desire a flexible schedule, prefer independent
learning, and for those who excel in doing research using the
internet.
Types of Online
Bachelor Degrees One Can Earn
More colleges
and universities are offering their typical bachelor degree programs
in an online format, and there are a variety of online bachelor
degrees available. In general, there are two types of bachelor
degrees at any campus: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science.
A Bachelor of Arts is a four year college degree program that
concentrates in social sciences, the fine arts, music, or
literature. A Bachelor of Science degree program is a four year
college program with a focus on the mathematical sciences, physics,
chemistry, and biology. The most common online bachelor degree
education programs available include:
-
Business
Management
-
Criminal
Justice Administration
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Information
Technology Management
-
RN to Bachelor
of Science in Nursing
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Computer
Science
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Software
Engineering
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International
Business Administration
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Human Resource
Management
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Safety
Engineering
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Computer
Network Management
-
Visual
Communications
-
Marketing
What Are the
Advantages of an Online Bachelor Degree or Distance Learning
Bachelor Degree?
Completing a
bachelors degree online offers many advantages to both students and
professors. While a standard in-class setting does have the element
of physical interaction, the same setting can be delivered online
with the use of video, cameras, and other multimedia. Some key
advantages of an online bachelor degree education include:
-
Being able to
work at a job while completing an online bachelor degree course of
study
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Adopting
organization, research, and time management skills for today's
fast-paced industries
-
Becoming adept
at internet technologies and web-based research
-
Communicating
and collaborating with peers and professors around the world
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No travel
expenses or commuting
-
Lower tuition
costs, in some cases
-
Self-learning
atmosphere
How Does One Choose an
Online Bachelor Degree Program?
Deciding which online
bachelor degree program or course of study is best for you will take
some research and consideration. There are many types of courses
available for both credit-seeking students, and even those who are
interested in just increasing their skills.
The first step in
choosing an online bachelor degree program is to decide on the type
of degree you would like to earn. Money, time commitment, and the
ability to manage various course loads are all factors in choosing
the actual degree programs. Outlining your strengths in specific
subjects will help you narrow down your choices.
The second step in
choosing an online bachelors degree program is to find out which
schools are fully accredited. Accreditation ensures that any future
employers or schools will know that you have completed a quality
education, regardless of whether this was completed online or
offline. The Higher Commission for Learning is the accrediting party
for hundreds of regional and national schools.
The third step in
choosing your distance learning bachelor degree program is to
consider the tuition costs. Each program that you are interested in
will have varying requirements for credits, and most schools have a
fee structure that prices out the online credit price. It is in your
best interest to check different online bachelor degree program
schools to save costs on your tuition bill.
The final step in
finding the appropriate online bachelor degree program is to learn
about admission requirements. You may need to provide an SAT or ACT
score to the admissions office, as well as a formal application and
essay. You will need to send an inquiry contact form to find out
what the admission requirements for your particular school or area
of study may be.
What does one need to
know about online bachelor degree program accreditation before
deciding to get a bachelor degree online?
Accreditation is very
important when pursuing an online bachelor degree program, as it
will determine whether you are receiving a nationally recognized,
quality education. Most traditional colleges and universities have
at least one accrediting agency that sets the requirement for the
education offered, but an online campus may require a few
accrediting agencies to make your investment worthwhile.
With the competitive
job marketplace, it is becoming more important to earn an education
from a well-respected institution. National accrediting parties help
to oversee curriculum and educational standards, and making sure
your online bachelor degree program is properly accredited will
eliminate any doubt about its value and credibility.
Common Myths and
Misconceptions About Online Bachelors Degree Programs
Pursuing an online
bachelors degree program or distance learning bachelor degree is a
progressive, forward-thinking strategy for completing a secondary
education. As a result, there are many myths and misconceptions
about completing a degree in this format. Even though the majority
of online bachelor degrees are offered at the undergraduate level,
there are increasing opportunities for graduate studies as well.
Some common myths about getting a bachelors degree online include:
Myth: Online bachelor
degrees are not as valuable as traditional degree programs
Fact: Online bachelor
degrees can offer in-depth and extensive study, especially in the
areas of research and analysis. Since students spend a lot of time
using online databases and search engines, they are also sharpening
their research and communication skills.
Myth: Online learning
is easier than a traditional education
Fact: Online courses,
in just the same way as traditional bachelors degree program, vary
in difficulty and have their own set of challenges. Although an
online bachelors degree program may not be suitable for every
student, it does require a considerable amount of time and effort
Myth: An online
bachelor degree program is not respected or honored by employers
Fact: As long as the
accrediting agencies are credible sources, an online bachelors
degree program has the same value as an offline campus
Myth: Online courses
cannot transfer to other colleges
Fact: This will
largely depend on the admissions office, and it is important to
check the feasibility of transferring credits during the enrollment
process. Almost all online courses can be transferred just as a
campus-based credit course would from the same school
Ten Tips for Students
Interested In Earning a Bachelors Degree Online
If you are interested
in earning a bachelors degree online, or pursuing a distance
learning bachelor degree as part of your long-term educational
goals, here are ten tips for succeeding with an online format:
1. Learn how to stay
organized.
Deadlines and due dates can creep up faster than you realize, and
most online bachelor degree program courses have a fast-paced
curriculum. Maintain a daily calendar and roster of assignments so
you can stay ahead of the weekly schedule.
2. Communicate
regularly with the professor.
This is even more
important in for online bachelor degree programs, as you cannot
depend on face-to-face communication to get your message across.
Make use of e-mail, telephone and even instant messaging as you need
it so that all lines of communication are open.
3. Learn to
collaborate with students in discussion forums.
It will take some time
to pick up the skills needed to share information over the web, and
most distance learning bachelor degree programs are designed for
collaboration through discussion forum platforms. Make sure to
introduce yourself in the first few days, and stay in touch be
browsing the boards as often as possible.
4. Print out your
notes. It
can be helpful to ‘organize offline' by printing out notes,
lectures, and study guides as you receive them. Keep a file of these
so you can review them without having to dig through downloaded
files or other course materials.
5. Purchase your
textbooks on time.
After you have
registered and enrolled, be sure to make a note of the appropriate
textbook you need and place your order right away. You will lose
time and lose track of assignments if you don't have the right book
when classes begin!
6. Communicate
effectively with classmates and team members.
Since your fellow
students will not meet ‘in class' at any given time, you'll need to
make sure you are staying in touch via e-mail, chat, or phone. This
is especially important when working on group assignments.
7. Make time in your
schedule for reviewing notes and reading.
It can be easy to
simply work on the computer and online for all of your classwork;
however, keep in mind that examinations will most likely take place
offline with a proctor, and you won't have access to notes or online
research. Learn the material with self-tests and instructor
materials throughout the semester.
8. Ask effective
questions.
This is especially important during one-on-one communications via
e-mail where you may not get an immediate response. Learn to
communicate effectively by asking detailed and thorough questions as
often as possible.
9. Request a
performance review if you think you are getting behind.
Your online instructor
may open up your grade book so that you have access to it 24/7;
gauge and track your performance on a regular basis so you are in
line with course requirements.
10. Submit assignments
on time.
Most online bachelor degree program instructors work on very tight
deadlines, and will take out a percentage of your grade or points
for each day that an assignment is late. Make sure you have read
through the instructor's expectations at the beginning of the
semester, and make a note of assignment deadlines throughout the
course.
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