You really need an advanced degree to get ahead in your job. Or perhaps you want to change careers, but you can't afford to quit your current position and go to college full-time. Fortunately, a distance learning university can help you achieve your educational and career goals.

The definition of distance learning is transferring knowledge to students from teachers who are separated by time and distance, using technology. This technological breakthrough has led to a veritable explosion of options for a distance learning university.

Trouble is, some of the online learning programs may not be reliable. That's why it's essential for prospective students to do a thorough job of research which distance learning university would be right for them.

Start by compiling a list of online learning colleges. Then check the accreditation of the schools on your list. Accreditation is a process through which colleges and universities are evaluated for the quality of their programs. A distance learning university that isn't accredited by a reputable external agency may grant you a degree, but that degree may be worthless in real life.

It's also wise to decide whether your specialty requires a two-year associate's, four-year bachelor's, or five-year master's degree. One of the great benefits of enrolling in a distance learning university is that you can obtain these advanced degrees while you continue to work and/or care for your family.

The demands of earning a degree also play a role in which university you choose. Review the number of credits each school requires in order to earn a degree in your chosen field. Accredited universities also have a minimum grade point average that must be maintain to get a degree. Once you learn these requirements, you'll have a better idea of whether you can commit and the time and effort it will take to earn a degree through a distance learning university.

Nearly everyone these days needs financial help to pay for a college education. You'll know once you start figuring the costs of tuition, books, fees and other services for a distance learning university how much financial aid you'll need. You can then contact the college's financial aid office to begin the process of applying for scholarships, grants and loans. Most distance learning students already have jobs, so a work-study program to help offset college costs isn't usually an option. However, if you can accommodate such an on-campus program, work-study is another way to pay for your education.

Students at a distance learning university program can have difficulty accessing the student services available to those who attend on campus. That's why it's important to find out if there is online access for such services as academic advisement, career counseling, research and library facilities and tutoring.

Finally, as you narrow your search for a university, visit the academic departments' section on the web sites of the colleges that interest you. Here you will find more information on the majors and minors offered in each specialty, as well as learn more about various instructors who participate in distance learning. Not all college professors are comfortable yet in conducting a class online, even with the help of a teaching assistant who's versed in the technology.



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