On-line Universities and Degrees ? Find the Right One for You

The first step to finding the right online university is to decide what degree you want. Do you want an undergraduate or graduate degree? Are you interested in a certificate program for work related study? If you are returning to school for work, you may want to get feedback from your employer for this decision. List your long and short term career goals to help you decide which degree will help you reach your goals best. Once you have decided on a major, you can start to research different schools.

Find out the requirements for admission into the program. Each university has its own set of regulations. All schools will want to see your transcripts from high school or college. Some will ask for test scores as well. Make sure you can meet the minimum requirements for admission before you apply. Gathering the necessary documentation before beginning the application process will save time later.

Distance education programs have different on campus requirements. Some require that you come to campus a few times each semester, while others allow you to complete the entire program at home. Programs offered completely online are more difficult to find, depending on the degree you are seeking. Make sure you can commit to the schedule required by the university. A program that requires you to travel to campus one or more times should be within driving distance of your home.

Find out if the school you will be attending is regionally accredited. Accreditation only matters when you need financial aid or plan to transfer the credits you receive to another university. Some accept credits from schools that are regionally accredited, but others do not. Check with the college you plan on attending later to make sure the credits will transfer. If you are getting your complete degree from the same school, accreditation may not be important.

Another time accreditation may matter is if you are completing a degree that will require a state license. Degrees in nursing, social work and education require licensing. Check with your state to make sure they will accept your degree for licensing. Some states won't accept degrees from schools not recognized by the US Department of Education. Check with your school, state or Department of education to find out if the college is recognized.

If you have credits you want to transfer from another school, make sure the online university you are considering will accept your credits. Have your official transcripts sent to the school for an admissions counselor to review. Ask about any restrictions the school has for transferring credits. Most colleges won't accept more than fifty percent of the degree requirements in transfer credits. Some have a limit on the time you can transfer credits, usually ten years.

Ask if the university offers credit for job or life experience. If you have extensive experience in the business world, some schools will give you some college credits for this. You may be required to show documentation of your experience or be given an exam. The requirements and number of credits offered varies by school, so be sure to ask. These credits can shorten the amount of time you need to spend in school and can help get your degree faster.

Katie Robbins is the owner of degreeclick.com, a web resource where she regularly publishes informative articles about online education. Some of the topics she covers include online universities, education master degrees and health care degrees.

---

Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote

The problem with student and any small move comes when a small load has to be transported a long way:- For the moving company, the mileage and road time costs are not much... Read More

The Freshman 15, or 20, or 25

Now I remember being a freshman in college, and let me tell you, there are a couple of key things to keep in mind (that most people don't). One is how to manage... Read More

Online Education

I always dreamed of going to school and getting a degree in something I'd love to do. I had plenty of dreams, and I wanted to pursue them. With working most of your... Read More

College Entertainment for Less

Most of these activities are free or very cheap:* Campus music or dance recitals* College theater productions* Guest speakers* Poetry readings* Museum tours* Sports-either participate or go route for your school* Film and... Read More

Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School

In case you hadn't noticed, career colleges aren't just for learning a vocational trade anymore. Nowadays, career colleges can help you obtain a Bachelor's, Master's, or even Doctorate Degree in just about any... Read More

College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness

Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown ? it's natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and... Read More

Chiropractic Schools

Before CHIROPRACTIC SCHOOLS accept one into their educational system, it is recommended that students have earned a degree in the arts or sciences from an accredited college or university. Chiropractic schools also require... Read More

How to eMail Your Professor

So its 12:30 Pm and there you are at the computer trying to refresh the email inbox page. The big test is tomorrow and your Professor still hasn't replied back, but why? Contrary... Read More

Creating the Acceptable College Applicant

America's colleges and universities no longer have enough room to accommodate all the qualified students who apply. As a result, schools are forced to reject far more applicants than they accept. The goal... Read More

Higher Education as Service Trade Exporter In South Africa

IntroductionWhilst it is recognized that South Africa is still in a process of transition regarding higher education to address the imbalances of the past, it should also be emphasized that Institutions of Higher... Read More

Whats behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning?

There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms ? those companies that... Read More

Natural Healing Schools

What are NATURAL HEALING SCHOOLS? Natural Healing Schools teach natural medicine that are holistic approaches that rely on natural remedies. Sunlight, air, and water are thought of as natural healers; this, along with... Read More

Principalship: Leading Change in Schools

The L.E.A.D.E.R. WayINTRODUCTIONIn June 1997,the Prime Minister of Singapore unveiled the Government's vision of 'Thinking Schools, Learning Nation' (TSLN). This vision was forged to improve Singapore's education system in the light of the... Read More

The All-Important College Application

H.G. Wells once said, "Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe," which emphasized the importance of continued schooling. As the fate and future not only of any great... Read More

I Hate My Roommate!

So its the beginning of the school year, your first day of class is over, and you just want to sit down and relax for a moment because you know that the rest... Read More

College Study Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes the right way: more leisure time, less stress, less pressure from your parents, less debt, better grades, and better career opportunities. Sound worthwhile?... Read More

Thinking of Dropping Out of College?

If rising tuition costs or personal concerns have made you consider dropping out of college or "taking a break" I'd like to encourage you to reconsider.Don't Let Cost Stand in Your WayIf cost... Read More

Self Marketing 101 - Why Students Should Tell Lies

Everybody lies, and storytellers are some of the best liars around. But here is the problem: People like storytellers. They hate liars. The meaning is similar but different. In the South, storytellers sit... Read More

Looking For a Rewards Program That Offers Free Money for College Students?

With the rising cost of books, tuition and housing, it's no wonder that college students are looking for ways to cash in on anything that can lighten their financial load. It isn't easy... Read More

Accredited Life Experience Degrees ? Accelerate Your Progress Online

Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap benefits in the workplace. For this reason, you may be interested in accelerating your progress to get your degree faster. This article will... Read More

What You Should Know About Scholarships

When it's time to go to college, the word "scholarship" is confusing for both students and parents. We automatically think about student loans, FAFSA, tuition and fees, EFC, grants, and work study. But... Read More

The Family University Network: Unplugging Institutional Higher Education

Why not build a Christian family enterprise with the energy, funding, and infrastructure that would otherwise build the state or private educational institutions?It is common knowledge today that serious moral problems exist in... Read More

Pre-Bachelor

The program should be one term, two terms or three terms (1 year). This program is meant for students who lack the necessary language skills to start the first-year bachelor program, the course... Read More

Parents: Take the SAT Challenge!

I keep a box of tissues on the table where I tutor because, as an SAT tutor and college application consultant, I listen to high school juniors and seniors who are so overwhelmed... Read More

Online College Programs ? How to Apply

The first step to getting your online degree is to apply to colleges. Research several colleges offering the degree program you need. Once you have decided on a school, you are ready to... Read More

Why Pursue Your Degree Online?

Distance education has been around longer than people may realise. A system which teaches students without requiring that they actually be present, distance learning was pioneered in 1946, by the University of South... Read More

Discover How Online College Classes Work

It's no secret that more and more people are looking to the internet for a convenient way to further their education. Online classes are a great way to obtain an accredited college degree... Read More

Saving For College ? Your Number Two Priority

In today's highly competitive college admissions process, families must never lose sight of the fact that nothing is more important to parent or child than the student's acceptance to college. Your second priority... Read More

Making the Most of Your Summer

At last, summer is here! After a school year full of hard work, you can finally put away your books, break out your bikinis, and soak up the sunshine. This is not only... Read More