How To Select an Online University
People who want higher education but who don`t live near a college or university offering courses they want used to be out of luck. No more. Now it is possible to study almost any subject online. It may require more self-discipline to pursue a degree this way. However, students at online universities can attend classes at their convenience, making it possible to earn a living at the same time as earning a degree.
What to look for?
There are now many online universities. Some online degree programs are offered by traditional universities with campuses, while others only exist in cyberspace. Selecting the right school and being sure your degree will be recognized by potential employers is the first step. How can you tell whether a program is a real educational experience or a diploma mill? Here are some things to find out before signing up.
Look for a university with accreditation from a recognized accrediting organization. This is important because it means the school meets established standards of quality. Well-known universities like the University of Florida, Northwestern, Purdue and Notre Dame are examples of accredited institutions. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes universities accredited by one of the six accrediting bodies. Students who attend accredited universities are usually eligible for federal student loans and the course credits they earn generally transfer to other accredited institutions.
Picking a degree program
To determine if a degree program fits your professional and personal interests, review the curriculum and course descriptions in university web sites and course catalogs. Do they offer courses in subjects of interest to you?
To learn more about whether a program might be good for you, ask about the faculty`s industry experience and the scope and focus of their research. Do they have the appropriate advanced degrees for what they teach? Find out where the professors got their degrees. If all or most of them graduated from the same online university you are considering, this is a red flag, suggesting their academic credentials are weak. A real university will have teachers who have graduated from many different schools.
How students apply what they learn to their fields of expertise and to their communities are also strong indicators of a program`s value. Ask what employers, organizations and professional associations partner with or support the university. Talk to someone at the university and explain your educational goals and career plans. Whether you wish to advance your career, change careers, make a contribution to society or become more expert in your field, be sure the program you choose will get you there. One way to find out is to learn how the university`s alumni are doing. Alumni success or lack of it reflects the quality of a university and its programs. Ask for examples of how alumni are using the knowledge they gained in their professional and personal lives.
If the university accepts everyone who applies and can afford the cost, be suspicious. A real university will require each student to meet appropriate admissions requirements.
Online teaching is different
Make sure any online universities you are considering know how to deliver and support online courses and that you have the technology you need to take them. Do the faculty members know how to guide the classroom experience to ensure learning objectives are achieved? Are your computer and Internet connection up to the task? Assignments are typically posted online and discussions take place as threaded postings. Most online courses require students to log in and contribute to discussions a certain number of times each week. Many courses let you log in any time, anywhere as long as you meet the weekly course requirements.
What type of student support services are available? How responsive are instructors to student inquiries? What opportunities are there to interact with fellow students? This interaction enables students to gain knowledge and understanding from others with a wide variety of geographic, cultural and professional perspectives. The most effective courses, especially for adult learners with years of work experience, are those in which students gain the insights and perspectives of everyone in the class.
Can you afford it?
Though attending an online university allows you to live where you do currently so you won`t pay anything extra for living expenses while you study, there will be charges for books, tuition and fees. Find out what other expenses there will be, if any, to be sure you can afford your studies. Ask if financial aid is available, as some schools offer it to online learners.
Note that tuition and fees at online universities are often higher than what is charged at their campus-based counterparts. However, these schools offer personalized support and a convenient and flexible format geared for the adult learner. If a university`s tuition and fees are significantly less expensive than other online schools, double check on its accreditation to be sure it is legitimate.
Take Your Nursing Career To The Next Level - Online
|
Featured Nursing Programs
|
Top Nursing Schools
|
The College Network
Online
Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.
Programs:- LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- Paramedic to RN
- LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
University of Phoenix
Campus
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs:- M.S. in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- Jacksonville
- Online
- Grand Rapids
- Lathrop
- San Antonio
- East Lansing
- Costa Mesa
- Flint
- St Louis Park
- Bakersfield
- Pasadena
- Plantation
- Baton Rouge
- Murrieta
- Temple Terrace
- Mesa
- Clinton Township
- Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Houston
- Phoenix
- Henderson
- Hollywood
- Sugar Land
- Woodland Hills
- San Diego
- Tucson
- Lone Tree
- Ann Arbor
- Independence
- Reston
- Livonia
- Arlington
- Southfield
- Salida
- Sarasota
- Miami
- Irving
- Troy
- Saint Louis
- Tampa
- San Francisco
- Livermore
- Dallas
- San Jose
- Westminster
- Fresno
- Littleton
- Chandler
- Maitland
- Beachwood
- Fairfield
- Hurst
- Oakland
- Killeen
- Diamond Bar
- Fort Lauderdale
- St. Louis
- Nashville
- Saint Paul
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- Ontario
- Lancaster
- Gardena
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Rancho Cordova
- Roseville
- Fairfax
- Manassas
- Los Angeles
- Spring
- Daytona Beach
- Aurora
- Westlake
- Clearwater
- Palm Desert
- Portage
Dover Business College
Campus
Launch a business, healthcare, or technology career with Dover Business College. Train with the most current technology programs at one of our two (Dover and Paramus, New Jersey) campuses.
Programs:- LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
- Patient Care Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Clifton
- Dover
Keiser University
Campus
Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.
Programs:- Nursing, MS
- Medical Assisting, AS
- Fort Lauderdale
CollegeAmerica
Campus
Finally, a college that delivers. CollegeAmerica is truly unique in that their curriculum is designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to prepare students for success.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)
- Colorado Springs
- Phoenix
- Denver
- Fort Collins
- Flagstaff
- Cheyenne
Carrington College California
Campus
Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.
Programs:- AS in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing
- AS in Medical Assisting
- Antioch
- San Leandro
- Pleasant Hill
- Stockton
- San Jose
- Emeryville
- Citrus Heights
- Sacramento
- Pomona
Colorado Christian University
Campus
With a heritage dating back to 1914, Colorado Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. As the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities located in the mainline Rocky Mountains region, and just a few minutes from downtown Denver, CCU is uniquely positioned to offer students a distinctive variety of educational opportunities and experiences. CCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and in the world. CCU students are enrolled at the main campus near Denver and at satellite locations throughout Colorado.
Programs:- Nursing: B.S. Nursing (BSN)
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Englewood
- Sterling
- Denver
- Grand Junction
- Colorado Springs
Keiser University Graduate School
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Nursing, MS (Online)
- Fort Lauderdale
Florida Career College
Campus
Train for the real-world skills that help you launch a successful technology or healthcare career with a degree, or diploma from Florida Career College.
Programs:- Associate's Degree - Nursing RN
- Diploma - Patient Care Technician
- Diploma - Medical Assistant Technician
- Boynton Beach
- Clearwater
- Hollywood
- Miami
- West Palm Beach
- Pompano Beach
Medtech
Campus
Start your career with an education from Medtech. We offer programs in biotechnology, health care management, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, medical lab technology, and nursing, plus several short-term career courses.
Programs:- School of Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Fort Wayne
Stevens-Henager
Campus
For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Our degree programs, designed to help graduates compete in the ever-evolving employment market, include Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Surgical Technology, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Graphic Arts*. Online programs are offered via Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray. Stevens-Henager College Idaho Falls is a branch campus of the CollegeAmerica, Flagstaff, AZ, main campus.
*Check each campus for program availability.
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Nursing Administration
- Ogden
- Layton
- Boise
- Murray
- Idaho Falls
- Nampa
- Saint George
- Lehi
- Orem
- Logan
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus
Get everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs:- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Assistant Specialist
- Melville
- Austin
- Monroeville
- Orlando
Summit College
Campus
Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.
Programs:- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Colton
- Anaheim
Charter College
Campus
Prepare for a better career and a brighter future with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. Our small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure a personalized education experience. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find the job that's right for you after graduation.
Programs:- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Canyon Country
- Anchorage
- Vancouver
- Lancaster
- Oxnard
- Wasilla
- Bellingham
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus
Lincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs:- Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Hamden
- Casselberry
- Paramus
- Mount Laurel
- Shelton
- Edison
- Somerville
- Allentown
- Lowell
- Lincoln
- Brockton
- Philadelphia
- Saint Petersburg
