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6 Sensational Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online
The popularity of online degrees has been growing substantially. While some people still stigmatize the trend, the stigma is unwarranted. Millions of students enroll in and earn valuable degrees from online institutions each year. You can learn about several of the benefits that online education offers to help you decide if it is right for your future.
1. Accelerated Options
Many university programs offer accelerated online degrees. Attending a traditional college usually means earning your degree in four to five years. Using online studies can help you earn your Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree in as little as one year. Courses that take 16 weeks in person can be completed in approximately 10 weeks online. However, accelerated learning may not be right for everyone. You must be able to learn quickly to accommodate the faster pace.
2. Personalized Schedule
Achieving a work-life balance can be difficult while attending college. It is particularly challenging if you have a job or family. While you have some control over your class schedule on campus, certain courses may only be offered on select days at limited time slots. Choosing an online curriculum gives you the freedom to personalize your schedule to fit your availability.
3. Flexible Pace
Some people may elect to take advantage of an accelerated pace, but you also have to option to take your time. Generally, professors have a syllabus that they adhere to for each in-person class. You can expect to spend approximately the same amount of time on each subject. When you work on your own, you will have a flexible pace. You can move quickly through the topics you find easy and focus on those that need more effort.
4. Lower Costs
There are several ways that earning your degree online can save you money. The overhead for online programs is lower, and those savings often get passed on to students as more affordable tuition. Remember to be mindful when selecting your program because costs vary by university, residency, and degree field. Taking advantage of online options can also help you avoid expensive campus housing and meal plans.
5. Enhanced Skill Development
Earning a degree online allows you to develop a different set of skills. Your self-motivation and self-discipline will grow since you will be running your schedule. The nature of online interactions also encourages strong communication, computer skills, organization, time management, and critical thinking. Each of these skills will likely be applicable in your future workplace.
6. Ideal Environment
Think about your ideal learning environment. Are you picturing an oversized lecture hall with hundreds of students? While not every in-person class is large and crowded, the learning environment is set by others. If you choose to work online, you can select the setting that works best with your learning style. Whether you want dead silence, soft music, isolation, or frequent breaks, the choice is yours.
There are many benefits to furthering your education online. It is important to consider each of these aspects when planning your next chapter.