Who you, a Guru? After you read these 288 Bachelor Degree tips, you'll be one. But we're looking to recruit a Guru to blog, write a 101 tip Bachelor Degree book, and become a leader of this community.
Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 4PM Eastern.
What to Look for in an Online University
Selecting an online university is not a simple decision. Each student should carefully evaluate his own preference and research highly rated schools before creating a list of potential schools. Once this list is established, you might wonder what to look for in an online university. Create a list of variables such as reputation, size, location and cost. This can help the student determine which online university is the best choice for him. Creating a spreadsheet can help the student to easily see how the schools compare to each other and to his preferences.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Western Governors University Tip: Online University Programs—A World of Choices
If you are thinking about or have already decided to earn your degree at an online university, you may be wondering "What should I study?" Before applying to a particular program, be sure to consider all your options. In today's world, there are many courses of study to choose from—just as many as at an on-site university.
One thing you should not do is choose a program on a whim. Select a program which will set you ahead of the rest, will look good on your resume, and will offer you good prospects for future employment. The first thing you should think about is what truly interests you. What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Think about whether or not you want to work with other people, and in what capacity. If you enjoy a fast-paced professional atmosphere, maybe business is right for you. Do you enjoy caring for others? Maybe you should consider a career in nursing. Perhaps you enjoy explaining difficult concepts to others, in which case an online teaching degree may be your ticket. Are you that person who's always tinkering with a computer? Information technology is an in-demand industry that may suit you well.
Remember that this decision will have a huge impact on your future. Once you've narrowed down what programs you think you are interested in, talk to current students at the online university you are considering. How happy are they? You should also look into the faculty teaching the program; you should see if they are experts in their field and whether or not they have much experience teaching courses in an online format. You should also see if a particular program will allow you to work at your own pace or if there is a rigid schedule. Everyone has different learning styles and you should consider what your style is and how well it matches up with a particular program. Some final details to think about are how to acquire books for the course (if any are required), what you will need to access the course, and how many hours per week you can expect to be working toward your degree.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
How to Find Accredited Online Bachelors Degree Programs or Courses
Perhaps you have been contemplating taking an accredited online course but don’t know where to find one or maybe you are already a student and just searching for a more convenient way to take a required course or work around a scheduling conflict. Here is the information you need to find the class or program you want:
If you are already a student searching for an online course then the best place to begin is at your own campus. Many colleges and universities have a distance education program with fully accredited courses taught by the same instructors you have every day.
Depending upon your college or university, the online university degree program courses may be tucked among the continuing education department or other non-traditional formats so it may take some research to locate.
If your college doesn’t offer the course you need then consider taking a class from another accredited online degree program but be sure your college accomodates transferring credits for an online course.
Pay special attention to the course prefix and numbers: often what may initially sound like the same course may not meet the criteria of your school. When in doubt, put it in writing and submit to your department for advance verification an approval.
If you are a new student or seeking a fully accredited university degree then try searching one of the available databases to find degree programs that fit your needs. Some of the more popular and comprehensive sources include the Directory of Schools and Peterson's Guide.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Western Governors University Tip: Choose the Right Institution to Earn Your Online College Degree
To find the right institution to earn your online college degree, you'll need to do a lot of research. Make your decision based on well-researched facts and realistic long-term goals to save you time and money.
Take the time to research as many online universities and accredited degree programs before selecting one — your experience will benefit if you are educated on what to expect while attending an online university. Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years, which has given rise to many more online institutions. Your research will help educate you on the differences between different online universities and will help you understand what each university can offer.
Look into a range of different online institutions, and keep in mind factors such as the reputation of the online university, whether it is accredited, tuition costs, the quality of the faculty, financial aid opportunities, and employment prospects for alumni. Try to look beyond the dry statistics and ask about other details, such as student retention rates (how many satisfied students remain with the university), whether or not you will be assigned a personal adviser, how easy it is to transfer credits from another institution, and what would happen if circumstances require you to leave a course midway through. Equally important, you should see if the particular program you are interested in has a good reputation and is taught by faculty who are experts in that field.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Is Distance Learning Right For You?
Obtaining an accredited degree online has become easier than ever as literally thousands of colleges and universities offer a wide selection of courses and programs to choose from. However, before choosing an online university or degree program there are a few things each prospective student should consider about their own situation.
First, do you have a computer you can depend on and is your Internet Service Provider reliable? When taking an online university degree program you will typically be required to sign in on a regular basis and participate in online discussion forums in addition to submitting work through a technology platform. Computer problems can quickly cause you to fall behind and negatively impact your grade. Before enrolling into any accredited degree programs request a copy of the suggested computer and technology requirements. Most accredited online degrees will gladly provide a list of compatible computer and software requirements suggested for the program. In fact, if you need to upgrade your computer or software to meet the minimum requirements, be sure to request information about student discounts which are frequently made available to students enrolled at an accredited university.
Next, are you self motivated and disciplined? If you have a tendency towards procrastination then online learning may be challenging for you. It’s important to realize that although convenient and often more flexible than traditional courses, online programs still require substantial investments of time and energy. It’s highly recommended that a person who is new to the distance learning format begin slowly by taking only one or two courses to begin.
Finally, are you comfortable communicating online and using a variety of software programs? When selecting a graduate or bachelor degree program request information about training if you are not certain. A large number of schools will provide orientation courses for new student for free. It’s a great way to become familiar with the technology and structure of an online course or program!
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Using Life Experience to Obtain a Bachelors Degree
Although it is possible to use life experience toward fulfilling the requirements of obtaining a bachelors degree, it is not common. Most colleges or universities only accept specific types of professional experience for credit toward fulfilling degree requirements—a process called Credit by Portfolio Evaluation, which is typically restricted to students with particular types of formal professional training such as nurses or police officers.
Occasionally, other types of professional training may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but life experience rarely results in credit conferral.
Many less reputable programs claim to confer a degree based largely on prior skills or portfolio credit so be cautious when seeking to use life experience to obtain a bachelors degree. It may be possible but it’s rarely easy and very unlikely to result in the majority of coursework toward an online degree. In fact, most colleges and universities require a minimum number of course hours to be taken through the university in order to confer a diploma on a student. Any claims to the contrary should be regarded with caution.
If you have extensive experience in a given skill or subject area then one way to gain valuable credit, time and money savings is to “test out” of certain core subjects. For instance, if your program requires a foreign language and you happen to be fluent in another language then it is often possible to sit for an examination that demonstrates your mastery of the subject. However, it’s important to note this will rarely result in allowing you to take fewer credit hours for the completion of your degree!
Another option that may be available if you desire credit for real life experience is an Independent or Supervised Study course. These are typically less structured and require advance approval but are flexible in providing credit toward “real life” experience. Because this will require advance planning and a sponsoring faculty member who agrees to supervise your progress; plan to present a clear goal and rationale when requesting an Independent study program. It is a great way to enhance your hands-on training while obtaining course credits toward your college degree!
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Paying for an Online Degree Program
If you are considering returning to college to pursue an online university degree program you're probably also looking for ways to fund it. College tuition is an investment in terms of both time and money. Fortunately, there are many options available when it comes to financing or paying for an online degree.
If you are employed then one of the first places to begin is the HR department of your company. If you are fortunate enough to have tuition reimbursement then find out what is covered and the requirements for reimbursement. Many employers will pay for or reimburse tuition, books and even supplies required to continue your education particularly if the college is accredited and the degree is related to your job.
Standard sources of federal, state and local online bachelors degree financial aid as well as scholarships, grants and loans are all available to students of most accredited colleges and universities. Contact the office of financial aid for the college or university program to request application forms.
Finally, for those who are self-funding or “paying out of pocket” for their education, deferred or installment payment plans are often available. Be sure to inquire with the financial director and fill out the forms in advance.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
It’s the Little Things that Count when Choosing an Online Bachelors Degree Program
Online education is flexible, convenient and a great investment. Today more than ever it is possible to obtain a prestigious university degree from top ranked colleges and universities like Penn State, University of Florida or even Harvard without leaving your home. In fact, many programs provide transcripts and diplomas that are indistinguishable from those earned in the traditional format. But all colleges are not equal and much of the difference hinges upon the support and services provided.
It is important to determine the extent of support and services you can expect. What is available and how can you access it?
A reputable online university degree program like that of Penn State’s World Campus provides a variety of technical assistance programs ranging from Academic Advisement to Technical Assistance and career placement. An online degree program should not be an inferior degree in any way shape or form. If the program you are interested in doesn’t provide the same level of services as found on a traditional campus then you should keep searching for a program that supplies all of your needs.
At a minimum here is what you should expect:
Admissions counselors to show you how to choose a college major or assist you in selecting the program that will best meet your personal and academic goals.
Career Services to assist in finding employment, internships and networking opportunities.
Online access to library resources to assist in research and study related information.
Financial Aid advisors and counseling to inform you about scholarships, loans or other aid opportunities.
Student Records and advisement counselors who provide help with the administrative aspects of your courses (e.g., lesson tracking, exam requests, dropping a course, recording grades)
Technical Support for assistance with computer and software issues, online tutorials, and training resources.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Accreditation & Reputation: Choose an Online University With Prestige
By now most people have heard of the convenience and flexibility provided by an online or distance education format, yet fears surrounding the quality and reputation of obtaining an accredited degree online remain a concern. The fact is many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation now offer accredited degree programs that are indistinguishable from the more traditional degree program. In fact, some online degree programs like Penn State provide transcripts and diplomas that look exactly the same as any other Penn State student's transcript or diploma.
There are two main criteria any prospective student will want to consider when choosing an online university: accreditation and reputation. Accreditation is important in determining if a course or program of study will be recognized by other colleges and institutions of higher learning. This is particularly important if you are exploring a bachelor degree program with the potential of graduate school in your future.
Not every online university degree program is equal. Some are relative newcomers to the educational arena and are known by name as solely online programs. Other online offerings like Penn State are indistinguishable from the main accredited university program. Essentially when you obtain a degree from Penn State, whether in person or through the accredited online degree program, you are granted a diploma with the full reputation and prestige of an established and reputable college with over one hundred years of history. Find out in advance if your diploma or transcript will differentiate your degree from others.
Save Tip
Comments
Tip Rating
Choosing an Online University: Find the Perfect Fit to Obtain Your Bachelor Degree
If you have been considering taking an online course or even completing a bachelor degree program via distance learning then you already know how convenient and practical an online university degree program can be. Choosing an online university isn’t the same as choosing a new pair of shoes; choosing the right college can launch your future while choosing the wrong college may result in the loss of time and money! Here is what you need to know to find the perfect fit when choosing an online university.
First, make sure you are dealing with an accredited university or college particularly if you plan to continue your education or transfer credits in the future. The accreditation process ensures the college or university meets acceptable levels of quality. To view a list of accredited online universities visit the United States Department of Education database.
Next, you will want to determine if the degree program you are interested in is available. Remember, it is possible to be accepted to a college or university without being accepted to your specific field of study: Particularly if the program is subject to selective admission or is in a highly competitive field. In that case, you may still be required to apply and be accepted into a specific degree program within that college or university. When choosing a college major within an accredited university degree program be sure to ask if you will be accepted into both the college or university and the degree program of your choice.
Finally, choosing a college is a highly personal decision whether online or in a traditional format. Each college or university has a different look and feel: some accredited degree programs pride themselves on a highly progressive platform whereas others attempt to provide a more traditional format albeit via technology integration. It’s important to find the one which reflects your personal level of comfort. Spend time reviewing what each college offers and compare the pro’s and con’s related to your own preferences. Before signing up request a program outline copies of individual course outlines or syllabi from instructors: most are happy to oblige prospective students.
LifeTips is part of ideaLaunch, the hub for a group of websites offering
solutions that help clients improve mind share, market share and profit online.
