Choosing the Best Online Bachelor’s Degree for You
With the dozens of online bachelor’s programs out there, choosing one that best fits your learning and career goals can seem mind-boggling. Taking the time to go through some basic questions can ensure that you pick the right degree program for you.
Examine the course offerings: Take a look at the required courses and major courses that comprise the degree. Are there a significant number of interesting electives to choose from? Does the degree offer the specialization you’re interested in pursuing?
What’s the learning platform like? Ask to take a peek at the online college's Web-based learning platform. Does it look up to date and easily navigable? In what ways are students required to participate in online courses? A great program will have a state of the art learning platform that requires students to engage with the material.
What is the online course type? Not all online courses are created equally. Some require students to log on at certain times (synchronous learning), while others allow students to watch lectures and do assignments on their own (asynchronous learning).
Look at varying types of accreditation: Regional or national accreditation from a recognized accrediting body is a must for any online degree program, of course. But, consider other types of accreditation that may be important for your degree, such as certification by a professional group. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for your desired career, to find any other important accreditation facts.
Are there any in-person requirements? Some programs can be completed 100% online, while others require students to come to campus in-person a few times a year to meet with advisors or attend lectures.
Check out the faculty: The experience and credentials of the faculty that will be teaching your online classes is very important. For one, it will determine the quality of your classes, and two, their recommendations will help you land future jobs or admission to grad school. Check out which degrees your future professors hold and where they’ve worked in the past.
Talk to past students: This is one of the best ways to determine if any school’s degree is going to open the right doors for your career. Ask the admissions officer or department chair for contacts of past graduates with your desired degree. Contact them and ask them how they enjoyed their time in school, and perhaps more importantly, what they’re doing now and how long it took them to find employment.
Are there internship or job placement opportunities? Practical experience can be the deciding factor when it comes to finding a great job later on. Some online universities have relationships with companies and professional firms that make it easy for students to gain real experience while they earn their degree.