According to the Digest of Education Statistics by the National Center for Education Statistics, college enrollment hit a record level of 18 million students in 2007, and college enrollment is projected to continue to increase through 2016 by 14 percent. During the 2007-08 academic year, post secondary degrees were estimated to number 699,000 associate's degrees, 1,544,000 bachelor's degrees, 631,000 master's degrees, 89,300 first-professional degrees, and 55,300 doctor's degrees, in the 4,216 degree-granting colleges in the United States,
College remains as important as ever, especially with the growth of specialized fields of study and technical jobs in both the private and public sector. The fact is that 4-year degrees are becoming more common and more important, and the interest in graduate and post-graduate studies is becoming increasingly vital as well.
The primary problem with college studies, however, is inconvenience. A college education often demands that a student move away from home. This carries additional expenses and inconveniences. Colleges are not often culturally sensitive for the non-traditional student, for example, one who carries a full time job or is raising a family. Many colleges also are confined in their schedules, and only offer prerequisites and necessary courses during certain semesters or specific times, which may be inopportune or inaccessible for many students.
Distance Learning for University Degree
A viable option to traditional college academic study is distance learning. Distance learning via the online internet option is fast becoming a very popular choice.
In the article “Why Do Students Like Online Learning?” (World Wide Learn, The World's Premier Online Directory of Education, August 14, 2005), author Stephanie Coleman speaks of the most popular reasons people are choosing the online option. She states that there are now over 4 million students enrolled in online schools and universities, and that number is growing at about 30% per year.
Students like the convenience; they can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and then review lectures, discussions, and comments. In an online environment student interaction may be greater than in a traditional classroom. There may be greater diversity and expertise from the online instructors as they may be from any location across the country or even world.
For many students, participation in the classroom can be quite anxiety provoking, while taking online courses may be far less intimidating. Students sometimes feel that the online instructors are more approachable. Online courses may offer a wider range of courses and content, which is especially important for professional training that may not be otherwise available locally. Finally, some employers have expressed the willingness to pay for online coursework.
College Accreditation and Costs
One common problem with online colleges is that many are not certified or accredited as institutions of higher learning. It is still possible to “buy” a diploma with little or no work or rigid academic standard or discipline. As such, caveat emptor (buyer beware) is still the best policy.
In all cases, be sure to verify the type of accreditation that the online college carries. Compare also the tuition and fee schedules. They can vary widely according to the school and program of study.
With a little investigation upfront, one will be sure that a quality education will be gained giving respect and credibility by employers. Some of those accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education are the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities, the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Region, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Continued learning and higher education are important for personal or professional growth. Whether for college credit or pure enjoyment, one may wish to look at online coursework, but be sure to verify that the institution meets standards and has recognition and credibility.
Resources
National Center for Education Statistics
Nelson Acquilano - Nelson Acquilano holds an A.A.S. in Police Science, a B.S. in both Political Science and Criminal Justice, a Master of Social Work Degree ...
