During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, online courses are no longer just a choice for many students, but a requirement. Many undergraduate and postgraduate courses are converting their fall semester courses to fully or partially online to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among students, faculty and staff. Students’ reactions to these changes vary. In a survey conducted by SimpsonScarborough, a US higher education research and marketing agency, only 17% of back-to-school students hope to take all courses in person this fall.
At the same time, 41% prefer to take both online and face-to-face courses on campus, and 30% want to stay at home and complete all courses online. The last number is the highest among freshmen, at 39%. Web-based education has gained momentum in higher education. According to data from the National Education Statistics Center, nearly 3.3 million higher education students participated in distance education courses in the fall of 2018. Whether students are starting to pursue a degree program or switching to online learning due to these unprecedented circumstances, online universities can provide the flexibility to learn from anywhere. Students with family responsibilities or full-time jobs can also work on their own time.
Online Bachelor’s Programs
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in person or online can open the door to employment opportunities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2018, the employment rate of 25-34 years old with a bachelor's degree in the United States was 86%. In contrast, the employment rate with a high school diploma is 72%. It also leads to higher salaries. In 2018, the average weekly income of the average person with a bachelor's degree was close to $1,200. In contrast, people with an associate's degree earn about $860 a week, while those with a high school diploma earn an average of $730 a week.
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- University of Illinois
- University of Florida
- Ohio State University
- Oregon State University
Online Bachelor's Degrees
Pros:
Students can take classes virtually, allowing them to study anywhere. Even if the school is far from home, students can choose the best course for their field of study. Courses can be arranged according to a busy schedule.
Cons:
Students need more self-motivation, time management and discipline to complete coursework. There is no face-to-face interaction with the lecturer. It can be difficult to communicate with classmates.
An online bachelor's degree is a great choice for students who want to continue their education and pursue an associate's degree or have not completed a college degree. This is an attractive option for anyone looking to advance or completely change their current career. The online format is suitable for anyone who needs the flexibility to take courses on schedule. Online students can continue to work full time while continuing their education. Students with online degrees don't have to waste money and time on campus. To be successful in this program, students must have good time management and self-discipline skills in order to learn, study, and complete assignments without constant personal interaction with the teacher. Due to the variety of online courses, it is important that potential students consider all options before applying. We recommend choosing a competency-based program or fast track for those looking to get their higher education online as soon as possible. Most of the online students have received multiple credits in the past. People in this group should check in advance if they will be able to get credit for future online programs.
Popular Online Bachelor's Degrees
How Much Does An Online Bachelor's Cost?
Many private universities pay the same tuition fees for an online baccalaureate as on campus. Tuition fees may vary for state and out-of-state online school students. As with most on-campus undergraduate programs, most schools have websites that provide tuition and cost information for online programs. You can also request information from the Department of Finance, which is responsible for tuition fees.
How Online Degrees Work
The structure of online undergraduate programs is different. Therefore, prospective students should study the program carefully to make sure it suits their needs. In general, however, online courses require students to log into their Learning Management System (LMS) regularly. It is a virtual portal that acts as a classroom, giving students access to relevant subjects and tracking classroom progress. Online courses usually contain an asynchronous component or a self-learning component. Students can complete coursework at any time, but must adhere to weekly deadlines. Some programs require students to attend what is called a class meeting. These sessions are conducted in real time via video conferencing. This allows students to interact and build strong relationships with peers and teachers.
How Long Does an Online Bachelor's Take?
How long it takes to get your bachelor's degree online depends on many factors. First, most online students don't start their bachelor's degree early because they have college credits applicable to their new degree. This saves time because students do not need to repeat certain lessons. Typically, students must provide a copy of their previous university in order for the new university to evaluate credits. The time it takes to complete an online bachelor's degree depends on how the school divides the academic year. Some programs have a traditional monthly online course system, while others cut the time. For example, a 10 week course with different start dates throughout the year. This accelerated program may appeal to those looking to qualify as quickly as possible.
How to Avoid Online College Scams
Beware of "graduation factories" that give illegal degrees to students on the Internet. One of the most important steps a prospective student can take is to ensure that your online degree is accredited by the US Department of Education or an organization approved by the Higher Education Accreditation Commission. This information is usually available on the website of the school or program, and if a student decides to transfer, it can affect how employers and other colleges display their degree online. For more information, see the "Accreditation of Online Universities" section below. It is also important to pay attention to the warning labels on the program website. For example, anything that looks too good to get through in a very short time or at a very low cost is a red flag. The converse is also true. If you think this program is very expensive, research further. Other warning signs include programs that do not include an online campus or company address, many website grammar or spelling errors, or a ".edu" URL, and the school does not disclose information through student support services. HM
The Best Online Graduate Programs
