The education world is changing fast! Twenty years ago the idea of online education was in its infancy. The first opportunities to earn degrees online were welcomed by adventurous students, while most students, especially adult learners who were seeking master’s or doctoral degrees, stuck to tradition by attending programs on campus.

But times are different now. Quality online degree programs have the same credibility as their campus-based counterparts. Adult learners, who have work and family responsibilities, are embracing the convenience and accessibility of distance learning programs and are earning their master’s and doctoral degrees from home and on their own schedule. They are changing their lives in ways that they never before imagined.

How do you choose a degree program?

On a reputable college directory website, adult students who want to earn their advanced degree can quickly and easily compare programs and schools. Typically, you enter a search term (such as “master’s degree – psychology”) and you are presented with a variety of colleges and programs that satisfy your search term. Then you choose four or five schools and carefully compare programs and features. In the new online education environment, the selection and variety are impressive! Advanced degree programs offered by quality accredited colleges and universities include:

Master’s Degree Programs

Accounting

Business Administration

Criminal Justice

Human Services

Divinity

Education and Teaching

Marriage and Family Therapy

Nursing

Professional Counseling

Religious Education

Social Work

Doctoral Degree Programs

Education

Management

Ministry (DMin)

Philosophy in Counseling

Psychology (PsyD)

How long does it take to earn your master’s or doctoral degree online? Less time than you think! Many master’s degree programs can be completed in as few as eighteen months. Doctorate programs may take as few as two years. Some may require an on-campus classroom component – be sure to read the course catalogs carefully.

For working adults, flexible schedules are important. Many online master’s and doctoral degree programs allow you to complete the work at your own pace, with milestones to gauge your progress. But just as flexibility is important, you also want a program that provides one-on-one interaction between students and instructors, and among students who are involved in a group project.

Is there financial aid available? In many cases, yes, even for online programs. Most accredited colleges are approved to offer federal Title IV financial aid programs that include grants and loans. Prospective students should contact the financial aid offices of the schools to which they have been accepted and apply for financial aid. Decisions about which school to attend are often made on the basis of the financial aid package offered by a school to the individual student.

How do you get started? With an increasing number of online degree programs available for adults, finding the one that’s right for you may seem like a daunting task. The best way to research your options is to go online to a free college directory website like the one below. You can enter the search terms that are appropriate for you (such as “online psychology doctorate,” or “online MBA”). You’ll be presented with free information about the programs that meet your criteria. Compare features such as financial aid, career services, and flexible schedules. Narrow down your choices and make your application. In less time than you think you could be earning your degree, working at home on your schedule.

By: Thomas Hauck

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