People with busy schedules often find it a challenge to attend college classes physically – instead, they search for an online school. However, thanks to technology, many students are now enrolling for online college courses to earn bachelor’s degrees in their fields of interest.
Conventional college programs require students to attend classes physically at a particular location and time. With online programs, students can cover their coursework and studies from any place and time.
Top Online Universities with Accredited Programs
Online learning allows you flexibility so you can conveniently work, earn money for college and learn. Aside from flexibility, distance learning helps students save money in terms of the cost of commuting, accommodation,and meals.
Online colleges offer various programs that include, health-related programs, technology programs, arts programs and many more. Here are some popular programs available for distance learners.
- Psychology
In the conventional classroom, a bachelor’s degree in psychology requires students to pursue classwork, go for internships and service learning. The program also requires that students undertake collaborative research projects.
However, with online programs, internships and other in-person curriculum requirement are optional. The student is thus able to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology online, and students can specialize in various areas of psychology.
- Nursing
Students interested in nursing can pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing online. However, due to the practical nature of nursing, many online colleges blend online learning with physical class attendance.
Often, online nursing programs allow students to satisfy the hands-on requirements at healthcare facilities near their locations. Students can only meet the practical part of the curriculum in health care facilities approved by the program administrator.
The online college may reduce the clinical requirements for already registered nurses,and these students will instead undertake a capstone project.
Students can expect both classroom and real-world training attained through practicum courses such as practical exercises in simulators as well as supervised patient care.
- Business Administration
Students can complete many business programs online. On-campus business programs are entirely classroom instructions. Thus there is a smooth translation of the program from classroom to online learning.
Often technology facilitates group sessions and collaborative learning through platforms such as online chats and videoconferencing.
- Early Childhood Education
Some distance learning programs offer early childhood education online while many online college blend classwork with online training.
The combination is essential because early childhood programs have hands-on requirements that students must meet. For example, students must interact with children as part of the course requirement.
Often such interactions take place under the supervision of a specialist early childhood professional. Some programs lack hands-on curriculum requirement. However, some states require students to have real-world experience to obtain a license to practice in the state.
- Master’s in computer science
Students can complete computer science programs online without attending physical classroom sessions. The college often presents the course work material through audio lectures, video chats and online tests and assessments including online quizzes. Some distance learning programs offer coursework through the massive open online course (MOOCs).
- Masters in Social work
At a master’s level, many distance learning programs can offer the curriculum entirely online. Students normally attain hands-on learning by completing a field experience requirement at a ratified social work agency.
The coordinators of the program work in close conjunction with students to find a suitable agency close to the student’s location. Students can pursue other courses such as large group theory, research methods and professional social work to attain the required field experience hours.
The course may also require students to complete a thesis or a comprehensive exam.
Just like classroom-based programs, distance learners can secure scholarships to pursue a course of their choice. Online courses are a good option for those that achieve a partial scholarship because it allows students to save money and at the same time earn to cater for other school requirements.
Online classes also cost less than attending campus classes. If you have a busy schedule and still want to pursue education online college is for you. All you need is sufficient personal discipline and self-motivation, and you are good to go.
