Short on Time? Get an Accelerated College Degree Online!

You need to get a college degree, but you are an impatient person for one reason or another. Either that is just your character, or you are planning on getting a career quite soon and really want to get started. If you choose to get a college degree through a regular institution, it could take years for that to happen. Now, you can get your college degree in as little as a year if you decide to get an accelerated college degree online.

About Accelerated College Degrees Online

So, the first question you might have in your mind probably pertains to how it is possible to earn an accelerated college degree online in the first place. Well, the answer to that has to do with one main thing: you persistence. It also has to do with several other factors, such as you computer proficiency and your ability to complete tasks independently.

Many people think that it is reasonably easy to earn an accelerated college degree online. After all, it only involves using the internet, which is something that people do everyday, right? Well, actually, it can be harder to earn an accelerated college degree online than in the classroom, because there are more distractions.

In a classroom setting, you are surrounded by the professor as well as fellow learners. The overall atmosphere thus lends itself well to learning. However, if you are getting an accelerated college degree online, it can really be hard to do in the comfort of your home, doing things like listening to music or watching television at the same time.

Remember that while many of the online internet advertisements for accelerated college degrees online look appealing, some places have better reputations than others. In fact, if you do some internet research, you might find that the courses available are mainly just downloadable, and have been available for years! Also, if a program seems really reasonably priced, more often than not there is a catch.

Thus, it is important to make sure that if you want to get an accelerated college degree online, you should make sure that the program is a truly reputable one. The most reputable ones are available through actual colleges who offer this as an alternative learning method. Of course, you will also have to be diligent in your work, and if you are, you will be rewarded with not only a college degree, and many new career opportunities.

Tips for having the Best Online College Degree

It is a known fact that most of us aspire to have a successful and fruitful life that we could be proud of and one of the best and surest ways where we could achieve that is through having a degree. But then, it is also a known fact that some of us were unfortunate enough that some time in our lives, we get to encounter some things that would hinder us into achieving that dream of having the degree that we are all dreaming of.

So right now, thanks to modern technology and other people’s dedication in sharing their knowledge to others, we could have the education without leaving our homes and that is through enrolling in a learning institution that offers the best online college degree. But with so many online learning institutions, finding the best online college degree may sometimes be very confusing and leaves us feeling bombarded with the different choices. Read on and know the tips that you can take note of when you are looking for the best online college degree that would suit your needs and your passions.

Tips In Going Back To School

One of the most logical and practical tips that you can take note of when you are looking for the best online college degree is to know the school’s institutional reputation. And you could tell if the school is one of the best when you come to learn the exact age of the school or how long it has been established because this would initially tell you about their experience in the field.

Another great tip when looking for the best online college degree is to know the curriculum of the course that the school is offering and see if they meet all your expectations, your educational needs, and if they would guarantee or at least help you out in achieving your career goals. It would also help it if you will know about their technological considerations for you to see how accessible and dependable they are at all times for the students.

And also, you may want to consider the this tip in looking for the best online college degree if they are student-friendly or know what are the online services that students from different places could easily avail in times of need. And of course, expenses is one of the most important things to consider when looking for the best online college degree and you could weigh in how much are they as compared to traditional way of learning and what are the expenses that involves in the tuition.

The Cost Effectiveness of Online Degree Programs

There are a number of huge benefits of online degree programs and probably the most significant benefit would be the cost effectiveness. In other words, online degree programs cost significantly cheaper than traditional degree programs for a number of reasons several of which will be examined herein.

The Fallacy about Impediments

If there ever was a major impediment to acquiring a college degree program it would be financial cost. Far too often, people assume that poor grades in high school will eradicate one’s chances for being accepted into a college. This is only partially true. While lower grades may limit certain opportunities, it will not eradicate all opportunities. In other words, even a below average students can find a program that will accept them somewhere. Also, if the prospective student is older (say in his or her 30’s) life experience and professional experience will circumvent low grades that were achieved many years prior. The unfortunate part of placing all one’s thoughts on the importance of grades there becomes a lack of focus on the TRUE major impediment to attending school: cost. When it comes to online degree programs, there is great potential to save a significant amount of money from a variety of sources.

Ancillary Cost Saving Benefits of Online Degree Programs

When it comes to the subject of costs associated with college, most people automatically assume that costs equate to tuition. Although it is certainly true that tuition is a huge source of costs, this is not an entirely accurate assessment. There are also other costs that are associated with attending college. For example, commuting is hardly free. When one drives to college, there is the significant cost of gasoline. If one is commuting through public transportation, there will, of course, be costs associated with fares. Over the course of a year, the costs of transportation may run upwards of several thousands of dollars a year. ($40 in weekly commuting expenses equates to $2,000 over the course of a year) If one is enrolled in any manner of online degree programs, then the ability to eliminate transportation costs is achieved. This money can then be used to pay for the tuition for the school as opposed to ancillary costs and overhead. This makes college far more affordable to all and when college becomes more affordable it becomes more accessible. In other words, the impediments to attending college are removed because more of the money is working towards tuition as opposed to expenses related to attending.

Earn a College Degree Online and Take Care of Your Kids at the Same Time

You never got your college degree, and as such you do not feel as if you have had the successful career that you have always wanted. You want that sense of accomplishment that comes along with getting a college degree, but at the same time you have small children to take care of. However, take relief in the fact that you can earn a college degree online!

About Earning a College Degree Online

The first thing that you need to consider when preparing to earn a college degree online is how much time you have to do so in comparison to how much time you need to be able to take care of your children. It really has to do with the age of the children. For example, if you have children who are not school age yet, then you will have less time to earn a college degree online.

However, if your children are already in school, then you have the advantage to learn while they learn. While they are at school, that can be your time to learn as well. It really has to do with the college degree that you are earning online in regard to how much time per day you will need to dedicate.

If you have a job on top of all this, the most plausible time for you to earn a college degree online is to do so at night for an hour or two after the children have gone to bed. Or, you can consider doing so on the weekends as well.

The wonderful thing about earning a college degree online is that many programs allow you to learn at your own pace. While there are typically assignments per course that will need to be completed in a certain amount of time for credit, you can take one or two courses at a time, and this certainly helps make your schedule a bit easier.

The thing that is most important when it comes to successfully earning a college degree online is that you have an atmosphere that lends itself well to learning. Keep the television off, and have a room in your home that is free from any other distractions. It would be best to make it into your own home classroom!

For more information about earning a college degree online, be sure to search the internet. Keep in mind that while there are many different online degree programs that are available, some are more reputable than others. However, you are sure to find the right degree program for you if you do the proper research!

Visit our Recommended Colleges section for time saving.

The Validity of Online College Degrees

If you are a person who skims the internet on a somewhat regular basis then you have probably seen advertisements for online college degrees. While some people may dismiss such educational programs out of hand merely because they are different from the traditional manner in which education is pursued, you have a bit more of an open mind and question the validity. Now, in this particular context, questioning the advertisement does not mean that one is casting dispersions on the degree programs, it means that one is simply seeking clarification for the validity of the online college degrees. That is to say, before one even considers whether or not to undertake such an educational program one needs to make sure that the program is credible. This is, of course, not being cynical. It is simply a way of being a smart consumer of educational institutions. Of course, this does bring about the serious question as to which online college degrees are valid and which ones are not. In order to answer this, a simple examination of the programs is in order.

Accredited Online College Degrees

Probably the most important factor in regards to establishing the validity of online college degrees would be to examine whether or not the degree program is accredited. If the degree program is accredited by the same agencies that accredit the traditional brick and mortar schools then there is really no difference between the two different degrees. Now, if the degree is not an accredited degree then it is probably not a degree that is worth much whether it is an online degree or a traditional degree.

Also, if one is concerned about whether or not the online college degree is valid or not, then one should seek online college degrees that are offered by well respected traditional institutions. For example online college degrees offered by a state school that has been around for decades is merely an extension of the school’s education from the traditional medium to an online multimedia version. The quality and validity of the degree would not be in question because it is coming from a solid established institution. This is not to say some of the smaller online educational institutions are not solid sources of quality education. It simply means that the reputation of the more established entities is easier to validate. Ultimately, the quality of the degree will online be equitable to the quality of the school so checking up on the validity of the school equates to checking up on the validity of the degree it offers.

How to Find the Best Online College That Meets Your Needs

The choices that you make today will greatly affect your future. Choosing the best online college therefore is very crucial thus you should not take things for granted. Never for one moment think that because somebody you admire recommended an online college to you this is enough bases for you to choose that college.

Always remember that the best online college is that college that can address your needs. In other words, you should see to it that you choose the best online college that can help you become who you want to be. To find the best online college, you should do your own research and weigh your options well.

Doing Your Research

Before you start doing some research on the best online colleges, you should first define your objectives and your goals in going to an online college. Knowing what you want is very crucial so that you will be able to meet your needs better. To assess you needs and wants, get a piece of paper and make a list of the things that you want to achieve.

Keep your goals reasonable and attainable. Once you know what you need, you are now ready to match your needs with the programs offered by online colleges. From this point on, finding the best online college can be a lot easier.

The best way to find the best online college is to do your research online. Surf the net and find out about the different online colleges. Do an in-depth study of the programs that these online colleges has to offer and the select the three online colleges that best serve your needs. By narrowing down your choices to three online colleges, you will be able to make a more sound decision. Note that narrowing your choices to at least three online colleges will give you more opportunities to study these different colleges more closely.

When deciding which online college is the best for you, you need to take into considerations the cost, the content of the courses offered, the reputation of the online college, the opportunities present and other factors. To compare these things, come up with a matrix where you can write down your comments for each criterion you set. Do not just rely on one or two criteria when you do your comparison. Always remember that you want to find the best online college so be sure to consider all aspects before you make your choice.

Get an Online College Degree in English!

You love to write, and whether or not you have previously studied writing and literature, you think it might be fun to now do so. Imagine having a career in this area, an area that really interests you so much more that your current career! Thus, in order to accommodate your ever-changing schedule, you should think about getting an online college degree in English!

About Online College Degrees

Whether or not you attended a “real-world” college, chances are you are still slightly confused as to how an online college degree works. Actually, you are not alone in this, because online college degrees are a relatively new occurrence, and so many people who are interested in obtaining one have questions.

One of the most common questions that might be asked is in reference to how legitimate online college degrees are. The answer is that they are perfectly legitimate, as long as the institution is accredited. The online college degrees are earned much like real world ones; there are credits to be earned and projects to be fulfilled.

So, what are many online English degree programs like? Well, some of them are general, and incorporate both writing and literature, while others are more specialized, and focus specifically on either aspect of literature or writing. For example, many people like to get degrees in creative writing, or in a certain genre of literature (this is especially true for people who want to become experts on a certain area).

However, before you embark on this degree path, think about how feasible it is in accordance with your schedule. For example, if you have a certain job in mind, you sometimes have the option of getting an accelerated degree. These kinds of degrees allow you to complete the program within a year or two, instead of the usual fours years.

Yet another thing that you need to think about is how well equipped you are to carry the load of a degree along with the demands of your family and job. Thus, make sure that you choose an online college degree that allows you to comfortably balance everything.

For more information in regard to online college degrees in English, or in any other area that you might be interested in, you can start by going to your local bookstore. There is usually a section that is devoted to college, and now the books often include an online college degree directory. You are sure to find the right information with the proper research.

Online Degree: Tips, Information & Advices

In this section you will find our collection of Online Degree articles aimed at educating and informing about earning an online degree. We are regularly updating this section adding in new content and information. Visit us regularly!

• Online Degree: Look For Accreditation
• Recommended Online Colleges and Universities
• Traditional Degrees vs. an Online Degree
• The Realm of the Online College
• Online Degree Accreditation

• Get an Online College Degree in English!
• How to Find the Best Online College That Meets Your Needs
• The Validity of Online College Degrees
• Earn a College Degree Online and Take Care of Your Kids at the Same Time
• The Cost Effectiveness of Online Degree Programs
  

• Tips For Having The Best Online College Degree
• Short on Time? Get an Accelerated College Degree Online!
  

Ten Online Degree Advantages

The advantages of choosing to earn an online degree outweigh by far any potential disadvantages. Online degrees are prestigious and job-oriented. Let's have a look at the top ten benefits of an online degree :

1. You can continue to work elsewhere while you study your online degree.
2. You can make your online degree compatible with your face-to-face studies elsewhere.
3. You can have more time for your family and social life. With an online degree program, you can indeed balance family life, job and education.
4. You needn't change your place of residence to enrol in an online course.
5. Because you study online, you skip all the travel costs. You can comfortably study from your home, office or a public library near you.
6. Online degree tuition will be much cheaper than you would expect for conventional education. Your savings will normally amount to as much as 35-50 % of on-campus tuition. And you can also find grants, scholarships and student loans.
7. The time frame, schedule and order of subjects is almost entirely in your hands. You will have online and telephone access to your online degree program instructors and professors that will help you with your doubts and guide you throughout your studies.
8. Most online degrees will be compatible with ordinary education, and therefore you can change from online to face-to-face and viceversa.
9. Fortunately, diploma fraud is history. Your online degree will be issued by a respected and accredited university or college and it will grant you the same rights as a degree earned through face-to-face studying.
10. Online degrees' flexibility and career-friendly approach allow you to earn your degree even if you're already a very busy person.

Other reasons to choose an online degree:

• Did you know that online degree learning generates between 125 % and 200 % more retention than conventional on-campus learning?
• Did you know that technology tools make co-operation among students and student-instructor collaboration easier? Many online degree students create lasting friendships that possibly wouldn't have happened in the rush style-of-life you have on campus.
• Did you know that many online degrees are nowadays more accredited than on-campus studies? This is because of the general trend for continuous improvement in the already high-quality network of online colleges and universities

Online Degree: Types of Learning

If you're considering an online degree program, it is a good idea to check how different learning styles work. This may help you to make a more informed decision about online learning. The tuition methods in online classes are completely different from conventional classes. Therefore a good understanding of the online learning process should be a part of your decision-making process. This knowledge can also help you to improve your study habits and be more successful in any conventional or online educational setting, no matter what type of learner you happen to be.

The main three learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. People mostly learn by:

• Speaking (auditory)
• Doing (kinesthetic)
• Reading (visual)
• Listening (auditory)
• Seeing (visual)

Reading, listening and seeing are considered passive methods of learning, while the first two ways are considered active. We remember more or less information depending of the type of learning we happen to be better at. We normally learn via a combination of the various types described, but environment influence also plays a part in our learning process

Passive Learning

Passive learning generates less retention than active learning. A combination of listening and seeing generates good retention, but less efficient than speaking. After this combination comes listening, then seeing and finally reading (in terms of how effective each method is to fix information in our memory).

Active Learning

As far as the learning environment is good, most humans tend to remember better what they have practised in reality (done). Secondarily, a combination of doing and speaking will also be very effective, followed by speaking only. All this active ways of learning are more effective than passive learning.

Online degree Learning: Passive and Active combined

In an online degree class there is passive learning (text-reading, audio-clips, graphics, etcetera), and yet the active mode is also there via writing, emails and chat. Online degree learners are normally self-directed or working in the fields they choose, and therefore a lot of active learning happens by simply applying their newly learnt knowledge to their workplaces, hobbies or homes. This is why so many online learners get surprised that they learn more in online classes than conventional education, and develop a better retention.

If you're considering online learning, you should realize that everyone learns in a different way and then attempt to learn in the way best fitting you. You can increase your online learning to the maximum by choosing courses suited to your learning styles.


Types of e-Learning:

Electronic Learning may come in many different types within your online degree program, and will normally combine several of them:

• Just online (no meetings available)
• Mixture of online and face-to-face meetings
• Synchronous learning (videoconference, chat…)
• Asynchronous learning (emails, files, forums, blogs…)
• Online community (class) led by an instructor
• Self-study method
• Self-study method with a subject matter expert
• Fully website-based
• CD-ROM-based
• Method based on audio and video files or CD's.

Immediate Online Degree Benefits

Immediate online degrees may prove advantageous. The following are some of the main benefits in obtaining a fast or immediate college or university degree online :

• You skip all the hassle of an ordinary college or university online study program. There are many levels and disciplines you can obtain.
• You skip the tuition fees and other major expenses, and just pay a one time fee (normally between 100 and 500 US dollars depending on which provider you choose). That fee will cover both your provider's mediation work and the issuing educational institution's administrative costs.
• Your degree will be a true one and will be issued by an existing college or university that will keep you on record and positively respond to any inquiries by potential employers or others. Student transcripts and records will also be made available to you if requested, including mark cards, record cards, etc. Nevertheless, you must understand that the prestige of such degrees will be lesser, and their actual usability for licensing in certain professions will be limited, especially when the degree is issued by educational institutions established in foreign jurisdictions.
• Your degree will arrive in a couple of weeks and that's it. You can hang it at home or in your office. It will be enough for most visitors and it will comfort you if by some reason you had to leave your studies and don't have the time to complete them now.
• Your degree allows you to enjoy a higher social status and be called doctor, proffesor, etcetera, or to make use of postnominal initials such as MBA, PhD and similar ones. This will certainly have a positive effect on your credit cards, business cards, tickets and bookings, passport and driving license, headed paper and other stationery. But, yes, you will have to face some critics.
• Most serious providers of fast or immediate degrees will keep absolute discretion on both you and the educational institutions providing the degree, and the latter will not advertise directly nor will maintain its own website.
• In most cases you can request a specific date of graduation to fit with your biography, provided you were 18 years old or older on the date requested. However, most providers will have a certain year as a limit to how far back you can request your graduation date to be set. This is in order to abide by the rules of the various educational institutions issuing the degrees. But please realize that many people might actually take this strategy as a blatant lie. You might be crossing the rather thin line between validating your experience with a flexible degree and simply buying a piece of paper.

1. Levels and disciplines available

When opting for a fast or immediate degree obtention online, the following levels and disciplines are normally available:

• Associate (level) of Commerce (discipline) = John Doe A.Com.
• Bachelor (level) of Arts (discipline) = John Doe B.A.
• Bachelor (level) of Science (discipline) = John Doe B.Sc.
• Master (level) of Business Administration (discipline) = John Doe M.B.A.
• Doctor (level) of Science (discipline) = John Doe D.Sc.
• Doctor (level) of Philosophy (discipline) = John Doe Ph.D.

Any Doctorate can be referred to either by the pre-nominal form or the post-nominal form, but never the 2 forms together:

"Dr. John Doe" or "John Doe Ph.D.", never "Dr. John Doe Ph.D."


2. Deal with your critics

The best way for you to deal with your critics on obtaining a fast or immediate degree online is just to ignore them.

Critics have no legal argument. Your provider's security protocols reduce the probability and impact of negative publicity, although they cannot remove the threat altogether. In the event that the institution you have graduated from is the target of such comments you should frankly, ignore them. Opinions of this nature (usually made anonymously or by people with very questionable histories involved in non-traditional degree granting institutions) carry no legal weight whatsoever. In the final analysis, what really counts is the legality of the degree. So long as you have not misused or misrepresented your online degree in violation of your country's legislation, you have nothing to fear.

Immediate Online Degree Features

A fast, immediate or instant online degree is a completely different product than ordinary online degree programs offered by prestigious educational institutions for people who actually study online and earn their degrees over time and through their own effort.

Fast, immediate or instant online degrees are something totally different. Your life and business experience will be evaluated and accredited by an educational institution (possibly but not necessarily abroad), or other mechanisms will be used for you to obtain a degree without actually doing coursework. This is a solution for very busy people who didn't finish their studies but need to hang a diploma in their office, as well as for immigrants whose foreign diploma is not valid in their new country of residence.

If you are considering to get a fast or immediate degree, these are the main facts you should know:

• These degrees are normally agreed online and the fees are also paid online with your credit card. Make sure to be channelled to a secure third-party payment system. As a general rule for all of your online payments, the company selling you a product or service should never be the same actually processing your credit card. Only a bank or an acknowledged card processing company should receive your credit card data, and this on a secure connection.
• Although degree obtention and fee payment occur online, you will actually receive an ordinary education degree issued by a conventional college or university.
• When you pay your registration fees for this type of fast or immediate degrees you're actually making sure that you will receive the diploma, contrary to conventional education where you also pay registration but you may later not earn a degree.
• Be aware that the jurisdiction chosen by your degree provider will probably be neither his own nor yours, but a third jurisdiction where the legal loophole allowing for your degree to be issued exists. Such jurisdictions are often foreign countries with a more flexible educational legislation.
• Therefore, your fast or immediate degree might be useless in terms of obtaining further licensing to practice certain professions in the United States and other developed countries, or in order to proceed onto further studies in a recogized university. Still, such a degree can be useful under many circumstances. It is important to know that there's quite a big difference between the so called "degree mints" producing diplomas for money, and the really registered (even abroad) educational institutions which are, say, very flexible in granting you a fast degree based on your experience, position, unfinished studies, etc. The latter may be useful to the sole purpose of validating your social status and socially legitimizing your career.
• Prices will vary depending on the provider, but will normally be around a few hundred US dollars.

Immediate Online Degree

Please note that this section of our website deals with the so called "immediate" or "instant" degrees, which are a completely different product from normal degrees to be earned through online coursework. Therefore, students needing a regular online degree program which is properly accredited and widely accepted for further study or to obtain a job, are advised to proceed on to any of the site's other sections.

There are many people who need a college degree or a university degree but don't have the time to do the coursework or to get involved in other hassle in order to actually earn an offline or online degree. Some of those people are foreign immigrants whose previous education diplomas are not valid in their new country. Some others are very busy executives who can't even have an hour per day to actually go through an online degree program. For these customers, a number of providers have developed fast or even immediate systems allowing them to actually obtain a college or university diploma through legal loopholes or through business experience accreditation.

Immediate online degree features

Immediate online degree benefits

Australia & New Zealand Degree Authorities

You may wish to know whether a certain online degree program is properly accredited by your state or national online degree authority. These are the main online degree authority sites where you can place your information request or learn more details on online degrees in your jurisdiction.

In the United States of America, requests about online degree programs should be addressed to the federal Department of Education or to your regional accreditation authority. In Canada, provincial ministries of education are the right authority: there is no federal online degree granting authority. Degrees are granted by virtue of each province's legislature having empowered an institution with the authority to grant degrees. In Australia, although self-accrediting, universities are authorized by a separate Act of Parliament in each case. Qualifications however are issued in accordance with a set framework that encompasses all education through to PhD. In Europe, each country's ministry of education is the relevant authority for online degree accreditation.

Here you will find the Australia and New Zealand accreditation and educational authorities. We have also included the ministries and other authorities responsible for online degrees and other education matters in North America and the European countries.


Australia and New Zealand online degree authorities:

• Australia online degree authorities guide
• Norfolk Island online degree authorities guide
• New Zealand / Aotearoa online degree authorities guide

Europe Online Degree Authorities

You may wish to know whether a certain online degree program is properly accredited by your state or national authority. These are the main online degree authority sites where you can place your information request or learn more details in your jurisdiction.

In the United States of America, requests about online degree programs should be addressed to the federal Department of Education or to your regional accreditation authority. In Canada, provincial ministries of education are the right authority: there is no federal online degree granting authority. Degrees are granted by virtue of each province's legislature having empowered an institution with the authority to grant degrees. In Australia, although self-accrediting, universities are authorized by a separate Act of Parliament in each case. Qualifications however are issued in accordance with a set framework that encompasses all education through to PhD. In Europe, each country's ministry of education is the relevant authority for accreditation.

Here you will find the Europe accreditation and educational authorities. We have also included the ministries and other authorities responsible for online degrees and other education matters in Australia, New Zealand and the North American countries.

Europe online degree authorities:

• Albania online degree authorities guide
• Andorra online degree authorities guide
• Austria online degree authorities guide
• Azerbaijan online degree authorities guide
• Belarus online degree authorities guide
• Belgium online degree authorities guide
• Bosnia and Herzegovina online degree authorities guide
• Bulgaria online degree authorities guide
• Croatia online degree authorities guide
• Cyprus (North) online degree authorities guide
• Cyprus (South) online degree authorities guide
• Czech Republic online degree authorities guide
• Denmark online degree authorities guide
• Estonia online degree authorities guide
• Faroe Islands online degree authorities guide
• Finland online degree authorities guide
• France online degree authorities guide
• Georgia online degree authorities guide
• Germany online degree authorities guide
• Gibraltar online degree authorities guide
• Greece online degree authorities guide
• Guernsey online degree authorities guide
• Hungary online degree authorities guide
• Iceland online degree authorities guide
• Ireland online degree authorities guide
• Isle of Man online degree authorities guide
• Italy online degree authorities guide
• Jersey online degree authorities guide
• Latvia online degree authorities guide
• Liechtenstein online degree authorities guide
• Lithuania online degree authorities guide
• Luxembourg online degree authorities guide
• Macedonia online degree authorities guide
• Malta online degree authorities guide
• Moldova online degree authorities guide
• Monaco online degree authorities guide
• Netherlands, The online degree authorities guide
• Norway online degree authorities guide
• Poland online degree authorities guide
• Portugal online degree authorities guide
• Romania online degree authorities guide
• Russia online degree authorities guide
• San Marino online degree authorities guide
• Serbia and Montenegro online degree authorities guide
• Slovakia online degree authorities guide
• Slovenia online degree authorities guide
• Spain online degree authorities guide
• Svalbard online degree authorities guide
• Sweden online degree authorities guide
• Switzerland online degree authorities guide
• Turkey online degree authorities guide
• United Kingdom online degree authorities guide

North America Online Degree Authorities

You may wish to know whether a certain online degree program is properly accredited by your state or national online degree authority. These are the main online degree authority sites where you can place your information request or learn more details on online degrees in your jurisdiction.

In the United States of America, requests about online degree programs should be addressed to the federal Department of Education or to your regional accreditation authority. In Canada, provincial ministries of education are the right authority: there is no federal online degree granting authority. Degrees are granted by virtue of each province's legislature having empowered an institution with the authority to grant degrees. In Australia, although self-accrediting, universities are authorized by a separate Act of Parliament in each case. Qualifications however are issued in accordance with a set framework that encompasses all education through to PhD. In Europe, each country's ministry of education is the relevant authority for online degree accreditation.

Here you will find the North American accreditation and educational authorities. We have also included the ministries and other authorities responsible for online degrees and other education matters in Australia, New Zealand and the European countries.

NORTH AMERICA online degree authorities:

• Canada: National Government
• Canada: Alberta
• Canada: British Columbia
• Canada: Manitoba
• Canada: Newfoundland
• Canada: New Brunswick
• Canada: Northwest Territories
• Canada: Nova Scotia
• Canada: Nunavut
• Canada: Ontario
• Canada: Prince Edward Island
• Canada: Québec
• Canada: Saskatchewan
• Canada: Yukon

• Greenland

• United States of America (federal authority)
• US: Middle States
• US: New England
• US: North-Central States
• US: Northwest States
• US: Southern States
• US: Western States
• US: Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
• US: Native American Education

Online Degree Accreditation

You may wish to know whether a certain online degree program is properly accredited by your state or national online degree authority. These are the main online degree authority sites where you can place your information request or learn more details on online degrees in your jurisdiction.

In the United States of America, requests about online degree programs should be addressed to the federal Department of Education or to your regional accreditation authority. In Canada, provincial ministries of education are the right authority: there is no federal online degree granting authority. Degrees are granted by virtue of each province's legislature having empowered an institution with the authority to grant degrees. In Australia, although self-accrediting, universities are authorized by a separate Act of Parliament in each case. Qualifications however are issued in accordance with a set framework that encompasses all education through to PhD. In Europe, each country's ministry of education is the relevant authority for online degree accreditation.

Here you will find the North American accreditation and educational authorities. We have also included the ministries and other authorities responsible for online degrees and other education matters in Australia, New Zealand and the European countries.


NORTH AMERICA online degree authorities

EUROPE online degree authorities

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND online degree authorities

Online Degree FAQs

1. Are all online degrees accredited? Before enrolling in an online degree program, we strongly recommend you to verify the educational institution's credentials. This you can do by contacting the US Department of Education, the Canadian provincial Ministry of Education or the Education ministries or other relevant authorities in other countries. For your convenience, we provide a list of such authorities.
2. Can my online degree be mistaken for a false, immediate degree? To start with, immediate degrees are not necessarily false. But of course, they aren't ordinary, prestigious and fully accredited programs either. Your online degree is such a program, instead, and therefore it can't be mistaken for an immediate degree. To learn more about immediate degrees or instant degrees please visit our section on this issue.
3. How much do online courses cost? It depends a lot on the educational institution you choose, on the length and quality of your online degree, and on other matters such as further equipment, books, etcetera. But tuition is normally much cheaper than on-campus.
   
4. Should I choose a syncronous or assyncronous online degree program? You need to consider your other obligations and the real chances you will have to attend online chats, videoconference or other syncronous activities planned in the course. Choose an assyncronous online degree program if that fits your style of life better. Quality will be the same.
5. Why online is better than on-campus? It's not necessarily better, as that depends on your learning style, your daily schedule for other obligations and your place of residence.
6. Are online degree courses easier? No. They require at least as much effort and time as traditional courses, if not more. Because students work primarily on their own without face-to-face contact with instructors, they will not have the regular classroom reminders and clarifications available to students in traditional courses. You will need to allocate between ten and twenty hours per week to study your online degree courses. Many people think that just because they can take classes from home that it is going to be easy. It's just not so. The Internet is just another way to "go to class". In some ways, it can be more difficult. In addition to the readings, papers and projects you would have in a classroom-based course, participation in online discussions is usually required. You can't hide in the back of the classroom! Online learning also forces you to use keyboard skills, generally relies heavily on reading and writing, and requires good time management to keep up with everything. If your skills in any of these areas could use improvement, online learning will take longer and seem more difficult. It's not for everyone. However, if it is for you, it can be a rich and satisfying experience, shared with others with similar interests.
7. Are online degree courses self-paced? Some Online degree courses are designed to be entirely self paced. The amount of information learnt, when assessment is taken, how much you network with other students, all these components can be arranged for your individual needs, and around your current commitments. The self-paced nature is very important for mature aged students, who have many commitments that can change from week to week. Easy, fast and cheap communication with your teachers, class supervisors and fellow students via e-mail, videoconferencing and other systems.
8. How is testing done? Testing procedures vary by instructor but, in general, testing services for distance education classes are available at all campus locations. Testing information is provided at course orientations and in course syllabi.
9. Will I miss the "real" campus experience? Well, that will depend on the kind of student you are. For many people, online degree programs are more focused and allow them to meet and get to know only the persons they are interested in. No need to waste time in forced socialising and yet many online learners have found that they got to know both the teacher and their classmates a lot better than you do in a classroom, where you only see them during class time, since everyone participates. Because you can't see the other members of the class, nothing gets in the way of learning. Learn more.
10. Is there any recognition for completing online courses? That will depend on the level and importance of the course done. If we are talking about full online degree programs, then recognition is just the same as for a degree earned on-campus. Lately, it has been noted that some online degrees are starting to become more prestigious than their on-campus equivalents. But you should check accreditation. Legitimate schools are listed in many publications specific to distance learning, including the Peterson's Guides, Bear's Guides, Baker's and many others. If you aren't sure, contact the school directly (if you can't, that's a dead giveaway). If you are particularly interested in a degree or special industry certification, it is also important to pay attention to regional accreditation.
11. Is regional accreditation equal to federal? There are many different accrediting bodies and entities, each with its own criteria. The most important accreditation for most people to consider is regional accreditation, overseen by CHEA (The Council on Higher Education Accreditation). There are six regional bodies providing accreditation. Regionally accredited schools have undergone an exhaustive review process in which they prove they are academically and fiscally sound. These schools can participate in federal financial aid and athletic programs, attract top-notch teachers and staff, and provide opportunities to students that non-accredited schools cannot.
12. If I get a high school diploma from a DETC-accredited institution, will it be accepted? A high school diploma from an accredited distance education institution is comparable to a resident high school. However, if you are planning on enrolling in a college or university, you should check with them first to see if they will accept your diploma.
13. How can I apply for an online degree course? Admission and registration for an online degree or other distance education course is the same as for any other college course. Once a student is admitted to the college, registration may be done by phone, online or in-person at any of the college's campuses. Withdrawal and refund policies provided in the course schedule apply to all courses, including distance education courses.
14. How many online degree courses can I take? You may take as many online degree courses as you choose, within load limits set for all classes. However, if you have not taken any distance education courses before, you may want to "test the waters" by taking just one, then adding to that if you find the method meets your needs.
15. I am interested in being an online instructor. Is that a good idea? That's a great decision, and a growing profession with a brilliant future ahead. Online degree institutions will certainly need to hire more online instructors, so go for it!
16. Will the credits I receive from an online degree educational institution be later accepted by a traditional college or university? The DETC 2001 survey of graduates showed that of those who attempted (and only 1 of 3 did attempt) to transfer credits and degrees, 2 of 3 were successful. Acceptance of degrees or credits from online degree institutions is largely determined by the policy of the "receiving organization," e.g., an employer, a college registrar, etc. Accreditation is not a guarantee that credit will transfer to any college or university. You should always check with the college or university that you wish to transfer your credits to before you enroll in an online degree course.
17. Is online degree education for everyone? No. Many students want and need the personal interaction that a traditional classroom gives to them. Good candidates for online degree and distance education courses are those students who are self-directed and self-motivated. This may include professionals who travel extensively, students in remote locations, or those who, for personal or professional reasons, need the flexibility to attend classes. Anecdotally, it seems that the people who have the skills to succeed in online learning have the kinds of skills that make them successful in their careers. Most of the online learners at the moment are adults.
18. Are online degrees as useful as conventional degrees to succed in your career? Anecdotally, it seems that the people who have the skills to succeed in online degree learning have the kinds of skills that make them successful in their careers. Most of the online learners at the moment are adults.
19. What computer equipment is usually necessary for a student to join an online degree program? Do students need high computer knowledge? Online degree students must have a 450 MHz or faster processor with at least 64 MB of RAM, a CD-Rom drive with sound card and an ISP (internet service provider) outside of the workplace (because of firewalls). Students needn't be experts in computers or Internet. They should, however, know how to use the computer; how to navigate the worldwide web browser; how to save and retrieve files; how to use standard business software; how to use a CD-ROM; and how to use a modem to connect to the Internet.
20. Are there any systems in place to keep online degree students honest? It's a real concern. Online degree cheating is not "rampant," but it is getting more common. But instructors now weight grades in such a way that the tests and assignments that really matter are completed under a closer scrutiny.

The Realm of the Online College

It can be incredibly difficult to attend college when you are a little bit older and have professional and personal responsibilities that make attending classes somewhat difficult. Sadly, despite the fact that a significant percentage of working students attending college many colleges have never developed a proper method of accommodating these students. In all fairness, part of the reason that colleges have not accommodated such students is the lack of a format capable of accommodating everyone. In other words, the school can not have 145 English 101 courses offer per day with each class starting a five minutes after the hour, ten minutes after the hour, fifteen minutes after the hour, and so on. Well, the problem of accommodation is on the verge of extinction thanks to the arrival of the “online college” format which is an internet multimedia correspondence program that is FAR MORE credible than the silly mail order education systems of decades past.

Understanding an Online College

Granted, there will be certain courses that will require attending a “brick and mortar” school. Courses that involve a great deal of laboratory work will need closer supervision, for example. However, when it comes to lecture courses, there is absolutely no reason why an online college module should not be employed. A lecture is exactly that: one person speaking and addressing a crowd. In this case, the person speaking is an instructor who is addressing students. With a multimedia program that is recorded and able to be played at any time of the day or night, the problem of being unable to accommodate a student is eradicated. Of course, within a “live” lecture there is the ability to have a question answered immediately. However, there is really nothing stopping anyone enrolled in an online college can have their questions answered via email or other such communication.

Financial Concerns

What is brilliant about an online college is that it makes education available to all without restrictions. While some may have financial concerns regarding attending such a college, there are also educational grants and loans that are available to those looking to attend. So, it would seem that the growth of these online educational programming will continue and this is a good thing because this will greater empower more people in society with all the benefits that such an education can provide. Because of this, it will be no surprise when these unique colleges grow rapidly in popularity over time.

Traditional Degrees vs. an Online Degree

There has been a significant increase over the last two years in advertisements for online degree programs and it would seem that this new educational medium is quickly gaining traction and popularity with those who are unable to attend classes due to scheduling conflicts and/other personal or professional commitments. However, the growth of these programs has not been as robust as it should be mainly because there is a certain traditional mindset that dissuades people. While certain traditions have their benefit, overemphasis on repeating things “the way they have always been done’ can be quite harmful and an impediment to progress.

The “Curse” of Tradition

If there was an enemy so to speak in regards to the prevalence of online degrees it would be tradition and familiarity. That is to say, an online degree is a radically new entity in the world of education and for some the notion that a radical departure from traditional norms is automatically negative. Hence, anything that is a departure from the norm is wrong. This is not a sentiment exclusive to the world of education as it is found in very industry. For example, in the early 20th century when Henry Ford sought a loan from the Bank of Michigan so as to move forward with his plans for the automobile, the Bank turned down the loan stating “the automobile will come and go, but the horse is forever.” Yes, sadly sometimes progress is not always welcome by the status quo. However, if one looked closely at online degree programs, one would quickly realize that very little has changes between the traditional and the new media version of education.

How to Defeat Tradition?

This all brings about the question as to what will defeat the traditional mindset regarding increasing the understanding that an online degree is a valid one? The answer can be summed up in one word: success. That is, those who earn and possess an online degree will head out into the workforce and become successful and this will forever change the perception of those who have negative opinions towards an online degree. After all, it becomes next to impossible to argue with success and if those who hold an online degree are successful in the workforce and demonstrate their educational skills, criticizing an online degree not only becomes difficult it will become ludicrous. As such, it is only a matter of time before this revolutionary new approach to education becomes more widely accepted.

Recommended Online Colleges and Universities

With more online schools to choose from than ever before, finding the right online education program can be a daunting and time-consuming task. So I've tried to spare you the pain and make it as simple and easy for you as possible.

Rather than presenting you with a laundry list of schools, I'm going to recommend you use Universities.com, an excellent (and free!) service that will help you get started on the path towards your educational goals. This service has partnered with some of the top online schools to provide you with a wide range of educational choices - at no cost to you.

Let me give you 6 good reasons why should you use Universities.com:

1. You can fill out a simple form that will take you only a minute or two to complete.

2. Features many of the top online colleges and universities.

3. You can apply to one or all of the schools if you wish.

4. Short response time from school. You don't have to wait for days to hear from the college reps. When my wife used this service, representatives of the two schools she applied to contacted her within 30 minutes!

5. Time saver. You don't need to go to dozens of different schools sites to request information. With Universities.com, you can request information from all the schools in one convenient place.

6. It's a completely free consumer service that will help you compare online colleges and universities, and match you up with the program that fits you best.

This is about as simple and nearly painless a process as you'll ever see. When you click on the link to Universities.com, just fill out the short form and let them match you up with a school, or select from a number of featured schools, and request information from one or all of them as you desire.

Again, There is absolutely no cost or obligation to use this service -- it is completely free!

Don't wait any longer. Get started on reaching your goals, and making your dreams come true. Fill out the simple form (it will take you just a minute or two) submit it and a representative of the prospective college or colleges will get in touch with you shortly.

I highly recommend Universities.com. There is no cost or obligation for this service -- the information is free!

Online Degree

Have you ever come across an Online Degree advertisement which says that you will get a degree within a couple of weeks? If you are one of those who are thinking that the ad is for real, please rethink about it. Such an Online Degree is called a degree mill. This is a place which will manufacture a degree. You will get a degree no doubt, but there will be no Online Degree, no learning. In simple words you will buy the degree for a fixed sum of money. Rather than paying such an amount and buying the degree, you’d rather print one for yourself. Do you think that you are going to gain a lot in your employment with such a manufactured degree?

Look For Accreditation

That is the right word if you were to describe one of those manufactured degrees. However, this does not mean that all online colleges are fakes. There are legitimate accredited colleges out there that offer a distance learning college degree. But then the accreditation is very important. You need to check with the governing body in that state or area about the accreditation of these colleges. A genuine Online Degree will not have a fixed time period or fixed amount that you pay to get the degree. You need to study each term in order to complete the Online Degree. It involves a lot of hard work and rigorous study sessions

You will have to get your own PC as well. If you see an advertisement for an Online Degree that offers a PC as a part of a package deal, you have many reasons to check the validity of that college once again. It might be one of those run for it colleges that run right after you send them the money. Think twice before even thinking about enrolling for such an Online Degree. If you need information about a genuine and accredited college degree course, then I highly recommend Direct Degree.com. There is no cost or obligation for this service - the information is free!

Direct Degree.com is a leading resource for distance learning programs and online schools. They features hundreds of courses and degrees from accredited and state licensed colleges and universities. Advance your career by finding the online degree program that's right for you.