College Distance Education

College distance education enables individuals to earn a degree even if their desired course of study is not offered at a nearby college or if their work schedule prevents them from attending scheduled classes. These programs are typically pursued by working professionals who want to earn their first degree or add a graduate degree while still maintaining their current job. Distance education is any program where the instructor and the student are geographically separate. Instead of by face-to-face contact, instruction takes place via video, satellite TV broadcast, or Internet-based applications such as chat rooms, email, discussion boards, or computer conferencing.

Many colleges have now made distance education an option in most of their majors or programs. Some degree programs can be completed entirely in this manner. For example, a resident of Colorado could complete a college distance education program from a university in Florida and graduate with a degree without ever having left her home state. These types of programs were generally thought to consist mostly of independent study, but with the instructional options the Internet now provides in terms of chats, discussion threads, and instant messaging, interaction between students and professors, and even students to students, is rather common and integral to coursework.

Before enrolling in a college distance education program, ask if the offering institution is accredited and by whom. Make sure the accrediting agency is recognized by the United States Council for Higher Education. Watch out for "diploma mills" which portray themselves as colleges or universities, but in reality the "national accreditation" they claim to have has been issued by a non-recognized, often nonexistent agency. These mills sell bogus degrees and programs to unsuspecting individuals.

Many off-site educational options are offered by traditional universities or community colleges. Admission requirements are generally the same as what students attending programs in person must meet. The cost varies by institution, so it pays to shop around. Overall the cost is comparable or slightly higher than traditional programs, but students have increased flexibility in scheduling, maintain control over the pace at which they move through the program, and incur no transportation costs.

Utilizing the convenience of a college distance education program is a great way to advance a career while keeping flexibility in a personal schedule. Education can be considered a worthy investment if one is a cautious consumer. Therefore, seek God's direction because He promises to "instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8). Finally, research several options before you make a final decision. Look at reputable sources which rank the quality of the different institutions and look for programs that have earned a quality reputation.



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