Check the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website to verify that any program college you consider attending is fully accredited. Accreditation is particularly important if you are enrolling in an online college to get an associate degree before transferring to another school to obtain you bachelor’s degree. Coursework completed at schools that aren’t accredited won’t count toward your BA at an accredited four-year college or university.
Just because you’re taking classes online and won’t see the teachers in person doesn’t mean you won’t interact with and get help from them. Use the Internet as a resource to do some research on the educators teaching classes at any online colleges you consider attending.
Like four-year colleges and universities, online colleges garner reputations. If you work in a particular field, like nursing or engineering, for example, talk with colleagues about schools you’re thinking of attending. Scour consumer-advocacy websites and professional forums related to your field to find out as much as possible. What other people say about an online college shouldn’t be your only deciding factor; weigh also how others in your field might perceive you for getting a degree or continuing your education through a certain online college.
Once you have narrowed your choice of online colleges down, you’ll need to compare the colleges to decide which one is best for you. Cost, academic schedule and pacing, program requirements, the school’s reputation and your distance from the actual campus should be considered. Give yourself plenty of time to make the right decision by doing your research well before the next quarter or semester begins.
Contact local four-year colleges anduniversities in your area to ask about online classes offered through their extension program. Colleges and university extension programs are open to students of all ages and don’t require you to be a full-time student of the college or university, making them ideal for adults who want to learn new skills or applications to further their careers but don’t need degrees or certificates. Some colleges and universities that offer online programs may require proof of previous training or prerequisite classes before you can enroll in advanced courses.