Many well-known universities that offer degree programs in a traditional campus settings utilize distance learning. University of South Florida's College of Education in Tampa has masters programs in elementary education, ESL, science education and more. Through a partnership with Apple computers, the school has had 2 billion hits by people from over 189 countries since January 2006. UCLA has home learning, or distance learning courses and videoconferencing, where network connections are available, which is 80 percent of the campus classrooms. Different courses can be set up for students and many less commonly taught languages, such as Wolof and Swahili, are available through home learning in real time with students watching through videoconferencing.
Students who need the flexibility of continuing education, corporate training, or lifelong learners may earn graduate degrees through home learning colleges. Students save on travel costs and continue working full-time employment while earning a graduate diploma. Master's degrees in most subjects are available as are doctorate degrees. Business, education, science, IT and other programs may be learned at home through accredited universities. Students must have a bachelor's degree to begin a graduate program, and perspective students have access to professors through videoconferencing and telephone calls. Students may also work on group projects with other distance learning students.
A bachelor's degree is a degree from a college typically after four years of instruction in a particular field. Students may graduate from a home learning college with a bachelor's degree in slightly less time. Programs such as animation, aerospace, biology, business administration and others are available in distance learning programs online. The downside of home learning degrees is the lack of hands-on training. Biology courses, for example, utilize simulated computer lab assignments or student must use a nearby college's lab facilities, to complete assignments.
Distance learning colleges have online programs for teacher's certificates and other professional certificates. Individuals who already have a degree may want a certificate to further professional development, or for a job promotion or salary increase. Certificate programs are also available in fields such as culinary arts and interior design. Such programs generally take less time to complete than a formal degree program.