Find an regionally accredited online program or a Distance Education Training Council (DETC) approved program. Since unaccredited "diploma mill" schools are of low quality and are unrecognized, many employers will accept only degrees obtained from accredited institutions. When meeting or speaking with a school representative, be sure to ask about tuition fees as well as other costs. Use your judgment when listening to assertions about post-graduate success--remember that admissions counselors are there to sell you the program. One way to search for an accredited online program is through the United States Department of Education's Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs.
Select your concentration for a bachelor's or master's degree. The two most common types of master's degrees are Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA). The three most common types of bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA). Each online program has its own requirements listed under each degree type. For example, the concentration for a bachelor's or master's degree in science could be in biology, chemistry, physics or engineering. Check with your chosen institution to see which degree and concentration suits your career goals and interests.
Apply online or at a local brick-and-mortar college that is affiliated with your on-line program. Some online degree programs have college campuses and offices. The application may ask for personal data about past course work and other information to verify your identity and eligibility to become a student. Institutional websites will explain how the application process works and how to enroll in courses.
Transfer credits from previous schools. If you have attended other accredited programs online or on a college campus in the past, provide your transcripts as part of the application process. By transferring past credits, you may be able to cut down the time it will take to receive a degree by a semester or even a year. Check with your online degree program to find out the school's policy on transferring credits.
Pay for the courses you have enrolled in. Although online programs are less expensive than campus courses, payments for pursuing an online degree can add up. Check for government loans and grant programs to see if you qualify. It is best to fill out a FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as part of your application process. The FASFA will determine whether you are eligible for grants and/or government educational loans. Eligibility is determined according to family income and how many children are currently attending college. Government loans do not have to be repaid until after graduation, and you will not accumulate interest while you are still in school. Pell grants are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. You may also want to consider private scholarships and loans when funding your online education. If the reason for obtaining a degree is for your current job, try convincing your employer to help fund your education.
Complete general education and advanced or major requirements. Depending on the type of degree, you will need to satisfy core prerequisites and complete a set of advanced hours. A bachelor's degree generally requires 120 semester credits to graduate, while master's degrees can range from 30 to 120 semester hours. Online master's degree students may be required to complete residency requirements such as logging hours by attending lectures, labs, and on-campus exams.
Complete assignments and prepare for examinations. Whether or not you are a good test-taker, your academic success is based on your ability to complete online assignments in a timely manner and pass exams. Exams are generally timed and can be completed only once within a certain time frame. If you must submit essays for online courses, be aware that plagiarism software will be used to detect any academic misconduct.