Online colleges allow students to obtain college credit without physically attending classes on campuses. These schools provide non-traditional students with convenient opportunities to earn their degrees.
Classes are generally conducted through virtual classrooms, chat rooms or message boards. Instructors and counselors can be reached via e-mail, instant messenger or telephone.
Accreditation or certification programs can usually be completed in 6 months to 1 year. Bachelor's and Master's programs may take several years to complete.
Online colleges offer a high level of flexibility. Rather than meet for scheduled classes each week, students can complete coursework according to their personal weekly schedules.
Many online colleges offer vocational programs for fields such as criminal justice, nursing, graphic design or paralegal. Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs are also available through online colleges.