Earning your associate's degree at a traditional university requires that you complete a minimum of 60 credit hours in the classroom. When earning an online associate's degree, you are given many more options regarding the pace, style and schedule of your education. Many online schools offer accelerated programs through which you can complete your 60 credit hours at a much faster pace. The benefits for those looking to completing their degree at a slower pace include the availability of lessons and instruction at any time of the day.
Online bachelor's degree programs are ideal for those students who would like to complete higher education while maintaining a job. The flexibility of these programs allows students to complete lessons at any time of the day, around their already existing schedule. Many bachelor's degree programs accept transfer credits from other online colleges or regular universities. Although the average bachelor's degree takes three to five years to complete, online students can choose to accelerate or prolong their programs. There are a number of online schools that offer bachelor's degrees with a wide variety of majors. Some of the most prominent programs are offered by University of Phoenix, Capella University and Kaplan University.
Whether you would like to advance yourself within the world of business, education or nursing, there are many online universities that offer master's degrees in a number of fields. Students of online master's programs have the opportunity to maintain their existing jobs while preparing for a future of higher education and employment. Often, distance learning master's programs require several satellite conferences so that students can directly interact and learn with their cohort and professor. Students also will complete a thesis and final project that culminates their learning experience.
Earning a Ph.D. is prestigious way to complete your higher education and expand your knowledge in a specialized field. There are many online universities that offer Ph.D. programs. Available doctoral programs include: art and administration, business administration, education, public administration, engineering, psychology, science, humanities and law. Students can enjoy the flexibility of online learning commonly incorporated with satellite conferences or lessons. Ph.D. students will complete a final dissertation project to culminate their learning.