An undergraduate degree is either an associates degree, baccalaureate or bachelors degree. It takes two to four years to complete through an institute of higher education. Undergraduate degrees by correspondence are offered at the majority of American colleges and universities. Undergraduate classes are chosen according to a predetermined major of study. Classes in biology, criminal justice, journalism, business and a variety of others are available.
Graduate classes are taken after an baccalaureate is earned. A master's degree is one type of graduate degree. A master's can be earned by correspondence in any number of study paths. A master's requires classes in mathematics, biology, communications and a host of other classes dependent upon the course of study. Master's degrees can be obtained in many subjects including those in education, mathematics, medicine and journalism. Graduate classes will require some field work and out-of-classroom experiences also. These extra activities depend greatly on the degree obtained but can include internships in major companies, schools or government offices as well as volunteering in community projects. Internships are offered to graduating students each year. Call the human resources department of the institution you would like to work with and ask about internships and volunteer positions.
Some Internet schools offer high school diplomas and G.E.D's. These courses can be used for home-schooling in place of public or private schools. They can also be used in addition to attendance in the classroom. Diplomas are earned by attendance in the schools correspondence classes and successfully passing a test. The basic high school classes in mathematics, English, biology, history and literature are covered.
A certification is often required for certain types of jobs. Correspondence classes for certifications vary according to the type sought. A certification can be obtained in accounting, administration, forensics, teaching and many others. Classes can be in any subject from forensic drug chemistry to urban pest management to construction project management. They are not credit courses toward the completion of a degree. Instead they provide continuing education credits in order to earn professional licensure There is a variety of personal certifications that can be obtained through classes at American correspondence schools. These are often noncredit courses and do not count toward earning a degree. These are often on topics like creative writing and self improvement.