The Various Types of Online Degrees Explained
Deciding to further one's education online involves making sure to understand the various types of degrees offered and the reputation of the educational institution offering these degrees. However, making the decision to pursue a higher education is an excellent decision that will pay dividends through a higher salary, better career advancement opportunities and a strong sense of accomplishment. So, what are the different types of degrees to pursue online?
High School Diploma
Having a high school diploma is a prerequisite to opening up a number of opportunities for both higher pay and better living. While at one time it was conceivable to get a blue collar job without a high school diploma, this has become the exception to the rule in today's economy. According to takepart.com, those without a high school diploma average about $20,100.00 a year in take home pay - which for a family of four is considered dangerously close to the U.S. national poverty level and is actually "one-third less than the salary of a worker with a diploma". Most employers today consider a high school diploma as a prerequisite to employment. Online educational institutions offer individuals the opportunity to secure their high school diploma in their spare time by completing courses and tests online.
Certifications & Associate Degrees
Online certifications and associate degrees can be used as a stepping stone to pursuing a bachelor's degree, a way to increase one's professional knowledge and add to their credibility, or to compliment their completion of a high school diploma. Several individuals with bachelor's degrees pursue either a certification or an associate degree. However, most individuals pursuing these degree types online are ones who have completed their high school diploma and are looking to improve upon their knowledge base. Associate degrees are considered by many as small bachelor degrees and typically take anywhere from 1 to 2 years of online study. Certifications are focused on providing knowledge on a specific subject and typically take a couple of months to complete.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is the most popular pursuit of university and college students. Individuals who are successful in securing a bachelor's degree are typically highly sought by employers for their ability to apply theoretical application with practical knowledge. The time needed to complete a bachelor's degree is anywhere from 4 to 5 years of study and involve securing up to 120 credits. Online bachelor's degrees offer individuals the opportunity to continue to work while studying towards a degree in a given field. Bachelor's degrees offer in-depth courses on a wide range of subjects from accounting & business to science & technology.
Master's Degree
Those who have succeeded in securing their bachelor's degree, and want to pursue a more focused approach on a given field of study, can pursue an online master's degree. While some schools require individuals to have relevant work experience before pursuing a master's degree, and may even ask for references, a number of online institutions will immediately accept an individual who has just finished their bachelor's. However, it should be noted that master's degrees are extremely intense and require total commitment from students in pursuit of this highly recognized degree. The most successful master's degrees combine practical, real world application with theoretical teaching. The most common master's degrees include an MBA (Master's of Business Administration), an MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) and an MSW (Masters in Social Work). Most online institutions offer individuals the opportunity to complete their master's within their own time frame and therefore offer flexible schedules as they pertain to courses and exams.
PH.D Degrees
A doctoral degree is the quintessential graduate degree. It is the highest level of education available for professionals who want to focus in on a specific area of expertise. PhD's are considered the preeminent experts in their field and the knowledge they posses comes from years of intensive study and analysis. Successfully completing a PhD online involves formulating a thesis, doing the necessary research to support the thesis, and having the follow through capabilities to work alongside other PhD's and researchers to support the conclusions of the thesis. It is possible to complete a PhD online. However, it is an extremely involved affair that demands total commitment and focus.