A Guide to Getting an Online Education

Interested in an online education, but not sure how the whole thing works? Trying to decide whether online schooling is right for you, as you try to improve your life or work situation? Well, here is a step-by-step guide to seeking and attaining your online education, no matter what your circumstances:

Step One: Decide on Goals

What do you plan to get out of this endeavor? Do you plan to move into a new career, or just a new tax bracket? Online education can help you start a whole new field of study for a new job, or continue in an old one, for a promotion. The primary thing that you must have clear before enrolling, or even doing research on schools, is exactly what degree you want and what program you’ll study. Online schools offer programs in almost every academic discipline, from nursing to computer technology to visual arts to languages; all you have to do is choose the one that best fits your future job goals. Furthermore, you can get every kind of degree online, from a license or certificate in your profession to an Associate’s degree, all the way up to a PhD, the highest educational honor attainable. All you need to do is map out which steps will take you where you want to go, and start working on the first degree or program on the list.

Step Two: Make Sure Online Education is for You

Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and online learning is no exception. True, online learning allows you to learn at your own pace and work on your own schedule, but this also means that you must have time available–and self-discipline enough to use that time–to study. Most online courses involve large amounts of independent research and written assignments to be emailed in to professors, and are best for people who:

  • have access to a computer and strong computer skills;
  • like working independently on projects and have good time-management skills;
  • work full-time jobs, live in remote areas, or have other scheduling or location conflicts that prevent them from attending regular on-campus class meetings; or

If you’re a social butterfly and need in-person meetings to learn well, online education can still work for you; you simply have to find the right school that offers those kinds of learning experiences.

Step Three: Research Schools and Prepare

Different online schools and programs have different admission standards. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED for entry, while specific programs within the school may ask for certain work experiences, professional memberships, licenses, or degrees. Additionally, a minimum GPA and core course work in basic science, math, technology, or a foreign language may be prerequisites. Research schools and programs carefully to make sure you meet admission standards already, or can take steps to fill in any gaps before enrolling. Also make sure that the specific institution you choose offers the right balance of online and on-campus support for your learning style. Many schools offer optional meetings on campus, and support students in forming discussion groups, so that all students’ needs can be met.

Step Four: Apply, Enroll and Succeed!

Most schools today offer online applications for both admissions and financial aid, making the whole wait-and-see process much shorter and less agonizing. Within weeks, you should know if you’ve been accepted and will be able to afford your online classes. Now all you have to do is the work. In general, professors will post lists of due dates, assigned or recommended readings, and assignments, and you can begin plotting out your schedule right away. Work through the syllabus as fast or slow as you need, as long as work is in on time. And then, at the end of your program, be prepared to graduate, usually with the chance to walk across a stage, and go on to the promotion, new career, or next degree that you’ve been aiming for from the beginning. What could be better?