As recently as ten years ago, working adults who wanted to continue their education had to go to class in the evenings or on weekends. Not any longer! Today, the internet has revolutionized adult higher education.

In the old days, if you worked full time, had family responsibilities, or did not live near a college, getting career training may have been difficult. Students were required to attend class at a certain time and a fixed location. You also had to add in travel time. For many adult learners, continued education was an unattainable dream.

Career colleges are responding to the growth of the internet, and now there are hundreds of quality programs that may be completed online—even master’s degree programs. We’ll answer some of the tough questions students have about distance learning programs.

Is an online degree the same as a regular degree? Yes! If you earn your online degree or certificate from an accredited college or university, it’s the same thing. A bachelor of science degree earned by attending an accredited school is the same as a bachelor of science degree earned from the same institution online.    

What educational qualifications do I need to enroll online? Same as you would need for the equivalent bricks-and-mortar program. Check out the website of the college of your choice. You’ll see admissions information online. Or, give the college a call. The admissions staff will walk you through the process.

Are there online degree programs I should avoid? There are some “diploma mills” in cyberspace that shortcut the education process. Students need to use good judgment and check out the accreditation of the college. If a school promises a bachelor’s degree in two weeks, watch out! Many employers will not accept degrees from unaccredited institutions. Stick with reputable colleges and technical schools, including the ones found on Education-For-Careers.

How long does it take to earn a degree or certificate? That depends on the program and whether or not you’re studying full-time or part-time. A master’s degree usually takes between eighteen months and two years. A bachelor’s degree can often be earned in four years of full-time study, or as quickly as one year if you already have an associate degree and significant life experiences. A certificate can generally be completed in one year.

How about financial aid? The availability of financial assistance is generally no different for online degree programs than it is for on-campus programs. Many accredited career colleges offer Federal financial aid programs for qualified students enrolled either on campus or online. Adult learners should also ask their employers about tuition reimbursement, which is offered by many companies.

Do I get personal attention? Many colleges offer online programs that are taught by the regular classroom faculty. Generally, online programs are structured to allow both direct feedback from the instructor and discussion among the students. Students complete an assignment, post the assignment, and then receive comments from the instructor. There may be regular quizzes and tests, just like in class, as well as seminars and discussion boards.

How about career services? Students’ access to the career guidance services offered by a college is often no different online. Check with the admissions staff at the college of your choice to find out about the services they offer.

I want to learn auto mechanics. How does that work? Many technical schools offer hybrid programs. Students complete a textbook program online, the same as any other distance learning program. Then there is a required segment taught onsite at the school’s training center. This may be eight or ten weeks in length, and it is during this session that students get their hands-on training. The hybrid approach may make it easier to get training because you don’t have to commit to being on campus for as long a period of time as a regular program.