Online degree programs are acquiring an amplified level of popularity amongst students of all ages and backgrounds. This is the reason why you can find plenty of virtual learning options to choose from. However, you must ensure that you pick a perfect course that validates your academic goals and expectations. Before you finalize a course, check out these steps that you must take to make the finest educational choice.
Reputation There are several online degree programs which are offered by traditional colleges who have a rich academic history. If you get an opportunity of pursuing an online degree program with such college, then do consider it. Also scrutinize factors like student culture and communities, alumni, and the faculty to gain more perspective. You can do this by interacting with the students and teachers of the online degree program. If you are unable to do so, you can peruse through the reviews available online.
Accreditation While narrowing down the online degree programs, mandatorily ensure that you check their accreditation. One way to confirm this is through the US Department of Education, who can counsel you with factual information. An accredited online degree program basically conveys that it meets all the essential standards required for quality education.
Practical application Ultimately, the main purpose of enrolling in any degree course is to build a successful career. So, ask yourself one question, “will this online degree program help me fulfill my professional aspirations?” The idea is to use this degree as a stepping stone for your further endeavors. And if this online degree program is your defining stride towards your dreams, then it should deliver in the best possible manner.
Cost Online degree programs are comparatively inexpensive than a traditional college degree. This is mostly because you only end up using their educational and virtual resources. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean that they are extremely cheap or free. The key is to choose an online degree course that appropriately justifies its cost. You might have to seek some financial aid to fund your online degree programs, but this could be better for you in the long term.
Student and technical support Because you will be pursuing an online degree program, there will be a limited level of interaction. You must make sure that the university or online college you are selecting has a structured and responsive student as well as technical support, so that you can resolve any issues related to the program, online resources like study material, e-library, discussion threads, etc.
They say it is never too late to pursue your dreams. This is especially true when it comes to career and education. Unfortunately, not all can afford to quit their jobs and go back to school. This can make it difficult to pursue higher studies or certain courses that can enhance skills. Fortunately, there are several free online learning platforms that allow anyone and everyone to be able to have access to good quality learning resources.
Here are some of the best websites for free online education that you can sign up for.
Coursera
Coursera is one of the most popular platforms for taking free online courses. It features classes, both free as well as paid, on a variety of different topics. This platform is currently being used by over 35 million learners that have access to 150 university partners, 2,700 courses, 250 specializations, and four degrees. These courses are curated in partnership with leading universities and organizations from around the world, such as Stanford and Harvard.
edX
edX is a platform that was founded by Harvard and MIT that brings together top-ranked universities. This platform was founded to help eliminate the primary barriers that prevent people from pursuing education, i.e., cost, location, and access. Along with free courses, edX also offers certain specialized courses for a specific fee. The platform can be accessed by interested educators and technologists through Open edX if they wish to assist in developing new educational tools.
Udemy
Udemy is another online learning platform that is quite similar to Coursera in terms of the format of the courses. The unique aspect of this platform is that it allows users to build their own custom courses by compiling individual lessons so that these can be taught online. There are over 100,000 courses in 50 languages on this platform that are taught by 42,000 instructors from around the world.
TED-Ed
TED-Ed is a platform made by TED to help share ideas and knowledge from teachers to students. This award-winning platform has a global network of more than 250,000 teachers that teach several free courses on a variety of categories and themes. The lessons are taught using animated videos and interactive content so as to make them more interesting for the students.
If you are planning to pursue an accounting degree, you should consider doing it online. There are more than 580 institutions in the country that offer master’s degrees in accounting, and many of them offer their courses online. Therefore, you can pursue this course without shifting to a different state, and you can also continue with your current job. Here are the top picks of online master’s degrees in accounting that you can consider if you are interested in this field.
Auburn University
The online master’s degree in accounting at Auburn University is open for you if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business, and if you meet all the prerequisites for the business and accounting department. Students who enroll in this program receive study materials, instructions, and assignments that are similar to the on-campus course. The schedule is extremely flexible and can accommodate working professionals as well. Full-time students of this course can complete it within one year. They get to select electives like real estate finance and information risk analysis, among others. This course also prepares students for the Uniform CPA Exam. This whole program is available online, including the exam. However, students have to complete a three-day on-campus residency during their final semester.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers an online Master of Accounting (MAC) degree through its Kenan-Flagler Business School. This school accepts students from all undergraduate backgrounds. However, students who have business or accounting backgrounds may get course waivers. Students who enroll in this course can choose a concentration in Tax or Audit. If you take up the full-time course, you can finish it in less than 15 months. You can start this course either in June or December. This way, even if you miss the application deadline for one semester, you do not have to wait for an entire year to enroll in the course. The MAC degree is entirely online, except for a one-week leadership immersion on campus, which is mandatory and takes place at the beginning of the course.
University of Connecticut
An online master’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut is one of the best online courses in the country. This university offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. Full-time students can complete it in two semesters. Working professionals who enroll in this degree take two courses per semester. The University of Connecticut also offers you electives like Forensic Accounting, Disclosure for Not-for-Profit Entities, and Fraud Examination among others.