Earning your degree online helps open doors to exciting new career opportunities, without putting your life or current job on the back burner but you may be wondering exactly how do online colleges work.
Online colleges allow you to earn your degree while keeping up your work, family, and other commitments. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are more than 11 million students are enrolled in distance education courses, largely online.
Online degrees are a popular option that students everywhere are taking advantage of, so let’s explore what online learning looks like, and what you should expect when it comes to the cost and time commitment.
How Do Online Colleges Work?
In many ways, online college is just like a traditional college. The courses offered online and on campus are the same, and they cover the same material. They both have the same or very similar assignments and strict deadlines.
They both require hours of studying in addition to class time. Academically, the two formats are very similar, but the delivery is very different. Online students will use one of the many online learning platforms available and find new ways of communicating with professors and peers.
Most online platforms follow a similar structure:
- Log On: Depending on your chosen program, you may be required to log on at certain times to listen to a live lecture or you may be able to log on and work at your own pace.
- Complete Assignments: For online courses, assignments are typically completed and submitted via the online platform. It will be important that you’re comfortable using online platforms and computers to complete your work.
- Communicate with Professors: Most online platforms offer ways for you to talk to your professor or other students.
With online learning, students may need to be online at certain times or contribute to discussions in a measurable way, for example. And, it’s helpful to have the motivation and organizational skills necessary to be a success in this new learning format. Online programs tend to mimic on-campus programs but are done virtually.
What Does an Online Classroom Look Like?
If you’re wondering how do online classes work, online classrooms are designed to resemble traditional classes so that they feel familiar to students. Most colleges use web-based software programs for their online classrooms. These virtual classrooms are extremely customizable, so while the general look and navigation are familiar, each professor has the ability to alter it in ways that suit his or her needs.
The online software will show a list of the classes you’re enrolled in, and as you click on each one you will be taken to the virtual classroom set up by that professor. Inside the virtual classroom, you will see any announcements your professor has posted, as well as a menu bar providing access to the modules he or she has enabled.
Some of the common classroom modules that you may see include:
- Blog: to write and share blog posts
- Groups: for small group work as assigned
- Discussion Boards: to discuss the course material with classmates
- Assignments: instructions, due dates, how to submit
- Exams: instructions, when / how long they will be available, link
- Grades: assignment, and course grades
Virtual classrooms may seem a little intimidating in concept, but they are very user-friendly. You will figure out how to navigate them in no time.
Are Classes Live or On Demand?
Both! There are two online learning formats:
- Synchronous: live lectures and classes
- Asynchronous: self-paced, on-demand classes and lectures
Synchronous courses are live and require students to be virtually present on a certain day and time. During the scheduled class time, you may view lectures in real-time and participate in live discussions via video chat. This learning format most closely resembles on-campus classes, but may not offer the flexibility that most online students are seeking.
Asynchronous courses allow students to complete coursework at their own convenience. You may fit classes in before work, listen to a lecture during your commute, and log back in for an exam while cooking dinner. There are still strict deadlines for assignments, and you may be required to log in and participate in message boards daily or weekly, but the day-to-day schedule is much more flexible.
Both types of learning have their advantages and many students opt for a schedule that includes some synchronous and some asynchronous classes. It all depends on your learning style and lifestyle.
How to Choose an Online College
As you research online colleges, don’t get too wrapped up in rankings or awards. You want to find not just the right online college, but the right online college for your learning needs.
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing an online college:
- Is it accredited?
- Does it offer the degree program you need to reach your career goals?
- Will you be able to easily transfer your credits or advance your degree in the future, if you choose?
- How long will the program take?
- Are the classes asynchronous or synchronous? (i.e. Will I need to be online on certain days at certain times?)
- Is it affordable?
- Do they offer the resources and support services I need? (financial aid, access to library materials, technical support, online tutoring, student advisors, career services, etc)
It’s important that the college you choose offers the support you need in order to be successful in achieving your goals.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for online college programs are very similar to traditional on-campus college requirements.
Most online colleges look for the following:
- Standardized test scores, if required
- Completed application
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
College requirements vary from school to school. You may also be required to submit a personal statement and a list of achievements or extracurricular activities you have been involved in. It is a good idea to check with the admissions office of the school you are interested in.
Online Programs Accreditation
Choosing from accredited online colleges is extremely important. In order for a college or university to become accredited, it must meet very strict standards established by a board or agency. This ensures you are attending one of the many legitimate online colleges.
In the U.S., there are two main types of accreditation:
- Regional: the “gold standard” and most widely respected; more than 86% of all colleges in the US are regionally accredited
- National: usually for-profit schools, vocational or technical programs; requirements aren’t as standardized as for regional accreditation
To determine whether a school is accredited, you can search the U.S. Department of Education’s database. If you choose to earn your degree from a school that is not accredited, you may have difficulty securing financial aid or transferring credits if you need to. But more importantly, the degree you earn may not hold much weight in the professional world.
It may be harder for you to pass licensing exams or find employment than it would if you had earned your degree from an accredited institution.
Can Online Students Get Financial Aid?
As long as you choose an accredited college or university, you will be eligible to receive the same financial aid as a student attending classes on campus. This includes grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.
The first step to receiving this aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you can do starting October 1st each year. It’s important to submit the FAFSA, even if you don’t believe you will qualify for need-based aid.
If you currently attend school, check with your school counselor or financial aid office to see about local scholarships or other financial aid opportunities. If you are employed, check to see if your employer offers a tuition assistance program.
How Do You Communicate With Teachers and Students?
Online courses thrive on effective communication and online classroom programs allow for communication through various tools.
Your communication with other students will be largely through forums or message boards, where you will likely answer writing prompts and engage in conversation about the class material. When reaching out to your professors, they will likely let you know what the best contact method is. That might be by phone or email, or you may even video chat during their office hours.
Are Opportunities to Participate In-person / On-campus Available?
Just because you’re an online student, doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of on-campus resources or activities. If you live in the area, you can meet with your professors or advisor in person.
You can attend speaking events, sports events, homecoming, career fairs, and so on. You may even join a study group or a campus organization. Online students can be as much a part of campus life as they choose to be. You may also opt for a hybrid schedule, which allows you to take some courses online and some in person directly at the campus.
What Does a Typical Assignment Look Like for Your Online Classes?
If you have never taken an online class, you might be wondering just what the assignments are like. Here are some examples of typical coursework for online classes:
- Read/Watch and Respond: You may have to read an excerpt or watch a lecture and write a response.
- Essay / Research Paper: Just like in traditional classes, there will likely be writing.
- Exams: These may be monitored by a webcam, or you might be required to take them at a testing facility.
- Discussion Boards / Forums: Often online students are typically required to post original discussion topics and/or respond to prompts in a class forum.
- Group Projects: Even online, you will use collaborative software to work as a group on an assignment.
- Journaling: You may need to keep a daily or weekly journal in which you reflect on the class material.
As you can see, assignments are similar to what you would expect in a more traditional college setting.
How Many Hours a Week Should I Plan for Studies?
The number of hours you need to commit to studying will depend on the type of class, the assignments, and your own study habits.
Is this a subject you are naturally good at? Does studying consist primarily of reading, writing papers, or practicing a skill? Do you work best in intensely focused long stretches of time or do you require lots of breaks? Factors like these will influence the amount of time you need to dedicate to studying.
The general rule of thumb is:
- For subjects that are difficult for you: Plan to study 4 hours per week for every credit hour
- For subjects that are easier for you: Plan to study 2-3 hours per week for every credit hour
Keep this in mind as you select your classes each term or semester. You will need not just enough time to take each class, but enough time to study for (and complete assignments for) each class, too.
Is Online College Hard?
Online and on-campus classes are generally taught by the same professors using the same syllabus. Students complete the same or similar coursework, projects and exams, and have the same strict deadlines and expectations.
The only difference between the two is the format, so whether online learning is harder or easier for you depends on your own personal learning style. If you are motivated, organized, and manage your time well, you might find that online college is actually easier than a traditional college schedule.
How Many Weeks Do Online Classes Run?
How long an online class runs is dependent on the degree you are hoping to earn, your personal schedule, and how many classes you plan to take each semester.
If you follow a traditional, 16-week semester and attend full-time, it will take four years for a bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in earning your degree quicker, you can choose to follow an 8-week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round.
How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?
The exact cost of an online degree will vary greatly depending on the school, type of school (public vs. private), degree level, and major. The amount of financial aid you receive will also impact the final cost. You can expect to pay between $315 and $490 per credit hour when pursuing an online degree.
It’s important to note that most colleges and universities charge the exact same tuition rate to online students as they do to on-campus students. Online degree programs may offer some savings due to the fact that online students don’t have additional expenses like campus fees, commuting costs, and parking fees, and often do not have to purchase expensive textbooks and course materials.
So you can expect your online degree to cost the same or less than it would cost to earn the same degree on a college campus. You may even be able to find colleges with monthly payments, which may help you to better plan for the cost of going to college.
Are There Accelerated Online Degrees?
There are accelerated online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level in many different fields. Many online schools offer accelerated programs that run 5 to 8 weeks.
If you are able to commit to a rigorous schedule, you can earn your degree very quickly by enrolling in an accelerated online degree program like this. Online college is not much different from traditional college in terms of structure, cost, or time commitment. The only real difference is how the material is delivered, and whether that’s challenging depends on your learning style.
If you’re looking for a way to earn your degree quickly, while still maintaining your job, family, and other responsibilities, online college may be the perfect solution for you.
Is an Online Degree Worth it?
Yes, an online degree is worth it for many students. An online degree program allows you to attend school on your own schedule making it a good option for busy adults or those who have other commitments like children or a job.
With an online degree program, you can choose from various majors like teaching or accounting. Many of the degree programs offered will see job growth over the next decade. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers will see a 5% job growth over the next 10 years while accountants are expected to see a 6% growth over the same time period.
Getting Your Degree Online
Online degree programs are increasing in popularity thanks to their flexibility and the many degree options available.
Choosing to earn your degree online allows you to continue meeting your other life obligations such as a family or job. It’s important to take into consideration the various aspects of online learning to help you prepare for your degree.
If online learning is something that sounds like a good fit for your lifestyle and learning preferences, you can start researching accredited online schools and jump-start your education and career goals!
