Online university systems have grown from being single course experiences to offering whole degrees, it’s even possible to finish a high school education and progress through and accredited PhD program online. But even with the continued development of new and innovative online teaching techniques, there are still many questions that the average online university students has, especially how an online education works.
Can I really take all of my courses online?
It depends on the subject. There are many online university degrees that include an entirely online curriculum, usually humanities. However, there are some subjects (especially science) that will require some in-person components, especially as you progress through a masters degree. Most of the time, you are required to attend up to two courses on an approved campus or satisfy a laboratory requirement. Some courses and schools require students to attend a single class session at the beginning of the course and one at the end, with the remainder of the course taught online.
Are online university degrees legitimate?
Accredited online universities are subject to the same academic standards as offline universities – they just use a different teaching method. So, although you will usually pay less for an online degree than an offline one, you are expected to perform just as well academically at online universities. There are some online universities that are regionally accredited, which means they are held to the same standards as offline accredited schools.
Online university students must study – online education is not intended to be a watered down version of offline education. While this means that accredited online schools do not offer an easier education alternative, it does help improve the image of the online university for both the employer and educator.
Are online university professors qualified?
Online university professors earn between $26,000 and $48,000 per year if they teach entirely online. However, many online professors are offline university instructors that teach online part time to supplement their income. Their pay varies on the subject, their responsibilities, and the university itself. For example, online professors at St. Cloud State University receive $65 for each student per credit hour they teach. With the large size of online classes, this means that a biology professor teaching a four credit class class of 52 students at St. Cloud State University can earn around $13,520 for the single course. So, the pay is competitive enough to attract high quality professors.
Online universities also have strict standards for their professors. In order to teach undergraduate courses, most online universities require professors to earn at least a masters degree, as well as complete a course in online instruction techniques. Some online professors (particularly in business fields) are recognized experts like CEOs and administrators in competitive industries.
What are diploma mills?
Some online university models are set up with little to no studying involved and simply require you to pay a fee to receive a diploma in the mail. While it can be tempting to earn a diploma right away, there are some very serious potential consequences for people that do so. Not only are diploma mills unaccredited institutions, but they can actually ruin a person’s reputation if they attempt to use a fake diploma to secure a job or promotion.
If an online university does not require you to participate in coursework and asks for a single up front payment, chances are good that it is a diploma mill. Always check on the accreditation of an online university before applying. It can be nearly impossible to recover money spent on a fake diploma once it is paid.
How are online university courses taught?
Most online universities teach courses in the same way as offline schools, with a combination of lectures, individual assignments, group activities, tests, and papers. The only major difference is that everything is done long-distance. Students gains access to an online instructional interface that they can use to interact with their professor and fellow students, as well as receive and complete assignments. Group activities can be performed with instant messaging and forums.
Some online university environments still use some correspondence school techniques, such as sending learning materials through email. These assignments are intended to be completed and sent back to the professor at the student’s leisure.