Distance learning bachelors degree programs used to only be offered in a few fields and by a few "select," unknown institutions. That is simply not the case anymore. Students interested in earning this very important, employment-benefiting degree will soon find there are plenty of options out there now. There's no reason to expect to have to go to class all the time to earn a valuable bachelors degree.
Distance learning, for those who are unclear, involves college classes that are taken over the Internet. Books might be mailed to a students' door and access to professors is also still generally available via chat, forums, telephone or in person, but the bulk or all of the material is handled online. The type of programs available for full degrees will vary. Some of the most common include such areas of concentration as business and accounting, education and criminal justice, and history and theology.
The benefits to this type of learning situation can be many, especially for those without the time to physically attend classes. Some of the perks can include anytime learning, accredited courses, sometimes discounted fees and a variety of program offerings. Many students find this is one of the best options for them to completely earn a degree or fill in needed classes on a better time schedule.
Looking for the best distance learning bachelors degree programs can be a little tricky, but the truth is this trend is growing in leaps and bounds. Even some of the Ivy League schools are offering at least a few classes online.
The places to look for distance learning bachelors degree programs include:
* State universities. Many state-funded universities offer online degree programs, or at least classes. It is possible for students to take a mix of these classes in some locations or to completely finish a degree online in others.
* Private colleges. Accredited, private institutions are often opening their doors, so to say, to online students. How many or few classes they will allow online toward a degree will vary. Some colleges allow for a degree-seeking student to go from start to finish online.
* Specialty schools. Many specialty schools, such as arts institutions, business colleges and more, have gone online in a lot of cases. Some locations offer complete course work online, others provide this opportunity for only a few classes.
* Junior colleges. Many of these typically lower-priced institutions are also available for students online.
As long as they come from accredited institutions of higher learning, distance learning bachelors degree programs carry a lot of weight in the real world. This didn't used to always be the case, but the reality is as this "trend" sets into common practice, more and more people are understanding the Internet can be a powerful tool for teaching and learning.