Written by: Amber Ramsey
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Education is a valuable thing. Most jobs that you’ll look at applying to recommend having at least a bachelor’s these days, with plenty of others preferring a master’s. Thankfully, there are online universities that allow people to take a more flexible approach to their schooling. Are you considering attending an online university? We’re going to cover everything you need to know to help you make your decision in this article.
The Advantages of Attending an Online University
When you attend an online university, there are some distinct advantages when compared to attending school in person.
Flexibility
Attending a university online is flexible, and it allows you to go about your life as usual. Many adults choose to attend an online university because it allows them to continue to work full-time or take care of a family. Attending a university in person doesn’t allow for this, and schedules tend to be rigid.
Cost
Online universities tend to be cheaper than attending classes in person. This is because the facilities needed for in person classes, like classrooms or lecture halls, aren’t necessary. This keeps tuition costs lower.
Pacing
When you attend school online, you can generally stick to a pace that works for you. This means you can take as few, or as many, classes that you’d like to each semester. This makes going to school much easier compared to traditional options.
The Disadvantages of Attending an Online University
While attending school online is an excellent choice for many, there are some disadvantages that need to be considered, too.
Time Management
If you’re not being forced to attend class in person, you’ll need to have excellent time management skills. An online class relies on the student’s self-discipline for material to be learned, and for assignments to be completed. Make sure you’ve got great time management skills before deciding to pursue a degree online.
Social Life
Attending school online takes away a crucial element of the college experience - a social life. For some, this may not be an issue. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that lasting relationships can be forged and maintained in an online environment. However, if you need a social atmosphere to feel fulfilled, online schooling may not be for you.
In-Demand Degrees You Can Get Online
Just because you’re attending school online, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get an in-demand degree. There are plenty of in-demand degrees that can be obtained online, like:
Computer Science Degrees: Computer science degree programs are going to help you learn vital skills in logic, systems architecture, data structures, AI, and computer theory. This will make you an in-demand professional upon completion.
Nursing Degrees: Healthcare is always going to be an in-demand field, and a nursing degree can help you learn skills in medical assistance, as well as personal care tasks and assistance.
Cyber Security Degrees: A more specialized kind of computer science, cybersecurity degrees teach you how to defend against cyber threats, as well as how to put a stop to them. With most things happening online these days, this is an invaluable degree.
Tips for Applying to Schools
When you’re getting ready to attend a college online, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to make sure you’ll get in. Check them out below:
Be honest. This is the most important thing you can do on your college application. Always be honest about your experience and your background.
Proofread your written responses. The last things you want are glaring typos in your essays.
Provide any and all transcripts. This is going to streamline the application process.
Once you’ve found a school that’s offering the education you want, apply! There’s no time like the present. Getting started sooner rather than later lets you get on the path to success.