Ten Tips for Selecting Online Graduate Programs

Table of Contents

Guide to Online Education

Our comprehensive guide addresses what online education entails, what online learning options exist, how to select the best online education for your needs, and much more.

In designing the "Guide to Online Education," we worked closely with online students, graduates, professors, and online learning experts to collect practical information to help you succeed in online learning.

Download the "Guide to Online Education."

Debt-Free College Guide

Need help paying for college? Learn how to get someone else to pay for your education, so you can finish college debt-free.

Check out the Debt-Free College Guide for different ways to help finance a college degree.

How To Reference This

eLearners.com. (2007). Guide to online education. Retrieved 11/23/2008, from the World Wide Web. http://www.elearners.com/
guide-to-online-education/.

Ten Tips for Selecting Online Graduate Programs

Ten Tips for Selecting Online Graduate Programs

Quick Degree Finder

1. What degree do you want?


2. What do you want to study?


3. Choose a subject:

Find Now

Guide to Online Education > Online Education Trends > Guide to Online Graduate Degrees > Ten Tips for Selecting Online Graduate Programs

Male Grad student giving tips

The Internet is revolutionizing the way we live and the way we learn. Although distance education has been around for 250 years in a variety of formats (including mail, telephone, TV, audiotape, and videotape), the Internet has suddenly made this non-traditional format very popular.

Online Education is so popular that the International Data Corporation estimates that the number of degree-oriented students taking online courses will grow at a compounded rate of 33% for the next several years!

If you're thinking about pursuing your graduate degree through online education, here's a checklist of features you should look for in a online graduate program.

Accredited Programs.

The most important accreditation in the U.S. comes from one of six regional accrediting associations (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Western). These associations grant membership to all regionally accredited educational institutions (including Harvard, Princeton and Yale), and acknowledge one another's accreditation.

Proven Online Success.

Most online degree programs haven't been around that long and carry with them major glitches in their technology and their format. This can prove to be very frustrating to students who are looking for convenience and efficiency. Seek a program that is easy to setup, won't crash, and doesn't require much, if any technical support. Make certain, however, technical support is available 7 days a week, in case you need them.

Courses delivered at your speed.

Some online graduate programs incorporate sophisticated technology like Video Streaming, Whiteboard Capabilities and Video Conferencing. While this may seem like a good idea in theory, if you have a slow Internet connection this can be a huge problem. Therefore, seek online graduate programs that only require dial-up speeds to take courses, or consider upgrading your Internet connection to DSL or cable. 

100% Online University.

Many so-called "online" degree programs aren't 100% online. Instead they include instruction via less effective mediums, such as mail, telephone or videotape, or they require some on-campus attendance. Be sure your university offers 100% online graduate programs.

Online Faculty.

Instead of recruiting the most qualified instructors from around the world, many online graduate programs simply give local classroom teachers a computer with Internet access. Make sure instructors have received training on the facilitation of a productive online classroom.

Attractive Financing.

Earning your graduate degree can require a substantial investment of money. Fortunately, many low-interest financing options are made available to students, even those with high incomes. Many of these financing options are only available, however, if the college is an eligible institution that participates in the funding process. Also, be sure to ask your employer which online colleges qualify for tuition reimbursement.

Quality Customer Service.

Seek an online college that is very customer-oriented. To avoid confusion, wasted effort, and a longer time to graduation, look for a college that will assign you a personal advisor to help you from enrollment through graduation.

Graduation Schedule.

Many colleges work harder at getting you into their school than out of it. As a rule, you should be able to earn your online degree in 2 or 3 years, attending classes on a part-time basis. Before you begin any online graduate program, request an outline of the curriculum and timeline for graduation.

Satisfied Graduates.

When choosing an online college, request information about the success and happiness of students and alumni. Look for quotes and results of post-graduation surveys from students and alumni. If you don't know a graduate of the college, ask the college to provide some names of graduates you can contact.  

Small Classes. Large Enrollments.

As a rule of thumb, you should look for small classes. With fewer students, each student receives more of the instructor's attention. Conversely, you should look for large enrollments. A larger number of students suggests that the program is proven. Find out how many students have successfully completed the program.

Today, online education can offer unsurpassed convenience, flexibility, and time-savings in the pursuit of your college degree. Keep this checklist in mind as you investigate the various online colleges.

Courtesy of Gradschools.com

All Accredited Online Degrees

Ready to get started? These fully accredited online colleges and online universities are committed to academic excellence and offer online degrees delivered in a flexible, convenient format.

Home - Online Education |  Online College Degrees |  Online Certificates |  Online College Courses |  Online Colleges |  College Search
Articles & Resources  |  Blogs & Forums |  Guide to Online Education |  eLearners Advisor |  eLearners News |  eLearners Index
Jobs |  Affiliates |  Advertising |  Press Room |  Company & Legal |  Terms of Use |  Online Degrees Site Map |  Site Map  |  Site Help

Copyright eLearners.com 1999 - 2008

TRUSTe