How does the online degree work?

How does the online degree work? (Both Bachelors and Associates degrees)

Online degrees are now provided by two-year community colleges and four-year universities entailing both associates’ and bachelors’ degrees. There are different formats for online degrees, which include a fully online program (which is self-explanatory) and the “hybrid” program. The hybrid program combines both online and campus-based classes. It is most suitable for majors that need hands-on-classes, such as engineering, as well as those that require internships.

Due to the flexibility of online degrees, the length of the program can vary greatly as they are self-paced; they can be as fast or slow as the student desires. Typically, an online bachelors’ degree takes two-and-a-half years, which is much less than time than needed for on-campus students. While an online masters’ degree usually takes two years to complete, it can be completed more quickly at certain universities that offer more intense accelerated programs.

Enrolling in an online degree is similar in some ways, yet different than enrolling in traditional campus-based degree programs. Students are required to submit an application including transcripts and proof that they meet the program’s requirements. After acceptance, students meet with an online advisor to confirm their selection and register for the program. As for the admission requirements themselves, they are wholly dependent on the institution itself - not on whether it’s a traditional degree or an online degree.

Virtual classrooms are conducted through a website that integrates email, streaming audio and video, forums and instant messenger. In some cases, universities use a Voice Over IP to create a more traditional learning experience to allow both students and professors to engage in real time. When it comes to class participation, this tends to occur through students’ posting on class discussion boards a specific number of times, or by working on assignments or projects with fellow students. However, in a hybrid program, students can participate during the days when they attend physical classes.

Exam-taking for an online degree can be done in numerous ways. The first option is the regular proctored in-person exam, which would be possible if the students live near campus. If that is not to be the case, there would be arrangements made such as designated official schools nearby or testing centers for the exam. Another option would be to do online exams that are monitored through webcams or other software. The third option and latest option is an online exam monitored by computers. This is the most flexible, but it requires the student to have a computer, reliable internet connection, webcam and microphone. 

Online degree programs share some similarities with traditional degree programs but are different in their own way. We can safely say that the process of enrolling in an online program is very similar to that of a traditional program. The learning style itself, and exam-taking, are the major difference between the two