College Degrees via Distance Learning Part II
2007-04-04

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

Research
When selecting any college it is important to research the school, with distance learning programs this is very important. There are several things that should be considered when selecting a program.

Accreditation. Find out with whom the agency is accredited. Be sure to check the accrediting agency to ensure that it is legitimate. This is very important if you are pursuing a traditional college degree.

Programs offered. You need to find out types of degrees, certification or programs are offered and do they meet your needs. When contacting the institution be sure to ask specific programs about the degrees or diplomas offered.

Reputation. Make sure the program is reputable. Websites like http://www.directoryofschools.com and http://www.degreeinfo.com/index.html offer information about schools. Degreeinfo.com only lists schools that are regionally accredited and has a much smaller database. It is also a good idea to Google schools you are considering. Look for websites not affiliated with the school.

Requirements of the Program. Does the program require any classes to be take in residences or can it all be done on-line? For example Liberty has a good distance learning program but they do require some classes to be taken on the campus. Some schools that offer distance learning programs offer short-term and/or weekend classes to help students meet the residency requirements.

Financing. Cost is a major factor when selecting any degree program. Find out all of the cost, including fees and the estimated cost for textbooks. Also find out if the school offers financial aid or has financing options.

Courses. What kind of courses are offered and the format for the courses? It is also good to find out about text books. You will want to find out how to purchase textbooks, if they are included in the cost of the program, and if not an estimate of the cost of textbooks. Before selecting a program make sure the courses and the content will meet your needs. If possible see if you can locate a syllabus on-line or request one from the school for courses you are considering.