There are many universities offering degrees and certificates online, but very few offer high-quality, low-cost programs similar to those found on a traditional college campus. Although most online universities are accredited, several are actually for-profit companies trying to cash in on the big business of online education. When you're considering the affordability and convenience of studying online, it is important to choose a university with a solid, academic reputation.
Here are some things you can look for to make sure your online university offers high-quality programs:
* Make sure the school is regionally accredited. The only way to know for sure is to check with the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
* If the school admits everyone who applies and is not selective in their admissions process, you may have reason to question the caliber of students in your academic peer group.
* Review the program's curriculum and understand the online learning environment. This will help you understand if the school will provide you with a worthwhile educational experience.
* Look for a university name you recognize. Many traditional brick-and-mortar universities with solid reputations and long histories are now offering classes online. A long history and good reputation help ensure that you're putting your hard earned money and your valuable time into getting a degree that will pay off well into the future.
The University of Illinois, for example, offers online bachelor's and master's degrees and graduate certificate programs through their Global Campus.
The curriculum of each program is developed by world-class faculty at the University of Illinois. Two top programs offered by the University of Illinois Global campus are their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program for RNs and a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Project Management.
The College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a top-ranked nursing school that is third in the country in funding from the National Institutes of Health. The online BSN was created by faculty who are leaders in the field of nursing and are committed to creating tomorrow's nursing leaders via high-quality education programs.
Studying for a career in healthcare is a smart step on the path to a stable job. An aging population makes nursing an in-demand field.
The College of Business Management at the University of Illinois at Springfield has created the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Project Management with the Global Campus to meet the needs of IT professionals looking to move into management positions, as well as non-technology professionals who wish to move into IT or work better with technology departments. Technology is constantly changing, and everyone inside and outside the IT field should make sure their skills are growing as well.
Get your degree or further your education with an online university that stands out. Visit Global.UIllinois.edu for more information and to enroll. Copyright © 2009, ARAnet, Inc.
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