Online degree programs are very effective especially for the constituents seeking to obtain a degree but do not have time for the traditional on campus experience.  The online courses are well developed and equipped with all the tools you need to succeed. For instance, I am working on a second degree which is a M.B. A in Health Care Administration, with the University of Phoenix, and thus far, my experience with them have been very demanding like any other university campus except everything is done online, their is also a tutorial of labs if you need help, in addition to a lot of online writing samples to help you with papers that require APA format style writing. The first thing is getting use to all he online experience and collaboration with peers all through the Internet, and learning how to use all the university tools that are available to students.

Almost all colleges are stepping outside the traditional norm and offering online classes and making education more readily assessable to everyone, this also produces more revenue for the college when education is being offered by various means.  I must say the experience has been overwhelming as most of the classes are  back to back, when on ends another classes generally starts the next day in 6 weeks increments. Although is may be demanding yet, rewarding it allows you the ability to complete a degree program that would otherwise take at least an additional year or two to complete so their are some advantages to the accelerated courses. However, you can take a break if necessary prior to starting another class.  Generally assignments are due weekly along with weekly discussions postings with substance in order to get credit.

Students are given a syllabus for each class along with a rubrics cue, to help in he development of your paper prior to submission, most papers range from 700 to 1800 words a paper on a weekly basis depending on the class and the outline of the instructors, it is best to get an early start in the week so that your half way done prior to submission of your paper so your not cramming on the last day. 

The greatest reward is to accomplish the degree program and still be able to work, and take of of other priorities, no matter where you are, I was out of the country working on my assignments while on vacation, this is a big advantage from the traditional college, you cant vacation if you are attending a traditional college and still be enrolled in school more than likely the instructor will drop you from the class. Overall, online college is the way to go for those of use who have busy lives and are on the go and still want to attain a higher education or a second degree to compliment our already achievements. 

Most online colleges are fully accredited so it does not matter how you obtain the degree, however, do your homework when deciding what college is best for you. most colleges offer some sort financial aid  to help you complete your college education so choose wisely.

Kala Howard, B.A.,M.S.,PHDI