Posts

Image source

For the over 5 million students who currently take at least one online course, that future is now. For the students who are seeking a popular online master’s degree program, they have weighed their educational needs with the needs of their current lifestyle, and have found a happy medium through online learning. In terms of opportunity, flexibility, accessibility and promising outcome, seeking a master’s degree online is a smart choice.

Opportunity

Recent polls have revealed that less than half of all Americans are happy in their current job–and that dissatisfaction is even more widespread with workers in their 20s. If you can relate to that and feel you are in the wrong profession, the good news is that launching a career change need not be a labored and fearful process. Many online master’s degree programs don’t require you to have an undergraduate degree in the same area of study. And if you are looking at a wildly different field–say moving from art to IT–there’s no need to fret. A significant number of online programs allow students to take a few prerequisite classes to gain basic knowledge before jumping in to the program.

Flexibility

But is it really worth it? It might seem like starting a master’s program would cause a big upheaval, but getting your degree doesn’t have to disrupt your life. With an online master’s degree program, you get the benefit of an advanced education while maintaining your current job and family commitments. You set the pace with how long the program will take you–programs can be finished quickly (some in under a year–see our list of the fastest online master’s degree programs), but many programs will work with you to give you an extended timeline, so you can take all the time you need. And admissions is either open several times a year or on a rolling basis–so no waiting to apply once you’ve made your decision.

Accessibility

If convenience and excellence are appealing in your academic pursuits, than look no further than online master’s degree programs. These programs offer suitability for each individual student and coursework of merit. Most schools have the same faculty for both their on-campus and online programs, so you can be certain the lectures and coursework you receive as an online student are just as strong as what is delivered on-campus. Often, lectures are archived to make than accessible around the clock to online students, so it really is a matter of doing the required work when you have the time to devote to it.

Promising Outcome

The opportunity, flexibility and accessibility all sound like great draws, but what about after graduation? The degree that online students receive is exactly the same as their on-campus counterparts–nothing on the degree indicates that it was an online program. But even if there was a notation that the degree was achieved through online learning, it really would make no difference. Most employers are less concerned with how you got your degree than they are with your skills and talents. As long as you guard yourself by choosing a respectable, regionally accredited school, you should have nothing to worry about except for what to wear to that interview. And earning an online master’s degree can open up new doors in management, administration and specialized fields–which could mean significant increases in salary. So do yourself a favor–look to the future, and check out some of the most popular online master’s degree programs. It could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Related Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees

50 Best Online Masters Programs

40 Online Masters That Don’t Ask for the GMAT

In a recent study, it was found that over half of all Americans are unhappy in their current jobs. Feeling “locked in” or that you’ve “settled for mediocrity” or even that what you’re doing just “doesn’t matter” are some of the common complaints heard when job satisfaction is questioned. If you feel that you are part of that dissatisfied majority, don’t despair. There’s no need to feel stuck in your job–or even your field–with the popular online master’s degree programs that are available to you, a brand new career and happier times could be just a click away.

The Choice is Yours

You may think that you are bound to a certain field because of your undergraduate degree, but due to the many online master’s degree programs that allow for varying educational and professional backgrounds, that simply is not the case. Many programs proactively accommodate those with unrelated bachelor’s degrees and seek a wide range of work experience and history to round out their online student body. Some programs offer an extended program for students who do not have a background in their new field of study (and conversely, offer an accelerated program for those who do have a bachelor’s degree in the field or a great deal of coursework in it or a closely related field). Granted, you cannot make the leap straight from being an English teacher with a bachelor of arts to an online master of engineering program, but there are many programs that allow you to take a few prerequisite courses to get a basic foundation in the subject matter in order to catch up and have a solid groundwork from which to start. This catching-up process eliminates the need to get another bachelor’s degree, and helps you hit the ground running in your new field.

Making it Happen

Dissatisfaction in the workplace doesn’t have to be your daily grind, and you don’t have to choose between continuing to make a living and working on a master’s degree.  Online learning gives students the flexibility and freedom to maintain their life obligations while making a change for the better. From programs that take less than a year to some that allow you to take courses over a period of several years or more, finding the time to work on that degree doesn’t have to be an obstacle. These online programs really promote the extent to which they will work with you to tailor the coursework and the workload schedule to fit your needs. And don’t fear that you will be all alone with just your computer, your coursework and your resourcefulness, for the same student services that are available to on-campus students are also offered to online students in most online master’s degree programs.

Opportunity awaits. There really is no good excuse to prolong staying in a job that consumes 40 hours or more of every week and doesn’t bring you satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment. If you have the inclination to make a change but aren’t sure where to start, take a look at this year’s most popular online master’s degree programs for motivation.

Related Rankings

40 Online Masters That Don’t Ask for the GMAT

50 Best Online Graduate Programs

50 Most Popular Online Masters

The decision to choose an online or residential Master’s program depends largely on the institution and your own lifestyle. Experts agree that online learning is not for everyone, so it is important to compare the differences in these programs before deciding. Ask yourself the following questions while researching your options.

What Are the Differences in Flexibility?

Many students with other priorities, such as work and family, choose online Master’s programs. With on-campus learning, you have to attend courses and lectures at scheduled times while factoring in the commute. Online programs allow you to study on your own time while still meeting semester deadlines. The only flexibility you get from residential programs is choosing between morning or evening classes. With online training, you could study at 3:00 a.m. if it suited your schedule.

How Accessible Are Student Services?

One apprehension of students considering online degrees is the accessibility of student services. On campus, you are within walking distance of the library, administrative offices, tutoring facilities and faculty offices. Many schools appease the apprehension by extending their office hours past the traditional 5:00 closing time. Online professors make themselves available through chat and email to assist students. University libraries also offer online resources like downloadable PDF files to help students in their studies.

Is Networking the Same?

Networking with fellow students and faculty is different when comparing online and residential Master’s programs. Face-to-face social interaction is limited when attending online courses, but there are other ways to make connections. Schools with online programs try to offer more networking opportunities, such as stronger alumni programs. US News offers several tips for students to follow when enrolled online. Networking is not eliminated with online programs; it just requires a different approach.

How Does the Difficulty Vary?

The curricula for online and residential Master’s programs are the same. Students are expected to learn specific material within a predetermined amount of time. Those who perform better under stricter supervision may find residential programs to be easier. Self-motivated individuals with good time-management skills will probably not have any trouble adapting to an online learning environment.

What Is the Cost Comparison?

This question is one to be answered after thorough research. In some cases, schools charge the same amount for both program types. According to Get Educated, online programs may cost significantly more for out-of-state residents. This practice is not uncommon even for residential programs, but there may be additional fees for online learning.

How do the Degrees Compare?

When employers look at Master’s degrees, they generally consider three main criteria. They look at accreditation first. The most valuable degrees come from accredited schools on at least a regional level. The next consideration is whether or not the school has a physical campus. Most importantly, employers determine if the school is recognizable as a brand. If you obtained a Master’s degree from a well-known and prestigious institute, they do not care if you studied online or on campus. Basically, you get the same degree no matter which program you choose.

Overall Comparison

Online and residential Master’s programs are different in terms of flexibility, social interactions and learning styles; however, they provide the same end result of an educational degree. These two programs are options that give students the opportunity to earn a degree in a way that works with their personality and lifestyle. One program may be just as rewarding as the other depending on the individual student.

Related Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees

40 Online Masters That Don’t Ask for the GMAT

40 Fastest Online Masters Degree Programs

A master’s degree program may take as little as 10 months or as much as 5 years. A website for the International Affairs Office of the Department of Education (USNEI) at http://www.ed.gov/international/usnei/edlite-index.html states that the degree usually takes two years of full-time work. However, different approaches to earning credits can shorten or lengthen the time required. Options for obtaining a master’s degree include attending an on campus program or using a computer at home for distance learning. Each option allows participation on a full-time or part-time basis.

[See our list of the Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs.]

Getting a Master’s On Campus

On campus study offers opportunities for face-to-face interaction with professors that some students prefer. Attending class under the supervision of an instructor can make it easier to participate in class, and it may provide motivation to complete assignments on time. Interacting with instructors and other students in classroom-based lectures, seminars and activities is a feature of the on campus experience.

• Enjoying Access to Facilities
Using laboratories for high tech or specialized equipment on campus adds to the time required to complete a campus degree. However, it is a convenience for certain degrees such as those in graphic, performing or medical arts. The ease of accessing libraries and the pleasure of attending extracurricular activities contributes to the graduate student experience when haste in completing a degree is not a primary goal.

• Meeting a Fixed Schedule
Completing a master’s program on campus in less than two years is hampered by the structure of the university. On campus colleges offer classes on a schedule that is fixed, allowing students limited flexibility. Failing to take a required class when it is available may result in having to spend another semester on campus.

• Working and Studying
Students whose employment limits the ability to attend classes during the day may choose a part-time schedule. Reducing a class load to one or two courses per semester can result in the addition of two or three years to the time required to earn a degree.

Taking a Distance Learning Approach

Comparing the advantages of getting an online degree to attending an on campus college favors flexibility in class attendance. The opportunity to go to school at lunch, before work, after work or on weekends appeals to workers who choose to keep a full-time job. The cost of living on campus as well as the loss of income while earning a degree makes distance learning a viable option for some students.

• Saving Time with an Online Master’s Degree
Commuting to and from college takes student time without returning any educational benefit. Avoiding an hour or two of driving and waiting in traffic provides time to study or take a class. Credit hours required for a master’s may vary from one college to another, but they must meet the DOE’s standard.

The USNEI site describes the typical school year for higher education institutions as “an academic year divided into two equal semesters of 15-16 weeks’ duration, with a winter break of 2-3 weeks and a summer session of 10-12 weeks”. Online colleges present 16 week sessions as well as accelerated courses of approximately half that length. Online students have the opportunity to fulfill curriculum requirements more rapidly than is usually possible at on campus colleges.

Related Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees

50 Most Popular Online Masters

40 Fastest Online Masters Degree Programs

A master’s degree is a scholarly qualification that proves an individual completed the initial level of graduate study. To enter a program that teaches this higher level of learning, most people need a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree usually requires a student to complete about 30 coursework credits. The time it takes someone to earn a master’s is generally from one to three years depending on whether he or she studies part time or full time (see our list of the fastest online master’s degrees).

Advanced degrees are available in all fields. Upon earning a master’s degree, you’ll have successfully completed a field of study that shows you have a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular subject. It will also allow you to develop skills that are versatile and professional.

Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree

People choose to earn their master’s degree for a variety of reasons. Common ones include:

• Subject curiosity
• Enhanced employability
• Occupation development
• A passion for education
• Specialty change
• Vocation requirement
• Networking opportunities

[See our list of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Programs.]

Subject Curiosity

If you’ve acquired a passion for a career field while obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you may have decided to specialize in a specific area of study or expand your understanding of the subject. By earning your master’s degree in that field, you’ll gain the opportunity to complete in-depth research about the subject.

Enhanced Employability

In some career fields, the additional qualification may allow you to stand out from those who have a first level degree. While studying for your advanced degree, you will acquire a greater comprehension of the subject. You’ll also increase your professional skills and obtain more confidence in your chosen employment field. This may even lead to higher pay.

[See our list of the Top Paying Master’s Degree Programs.]

Occupation Development

You may need to earn a master’s degree to gain more information, skills or abilities to advance in your current vocation. Before selecting a program, check with those who are already in the industry or your employer to make sure that the program is respected.

A Passion for Education

Some students earn a master’s degree because they love learning or have not yet decided the particulars of their future career. A master’s degree can help you learn more about your chosen field before you begin looking for a job.

Specialty Change

If you’ve decided to change your specialty from your current undergraduate degree, select your master’s degree program based on the adjustment. This will let you use the master’s program as a transition course to explore a different area, industry or segment of the field.

Vocation Requirement

You may need a master’s degree if the managers of your preferred career attach importance to a higher level of education. The value of an advanced degree differs by field. Before beginning a program, examine the advantages it will bring you in your chosen career.

Networking Opportunities

During your educational pursuits, you may be able to establish vital contacts within your current or future industry. A master’s program will allow you to network with those who already work in your chosen field and acquire additional job experience.

Benefits of Getting your Master’s Degree

With a master’s degree, you may receive greater recognition in your career as well as more credibility. Those who secure an advanced degree generally earn a higher average annual salary than those who don’t have one. You’ll also likely see more career progression.

Making the Decision

The sense of accomplishment you’ll obtain by earning your master’s degree is incomparable. When you walk across the graduation platform to accept your diploma, you’ll surely experience an enhanced feeling of personal satisfaction. Be sure to check out our ranking of the best online graduate degree programs before making your choice!

Related Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees

50 Best Online Masters Programs

40 Fastest Online Masters Degree Programs

The decision to choose an online or residential Master’s program depends largely on the institution and your own lifestyle. Experts agree that online learning is not for everyone, so it is important to compare the differences in these programs before deciding. Ask yourself the following questions while researching your options.

What Are the Differences in Flexibility?

Many students with other priorities, such as work and family, choose online Master’s programs. With on-campus learning, you have to attend courses and lectures at scheduled times while factoring in the commute. Online programs allow you to study on your own time while still meeting semester deadlines. The only flexibility you get from residential programs is choosing between morning or evening classes. With online training, you could study at 3:00 a.m. if it suited your schedule.

How Accessible Are Student Services?

One apprehension of students considering online degrees is the accessibility of student services. On campus, you are within walking distance of the library, administrative offices, tutoring facilities and faculty offices. Many schools appease the apprehension by extending their office hours past the traditional 5:00 closing time. Online professors make themselves available through chat and email to assist students. University libraries also offer online resources like downloadable PDF files to help students in their studies.

Is Networking the Same?

Networking with fellow students and faculty is different when comparing online and residential Master’s programs. Face-to-face social interaction is limited when attending online courses, but there are other ways to make connections. Schools with online programs try to offer more networking opportunities, such as stronger alumni programs. US News offers several tips for students to follow when enrolled online. Networking is not eliminated with online programs; it just requires a different approach.

How Does the Difficulty Vary?

The curricula for online and residential Master’s programs are the same. Students are expected to learn specific material within a predetermined amount of time. Those who perform better under stricter supervision may find residential programs to be easier. Self-motivated individuals with good time-management skills will probably not have any trouble adapting to an online learning environment.

What Is the Cost Comparison?

This question is one to be answered after thorough research. In some cases, schools charge the same amount for both program types. According to Get Educated, online programs may cost significantly more for out-of-state residents. This practice is not uncommon even for residential programs, but there may be additional fees for online learning.

How do the Degrees Compare?

When employers look at Master’s degrees, they generally consider three main criteria. They look at accreditation first. The most valuable degrees come from accredited schools on at least a regional level. The next consideration is whether or not the school has a physical campus. Most importantly, employers determine if the school is recognizable as a brand. If you obtained a Master’s degree from a well-known and prestigious institute, they do not care if you studied online or on campus. Basically, you get the same degree no matter which program you choose.

Overall Comparison

Online and residential Master’s programs are different in terms of flexibility, social interactions and learning styles; however, they provide the same end result of an educational degree. These two programs are options that give students the opportunity to earn a degree in a way that works with their personality and lifestyle. One program may be just as rewarding as the other depending on the individual student.

Related Rankings

50 Most Popular Masters Degrees

50 Best Online Masters Programs

50 Most Popular Online Masters