Is Getting an Online Psychology Degree Right for You?
Online education is a prime example of how the Internet has transformed our daily lives and traditions in the last few decades. An increasing number of people are choosing online degrees and programs to further their careers. According to a survey conducted by the Sloan Consortium, in 2006, almost 3.5 million students took at least one online course during the fall term. This reflects an increase of nearly 10 percent compared to the previous year.
What to Look For in Online Psychology Degree Programs
Despite the increasing popularity of online education, it's important to gauge the authenticity and reputation of an online psychology graduate school before selecting a program. In order to ensure the quality of a school, limit your choices to accredited online psychology degree programs.
Accreditation is an important signal to employers, licensing organizations and academic institutions that your education meets the high standards necessary to train you for a professional environment. A degree from a non-accredited university might offer quality training and experience; however, the lack of accreditation can negatively affect your career development. In order to reap the full benefits of your online psychology degree, choose a school with accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Other Important Factors
Besides accreditation, remember to consider the following factors when choosing an online psychology degree:
- Admission prerequisites
- Course credit transfer
- Financial assistance
- Student benefits
- Software and technical requirements
- Tuition and fees
Challenges of Online Learning
Studying online is markedly different from campus training or classroom education. As an online student, you may encounter unique challenges with technology, software and connectivity issues. You may also find the different student attendance policies and lack of face-to-face communication difficult.
It's important to remember that with online education, you're in the driver's seat. If you choose to pursue an online psychology degree, take the initiative in building social contacts through discussion forums and regular email contact. The quality of your online learning experience depends on how much you put into it, so make the most of your opportunities.
Benefits of Online Education
An online psychology degree will enable you to learn on your own schedule from anywhere you want. With a good broadband or wireless connection, you can access online educational resources from virtually any location–making online psychology degrees much more flexible and convenient than conventional classroom programs.
With an online psychology program, you'll save time and energy by eliminating time commuting to a campus. You'll also be able to take classes at non-standard times, which will allow you to:
- Enrich your career as you continue to work
- Study at your convenience
- Accomplish personal goals without sacrificing family time
Get an Online Psychology Degree
If you're looking for education that works with your life, an online psychology degree could be the perfect fit for you. You'll receive the quality training that will allow you to take the next steps in your career without putting your life on hold. Find an accredited online psychology graduate school and start investing in your future.
