Succeeding in an Online Graduate School

Distance education is growing quite explosively in America. The prospect of earning a graduate degree without even traveling to campus or doing the typical things involved such as attending real classes are truly exciting for many students. This is a challenging endeavor, however, and students could benefit from ideas to make their journey more successful. Books and Web sites are available that give tips to distance education undergraduate students or traditional on-campus graduate students. However, very few resources exist for distance education graduate students. This article provides great tips about selecting and staying successful in an online university degree program.

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP IDEA) includes Human Sciences colleges at ten universities and offers graduate degree programs and courses in several human sciences fields. For example, students can enroll in the Family Financial Planning graduate program at one university, take classes from high quality faculty at several different universities, and earn a degree without traveling to any campus. Students complete discussion boards, group projects, assignments, and tests online.

Advantages of Studying Online

Participants said distance courses are convenient, efficient, as challenging, and useful. Some students would not have been able to earn a degree if traveling were required because of various reasons, including conflicting jobs and such. They used time they otherwise would have spent driving to complete course work instead. Participants also felt the flexibility of online courses is an advantage. Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedules and contact and do their work whenever. This is especially helpful for students who work or have a family to support, as time is extremely precious.

Most participants thought the quality of online courses was equal to that of on-campus courses. Professors responded quickly to questions, and participants found ways to connect with other students.

How Online Courses Differ From Traditional, on-Campus Courses

Considering a distance learning course may seem like a daunting proposition, but be sure to research well.

Credit: Paul Mankowicz

Copyright: Paul Mankowicz