The Distance Learning Explosion!

A generation ago few would have given much thought to educating themselves apart from a 'brick and mortar' educational institution. Certainly, for several generations, correspondence courses allowed people to gain knowledge while studying in the comfort of their homes, but these schools pale in comparison to entire universities dedicated to instructing students remotely. Let's take a look at this growing phenomenon.

Claiming to be the nation's leading online university, the University of Phoenix was among the first accredited universities to provide college degree programs via the Internet. Founded in 1976, the University of Phoenix began offering internet degree programs in 1989. The program has exploded in popularity to where nearly 150,000 students are in the process of pursuing degrees on the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. Degreed programs in Business, Education, Management, Nursing, and Technology are available online through the university which claims to be the largest private university in the US.

So, why are degreed programs like those offered at the University of Phoenix so popular? In one word: convenience. You can study at home, at work while on break, on vacation, while traveling on business, etc. Because everything is accomplished online you simply log on, click into class, and go.

Yes, you need a computer, but that is what gives students the freedom that they have vs. traditional route students. Many online universities allow students to take courses at their own speed, usually one course at a time. Disciplined students can finish a course in as little as five weeks and start another course the following week. Indeed, it is not unheard of that students can receive their degrees in as little as 2-3 years after beginning the program.

Most employers recognize online educational options the same as traditional route options, therefore students find themselves available for financial reimbursement. Tuition costs are comparable to that of the "brick and mortar" institutions.

Other online giants include: DeVry University, Westwood College, Walden University, and Kaplan University. At the same time, there are "degree mills" that offer degrees with little or no studying required in exchange for a fee. The reputable schools are accredited, while the "degree mills" are not.

All in all, online schooling is booming as Americans explore an option that is convenient and effective for them.

Matt writes regularly on a variety of business, health, and web management issues as well as managing popular websites. The Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.com is Matt's busiest site.

In The News:


Christian Science Monitor

ON COLLEGE: University leaders talk drinking age
Redwood City Daily News, CA - Sep 6, 2008
By Jason Katz / Daily News columnist Q: I have heard that some college presidents are calling for a debate about whether the drinking age in the US should ...
Colleges take on drinking age Christian Science Monitor
University Presidents Call Want a Lower Drinking Age ToTheCenter.com
Lowering drinking age won't lessen the problem Indianapolis Star
Houston Chronicle - Indianapolis Starall 83 news articles

TopNews

Palin, `Average' Student at 5 Schools, Prayed, Planned for TV
Bloomberg - 14 hours ago
Palin's rival on the Democratic ticket, Senator Joe Biden, graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 and from Syracuse University College of Law in ...
Sarah Palin's Extensive College Career U.S. News & World Report
Palin switched colleges 6 times in 6 years The Associated Press
Sarah Palin: The Vulcan News needed you San Diego Union Tribune
Macleans.ca - Bloombergall 252 news articles

Mountain Empire Community College to host College Night
Kingsport Times News, TN - 32 minutes ago
Confirmations for College Night include Berea College, Bluefield College, Carson-Newman College, Christopher Newport University, the College of William ...

Southland Times

Students injured and shaken after ski trip bus crash
Otago Daily Times, New Zealand - 8 hours ago
The bus, loaded with 45 passengers from Selwyn College university hostel who were on a weekend ski trip, left the gravel road on the final corner of a ...
Two brake failures on buses Southland Times
Eight hurt in bus crash near Wanaka Stuff.co.nz
Driver praised in bus crash drama Otago Daily Times
Stuff.co.nz - Otago Daily Timesall 19 news articles

College students have smoked hookah pipes as much as cigarettes ...
Chicago Sun-Times, United States - 5 hours ago
BY POHLA SMITH | PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/SHNS A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study shows 265, or 41 percent, out of a group of 647 students ...

Daryl Veltman selected first overall by Boston in NLL entry draft
The Canadian Press, BOSTON - 2 hours ago
7; Minnesota selected Andrew Watt of Robert Morris College eighth; Sean Thomson of Bellarmine University went ninth to Philadelphia, and Edmonton selected ...

Opinion: Start new community college chancellor off on the right foot
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 22 hours ago
It's not just that the vast majority of Californians who go to college attend a community college. It's also that unlike the California State University ...
California's community colleges having a swell time Los Angeles Times
Economic downturn leads to enrollment jumps at California ... Xinhua
all 5 news articles

Organic food push at Bates gets hefty donation
Boston Globe, United States - 18 hours ago
College officials said the campaign marked the first time a US college or university had tried to register all its students. Except for some students living ...
Friendly to planet, rude to diners Chicago Tribune
Colleges are doing away with cafeteria trays San Francisco Chronicle
all 5 news articles

College football: Blocked kick leaves Ashland University 0-2
Mansfield News Journal, OH - 14 hours ago
... and the Bulldogs escaped Community Stadium with a 25-24 win over Ashland University in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener. ...

EMU Goes 2-0 at Roanoke College Women's Soccer Tournament
EMU Athletics, VA - 2 hours ago
Katrina Goering (Columbus, Ohio/Grandview Heights) made her first collegiate goal stand out as the freshman midfielder gave the Eastern Mennonite University ...
Children First Day WHSV
Women's Soccer Nets 1-0 Win Over Greensboro EMU Athletics
Gettysburg Battlefield Classic Results from Day Two EMU Athletics
EMU Athletics - EMU Athleticsall 8 news articles
college university - Google News

On-line Universities and Degrees ? Find the Right One for You

The first step to finding the right online university is... Read More

Revolt of the Scholars

http://www.realsci.com/Scindex's Instant Publishing Service is about empowerment. The... Read More

Write Your Way Into University ? The Personal Statement

The Get Into Uni personal statement writing guide contains systematic... Read More

Physical Therapy Schools

Physical Therapy Schools administer course instruction to potential physical therapists.... Read More

SAT Test Preperation; Prep Options

It's time to take the SAT's. How should you prepare?... Read More

Online Education and Digital Divide

Digital Education is really coming along thanks to the US... Read More

Principalship: Leading Change in Schools

The L.E.A.D.E.R. WayINTRODUCTIONIn June 1997,the Prime Minister of Singapore unveiled... Read More

Writing The All-Important College Application Essay

The application essay is the most crucial piece of writing... Read More

Why are Some Online Degree Colleges Better than Others?

Any student who is on the lookout for online degree... Read More

Academic Research on the Internet : There Is a Better Way

Students nowadays start their research projects by looking up information... Read More

Chiropractic Colleges

Before CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES & SCHOOLS accept one into their educational... Read More

MRCP and MRCPCH ? Preparation for the Examination

There should have been a time in the human history... Read More

The Challenges College Students Face on Secular Campuses

What is happening on the campuses of secular universities across... Read More

Online Education Has The Power To Transform Lives And Fulfill Dreams

Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of... Read More

What is the Cost of College Tuition?

What is the average cost of college tuition? This is... Read More

Outstanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 3

Students appreciate teachers that can show them how the material... Read More

Accredited Life Experience Degrees ? Accelerate Your Progress Online

Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap... Read More

Online Paralegal Degree Preparing You For Employment

In an era when professional opportunities are diminishing, one area... Read More

Hidden College Costs: Roommate Conflict

Parents, if you're already reeling from the costs of today's... Read More

PCDI - The College and University Alternative for Working Professionals Pursuing Their Degrees

PCDI | Professional Career Development Institute - The College and... Read More

Most Colleges Require Letters Of Recommendation

I cannot overemphasize the importance of developing strong relationships with... Read More

Business and Academia!

The driving factor of any university is to make the... Read More

Natural Healing Schools

What are NATURAL HEALING SCHOOLS? Natural Healing Schools teach natural... Read More

Saving For College ? Your Number Two Priority

In today's highly competitive college admissions process, families must never... Read More

CSI Has Made The Study Of Forensics An Exciting Career Opportunity

Forensics is not just one field of study but encompasses... Read More