Distance Learning Center @ TestPrepReview.com

A graduate distance learning program offers the ability for students who hold a bachelors degree to continue their education without having to spend time in a structured classroom. The most popular distance learning graduate degrees are the masters of arts, masters of sciences and masters of business administration. Graduate distance learning programs are a new and popular choice for students who have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree and have entered the workforce but want to change career fields or earn more money in their current career field. Graduate distance learning courses are flexible in their delivery so a student can work full time while continuing his or her education. A graduate distance learning degree typically takes 2 years to complete if the student is participating full-time.

Many traditional state colleges offer graduate distance learning degrees but the entrance requirements to these degree programs may be more difficult than if one chooses a graduate distance learning program through a private university. The private university graduate distance learning programs are typically delivered online so there is no limit to the number of students a private university can accept. This allows for more leniencies in admissions selections. At a traditional state college, standardized tests results are evaluated for admittance into any graduate program. These tests include the Graduate Record Examination, Graduate Management Admission Tests, or The Law School Admission Test. The appropriate test to take depends on what type of graduate program the student is entering. Private schools may still require these tests scores but they may not be as important for admissions as letters of recommendation or the student’s grade point average.

Because there is such a high demand for distance learning programs, the Florida State Board of Community Colleges created the Florida Distance Learning Consortium in 1996. The goal was to make Florida distance learning programs easily accessible to everyone interested in distance learning education. The Florida Distance Learning Consortium created the website distancelearn.org to be the access point for distance learning programs. There is access to 28 Florida community colleges offering associates degrees and certificates and 20 Florida private and state universities offering bachelors, masters and doctorate programs on the website. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional accreditation agency which has accredited all the Florida distance learning programs on distancelearn.org. Distancelearn.org allows searches such as institution, degree types, and subject/discipline. The Florida distance learning website allows the user to pick the method of distance learning instruction offering the choices of internet, video, 2-way TV, print, multi mode or audio. By clicking a personal assistant button, users can access all the courses they have searched for and saved. After course selection, access to the enrollment and admissions departments for the colleges can be accessed through the website.

The Florida Distance Learning Consortium wanted to make it easier for teachers to continue their education. The Consortium along with the Southern Regional Education Board created EdPASS. Through the distancelearn.org website and with EdPASS teachers can access, apply for, register, pay, and participate in Florida distance learning courses. The benefit of using EdPASS is teachers have access to numerous universities and courses all from one location. The application the teacher submits through EdPASS admits the teacher into all participating universities. The teacher must hold a bachelor’s degree and be employed by a Florida school district to take advantage of the EdPASS Florida distance learning initiative.

Through distance learn.org, the Florida Distance Learning Consortium has included access to career and educational planning through Florida eChoices and FACTS.org. Florida eChoices offers occupational profiles designed to match users’ interests. Advice on how to create a resume and how to interview for employment are offered through Florida eChoices. FACTS.org offers academic counseling for graduating students. The student can research colleges, majors, and career options on the website. Florida distance learning options are available and can be researched by students. Virtual libraries are available to students and college transcripts can be requested through FACTS.org.

Engineering distance learning degree and certificate programs meet the demands of working individuals who want to continue their education in a field that changes rapidly. Because engineering relies heavily on technology which is always improving, continued education is necessary. Engineering distance learning programs give individuals the opportunity to obtain work experience while furthering their education.

When choosing an engineering distance learning college, finding an accredited university is important. ABET, which was previously named the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, became the recognized accreditation agency for engineering degrees, including engineering distance learning degrees, in 1936. To become a professional engineer, a license is required. Every state has a different process of obtaining an engineering license, but most require a degree from an ABET approved school. A list of state licensing boards contact information can be obtained through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying website to find each state requirement. In order to receive ABET accreditation there is laboratory experience required which can not be completed online. Many engineering distance learning programs that are ABET approved offer most of the courses online but require some with labs to be completed on campus. The ABET website provides a list by state and by curricular area of accredited programs and this is a good resource for those students looking for an accredited engineering distance learning degree program.

The University of North Dakota offers engineering distance learning degrees that can be completed online. The ABET accredited degree programs include bachelors in chemical, oil, electrical or mechanical engineering. Summer lab sessions are required on campus. The University of North Dakota engineering distance learning program is designed to be part time and was created especially for working students. Out of state tuition rates apply if the student is not a resident of North Dakota or does not have an active duty military status.

The number of distance learning universities has increased drastically to meet the demands of adults who want to continue their education outside of a traditional classroom. According to a U.S. Department of Education study in 2000, 89-90% of public 2-and 4-year colleges offered distance learning courses. Private distance learning universities are abundant and continue to grow. Deciding among the hundreds of distance learning universities available can be challenging and frustrating. Searching the internet for accredited distance learning universities will produce pages of universities offering distance learning programs. These claims can be deceiving because some distance learning universities are accredited but not by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA). When sorting through all the available distance learning universities, a potential student should first determine what mode of instruction he or she is most comfortable with and find a university that offers courses delivered in the preferred manner. Some students may learn better with online courses while others may prefer to learn from a videocassette. The student should determine how if he or she has the ability to travel to campus at any time during the program. State and community colleges typically require exams and labs to be conducted on campus. Private universities are the best option for those students who want to take all courses away from campus. The student should check the costs of the available universities and make sure the private universities are accredited by an agency approved by the USDE or CHEA. Federal financial aid will not be available for students who attend unaccredited distance learning universities. An advisor at any university can answer any other questions a potential student may have.

A distance learning university will offer all coursework required for a bachelors, masters or doctorate away from campus. Most traditional state universities and community colleges offer distance learning courses but few have programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Because of this distinction, a distance learning university will typically be private, for-profit university and the tuition rates may be higher than a public university. A distance learning university will offer many methods of coursework delivery. Many distance learning universities use online technology and the internet to deliver the coursework. The internet provides students the ability to interact with the instructor and other students through message boards and email. A distance learning university may use other methods of instruction such as textbooks, videocassettes, and closed circuit television. Through these types of course delivery, the communication is one way and there is very little two-way communication.

A distance learning university may not be a good choice for every student. Because there is no classroom time, a learner who needs to hear information to retain it will have a hard time in a distance learning program. The coursework at a distance learning university is typically writing intensive so a potential student should enjoy writing and responding to emails and discussion boards. Exams at a distance learning university are typically administered online with a time limit attached. Even with a time limit, students have their textbooks to look up answers during the tests. Because of the problem that every test is open book and many students can collaborate with each other to take an online test, many professors at distance learning universities have made the courses even more writing intensive and based on fewer exams. A distance learning university is a non-traditional form of education so a person considering a distance program should make sure the degree will be accepted by whatever profession he or she desires.

The educational system in London is known worldwide for exceptional quality education. Distance learning UK programs provide flexibility for residents to earn a degree from their home. Distance learning UK programs provide an opportunity for people living outside of England access to an excellent global education. All the distance learning degree programs offered through distance learning UK colleges are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education for approval. The Quality Assurance Agency was created because the Higher Education Council for England wanted to make sure public funding was going towards universities offering quality educational programs. The main accreditation agency for distance learning UK programs is the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council which was originally a government organized institution but is now private. The Council provides a list of accredited distance learning UK colleges on their website.

The University of London is a distance learning UK University with over 40,000 distance learning students in their external program. The external program was developed in 1858 making it the oldest program in the world. The University of London distance learning UK program is held to the same standards as the traditional academic programs which ensure a quality education. The programs offered through the University of London have been approved by the Quality Assurance Agency. The University of London distance learning UK program offers bachelors and master degrees in a variety of fields. Most degrees require 2-4 years of study. All but 5 of the degrees offered through the External Program can be completed online. The other 5 programs require the student to complete some of the coursework at 1 of 200 worldwide institutions.

Open University offers only distance learning UK programs. 150,000 undergraduate and 30,000 postgraduate students attend Open University. Distance learning UK degrees are very popular as evidenced by the fact that Open University is the largest university in the United Kingdom. The courses last 6-9 months and there are set due dates for completing assignments and an exam. Open University distance learning UK courses are offered through several means including video and audio cassettes, TV programs, printed books, and through their website. There are no admissions requirements, so anyone over the age of 18 can attend Open University. Open University offers bachelors of arts and bachelors of science degrees that are open degrees meaning they are not specific to a subject area. A certain number of credits are required for degree completion and a vast number of subject areas can be included in the credits earned towards a degree.

Distance learning schools are becoming an increasingly popular choice for students wanting to learn about a trade. Trade schools have traditionally been for these students who do not want to pursue a 4 year degree but would rather have an education in a specific career field of interest. Distance learning school offering trade programs have made it possible for high school students, working adults or retirees to learn about a new career field.

Distance learning trade programs cover a wide variety of careers. The automotive industry is particularly interested in employees with some educational background in the field. Distance learning schools offer associates programs in various fields of automotive technology, auto body repair, and automotive service. Students who want to enter the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) field have many program choices at distance learning schools offering associates and bachelors degrees in heating and air conditioning. Distance learning schools like the Stratford Career Institute offer textbook based distance learning programs in the field of esthetics and cosmetology. The coursework can be completed at the students pace. Some distance learning schools offer career diploma programs that give a student education in a trade field but not a degree. Penn Foster and Ashworth University both offer career diplomas in numerous trades including home inspection, landscape design, and plumbing.

Obtaining a certification, high school diploma, or college degree through a distance learning school is beneficial to anyone who can not attend a traditional classroom setting. The most important consideration when choosing a distance learning school is verifying the school is accredited. Accreditation means that the school has been evaluated by an agency or group of representatives from an agency that ensure the curriculum and educational program are at or above accepted educational standards. Accreditation can be regional, national or professional. The United Stated Department of Education (USDE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are the 2 most valuable sources of accreditation agencies. By contacting the USDE or CHEA one can verify the accreditation status of a distance learning school. In some industries, a distance learning school with an accreditation from a professional agency is just as important as a regional or national accreditation. If one is pursuing a psychology degree for example, choosing a distance learning school that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association is vital. Employers in the healthcare field will be looking for the professional accreditation from the American Psychological Association as verification that the degree program is educationally sound. A distance learning school may not yet be accredited but be in the process of being evaluated by an accrediting agency. Each individual considering a distance learning program needs to know if his or her profession will accept a degree from an unaccredited distance learning school. Finding a fully accredited distance learning school is not difficult as long as the appropriate agencies such as the USDE and the CHEA are consulted.

There are many types of distance learning psychology degree programs available. Bachelor’s degrees in psychology, human behavior, and behavioral science are available through distance learning colleges. Distance learning psychology masters programs include psychology, counseling, human behavior, forensic and organizational psychology. PhD’s in psychology and clinical psychology are available. Capella University is a distance learning psychology school that offers masters and doctorate degrees in many areas of psychology. All coursework can be completed online, but several weeks of attendance at educational seminars or colloquia are required to complete the degree programs.

When choosing a distance learning psychology school it is very important to consider all the steps in ones educational journey. In order to practice in the field of psychology outside of a lab or clinic, education beyond a master’s degree is necessary. Only graduates of doctorate programs are authorized to write a prescription which earns them the title of psychologists rather than counselors. If planning on moving forward towards a masters or doctorate, the student should plan ahead and know where he or she intends on transferring. The student should meet with the university, whether it is a traditional school or a distance learning psychology school, and verify that all credits earned will be accepted as transfer credits.

As with all distance learning degree programs, accreditation of the distance learning psychology program is vital. The Committee on Accreditation is the official accrediting agency of the psychology profession. Accredited programs can be accessed through the American Psychological Associations website. At this time, there are no distance learning psychology programs that are conducted completely away from the classroom that are accredited by the Committee on Accreditation. There are some online courses that are part of traditional programs which are accredited, but no complete programs. This information is critical when considering a distance learning psychology degree. A degree from a school not accredited by the Committee on Accreditation may not lead to as many job or salary opportunities as a traditional psychology degree.

Distance learning programs begin at the elementary and secondary levels of education. According to a 2005 study by the U.S. Department of Education, 38% of high schools currently offer distance learning courses as an option for students. Distance learning programs at the pre-college level are especially helpful for people in rural areas. Some of the smaller districts that service rural communities do not have access to a large and diverse number of courses. A U.S. Department of Education study revealed that two-way interactive video is the most common source of technology used in high school level distance education programs. Many schools want to expand their distance learning programs but the cost of technology is a factor for most districts so many can not afford to expand.

Distance learning programs at the postsecondary or college level are increasingly popular. The U.S. Department of Education recorded that over half of postsecondary colleges offered distance learning courses in 2001. The popularity of distance learning programs is attributed mainly to the number of working adults who want to either begin or continue their education. Distance learning programs provide flexibility for working adults to complete coursework in the evenings or on the weekends. Postsecondary distance learning programs give students the opportunity to earn a degree from outside of their state or country of origin which has been made possible by online distance learning programs.