When determining which seminary distance learning college to choose from, the student should consider the accreditation and degrees offered by the different institutions. Western Theological Seminary offers a Masters of Divinity Seminary Distance Learning Degree. The degree can be completed completely online except for a 2 week seminar that must be attended by all distance learning students. The Western Theological Seminary distance learning courses are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The Biblical Life College and Seminary School offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate distance learning degrees that have no residency requirements. The college is accredited by the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions and Accrediting Commission International but not by the ATS. Degrees from the college may not be as widely accepted by the professional community.

There are many similar characteristics online distance learning programs share whether they are from a high school, private or public college. The school will provide access to the online distance learning courses through a link on their website. Multiple courses may be displayed if the student is taking more than one online class. Once the course is selected the student will be able to access syllabi, assignments, exams, and grades. Before online distance learning existed, distance learning programs consisted of purchasing a book or audio tape and completing assignments through the mail with no interaction with classmates or an instructor. The online classroom will usually have a discussion area where other students and the instructor can be contacted and discussions can be tracked and participated in. Some virtual classrooms have a link for live web chats where interaction is live and interactive. The online distance learning classroom will have access to email where private conversations can be held. Assignments are typically submitted through an email attachment or can be saved to an assignment link. Most online distance learning programs provide access to a virtual library where research can be conducted for the class. Technical support through the college is offered for online distance learning students.

Long distance learning can be used to earn a degree, gain knowledge on a subject, or prepare for a college class. Carnegie Mellon University offers long distance learning degrees through the internet, CD-Rom and email. Some companies, like General Motors have partnered with Carnegie Mellon to create degree programs designed specifically for their employees. The General Motors partnership resulted in a masters program designed specifically for the information technology department and the coursework can be complete completely through long distance learning. For students who want to prepare to take a college level course, Carnegie Mellon created the Open Learning Initiative project. Students can take courses via the internet that are not for college credit but are designed to prepare students for courses such as Statistics, Logic, and Economics. These courses can be accessed by people who just want to learn more about these subjects or want to eventually take the courses for credit. Carnegie Mellon is just one example of a university where one can earn a degree without ever going to the on ground campus.

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.

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.

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.

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.