How to Join a Distance Learning Program
Schooling and training past high school can greatly increase a person's chance of obtaining good, stable employment. Though attending a traditional college or university is certainly the more orthodox method of earning a college degree, many students choose to enroll in an online or distance learning program.
- Consider what field you would like to pursue in your degree program. Important factors in your decision will include your skills, what you enjoy doing and what type of job you would like to have after schooling.
- Research the various distance learning programs to find the ones that would be ideal for your particular interests and needs. You will want to find programs that will benefit you professionally by developing skills that will make you marketable to a future employer. Also, consider the cost of enrolling in each program.
- Research the application process for the programs that you are interested in. See if an essay and letters of recommendation or references are required as well as an application fee.
- Research the curriculum for the programs that you are interested in. Details to examine will include duration, exams, course content and tuition cost.
- Look into the availability of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is the most widely submitted financial aid application amongst college students.
- Consult the websites for the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to make sure that the distance learning programs you will be applying to are accredited. This will ensure that the education you potentially receive is of a high quality and deemed relevant by future employers.
- Submit your application form and all the additional required application material. You can likely do this online as well as in person at the admissions office.