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Online University Degrees
Once a student has decided to further their education, one of the main questions in their mind is undoubtedly – where do I go to do it? Should I earn a traditional, brick and mortar, campus-based degree? Or, an online university degree? There is such a wide range of possibilities, and this decision is not an easy one to make! The choice to earn an online degree is the right one for a great majority of students, but for most, the barrier is getting to understand what types of online schools are out there, and how to find the best online degree program. This page has more information on online university degrees, click here to learn more about online colleges.
Online Colleges Versus Online University Degrees in the U.S.
What is the distinction between online “college” degrees and online “university” degrees anyway?There is actually a big difference between a college and a university, and this distinction between colleges and universities is actually different depending on the geographical location of a school! Let’s clear this up!
In the United States, the term college refers to a school that offers a collection of degrees in a specific academic area. A university refers to a school that encompasses a collection of different colleges. Thus, when students earn online university degrees – they are actually earning their degrees from a specific subset in an online university. An example of this would be a student earning a degree from the college of education, which is encompassed within a university offering degree programs in a wide array of academic specialties, such as science, education, management, etc. There is very little difference between online college degrees and online university degrees in the United States, as the terms have become rather synonymous. Many colleges have actually attained university status, but decided not to change the names of their school (such a Dartmouth College – which is actually considered to be a university!). If you are earning credits towards a degree at a "college", taking accredited online university courses is acceptable, and vice versa online college courses towards a degree from a university is acceptable - the key is accreditation in most cases.
Online Colleges Versus Online University Degrees Abroad
Although there is little difference between an online college degree and an online university degree in the United States, there is a great difference between these two terms when students venture to other geographical areas. In other countries, the term “college” is often used to describe secondary or trade schools, where the term “university” is used to describe schools of higher, tertiary education. In Canada, a college offers a certificate or diploma – but does not have the ability to offer degrees. In England, universities are allowed to award their own degrees, but colleges must rely on universities to validate the degrees that they present.
Choosing an Online University Degree
When students are seeking to obtain their degrees online – they must first differentiate between the different kinds of online education programs and degree paths which a college or university can offer, especially if they are choosing a school which is not based in the United States, as the difference between the terms "college" and "university" will determine the degree in which a student can earn at that specific school. Students hoping to obtain online university degrees should ensure that the degree path that they hope to take is actually the one which they have set out on, before enrolling! If you have questions about an online unversity or college program call 1-866-944-2648.
Request information from these top accredited online universities
Capella offers numerous degree programs in over 50 ares of study. This accredited online university over 38,000 students enrolled from 52 countries and all 50 states. Learn more...
Kaplan University offers online Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in some of today's most in-demand fields, including: arts, business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, information systems, legal or paralegal, and nursing. Learn more...
Everest online education offers online college degrees in accounting, business, computer information science, criminal investigations, criminal justice, homeland security, medical insurance billing and coding, and paralegal. Learn more...
The AIU Online degree programs allow students the freedom to study online anytime to achieve their Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degrees in a wide range of degree programs. Learn more...
At South University, you can pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's degree at the undergraduate level, or a Master's degree. Established in 1899, South University offers online programs and campus locations throughout the southeastern United States. Learn more...