Frequently Asked Questions When Pursuing Online Education

The process of pursuing an online education can be a confusing one for those new to the process. How long will it take? How many classes do you need to complete? How many credits do you earn? Can you transfer college credits from another degree program? How do you actually obtain your degree online?

Once you have the answers to these questions, one thing remains — enroll in an online degree program and start working towards completing your degree!

Answers to Frequently Asked Online Education Questions

If you have questions about starting an online degree program, call 1-866-944-2648 to speak with an online education expert, or browse through the topics below. To help you on your way to choosing the right online school, the right online education program, or online degree, we have answered some questions frequently asked by individuals interested in pursuing their education online.

• What hardware do you need in order to be successful in an online education program?
  In many programs you will need access to high-speed Internet, but there are always exceptions to this rule. Read more...


• How long does it take to complete an online degree?
  There are many online degree programs geared toward the adult, or the non-traditional student, so you can expect to find a variety of accelerated degree programs. Read more...


• Are there time limits on online classes?
  Though the schedule of classes for an online program is far more flexible than that of the schedule for a campus based degree program, there is a great deal of structure involved! Read more...


• Do online schools follow the typical school year calendar?
  The calendar year at an online school can be drastically different from the calendar year at a traditional campus based program. Read more...


• How do you take tests for online degrees?
  Testing for those pursuing online degrees is different from testing in a classroom. Instead of having to perform a test at a certain time during the day, students may have a deadline by which the test needs to be submitted. Read more...


• Will I ever have to go to campus during my program?
  You can get your degree 100% online from most schools, however if you choose a program with a conveniently located satellite campus, you may be required to be on campus while completing your degree. Read more...


• Will my degree say "online"?
  There is a certain stigma around obtaining a degree online, but because you are earning the same degree as a campus school your degree will not specify, although your employer may still know based on the length of the program, or by the name of the school. Read more...


• Is there a graduation ceremony for online students?
  Many dream of wearing a cap and gown on their graduation day, but most online schools do not have a traditional graduation ceremony. If you desire this celebration, there are exceptions to the rule. Read more...


• Can you transfer college credits to an online program?
  There is a limit on the amount of major-specific credits you can transfer towards your online education degree. While all passing credits can be transferred, many degrees have specific requirements to graduate with a specific major, and each schools course requirements will vary slightly. Read more...


• How much does an online degree program cost?
  This is perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions people hold when researching online programs. Some online degrees will have a comparable tuition cost to campus programs, but offer additional savings to those who would be paying considerable amounts in child care, gas, or fast-food. Read more...


• Where can you find a testing center?
  Although most students pursuing online degrees are not required to have taken standardized tests such as the SATs, ACTs or GREs – there are some exceptions to this rule. Some students, mainly those enrolling in Master's Degree programs, are required to have passed a standardized test in order to be admitted into the online college of their choosing. Read more...


• Do online students ever have group projects?
  In some programs there is such a great emphasis on the benefit of group projects, that nearly half of the coursework completed will be work that is done in the form of a group! But all programs vary. Read more...


• What is the lecture style for online courses?
  In many programs you will need access to high-speed Internet, but there are always exceptions to this rule. Read more about the hardware needed in an online education program. Read more...


• Once you decide to pursue an online degree, where do you start?
  Contrary to popular belief, the online student is not simply alone with their computer while attempting to figure out how they will begin pursuing their educational goals. Read more...


• How do you select the right online degree major?
  While deciding to go to college was most likely an easy decision to make, deciding on what to major in, what college to go to and other college planning questions can be tough. Read more...


• Are there academic advisors for online education students?
  Even though academic advisors in the online college realm may work a bit differently then their campus based counterparts, their value to the students they assist in pursuing online degrees is incredible! Read more...

Where to find online programs

Find the online schools offering the major, and degree type you are seeking by using the search box at the top of this page, by browsing through the list of featured schools on the right, or visit our online degree search page. You can also find schools by speaking with an online education specialist, call 1-866-944-2648, and a representative will discuss your education goals, and find information on online schools that will best suit your needs.