Are Online Degree Programs the Next New Thing?
Are you thinking about pursuing an online degree? According to Money Under 30, online degree programs are growing faster than traditional degree programs and more colleges and universities are getting on board.
The bottom line is there will always be some challenges when it comes to online learning. However, what cannot be contested is the type of higher learning institutions that house such online learning degrees. If the university is credible, then you can be sure the type of online degree programs offered will be too. These universities must be in order to keep their educational institution in good standing.
The Difference Between an Online and Brick-and-Mortar University
It’s best to enroll in a regionally accredited university that offers both online courses, as well as traditional courses offered in a brick-and-mortar institution, like Florida National University.
There are many online colleges that are just that—online educational institutions. For some students, this might not make much of a difference. If you’re looking to get the most out of your college education, then attending a long-standing university that has school pride is key to creating lasting academic relationships that can help further your professional career. This is something you can’t easily do with exclusively online institutions. While it’s certainly possible to build a relationship online, as Facebook and many social networks have proven, there’s just something special about the college campus experience.
Furthermore, with brick-and-mortar universities, you have the option of joining a college sport or academic club—something that will strengthen your bond to your college and create great networking contacts for years to come.
FNU Can Be Your College Home!
When enrolled in a distance learning degree program, it can become quite easy to be disconnected from your university. With Florida National University (FNU), a regionally accredited university, you’ll always have a home with us.
What Kind of Online Degrees Does FNU Offer?
Florida National University offers the following online Degree Programs:
- Accounting
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Services Administration
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Natural Science
- See website for more programs
Learning More About FNU’s Online Degrees
Each of our degree programs has specific enrollment requirements. It’s recommended that you contact the advisors of each of these departments so that you can prepare all your admission documents before the respective deadline.
Things to Know When You Enroll in Online Courses
While online courses give you the flexibility to take your private classroom with you anywhere, there are still a few structured steps you’ll need to take to set yourself up for a successful academic career.
- First, you’ll need to log in the first week of class. This will give FNU administrators the confirmation needed to ensure that you have taken the initiative to start the course. It’ll also prevent you from being dropped from the class. It is recommended that you log in at least twice a week. For your convenience, this can be at any day or time.
- After you’ve logged in, be sure to change your password to something you can remember.
- Once you have changed the password, take the time to read ALL course announcements and your instructor’s information. Most importantly, read your syllabus. With online courses, you won’t have your instructor there to remind you about deadlines. You’re working independently in online coursework so it’s important to remain organized during the course of your studies.
It is important to note that as an FNU online student, you will have full access to our library, academic advising, writing lab and student services.
Knowing the Importance of an Accredited University
To understand the importance of accreditation and the difference between accredited, non-accredited, and regionally accredited, read, “5 Things About Accredited Florida Universities You May Not Have Known” .
In short, you’ll have a better chance of transferring credits with courses taken at a regionally accredited institution, because these institutions can transfer students’ credits to other universities. It’s not always the case for nationally accredited colleges and especially non-accredited schools. This is something you’ll need to take into serious consideration if you have aspirations of pursuing a master’s or doctorate’s degree.
The Benefit of Attending a Regionally Accredited University
You can certainly go online and find colleges and universities that offer online degree programs. You will find your share of online colleges and universities that are accredited, non-accredited, and regionally accredited. In addition to the brick-and-mortar location, you should also do your research and make sure that the university is also regionally accredited.
The Disadvantages of Enrolling in a Non-Accredited Online Program
Unfortunately, there are also many students who have invested years of academic work into a non-accredited college only to find out that all of their undergraduate credits are not acceptable for the academic program they wish to pursue. They’re left with the choice of applying to a college that wasn’t their first choice or starting their academic career all over again—both disheartening decisions, but avoidable if you do the research.
Get Your Degree at Florida National University
Come and visit any of our campuses in the South Florida area. Our main campus is based in Hialeah, Florida with another one in Miami along with a Training Center. We also offer financial aid assistance to students who need help paying for their college education. Contact us today to start your college career.
