More than ever before, people are getting college degrees online. Whether it's a professional already working in a particular field who wants to change careers, a young undergraduate pursuing their first degree, or a busy stay-at-home parent looking for greater opportunity--anyone living the hectic modern lifestyle can benefit from an online degree program. In fact, they've become so popular, most colleges and brick-and-mortar universities are offering the online option alongside their real-time class schedule.

If you're considering furthering your education on the internet, you'll want to know which degrees are hot right now. The following 10 degrees are heavily favored in today's job market and can be found online at a number of both traditional and online universities across the country.

1. Accounting
2. Computer Science
3. Information Sciences and Systems
4. Civil Engineering
5. Economics and Finance
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Business Administration and Management
8. Computer Engineering
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Marketing and Marketing Management

Pursuing your degree online involves more than just sitting and staring at a computer screen or sending in assignments electronically. Most degree programs are just as comprehensive and hands-on as real-time degree programs. The only real difference is the freedom.

When you're pursuing one of these 10 hot degree programs--or any of the hundreds of others you can choose from--you have ultimate control over your time. For anyone who dreams of a bigger, better life but is already swamped with responsibilities, getting an education online is the way to go.

If you're a busy professional who wants to move your career forward with a master's degree, you can find what you're looking for on the internet as well. As always, an M.B.A (master's of business administration) is a great way to advance your career. Other master's level degrees that are hot commodities right now include master's in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Why Online Degrees?

There are a number of reasons you might choose to pursue your education online.

1. Schedule flexibility.
2. Access to distant universities from the comforts of home.
3. Easier access to online resources and research materials provided specifically for your online degree program.
4. The ability to contact classmates and teachers with the simple click of a button.

An internet-based educational program also teaches time-management and pushes you to be a go-getter. Because you've got almost complete control over every aspect of your time you might read a lecture at midnight or a Saturday afternoon, turn in a quiz at 3 a.m. the morning it's due, or take a test from a hot vacation spot. You have to take initiative and stay on top of things. Sound like a chore? It's also going to be one of your greatest assets.

Your ability to use your time effectively might just be the asset that grabs you that great job or a big promotion. Employers love a go-getter who takes initiative.

Whatever your situation, consider an getting your degree online. It's the wave of the future, and you can ride that wave all the way to the top.

online degrees at elearners.com

Accredited online degree costs arms and legs - that's the general notion of many people who think of acquiring the much talked about online degrees. But the reality is a bit different. It is definitely possible to get an affordable package of the same. Browse the internet, and you will come across a bunch of online degree programs that really costs you low.

A person with high ambitions of achieving a better career always have the option of going for the online college degrees that come in an attractive yet affordable package. This degree can help you make better money, and possibly get that promotion that you have long sought after. One great thing about working towards an on-line degree is that you can work on it anytime you want. By focusing towards your degree, you could complete it in as little as two years depending on how many courses you need.

A recent survey revealed that very often a number of working adults carry out extensive research work on an affordable college degree online. Now the question is what actually motivates that kind of a search? May be enhancement of knowledge related to a specific subject or the hope of reaping some additional benefits of these online courses or just to get that long sought promotion. Whatever may be the reasons there are a number of benefits of these Affordable Online Degrees listed as follows:

1. In case of working adults, the degree can be easily pursued without hampering their full time employment.
2. The affordable online degree makes you all the more competitive in the job market.
3. The degree acts as an additional resource that proves an individual's set of skills.

Over the internet, you'll come across a number of online universities and institutes offering you an affordable online college degree. With study material being supplied to the students, these e-learning centers motivate the participant's efforts by claiming, "The world is your classroom."

These non-profit, private universities established by the Western governors are focused to offer the U.S. citizens a "cost-effective, high-quality education". In many cases there is the Federal financial aid that is available for the prospective, eligible students.

guest post by Maurice Levraux

Online Degree Programs Pulverize Excuses For Avoiding a College Education

There is no longer an excuse for failing to earn a degree considering the increased availability and alternatives now available with online college degrees. There are now dozens upon dozens of different online bachelors degree courses that are legitimately accredited, respected and carry the same weight as a bachelors degree from a traditional institution, allowing you to be selective and pursue the the course that suits your exact needs and requirements.

In todays society, having a bachelors degree is more important than it has ever been before. The recent financial instability has caused major job losses meaning companies have more choice to take on fully qualified employees. Holding a bachelors degree will give you the edge you need in the job market and ensure you are able to gain secure long term employment.

If only it was so easy to finish a degree though. You're not 20 years old anymore without the full slate of adult responsibilities. You probably have a family and a full time job, making an on campus experience extremely hard to coordinate. But with an online bachelors program you will see how extraordinarily easy and intuitive it is to finish your degree without any problems at all.

The scope of online degree courses has expanded significantly so much so that virtually every common course can be completed online. There are many different colleges offering their courses through a distance learning program so the chance of finding something that suits your needs and objectives has never been better.

There is no longer a need to take an online program just because it is the only one that is available to you. Available courses now include business, arts, sciences, philosophy, engineering and language study courses along with almost every other subject you might be interested in. If you can do it on campus, chances are it is available online too.

There are no age requirements are other factors that inhibit you from enrolling for an online degree program, and it's an extremely convenient option. Unlike with a traditional campus, you won't have to be commuting back and forth, using up time and gas money. You also won't have to attend a local school just because it's close by. As an online student you can enroll in a program from any location with no trouble at all.

Being able to view you lectures online at any time that suits you gives you further flexibility. There is no set schedule, lecture or tutorial timetables. Everything is done when it suits you. If you are a morning person you can complete your study in the morning, or late into the evenings if you are required to work during the day. You also have the flexibility to complete the course work at your own pace. You can spread your degree out over many years and only take one subject at a time if this is all you have the time to do.

Online programs also give you the opportunity to hit it hard and actually accelerate your learning. By doing this it is possible to complete your degree in a reduced time frame, sometimes allowing you to slash years of the time it normally takes to complete a degree.

Attending on campus courses simply doesn't work for most adults with families and job responsibilities. The good news is that online degree programs are more accepted and more accessible than ever before. You'll get unmatched flexibility and the sky will be the limit with your career and future.

guest post by John Maxted

Today, more than ever before training is the key to keeping up with the competitive working environment. For you not to be overlooked for job promotion or career advancement constant development of your business and professional skills is required.

Organizations have started to examine which training methods can amplify methods of performance, motivation, collaboration and a lifelong commitment to learning. With technology changing as rapidly as it is, skills and knowledge have a short shelf life. There is always pressure to stay up-to-date with training and education throughout a career. No longer is a college education the end of it. Learning has now become a lifelong process.

Learning is such a competitive advantage for employees and employers. . For a business to be successful, it depends on its employees, who to be successful themselves, need quality training. By developing employee skills, corporate executives understand that those skills are the key to keeping a competitive lead in the global marketplace.

Today's labor market is tight and demands on employees are ever increasing. Companies are exploring advances in online technology to train their employees and they are looking for ways to do it inexpensively. One of the best ways to do that is through online courses.

The acceptance of online degree programs is on the rise. Many corporations are hiring applicants into strategic management and executive positions who hold degrees from colleges and universities that have online degree programs. Many of these companies provide tuition reimbursement to their employees too.

The online education community continues to grow as people make the decision to obtain their degrees online. As increasing numbers of professionals receive their degrees and professional training on the Internet, those employers who are uncertain of online degrees will need to reevaluate their position. These programs are gaining strength in the education industry, as technology becomes more sophisticated and the demand grows. At the end of 2006, the total number of students enrolled in online programs topped 1.5 million, which is an increase of 24% over 2005.

For some people they have no other choice than to earn their degree online. They have busy work schedules, family responsibilities, and they just can't stop working and go to a brick and mortar university. Their time is valuable and online learning can give them the opportunity to work and go to school at the same time.
As time goes on and the acceptance of online degrees increases among employers, they will find that people who have taken online schooling have indeed, a lot to offer. These people have to adjust their time and schedules to make time for their schooling. They in effect, become great organizers and multitaskers - and what employer isn't looking for those traits in a potential employee? It takes a lot to achieve time management skills. Students at online colleges and universities have to excel in time management. Their commitment to their education is unmatched.

For years, the fake "diploma mills" that some people would get degrees from set a course of negativity in motion. But times have changed. Employers are coming around to seeing the importance of online education. They are rethinking the importance of online learning. They see it as a distinct advantage.

guest post by Shaun Redgate

An online associate degree program makes going back to school easy and convenient, even for the busiest individual. We live in a fast paced world where everyone is constantly on the go. Whether it is taking the children to dance classes and soccer practice or working overtime to assure all the loose ends are tied up for a special event, for many individuals it does not seem there is enough time in the day to complete every task. With such a busy schedule, the last thing most think of is going back to school. However, with the flexibility and convenience of an online program, going back to school to obtain a degree is feasible for everyone.

There are many reasons why online programs are beneficial to individuals on the go. The first reason is that one can create his or her specific schedule. At traditional colleges and universities, students are responsible for going to classes and attending seminars are the same time each week. However, with and programs such as an online associate degree program, students are not tied down and required to go to classes. Students choose when to complete class work and stick to a school schedule that fits with their life schedule.

Another benefit of attending an online college or university is that it is easy for students to work while they go to class. One reason many choose not to go back to school is because of their financial situation. Traditional colleges and universities make it difficult for students to continue to work full-time and go to school. However, students can still work full-time if they wish and attend classes online. The flexible schedule does not interfere with a students work schedule; therefore students will not face a financial burden to further their education. It will also allow individuals to continue to gain experience and advance in their current career while the student goes back to school.

Those seeking an online associate degree have numerous programs to choose from, which cover a number of different career fields. One program students can choose is a business program. When a student chooses a business program they are able to concentrate on different aspects of the business world. This ranges from accounting and human resources to health care administration and office management. Besides business, there are also programs that focus on criminal justice and paralegal studies. There are also associate programs that focus on the healthcare field in relation to administration and billing and reimbursement.

In addition to online associate degree programs, there are numerous other online degree programs offered. They range from certificate programs all the way to doctorate degrees. For an associate degree, students are required two years of full-time course study. Students in a bachelor degree program can graduate with their degree in four years if they take a full-time schedule while they are in school. The length of master degree and doctorate degree programs varies depending on the type of program. To go a long with the classroom work associated with a master or doctorate degree, depending on the program, students are also required to complete a thesis that revolves around research completed by a student on a certain subject that relates to the program they are studying.

In correlation with an online associate degree, students will also gain hands-on experience in the career field they are studying. Mostly all degree programs encourage students to complete internships or externships to gain valuable experience. This experience is important for students because future employers look to see if potential candidates have experience in a particular career.

by Andy West

An Accredited Online Degree Provides Students A Unique Opportunity

An accredited online degree provides students a unique opportunity to study a course of their choice through distance learning. An accredited online degree is certified and hence provides students the educational recognition they strive to achieve. Whether it is a high school education, an online bachelor degree or a master degree online that a student wishes to pursue it is possible to attain the same through online education.

What is an Accredited Online Degree?

Accredited online degree programs are validated by accrediting agencies on the basis of various factors such as the institute that offers it, its aims and objectives, quality of education, faculty, resources available and student support. Usually such agencies are non-governmental, but are selected by a criteria set by the government. Accreditation allows one to judge the quality of online education provided by an online college or online university by comparing it with established standards. There are national as well as regional accrediting agencies.

Online Accredited Degree Programs

From a basic high school education to higher education programs such as business administration online accredited degrees, nursing degree online, accounting accredited degree online and accredited degree online psychology can be done from an online college or an online university. In fact it is also possible to complete doctorate accredited online courses. So whatever level of education you seek, a variety of subjects are offered by accredited degree programs online. A professional accredited online degree can be pursued at the student's own time and pace and ensures that the student's efforts and success are recognized.
Advantages of an Accredited Online Degree Program

An accredited degree online program is recommended over a course that is not recognized or validated as it provides the student's knowledge recognition and certification. In today's world having practical knowledge and experience is not enough, in order to succeed in one's professional life it is crucial to have a recognized degree to one's credit. An accredited online degree provides proof of the fact that the student has completed the online education and has been assessed with standardized procedures.

Online education provides those students who don't have the time, money or the inclination to do on-campus college accredited degrees, a chance to study the same, but with flexibility in terms of time and effort. It is an ideal option for those who wish to study while working or doing a training program or you may even wish to earn your accredited online degree along with an on campus one. The versatility and flexibility offered by accredited degrees online cannot be underestimated as students can do them and utilize them as per their situation. We can assist you with finding the right college courses online or a master degree online which will help you start a new career or improve your standing in your current position.

You can earn an online bachelor degree, an associate degree on line, a college degree on line and even do a doctorate degree on line. Irrespective of the level of education you seek or the program that holds your interest, you will find many an online university that offers accredited degree programs.

Whether it is business administration accredited online courses, criminal justice accredited online courses, a degree online nursing, career course in education or degree online masters, college accredited degrees assure students of the quality of education, resources and support that they shall receive whilst earning an accredited online degree.

In the pursuit of higher education with an online college or online university, it is essential that students opt for an accredited online degree program that assures them of superior quality of education and recognition of their efforts.

by Mike O'Brien

Online degrees are gaining in popularity and in acceptance in today's society. In the not so distant past, most of these degrees were considered "sub-standard" and were not highly regarded by the educational field, or recognized by businesses as an adequate education.

This is not the case today. As many more students are opting for an online degree, many traditional colleges are now offering these programs. The following tips are offered to students electing to pursue a degree via online education.

First, recognize that an online degree requires a great deal of commitment and self control. This method of study is not the easy way out and may be closer to reality than a degree obtained in a theory based classroom. It takes a great deal of discipline and focus to succeed.

A common misconception that students may have, is that an online college education can be acquired in their spare time. This is so far from the truth. An online degree requires as much time as in-classroom learning. The advantage to an online education, is classroom attendance and studying can be scheduled around other responsibilities, and can take place almost anywhere with an internet connection.

Choose an online college or university wisely and make sure it is accredited. As with traditional colleges, the degrees, certificates, and course structures of online schools vary. Most are eligible for student loan and financial aid programs. Some colleges have a payment plan to help you pay as you go. If you have credits from other schools, ask if you can carry them over. Compare, compare, and compare, until you find the school that is right for you.

If you don't already have a reliable computer with DSL or an Internet Cable connection, get one. Your computer will be your classroom link and it needs to be capable of getting you to where you need to go. Ask what software and other functions you will need your computer to perform in order to meet your course requirements. It is possible to use a public computer, such as at the library, but you lose the flexibility of attending class and studying when it works best for you.
Join online discussion groups at your college. Build your teamwork skills and collaborate with other students. Find people with the same interests for discussion of assignments, and projects. Some instructors or colleges assign you teammates for projects, others allow you to build you own teams. Whatever the structure, having good relationships and connections with colleagues gives you options that you may not otherwise have available.

If possible, get the syllabus for the entire course. Being able to plan ahead and know what is coming, takes the stress out of the unknown. If you are very ambitious, you can even move yourself along a little faster.

Be proactive and keep in touch with your advisors or instructors. Completely understanding assignments and asking questions when clarification when needed, is important in online study. Most courses move very quickly and you cannot afford to get behind. The advisors and instructors are there to help you be successful, use them.

Now that you have made the decision to go ahead with your studies, enjoy your online educational experience, and congratulations on your degree!

By Art Gib

I came across a website the other day that offered life experience degrees and wondered if that really had any value as a degree. Would the work experience you have listed on your resume not be enough or do you actually need a certificate that validates your work experience? When looking for the right online college or university to attend, here are a few pointers to make sure the degree you get is a quality degree that will be valued and respected among your peers and employers.

Accredited Online Colleges

First and foremost, it cannot be stressed enough that you must check the accreditation of the online college or university. To receive accreditation, an online college or university must undergo a thorough evaluation process to ensure that the online college or university offers a quality education that is equivalent to that of a traditional college. An outside accrediting body performs the evaluation, which is not an easy process. Some schools don’t qualify for accreditation and some have even lost accreditation for various reasons. Accreditation also ensures that the online college or university adheres to academic standards. A great way to check accreditation is to visit the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

No Such Thing as a Quick Online Degree

In your search for an online college or university, you may come across sites that offer quick degrees or claim that you can earn an associates or bachelors in no time. Be wary of these claims. The length of time to earn your associates degree or bachelors degree online should be very similar to that of earning your associates degree or bachelors degree through a traditional school such as a community college or state university. While some online colleges or universities can help you earn an associates degree or bachelors degree a little less time, be cautious of those that can offer you an associates degree or bachelors degree in just a few short months.

Real People at Real Online Colleges

Finally, make sure there is a counselor or professor you can actually speak to or even meet with if necessary. If you need help or guidance, you want to make sure that there is someone you can call or see rather than correspond back and forth with a computer. Established, accredited online colleges or universities will typically provide you with a list of numbers to call for specific situations.

guest post by Kimberly Diane

An Online College Degree in No Time: Fund Your Way Through School With Student Financial Aid

There are hundreds of resources available to students who want to continue their education and receive an online college degree but are unable to pay for it up front. Whatever route you're choosing for student financial aid - an unpaid monetary gift or re-paid financial assistance - funding your way through school is achievable. Money no longer needs to be a factor in your decision to return or even go to school the first time around!

To decide which type of student financial aid would suit your educational pursuits, the following information on loans and scholarships should come in handy. Before enrolling at any school to acquire your online college degree, however, you need to make sure that it's accredited, the degree program you're interested in is eligible for student financial aid, and you've discussed your situation with the college's representatives in the financial aid office.

FAFSA: Student Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that provides student financial aid or monetary assistance to eligible individuals who wish to continue their educations well beyond high school and receive a traditional or online college degree. FAFSA strives to encourage all Americans to achieve a higher education and realize the power that it has within our society.

By partnering with a large number of postsecondary schools in the U.S., FAFSA is able to play a vital role in ensuring that interested individuals have ample student financial aid to continue their schooling and receive an online college degree. The program, which processes 14 million applications each year, distributes more than $80 billion per year in student financial aid to eligible applicants (1). To apply online or learn more, please visit www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

Students Loans

In essence, student loans are low-interest monetary assistance from the government to help cover the cost of education (tuition) as well as books, housing, and incidentals. However, upon graduation and receipt of your online college degree, the loan must be re-paid. There are three types of student loans: federal student loans doled out to the students themselves; federal student loans to parents, which are normally referred to as PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students); and private student loans, which are funded by banks and/or financial companies rather than the government.

Advocates for private student loans say that this type of student financial aid combines the best of the low-interest rates, but with a higher loan amount and a longer grace period. Private loans have two methods of disbursement of funds - school to channel (money is distributed to the school) and direct to consumer (money is given to the individual to use as he or she sees fit). Before deciding which type of loan is appropriate for your particular situation, do your homework! Federal student loans require that you are enrolled in college for a certain amount of hours each semester, while private student loans begin accruing interest rather quickly (2).

Loan Forgiveness Programs

While loan forgiveness is not necessarily a way to fund your way through school, it is an excellent way to eliminate your loan debt quickly once you've received your traditional or online college degree. The government has devised a way to purge most (and sometimes all) debt for students who involve themselves in community or military service or work for AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Teach for America, Peace Corps, National Health Service Corps, or teach students in a low-income area (3).

Most of these programs, which serve underprivileged families and individuals, will forgive a large portion of your loan debt if you work full-time upon graduation. The National Health Service Corps, for instance, pays up to $25,000 per year towards your debt. To learn more, visit the Sallie Mae website.

Scholarships

Attend the college of your choice and acquire your online college degree - for free! How is that possible? Student financial aid in the form of scholarships from organizations, clubs, and fund programs all over the United States offer billions of dollars to students around the nation to help them realize their dreams. Scholarships recognize scholastic achievements or merits, while some focus on personal interests, community involvement, and/or financial need. You may be required to write at length on a topic or simply submit some detailed information on your educational interests.

Best of all, scholarships are free money in your pocket - you do not have to re-pay this gift! To learn more about scholarships or to find a few that may be of interest to you, please visit www.fastweb.com.

Realize Your Dreams with an Online College Degree

If you receive a loan, the important thing to keep in mind is that you've been given more money than needed. Try not to spend it all; tuck some away and save it for when you must begin re-paying the loan. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a large loan bill each month (with all the interest to boot). If you've received a few scholarships or other type of student financial aid, congratulations! This money is yours and you can do what you wish with it. You are off the hook and are released from re-paying these generous contributions to your educational pursuits to receive an online college degree.

Regardless which student financial aid route you decide to take, enrolling in college, learning all you can, and acquiring your online college degree are things to be proud of!

guest post by Kimberly Diane