Let’s face it: we live in an Internet-based world. Where nearly everything from cash to communication is sourcing the Internet, why not education? This argument must have reached employers as well, since the latest shift in the human resources sector is the employer perspective of online education. It’s being viewed more favorably than ever before, says a new report from Industry Market Trends.
Reuters has reported that online education saw a growth of 13 per cent in 2008. While the favorable inclination for online programs in various disciplines among job-seekers as well as employers is fast increasing, some still nurture a mindset that online education is ’shallow’.
Now, I’m not saying every website that offers an online course is commendable, but if you do some research on what makes a university remarkable based on accreditation, the range of degree courses, founders, tuition fees and affordability, you’ll arrive at some top-notch online universities such as the Western Governors University (WGU).
For one thing, WGU started about the same time as when Internet really took off — way back in 1997, as a non-profit online university founded and supported by 19 US governors. It offers convenient and flexible online degree programs (designed for “busy adults”) in disciplines ranging from teacher licensure in a number of areas and business management to IT and health care.
Students complete as much as they can during their allotted six-month term, without paying extra and thus have an opportunity to complete a degree quicker.
WGU online programs are nationally and regionally accredited, which means you’re assured of a basic level of quality in education as well as transfer of credits to other accredited institutions.
Whether you enroll for a masters degree online or a baccalaureate program with WGU, you can rest assured that the tuition fee is totally affordable. This low cost is party attributable to the fact that you don’t have to pay for an expensive campus and associated amenities that are the norm with regular universities.
