Accelerated Online College Degree Program Requirements
Many individuals currently in the work force are seeking ways to gain a promotion or increase their pay. Some research online Universities as a solution to save money and time on commuting. The flexibility of online programs allows the working professional to complete assignments at their leisure. Accelerated programs are offered to assist the working professional in obtaining their degree in as little time as possible.
With an Accelerated degree, programs that typically take 2 years to complete can be completed in one year. The course work is more demanding within an accelerated program because more information is presented in a condensed time period. In full time programs, the participant may take several classes simultaneously per semester. In an accelerated program, the participant may take one to two classes at an accelerated rate. Scientific studies have shown that students are more apt to retain the information if the classes in accelerated programs are taught in this manner. Assignments within these courses are often project based in order to emulate the work environment.
Challenges of Online Programs
Obtaining a degree online can be a more convenient process. However, many problems still exist with this concept. The student considering an online degree should be certain to research several items before enrolling in a program.
The student must first verify the University’s Accreditation. If the online University is not certified, the student may find that he or she is unable to obtain a job with the credentials acquired. Employers will not recognize degrees from Universities that have not met the requirements for accreditation. Students with non-accredited degrees often find themselves enrolling in an accredited program after the non-accredited degree. Thus, they invest twice the amount of money on an education. This extra expenditure could have been avoided had the student researched and found an accredited University the first time.
The student should also research to determine the percentage of graduates that received job placement, salary increases, or leadership promotions. These factors are important when selecting an online University.
Cheating is also a problem with online degrees. Assignments and tests are administered online. Students are expected to uphold the Honor System of the University. However, the temptation often is greater than the student can bear, and they may violate the Honor System. Hybrid programs were developed in order to prevent the cheating problems. Assignments in a hybrid program are completed online. However, the major tests are conducted in a controlled environment. Students should be aware of the type of program he or she is enrolling beforehand.
Types of Accelerated Programs Offered
Associates Degree
A traditional Associates Degree requires 2 years of academic study to complete. A typical accelerated studies program takes 20 months.
Bachelors Degree
A traditional Bachelors Degree program takes 4 years to complete. Accelerated study programs will allow the participants to receive their Bachelors Degree in 2 years or more.
Masters Degree
A traditional Masters Degree program can range from 2 to 3 years. An accelerated program can be completed in one year to 18 months for a Masters or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Dual Masters Degree and Bachelors Degree
A dual Masters and Bachelors degree allows the participant to complete both degrees in 5 years, as opposed to the traditional 6 or more years required.