online degree programs psychology | 5 hard questions to ask before you start your online education
OK, so you’ve finally realized and decided that this is the year you’re
gonna start (or finish) that degree - right? 
And, you’ve also decided that you’ll be taking most (if not all) of your
classes online.
So welcome to the online dormroom, good buddy!
Now, for a little “tough love”
(”What? on my first day in the online degree dormroom? )
There are a lot of online degree sites out there, and alot of wisdom on
what it takes to get your degree online. But I’d like to sum all of it up with just 5 questions…
Call it - the 5 hard questions to ask before you start your online education:
Numero Uno: Is the Online College or University you’re considering ACCREDITED?
Probably the most important question. You HAVE to look into accreditation.
Get your online degree from a non-accredited institution and you’re soon fine that
your degree is not recognized by some employers.
Or, almost as bad, that course you took will not transfer to another institutions.
Did you know that, unlike the practices of most other countries, the United States government does not ensure all online colleges are accredited?
So make absolutely sure you can answer YES to this question.
2. Can I transfer my credits?
Every online college and university has a different credit transfer policy.
So it’s very important if you’ve already earned some college credits understand the credit transfer policy before beginning an online program. Check with the institution to clarify any questions about transfer requirements, so you won’t be surprised later.
3. Do you know your Financial Aid options?
One of the most important things to consider with When researching an online college it is to look into the institution’s financial aid options. According to a 2003-04 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 63 percent of all undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid options include scholarships, work-study programs, grants, loans and loan-forgiveness programs.
So make sure you know how to “follow the money”
4. Are you the right kind of “learner” for an online degree program?
OK, this is tough one, because you have to be brutally honest with yourself.
Although an online education is the ideal way to learn for millions of people, it doesn’t fit everyone’s learning style.
So before you even apply for an online degree program make DARN SURE that online learning is conducive to your lifestyle. You have to think about your technology access and skills, your personal motivation and overall learning style and then decide if online learning is right for you.
5. Can you rely on your family and/or employer for support?
It’s a must that to do your best academically, you have to have the support of those closest to you. Talk this over with your family, because it WILL have an impact at home. It’s also important for you to make sure you have buy-in from the boss.
Or his boss .
Make sure your employer and manager will support you when you take your lunch hour catching up on a paper or answering a discussion question for your class.
Getting an online degree is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly and one
that will have a tremendous impact on your life. If you do things right, that impact will be very positive, such as improving your career, confidence and salary.