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Why You Should Go Back to School

WGU on October 20, 2009

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Would you like to earn a college degree? Do you have reservations about going back to school? It’s natural for our nerves to get the best of us when we’re confronting a major life experience. But don’t fret. Many people have been in your shoes before. You probably know a friend, neighbor, or family member who went back to college after a number of years. If it makes you feel better, talk to them and ask about their experience. They can give you insight and calm your nerves.

So why should you go back to school? Well, by pursuing a college degree, you can:

Explore your career interest- Maybe you’re ready to take your career in a whole new direction. A college degree program can help you learn more about your field of interest. It can also help you develop the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed in your chosen field.

You can boost your earning potential- Last year; the median salary for those 25 and older with a high school diploma was around $30,732. For those with a Bachelor’s degree, that number was around $50,856. Those with a Master’s degree earned around $63,856.
The unemployment rate was also significantly lower for those with degrees. For high school graduates the rate was 5.7 percent. For those with Bachelor’s degrees, the rate was 2.8 percent*.

Set an example for your friends and family- By earning your college degree, you can feel proud in knowing that you accomplished a major goal. You can also make your friends and family proud and inspire them to fulfill their educational goals as well.

At Western Governors University, the student experience is designed to meet your needs—so you won’t have to choose between work, family, or school. But earning your degree will be challenging and WGU’s programs are ideal for strong independent leaners. Learn more about our online degrees and programs today!

*http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab7.htm

Tags: degree programs, online university degree program, university degree program, Western Governors University, WGU
Posted in Elements of Online Learning | 00 Comments »

Why an Online University Degree Program is Ideal for You

WGU on October 9, 2009

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day. If you’re lucky to get eight hours of sleep, your actual day is reduced to 16 hours. If you work a full-time job, you can subtract another eight to fourteen hours from that. So that gives you two to eight hours of free time. That’s not a lot of time especially if you are raising a family or working another job.
So where is all of this going? Basically, this shows that after we fulfill all of our obligations, we may not have that much time to spare. If you have aspirations of earning a college degree, the last thing that you want to do is spend all of your spare time in a classroom.

Actually, you don’t have to. An online degree program gives you the flexibility that traditional degree programs often lack. These programs allow you to earn a degree completely online without having to sacrifice your current obligations.

While attending an online university, you can study anytime and anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. You can study during your lunch break, while your kids are sleeping, or whenever you have free time. In fact, most online degree programs are designed for people with busy lifestyles. That’s why they are more flexible than a degree program at a brick and mortar college.

An online university degree program is also more cost-effective than a traditional degree program. Why? For one, you’re saving gas money since you don’t have to drive anywhere. You’re also saving the money that you would spend on books and parking passes. If you have little ones, you know that finding a babysitter can be difficult at times. With online learning, you won’t have to worry about that since you can study at home. You also won’t have to worry about scraping up extra money to pay a babysitter.

Are you looking for an online university that’s dedicated to helping you accomplish your professional and educational goals? Then discover the difference of an award-winning university. Western Governors University will give you the support that you need every step of the way but you will need to be a strong independent learner to succeed. You’ll also get a great education that won’t create financial hardship for you and your family.

Take the first step towards a brighter future. Request more information about Western Governors University today!

Tags: online university degree program
Posted in Elements of Online Learning | 4 Comments »

Online University Learning Myths

WGU on October 7, 2009

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During the 2006-2007 school year, there were approximately 11,200 college-level programs that were designed to be completed totally through distance education. One of the reasons why many students turned to these online education programs was because they met their demands for flexible schedules*.

Would you like to earn a college degree but are afraid to do so online? Have you heard so many things about an online degree program that you’re not quite sure what to believe? Don’t let other people’s negativity stop you from reaching your educational goals. Do some research of your own and then make your decision.

Here are common myths about online education that you’ve probably heard before:

Online degree programs are of low quality-Shopping for an online degree program is like shopping for a car or any big ticket item. You’ll find that the quality and selection of program offerings can vary from school to school. Don’t let the school’s name alone influence your decision. Make sure that you try to find an online university that meets your needs.

You won’t have anyone to help you-Today’s virtual campuses offer a great deal of academic and technical support. Many degree programs offer learning resources like mentoring or web-based tutorials. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other students. If you experience any difficulty accessing your course materials, many online schools offer 24/7 technical support.

Learning online will be a breeze-True, you don’t have to attend classes on campus but that doesn’t mean that your online degree program will be a breeze. Online degree programs can be just as intense as the ones offered at a traditional college. In order to successfully complete your online degree program, you’ll need to stay focused and committed.

At reputable online universities such as Western Governors University, you’ll get the support that you need every step of the way. WGU’s online degree programs are ideal for strong independent learners. Request more information about Western Governors University today!

http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009044.pdf

Tags: degree programs, online degree, online education, Western Governors University, WGU
Posted in Elements of Online Learning | 00 Comments »

Benefits of an Online University Degree Program

WGU on October 2, 2009

An online university degree program is a great way to earn a degree without interrupting your life. You can learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. You’ll also save money on things like gas and parking passes.

Are you still trying to decide if an online degree program is right for you? Here are some of the benefits of attending an online university:

• You can still work while you earn your degree.

• You can determine the pace of your degree program.

• You can study and learn when it’s convenient for you.

• You’ll have the chance to interact with a mentor and students from across the country.

• You can develop new computer skills.

• You can study in your pajamas.

• You won’t have to hire a babysitter for the kids because you can study at home.

• You can save on transportation costs.

• You’ll have 24 hour access to an online library.

• You can develop the knowledge and skills that you need to succeed in the privacy of your own home.

Are you looking for an online university that’s dedicated to helping you accomplish your professional and educational goals? Then discover the difference of Western Governors University. At WGU, you’ll get the support that you need every step of the way but will need to be a strong independent learner to succeed. You’ll also get a great education that won’t create financial hardship for you and your family.

Take the first step towards a brighter future. Request more information about Western Governors University today!

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Tags: online degree program, online schools, online university, Western Governors University, WGU
Posted in Elements of Online Learning | 00 Comments »

How to Choose the Right Online University

WGU on September 1, 2009

Congratulations on deciding to earn an online college degree. You have just completed the first step in changing your future. Online degree programs allow you to earn a career-focused degree without dealing with the rigors of a traditional, brick and mortar college. Many online degree programs allow you to accelerate or decelerate the pace of your degree programs. They also give you the ability to learn anytime and anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection.

There’s no doubt that online degree programs are great for those with time restraints or families, but how do you find the online university that’s right for you? Well here are a few things to consider when you are trying to decide on online university:

Cost
The price of the program should be an important factor for you especially if you’re not receiving financial assistance. Remember, a hefty tuition doesn’t necessarily ensure that you will get a great education. It’s possible to find great degree programs at lower tuition schools. Check out the online degree programs offered by state and local colleges. They’re basically the same as the degree programs that are offered on campus.

Accreditation
According to the U.S. Department of Education, “the goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.”* Accreditation also determines if a school is eligible for Federal and State Financial Aid Programs. So make sure that the accreditation of your prospective school is legitimate.

Degree Programs
Make sure the objectives of the degree program match your personal objectives. Take a look at the courses of your intended degree program. Make sure they relate to your field of interest. When it comes down to it, you don’t want to waste time and money on unnecessary classes. If you can, try to talk to someone who has experienced the degree program that you’re interested in. They can give you insights on the positives and negatives of the program.

Teachers
Don’t be afraid to ask about the staff. Find out if you will be learning from experienced professionals who are certified to teach online. Also, see if the school offers an online tour so you can get a feel for the classes. This will give you the chance to see how the classes are conducted.

Technical Support
If you know that you’re not good with computers, make sure that your program offers around the clock technical support. Say you work second shift. It may be 11p.m. by the time you start your studies. What if there’s a problem with one of the learning modules? You can relax knowing that you will get the technical assistance that you need regardless of the time of night…or day.

Tags: online degree programs, Online program support, online school accreditations, Paying for School, Western Governors University
Posted in Elements of Online Learning, Paying for School, Selecting Your School | 00 Comments »

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