· Connect to career counselors to choose the best study area for you. You can also explore different internet sources and video interviews of professionals to make the best decision.
· After shortlisting subjects/study areas, make a list of career goals to specifically pick a subject from the list. Keep in mind the employment options and proceed accordingly. Specifying your career goals is important to choose the best online college for you.
· Select the best degree program according to your study area. Some students choose a two-year associate degree while other students select a bachelors’ program. You can also select a joint degree that offers a combined bachelors’ and a professional degree in less time. After selecting a major and degree program, search online colleges that are offering these degrees and make a list of good online colleges. Now you have to choose the best online college by excluding the choices according to the following criteria.
2. Investigate the accreditation status of online college
Accreditation is the official recognition of the institute from a federal/regional agency that permits attestation to confirm the credibility or competency of a particular institute. The accreditation of an educational institute provides value to its degree. A degree from an accredited online college can ensure the best career opportunities for you. Your career will be at risk if you are graduated from an unaccredited college. So, you have to learn how to investigate or check the accreditation status of an online college.
· Go to the website of the United States Department of Education (USDE) and search with online college name. You will be provided with the accreditation status of the respective college. You can also check the accreditation of the database of USDE.
· You can also investigate the accreditation status of online colleges by visiting listings of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Always keep in mind the difference between accreditation of institution and degree program.
Accreditation of educational institute This type of accreditation is provided to an educational institute as a whole. Specialized accreditation can be provided to different components of the institute for example centers, faculty, and colleges within the university. Online colleges can acquire accreditation which will improve their credibility. All programs offered by an accredited institute are not equally reliable.
