When you have good self-discipline and have a sincere desire to maximize the college experience, taking online college classes can be a smart move, even when you have an already busy life. Think about the benefit of not commuting to campus or not having to make special arrangements to care for young children.
And hey, you won’t feel like you’re the only one. Every year, more than six million students begin their career dreams by taking online college courses. At least a third of all college students now take at least one online course, says the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Who’s a Good Fit for Online College Classes?
Successful completion of online coursework takes self-motivation and an intense desire to stay on task – students don’t have the framework of a regularly scheduled class period, and completing assignments on time is totally up to them.
College advisors agree that online courses are a good fit for those who want to pick up college credits while in high school, even if they’re unsure what their college major will be.
Those who are in a full-time job also find online college classes are a way to reach their career goals. The key to balancing online classes with a full-time job is communicating the intent to do so with the employer. Their awareness of an employee’s educational goal may allow flexibility in your workdays or hours. Many companies also have tuition reimbursement or grants/awards for those who want to attend college.
“Gen Ed” Classes are Good Online Choices
Most colleges offer online options for general education classes required for a college degree. “Gen eds” – general education courses – are designed to expand a student’s ability to understand concepts, widen perspectives on the world around them, and prepare students for specialized study in their degree area.
Typically, general education classes and courses that are required for a degree include subjects such as
If you’re thinking about a healthcare-related degree, online classes may also include healthcare terminology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Thanks to today’s technology, even anatomy labs can be conducted online.
Online Classes vs. On-campus Classes
One thing you do need to check is the quality of a university’s online class delivery. Generally, speaking most universities follow standards for remote delivery, so they match the quality of on-campus classes.
Academic advisors also say online classes recommend using available tutors and academic support services, especially if this is their first online course. Most classes will require 12-18 hours of time per week, so schedule your time accordingly.
Quality Standards to Expect
Want some tips for success in online college classes? Check out this blog series.
Ready for Online Classes? Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university that’s a leader in chiropractic and health sciences. CUKC is located in Overland Park, Kansas, within the Kansas City metro. Our 34-acre campus is within a 20-minute drive from Kansas City’s urban areas.
Several of the University’s “gen ed” classes – those needed before being accepted into the two-year A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology and A.A.S. in Occupational Therapy Assistant are available in an online format. For details, go here.
CUKC also offers an anatomy and physiology course online with labs, which students traditionally need for pre-med, pre-chiropractic, and pre-dentistry degree programs. Completing all general education and required courses for a degree program and satisfying all other CUKC considerations can lead to “preferred admission” status – a distinct advantage.
Cleveland University-Kansas City online coursework meets the standards set by the Higher Learning Commission, a U.S. Dept. of Education regional accrediting agency. CUKC is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This organization oversees the delivery of postsecondary distance education across the U.S.
Learn more about CUKC degree programs by contacting an advisor today. For information on college financial aid opportunities, download this free eBook: Your Guide to Navigating College Financial Aid.