Earning a Technology Degree Online

By David Cassell

An Overview of Technology Distance Education

One of the more in-demand degrees today is in the field of technology and IT, and the variety of college and university programs on the internet have made it easier to earn a distance education technology. In fact, some the institutions are strictly technology oriented schools. You can be certified, or you can go for a bachelor’s, masters, or even a doctorate degree in technology online at a variety of online colleges and universities.

Earning a Technology degree online will help you build a detailed understanding of the functions and processes of code development, computer design, and programming methods. Students enrolled in Technology degree programs online can expect to improve their communication skills, critical thinking, and their technical competency within the workplace through both case analysis studies and hands-on experience.

Career Possibilities

New career opportunities in computer-related sciences and information technology are opening up all the time in the job market, not just in the US, but internationally as well. Just as there is a broad array of career paths in computers and technology to select from, there are just as many certificate and degree programs offered online. Whether you’re endeavouring to start a new career or just further your current career, there are numerous accredited Technology degrees available online.

The following list (though far from complete) reflects a small sample of the career technology areas:

• Applications Programming
• Communications
• Computer Design
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Manufacturing
• Computer Programming
• Data Mining
• Data Storage
• Database Administration
• Database Systems
• E-Commerce
• Game Design
• Information Architecture
• Information Management
• Information Systems
• Networks
• Network Security
• Operating Systems
• Software Design
• Systems Analysis
• Telecommunications
• Web Development

Top-Rated Technology Distance Education Programs

The wide array of computer science and information technology degree programs available online today is literally staggering. The following is a list of the six most sought after programs in the Technology distance education arena:

Online Degrees in Graphics and Multimedia:

• game design
• graphics and multimedia

Online Degrees in Information Systems Operation and Management:

• information assurance
• information systems
• information systems security
• information technology
• technical management
• vendor certifications

Online Degrees in Networking:

• computer networking
• network administration
• network security
• telecommunications

Online Degrees in Programming and Software Development:

• computer and software engineering
• computer programming
• computer science

Online Degrees in Training and Support:

• technical writing

Online Degrees in Web Design and Internet:

• internet technologies
• web design
• web development

Reasons for Technology Distance Education Popularity

Certificate and degree programs in the field of technology are among some of the most popular offered online today for three key reasons:

• Online classrooms offered in technology distance education are ideal because they offer interactive media in a computer-based curriculum

• Best-practices, standards, and technology platforms oftentimes change quickly and technology distance education materials have been designed to be updated continually in order to enable the student to stay ahead of the learning curve

• Career opportunities and technology specializations are continually expanding their focus and accredited colleges and universities now offer the most comprehensive array of certificate and degree programs available

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Making the Best Distance Education Choice for You

Choosing the best distance education program for you means finding a good fit between the distance learning experience and the kind of skills, knowledge, and credentials that will help you meet your educational goals.

Distance education requires self-motivation and a serious approach to learning because much of the work is done without supervision. Interaction between students and teacher and between the students themselves is also vital to the success of the distance studies student.

Distance learning programs can vary widely, so investigate your choices carefully. Visit school websites and you’ll soon discover distance learning institutions range from traditional schools to virtual universities and offer programs just as diverse. You will need to do some exploring.

Accreditation is the number one verification of quality. But be careful, Accrediting agencies number in the hundreds, and bogus institutions have begun creating their own Accreditors to mislead consumers who don’t do thorough research. There are however a number of ways to check on the legitimacy of Accreditors. The U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov) has a list of verified Accreditors and the Distance Education Training Council www.detc.org) can also help.

Here are some other important factors to consider when researching a program or school:

Student Profile:
· the ratio of applicants to the number of applicants accepted.
· the average age of applicants accepted.
· years of previous work experience of applicants accepted.
· industry/background experience of applicants accepted.
· the average GPA and GRE scores of accepted applicants.
· what financial aid is available including assistantships, scholarships, teaching opportunities, etc.

Program:
· will you have to attend actual classes at specific times of the year?
· what technology will you need to participate in a program? Do you have the computer/modem specifications required?
· to what extent do students have access to university services and resources, such as the library?
· is there opportunity for interaction with other students? Does the program facilitate regular meetings, online chats, bulletin boards, video conferencing, etc.
· what is covered in terms of content?

Faculty:
· is there opportunity for students and faculty to interact?
· is there a mentor, advisor or supervisor system established in the program?
· are the faculty members actively involved with professional organizations?
· what is the quality or experience of the faculty?

Graduates:
· ask about the success of past graduates. What positions or job titles were held by students immediately upon graduating, and 5 years down the road?
· what was their average salary?
· what percentage of students actually complete their degree?
· what is the average time taken to complete a degree?

As an adult learner or distance education student, you owe it to yourself to find a school that will be supportive of your busy lifestyle, adult needs and non-traditional learning environment. Take the time to research your choices carefully and you will surely make the best decision to meet your needs.

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