How to Earn a Master's Degree Online

Surf to a high-paid career opportunity

Your career is flourishing. You have your eye on a big promotion and a bigger office. But perhaps that next career move will be easier with a master's degree in your area of specialization. Even busy professionals like you can take time to earn a master's degree online.

Instructions

1. Look at the skills required for your job and decide what you want to focus on. The master's in business administration (MBA) is a popular degree for business professionals, but even an MBA can specialize in accounting, finance or human resources. Other fields of study include information science and logistics. All types of programs are available in the arts and sciences.

2. Search the Internet for programs in your career field. Check the colleges and universities in your area to see if they offer online degree programs.

3. Be sure the schools that interest you are accredited by a federally recognized accrediting body. Only accredited schools can offer financial aid.

4. Talk to your employer about your education plans and find out if the company offers a tuition reimbursement program.

5. Apply to the schools you are interested in. Be sure to include all required items such as the application fee, transcripts, letters of recommendation and scores from the required graduate examinations.

6. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the same time you apply. Have your information sent to all the schools that interest you.

7. Go over your acceptance paperwork carefully and comply with any additional requests. This is also a good time to make sure your computer meets the requirements for using the school's online classroom software.

8. Enroll in the Web-based orientation session provided for all new students in your school's online master's program. Weekly participation in the online learning community is critical to your success as an online student.

Tips & Warnings

• Working toward your master's degree online takes commitment. Recruit your family and friends to act as your support group. They'll need to respect the time you schedule each week to participate in class and complete assignments.

• If you have a laptop computer, you can use your local coffee shop as a classroom. You can login anywhere there is a wi-fi connection.

• Plan to spend, on average, 24 to 42 months completing your degree online, depending on the program and prerequisites you are required to complete.

• In your search for an online degree program, you will see ads offering to give you "the degree you deserve" based on your life experience. Don't fall for this scam. There is no legitimate master's degree available for a few hundred dollars. You risk losing your professional reputation (and possibly your job) if you try to pass off one of these diploma-mill degrees as the real thing.

• Although some schools will tell you that accreditation is voluntary and not required, be sure to stick with accredited institutions. Schools accredited by one of the federally recognized accrediting bodies must meet strict standards, and their performance is regularly reviewed. In addition, only accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid programs.