Things You'll Need:
- Internet access (preferably high speed)
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Step 1
Make sure online learning is right for you. Ask yourself whether you can handle not having an instructor leaning over your shoulder, reminding you an assignment is due or an exam is upcoming, and whether you need that face-to-face interaction with other students and the instructor to succeed.
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Step 2
Identify potential online colleges and universities that have the online degree program you want. Make sure that the online school you’re considering is accredited, especially if you want to transfer your credits to a traditional college or university in the future.
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Step 3
Once you have found several potential online degree programs, find out how they work by talking with instructors and current and former students.
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Step 4
Inquire about the technical support available at the online school. Is it available 24 hours a day, seven days a week? How do you contact technical support? Knowing the answers to these questions is essential because you want to have access to your online courses at all times.
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Step 5
Identify the entrance requirements for the online degree program in which you are interested to determine whether you are qualified for admittance into the program. For example, if you are considering a graduate program online, are you required to take the GRE?
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Step 6
Find out the school's technical requirements to ensure that your computer is compatible with the online degree program. If you have dial-up Internet access, consider moving to high speed Internet access to allow for a faster and smoother experience.
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Step 7
Apply for the online degree program(s) you have chosen, after you’ve verified that you meet all of the entrance requirements.
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Step 8
Every online degree program, or online course for that matter, should have an orientation. Be on the lookout for information about the orientation, and complete it as soon as you are ready.
