The University of Alabama has offered online degree programs as an alternative to traditional, on-campus schooling for years. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree from UA but are hesitant about committing to the time and expense of attending classes on campus five days a week, you have several online degree options. An online degree from the University of Alabama is a great way to achieve your educational goals while balancing other responsibilities and remaining near family and friends.
An online degree program allows you to complete courses when it’s convenient for you, with minimal commuting time and without uprooting your life. The University of Alabama offers six different online degree programs that can be completed at home or from another designated location. Each program has a variety of start dates throughout the year so that you can begin whenever works best for your schedule. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of an online degree from UA!
Learning at Your Own Pace
One of the biggest benefits of an online degree program is the ability to work at your own pace. Whether your schedule is packed with activities outside of school or you need to take a break from school for extenuating circumstances, an online degree program is an ideal solution. You can spend as much or as little time on each course as you feel it requires, and most courses allow you to take as many—or as few—course credits as you need.
Some programs allow you to complete your coursework on a part-time or full-time basis, which allows you to adjust your schedule to meet your other responsibilities. A maximum course load of 18 credits per term is typical in an online degree program, which is often less than what is required of on-campus students.
An Affordable Online Degree Option
An online degree is often more affordable than an on-campus degree due to a smaller student-faculty ratio, less expensive real estate costs, and fewer operational expenditures (i.e., less money spent on utilities and facility maintenance). The tuition for an online degree from UA is the same as the in-state tuition for on-campus students, so you won’t be required to pay out-of-state fees.
Some online degree programs also offer tuition payment plans and financial aid. Because an online degree is often less expensive than an on-campus degree, it may be easier to qualify for financial aid. If you need help with tuition but are unsure if you will qualify, an online degree program could be a great option for you.
Convenient Course Timing and Location Options
Another benefit of an online degree program is the flexibility in course timing and location options. You can complete your coursework at a time that works best for your schedule, making an online degree program a great choice for busy professionals and parents who want to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Some online degree programs require you to attend a certain number of on-campus visits each term, but many programs allow you to complete your entire course load online.
Even for programs that require in-person components, you can complete most of your coursework online and visit campus only when necessary. Depending on your program of study, you may also have the option of completing your courses from a remote location. This is especially helpful for students who want to continue living in the area where they currently reside, but still want to earn a degree from the University of Alabama.
Prestigious Accreditation and Certification Pathways
The University of Alabama’s online degree programs is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is one of the most reputable accreditation bodies in the country. Earning a degree from UA will open doors to graduate school and countless career opportunities in Alabama and across the United States.
Any online degree program at UA will also prepare you to pursue certification, if applicable. This can be particularly helpful if you’re pursuing a degree in a healthcare-related field. Some healthcare professions require a specific certification, and completing your degree at UA will allow you to begin a path toward certification.
The University of Alabama’s online degree programs is a great option for working professionals who want to advance their careers and increase their earning potential but don’t want to relocate to pursue a degree.
Reduced Time to Graduation
Another benefit of an online degree program at UA is the reduced time to graduation. If you’re already familiar with the University of Alabama’s online degree programs, then you know that the general rule of thumb is to plan for at least two years to complete your degree. This is the minimum amount of time that is recommended for most students, but many students take even longer to graduate.
Because you are working at your own pace and are not required to attend class at a specific time, an online degree program will allow you to graduate in a shorter amount of time. You have the option to accelerate your graduation date by taking more course credits during each term, passing your courses with a higher grade than what is required, or some combination of both.
For example, if you are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management, you could graduate in as little as two years and nine months if you take 18 credits per term and earn a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Conclusion
Spending time in a traditional classroom setting is a significant commitment and one that you shouldn’t enter into lightly. When considering the costs associated with earning a degree from a traditional, on-campus university — including room and board, transportation costs and increased stress due to commuting — an online degree program may be a better fit for you.
Even if you’re an extrovert who thrives in a group setting, an online degree program may be the ideal solution for you. The University of Alabama has offered online degree programs as an alternative to traditional, on-campus schooling for years.
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree from UA but are hesitant about committing to the time and expense of attending classes on campus five days a week, you have several online degree options. An online degree from the University of Alabama is a great way to achieve your educational goals while balancing other responsibilities and remaining near family and friends.
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