What to Look for in an Online University

---

Accreditation is a national system of monitoring the quality of the credits you receive from an institution of higher education. Accreditation agencies include:

»  Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
»  New England Association of Schools and Colleges
»  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
»  Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
»  Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
»  Western Association of Schools and Colleges

The online education you list on your résumé should be just as impressive as an education received at a traditional campus. That is why you should seek an online program that, like Penn State, offers credits and degrees identical to those earned on campus. These credits are more recognizable in the marketplace, can be combined with those earned previously, and may be transferred to any other accredited institutions.

Creating an engaging and effective course requires a clear understanding of course objectives, as well as the appropriate use of technology and other learning materials.  Penn State World Campus courses, for instance, are built from the ground up by teams of faculty and technicians—ensuring that students get the most out of their online educational experiences. Learn more about the different types of distance education courses offered by Penn State.

Your ability to communicate effectively online with your peers and instructors will be critical to your success as an online student, and will sharpen your skills as a professional. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook 2004 survey, employers rated "communication skills" higher in importance than any other employee quality.

When considering an online course, look for opportunities to vigorously practice communicating online. Techniques used in World Campus courses include regular e-mails and threaded discussion board postings. Many students and instructors alike report more and better interpersonal feedback in their online courses than they typically experience in a traditional setting.

Customer service is a critical factor to consider when comparing online programs. You need to feel secure that all of your questions and concerns will be addressed and resolved in a timely fashion, even without any face-to-face interaction. Technical support, academic advising, and access to library materials and other online resources are all important services to look for.

The award-winning Student Services team at World Campus provides online students assistance with the same services that an on-campus student would expect. From registration, to financial aid, to record maintenance—our students are covered. And they never have to wait in line.

Additionally, our students enjoy access to vast Penn State library resources and helpful online chats with librarians. And all of our degree students are assigned personal academic advisers who help them stay on target with their educational goals.

That last thing you want to deal with in an online course is an unsupported technical problem. Before you enroll in any online course, make sure that reliable support is available—when you need it.

The World Campus HelpDesk provides live tech support from 8:00 a.m. to midnight eastern standard time, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends. Technical problems can be addressed through online chat, e-mail, or telephone. Messages submitted during off-hours are addressed by tech support staff as the first order of business each morning. 

With so many new suppliers jumping into the online education arena, it's important to research any provider's history in the field. Penn State, for example, has been a pioneer in distance education since offering its first correspondence study program in 1892. Today, Penn State continues this tradition by taking a leadership role in online education with the innovative, highly regarded World Campus.

Try to find a program that has successfully graduated students from its online programs and don't be afraid to ask for testimonials. Hundreds of students from across the globe have earned their associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online, and thousands are currently enrolled in programs offered by Penn State.

Today our graduates can be found working for such companies as Weyerhauser, JP Morgan Chase, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boeing, AT&T, and Dow Corning, as well as the U.S. Armed Forces. And every World Campus graduate is eligible for membership in the Penn State Alumni Association—an outstanding international network of professionals.