One thing to consider when seeking out a master degree online is whether or not you want one with a residency requirement. Not all online degree programs are limited entirely to the online environment. There are quite a few with actual class time requirements.
You might be wondering why you should even consider these types of online programs. These programs actually appeal for many reasons. The number one reason is of course improved networking among master degree online students who engage occasionally in a physical classroom.
Naturally, networking is much more effective face-to-face. Programs that allow such networking opportunities are advantageous for this reason exactly. Furthermore, you may benefit from the heightened interaction too academically.
It is easier to ask for help from your peers and professors if they are within your reach. There is speedy exchange of knowledge. People often take a while to answer when you interact with them online, because the call for response is not as urgent.
Furthermore, some courses are just better off with residencies. This is due to their emphasis on experience or practical learning. There is great focus on practical experience in some programs and so the programs that offer online students a fair amount of lab opportunities would be ideal.
Knowledge sometimes is the prevailing factor; and where this is the case then physical class time is not a priority. These programs are fully capable of delivering the entire program online. Residencies take a backseat in such cases.
Just how great a residency component you wish to include in your studies is the next consideration for those who have deemed it necessary. The requirements vary for each school. Almost half of the course can be required to be performed offline.
Obviously if your time doesn’t allow, you need to look for programs with low residency requirements. It's possible to find programs with just a few days in a semester as part of their residency component. Just one semester out of the whole course is the full residency requirement for some programs.
Hybrid versions take up as much of your time on campus as they do off it. Whatever you decide, a primary consideration should naturally be your own limits. Remember that the intention of these programs, as far as students are concerned, is to avoid having to go to a campus.
How far you are in relation to the institution's classrooms is a huge concern when one thinks of the residencies offered by master degree online programs. The farther your location from that base, the lower the residency requirements you may want to take. This spares not only time but also cost.
