Understanding Distance Learning Universities

With the advent of globalization, education has covered varied provinces with great ease while rooting itself firmly in its originality. With technology changing over time it has split itself in different modes and processes. Among those modes and process of learning, is Distance Learning, also known as correspondence study or independent study. This is a completely unconventional form of education process that exists outside the classrooms. Courses are taken by students in their homes by using a variety of means including books, paper, pen, videos, CDs, internet, and so on. Computer programs have altogether replaced the instructors. However, it have been proven as a boon for those who are financially not sound, or who work full time. It gives them another opportunity to pursue education on their own time.

Qualifications for Distance Learning Universities

Individual courses can be pursued in as minimum as a few hours whereas traditional courses can stretch up to 12-15 weeks in a semester to complete. Options are also available for courses on credit basis, which can be further applied towards degree programs to non-credit courses which is ideally for personal satisfaction.

Degrees Available for Distance Learning Universities:

Undergraduate degrees: Traditionally takes two years of full-time study to complete, it requires students to complete approximately 60 credits-worth of courses.

Postgraduate degrees: These programs require students to complete 30-35 credits worth of postgraduate level courses and takes 18 months to be completed.

Certificate programs: These are special type of vocational or professional courses which can last from few days to a year.

Nearly 2,000 US universities and other institutions provide various forms of distance learning. However, the top three universities are as follows:

University of Phoenix

Established in the year 1976, the University of Phoenix is an accredited university that offers a variety of courses to students. The online courses include associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of Technology, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Technology, Human Services, Health Care and more. It is among the largest private universities in North America that meets the educational needs of many who are committed to job or family. It has a very flexible online learning format that is available in most of the countries around the globe.
The university and its flexible online format completely eradicate the need of a classroom and introduces the students to a virtual world that is uniquely refined. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org). Also, it is a long time service member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC).
Courses Available

• Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology, Psychology, and Foundations of Business
• Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, Information Technology, Human Services/Management, Management and Business
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) program
• Master of Science in Accountancy, Nursing and Psychology
• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Health Administration
  Note: Programs vary by campus and learning format

Walden University

This university offers over 35 online degree programs with more than 140 specializations and concentrations. It is an accredited online graduate university headquartered in Minnesota. Herein, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programs are offered in the domains of Education, Engineering, Public Administration, Technology, Management, Health Sciences, Nursing, Human Services, Counseling, Psychology, and Interdisciplinary Studies. The university boasts more than 60,000 students and alumni.
Bachelor, Master and Ph.D degree programs in the following schools:

• School of Health Sciences
• School of Management
• School of Public Policy and Administration
• School of Nursing
• School of Psychology
• The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
• Center for Undergraduate Studies
• School of Counseling and Social Service

Northcentral University

Incepted in the year 1996, this university is an accredited, private, 100% online institution. Courses start monthly and are 8 to 12-weeks in term length. The best of this is, academic courses can be customized as per the interest of the students. The university is regionally accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Chicago, Illinois.
Courses Available:
BA, BBA, MA, MBA, DBA, MEd, EdD, PhD in:

• Accounting
• Management
• Marketing
• E-Commerce
• Financial Management
• Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security Leadership & Policy
• Computer Science
• Health Care Administration
• Human Resources Management
• International Business and many more
  With all these and many more, universities can help you achieve your desired goal.