Online Computer Science Degree: Five Things You Need to Know

What could be easier? Log into class while still sitting in bed (in your pajamas)and listening to your class lecture at any time you choose? Online education hasopened the floodgates of opportunity for many students who might otherwisenever be able to attend college and earn their degree. But, it isn't always easy.Earning an online degree in computer science is a great way to learn - after all,why not utilize the same technology you're studying to actually do the work - butthere are five things you must know before signing up for any distance-learningcomputer science program:

#1: Not All Online Programs Are Alike

Chances are you've seen their ads on television, in magazines or even pop-upon your own computer: "Earn your computer science degree right from your ownhome!" Like me, you may have asked yourself, "Are these programs legit?" Well,some are, and some aren't. Before falling for any program's hype, be sure thatyou've investigated their program thoroughly.One of the easiest and simplest ways to know a program is legitimate is if itshows up in a reputable degree search engine. There are many of these around,but some are clearly so much better than others that there are really only two I'dever suggest anyone use. The first is

right here

. (Click on the link to check itout.)I've found that for most types of degrees - computer science included - you caneasily find a degree in less than 60 seconds. But don't take my word for it. Clickon the link above to see for yourself, or

click here to watch a video

showingyou exactly how it's done.All of the degree programs you'll find at the link above meet these criteria - all of which are things you need to look out for when choosing your computer scienceprogram. They:* Are accredited by a national accreditation organization.* Allow you to transfer online credits to more traditional programs and/or schoolsif you like.* Offer the same type of classes and basic education found in traditional collegeprograms.* Offer some sort of intensive hands-on computer programming training. Manytraditional colleges require CS students to complete hours and hours of labtraining. Find out how the online degree program you're consideringcompensates for your inability to be in a computer lab setting.* Offer the same degree as its traditional students receive.* Are widely accepted by other schools, as well as potential employers.

#2: Some Online Programs Are Accelerated

It may sound like a great idea to finish your degree in half the time, until yourealize that there are no short-cuts and in order to accomplish that goal , you'reforced to do twice the amount of work in half the time.When my husband decided to get his Master's in Business Technology, he knewhe could handle the workload of only 2 classes at a time, even though he neededto complete 12 week's worth of work in only 6 weeks because he's been workingin the industry for years. He admitted later, however, that had he not hadpersonal experience in much of the stuff he was learning, he wouldn't have beenable to keep up such a stringent pace. Be sure you understand all of the detailsregarding class times, schedules and responsibilities before signing onto anyonline program.

#3: Not All Programs Can Be Completed Online

You may think that you can complete your entire degree online when you sign on,but be sure that that is truly the case. Some online college programs requirestudents to do some of their coursework on-site at their local campus --especially classes that require lab work and on-site supervision. And, if theprogram you choose doesn't require on-site programming work, ask how theyplan on teaching you these important computer science elements. There are a lotof things you can learn "by the book," but there are many more that only hands-on experience can provide. Be wary of programs that claim it's unnecessary toever really use what you're learning in a real-life scenario.

#4: Some Programs Don't Qualify for Financial Aid

All schools must adhere to strict federal guidelines and mandates in order for their students to qualify for federal financial aid and student loans. There aresome computer-training classes, courses and complete programs that do notqualify for traditional aid. Find out why. It may be because the program is lackingsome important elements needed to be truly trained in whatever computer science area you need.(

Note

: Play it safe and go with a degree search engine that specializes in helpingfind great programs that also offer financial aid.

I recommend this one

. Click onthe link to check it out.)

#5: Not Everyone is a Good Candidate for Distance Learning

Most people think they would excel if left to their own devices. But, the truth of the matter is, many students simply cannot thrive without personal interactionwith other students and a professor (I was never like that, but maybe that's just