When I first started looking at online schools, I thought perhaps I'd do Library Science, but looking at the market for librarians, they were non-existent in the Fresno area. So I decided to locate a program that had a better career outlook. I mean if I'm going to spend this much money in student loans, I may as well find a job that pays well enough to warrant the expenditure. My choice was Human Resource Management. This type of program means I can live anywhere I want and find a job in this career field.
Most of the colleges I looked at had Master of Business Administration with Human Resources as a secondary program. I didn't want the MBA, just the HR program. I finally found University of Maryland University College which has a Masters of Human Resources program. The interesting thing about this program is that you can opt for a dual degree in either Business Administration or Distance Education by taking only 6 more classes. I opted for the Distance Education. Might as well get two degrees while I'm at it. This could open up doors for me at college or university administration departments. I hope so anyway.
In the process of discovering college I visited a few online degree sites. The biggest help in finding University of Maryland University College was just a simple Google search for Masters degree in Human Resources. The search pulls up universities.com website with a variety of colleges available to visit for more information.
An online education is every bit as accredited as a classroom setting one if you make sure the college offering your program is an accredited college. However, even technical or vocational school educations are not to be discounted. Employers hire people from any type of educational background as long as the prospective employee can prove they completed the program. I personally prefer a degree from an accredited university, but this shouldn't be the only online program type you should check into if you are interested in going to school online.
Programs such as DeVry, Kaplan, or University of Phoenix not only have online programs but they also have regular classroom programs. They have classes in many cities so check for your local colleges as well.
There are tons of scholarships you can apply for and all sorts of financial aid programs as well as student loans for those making more money than grants allow. I always seem to be stuck just above grants so end up with loans, but I feel it's worth every penny to better myself. Hopefully my career choice will bring in enough money to pay my loans off quickly.
Don't be afraid of going back to school at any age. I'm 39 nearly 40 and I'm just now getting around to a Master's degree. I have always been a firm believer in getting an education and have instilled in my sons the importance of an education for survival in today's world. Men especially need to be more responsible with education because their livelihood as well as their future families depend on their ability to make a living in some form. Getting a job with little or no higher learning is extremely difficult.
If you really want an education but need to work while doing so, online and distance learning are awesome choices. Just make sure the program you choose is one you really want to do.
