Do You Need a Degree? Corporate America Thinks So

The way employers value education is changing. Twenty years ago it was possible for job seekers with a high school diploma and job experience to get a good job. Ten years ago, job seekers needed a bachelor's to get a great job with opportunities for advancement. Today, in 2006, most employers want their upper-level executives and managers to have a master's degree.

What's more, the earning potential for degree-holders is much more than those without a college degree. For example, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau reports that adults (18- to 25-year-old) with bachelors' degrees earn an average of $40,478. Adults, in the same age range, with only a high school diploma earned an average of $22,895. Additionally, adults with advanced degrees earn an average of $63,229 a year compared to those without a high-school diploma that only make $16,124 a year.

Obtaining a degree is vital in order to stay competitive among today's workforce.

Back to School

Most Americans would like to go back to school to get a degree. But, for people with families, young children or full-time jobs, going back to school is a time commitment they just can't afford. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to obtain an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree away from campus.

Online courses and degree programs provide flexible schedules that will accommodate a full-time job or family needs. Check the Military.com School Finder to learn more.

How Online Courses Work

Online courses are much like traditional classes with one key exception: You're not physically in the class. These courses will still have a professor, textbooks, homework and exams. However, the combination of the traditional class with online message boards, chat rooms, and CD-ROMs give online courses higher flexibility.

What's more, the professor of the online class will post weekly reading assignments, study questions, and schedule group online chat time. Students must post answers to the study questions within the week, and respond to other students' answers as well.

Choosing the Right Program for You

Before you begin any online program, you need to research which one is best for you, your education and career goals. Additionally, the program has to fit your schedule. Here five questions you should ask before entering a degree program:

• Is the school regionally or nationally accredited? Ask about the school's credentials and the instructor's education level. Many unaccredited online schools will grant you a degree, but the degrees from these schools are worthless to "Corporate America." Avoid an unaccredited school at all costs.
• How is the course delivered? There are many ways that an instructor can lecture: online using text, with accompanying slides, with or without student identification, video teleconferencing, audiotapes, CD-ROM, etc. If you choose an online school, make sure that the course uses many ways to convey information.
• How will I be evaluated? Verify the professors' evaluation process for students. If students aren't evaluated appropriately and degrees are just handed out, then the program is not worthwhile and will not be accepted by employers.
• What kind of library and research materials are available? Good, reputable schools should have a system in place for providing reference materials and texts. These materials should be accessible anywhere, up-to-date, and available at anytime.
• How do I interact with the instructor and other students? Student interaction is an important part of any online program. Forums for online student interaction include chat rooms, instant messaging, teleconferencing, and video conferencing.

Get Disciplined

Once you find the online program that fits your goals and schedule, it's important for you to become disciplined and do the work. An online course gives you the flexibility and time to get a degree.

Learn more about online degree programs.