Online and Distance Learning.com

In this section you can find out about program types, e.g., Associate Degrees and Bachelor's Degrees. This section should be of use to you whether you are thinking of studying online or on-campus.

Choosing program types

The program types that people take vary according to many things, including: needs, interests, qualifications and experience.  And the mode you take, i.e., on-campus, distance or online, depends on your lifestyle as well as location.  Most adult learners nowadays would rather choose taking an Online College Degree than going on-campus for their masters. It gives them the flexibility they need.

So the type of program that you take may depend on what you want it for and also on the qualifications that you already have.  You may just want to obtain some technical skills by taking a short course, and you may not need any previous qualifications to do that. But clearly, if you want to take a Masters degree, you will most likely need to have a Bachelors degree first.

The program types considered here

Click on the links below or in the left-hand navigation bar to learn more about the program types dealt with here. A brief description of each is included below.

• Preparation for College, i.e., entrance requirements and college/university preparatory programs;
• Certificate Programs, i.e., programs that provide the specific skills required in the workplace;
• Associate Programs, i.e., programs that usually provide the specific skills required in the workplace. There are four different program types of associate degree - some of these lead into bachelor degrees;
• Bachelor Programs, programs that lead to a bachelor's degree - which is often the entry level qualification for professional careers;
• Masters Degrees, i.e., programs that usually build on bachelors degrees;
• PhD Programs, i.e., programs that lead to the ultimate academic qualificiation - a PhD;

Finding what you want amongst the program types

If you want to know more about specific online learning program areas, the web site has a section on online programs.

For those students who feel that online learning is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs.

If you know the subject area you want, use this search form to find the school or program most suitable for you.

More information on program types

If you don't find what you want here or want to make a comment, you can always discuss it in the Program Types Forum.