An online degree is a college degree that is earned by taking courses online. Online degrees are offered by online colleges or schools or programs or by regular brick and mortar schools – on-campus schools, colleges or universities. In some cases you can go for free.

Depending on how much education you already have you can earn an online degree is less than two years. Depending on how much you sign up for and study for and complete of course, will determine how long it will take. There are many colleges and universities that have associate degree programs too that offer accelerated programs. And then some programs will take the same amount of time as the traditional on-campus college degree.

Students who choose to learn online will need to be more disciplined. You’ll have to motivate yourself to check in, complete your courses, take tests and attend online lectures without a traditional on-campus schedule to follow. Your amount of course-load would be the same as on-campus including assignments, any prerequisites and test requirements. Degree requirements would remain the same also.

If you’re wondering if online degrees are credible, they certainly are. They are becoming much more popular and many famous colleges and universities offer online degree programs now. Employers look at them just as favorably too. Just make sure your online college choice is accredited. There are fake accreditation schools but you can easily sniff these out. The U.S. Department of Education is responsible for accreditation so you can check with them.

There are more than four million people taking online courses and programs and each year more people are signing up.

All degree types can be achieved online – associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, graduate programs and many types of certifications and other diplomas.

Areas of study include business, accounting, business management, marketing, criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, education including elementary and secondary education, engineering, graphic design including website development, healthcare including nursing and healthcare administration, human services, psychology, legal and paralegal, liberal arts and technology including computer programming and network technology.

Financial aid is available through the financial aid department of the on-campus or online colleges or universities. Generally you’ll find it easy to get federal loans or actually receive grants or scholarship money for your education. There is money set aside specifically for online degrees. Additionally there are other types of education loans. One should try to get scholarships and grants so you can get part or all of your online courses free.