There are many common misconceptions about online education. One of these misconceptions is that its only purpose is to supplement a brick-and-mortar education. However, online education, or distance learning, is becoming an increasingly popular way to complete an entire degree. More people are turning to distance learning to complete associates, bachelors and masters degrees.

Associate’s Degrees

Pursuing an associate’s degree online is a great way to fit your academic life into your everyday life. With the convenience of being able to sit at home and learn whenever your schedule allows, online education is becoming an increasingly popular way to train for a career. Obtaining a distance learning associate’s degree is a relatively simply process. There are hundreds of colleges that offer entire programs of study through distance learning. These schools can either be schools with physical campuses or completely virtual. Depending on how far you want to take your education, you may want to choose a school that offers the possibility continuing on after receiving your associate’s degree. If not, choose a school that offers job placement services after you have completed your courses. An Associate’s degree will only be valid and applicable in certain industries, but there are many programs to choose from. Some distance learning associate’s degrees include studies in criminal justice, liberal arts, accounting, nursing, paralegal, interior design, engineering and computer technologies. While many of these degrees do not require work in the field, like an internship, before the degree can be completed, some do. Certain areas of study may require that you find a place to work and be observed in an environment where your skills can be assessed. Depending on what you are interested in, chances are there is a degree program that will fit your interests.

Bachelor’s Degrees

There was a time when obtaining a bachelors degree was almost impossible for some people because of the financial and time commitments. Now, with distance learning, you can even work towards a bachelor’s degree from the comfort of your own home. A distance learning bachelor’s degree is just as valid as a bachelor’s degree from a traditional college. Obtaining a bachelors degree through online education can save you money. Getting a Bachelors degree through distance learning is much more affordable than brick and mortar colleges for several reasons: 1. There are usually no application fees 2. The software you need is often included with your tuition 3. There are no high cost parking fees for campus 4. You will not have to spend any money on gas to get to campus 5. You can continue to work while you earn your degree With any online degree make sure the school you choose is accredited. This means that the classes you take are recognized by national standards of excellence in education and the school is recognized by non-government accreditation agencies located in the United States.

Masters Degrees

If you have been thinking about kicking your career up to the next level then an online masters degree might be something to consider. Like associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees, obtaining a master’s degree through an online school is more convenient and less expensive. With an online master’s degree program you can take your classes from anywhere in the world. All you need to complete a master’s degree through distance learning is a computer and the desire to learn. It used to be that anybody who wanted to pursue their master’s degree had to put their life on hold because of the time they had to dedicate to it. With distance learning programs, you take your classes online, so you can virtually do it from anywhere. Additionally, you will not break the bank getting your master’s degree. Online master’s degree programs are economical for the same reasons online bachelor’s degrees are. By earning your Masters degree through distance learning, you are able to continue working full time. No more taking out thousands of dollars in loans to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. Getting your Masters degree through a distance learning program has never been easier. The scope of distance learning is expanding every day and revolutionizing the way that people engage in higher education. Online classes are no longer just a way to brush up on skills or learn new material; they are a way to earn a legitimate degree.

Kristin Morris is an online marketing associate at Edvisors, Inc. Edvisors runs a network of websites that provide college students and their parents with quality information about college admissions, student loans, financial aid, and scholarships.