Nationally Accredited Online Schools

When making the decision to further your education online, it is vital you pursue your education at some of the nationally accredited online schools. Ensuring you are studying at an accredited college, you are assured that you will receive the highest quality of education possible. When determining what online college is the best, you should keep in mind that there are a few different types of accreditation.

1) Types of accreditation:

• Regional Accreditation
• National Accreditation
• Specialized Accreditation

National and regional accreditation are similar, but have two major differences. Nationally accredited online schools tend to run a little more expensive than regional accredited schools. The advantage of a national accreditation is the ability to transfer credits, where regional have many restrictions that apply to credit transfers.

Specialized Accreditation is used to ensure the students education in a specific department, school, or program. This differs from national or regional that cover the accreditation for the whole school, where specialized covers the particulars of one program.

Nationally Accredited Online Schools

2) Top three nationally accredited online schools:

• Arizona State University Online is based out of Scottsdale, AZ, and is listed as one of the top nationally accredited online schools in the country. They offer a comprehensive online program that help integrate students into the world of online learning. They offer online support 24 hours a day, and have several degree programs available including 19 bachelor degree, 27 masters, and six graduate certificates in a variety of subjects.
• Miami Dade College Online is ideal for any students looking for a two year degree program. They offer associates degrees in science, business administration, and they also offer a pre-bachelor associate degree in arts. This allows students to transfer to a 4-year university to further their education. Miami Dade also offers a combined degree program where students are required to attend some classes on campus but most of the course work is completed online.
• University of Central Florida is based in Orlando, FL, and is considered a leader in distance learning. They have been offering online classes since 1996, and currently offer five online bachelor degree programs in the fields of health services, nursing, technical educational, political science, and interdisciplinary studies. There are over 20 master degree programs and doctorate degree programs available.

3) Smaller online colleges that are also nationally accredited:

• University of Minnesota
• Texas A & M University
• Michigan State University
• University of Michigan
• University of Wisconsin
• Lone Star College System
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Liberty University
• University of Washington
• Pennsylvania State University
• Tarrant County College District
• Huston Community College
• College of Southern Nevada
• University of Illinois
• Indiana University

4) Preparing for online classes:

Taking classes online is completely different that traditional on-site colleges. You have flexibility with your study time, and most online courses are self-paced. In order to adjust to the online learning environment we have put together a few tips to get you started.

• Designate a quiet area of your home for study time. This should be an area that is free from distraction or interruptions.
• Carve some time out of your busy day to dedicate to your class work.
• Avoid procrastination and stay focused and motivated. This can be done by maintaining contact online with fellow students.
• Prior to class, make sure you are well equipped with all required equipment, log in information, textbooks, and other supplies.
• Make sure you have updated virus protection software installed on your computer.
• If you have a choice, use a laptop for school. This will give you the option to study anywhere you choose.

Follow these basic tips, and you will be well on your way to earning a higher degree from the convenience of you home at any of the nationally accredited online schools