Contributed by Penn State World Campus
For some working professionals, the decision to reengage
with higher education can feel daunting. While they may want to advance their
careers by completing an unfinished degree, or pursuing a new degree
altogether, they might wonder if they're prepared for the endeavor.
Common questions that you, as a prospective student, may
ask:
"How will I find time in my busy schedule to engage in
online learning?"
One of the primary benefits of pursuing an education
online is the flexibility you'll enjoy. Many degrees, including the
Penn State World Campus online graduate engineering programs are
structured to accommodate even the most demanding schedules of working
professionals. Learning at your own pace, on your own time, from almost
anywhere, makes it easier than ever for employed adult students to acquire
additional education.
"Will I have the opportunity to interact directly with
my instructor and classmates?"
The best institutions of higher learning tailor their programs to allow
students to communicate with their classmates and their instructor. Online
communication tools like email and instant messaging give students the
opportunity to participate in one-on-one dialogues, while blogs, message
boards, and social media lend themselves to multiperson "classroom"
conversations. Some professors even encourage their students to communicate
with them during virtual office hours.
"Is pursuing a degree something that I can
afford?"
Penn State World Campus will work to help address payment
options and find financial aid, and in some cases, your employer may work to
help you find the most cost-effective way to reengage your education.
Additionally, a higher level of education can help open doors for you to
advance to higher-paying opportunities in your current profession, or in a new
profession altogether.
"Do I have access to the technology I'll need to fully
participate in online learning?"
You might be surprised to discover just how low the technology threshold for
a robust online education is. If you can send/receive email, browse the web,
use social media, and stream videos, you most likely have the technology you
need to pursue your education online.
What can Penn State World Campus do for you?
When you pursue an engineering degree through Penn
State World Campus, you can rest assured that you'll be partnering with a
well-respected institution that offers a high-quality education to help you
advance your career and enrich your understanding of your field of choice.
Editor's Note: This is a sponsored blog post by Penn State.
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