COVID-19 has pushed education out of the classroom and onto the internet. As a result of the pandemic, many undergraduate and graduate degree programs are shifting to a fully online format on a per-semester basis to keep their students and faculties safe. That being said, online learning isn’t new and has been gaining in popularity among higher education providers for years. This learning format gives students the flexibility to study from anywhere, whilst also balancing family and work responsibilities.

Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree is important for career growth and improves your income earning potential. Certain industries require more formal education and training than others. The medical field requires years of higher education and in many cases, specialization.

How to find online Bachelor’s programs.

Earning a bachelor’s degree paves the way for career growth, employment opportunities, and higher earning potential., whether you opt for an in-person or an online degree program. In fact, the coursework and credit hour requirements for an online bachelor’s degree are generally the same as an on-campus program. Most online degree programs have general education requirements in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Prospective students have the choice between a liberal arts major or a program that is more career-focused and leads to professional advancement.

Earning a graduate business degree provides the foundation for business professionals hoping to expand their careers. Participating in an accelerated program from an accredited college of business means earning an MBA in less time than a traditional MBA program. Undergraduate students who have earned a business degree can benefit from the accelerated graduate business degree at Faulkner University to move their careers forward more quickly with the same value as a slower MBA would provide.

This graduate school offers prospective students fully online graduate courses that can be completed in 30 semester hours. Applicants to the master’s degree program need transcripts of completed undergraduate coursework, passing scores on the GRE or GMAT, a bachelor’s degree and passing GPA, and letters of recommendation. An undergraduate business degree opens the doors to professional opportunities. Earning a graduate business degree furthers your career growth and helps you stand apart from other talented professionals.

How can I tell if an online degree program is legitimate?

Not all online degree programs are created equal. While plenty of online schools and remote learning programs are legitimate, fraudulent schools do exists. Some online schools, known as “diploma mills“, offer bogus degrees for a flat fee in a quick amount of time for minimal work. There are many warning signs that prospective students can look out for when determining the legitimacy of an online degree program.

Legitimate online degree programs require the same amount of coursework and interaction with professors as traditional learning. No accredited program awards degrees based on life or professional experience. While you may be able to receive some credit hours for relevant experience, you will have to complete further coursework.

It’s tempting to think that you can save on tuition costs by earning an undergraduate or graduate degree online, but beware of online programs offering a flat fee. Legitimate colleges charge tuition on a per credit, course, or semester basis. While an accelerated program can be completed in less time than a traditional program, beware of online programs promising that you can earn a degree within a few months or less. Diploma mills are known to use pushy advertising and aggressive sales tactics. Legitimate colleges don’t use spam, pop-ups, or telemarketing calls to attract prospective students.

What steps should I take to find an online degree program?

The first step any prospective student should take to verify an online degree program is to ensure the college is accredited. Most colleges list their accreditation information on their websites for general information purposes. Other red flags to notice immediately include a lack of campus or business address, grammar or spelling errors on the website, the lack of a “.edu” URL, and missing information about student support services.

Social media platforms are teeming with bogus social media accounts violating non-compliance rules to lure unsuspecting readers. Social media is a public forum, and even if you have a private account, it’s still possible for your information to be accessed. Photos can easily be manipulated to create the illusion of a group of co-eds having a positive experience at school. Many businesses rely on social media in their marketing plans to reach their target audience. Bogus online degree programs don’t have the expertise of a social media marketer to angle their posts towards a target market.

Erik J Conrad (Conrad Law Offices) advises clients on the dangers of social media traps and how to avoid them. As a partner of his law firm, Conrad is a personal injury attorney whose practice areas include negligence, legal issues among family members, and personal injury claims. Falling for a social media trap can leave you personally and financially compromised. Seek legal advice if you have fallen prey to a social media trap and find out if you qualify for filing a personal injury case. Anytime you suspect a social media account is in violation of social media policy, report the account to the appropriate channels.

Take care of your spine during online study sessions.

One of the risk factors of studying online is spine or back injury due to sitting improperly at a desk for many hours. You may begin to feel pain in your back after staring at your computer during your online courses for many hours. Taking care of your health is key for completing and enjoying an online MBA or other graduate degrees. If you have back pain, the first thing you should do is contact a health care provider who can tell you if you need to see a physical therapist and advise you on how to take care of your spinal health.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that typically occurs during the growth spurt before puberty. The cause of scoliosis is unknown, but certain conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy can trigger it. Most scoliosis patients experience mild spine deformities, but severe scoliosis can impact the quality of life. A spinal curve can lead to back pain and discomfort. There are different treatment options depending on the type of scoliosis and curve progression. Scoliosis treatment includes the use of a brace, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and surgical treatment to stabilize vertebrae with screws, and spinal fusion surgery.

The board-certified spine surgeons at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. have years of experience helping scoliosis patients find the best way to improve quality of life. Becoming an expert in the treatment of scoliosis requires years of practice and specialization in conjunction with a post-graduate degree.

Perform your due dilligence.

Telling the difference between a legitimate online degree program and a diploma mill is difficult. Many diploma mills have well-designed websites and use familiar-sounding names to seem legitimate. Before agreeing to enrollment terms or making any tuition payments, perform your due diligence.

Any online degree program can claim to be accredited, but the credentials likely come from a fake agency. Legitimate schools that have been accredited undergo a rigorous review of degree programs. You can verify a school’s legitimacy by checking the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs on the U.S. Department of Education. You can also check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation database.

Diploma mills are known to use names that sound familiar to well-known schools, as well as credible-sounding foreign names. To research the legitimacy of a school, contact a local college to see if they would accept transfer credits from the school in question. You can also contact your state attorney general’s office to ensure the school is operating legally.

Seek the legal opinion of an experienced personal injury attorney when dealing with a diploma mill. For example, the Moore Law Firm prides itself on maintaining a strong attorney-client relationship and offers personal injury insight for a range of situations on its blog. Their practice areas range from insurance claims and civil lawsuits to medical malpractice and negligence. The law firm prides itself on maintaining a strong attorney-client relationship and strives to provide personalized, straightforward legal advice.

Investing in higher education is an investment in the future. Earning an undergraduate degree or graduate degree can greatly improve your career opportunities and earning potential. Always be cautious of online degree programs and verify that a program is legitimate before making any commitments.