FIND YOUR

AN INTERNET JUMP-START

INTRODUCTION

• This site presents a directory of links to regionally accredited online graduate school programs (except as noted), and related higher education sites.
• The intent of this site is to help you get a "jump-start" on the process of searching for a well accredited graduate school program that is primarily available on the web and is an external / distance education program (external /distance program means that for the most part you don't have to attend classes on campus). In other words, an accredited graduate degree program that requires no or minimal (brick and mortar) classroom time, or campus residence, or campus visits. (You may have to attend web courses and you will have to study, of course.) To the left under "QUICK FINDER" are links that will take you to other pages on this site where links to university and college degree program home pages are located.
• Now-a-days there are many opportunities for distance learning on the internet. It is even possible to find accredited university doctorate degree programs where most of the learning takes place through the web. Further, there is rapid growth in this area, so that new university programs are constantly becoming available. The intent of this site is to help you get a "jump-start" on the process of searching for such grad schools.
• As in all important decisions in life, in choosing a graduate school it is a good idea to consult a number of sources of information before making a final decision.
• A very few master's degree programs and some doctorate programs require some resident time at the schools. The required time may vary from zero to about "two weeks" to about a year. If you are a working person who will be pursuing a degree part-time, the extent of residence requirements may be a critical factor in selecting the college or university.
• Of course, accreditation is a critical issue, especially in distance education, so I have included a page of accreditation organizations that will enable you to check up on the schools you find. Accreditation by a "regional accreditation body" is usually THE basic standard you should look for in academic majors. Regional accreditation means that the merits of the degree you earn and the academic courses you take will be widely (though not necessarily universally) recognized across the country and by most employers. I intend to include on this site only colleges and universities that apparently have basic, reasonable, (such as regional) accreditation.
• In graduate/professional schools there are sometimes "additional/advanced" levels of accreditation. For example, it is advantageous to go to a law school accredited by the American Bar Association , a clinical psychology program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), or a library science program accredited by the American Library Association(ALA).
• If you are getting a degree in order to get employment or for professional or career development in a particular industry or in a particular business or corporate environment, it is a good idea to look at employment ads from that industry, and to talk to human resources people from that company or industry to learn what standard applies.
• Words to the wise: Many states stipulate that a law school must have ABA accreditation to qualify you to sit for the bar exam. (Taking and passing the bar exam is necessary to get a license to practice law.) Many employers of librarians require a ALA accredited degree. Most fellowships in Psychology require that your degree come from an APA accredited school. Regional accreditation IS the basic standard, but be sure to check to make sure that school's degree can get you where you want to go!
• The featured graduate school links on this site take you to websites that provide more information about the graduate school's programs, and enable you to request additional information directly from the graduate school, if you so desire. All the information is provided to you free of charge, so you can request the info from any graduate school or from all of them. By getting this information directly from the school you are better assured that the info you are receiving is accurate and current. You might also receive a call from the graduate school and in that context you can ask relevant questions about financial aid, services, schedules, instructors, specialized accreditation, and so on...the information that become critical as to begin your graduate school education.
• It is a good idea to confirm on not-featured school's sites any key information you get from my site. Especially where the information concerns the school's degree requirements and programs. They can change their requirements and programs very quickly and without my knowledge.)
• Another good use of this website is to use it to find online graduate-level courses and classes that can enhance your personal, professional, or career development as higher education.
• I also included a page of some OTHER COOL INFO links that may be of interest to the aspiring graduate student. It also includes some basic information and links on FINANCIAL AID.