What Are the Benefits of Online Graduate Programs?

by Eric Powell

Overview

Online graduate programs provide opportunities for working professionals and fresh college graduates to continue their education utilizing many of today's technological advances.
Benefits

Working professionals out of college typically work day jobs and cannot attend traditional university hours. Many universities offer graduate programs on campus after 5 pm daily, but online programs allow for the instruction and studying to occur on the student's timetable, with assignment due dates set out.

Blackboard

Many online graduate programs use the Blackboard learning system. Blackboard has a simple-to-use interface and allows students to easily email teachers and classmates, make postings for discussions and assignments, and allows for larger essays and assignments to be turned in instantly online.
Interaction

Online interactions are often listed as a negative to online graduate programs. However, the thought and insight behind posts and specific email interactions is much more thorough than periodic hand-raises in class.
Professor Communication

In an online setting, professors have an easier time commenting on student work, and feedback is almost instant. Many professors actively participate in online discussions and teach as they interact in these settings.
Data

An "eSchool News" article reports that over 22 percent of our nation's college students took at least one online course in 2007.