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According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 2.9 million degree-seeking students age 35 and older in 2001. Nearly 1 million U.S. students enrolled in courses that took place completely online in 2004, twice as many as two years earlier, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported. These students returned to school in search of career advancement or new skills to make a career change, or to fulfill lifelong goals of earning degrees.

Online Degree programs have been the driving force in enrollment increases, and for good reason. Distance education offers new levels of convenience and flexibility to earning a degree. Not only can you be a student without ever sitting in a physical classroom, but you can take your virtual classroom everywhere you go.

With a computer and an Internet connection, you can interact with classmates from around the country, discuss homework assignments with professors, submit papers or tests and participate in group study sessions. Distance learning gives you the same level of education without the rigid structure used in traditional schools.

Whether you are just getting started in your Degree program, looking to complete your degree or earn an advanced degree, distance education might be the perfect solution for you. Many career schools, technical schools and traditional public and private schools offer Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programs online. Online degrees are available in many career fields like Business, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Information Technology, Marketing and a host of others.

Offering far more than just an education, online Degree programs provide options for non-traditional students and those who never considered degree programs before.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to have access to distance learning," said Marilyn King, Montana State University - Bozeman’s Assistant Superintendent for Instruction.

If you are tired of thinking about going back to school to get your degree because it would require quitting your job or relocating, now is the time to give distance education a try.

If you have a busy or unpredictable schedule or limited transportation options or you simply don’t live near a school that offers a program you’re interested in, an online education can be a great solution! But before you take that step, make sure you do your research and consider the following questions:

Is the program you’re interested in available online?

Some schools offer a mixture of online and face-to-face classes. Some schools even offer the bulk of classes online, but might require one or two weeks in person or want you to take tests at an official testing center. Make sure the program you’re interested in fits your schedule!

Do you have all of the equipment you’ll need?

When taking an online class, it’s important to make sure that your computer and Internet access meet the minimum requirements! Find out if you’ll need to run any special programs or software, and if they suggest a broadband connection to the Internet or if dial-up is sufficient. If you’re planning on doing your coursework from a library or other public space, make sure that you’ll have both sufficient access and the time that you’ll need and that you allow enough time.

Do you have a clear idea of how classes and discussions will be conducted?

Every online program has its own methods of dealing with the issue of how to present material in a non-traditional setting. Whether it’s through streaming video, downloadable lectures, written material or real-time chats, each method has its own strengths and works well for different people. Find out how material is presented and in what ways you’ll be expected to interact with your classmates – and use that information to find a program that’s most comfortable for you and your learning style.

Achieving an education online is not only possible – it’s probably easier than you think! The important thing is to make sure that the education and program you choose is one that’s right for you!