Career Education Online: Guide to Online Career Education Options

Career education refers to academic programs which prepare students for direct entry into a profession, with fields ranging from healthcare to financial management. Online career education options enable students to gain job training from the comfort of home. For subject areas that emphasize practical skills, some internship or on-campus participation may be required. Career education online may result in awards at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Online Career Education Overview

The term 'career education' can apply to a wide assortment of academic programs. Traditionally, this phrase refers to programs that prepare students for direct entry to a vocation or trade. Many such programs are intended for adult or nontraditional students. Career education programs may therefore be offered through dedicated vocational or technical schools; however, many colleges and universities have specific departments or divisions for career education. Career education may also be offered online or through assorted remote-schooling methods. In this case, relevant courses and programs may be found by visiting the school's distance-learning or continuing education website.
One important criterion that potential online career education enrollees should consider is whether or not a school is accredited. Many untrustworthy, profit-based businesses may try to sell themselves as schools without approval from nationally recognized accreditation councils. All prospective students should confirm that the school they are considering is accredited by a valid agency before submitting an application or tuition.

Online Delivery Methods and Requirements

Online career education programs are designed for those with daytime obligations, such as family or work, which keep them from attending traditional on-campus programs. To accommodate the needs of busy students, online career education programs offer flexible scheduling. While most lectures are accessed asynchronously, and readings and assignments can be completed anytime, some tests and projects have fixed due dates.
To pursue career education online, all applicants must have basic proficiency using computers. Throughout the duration of their program of choice, they must have ongoing access to a computer with high-speed Internet. A personal e-mail address may also be necessary. Depending on the school and subject, additional software or hardware may be needed. Most schools host programs through their own website or a third-party content delivery system, such as Blackboard.

Practical Education and Fieldwork

For career education subject areas that require hands-on training--such as construction and hospitality fields, for example--online students may be asked to complete an internship with a local business that specializes in their field of study. These must be arranged through or approved by faculty from the school. Alternately, an on-campus summer session or weekend retreat may be necessary to train and monitor students in experiential work. Online career education programs with on-site components may be referred to as 'hybrid' or 'degree completion' programs.

Sample Career Education Programs Online

Career education programs span all fields and industries, and they may result in diplomas, certificates or degrees. Independent courses in career education subjects are also available; these include for-credit and non-credit classes. Some examples of online career education programs are:

• Certificate in Computer Programming
• Certificate of Completion in Real Estate
• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
• Associate of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Arts in Fire Service Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Management
• Bachelor of Science in Web Development
• Master of Science in Education