From the day online education was introduced, it has greatly impressed many aspiring students, with the advantages offered by it. What is an Online Degree Program all about?
What can be earned through an Online Degree Program?
Students, online degree programs are a medium through which you can earn as many degrees as possible in multifarious subjects. With thousands of online universities offering degree courses online, all you need to do is to choose from them and enroll for the course of your choice. The degree programs offered can be studied at various levels namely, vocational degrees, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, masters and doctorate degree programs.
A student no matter which part of the world she is from, can earn her online degree in any subject of her choice, whether it is a Bachelors degree in Spanish or Arts followed by an MBA. Isn’t that great! No matter where you are, you can earn a degree sitting at the comfort of your home. No travelling, adhering to the University’s strict time schedules, finding a seat amidst a serious competition, no time offs from your employment, what more do you need?
Not just students, online education satisfies the needs of all those who want to become students again. Even those professionals in the height of their career can still complete an Online Executive MBA Program. Those factors that normally restrict students in taking up courses, are completely absent in an online educational environment.
Online Degree Programs
Here is a sample list of online programs offered.
- Computer Science
- Education
- English
- History
- Management
- Agriculture
- Ecology
- Banking
- Engineering
- Telecommunication
In addition to several online degree programs, there are a number of non degree certification programs offered to students. These are less expensive when compared proper degree programs. It is definitely suitable for those who wish to enhance their skill set or learn about new topics as a hobby. These certified courses are also offered in those subjects offered under the online degree programs curriculum. Proceed to enroll in your choice of subject.
The popularity of online education has broken down all barriers that made it impossible for international students yearning to pursue a college degree abroad. Today, more and more colleges and universities are offering online versions of their regular accredited degree programs to make higher education at all levels more accessible to students and adult learners from anywhere in the world. The online learning format allows them to further their education from the comfort of home or at locations convenient to them without having to rearrange their busy lifestyle to study for their degree.
What is an Online Undergraduate Degree?
An online undergraduate degree is basically a “first degree” awarded to a person who has successfully completed undergraduate or senior courses be it at the Associate or Bachelor level. The most commonly pursued online undergraduate degree is the Bachelor degree which typically takes four years to complete. An online bachelor degree is the standard level of qualification required to obtain employment in most of today’s hottest industries in addition to keeping you on track for entry into an online graduate degree program.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for international students wishing to pursue an online undergraduate degree will vary from one university to another. However, most universities require international students to be proficient in the use of the English language. Proof of the English language can be established through one of the popular English exams such as TOEFL. This is, of course, supported by the other academic requirements such as a high school diploma or university related work experience.
Cost of Online Under Graduate Degree for International Students
One of the major advantages of the online model of education is that its fees are the same irrespective of your location. Some schools will charge for shipping if the student’s location is not in easily accessible locations. The cost of degrees to international students will vary according to the type of degree being pursued. All payments are easily done online by credit card in a safe and secure environment. Students can also pay by money order or check, but this route takes more time for verification.
Top online Universities for International Undergraduate Students
Many universities offer undergraduate courses to international students. However some stand out due to their exemplary track record and professionalism. Some of these top online universities include:
Types of Online Degree for International Students
International students, once they qualify, can pursue any undergraduate degree program offered by any online university. Online universities are not concerned with your ethnic, social or religious background. Their mandate is to provide quality education to all following the pursuit of knowledge.
Tips for International Students
Before applying to an online university as an international student, several precautions must be taken to ensure the success of your studies. These include:
- Speak to a career advisor about your intentions so they can guide you in choose the best course.
- Check the credibility record of the institution of interest.
- Look at the curriculum and ensure the course is accredited
- Investigate the hardware requirements necessary to access the institutions network system.
- Compare several online universities with respect to their achievements and influence among employers.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing prepares participants for entry level to middle management business administration positions in an organization’s marketing department. The program objectives of the BBA in Marketing Specialization is to provide students with a solid foundation in marketing concepts and business that will develop their understanding of all aspects related to the marketing process. In particular, the program focuses on providing students with a thorough understanding in:
- consumer behavior and market research to effect the marketing decision process
- how to implement business strategies to accommodate the changing global marketplace
- analyzing business problems
- market pricing
- influencing consumer-buyer behavior
- the use of technology in marketing and presentations
- assessing organizational needs and suggest ways of improving organizational standards
- how to advertise and promote
- managing retail operations
- international trade
The marketing specialization at this level also provides the resources needed to develop students’ abilities and gain valuable experience in sales management, marketing as well as develop proficiency in research, oral communication, speaking and business writing, spread sheets, problem solving, team building and leadership skills. The program helps them to develop ethical values that are crucial to gaining respect within the global business environment.
Students participate in workshops, case studies, hands-on projects as well as real world business simulations and web-based projects that help them to make power point presentations and other multi-media presentations.
Core courses covered include General Accounting 1, General Accounting 2, Finance, Economics, Business Law, Principles of Management, Financial Management and Principles of Marketing. The marketing specific courses with an emphasis on technology and communication provide valuable insight of how goods and services are channeled to producer and consumers and will cover topics such as Applied Marketing, Professional Marketing, Advertising and e-Commerce. Other sub-topics include Sales Management, Personnel Management, Customer Service, Statistical Methods and Salesmanship as well as Business Forecasting, Government Regulations in Business and Computer Information Systems.
In addition, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing offers advanced level training to its participants by allowing them to choose and focus on specialized areas in marketing such as International Marketing and Risk or Analysis and Assessment of Global Market Trends. These course offerings will expand their knowledge in marketing techniques and the rising global interdependence in the business community.
The BBA in Marketing takes four years to complete and leads to more advanced business degrees.
Careers with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree
The BBA in Marketing Degree opens the door to a lucrative and exciting career path within this dynamic marketing field. By specializing in a particular marketing field such as advertising, promotions, public relations, finance, retail management or sales you will further enhance the scope of your career opportunities as well as increase your marketability and income earning potential. Job titles that exist within the marketing department of large corporations include marketing assistant, product manager, and marketing communication manager, marketing director, sales promotion manager or marketing research manager. Other career opportunities that exist within other industries such as the financial, advertising and retailing industry include business analyst, project analyst, financial analyst or promotion and advertising specialist, media manager and sales promotion manager.
Average Salary with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree
The median salary for graduates with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree will depend on various factors including type of company and size, type of industry, area of expertise, benefits, experience and location. For individuals working as marketing managers and marketing coordinators can earn between $45,117 and $48,531 per year, while account managers and retail store managers earn an average $45,282 and $45,357 annually. Marketing Directors and Regional Sales Manager can expect to earn $64,803 and $70,300 per year.
What are the Pros and Cons of Earning an Online Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree?
Pros
Accessibility: online educational programs allow students to pursue their studied from any convenient location from anywhere around the world.
Flexibility: students pursuing an online education have the flexibility to work and study at the same time.
Convenient: Students have 24hr access to learning material through the institution’s online library and coursework archive. Students have the choice of attending online classes at a time convenient to them whether day-night- or week-end classes.
Cons
Some of the disadvantages of pursuing an online education include:
- Hardware intensive
- Unpredictable technical difficulties
- Students who lack the self-discipline and motivation to study on their own may not enjoy the benefits that online education provides
- Despite the growing recognition of online education programs, some employers fail to recognize the value of degrees earned online
- Limited interaction between instructors and fellow peers
Baker College Online
Kaplan University
Pacific State University
American InterContinental University
South University
Bauer College Department of Marketing Entrepreneurship
