Choosing an Online Computer and IT School

Selecting a career in computer and IT is an excellent choice since it gives you many options and career paths. However, you may find that narrowing down the list of schools can be difficult, since there are many out there to choose from. When you are evaluating online computer and IT schools you should make note of the following:

Accreditation

IT and computers require specific degrees and courses, so your chosen school needs to be recognized by a valid accreditation agency or getting a good job may be difficult. It is also important that your program is accredited if you are applying for financial aid. Finding an accredited program is also important if you want financial aid, or think you may need it in the future.

There are a few different agencies in the United States that are responsible for accrediting education programs, including:

MSA – Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
NEASC-CIHE – New England Association of Schools and Colleges / Commission on Technical and Career Institutions
SACS – Sothern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Colleges and Schools

Range of Programs

Computer and IT is a broad field, but for the most part you will be looking towards a specified field such as database administration or computer programming. Your online school should have all the courses you need in order to get the right qualification for the career you want, and it is also an advantage if they have a few courses outside your focus so you can broaden your knowledge and make yourself more desirable as an employee.

Flexibility

You want to be able to work your studies around your life, not the other way around. The online school you choose should give you enough flexibility that you can come and go to the course as you please and finish it at your own pace. Otherwise you may become frustrated with the schedule, or stressed that you don't have enough time to study.

Entrance Requirements

Generally you will need to have decent marks in high school math and English, as well as a diploma in order to gain entrance to an IT and computer program. Some schools may allow you to test for entrance, while others will have more relaxed entrance requirements. It is important that you research the entrance requirements before you apply, as you may need to give yourself time to study up or complete any missing high school courses or even a GED.

Payments and Scholarships

Going back to school is not free, unfortunately. Even if you don't need financial help now you may need it in the future, so it is always good to choose an online IT school that offers flexible financing, financial aid, and scholarships. Even if you don't need it you can rest easy knowing that help is there if you need it.

Career Placement

Most good online schools help their graduates find good jobs, as this is beneficial for the school as well as the student. These schools have connections and affiliations that you don't, and it is much simpler for employers and recruiters to approach a school to find an employee than for you to go out looking for them. A school with a good career placement program will save you time when you graduate.

Published: 2009-11-02