Online Education, a Smart Choice for Professionals in Today's Economy

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 19, 2009

The U.S Department of Labor didn't do anything to calm fears of workers last month, reporting the national unemployment rate jumped to 9.4 percent, up from 8.9 percent in April. Adding insult to injury, any hope that workers had that the future was looking brighter was crushed with the prediction that the rate would most likely jump to 10 percent later this year. With experts warning jobs won't pick up until the second half of 2010, almost a year later than previously reported, even the most confident of workers are starting to sweat.

For workers that have already been laid off, the decision to go back to school has become increasingly popular as the economic downturn increases. Laid off workers are looking to complete degree programs, learn new skills or possibly even change careers into a more stable and lucrative industry. But for those still employed and uncertain about the future, a full -time degree program or even a part-time program isn't a possibility. These individuals are time strapped with a full time job, long hours and in some cases family commitments. Still plagued by the gloomy economy however these workers haven't been deterred. They have found a way to make it work. Online education.

Universities such as Drexel University Online showed a steady 20 percent increase in the number of enrolled students this past year alone with most major online universities predicting similar growth as well. "Students are worried about their future. They are unsure of what's to come. They are looking for ways to set themselves apart from other professionals. Our online master's and bachelor's degree programs have provided them the competitive edge they need. I have spoken to dozens of our online students and many have said that they would have never been able to go back to school if not able to take classes online. Students tell me they just didn't have the face time to devote to traditional on-campus learning," said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, Academic Advisor for Drexel University Online.

With online education, individuals can continue their careers and at the same time take classes on their own schedule. Online universities provide individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to go back to school the advantage of advancing their career with a flexible schedule. They can take classes after work, after their meeting is over or after their kids are in bed.

Online education certainly seems to be catching on with professionals. According to the Sloan Consortium, there are currently more than 3.9 million students in the United States taking classes online. Online education has given working professionals the opportunity to pursue the exact same degrees as their peers who have been laid off. Today many top-ranked brick and mortar schools offer the exact same degrees that are offered on campus in an online format. Classes are typically taught by the same professors and the curriculums are almost identical. The only difference for online students is that they are now able to access their classes anytime and anywhere.

One thing is certain for professionals in this economy, the competition is getting tighter and those with advanced skill sets will be the ones to come out on top. And hey, anything that makes it easier to complete a bachelor's or master's degree while working is music to anyone's ears.

About Drexel University Online:
Drexel University Online, winner of the 21st Century Best Practice Award for Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Drexel University, specializing in innovative, Internet-based distance education programs for working professionals and corporations in the United States and abroad. Drexel University is continually ranked one of the best national doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report and enjoys regional accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. A pioneer in online education, Drexel has offered programs online since 1996. Visit our website or blog to learn more about our programs and online learning.

Media Contact:
Christine Fagan
215-895-6121

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