Do you want to finish that bachelor of science degree you started 10 years ago? Do you hunger for an MBA but can't quit your job? Do you wish you could take a quick course on forensic DNA or creative writing without leaving your house? You can--if you have a computer, a modem, and enough money to pay the tuition for an online university.

I'm not talking about "diploma mills" but prestigious organizations that are starting to offer their courses over the Web, by email, and via other electronic means. Duke University, the University of Phoenix, and other institutions are joining the likes of upstart CyberState University in offering everything from certification to doctorates.

Distance Learning

What was once the correspondence course has become distance learning. The subject even has its own Usenet newsgroup at alt.education.distance, where you'll get news about online courses and degrees being offered all over the world.

How courses are conducted varies. Class materials may be accessed via email or a password-protected Web site. Most online courses typically include reading assignments, written papers, and homework sent back and forth over the Internet or a commercial online service.

You'll also be in touch with an instructor via email, online chat, or phone. Some courses also include videotape, audio tape, or CD-ROM instruction. Some schools may require a limited number of on-campus sessions. And in most cases, you'll have to take important tests in person at the school or at a designated, proctored site.

What You Save, What You Don't

Pam Dixon, author of "Virtual College" (Peterson's) warns students to understand the pitfalls before they log on for learning.

"You're not saving a cent (in tuition and fees) over traditional schooling," says Dixon. "You're only saving travel time and getting a flexible schedule." However, you're usually not paying more for the privilege. The exceptions: Some states that are still in the digital dark ages charge anyone taking online courses from state colleges out-of-state tuition. Luckily, some states are banding together to offer online courses at resident rates. The best example right now is the Western Governor's University (www.westgov.org/smart/vu/vu.html), which offers distance learning to residents in 16 western states.

Even if you aren't being charged through the nose, you may miss some traditional school services like libraries. If you have an assignment and there's no good library nearby, you're toast. How will you get access to the materials you need? Some universities offering online courses have dedicated reference librarians who will FedEx books to you or arrange with a local school to let you use its library and labs. Others will email you the texts you need. But who has the time (or wants to flaunt copyright conventions) to print out a textbook? When in doubt, ask what kind of library services are available.

Remember, too, that online doesn't mean faster. Expect an online class to take up to twice as long to complete. In a real classroom, you can interact easily with a teacher and get on-the-spot guidance. Email and online chats aren't so efficient.

What You Get

Although degree programs are available, some online schools offer certificates to avoid accreditation hassles. In some states, a school offering degrees by distance learning must supply all the services an on-site student would get: career counseling, a library, and so on. If a school only offers a certificate program, find out if the online program and the school are accredited. The fields typically represented at online universities include library science, education, journalism, business, and law. They also offer certification in almost anything having to do with computers. "It makes sense," says Dixon. "Anything that's text based is easy to offer online. Even Ivy League colleges are looking at offering first-year legal education through distance learning."

Where to Look

Do you know what degree you'd like to pursue but don't know where to start? I recommend Peterson's site (www.petersons.com). Click the Distance Learning button and you'll find paths to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. You can search for nonresident programs only or by keyword. The thumbnail sketches of the schools and programs aren't terribly detailed, but you'll get a rough idea whether anything's up your alley. (Pick up the book "Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning" to get more.)

Another good starting source is Caso's Internet University (www.caso.com). It complements Caso's book, "The Internet University: College Courses by Computer." The site has course, tuition, and contact information for a number of online schools.

Are you looking for professional-level certification? Check out www.masie.com and search the databases for online courses and software. You'll find tables listing costs, intended audience, and descriptions of each course or product. Some listings are aimed at people who want to conduct, rather than take, online courses.

Stroll the Online Campus

There are a lot of online schools, but here's a brief look at a few along the continuum.

CyberState University (www.cyberstateu.com) is aimed at the computer professional looking for certification training over the Internet. The school offers courses that lead to Novell CNE/CNA and Microsoft MCSE certification. CyberState says courses average five hours a week, and there's an online Practice Lab so you can complete your homework. The courses also include videos. Fees: $395 to $3000+.

For $4.95 a month, you can sign up for as many courses at ZDU (www.zdu.com) as you want on computers, hardware, and software. Classes include Java programming, Windows NT system administration, upgrading PCs, and more. All courses are held through Web-based discussion groups. An instructor posts "lectures" and students discuss the topic with the instructor and each other.

Florida Gulf Coast University (www.fgcu.edu) is a brand-new school that plans to offer 25 percent of its courses via distance learning. Its B.A. in criminal justice will include many online courses. Fees: $350 per credit hour, more for out-of-state students.

Does It Work?

Studies show that if online feedback and interaction are handled quickly and smartly, distance learning can be as valuable as traditional classes. In fact, some studies show online learning can be superior. The difference, says Dixon, is the students who log on to the concept. "They're often over 24, employed, highly motivated, focused on the education, and usually have the study skills they need."

If you fit this bill, online education could be your ticket to a smarter and more successful you.

© 1997 Elizabeth Crowe. All rights reserved.

Getting Online Smarts and Money Do you need money to pay for your online education? College Admissions (collegeapps.miningco.com) has loads of general information, including good data on loans, scholarships, and other financial aid. And be sure to go to FastWeb (www.studentservices.com). Fill out the six questionnaires about yourself, your intended course of study, and the institutions you'd like to attend. In minutes, you'll get at least a dozen places to write to for all sorts of financial aid.

Another good Web site with a lot of distance learning links is at sun6.dms.state.fl.us/institute/finvis.htm.

The University of Iowa is working on integrating information technology into online correspondence courses. Check out its online catalog at gcs.ccp.uiowa.edu/catalog. Courses with online components are listed at courses.ccp.uiowa.edu.

Do you need background information on distance learning? Check out "Distance Education at a Glance" from the University of Idaho at www.uidaho.edu/evo/distglan.html.

-EC