When people first hear I am getting my accredited degree online, I see them cringe. Their initial reaction is "That school is the one with all of those stupid commercials." Granted, yes we are always publicized, that does not mean we are a lesser known college. I have heard absurd accusations of online schools, so here are some of the common myths de-busted by yours truely.
1. Earning your degree is easier online.
Yes, being an online student has been easy to work around while balancing my chronic illness. However, the work for those courses are not as easy as it seems. It is a common misconception actually. No, you can't just "Google" your way through everything. There are many rigorous rules and regulations, and many courses where I have been up all hours of the night doing research and papers for.
2. Online schools do not have resources.
Your typical college has a bookstore, academic advisers, IT service, and career resources. So does online school. At SNHU we have free tutoring, the Shapiro Library for all of our research needs, our bookstore, and some of the best advisers I have ever spoken to. While transitioning, I was nervous they would not have these perks, but they even have an online career resource center. They do anything possible to help your education be worthwhile.
3. There are no deadlines.
Sometimes, I do wish that was true. SNHU deadlines are BRUTAL. All discussions are due on Thursday at 11:59 PM, and all other coursework is due that following Sunday, also at 11:59. If you are falling behind, sure they will normally help you out a bit, however you need to also prepare for the module ahead. Eight weeks fly by in a term, so you need to stay on top of yourself for deadlines.
4. There is no professor/student interaction.
That is a huge myth between college online versus campus. They have their own "office hours," by phone, Skype, or even email. You can always turn to one for help. Frequent conversation is vital when you do not have direct contact with them, so SNHU always takes the next step to help you succeed.
