Time required and time investment in distance learning must be also weighed. Many students think distance education is a short-cut to easy grades and a graduate degree. On the contrary distance learning may require an even greater time investment than an equivalent on-campus learning experience. In addition, most distance education students continue full-time or significant involvement in jobs or ministries. There are many indications that distance education demands more from both faculty and students than does on-campus learning yet it can be very fulfilling.
Time management is another deceptive requirement in distance learning.
But in light of these and other responsibilities, a prospective applicant to distance learning must weigh the consequences of adding distance graduate studies to the other responsibilities of life. Careful assessment must be made, prior to undertaking distance learning, of the information environment available to the distance applicant in one's home area. Although Regent University has an excellent library, the availability of a research library is important. This may be at a local college or university with a graduate collection in the field of communication. Another requirement often overlooked is the computer technology hardware and software investment necessary to satisfactorily undertake graduate distance studies.