These graduate programs are characterized by their flexibility and convenience, making them attractive to traditional and non-traditional candidates. With personal and professional responsibilities to juggle, the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at your own pace, as well as anytime and anywhere with an Internet connection, is irresistible!
Many of these programs also have an easier admission process, particularly the minimum academic requirements. Individuals who may not be accepted into on-campus programs for various reasons have a possibly higher chance of getting into an online accelerated program. GRE and GMAT scores are optional in some programs, too, which means one less hurdle to overcome.
Of course, their best characteristic is the shorter time-to-completion which can be as little as six months! For working professionals, the shorter the time spent on graduate studies, the faster they can apply their degree toward career advancement or change. But remember that it's important to learn the ins and outs of online learning in as little time as possible, if you're new to it, to maximize your time in it.
Another characteristic is the excellent documentation in online programs - nearly everything can be recorded, digitized, and stored for future reference! There's no need for manual note-taking, a convenient feature for busy working professionals. There are even entire lectures with transcripts!
Online learning is also beneficial for individuals whose learning styles lean more toward visual and spatial methods, less toward auditory and aural styles. The beauty of online programs lies in using a wide range of media, from audio-video presentations and animations to virtual classrooms, chat rooms, and other tech-driven learning tools.