There are a lot of benefits that educations can provide especially for seniors seeking to attain a degree and be lifetime learners. Sometimes going back to school can be challenging for seniors because of the fear of fitting and some might be struggling with health conditions. Nowadays, with online learning, there is a growing trend among senior citizens striving to attain education to redesign and rethink their futures.
If you are a senior and you want to continue learning in your golden years, then completing an online degree program is something that will fit you. There are plenty of online degree programs that seniors can pursue. With various universities and colleges offering courses tailored for senior citizens, it had become easy for seniors to advance their education.
Benefits of going to school for seniors
The online college and university courses offer many benefits besides the financial benefits. To begin with, online courses are flexible, and one can sync that to their schedule so that you can learn at your own time. Similarly, the learning module is affordable compared to attending traditional classes that might require traveling daily, and thus, this makes online courses ideal for seniors.
Also, it can be rewarding to earn a degree at old age because seniors sometimes find it had to secure jobs, and therefore getting a degree can be very helpful. Learning is also very important regardless of age because as you learn something new, the brain grows. Research indicates that learning new things for seniors can boost one’s memory as well as enhance problem-solving skills. Through learning, one can find ways to interact with others, especially if they decide to enter a new field once they graduate.
How seniors can enrol for online degree
The requirements to enroll for an online degree for seniors vary from across states and institutions. But for seniors, the process is rather different because there don’t need test scores or completing essays. All that is necessary is one to be above 60 years with a high school diploma or an equivalent. To get some discounts and waivers you should meet some income criteria.
You can then pick your institution and check the programs they offer on their websites. The admission process is similar to that of young students as the institution might ask for documentation to see whether you need the minimum admission criteria.
Universities offering online degree programs for seniors
Some of the institutions that offer online programs for seniors include:
- University of Minnesota: the university offers seniors 21 certificate programs students at all levels, 17 online bachelor’s degrees and also 12 online graduate degree programs. Seniors can pursue courses in Accounting, finance, business administration, psychology, and information technology.
- University of Washington: The University offers seniors 18 online degree programs with options of graduate degree and certificate. There is a catalogue of options on the area’s seniors can venture in, and these online options take only one year to complete.
- George Mason University: Located in Virginia, the university offers a variety of online courses for seniors in fields such as Psychology and Business Management. It also offers a Masters in Social work.
- Mississippi State University: the university offers around 40 online degree programs in various fields. Interestingly seniors who meet the university’s requirements can learn and earn an online degree at no cost. For those who meet the criteria, they can take around18 credit hours per year.
Besides these universities, several others are offering online degrees for seniors. All you have to do is search for one that meets your preferences and offers your course and enrol to earn your degree.
