subject: How Long Does it Take to Finish a Distance Learning Program [print this page] If you're thinking about attending an online university, you are probably wondering, "How long does it take to finish a distance learning program?" The answer to this question depends on many factors, though, because all distance learning programs are different, and they offer a level of freedom and choice that is unprecedented among traditional college programs. The length of your distance learning program will not only depend on what level and type of degree you are getting but also on how many units it requires and how difficult it is. The pace at which you complete your classes will also determine how long it takes to finish the program.
Many different types of distance learning programs are offered through accredited online universities. There are associate's degree programs, bachelor's degree programs, master's degree programs and PhD programs. Some of these are entry level programs, and others require a previous degree or at least some previous coursework in that particular subject area. There are also all types of subjects to choose from. Whether you want to go into nursing, teaching, business, social work, sociology or virtually any other field, you can study online. Some programs require hands-on coursework and internships that cannot be completed online, but even then you can complete many of your classes over the Internet from the comfort of home.
At a traditional campus, an associate's degree alone typically takes two years, and a bachelor's degree alone takes four years, although if you already have an associate's you can complete the bachelor's in another two. The master's degree will take another two or three years on top of the bachelor's, and a PhD will take another couple of years on top of that. This is all assuming you go to school full time. Distance learning programs offer the flexibility to take as many or as few classes at a time that you want, and the length of time you take to finish each class may also vary depending on your pace.
If you're wondering how long it will take to finish a distance learning program in your specific case, the best way to find out is to speak to a counselor about the particular program you're interested in, and consider how many classes you can reasonably finish at a time.
How Long Does it Take to Finish a Distance Learning Program
