Celina remembers the elaborate story she came up with about how she met her first boyfriend online. It was the early days of internet dating, and those who sought the assistance of an online matchmaker had the stigma of having to resort to ?computer dating.? Celina recalls, ?We made up an elaborate story about how we were introduced by a ?friend of a friend? at a party. Neither of us wanted to admit that we had gone to our computer in search of a date.? She eventually went on to marry the man she met online. Ten years and three kids later, they are one of the literally millions of success stories that have come as a product of e-dating.
How times have changed! Today the online matchmaking industry is a multi-million dollar business, and literally millions of singles have dipped their toes in the internet dating pool. In fact, according to US News and World Report, in August 2003 alone, internet dating sites received more than 40 million unique visits. That's about half of the current population of single adults in the United States! Much of the social stigma that went with internet matchmaking is gone now that online dating sites have improved. Here are some reasons why you should take a look at finding a match on the internet if you haven't done so already?
1. Compatibility - Technology has evolved on the online dating sites to where matchmaking has become much more of a science. Sites like match.com and eHarmony.com offer in-depth personality profiling that take a lot of the guesswork out of matching you and a partner and help you narrow down options.
2. Time - Let's face it - most of us don't have the time we would like to go out and meet people. Online it's possible to look through literally hundreds of profiles in a very short amount of time.
3. Expense - You find out early on if you're not compatible through communication and online chat. You don't need to spend your precious time and money weeding through the options in person. Compare that with the monthly fees for many online dating sites and you're looking at a very cost-effective process!
4. Selection - Just about all of the online dating sites allow you to select by larger categories like ethnicity or smoking behavior, Interestingly enough though, on many sites you can literally narrow down your potential partner to height, hair color, eye color, zip code, or any other number of features. The more you narrow, of course, the fewer matches you'll come up with. If you want something specific in a partner though, there's likely someone out there with that quality waiting to be found!
So go ahead, dive into the online dating pool!
Of all online universities, the University of Pheonix Online is arguably the best known. Established in 1989, the university's enrollment has long since skyrocketed to some 180,000 students, making it the nation's largest online university. Students can pursue an online bachelor's and online master's degree in subject areas like technology, health care, business, education and the behavioral sciences.
All of the degree programs offered by the University of Pheonix Online are true online degrees. Enrollees in bachelor and master degree programs complete 100% of their degree requirements online. This online experience ranges from such basic activities as registration and the ordering of books to class-related activities like posting assignments, working with classmates on joint projects, and interacting and receiving feedback from instructors.
Degree programs at the University of Pheonix Online are designed specifically for working professionals. As a result, it's often possible to complete a degree much more quickly than by attending a traditional brick-and-mortar university. Students taking online college classes one class at a time at the University of Pheonix are usually able to complete up to 27 credits per year. On average, they complete their online degree in just two to three years.
Pre-enrollees are often concerned about the value of an online degree and here too, the news is good. The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It was one of the first accredited universities to provide college degree programs over the Internet. The University of Phoenix Online is now the nation's leading online university.
Because its online degree program is tailored to the educational needs of working professionals, the University of Pheonix works closely with industry leaders to ensure that its programs provide the skills and expertise in demand in today's economy. Because of this, employers see an online degree as a good investment in their own future. Not surprisingly, 59% of students at the University receive all or part of their tuition from their employer. And even in those cases where an employer won't spring for the cost of making you a better employee, there are still other financial options available, including federal grant and loan programs with low interest rates.
Getting started at the University of Pheonix Online is just a mouse-click away. Because every student has unique needs, the University's experienced enrollment counselors work closely with new enrollees to simplify the back-to-school process. The links below will take you to an Information Request Form, where you can jumpstart your online learning experience. Don't wait, start at the University of Pheonix Online today!
Both Paul Walker & Matt Paolini are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.