However, there has been a big improvement in how the education is delivered, and you don't have to chuck your job to attend college anymore.

It is now possible to achieve your degree via online education. This phenomenon is revolutionizing the way in which education is delivered, and is finding increasing acceptance from students as well as employers. The popularity of online degrees can be gauged from the fact that many employers are offering tuition reimbursement to their employees.

The feedback for online degrees has largely been positive from both employers as well as employees. Consider the fact that more than 3.2 million students enrolled in online degrees in the fall of 2005, up from 2.3 million in 2004 - and the figure has been increasing ever since.

Hi-Tech and High Quality

Some of the best online degrees combine quality education and the latest technology. An online class is designed to be unique to your area of study. This is backed up by a unique alternative delivery option, which is built into the learning model.

For an online learning course, there are three major learning formats that are widely used by many institutions:

Webcourse- This consists of a website and online syllabus, with interactions through e-mail and discussion boards, as well as specially created chat rooms for students to interact.

Telecourse- Here, lessons are videotaped and televised on local cable channels, or viewed in libraries on campus.

Teleweb Course- With Teleweb courses, the videotaped lessons are coupled with a website for better correspondence between students and the instructor. Lessons may also be available for live streaming, online downloads, or even as podcasts.

Such interactive formats have enabled many professionals to earn an advanced degree at their own leisure and convenience, where they are not bound by any time constraints. As an added plus, students do not have to be physically present at any particular location, on or off campus.

Online degrees are available for host of different programs for all kinds of businesses. They are available through several accredited institutions across the country. Online degrees are available in many diverse fields of study, from accounting to nursing to business administration. There are also advanced degrees, such as the MBA, and PhD available.

Apart from these, there are also various non-degree certificates that can boost your credentials.

Employer Support

While online degrees are very convenient for students, there is increasing evidence that online degrees are far more accepted today than they were previously. Most employers see them in the same light as traditional college degrees. However, obtaining an online degree from an accredited institution is still largely favored.

Online education provides professionals with more options than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned executive or are new to the working world, getting your degree while you are employed is no longer impossible.