The Differences Between Online Colleges and Online Universities

Written by michaelm @ 8:15 am on October 23, 2010  
The terms “university” and “college” both refer to a facility that offers students the opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education. While both institutions provide millions of students with an education to augment their personal objectives, solidify their occupational goals and gain financial security, there are certain subtle differences between the two. As technology has exploded and opened new doors of opportunity for students all over the world, more schools have taken their programs to the World Wide Web, offering courses and training to students from all walks of life. There continue to be differences between online colleges and online universities.

The major difference between an online university and an online college is that usually a college offers a series of degrees in a single specific are of study while a university offers a compilation of colleges. Most online universities offer a collection of colleges such as the Business College, School of Psychology, College of Elementary Education and so-forth. In many cases, universities are larger and have a denser student population. Additionally, in some cases colleges do not offer certain degrees. Online may offer a variety of Bachelors degree options in varying business occupations, or systems of education. Colleges are typically regarded as a liberal arts postsecondary school that provides students with undergraduate degrees. Many colleges offer 2-year programs with a degree in an Associates of Arts, and some 4-year Bachelor degrees. Additionally, certain colleges can be smaller components of larger universities.

An online university, however, may offer a variety of subjects within the school of psychology, including offering students the ability to participate in graduate school and even the opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree. Additionally, universities offer a plethora of these individual programs. Although there has never been a pre-established standard for a university, most are believed to offer more programs and colleges with the ability to obtain both an undergraduate and graduate degree.

There is no real way to determine which is better: a college or a university. Both colleges and universities offer students the ability to get a solid education, and the preference truly lies with the student. Depending on the program desired and the degree being obtained, the choice between an online college and an online university is up to the goals, financial limits, occupational aspirations and the program of study the student wishes to engage in is ultimately left up to the student themselves.

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