Can you Earn a Software Development Degree Online?

If you are serious about pursuing a future in software development, one of the best ways to establish yourself is with the help of a formal degree. However, you may not have the ability to stop work and completely enroll into an on-campus college course. Thankfully, online education provides another option.

Here are some facts about online software development degrees and why earning one online is a great option for a lot of working adults, focused on going back to school.

What are Some Pros to Earning a Degree Online?

When considering an online degree program, any online degree program, it is important to understand both the pros and cons that come with it. One of the major benefits is you can fit classwork in around your schedule. If you have time before work or after picking up the kids from school, you can work on your studies. You also don't need to pack everything in four hours at a time, as you might with a traditional class.

With an online class you have the ability to work on classwork anywhere there is an internet connection. This means whether you're sitting inside of a coffee shop, fast food restaurant, at your home, or even in your car with a Wi-Fi hot spot, you have the ability to log into your class and continue studying.

There are other academic benefits to online education. Studies have shown you may retain information better and you could expand your virtual communication skills. With constant reading and writing, this is a great chance to practice critical reading and technical writing skills.

What are Some Cons to Online Education?

Some of the negative aspects towards an online degree is you will need to maintain your own schedule and keep yourself motivated. With regular classes you go in at set times throughout the week and the only thing you need to worry about is completing your homework. However, with an online class basically everything is homework and you need to stay on top of yourself to complete it. If you are not a self-motivated individual it does become easier to fall behind the schedule.

You also need to have an excellent computer on hand to perform some of the software development requirements. So, there might be a bit more of an initial investment cost, should you need to purchase certain computer elements or programs. Student loans, grants and scholarships could help with this, depending on your situation.

If you're currently working for someone who wants you to go back to school for this you may be able to request financial assistance for the software and hardware needs as well.

In the end though, you need to understand both the pros and cons of an online degree program. You know yourself better than anyone else, so you should be able to determine whether or not it is right for you.

What Type of Student is Best Suited For This Kind of Learning?

The fact of the matter is not all students are best suited for online learning. There are some students who need to have professors and other students on hand to succeed in a class. The structure of a traditional class helps keep them on schedule. Students who constantly procrastinate or find themselves struggling to complete tasks with no one motivating them might not do well as an online student.

However, if you are able to maintain your own schedule, this might prove to be the perfect kind of learning opportunity. Online classes are designed for go getters and those who thrive on their own. If you are someone who can get the job done without constant reminders, or who likes to go off and work on your own, this may be the perfect educational opportunity for you. It is also perfect if you simply don't have the time to cut out large chunks of a day towards in-person school work. Instead, you work as you go.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in software development, a bachelor's degree is a must. For many, enrolling in a full-time, in-person college course is simply not a viable option, which is why taking advantage of an online class can have its advantages.

Are you passionate about software development and want to take your skills to the next level? If you’re looking for online education and want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development, ECPI University could be the next step for you. With accelerated classes and a year-round schedule, students could earn their degrees in as little as 2.5 years. For more information about this degree program, use today to connect with a friendly admissions advisor.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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