Online Schools in Connecticut

It's no secret that Connecticut is home to some of the best colleges in the nation. Unfortunately, great schools mean stiff competition. What's more, a May 2010 report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that a sluggish economy has forced Connecticut to cut its higher education budget. Translation: Connecticut colleges must slash student enrollment and services to keep afloat.

Why Choose Online Education in Connecticut?

Thankfully, Connecticut students have an alternative: online education. Online schools in Connecticut re-open doors closed by admissions competition at traditional campuses, allowing you to find a program that meets your needs despite state budget woes.

Online education has a lot to offer students from any background, and online schools in Connecticut are no exception. Some key benefits include:

• Convenience: With online education, the classroom is never further away than the nearest Internet connection.
• Flexibility: Working professionals or otherwise busy students can learn at their own pace in their own time.
• Diversity: Online programs exist for virtually any field of study, so you're not limited by your local school's course catalog.
• Credibility: Thanks to thorough accreditation processes, online education is more credible and accepted than ever before.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn from Online Schools in Connecticut

Connecticut online schools offer a diversity of programs designed to serve all types of students in all types of fields. Most provide one of the following credentials:

• High school diplomas or GEDs
• Professional certificates
• Continuing education units (CEUs)
• Associate's degrees
• Bachelor's degrees
• Master's degrees
• Doctoral degrees

Online schools offer programs in virtually any industry, too. While most students can study completely online, those working in hands-on professions may enroll in hybrid programs, which combine traditional face-to-face classes with online coursework.

Benefits of Attending Connecticut Online Schools

According to a 2010 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Connecticut unemployment rates are nearing 9 percent, and most other states aren't faring much better. Now, more than ever, workers need whatever edge they can get in a competitive job market. Online schools in Connecticut can make all the difference. In fact, advancing your education online may help you:

• Improve your hiring potential
• Earn more money
• Advance your career faster

What's more, online education makes all of this much more accessible and affordable to you since you can go to school while keeping your full-time job.

Job Opportunities for Degree-Holders in Connecticut

While Connecticut is home to workers in a number of industries, some of the most prominent (according to the BLS) include:

• Health care
• Education
• Engineering, particularly aerospace
• Business
• Transportation
• Food, travel and hospitality

If you want to compete in any of these industries, chances are you'll benefit from the type of education Connecticut online schools provide. While the U.S. Census reports that earnings increase dramatically with continued education across the board, some careers require minimum degrees or certificates for employment at all. Most jobs in health care, education, and engineering require some type of degree, especially the better paying ones.

Business is a broad field employing workers of all levels of education, but those in the highest echelons typically hold business degrees, particularly MBAs. Food and hospitality workers are certainly more marketable when they have the appropriate culinary or hospitality certifications or degrees.

Whatever the field, almost all these credentials can be earned via Connecticut online schools or hybrid programs.