In an era of increasingly competitive careers, one needs to constantly and consistently evolve through means of education and learning. But in the course of everyday commitments, a person can barely make time for on-campus or part time education programs. In such a situation, learning by distance allows a person to fit education around work, family and social commitments.
A number of students choose to study through universities offering distance learning programs as they not only offer convenience but also promise to deliver value. Such degrees hold the same weight as a post graduate degree or diploma obtained from an on-campus management program.
However, before applying to an institute or university offering a distance learning program, one should carefully consider five elements which are of utmost importance. These elements should be the benchmark on which one should rate a university or institute offering a post graduate program in management.
Accreditation and Ranking
A number of institutes and universities offering distance learning programs may seem credible. It is best to not blindly follow loud claims but to find out whether the university or institute offering the distance learning program in management is recognized by a certified government body.
In India, certified government bodies include the All India Council for Technical Education which is the apex Government body associated with quality education. You should always find out if the institute you plan to apply to is approved by the AICTE.
Another important government body is the University Grants Commission that determines and maintains the standards of university education in India. A university/institute must be accredited by the UGC to be able to offer high education programs.
Most importantly, the university should be accredited by the Distance Education Council of India. This government body is responsible for the determination and maintenance of education standards of teaching, evaluation and research of Open Universities and Distance Education institutions.
Do not forget to check the ranking of a university or institute awarded by a certifiable government body or reliable survey.
Flexibility
The fundamental purpose of a distance learning course is to fulfil your need for learning and education without breaking your work or family commitments. Choose a university or institute that understands your need for flexibility. Explore if the educational body offering distance learning programs offers ease of exams, flexibility in submission of assignments, easily accessible information centres and any other service that would help you through the learning cycle.
Also, explore the range of management courses offered by a distance learning institute - are there any courses that specifically cater to your area of interest? What are the options offered in case you sign up for a course and are not happy with the actual content? Are there any options for majoring in a particular subject as offered by on-campus programs?
Prepare a list of questions and use it as a checklist to find out whether a university or institute can cater to your needs.
Tuition Fees
Since you are not on campus, the university or institute offering post graduate programs in management cannot charge you the exorbitant fee generally charged for on-campus programs. Tuition fees are one of the most important benchmarks for choosing a university or institute offering management programs through distance mode. Don’t just determine which program is the most economical, explore the degree of benefits and services derived from the management program and find out which one gives you the maximum value for your money.
Support Services
Besides a credible post graduate program in management, a university or institute offering distance learning should have a robust and dependable support system to ensure convenience and ease of access to study material, personal contact, and quick disbursal of information.
Distance education is a relatively recent concept and any educational body offering management programs through distance mode should incorporate modern technology into their services. Facilities like online libraries, online lessons, live sessions with industry experts, recordings of management classes etc. should ideally by made available to students.
Study Material
Study material is the most important source of learning for a student pursuing a management course through distance learning. The study material communicates with the student in the absence of a teacher. This material needs to be relevant; should cover all aspects of a subject; should rarely leave a student in doubt.
An ideal university would also provide you with digital study material like video and audio recordings, case studies related to various business situations so that the student has clear and precise understand of the course aims.
A number of universities and institutions mushroom every year making tall claims about their programs and services. As a prospective student, it is your job to ensure that you make a choice that gives you optimum value not just for the money invested but for your career as well. Keep in mind the key points mentioned above while considering your options in distance learning programs.