What are Associate Degree Correspondence Courses?

<h3 id="section---OverviewOfCorrespondenceCourses">Overview of Correspondence Courses</h3> <p>Although coursework in most distance learning associate's degree programs is typically completed online, many students still prefer correspondence courses. Students working with this type of course typically purchase a textbook at a local bookstore and receive course materials in the mail. After completing the specified coursework, students then return, via mail, the work to the professor. Below are some of the main aspects of associate's degree correspondence courses. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Degrees/Certificates </td><td> Correspondence courses may be offered as part of a degree or certificate, but in-person or online classes may be required for completion</td></tr> <tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Varies between courses, but good standing and time spent in a discipline may be required</td></tr> <tr><td> Other Requirements </td><td> Students must have a reliable mailing address and are in charge of procuring a proctor for exams</td></tr> <tr><td> Programs </td><td> Many correspondence course programs are available, including programs in agriculture, English and philosophy</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $78,300 (<i>for web developers</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 23% (<i>for web developers</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ManualCompletion">Manual Completion</h3> <p>Correspondence courses allow students to complete coursework much in the same way they would in a traditional class setting. For students who are not comfortable with personal computers, this provides them with a practical alternative. Many students prefer to manually complete their exercises and papers in order to most closely recreate a university setting. </p> <h3 id="section---ElectronicDistribution">Electronic Distribution</h3> <p>Although many people prefer to receive their course materials in the mail, many correspondence courses can now be delivered electronically. This allows students to receive coursework and lecture notes by e-mail. Instead of completing the work online, as in an online course, students then print the materials and complete them manually. Often, this is a more efficient way of getting relevant materials to students. </p> <h3 id="section---Exams">Exams</h3> <p>Because of the distance involved, exam portions of an associate's degree correspondence course are administered by a local proctor. This allows exams to be taken under the supervision of a second party, which ensures the integrity of the results. </p> <h3 id="section---Accreditation">Accreditation</h3> <p>Before enrolling, it is important that students check the accreditation status of the college or university offering the associate's degree correspondence courses. There are a variety of companies that specialize in low quality correspondence course degrees that should be avoided. Completing a non-accredited associate's degree program will not lead to an accredited degree, and course credit may not be transferable to other colleges and universities.</p>