What are Home Study Programs?

<p>Home study, also known as distance learning, programs are offered on a variety of topics and are geared towards individuals interested in achieving a specific career goal without attending school at a particular location. Some programs are designed for individuals already working in a specific field who wish to increase their knowledge and career potential without having to quit their current jobs to attend classes. Other programs are aimed at students who want to learn a new trade or enter a new career, all from the comfort of their own homes. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactAboutHomeStudyPrograms">Important Fact About Home Study Programs</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>On-the-job Training</td><td>Some home study programs for fields that require a lot of hands-on work, such as Nursing or Auto Repair, may offer or require a Work Experience component in which students attend in-person training sessions.</td></tr> <tr><td>Common courses</td><td>Courses will vary according to program, but some of the most common courses include: English Composition, Applied Statistics, and Global Studies</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td>Biologist, Social Worker, Nurse, and Repair Mechanic</td></tr> <tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Communication, familiarity with computers and the internet, ability to work independently</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$50,390 <i>(Social Workers)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>9% growth <i>(Social Workers)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ProgramLengthAndAwardsGranted">Program Length and Awards Granted</h3> <p>Programs vary in both length and in the level of award granted. Some programs are flexible in the length of time required for completion, allowing students to set their own pace. Home study certificate programs may consist of just a few courses and can be completed in less than a year. Students may also earn undergraduate and graduate degrees through some home study programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowHomeStudyProgramsWork">How Home Study Programs Work</h3> <p>Most home study programs are delivered via the Internet. Students are required to have Internet access to obtain course materials and participate in the program. Information might be disseminated through live video broadcasts, streaming video or text. Students might be required to complete assignments or exams online. Interaction with other students and with the instructor is done through email, live chats, discussion boards or instant messaging.</p>