Online Degrees: Flexible, On-Demand, and For the Working Adult

We’ve all heard the stories about online classes. You’re sitting at your laptop and taking notes from a virtual lecture. You can’t ask questions, and you’re not sure your professor even knows you exist. It’s an understandable fear, but fortunately, students at Concordia University Chicago don’t have this problem.

Online learning at Concordia-Chicago involves the same level of interaction and engagement as any traditional class, and it allows students to earn their degree on their own time. Concordia-Chicago’s online classes are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be logged in at a certain time of day. This way, rather than scramble to find a sitter or beg your boss for time off to go to class, you can complete your assignments whenever it’s most convenient.

Also, because these classes contain 18 students at most, professors can follow up with you throughout the semester and get to know your unique learning style, despite the lack of face-to-face communication.

 

The Same University — Just More Flexible

Instead of a watered-down, “lighter” version of college, online learning at Concordia-Chicago is simply a different method of getting your degree. Whether you’re attending classes in person or online, you’re still attending the same regionally accredited university that has been around since the 1800s. As an online student, you also have access to the same resources as students in traditional classes — online students can still use CUC’s writing center, along with other services at the Academic Center for Excellence to facilitate their online experience.

In other words, the only difference between online classes and traditional classes is the flexibility. Of course, online courses aren’t for everyone, but with 28 percent of college students enrolled in at least one online class, they are becoming more popular — and they’re an especially good fit for students looking to get an education on their own schedule.

For example, working adults who are trying to balance full-time jobs, family obligations, and other responsibilities often find the flexibility of online programs beneficial. Similarly, if you live in an area where there is little to no access to higher education, you can attend classes online without having to uproot your life to move to a new town just to attend university.

 

Exercise Science Programs at Concordia-Chicago

Not only do you get the same resources and level of education with online courses, but you also have access to many of the same degree programs — particularly if you’re interested in exercise science. Concordia-Chicago offers a variety of programs with a variety of options. The Master’s of Applied Exercise Science program contains five different concentrations, which you can complete in 12-18 months, depending on whether you take one or two classes at a time. Students can also choose a dual concentration. For example, you can combine the human movement science and strength and conditioning concentrations within the master’s program.

Also, the master’s concentrations prepare you for certification. For instance, if you want to work in a healthcare facility, you can pursue a clinical exercise certification with the Human Movement Science concentration. Or if you dream of helping athletes reach new heights in their performance, you can prepare for a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification through the Sports Performance Training concentration.

In addition to the master’s program, Concordia-Chicago offers one of the only fully online Ph.D./Ed.D. programs in exercise science. This program in leadership and health and human performance doesn’t require any residency or campus visits, and you can do your dissertation defense and presentation through a video conference. Also, because tuition never increases during enrollment, you won’t have to worry about that additional financial burden while you complete these requirements at your own pace.

A degree in exercise science can lead to a wide array of careers, and Concordia-Chicago wants to help you achieve the one that’s right for you. Through online programs, you can pursue the fields that inspire you the most — without having to move, commute, or uproot your life. Ultimately, while online classes are often stereotyped as a mediocre alternative to a “real” education, Concordia-Chicago’s online programs engage, challenge, and instruct students to help them achieve their goals.

How can you be successful in our programs? Read our article, “5 Ways Students Can Be Successful in an Online Program.”

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Concordia University – Chicago has been educating students for over 150 years and when you enroll in our online programs you earn the same campus quality degree. Ready to advance your career in health and fitness with a degree in Exercise Science? Contact one of our Admissions Advisors to learn more.