The University of Oklahoma has offered flexible degree options for nearly six decades. That history has awarded OU Online the opportunity to create courses specifically designed for distance learning and to carefully select instructors with real-world experience in their teaching fields.

Although students may never step foot on the OU campus, they still receive a quality education from a nationally recognized university, just like our traditional, on-campus students.

While most students choose an online program because of its convenience, there are many other advantages to earning an online degree, including acquiring essential skills employers seek.

Here are a few skills students seeking online degrees can count on learning:

• Communication
• Technical skills
• Writing
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Research
• Problem-solving
• Commitment and responsibility
• Teamwork
• Organization
• Leadership

To develop these skills and make the best of the online experience, students must establish a few practices that will make juggling school, work, family and other commitments a little easier.

Here are a few tips our online students recommend:

Learn the technology. Get to know the online platform early. Since courses, assignments and class discussions are online, you don’t want to wait until a big assignment is due to figure out how things work.

Get to know your professors. Reach out and introduce yourself. Let your professor know you’re looking forward to the class. This will be helpful if you have questions or issues down the line.

Actively participate. While you may feel alone in your efforts, other students are navigating the same challenges. Discussing the coursework or starting a virtual study group will help you build relationships with classmates. These connections could prove to be valuable resources in the future.

Be organized. Organize your computer and your workspace. Having a dedicated, quiet space to study and work on assignments will keep you focused and help you tune out distractions.

Set a schedule. Set aside a specific time each week for schoolwork. Structure and routine are important, especially when you’re trying to work and raise a family. Don’t forget to include time for self-care, as well.

Work ahead. This is one of the biggest tips online students recommend. Planning to finish assignments a few days earlier will be helpful if there is an internet outage or other emergency.

Ultimately, you’ll have to find out what works best for you. Following these suggestions, however, is a good start in making your experience as an online student a successful one. Hopefully, you will leave here with a degree and a solid set of skills that will lead you toward future success and career advancement.

If you’re still deciding if OU is right for you, visit our website to see if there is a degree that interests you. If you’re ready, start your application today.