Earning an associates degree via distance education has many benefits, but is not for everyone. Distance education interferes less with a person’s work and personal schedules than traditional classroom instruction. This flexibility in schedule is essential to some people, however, any one working towards their associates degree via distance education must still complete course assignments according to a schedule.

If you are not a disciplined person skilled in time management, you may find completing your associates degree distance education is more difficult than anticipated. Similarly, if you are a person who values face-to-face contact and benefits from lectures and presentations, you might find it difficult to study lessons without that interaction.

For most people, the flexibility of working towards an associates degree via distance education is far more valuable than the aspects of the traditional courses they are giving up. However, you may find that not all areas of study are available via distance learning. If you are just beginning your search for an associates degree program and do not have a solid idea what are of study you want to enter, spend some time researching local, national and internet-based universities and colleges.

You should be able to find a program and schedule that works for you. Just be sure to understand all aspects of your course including course delivery method, testing methods, and completion of lessons. Ask questions of all potential schools regarding the course and completion time. Though an associates degree via distance education is easy to earn, it requires the same commitment to complete as a traditional course in a brick and mortar school.