With the worldwide boom in technology, distance education has become an excellent option for the international student seeking a top-quality degree. Not surprisingly, today there are many, many programs to choose from. The following information will help you evaluate any that you are considering.

Does the program have "the magic three"?

There are three crucial legs to a highly reputable distance education institution: Student-Centered Support, Community Development, and Content.

1. Student-Centered Support

You'll want to make sure that your program provides these critical student resources:

A resource center and library
Does the distance education program have an extensive online library? Industry watchers have sited the Masters Institute in San Jose, California as setting the standard in this category. As Silicon Valley's premier technology school, they provide students with over 600 full-text periodicals and hundreds of summarized articles.

Trained instructors who are experts in their subject matter
Because of the need to fill positions quickly, many online education programs hire instructors with limited training. You should ask about credentials, and expect your general education teachers to have at least a Bachelors degree. And, for all instructors to have at least 3 years adult-teaching experience. This is the minimum required by the Masters Institute.

Tutoring Services
How will learning assistance be provided when you need it? The Masters Institute has developed the Learning IntegratorTM, a lively and interactive tool that makes tutoring help - as well as classroom discussions, textbooks and more - immediately accessible.

Academic Advisors
Be sure to inquire about the availability of academic advisors. The Masters Institute's advisors are committed to education and career development, and can help you with any question you might have.

Effective delivery of materials
Question how a distance education program distributes materials. The Masters Institute is meticulous about this, and uses a highly effective distribution system to make sure students always have the learning tools they require.

Ease of Use
With the demands of an education, you need a program with a very user-friendly online system. The Masters Institute provides an intuitive interface that offers one-step log in, easy and logical navigation, and 24/7 technology support.

2. Community

Distance Education relies and thrives on community. Because of the online revolution, distance education is no longer an isolated endeavor. At the Masters Institute, for example, you will be able to communicate with fellow students and instructors all over the world, often in real time.

3. Content

Investigate the content of any potential distance education programs. Will you have the ability to learn in the most effective way for you? At the Masters Institute, you can choose to read curriculum content and class notes yourself, or have them read to you. And since you're online, you can click through to a clear explanation of any technical term you don't understand.

Summary

A solid distance education provides mentoring, expert instruction, a friendly, accessible community, and ease-of-use.

We suggest visiting The Masters Institute at www.mastersinstitute.edu/usa where you'll discover an exciting and rewarding educational experience.