So You Got an Online Degree: Now What?

CollegePlus! graduate Daniel Dallas pursues graduate studies upon completing his bachelor's degree.

by Lydia Rule

What happens after your online degree is finished and you want to pursue further education? Will other universities accept you into their master's programs based on the accredited bachelor's degree you've obtained through accelerated distance learning?
Daniel Dallas, a CollegePlus! graduate from Georgia, recently finished his online bachelor of science degree in business through Thomas Edison State College. Several months before his graduation, he applied to the University of Georgia at Athens (UGA) to earn his master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in homeland security. UGA is a prestigious school, highly ranked by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, and U.S. News & World Report.

Acceptance—"Without a Hitch"

So, how did the University of Georgia view Daniel’s online degree? “The Lord really blessed,” Daniel said confidently. “Everything went through without a hitch. They didn’t ask any questions.” In other words, the admissions officers at UGA did not look at his degree from Thomas Edison any differently than a degree from a regular brick-and-mortar university.
In fact, earning his BS through the CollegePlus! program has given Daniel “freedom of movement,” as he put it. Because of the flexibility of his online degree schedule, Daniel was able to travel as well as to help with disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to the benefit of having an adaptable schedule, Daniel was able to earn his bachelor’s degree in two years as opposed to the traditional four at a regular college.

Future Opportunities

Once Daniel has completed his master’s degree, he will have several different career paths to choose from. “The two big things I’m considering is the military and federal law enforcement,” he said. He feels called to protect his country in the area of homeland security and to “share Christ in a time of crisis.”
Daniel’s calling to homeland security is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Raised in the home of a chemist, Daniel quipped that he could say “anthrax” at age two! His father, Dr. Cham Dallas, is a toxicologist and is heavily involved in “assisting homeland security officials” to prepare for terrorist attacks, according to Daniel. Incidentally, it was Daniel’s father that recommended the CollegePlus! program to his son. “My family is also very enthusiastic about the course I have taken. In fact, I now have a brother and a sister following the same route,” he said.
Daniel urges current CollegePlus! students to “find sufficiency in Christ.” His favorite verse, Psalm 32:8, also has applicable meaning to CollegePlus! students: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Lydia Rule is CollegePlus! student working on her bachelor's degree in English and is a contributing editor to Acceleration.

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