Online Degrees in Florida (FL)

So, how does Florida measure up? The Lumina Foundation, a private entity dedicated to increasing student access to and success in post-secondary education, reports that in 2008, 36.8 percent of Floridians held at leas ta two-year associate degree. By 2025, this number is expected to hover around 46.1 percent. The Foundation, however, predicts that 60 percent of all jobs nationwide will require a two-year degree or higher by 2025, leaving Florida residents behind the curve.

In order to help bridge the gap, Florida's economy needs to transform into a more sustainable, knowledge-based climate featuring high-skill and high-wage jobs, according to the New Florida Initiative. By 2030, the Initiative plans for 50,000 Floridians to receive degrees each year; to increase research funding to more than $1.5 billion annually; and to make significant strides to improve retention and graduation rates.

To achieve these marks, the state must leverage all of its higher educational resources, be they traditional or online. Degrees in Florida are not typically seen at the forefront of state expenditures--in 2010, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers, Florida spent only 8.9 percent of its budget on higher education, notably less than the national figure of 10.1 percent. And, in recent years, educational funding has decreased by 25 percent.

But tuition at Florida public colleges and universities is steadily rising. In 2007, the state legislature opened the door for schools to raise tuition, with a maximum increase of 15 percent. Some schools have raised their tuition the maximum rate every year since then, the Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported in June 2011.

In recent years, online education has grown by leaps and bounds. Once considered mere alternatives to traditional universities, distance learning now serves as a premier choice for full-time students as well as supplements to working adults and busy parents. Impressive improvements in educational technology also add to the many prospective students now turning to online degrees. Florida provides cost-effective, flexible online options for individuals who may not thrive as successfully in the traditional brick-and-mortar setting. Of course, not every program is the same, which in itself speaks volumes about the flexibility of online learning.

Online degree programs in Florida take advantage of the rapid advancements in not only educational technology, but also in Internet technology. Lectures are typically streamed via live or recorded webinars, and students usually have the option to access these lectures at any given time. Student portals are provided for a variety of reasons, including the ability to download lectures and accompany resources, turn in assignments and, depending on the program, take tests.

Technology also helps facilitate communication and interaction for students enrolled in Florida online degree programs. Class forums promote discussion among students, allowing classmates to engage both personally and academically. Students who tend to shy away from asking questions in class can use emails and forums as platforms to clarify unclear topics and problems. Video messengers using webcams and microphones also allow students to have face-time with their professors and fellow classmates. Due to its increased intensity, advanced students enrolled in online master's programs in Florida particularly appreciate this higher level of remove convenience.

Online health care degrees in Florida are quickly becoming a hot commodity--and deservedly so. Health care support positions are expected to grow by over 25 percent in the period between 2011 and 2019. Online associate degrees in medical and dental assisting offer students the education to access some of the fastest growing occupations in the state. Some medical assisting programs focus on the administrative tasks required in any office setting, with courses ranging from medical terminology to fundamentals of patient interaction. Other programs hone in on the behind-the-scenes processes, with training to help directly assist health care providers by preparing supplies and performing basic laboratory tests, among other duties.

With the changes in professional demands from both local and neighboring companies, online business degrees can help prospective candidates gain an edge above the competition. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports that careers in finance are trending up--financial analyst positions are projected to increase by nearly 25 percent--and online finance degrees in Florida are helping shape the incoming pool of talent.

Other popular programs embrace the world of teaching. With an online degree in education, Florida graduates are better equipped to assume roles of elementary, middle or secondary school teachers. These positions should see about a 20 percent growth by 2019. Newer online primary and secondary schools will also be in need of online facilitators and instructors, opening up even more teaching opportunities.

In 2008, the Florida legislature set up the Florida Distance Learning Task Force to study the future of online education in the state. The Task Force reports that "although Florida's colleges and universities have made significant progress in the development and implementation of distance learning courses and programs, stronger state-level advocacy, coordination and support are warranted."

The Task Force recommended that a state-coordinated distance learning program "reflect the essential components of a student-centered, cost-effective, statewide strategy for the development and delivery of distance learning courses and degrees through the state's colleges and universities." This call-to-arms to revamp online degree programs in Florida can help ensure that the state's residents will not trail behind in these new educational ventures.

More and more companies are forming partnerships with educational establishments to access the pool of highly skilled graduates needed to grow and expand their businesses. Through its New Florida Initiative, the state legislature works in collaboration with higher educational institutions to ensure that suitable candidates--those holding traditional or online degrees--in Florida have the opportunity to help the state back on its feet.

Sources:

Kiplinger: Best Values in Public Colleges, 2012

Workforce Development in Northwest Florida, Florida House of Representatives (pdf)

"Closing the Talent Gap," Florida Council of 100

"Florida allows 15 percent tuition hike at universities," Florida Sun-Sentinel, June 2011