Online Classroom | Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

Why Are Gen Eds Required for My Degree and How Can I Save Time and Money Completing Them?

If you’ve never been to college, you may ask yourself that question. Most people would much rather focus on courses that relate specifically to their chosen field of study and their career choice. The reality is that colleges and universities require from 30% to 50% of coursework to be general electives (gen eds). I know when I was younger and began my degree in engineering, I was anxious to start my core classes, but I soon learned that those courses would begin in the fourth or fifth semester. Many students may question whether gen eds are a waste of time, but is that true? First of all, all university programs require gen ed courses, so you are working your way toward your final goal. Secondly, you will learn new subjects, and you may develop a new passion. Elective courses also allow you to explore topics that interest you.

Colleges and universities want “well-rounded” graduates, and gen eds provide a comprehensive education. They promote critical thinking across multiple subjects. General education is more than what it is often perceived to be. Fundamentally, the purpose of education is not to train a student for a specific job but equips them with the skills they need to live life (Walters & Bockorn, 2018).

Once I started my gen ed curriculum, it began to make sense. I was experiencing high-level learning and then saw the value of these courses. For those of you who may not have any experience with post-secondary education, and those with limited knowledge of this subject, here are some examples of general education courses by category:

English Language and Literature:

College Composition, Oral Communication

Arts and Humanities:

Arts, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, History

Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics

Natural Science:

Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology

Mathematics:

Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics

So, we understand that gen eds are required and why, but how can we expedite the completion of these courses and save money? I’ve found that most colleges and universities nationwide provide access to and accept virtually the same courses to satisfy this requirement. One very good and very affordable option for completing these courses in the shortest time possible and for the lowest cost is through Distance Learning Systems.

Here are some of the benefits of utilizing Distance Learning Systems to satisfy this requirement.

Distance Learning Systems provide a wide assortment of general education courses that satisfy most, if not all, general education requirements.
All courses provided by Distance Learning Systems are ACE (American Council on Education) recommended.
Distance Learning Systems has partnership agreements with over 30 of the nation’s finest universities. This guarantees the transferability of all courses completed with Distance Learning Systems into the degree-granting institution.
All courses are delivered 100% online 24/7.
Distance Learning Systems provide an accelerated path to over 450 online degree programs.
The cost of these courses is about 56% less expensive than the average cost of university tuition.
You have options when beginning a new program or returning to complete your degree. I absolutely see and appreciate the value of these general education courses, but my position has always been and will always be to maximize value and minimize time. Good luck!

Written By: Dave Christy

Still Waiting for the Right Time to Start College?

Procrastination is the killer of dreams! As a national education company owner, I witness this sad reality every day. For a year, we are contacted by as many as 20,000 adults who have unrealized dreams. This is because they, like many others, have put off the most critical tool for personal, professional, and financial growth…education.

There are as many reasons people delay education as there are people, but many tell us they are simply afraid. Perhaps it could be fear of failure, the ever-increasing cost of education, or simply going back and competing in the classroom with students half their age. But you must remember that it’s okay, it’s normal to feel that way, you’ll be fine.

Any student at any age contemplating going back to school should start by focusing on why they want to return to school. What is your WHY? I’m guessing it’s more important than your fear. Maintain that focus, establish short- and long-term goals, and remember, the secret to success is getting started. For a moment, overcoming that fear is often more difficult than completing the task. It’s important to note that over 20% of today’s college enrollments are students over 25 (Education Data Initiative); hundreds of thousands of people just like you are doing this, and so can you!

Distance Learning Systems has worked with adult students for over 22 years. During that time, it has structured an accelerated and affordable path to earning up to 2 years of college credit, entirely at home and 100% online. That means you can finish the first two years of college at half the cost of traditional education and in about half the time. After saving time and money in the Distance Learning Systems proven program, they will assist you in transferring your credits into one of their 32 accredited universities, where you’ll have over 450 fully online programs.

Here are just a few of the available degree programs:

Registered Nursing

Aviation-Professional Pilot

Homeland Security

Crime Scene Investigation

Investigative Forensics

Software Development

Sports Management

Cyber Security

Biotechnology

Counter Terrorism

Business Psychology

Your degree will be awarded by one of the top universities in the nation, and as a student of Distance Learning Systems, you may be awarded scholarships and/or reduced tuition through graduation.

I want to encourage you not to fear your exciting journey to personal and professional success. Please don’t look back 20, 30, or 40 years from now and realize what could have been. You’ve got this!

Written By: Dave Christy

The Fastest and Most Affordable Path to a College Degree — Regardless of Your Major

It’s no secret that the cost of education continues to increase year after year. Education Data Initiative reported in January 2022,” The average price of college tuition & fees at public 4-year institutions has risen 179.2% over the last 20 years for an average annual increase of 9.0%.” In most cases, wages haven’t kept pace with the cost of higher ed, so what can a prospective college student do to offset some of this cost? I want to share what I’ve learned that may help you save $10,000 to $40,000 or more!

Years ago, I found similarities in university degree programs, on-campus or online; most programs require several general education courses. These courses may account for up to 2 years of a 4-year degree. While that number may be smaller in programs such as medicine and engineering, tuition for these courses costs no less than those in the major area of study.

General education courses are required for most undergraduate degree programs. They do not change based on the major. While there are literally hundreds of college majors, most need the same general education courses. You should consult your school to determine what they require.

I’ve taken advantage of programs offering a cost-effective solution to this coursework for my children and grandchildren. They did not need to sacrifice the quality or transferability of these courses as they navigated their program, and we’ve saved thousands of dollars literally in the process.

Here are some examples of general education courses:

Music
Art
Philosophy
English Composition
English Literature
Foreign Language
Western Civilization
US History
Math
Statistics
Sciences
Sociology
Public Speaking
Psychology
World Religions
Anthropology

Distance Learning System offers a program you may want to consider. They provide 100% online courses that are recognized by the American Council on Education and accepted by over 30 of their top-tier university partners. These online courses cost less than half the national average and are completed online in about half the time of traditional college courses. My position has always been, why pay more for the same thing? My answer has always been that I shouldn’t.

If you can save 60% to 80% on the first two years of your 4-year degree and receive the same quality education, why not take advantage of the opportunity? These programs are open to high school students preparing for college or working adults interested in fast-tracking their career and income potential. Good luck in your quest for higher education.

Written By: Dave Christy

Professional Certificates – An Employers Perspective

Years ago, when I first started flying, my flight instructor gave me advice appropriate for anyone involved in aviation. His advice was, “never stop learning.” Indeed, that was true for a new pilot, but even in an environment where life and death are not the issues, that advice always rings true. Many years have passed since my instructor challenged me to keep learning, and in all these years, I can honestly say that I’ve never once felt like I didn’t need to know more. There are always new technologies and challenges in business, and even our personal lives present new challenges almost daily.

Dating back to 1597, Francis Bacon coined the phrase “Knowledge is Power,” which Thomas Jefferson used when discussing the establishment of a state university in Virginia. In 1817 he also related knowledge with power, safety, and happiness. I think it’s widely accepted that there is a quantifiable benefit to knowledge.

Most everyone would agree that a university education lays the groundwork for a successful professional life, but today there are options that many employers value and support. These are professional certificates. We all know that a degree may prepare the holder for almost any type of degree, but professional certification does even more. A professional certificate provides focused training for a specific career. These could be in marketing, data science & analytics, environmental, social, leadership, business, finance, or hundreds more. Certificates are earned more quickly and at a significantly lower cost than a degree and may prepare you for that dream job!

As an employer, I view the holder of professional certification as:

A team member or applicant is someone committed to excellence
A team member who is committed to growing with the organization
An asset that helps build trust with clients
An individual interested in a long-term relationship with our organization

A professional certificate holder demonstrates:

Validation of Knowledge
Increased marketability
Increased earning power
Enhanced credibility

“Never stop learning” has served me well over the years, and this fundamental truth will work for anyone interested in growth. Several institutions provide this exciting growth opportunity, but you might explore certificates from Distance Learning Systems by visiting https://catalog.mindedge.com/dlsii. They also offer an accelerated and affordable path to over 450 online degree programs sponsored by major universities throughout the US.

Written By: Dave Christy

5 Reasons You Must Go to College

Much has been written about college versus the trades, work versus school, and other similar comparisons. I’ve heard so many young people say they want their own place, a new car, toys; you name it. Very seldom do you hear a young person these days say, “I can’t wait to go to college!” And yet, that remains the primary source for acquiring all those other things they want out of life.

Is college important? Absolutely! What about going into the trades; is that a good option for young people? Absolutely! But, regardless of a young person’s path, the college experience provides a solid foundation in life and business. There are so many options available to post-secondary education students; the real dilemma might be where to attend and what to study rather than whether I should get a college degree. Of course, you should. Education has no downside, and it is important to remember that knowledge is power.

So, what are some of the advantages of earning a college degree?

You’ll earn more over your lifetime. The BLS confirms that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median income of $524 per week more than workers with only a high school diploma. That’s an increase of more than $27,000 a year. That translates to a lifestyle change for the college graduate.
Reduced chance of unemployment. Even though not required for some positions, a college degree is NOT ignored by future employers. As an employer myself, I understand and appreciate the discipline and hard work needed to complete a college education, and I absolutely factor that in when evaluating prospective employees.
According to a 2016 Pew Research Center report, workers with a bachelor’s degree or more advanced education were 70% more likely to view their job as a career than just 39% of workers without college. The bottom line, college-educated workers experience greater job satisfaction.
While the other reasons for earning a college degree are statistically impactful, there are other more personal reasons to earn a college degree. The Lumina Foundation determined that college graduates may demonstrate healthier habits than those without a degree. It may be hard to believe, but your education can directly impact your health.
According to findings by the Lumina Foundation, 94% of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher reported being very happy with life, compared to 89% with no college education.

There isn’t a downside to acquiring post-secondary education. Time spent earning that degree will give the young person an opportunity to mature, learn, make more, and secure their future. A college degree may translate to achieving a lifelong dream with countless personal and financial rewards for the mature adult.

At Distance Learning Systems, we speak to incoming adult students every day. Some may require retraining for a new career, others may need a degree to upgrade within their chosen profession, and others may wish to achieve personal goals. Our 30+ university partners offer over 450 fully online degrees, and we can help you save significant time and money. Whatever your reason for considering college, we wish you the very best and want to encourage you to take advantage of some of the world’s finest institutions of higher learning.

Written By: Dave Christy

Ever Dreamed of Becoming an Airline Pilot?

It may be faster and easier than you think!

If you’ve traveled lately or even watched the news regarding airline travel over the July 4th weekend, you certainly know there is a shortage of airline pilots. Most sources say there are about 14,000 openings for commercial pilots annually—results of many things, including buyouts over COVID-19, the return of pre-pandemic air traffic levels, and more. The jobs are available, and airlines are scrambling to fill them, but it’s an uphill battle. If you have ever dreamed of becoming an airline pilot, I advise DO IT NOW!

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Here are some of the most popular reasons to become a commercial airline pilot:

Indescribable fun flying an aircraft (might as well have fun at work, right?)
Flexible schedule
Live where you want
Dynamic work environment (no two days are the same)
Travel benefits for you, your family, and friends
Public perception (who doesn’t look at an airline pilot when boarding and think, what a fantastic job)
Very High Income: Seniority translates to higher pay, choice schedules, and quality of life

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You would be hard-pressed to find a more secure profession with higher pay and a more exciting lifestyle than an airline pilot…and you can do this! I remember how I felt when I did my first solo flight; there is simply nothing as emotionally satisfying as pulling back on the yoke and lifting off—an incredible sensation.

Income

The pay and benefits of being a commercial airline pilot are pretty hard to beat. Aside from the travel and other benefits, you’ll receive as a commercial pilot; your income will firmly place you in a profession that provides an exceptional lifestyle. While the average annual wage for a commercial pilot in 2018 was $130,059 (CHRON), the yearly income for captains with Delta, Southwest, FedEx, and others with experience can eclipse $300,000 annually. Lots of fun – Lots of travel – Lots of money!

How do I get there?

To become a commercial pilot with an airline, you’ll be required to earn a bachelor’s degree. Here’s the good news. Distance Learning Systems and our university partners offer a fully online bachelor’s degree in aviation. You will begin your program with Distance Learning Systems, save about half the typical tuition, and complete your courses 100% online in about half the time. You’ll also receive a discount on the remainder of your bachelor’s degree. You’ll have access to a flight center near your home where you’ll do your flight training (the most fun you’ll ever have). As you complete your degree and flight training, you’ll receive a private pilot license, instrument rating, flight instructor status, and commercial pilot license. You can even earn money as an instructor while you complete your program!

If this is your dream, we encourage you to contact us today! Classes start weekly, and we’d love to get you started on this incredible journey.

Written by Dave Christy

It’s Never Too Late to Be On Time

You may take issue with the title of this message, and in most cases, I would agree; however, in the context of when to start college, nothing could be more true.

Most people would agree that the best time to begin college training would be immediately after high school. A marketing services firm tells us that more than 47% of students attending colleges or universities in the US are older than 25. Another interesting statistic is the percentage of non-traditional students in the US, which is 74% says NCES (National Center for Education Statistics). So, if you’ve been out of school for several years or the job market has forced you to retrain and upgrade your professional skills at any age, you are not alone!

Our office receives calls from prospective students of all ages, some even approaching retirement. A lady in Roanoke, Virginia, once told me her dream was to earn her RN. She had been an LPN most of her life and always wanted to earn that title. She enrolled, completed her program, earned her RN, and called me to brag a bit. She was incredible.

Online education has exploded over the last few years. It offers flexibility, especially for non-traditional adult students. Self-paced, online programs allow the student to continue working and raising a family.

If you find yourself in a position that requires additional education, you are not alone. There are unprecedented opportunities in today’s job market. Ever thought about becoming an RN? There are tens of thousands of RN positions open across the country. Have you dreamed about flying? Major airlines are scrambling to find more pilots. The USBLS says there will be over 14,500 openings for pilots over the next few years. These high-paying positions are just waiting for you to complete your academic training to secure higher pay, better benefits, and job security.

There has never been a better time to pursue higher education, regardless of age. So, you see, “On time” is relative, and it never is too late to be on time. Distance Learning Systems is a great place to start your journey. With over 30 university partnerships across the nation, Distance Learning Systems can save you time and money in pursuing your degree. DLSI will start you on the road to your choice of over 450 online degree programs that truly are life-changing. You should call them today; you’ll be right on time!

Written by Dave Christy

How to Choose an Online School

Today, with the advancement in technology and the rising costs of education, more and more people seek to earn a degree online. We understand that traditional education may not be for everyone.

People have families, jobs, or obligations that keep them busy throughout the day, so earning a degree online is another way to achieve their educational goals without ever stepping onto campus. If you think you are one of these people, selecting an online college or university to earn your degree can be stressful and challenging for some to navigate.

There can be many different things to consider when choosing the best online school for you, so we’ve put together a list of 3 helpful and quick tips for choosing an online university or college.

Tip #1: Choose an Accredited School

Earning a degree from an accredited school is essential because it helps determine if a college or university meets or exceeds minimum quality standards and maintains specific educational standards. It would be best if you took the time to research accredited colleges and universities that offer online degrees, which could impact your future career. An excellent place to start your research is on the U.S. Department of Education website https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If researching is not something you have the time for, some online education providers customize paths to earning a degree online from an accredited school.

Tip #2: Make Sure its 100% Online

Deciding on your major is an important decision, along with the school you choose, and not every university or college makes all of their majors available online. This can make it tricky for those who want to earn a degree online for the career they want to pursue. Some degree programs can be hybrid, a mix of online and on-campus courses, and not 100% online. If you know the degree you want, you will want to verify that your degree and classes are all online. If you are unsure of your major, there are online education providers that offer Gen Ed and General Elective courses that you can earn college credits and transfer those credits towards hundreds of different degree programs.

Tip #3: Research Costs and Admission Requirements

The cost of education and the admission requirements can be a big hurdle to clear. Investing in your education is an investment in yourself and your future. Still, you’ll want to start by comparing tuition costs, other fees, financial aid, and checking admission requirements. Also, ensure you don’t miss additional expenses such as course fees, textbook fees, course materials, labs, and technology fees. If evaluating the costs and admission requirements becomes too confusing or daunting, there are online education providers that will help you better understand the cost and admission requirements for obtaining your degree from an online school.

Following these tips will equip you with the information you need to find the best online college or university or choose help from an online education provider. Distance Learning Systems is one online education provider that helps students enroll in some of the nation’s top online colleges and universities. Also known as DLSI, Distance Learning Systems is a premier provider of coursework that satisfies degree requirements for regionally accredited university partners.

Written by Justin Hart

Choices Matter in Higher Education!

I would like to tell you a short story that I feel you might find helpful. If you’ve been out of school for several years, or if you’ve just finished high school and considering college; it’s important to understand you have options that frankly didn’t exist just a few years ago. These changes translate to the possibility of reduced tuition in a world that has seen the cost of a college degree skyrocket year after year.

Practically a generation ago I had just left the military and knew that I needed additional education if I was to build a suitable life for myself and my family. I chose industrial engineering and started my journey. At that time the word “options” didn’t exist in higher ed. Our schedule was set, books were purchased (ouch), my parking permit for Parking Lot G was issued and my journey began. While many of my classes were interesting and some inspiring, nothing was simple. Frankly, the discipline required to navigate school at that time seemed very similar to my life in the military, but of course without the threat of death. There were days I felt that my life was not my own. I know we’ve all felt that way at one point or another. The rigors of that program I will never forget, but at the same time, I am so thankful I had that opportunity.

Some years later I married a nursing student at a local university. Her experience was not so different from my own. The school of nursing told her where to go, how long she would be there, what to wear, and even how to cut her hair. The challenges of a traditional RN program are well known, but she graduated, got her RN, and has had a great career for many years.

As I look back on our personal experiences in contrast to what you as a student might experience today, I realize this is a different world. A better world in terms of choices you have available to you we never imagined.

While a global pandemic certainly expanded the availability of online learning, online classes have been around for several years now. My own son completed his master’s degree online and has only his thesis yet to do for his Doctor of Education, also online. He married his wife who also completed her master’s degree online and took a job with the university. The beauty of earning a degree online can be summed up in one word, convenience. While completing his graduate studies he was able to maintain a full-time job and even buy a home. I’m a firm believer in online education. It works if the student will.

So, what about choices in higher education? What about the cost and delivery of classes. How can you save time and money and make the completion of your degree less stressful and more affordable? That’s where Distance Learning Systems might make a huge difference in your life just as they have in the lives of over 20,000 other students.

By contacting DLSI first, you will have a choice of over 450 online degrees awarded by their 30 university partners. But it doesn’t stop there. DLSI is part of your academic journey. Students will complete most general education and general elective courses completely online, on their own schedule, at about half the average tuition charged nationwide and in about half the time with DLSI. Most DLSI students then transfer their courses to their choice of a DLSI university partner and begin the second phase of their program as a sophomore. It’s important to note that most DLSI partner universities will also provide a tuition discount to DLSI transfer students.

Considering the stress involved in beginning a university education in this modern world, it’s good to know there is someone who understands you and is here to help. To learn more visit www.dlsii.com or call 888-955-3276.

Written by Dave Christy

Go Green! Brighten Up Your Life With Houseplants

Let’s be honest, the typical dorm room is bland, empty, and typically a mixture of beige tones. When moving into college, you want your room to be your safe space. It needs to be the place you can relax, unwind, and escape from the hustle and bustle of college life. Once you decorate your room to make it livelier, try adding houseplants to really give your room an extra pop of color. House plants are known to help increase productivity, lift your mood, and even purify the air (Lohr, V. I. (2010). Some houseplants are easier to maintain than others, especially when you’re a busy college student. If you’re a busy student, but want to liven up your living space, take a look at these three low-maintenance plants below:

Succulents are by far the easiest plant to maintain in a dorm room. Succulents are small, compact, and only grow as large as the pot they are in will allow them to. Needing full light, succulents will do perfectly on a window ledge. If this is not possible, purchase a small grow light. These small spiky plants only need to be watered once their soil is completely dry, so they don’t need constant attention. A fun fact about succulents is that if you add a drop of food coloring to their water, their petals will absorb it and change to that color!
Snake plants are a great low-maintenance option because they are extremely difficult to kill. These plants are slow-growing and don’t require much sunlight, so they can just hang out in pretty much any spot in your room. They don’t need to be watered often, just enough to keep their soil damp, so a cheap spray bottle is a great option to have on hand. If you’re limited on space in your dorm room, snake plants are a great option because they don’t grow at a rapid pace. Start off with a smaller plant to ensure it won’t cramp your space.
Aloe Vera is not only an attractive houseplant but serves many other purposes as well. This plant is another low-maintenance option that is great for dorm rooms. Aloe Vera only needs to be watered once the soil is dry, typically once per week. Indirect sunlight is best for this plant, so it can be placed almost anywhere in your room. If your plant becomes too big, that shouldn’t be a problem. After trimming it, the aloe plant can be used for skincare or even treat sunburns!

Succulents are a great way to liven up your bland living space at college. Houseplants are proven to help increase productivity, lift your mood, and even purify the air. Additionally, tending to your plants will give you something to focus on other than the stresses of school, and are a helpful little distraction. Buying a houseplant (or two, three, five, or ten!) is a great way to add color and life to your dorm room. The plants listed above are all pretty low maintenance and easy to care for. Once you get the hang of caring for them, feel free to move on to more advanced plants!

Citation: Lohr, V. I. (2010). What are the benefits of plants indoors and why do we respond positively to them? Acta Horticulturae, 881, 675–682.