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10 Virtual Lab Activities to Try With Your Interactive Projector

Your students can conduct entire experiments virtually.

Project your virtual science lab on the wall, table, or floor with interactive projectors from EPSON.  Learn more about our display technology options>>

While nothing beats students donning their safety goggles and conducting their own experiments in your classroom, we love that so many amazing virtual lab activities have popped up recently.

Virtual labs offer so many benefits. They are cost-effective, allow for social distancing, and there’s no cleaning of equipment after. With so many lab types available, they also give your students experiences they might not otherwise be able to have in your classroom. In the case of dissections, for example, virtual labs offer students who might object to traditional dissection the chance to participate and learn. Finally, when used with display technology, like an interactive projector, virtual labs offer the entire class the chance to work together—something that is hard to do when they are crowded around a workbench.

Here are some of our favorite virtual lab activities for the classroom.

1. Mystery Science

Mystery Science offers a wealth of virtual science labs, activities, and experiments for students in elementary school. From weather to astronomy, humans to animals, they’ve got you covered.

2. Molecular Workbench

Molecular Workbench offers hundreds of virtual science labs for physics, biology, chemistry, and more. All you have to do is download the free and open-source software and start using it. The software includes embedded assessments so that you can monitor student progress and understanding.

3. Learn.Genetics

Learn.Genetics offers tons of multimedia activities and science labs centered on biology, genetics, and human health. We love the Mouse Cloning Lab, which allows students to actually go through the process of cloning a mouse.

4. HHMI BioInteractive

HHMI’s BioInteractive site features virtual labs on lizard evolution, bacterial identification, cardiology, and more.

 5. Pearson Lab Bench

Similar to the Glencoe labs, these Pearson biology labs are designed to accompany their textbooks but can be used independently. Try the Circulatory Physiology lab to learn about blood pressure. Great for AP bio students.

6.  PhET Interactive Simulations

PhET offers virtual science labs in physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science for elementary through high school. The above screenshot shows their Balancing Act physics lab for elementary school students.

7.  Chem Collective

If you teach high school chemistry, then Chem Collective is your new favorite resource. In addition to offering virtual science labs on stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and more, they also feature visualizations, simulations, concept tests, tutorials, and online courses. Their Coffee Problem, which asks students to figure out how much milk to add to coffee to bring it to a desired temperature, is a lot of fun.

8.  McGraw-Hill Biology Virtual Labs

This is a great source for free virtual dissections, including an earthworm dissection and a frog dissection. There are also virtual labs for tracking grizzlies, gene splicing, and more.

9.  NOVA Labs

This free resource from PBS offers six beautiful, high-quality virtual science labs on topics such as evolution, cybersecurity, RNA, and energy. Students solve problems and go on missions in order to solve questions and complete the lab activities.

10.  Annenberg Learner Interactives

Students in elementary through high school can do virtual labs on topics like amusement park physics, the chemistry of running, and more.

We’d love to hear—what are your favorite virtual labs? Please feel free to share in the comments. And be sure to check out EPSON’s line of interactive projectors , which can really help to bring these virtual lab activities to life.

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With over 450 virtual, interactive STEM simulations all aligned to the latest standards, Gizmos help educators bring powerful new learning experiences to grade 3-12 classrooms.

Honeybee Hive

Happy Earth Day! A great way to celebrate Earth Day (and spring) is with the Honeybee Hive Gizmo. This Gizmo celebrates the tiny workers who help keep the whole planet alive by pollinating plants. ...

Happy Earth Day! A great way to celebrate Earth Day (and spring) is with the Honeybee Hive Gizmo. This Gizmo celebrates the tiny workers who help keep the whole planet alive by pollinating plants. The Gizmo highlights the pioneering research of the Austrian zoologist Karl von Frisch (1886-1982). Using innovative techniques, Frisch determined that honeybees see in color, navigate and tell time using the Sun, and, incredibly, use a special “waggle dance” to communicate the location of food sources. In the Gizmo, students get to design their own waggle dances and play the role of a forager bee. They locate flower beds in the landscape outside the hive and then create waggle dances to direct other foragers to those locations. By finding food sources and effectively communicating their location, students can keep the hive alive and growing.

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I really love Gizmos as they help students grasp difficult concepts that can’t always be seen. They make abstract ideas come to life.

I’m really a strong proponent of Gizmos in science because I have seen firsthand what it does in terms of engaging kids in labs. Gizmos really allow students to go deeper in terms of problem solving and critical thinking.

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular science courses.

• The Science of Stem Cells :   American Museum of Natural History
• Introduction to Forensic Science :   Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• The Science of Well-Being :   Yale University
• From the Big Bang to Dark Energy :   The University of Tokyo
• Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space :   University of Arizona
• From Climate Science to Action :   The World Bank Group
• Introduction to Genetics and Evolution :   Duke University
• Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios :   Duke University
• Introductory Human Physiology :   Duke University
• How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics :   University of Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions about Science

What is science, and why is it important to learn about ‎.

Science is the pursuit of knowledge through a systematic, evidence-based methodology. The scientific method begins with observation and measurement of a phenomenon, proceeds to the formulation of a hypothesis that attempts to explain it, and then the testing of this hypothesis through replicable experiments, followed by confirmation or modification of the hypothesis based on the resulting evidence. Understanding the power and promise of science is enormously important to understanding our world today - and how it might change in the future.

The importance of science is often experienced most directly in the world of medicine and public health. Progress in epidemiology and biotechnology made it possible to develop our understanding of COVID-19’s spread and enabled vaccine development far more quickly than in the past, and advances in genetics and biology are offering important clues for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Science is also critical to our comprehension of the natural world, from the biology, zoology, and botany that underlie our understanding of plants and animals to the chemistry and atmospheric science that have made it possible to understand the systems governing the Earth’s climate - and how human activity is impacting it. On an even broader scale, physics and astronomy have steadily broadened the horizons of humanity, allowing us to explore space and deepening our contemplations of the nature of the universe and time itself.

The scientific method can be applied to human society as well, with insights from psychology, economics, political science, and other social science fields yielding important insights into the way humans live and work together as well as how we can make the world a better place. Underlying many of these advances, as well as advances in the natural sciences, is the information revolution enabled by computer science and data science, which has allowed scientific researchers in all fields to gather and use unprecedented amounts of data to inform their work. ‎

What kinds of careers can I have with a background in science? ‎

A background in science can be a gateway to an incredibly wide range of exciting careers, limited only by the frontiers of science itself. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gathers data on nearly 30 different jobs in scientific fields , including biochemists and wildlife biologists in the life sciences, geoscientists and materials scientists in the physical sciences, economists and sociologists in the social sciences, and many more. As we come to increasingly depend on the insights and applications delivered by various scientific fields in our daily lives, BLS also projects these jobs in science to grow faster than average across the rest of the economy, and they paid a median annual wage of $68,160 in 2019. ‎

Can I learn about science by taking online courses on Coursera? ‎

Certainly. As the world’s leading online education platform, Coursera brings together fantastic opportunities to learn about almost any scientific field from astronomy to zoology and everything in-between. You can take individual courses and Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked universities from around the globe, including Stanford University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Arizona, Tel Aviv University, and University of Tokyo.

And, because you can view course materials and complete assignments on a flexible schedule, learning on Coursera is a great choice whether you’re a science student who wants to expand your curriculum, a working professional looking to add new knowledge and skills, or simply someone hoping to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the world in their spare time. ‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in science? ‎

The kind of people best suited for roles in science have a desire to understand how the world around them works. They tend to be curious people who enjoy asking questions, searching for answers, and finding the evidence to prove or disprove their ideas. People who work in a science field usually have strong critical thinking skills, are creative thinkers, and have an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. ‎

What are common career paths for someone in science? ‎

Someone with a background in science may start their career as a technician in a laboratory where they have a chance to practice examining evidence and analyzing data. They may advance to roles as laboratory supervisors, scientists, or researchers before moving on to senior-level positions as directors or officers within an organization. Others may decide to teach in a K-12 school, college, or university. A teaching job may give them the flexibility to continue their research on the side. ‎

What topics can I study that are related to science? ‎

Other topics related to science that you may want to study include research methods, learning theories, experimental design, and statistics. Science is a broad term that covers a range of disciplines, each with its own list of related topics. For example, if you’re interested in forensic science, you may want to explore biology, criminal justice, or behavioral psychology. If you like learning about anatomy, you may take a closer look at exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, or medicine. Topics related to chemistry include pharmaceuticals and chemical engineering. ‎

What types of places hire people with a background in science? ‎

The types of places that hire people with a background in science include laboratories, corporations, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. In some cases, they may need employees who have a specific type of education or work experience, such as identifying pathogens, analyzing blood work, or teaching a course. Others may look for consultants who can observe and evaluate their organizations to improve the performance of their teams or systems or offer their expertise to a particular project. ‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Science course? ‎

Online Science courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Science skills. Choose from a wide range of Science courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels. ‎

What Science courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce? ‎

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Science, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here . ‎

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4 Things Students Really Want from their Online Labs

Through the eyes of 1,200+ online science students 

Today, the road to graduation and a college degree look a lot different than it used to. No longer a rigid, straight line path, the learning journey for many of today’s students have starts and stops, bumps, roadblocks, and detours — and as a result, require a learning experience that isn’t limited by time constraints and a physical location. Online learning has opened the door to new opportunities for those who otherwise might not have been able to start or finish a degree at all.

Luckily, as demand continues to increase, more and more colleges are embracing online learning. In fact, according to the 8th installment of the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) report, data show student demand for online and hybrid learning steadily increasing. Institutions report strong growth for fully online programs (36%) and hybrid programs (20%), even in the face of stagnant or sharply declining enrollment in face-to-face programs. Yet, when it comes to STEM, some institutions hesitate to offer these courses online. So we set out to ask students who have taken an online lab course, was your experience worth it?

Survey Says …Yes, put lab courses online!

This is our inaugural year surveying online learners’ and instructors’ preferences and experiences when it comes to participating in online science courses. A sampling of findings from the student experience are shared here and are the result of survey responses from 1,293 students who participated in online labs during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Student Demand is High

• 91% of students said it was very important to them to be able to take their science courses online.
• This was consistent for majors, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue a degree in STEM.
• 81% of students were satisfied with their online lab experience, regardless of the format of the lab.

The Takeaway: Online continues to grow, especially in STEM, because it supports student needs.

Over the past decade, online learning as well as students’ needs have evolved, which has resulted in increased demand. With a hefty body of scholarly research that now informs best practices and pedagogy for how to deliver high-quality online courses that support student success, higher ed should no longer hesitate to offer lab courses online. Many institutions have been able to deliver online STEM courses successfully, using proven strategies that directly address these challenges, while at the same time supporting student success. They’ve focused on and invested resources in the 4 areas that students from our survey said are paramount to their success and what they look for when choosing online science programs.

1. Better Opportunities to Put Theory into Practice

More than ever, today’s students are consumers. And a large portion of online students are seeking continuing education or to advance their careers, and looking to an increasingly diverse array of providers to help them fulfill those aspirations. That means they’re comparing options and evaluating the return on potential investments, which is why it’s important to provide an enriching learning experience comparable to that of the on-campus experience. To meet this need, institutions have been working to incorporate hands-on labs.

What Students Really Want 

• 80% of students said they wanted a hands-on component, compared to only 20% who preferred virtual simulations only.
• 71% of students felt the at-home hands-on labs were comparable to an in-person lab experience.

The Takeaway: Students are looking for an on-campus lab experience at home. 

As an increasing number of students continue to evaluate online programs and discern what kind of experience they’re looking for, lab format is a key consideration. While most students in our survey cited a positive overall experience, regardless of lab format, the majority were looking for courses with hands-on components. Students who engage in well-designed laboratory experiences have a greater opportunity to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as gain exposure to reactions, materials, and equipment. This is particularly important for science majors. 

2. A Strategic Mix of Virtual & Hands-on Labs

While hands-on experiences are important, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for virtual simulations. In fact, virtual simulations can be beneficial for students. For example, they can serve to introduce basic concepts, prepare students as a pre-lab for on-campus courses, and provide a low stakes environment for students to repeat experiments to reinforce key concepts. 

One student underscored the opportunity to use virtual simulations to supplement in-person courses. “I benefited greatly from the hands-on labs done at home. This lab course helped me envision fulfilling lab safety and experimental procedures at home. Still, I highly recommend that my chemistry course add virtual simulations because, as an online student, it would prepare me and other students for the on-campus lab and make us more familiar with lab safety in reality, how to use equipment and instruments, and avoid chemical hazards.”

What Students Really Think of Online Science Labs

• 81% said their labs were engaging regardless of format.
• 84% said they learned valuable knowledge and skills.

Virtual simulations also provide students with the opportunity to experiment with things that wouldn’t be practical to do hands-on at home or in person. For example, consider an Anatomy & Physiology course where part of the curriculum includes exploring an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the electrical signal from the heart to check for different heart conditions. This piece of equipment is far too costly for both in-person or at-home hands-on labs. Similarly, it may not be feasible to expect students to perform certain hands-on labs that require large apparatus or high resolution lab-grade microscopes either at home or in person. In both cases, virtual simulations can work.

The Takeaway: Students benefit from an intentional mix of virtual & hands-on. 

While less effective when used alone, virtual simulations can be a helpful tool that can cover some topics effectively and work to make online courses engaging. Together with hands-on labs, they work to create an effective learning experience. The truth is, not every lab can be hands-on, so it’s important to use a mix. Here are some cases when virtual simulations make sense:

• You want students to observe the unobservable . Virtual simulations can portray abstract objects, such as light rays, that students cannot see in a physical lab. 
• You want to balance costs in your course and make it more practical . For example, use a virtual microscope or simulation to teach the periodic table — a concept that lends itself well to a simulation. 
• You want to expose students to a concept that might be unsafe for an at-home hands-on lab. Keep students safe using a virtual simulation where materials might be too hazardous for use at home.
• You determine that the learning outcomes for a particular lesson don’t require the physical skills of a hands-on component. 
• You want to supplement learning and allow for repeatability . With each simulation, students can manipulate variables, run the experiment, and immediately see the results, especially important for struggling students.

3. Flexibility & Cost 

This one is probably a no-brainer, but if we’re talking about what students really think of online science labs, we have to mention flexibility and cost.

In fact, flexibility, and the convenience that accompanies it, is one of the most important deciding factors students use when choosing between online learning and traditional classroom instruction. An online learning or hybrid learning environment gives students more flexibility than a traditional classroom. Online courses allow students to watch a lecture from home and complete a test, assignment, or lab by a certain deadline — removing the need for both a location and time restriction. Because the work can be done asynchronously, students can complete the course material on their own time so they can have more time for other classes, their job, and family responsibilities.

• While 22% of instructors say cost is a reason for why they don’t adopt hands-on labs, nearly 75% of students said the cost of doing hands-on labs was aligned with the value received.

The Takeaway: Enable a meaningful asynchronous lab experience that delivers more bang for the buck.

Many students are looking for online options that are more cost effective than on-campus courses, but that deliver a valuable learning experience. Yet, some contend that adding hands-on labs to an online course increases costs for students. Consider different options for offsetting those costs, including shifting to open source textbooks , seeing if the institution can cover some of that cost, or using a lab fee.

While issues of cost look different for everyone, it’s also important to take a fuller picture into account. When you consider the full cost of attending on-campus lab courses for both students (commuting, opportunity costs, child care, etc.) and programs (lab space cost, resources, and sourcing lab materials), hands-on labs done at home can prove to be more cost effective.

Many taking lab courses want to be able to do it from home because it offers a greater level of flexibility and convenience. That said, students still expect a high-quality lab experience and understand the cost — as long as it’s comparable to the on-campus experience and delivers on its value. Just keep in mind when you enable learning that is this flexible, you’ll need to plan ahead — students need resources, guidance, and clear deadlines in order to stay on track and feel supported.

4. Clear Guidance & Support

Even online, the basics still matter…and probably all the more for online students. Features that have always informed a traditional learning experience, such as timely content, course structure, and guidance are non-negotiable online. 

Student responses from our survey reinforce that. While both hands-on and virtual simulations are important tools that can offer an on-campus-like experience, don’t underestimate the role of support and guidance for students. Be sure courses are intentionally designed, and labs provide clear guidance at every step. Make sure the hands-on labs you use come with explicit instructions and indicate how long they take to complete. And encourage students to take advantage of instructor availability: Q&A sessions, virtual office hours, etc. 

“I would say that I didn’t have the best experience with the online labs because I wasn’t aware how long they’d take to complete. Some of the directions were confusing or didn’t make sense to me. I think I would have had a better experience if I did it in person. I don’t regret doing it online because it was a learning experience.”

“I loved how the class only met online to discuss the lab and procedure we would be doing, but the lab itself was performed at one’s own time. The meeting video was recorded and made available to rewatch for anyone who needed it and the professor was available for other questions. The lab handouts had all the directions and made it simple and easy to understand. I genuinely preferred my online lab experience to any in person lab experience.”

The Takeaway: Instructor’s guidance remains critical — just like in the classroom

Providing a clear roadmap for students can go a long way in making them feel supported and confident in taking an online science course. In fact, students in 16 of the 17 countries surveyed by McKinsey said that having a very well-organized online course with a clear path and a step-by-step guide to achieving their goals was among their five most important elements. Consider this an opportunity to set students up for success:

• Remind students how and where to find course material, and explain how that material  aligns with the objectives of the course.
• Keep due dates for important labs and assignments top of students’ minds and make sure a syllabus and online rubric tied to the course’s learning outcomes are highly visible.
• Ensure lab kits include resources, safety protocols, and step-by-step instructions for each experiment, including how long each may take so they can plan accordingly at home.
• Anticipate potential questions from students and prepare a quick FAQ resource for each experiment — especially helpful for students new to taking labs online.
• Create windows of availability through chat, email, or virtual office hours — and actively invite each student to participate in a video check-in with you. 
• Use tools to share ongoing feedback with students so they have an opportunity to improve for the next lesson.

A Preview of Our Full Annual Lab Report: State of the Online Science Lab in 2023

In the end, online learning is here to stay, and it’s time to fully embrace this within STEM-related disciplines. Doing so provides institutions with the opportunity to increase enrollment, expand access for students, and encourage scientific literacy among learners everywhere. But as some of these insights demonstrate, successfully developing or evolving an online science program often begins with finding out what students like about the courses they’ve taken and determining how you can best meet their needs. 

But that’s only half the story! For more insights on the student experience, and the instructor’s take, download a copy of our full report: Annual Lab Report: State of the Online Science Lab in 2023. 

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Online homework - a win for teachers

Quizizz provides the space for you to create effective and high-quality online homework assignments in just a few minutes.

Import from Library

Gain inspiration from over 30M free online homework activities created by teachers on Quizizz, and import the content you need with a single click.

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Import from device or Google Drive

Import your presentations, PDFs, Google Slides, Google Forms, and spreadsheets from your Google Drive or device to bring all your resources under one roof.

Use adaptive question banks

Provide every learner with a unique experience by showing them a different set of questions that change with each attempt.

Craft homework using multiple question types

In this classic activity, learners can complete sentences by filling in the blanks with the right answers.

Ask your students to reorder a set of jumbled options in ascending, descending, or chronological order.

Present learners with the opportunity to select one or more correct answers from a list of options.

Gamify your assessment with shuffled text and images that your students can pair together.

Choose between a plain background or an image and watch as students give shape to their thoughts with colors, highlighters, and more.

Motivate learners to think critically by dragging and dropping the right options to complete a sentence.

Let students take center stage with video responses so you can assess their presentation skills.

Check the pulse of your classroom with a fun poll or vote.

Use Lessons to create an instructor-led experience where slides and multimedia are combined with quiz and poll questions.

Engage your students’ higher order thinking skills and encourage them to dig deep with open-ended questions.

Analyze speaking skills by allowing students to voice their answers using the audio response feature.

Prompt your students to choose between a set of drop-down options to fill out the blanks in a piece of text.

With online homework on Quizizz you can

Grade flexibly

Allow Quizizz to grade homework assignments automatically. Or, assess submissions manually by assigning a scaled grade for each question.

Get instant reports

With detailed reports on Quizizz, measure the growth and progress of your students, and share significant milestones with other stakeholders.

Sync with an LMS

Update online homework and grades in the blink of an eye by syncing Quizizz with an LMS like Canvas, Schoology, or Google Classroom.

The best way to ask questions, explore ideas, and let students show what they know.

Use Quizizz for online homework

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Miacademy’s Online Science Curriculum

Every day, our world becomes increasingly scientifically and technologically advanced. Now more than ever, a solid science education is crucial for children and their futures. Studying science encourages children to wonder about and discover the world around them.  Even if your child does not pursue one of the many growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math ) fields as a career, a background in science will help them navigate the world’s changes with curiosity and creativity.

Science Curriculum for Middle School

Elementary Science Curriculum

Choosing the best online science curriculum for homeschool.

Just as not all families have the same homeschool style , not all science curricula will have the same approach. In order to select the program that best suits your child, parents should consider the following:

• What scientific activities does the program offer? Real-world, hands-on experiments, online games and simulations, or a combination of the two?
• How involved must parents be in the teaching of the material? Will the program require a background in science, or are there helpful tools for grading and teaching?
• How does the program gauge students’ understanding of the material? Does it administer tests or quizzes?
• What worldview guides the program? Some online science curricula are taught with a religious worldview, while others are secular.

A comprehensive science education should teach skills such as working collaboratively and engaging with data to help students become curious, creative, critically thinking learners. 

When children engage with scientific topics such as the solar system and Newton’s laws, they are learning how to gather information, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Acquiring these skills makes them stronger learners overall.

With Miacademy, students learn science through dynamic teaching videos, engaging practice games, assignments, and simulations. We encourage students to be curious about and actively explore the world around them.

Kindergarten Science Curriculum

Young learners in kindergarten will begin to develop an awareness and curiosity of the world around them. Science for kindergarteners should include lessons that children can easily connect with. Our Beginning Science course utilizes elements children are familiar with to help them connect with the lessons. Topics taught at this level include healthy habits, observations (including using our senses and decision-making), living and nonliving things, and what a scientist does.

Early Elementary Science Curriculum

An early elementary school science curriculum should introduce students to the process of scientific thinking with concepts they can directly connect to. For example, our Science All Around Me course encourages students to see themselves as scientists by guiding them through using observations about the natural world to answer questions. In this course, students explore topics like the sky, day and night, weather, forces and motion, the classifications of animals, and more.

Upper Elementary Science Curriculum

At the upper elementary level, students should begin diving deeper into more advanced subjects such as planets, anatomy, and different materials. Our online science curriculum for elementary students covers topics including the solar system, types and properties of materials, biomes, states and changes of matter, forces of motion, and energy. Hands-on experiments and STEAM explorations are also key components of our upper elementary science curriculum. Plus, many of these lessons include study guides and extension activities to help students explore these more advanced topics. 

Middle School Science Curriculum

By middle school, students should now be well-versed in making observations and ready to utilize the scientific method to hypothesize and draw conclusions. Middle school science should prepare students for high school courses by building on prior knowledge.

Our curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to scientific thinking by introducing students to more specific domains of science. In our Life Science, Earth Science, and Astronomy courses, middle school students explore topics like the cell cycle, the Earth’s atmosphere, Newton’s laws of planetary motion, and many more.

Why Choose Miacademy’s Science Curriculum?

Miacademy’s online science curriculum uses a variety of mediums to make learning accessible and academically enriching. Our dynamic teaching videos and educational simulations connect students’ learning to the real world. Students will have access to both our online science curriculum and printable PDFs for “beyond the screen” enrichment activities. Read-aloud options, non-timed tests and a safe, moderated community are just a few of the features that will help support your child’s learning. 

We design our curriculum with quality and accessibility in mind to meet the needs of as many learners as possible. Our curriculum is flexible and customizable, allowing students to build their knowledge of science at their own pace. Students have access to all courses in all grades, so their learning meets them where they’re at. Your child can also choose to go back to an earlier level and review basic concepts to be appropriately challenged without getting discouraged.

More Science Education Resources:

Check out some of our favorite science activities for kids below!

Elemental Science

With over 80+ science activities to choose from, you’ll find plenty of learning opportunities at Elemental Science!

National Aquarium

Dive into a new underwater world with a virtual field trip to the National Aquarium!

We Are Teachers

Discover creative science experiments with materials you already have on hand with We Are Teachers.

Our goal is for students to have a true understanding of science and to make learning science enjoyable for both parents and children! If you have any questions about how Miacademy can help your student get ahead in science, please feel free to reach out to one of our friendly customer service agents! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Updated 01/26/2024

10 Types of Assignments in Online Degree Programs

Students may respond to recorded video lectures, participate in discussion boards and write traditional research papers.

(Getty Images) |

Learn What to Expect

Experts say online degree programs are just as rigorous as those offered on campus. Prospective online students should expect various types of coursework suited for a virtual environment, such as discussion boards or wikis, or more traditional research papers and group projects .

Here are 10 types of assignments you may encounter in online courses.

Read or Watch, Then Respond

An instructor provides a recorded lecture, article or book chapter and requires students to answer questions. Students generally complete the assignment at their own pace, so long as they meet the ultimate deadline, Bradley Fuster, associate vice president of institutional effectiveness at SUNY Buffalo State , wrote in a recent U.S. News blog post .

(Jessica Peterson | Getty Images)

Discussion Boards

The discussion forum is a major part of many online classes, experts say, and often supplements weekly coursework. Generally, the professor poses a question, and students respond to the prompt as well as each other. Sometimes, students must submit their own post before seeing classmates' answers.

"Good response posts are response posts that do not only agree or disagree," Noam Ebner, who then led the online graduate program in negotiation and conflict resolution at Creighton University 's law school, told U.S. News in 2015. "When you read another student's post, you have the ability to expand the conversation."

(Ariel Skelley | Getty Images)

Group Projects

Just because online students may live around the world doesn't mean they won't complete group work. Students may use Google Docs to edit assignments, email to brainstorm ideas and software such as Zoom to videoconference. Katy Katz, who earned an online MBA in 2013 at Benedictine University in Illinois, used both Skype and a chat feature in her online classroom to communicate with classmates.

"That was a good way for our instructor to see that everyone was participating," she told U.S. News in 2015. "Any planning we did – if there were going to be changes to meeting times – we would communicate in that chat area."

(Dave and Les Jacobs | Getty Images)

Virtual Presentations

Students may also give either live or recorded presentations to their classmates. At Colorado State University—Global Campus , for example, students use various video technologies and microphones for oral presentations, or software such as Prezi for more visual assignments, says Karen Ferguson, the online school's vice provost.

Oftentimes, Ferguson says, "They're using the technology that they will use in their field."

(Westend61 | Getty Images)

Like on-campus courses, online courses may have exams , depending on the discipline. These may be proctored at a local testing center, or an actual human may monitor online students through their webcam. Companies such as ProctorU make this possible.

In other cases, students may take online exams while being monitored by a computer. Automated services including ProctorTrack can keep track of what's happening on an online student's screen in case there are behaviors that may indicate cheating.

(Dr T J Martin | Getty Images)

Research Papers

Formal research papers, wrote Buffalo State's Fuster, remain common in online courses, as this type of writing is important in many disciplines, especially at the graduate level .

While there are few differences between these assignments for online and on-ground courses, online students should ensure their program offers remote access to a university's library and its resources, which may include live chats with staff, experts say.

(golibo | Getty Images)

Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios

When it comes to case studies, a reading or video may provide detailed information about a specific situation related to the online course material, Fuster wrote. Students analyze the presented issues and develop solutions.

Real-world learning can also take other forms, says Brian Worden, manager of curriculum and course development for several schools at the for-profit Capella University . In online psychology degree programs, students may hold mock therapy sessions through videoconferencing. In the K-12 education online master's program , they create lesson plans and administer them to classmates.

(Tetra Images | Getty Images)

These are particularly useful in online courses where students reflect on personal experiences, internships or clinical requirements , Fuster wrote. Generally, these are a running dialogue of a student's thoughts or ideas about a topic. They may update their blogs throughout the course, and in some cases, their classmates can respond.

(vertmedia | Getty Images)

These allow students to comment on and edit a shared document to write task lists, answer research questions, discuss personal experiences or launch discussions with classmates. They are particularly beneficial when it comes to group work, Fuster wrote.

"A blog, a wiki, even building out portfolios – we see a lot of those in communications, marketing and some of our business programs ," says Ferguson, of CSU—Global. "You may not see as much of that in accounting," for example, where students focus more on specific financial principles.

(Nalinratana Phiyanalinmat | EyeEm

A journal assignment allows an online student to communicate with his or her professor directly. While topics are sometimes assigned, journals often enable students to express ideas, concerns, opinions or questions about course material, Fuster wrote.

(Yuri_Arcurs | Getty Images)

More About Online Education

Learn more about selecting an online degree program by checking out the U.S. News 2017 Best Online Programs rankings and exploring the Online Learning Lessons blog.

For more advice, follow U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook .

2024 Best Online Programs

Compare online degree programs using the new U.S. News rankings and data.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 5 best homework help websites (free and paid).

Other High School , General Education

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

• The basics of homework help websites
• The cost of homework help websites 
• The five best homework websites out there 
• The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
• The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
• Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

• Price: Free!
• Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

• Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
• Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

• Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
• Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

• Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
• Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

• Best for: Science homework help
• Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Best Online Computer Science Programs of 2024

More on our picks, oregon state university ecampus.

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Why we chose it: Oregon State University offers a reputable online computer science degree as well as the option to fast-track your education with a post-baccalaureate option that earns a degree in half the time. OSU is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Students attending the university’s Ecampus can choose from two programs: applied computer science or cybersecurity, with an honors degree available.

• Cybersecurity degree option
• Fast-track post-bacc option
• 89% acceptance rate
• 180 credits required for bachelor’s
• Price rises to $561 per credit hour for post-baccalaureate degree
• 65% graduation rate

Arizona State University

Why we chose it: Students at Arizona State University Online can choose a bachelor’s in computer science, earning the same degree as students who attend the school on campus. ASU (including its online program) is a large public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• ABET-accredited program
• Same course content as on-campus courses
• 70% acceptance rate
• Credits hours are pricey
• Minimum test scores required for admission
• Transfer students need a 3.0 GPA or better

University of Florida

Why we chose it: Students at the University of Florida Online can combine a liberal arts foundation with computer science skills when they enroll in the B.S. in computer science program. This medium-sized public school, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), offers a very low average cost ($4,500) and high average earnings compared to the median.

• 72% graduation rate
• Low in-state tuition
• High average earnings compared to median
• Test scores required for admission
• 66% admissions rate
• Higher tuition for out-of-state students

Florida International University

Why we chose it: Students at Florida International University, a large public institution based in Miami, have the option to earn an online B.A. in computer science. This is an online CS degree with a twist: students can add skills in other fields, such as business or health. This may make you more marketable and open the door to solving technology programs in other fields. A B.A. or B.S. in information technology and a B.S. in computer engineering are a few of the other fully-online options at FIU. FIU’s computer science undergraduate programs are accredited by ABET.

• B.A. in computer science is less math-and-science-heavy than a B.S.
• Affordable tuition for in-state students
• ABET accredited
• Costly for out-of-state students
• A B.A. degree won’t be the right fit for some students
• 67% graduation rate

Georgia Tech

Why we chose it: For students looking for an affordable, graduate-level computer science degree, the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) from Georgia Institute of Technology may be worth exploring. This program offers an M.S. via a massive open online course (MOOC) format, which provides asynchronous instruction for just $180 per credit hour. You can take up to six years to graduate.

• Affordable graduate-level degree
• Self-paced instruction
• Federal aid eligible
• 16% acceptance rate
• Not all students are seeking a graduate degree
• MOOC format may not be suitable for some students

University of North Dakota

• ABET-accredited
• Access to on-campus computing labs
• Select courses offer synchronous lectures
• 52% graduation rate
• Asynchronous format may be challenging for some students

University of Colorado Boulder

Why we chose it: If you already have a bachelor’s degree but want to go back to school for computer science, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a post-baccalaureate option. There’s also a master’s in computer science degree option with no bachelor’s required. UC Boulder offers working adults flexibility, free tutoring, outstanding student support and accelerated degree options.

• Post-bacc and master’s options
• Robust student support services
• Test scores not required for admission
• May not be a fit for first-time students
• No traditional bachelor’s option for computer science

Why we chose it: An online computer science degree from Auburn University is ideal for transfer students or someone seeking a second degree. As a large public university based in Auburn, Alabama, the school offers flexible education from an ABET-accredited program.

• Fully online
• Requires 60 credit hours to graduate
• Test scores recommended for admission
• More suitable for transfer students

University of Missouri – St. Louis

Why we chose it: Students at the University of Missouri–St. Louis have several options for earning an online computer science degree, including a B.S. in computer science, B.S. in computing technology and a B.S. in cybersecurity with an emphasis in computer science. You can also earn online certificates in computer programming, cybersecurity, mobile apps and computing. All online computer science programs at this mid-sized public university are STEM-designated, and the school is recognized by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Administration for excellence in cybersecurity education.

• Multiple degree options
• STEM-designated programs
• DHS/NSA-recognized programs
• 59% graduation rate
• 57% acceptance rate
• Average earnings post-graduation

Regis University

Why we chose it: Regis University is a medium-sized private school based in Denver, Colorado, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its undergraduate computer science program is accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) and can be completed entirely online. Motivated students have the option to earn their bachelor’s and master’s simultaneously with Regis’s FastForward program.

• 100% online program
• Can earn master’s simultaneously
• On the expensive side
• 58% graduation rate
• Low faculty diversity

How to Choose an Online Computer Science Program

Choosing the right online computer science program will depend on your reasons for choosing an online CS degree. Are you focused on flexibility, price or prestige? Narrow down your options for online computer science programs by considering the following factors:

• Accreditation: The school you choose must be an accredited institution. Regionally accredited schools are a good choice, and ABET accreditation for a computer science program is a reputable marker of quality.
• Cost: Look at the overall tuition you’ll need to pay, and consider whether speeding up your progress (such as with an accelerated program) will save you money. If you’re looking for an online degree completion program, check whether your current credits will transfer.
• Reputation: A university’s reputation doesn’t guarantee the sort of education you’ll receive, but it could open doors to post-graduate employment.
• Outcomes: Regarding employment, check out how graduates fare on the job market, what their average salary is and what kinds of employers hire them.
• Student support: Another factor that can determine your success at an online university is the level of student support you’ll receive. Look for schools that offer tutoring and student services as well as career coaching and support.

How To Apply

Applying to an online computer science program is much like applying to any other online college: You’ll provide your personal information, academic history, letters of reference and other documents. And you may need to pay an application fee. When you’ve chosen a school that seems to meet your needs, you can apply online using the following steps.

• Submit the correct application: You may need to use a specific application type depending on the number of transferable credits you have. Some schools require you to apply using an application specific to the online program, while others accept both the Common App and direct application. Check carefully that you’re using the right application for the program you’re interested in and your previous college credits (if any).
• Transcript: Typically, you’ll need to provide information about your prior academic history, whether that’s your official high school transcript, your previous bachelor’s degree, or something else. The school will specify during the application process what documentation is required.
• Test scores: If your application requires standardized test scores or college placement information, you may need to arrange to have these sent to the school directly from the testing service. This is more likely if you’ve graduated from high school within the past few years.
• Essay: Some applicants may be required to submit an essay for admission. Take the time to craft a personalized essay according to the application prompt and submit it in the proper format.
• Track your application: You may be able to complete your application in stages, saving it and resuming your work later. After you’ve submitted your application, paid any necessary application fees, and uploaded your documents, track your application progress to make sure you don’t miss any requests for more documentation from the school.

Should You Enroll in a Computer Science Program?

A computer science degree can lay the foundation for your career and help uplevel your salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the average annual salary for computer science and information technology professionals was $100,530 as of May 2022, more than double the median annual salary of $46,310.

But incomes are never guaranteed, and you’ll need to weigh the price of your education against your future earnings prospects as well as the opportunity cost of spending two years or more studying for a new degree. As you consider whether enrolling in an online computer science program is worth it, keep in mind the following factors.

Career Opportunities

The number of open roles in computer science is expected to outpace many other fields, with an average of 377,500 openings projected each year, according to the BLS. Completing an online computer science degree can open the door to new jobs and even whole new careers, including programming, software development, data analysis and cybersecurity.

Income Potential

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education , graduates of our top 10 online computer science programs earn an average of $50,876 to $96,375 annually in the years after completing their degree.

Online Convenience

If your question isn’t whether you should get a computer science degree, but whether to complete it online, consider how important convenience and flexibility are to you. If you’re a busy working adult with family or volunteer commitments, online classes might best fit your schedule. Online schools also allow you to skip the hassle of meeting on campus, so you won’t need to worry about commuting, parking or paying for room and board.

Cost is often another factor when deciding what degree to earn and where to earn it. While not every choice on our list has a discounted price tag, you’ll often find that online colleges offer a more affordable path to a degree compared to traditional residential schools.

How To Pay for Your Degree

If you want to get your CS degree online, you have a few options for paying for it. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you and your university determine whether you’re eligible for federal student loans, grants or other types of aid. Some universities may require you to complete a CSS Profile, which helps determine whether you’re eligible for non-federal student aid.

• Financial aid: This includes federal Direct Loans, which may be subsidized or unsubsidized by the federal government. These loans must be repaid after you graduate. PLUS loans are federal loans for graduate or professional students or parents of students. Federal grants, such as Pell grants, do not need to be repaid. Federal work-study provides employment which helps students pay for school.
• Scholarships: Scholarships may be given by the school, a department within the school, or an outside organization to help you pay for tuition. They don’t need to be repaid but they can be taxable in some instances.
• Employer funding: Many employers offer tuition assistance to employees to help pay for college, although the amount and timeline may depend on whether you’re full-time or part-time and how long you’ve been with the company, among other factors.
• Tuition assistance: Military members may be able to use Tuition Assistance to pay for college while on duty, up to $4,500 per year depending on the branch.

Accreditation for Online Computer Science Degrees

A university’s accreditation shows it complies with certain quality standards as determined by the accrediting agency. Choosing an accredited online school helps you ensure that you’re paying for high-quality instruction, not a diploma mill, and it’s also a requirement to receive federal financial aid.

For online computer science degrees, the program’s accreditation can be important too. Many CS programs are accredited by ABET, which evaluates the course content, assessments, student outcomes and several other factors. A CS program that is ABET-accredited has demonstrated that it meets these standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online computer science degrees worth it.

Online computer science degrees, just like any other CS degree, can help you find a new job and earn a good salary. The only difference is that you’ve completed your education remotely instead of attending classes on campus. According to the U.S. Department of Education , the median salary for computer and IT jobs tops six figures and more than 680,000 jobs in this field are expected to be added by 2031. So an online computer science degree could be a valuable investment in your career.

Is It Better to Learn Computer Science Online or In Person?

The best learning format for computer science will depend on your preferences as a student. If you prefer to study at your own pace, need more flexibility and have the discipline to manage your time and assignments from home, online school could be a good fit. On the other hand, if face time with your professor and classmates is a higher priority and you depend on the routine of traveling to class, you may find an on-campus degree to be a better option.

What Are Some High-Paying Jobs I Can Get With A Computer Science Degree?

With a bachelor’s degree, the average salary for computer network architects is $126,900. For database administrators, it’s $112,120, and for information security analysts, it’s $112,00. You can see more median salaries for this industry by checking the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Article Sources

At Newsweek Vault, our team of dedicated writers and editors are not just experts in their respective fields but also committed to delivering content that meets the highest standards of journalistic integrity. We analyze primary sources, including peer-reviewed studies, authoritative government sites and insights from leading industry professionals and ensure that every piece of information is researched, fact-checked and presented with accuracy and relevance.

• Occupational Outlook Handbook . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on March 31, 2024.
• Compare Schools and Fields of Study . U.S. Department of Education. Accessed on March 31, 2024.
• Computer Science Education Week: Explore In-Demand IT Jobs . U.S. Department of Labor Blog. Accessed on March 31, 2024.

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