To know Are University Extension Programs Worth it….Read on this article….!
You might be considering enrolling in a university extension program, either as an alternative to getting a full degree or using it to complement your previous educational background to take your career forward. Before enrolling, however, you would want to be sure that extension school is worth your time, money, and efforts.
There are many good and worth things you can get from enrolling in University extension programs. But it might also not be the best thing for you if your aims are different from what they can offer. So the worth of a university extension program for you will depend on you and what you intend to gain from the experience.
Are University Extension Programs Worth it?
Meaning of University Extension
University extension programs are also called continuing education. They are short courses designed to impart knowledge to students and give them vocational skills in different fields to develop them professionally and possibly give them a chance to further their education and careers.
The Benefits of University Extension Programs
To know if extension programs are worth it, you would like to know the advantages they give you, and extension programs are definitely not short of advantages.
- You learn a lot
The biggest plus of doing an extension program is the knowledge you gain from it. You gain valuable professional knowledge and skills that you probably never had before in the field, and the courses help you apply the knowledge and skills in real life.
- It is cost-effective
Extension courses give you a chance to gain a lot of knowledge within a short period. So it’s more cost and time effective than, say, enrolling again for a community college or full university degree.
- They are open to everybody
Another good thing about extension programs is that they are usually open to anybody who wants to register. The acceptance rate for extension schools is 100 percent, and you can register for the classes regardless of your academic or professional background. However, some programs might require you to have graduated from college before enrolling.
- Flexibility
An added advantage is that extension programs allow students to be flexible and balance their education with work. Many extension school students already have jobs or family responsibilities that might have been more distracting if they were enrolled in full university degree programs.
- Employment
University extension is specially designed for people who are ready to join the workforce and equips them with the knowledge that gives them competence in their professions. They can therefore help you land a new job. In addition, you can add your extension school certifications to your resume, and it gives you a good look when potential employers review your resume. You can also use your knowledge from extension programs to start your own business.
- They give you a chance to change your career
Extension programs allow you to switch your career path and pursue new dreams without going back to college. Instead, they help you pick up new professional skills and give you knowledge that can help you join the workforce or become an entrepreneur in a new field.
- Furthering your education
Extension programs are also a good opportunity for you to further your education. Students who want to learn more in their fields can take extension courses to help them achieve that. They also can serve as a gateway to further postgraduate education.
- They are beneficial to international students
International students benefit a lot from university extension programs. Those who might want to come to the US to study can get certificates from extension programs which can be very helpful for finding jobs in the US and doing further postgraduate study.
Are There Any Cons to Extension Programs?
Notwithstanding the many benefits you could get from a university extension, some downsides might make you consider other options.
Although they are open to everybody, extension schools are more valuable to people with specific interests, usually professionals in various fields. This means that there is a chance that you don’t get the full benefits if you are not looking for something specific to gain from a program. You might also have an issue with the extra workload that comes with extension school, especially if you have another job, business, or a lot of family responsibility. An extension program might also not be ideal for you if you cannot focus on multiple things at once.
Also, some extension schools don’t give out degrees. So, you might not get the chance to add the certificate to your resume and therefore not really have an advantage when you need it to land a job.
Is University Extension for You?
As mentioned earlier, what you intend to benefit from the program is the most important thing in determining whether or not to enroll in an extension school. People who register with the wrong expectations might consider it a waste of time and resources, while it usually benefits people who know what they want from the programs.
So, the worth of extension programs mainly depends on you and what you want for your career. However, the pros do outweigh the cons in general. If you are open to the opportunities that university extension programs offer, and maybe if you want a career change or plan to further your education with the courses (or a master’s degree after completing the program), you will probably benefit from an extension program.
Conclusion
People have their reasons for choosing to enroll in extension programs, and those who have attended university extension programs have different opinions on whether it was valuable or not based on unique experiences. It would help if you understood that extension schools are not necessarily for everybody, and it’s up to you to decide whether it’s important for your education and career. So, you have to think about your situation. Why do you think you should enroll in a university extension program? Consider your reasons, and weigh the pros and cons as it relates to you. Your decision should be what you feel is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Harvard Extension the same as Harvard?
The degree you get from Harvard Extension School is not the same as the degrees you get after completing an undergraduate program at Harvard.
- How long is a university extension program?
A lot of university extensions are self-paced, but it usually takes between 5-12 months to complete a program.
