Possibly
the largest military money-saver, the GI Bill allows military members
to access education funding for college degrees, apprenticeships, and
higher education learning of all kinds. The Bill can net you a full-ride
at a wide variety of educational organizations and can help you prepare
for your next dream job or even start your own business. Check your
particular Service for its customized programs. Some basic limitations
might apply, like have only a little service time left or keeping credit
hour costs below a certain amount (typically $250 per credit),
but the deal is still a great one. Living stipends, books and supplies,
potential for additional contributions…the list of advantages goes on.
Benefits often extend beyond a bachelor's and pave your way to a master's degree
as well, especially when army benefits and university programs merge.
Take Army National Guard 1st Lt. Gregg Carey, a platoon leader who
received a head injury in Iraq and found the Army Wounded Warrior Education Initiative
at the University of Kansas. The program paid all Carey's tuition for a
master's in education technology and guaranteed him aid in find a job
in Training and Doctrine Command after graduation.
Of
course, not all benefits are a guarantee in the constantly changing
political games. The original GI Bill, which has cost more than $17.2
billion since it's inception after 9/11, has been under serious scrutiny
of late. Senator Jim Webb, a key player in creating the first bill, is
hoping to set new school requirements and limitations that will preserve
the function of the old bill. This way funds "will not be lost or
squandered on an education that fails to equip them with the skills and
knowledge they need to be successful," as Webb said. Still it is best to act as early as possible in case budget cuts do have far-reaching effects.
Another
popular option to keep in mind: online education. This is a favorite of
those still on leave or with the typically unpredictable schedule.
Online access allows you to smooth over holes in your class time no
matter your location. While some schools do allow for military students
to claim excused withdrawals, online colleges often remove the need for
such delaying tactics. Service members tend to favor tech,
communication, and science fields, which is another added bonus: These
sectors often have the most job openings and offer the most lucrative
salaries for graduates.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Small Business Leaders Make Use of Top Online Universities
In
today’s economy, it is not enough to want to run a business
successfully. Commitment and hard work can go a long way, but to truly
run a profitable business, particularly a small business, you need to be
a jack-of-all-trades. You need to have a diverse skill set, which is
something that many people simply do not have. For example, according to
a study conducted by the Small Business Development Corporation of
Western Australia, successful businesses need to be effective in
accounting, information technology, marketing and human resources. And,
because Australia’s economy is very similar to that of the U.S. and
other major Westernized economies, this holds true in the United States
as well. But where could a budding business person learn these skills?
Many are turning to top online universities
to expand, improve and modernize their skill sets. After all, online
education is now acknowledged as one of the most convenient, effective
and logical ways to learn necessary skills on a busy schedule.
Moreover, there are now many accredited and vetted courses and degrees, so people who turn to the top online universities will know that they are getting their money’s worth, as well as training that will be recognized by relevant oversight boards and peers. In fact, online education is becoming so ubiquitous that even the United States government is getting involved to help small business owners. For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides online marketing courses for people who run small businesses. While these courses are short, they are free and demonstrate just the tip of the iceberg for what can be achieved by taking classes online.
For example, one popular program is accounting, which all business owners should know in and out. Additionally, there are a plethora of online courses on marketing and public relations, as well as on effective communications. And there are many IT classes online as well. One of the best ways to research what programs are available is to go to a reputable site that provides a list of programs available in your area of interest. One such site is U.S. News’ college listings, which has a special area that allows users to search just for online programs. Once you have conducted several searches and determined that there does exist courses or a program that may help you in your business, it may be time to take a leap and take a course at one of America’s top online universities.
Moreover, there are now many accredited and vetted courses and degrees, so people who turn to the top online universities will know that they are getting their money’s worth, as well as training that will be recognized by relevant oversight boards and peers. In fact, online education is becoming so ubiquitous that even the United States government is getting involved to help small business owners. For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration provides online marketing courses for people who run small businesses. While these courses are short, they are free and demonstrate just the tip of the iceberg for what can be achieved by taking classes online.
For example, one popular program is accounting, which all business owners should know in and out. Additionally, there are a plethora of online courses on marketing and public relations, as well as on effective communications. And there are many IT classes online as well. One of the best ways to research what programs are available is to go to a reputable site that provides a list of programs available in your area of interest. One such site is U.S. News’ college listings, which has a special area that allows users to search just for online programs. Once you have conducted several searches and determined that there does exist courses or a program that may help you in your business, it may be time to take a leap and take a course at one of America’s top online universities.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Seven Mind-Blowing Careers a Masters Degree in the Sciences Could Land You
By
now it should be common knowledge that the U.S. produces fewer science
and engineering graduates per capita than our main global competitors
for the twenty-first century, India and China. There are several
possible explanations for this trend, not least of which is that
obtaining a degree in one of the STEM fields is, for most, more
challenging than a liberal arts degree. But with the economy in such a
gloomy state, a strong science background, especially a mid-career online MS that works to modernize an aging set of skills, could very well be your greatest defense against unemployment.
Following are seven desirable careers available to science majors.
1. Forensic Scientist. Nothing is more satisfying than catching the bad guy, and that is precisely what you would be doing in such a career. A forensic scientist must be trained to investigate a wide spectrum of criminal behavior, from forgery to murder. Much of the workload is done in the lab, analyzing evidence from crime scenes, but forensic scientists must also make occasional court appearances. Median pay is $51,500.
2. Environmental Scientist. With the green movement in full swing, this career is in high demand. In 2010, Forbes named environmental science as the sixth best graduate degree to receive. As such, you would be responsible for studying and minimizing the effects of environmental hazards that threaten our health and safety, from pollution to deforestation. Tasks might include collecting samples in the field or analyzing data in a lab. You could be employed by the government or a private-sector company seeking ways to limit its carbon footprint. Median pay is $61,000.
3. Physicist. Galileo. Newton. Einstein. Some of the most famous people in history have been physicists, and you could join their ivory-tower ranks. Physicists study the physical behavior of the natural world at the quantum level, cosmic level and every scale in between. An exciting and innovative field, the downside is that to be truly successful, you need a doctoral degree, which requires additional time and tuition. Median pay is $105,000.
4. Computer Scientist. This is a no-brainer. Computers are ubiquitous even where you least expect them, and every computer needs software. You could be employed writing code or securing digital data, or you could work in a lab researching the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. Median pay is $100,000.
5. Medical Scientist. Like physics, this career path requires a PhD. But talk about rewarding. Medical scientists, working in university, hospital or government labs, help eradicate one of humanity’s greatest foes -- disease. Every modern remedy or treatment, from blood pressure medication to radiation therapy, is the result of medical scientists’ research. Median pay is $77,000.
6. Meteorologist. Not all meteorologists appear on the 6 o’clock news, so fret not if you are camera shy. Most meteorologists are employed by the government or a university. They work with computers and satellites, monitor and analyze weather patterns and make predictions about atmospheric and environmental trends, both in the near and not-so-near future. Median pay is $88,000.
7. Technical Writer. Good news, English majors: there is a job for you too. These professionals are responsible for interpreting complex terminology and technical jargon and making such language more accessible for consumers and other laypersons. Knowledge in Web design is a plus. Median pay is $63,000.
Studying science might not be as smooth-sailing as, say, journalism or education, but the salaries and intrinsic rewards are highly competitive. And in today’s shaky job market, you cannot ask for much more.
Following are seven desirable careers available to science majors.
1. Forensic Scientist. Nothing is more satisfying than catching the bad guy, and that is precisely what you would be doing in such a career. A forensic scientist must be trained to investigate a wide spectrum of criminal behavior, from forgery to murder. Much of the workload is done in the lab, analyzing evidence from crime scenes, but forensic scientists must also make occasional court appearances. Median pay is $51,500.
2. Environmental Scientist. With the green movement in full swing, this career is in high demand. In 2010, Forbes named environmental science as the sixth best graduate degree to receive. As such, you would be responsible for studying and minimizing the effects of environmental hazards that threaten our health and safety, from pollution to deforestation. Tasks might include collecting samples in the field or analyzing data in a lab. You could be employed by the government or a private-sector company seeking ways to limit its carbon footprint. Median pay is $61,000.
3. Physicist. Galileo. Newton. Einstein. Some of the most famous people in history have been physicists, and you could join their ivory-tower ranks. Physicists study the physical behavior of the natural world at the quantum level, cosmic level and every scale in between. An exciting and innovative field, the downside is that to be truly successful, you need a doctoral degree, which requires additional time and tuition. Median pay is $105,000.
4. Computer Scientist. This is a no-brainer. Computers are ubiquitous even where you least expect them, and every computer needs software. You could be employed writing code or securing digital data, or you could work in a lab researching the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. Median pay is $100,000.
5. Medical Scientist. Like physics, this career path requires a PhD. But talk about rewarding. Medical scientists, working in university, hospital or government labs, help eradicate one of humanity’s greatest foes -- disease. Every modern remedy or treatment, from blood pressure medication to radiation therapy, is the result of medical scientists’ research. Median pay is $77,000.
6. Meteorologist. Not all meteorologists appear on the 6 o’clock news, so fret not if you are camera shy. Most meteorologists are employed by the government or a university. They work with computers and satellites, monitor and analyze weather patterns and make predictions about atmospheric and environmental trends, both in the near and not-so-near future. Median pay is $88,000.
7. Technical Writer. Good news, English majors: there is a job for you too. These professionals are responsible for interpreting complex terminology and technical jargon and making such language more accessible for consumers and other laypersons. Knowledge in Web design is a plus. Median pay is $63,000.
Studying science might not be as smooth-sailing as, say, journalism or education, but the salaries and intrinsic rewards are highly competitive. And in today’s shaky job market, you cannot ask for much more.
The Worst Reasons to Not Earn a Criminal Justice Degree Online
There
are a thousand reasons people choose not to go to or return to school:
The rent is due. I’m too tired. I need to spend time with my kids. I
just don’t want to do it. These may or may not be legitimate obstacles
to online education. But for those who really do want to attend the best online criminal justice schools, it takes more than the words to hold them back.
I don’t have the time
Not having the time to fully dedicate one’s self to school is the longest-standing excuse for avoiding adult education. But unless you’re a single parent with a full-time job and a sleeping disorder, time is no barrier to continued education. The beauty of online programs is that many allow a prolonged degree path and are tailored to part-time students. You might not be able to schedule twenty hours of homework and a drive to campus five days per week, but you can squeeze a team chat and a couple of chapters into your hectic life. It might not be easy, but Internet university programs are perfect for the ultra-busy student.
I don’t have the money
College is expensive. And while it’s never advisable to take out loans for items or services beyond a consumer’s means, most college students need some sort of financial assistance to complete a degree. Thankfully, many colleges offering Criminal Justice degrees via online programs are fully accredited and therefore afford potential students eligibility for federal loans and grants. Said opportunities may not cover all of your expenses, but the fear of monetary barriers is no excuse.
But I don’t want to get my degree from an online institution
The stigma of Internet education has been all but eliminated by the value of online degrees offered by respectable universities, but brand recognition still counts, and many online programs are not well known. Fortunately, many traditional, brick-and-mortar institutions have begun to offer their programs on an online basis. Look into the online criminal justice programs offered by Penn State University, Colorado Tech University and Portland State University. Each of these prominent institutions offer online-only degrees.
It will take forever
If you are already in the workforce or raising a family, the prospect of obtaining an education can be all the more daunting. You might not be able to take sixteen credits per semester or cram intensive courses into those precious summer months, but if you have patience and determination, spreading the course load over an extra year or two of schooling might be viable in the short-run and a worthy investment over the long haul.
I’m perfectly happy where I am
Even if you are content with your job now, would you be perfectly happy to be doing the same thing in five years? The idea of starting a new degree might be intimidating, especially if you’re anxious to kickstart your career right now. But imagine yourself in another four or five years, still without that Criminal Justice degree. Now imagine yourself in a new career, making more money, with the added benefit of the confidence and satisfaction of knowing you set and attained a worthy goal.
Applying to college can be a frightening experience. For adults looking to upgrade their skill set, it can be terrifying. But the hard work required to complete a degree is justified by the sense of accomplishment and pride that come from earning a degree.
I don’t have the time
Not having the time to fully dedicate one’s self to school is the longest-standing excuse for avoiding adult education. But unless you’re a single parent with a full-time job and a sleeping disorder, time is no barrier to continued education. The beauty of online programs is that many allow a prolonged degree path and are tailored to part-time students. You might not be able to schedule twenty hours of homework and a drive to campus five days per week, but you can squeeze a team chat and a couple of chapters into your hectic life. It might not be easy, but Internet university programs are perfect for the ultra-busy student.
I don’t have the money
College is expensive. And while it’s never advisable to take out loans for items or services beyond a consumer’s means, most college students need some sort of financial assistance to complete a degree. Thankfully, many colleges offering Criminal Justice degrees via online programs are fully accredited and therefore afford potential students eligibility for federal loans and grants. Said opportunities may not cover all of your expenses, but the fear of monetary barriers is no excuse.
But I don’t want to get my degree from an online institution
The stigma of Internet education has been all but eliminated by the value of online degrees offered by respectable universities, but brand recognition still counts, and many online programs are not well known. Fortunately, many traditional, brick-and-mortar institutions have begun to offer their programs on an online basis. Look into the online criminal justice programs offered by Penn State University, Colorado Tech University and Portland State University. Each of these prominent institutions offer online-only degrees.
It will take forever
If you are already in the workforce or raising a family, the prospect of obtaining an education can be all the more daunting. You might not be able to take sixteen credits per semester or cram intensive courses into those precious summer months, but if you have patience and determination, spreading the course load over an extra year or two of schooling might be viable in the short-run and a worthy investment over the long haul.
I’m perfectly happy where I am
Even if you are content with your job now, would you be perfectly happy to be doing the same thing in five years? The idea of starting a new degree might be intimidating, especially if you’re anxious to kickstart your career right now. But imagine yourself in another four or five years, still without that Criminal Justice degree. Now imagine yourself in a new career, making more money, with the added benefit of the confidence and satisfaction of knowing you set and attained a worthy goal.
Applying to college can be a frightening experience. For adults looking to upgrade their skill set, it can be terrifying. But the hard work required to complete a degree is justified by the sense of accomplishment and pride that come from earning a degree.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
America's Most Reputable and Affordable Online College Programs
More and more students are going online for college
due to the ability to live at home, keep working, maintain a flexible
schedule, and in many cases, save fistfuls of cash. More and more,
traditional brick-and-mortar schools are developing a variety of online
degrees and programs. The Huffington Post recently reported that 6.1 million students were studying online in 2010, and the number appears to be rising. But how do these affordable online programs stack up with employers?
The US News and World Report, which has long been the standard for college rankings, has finally developed a similar ranking system for online degrees. The report ranked nearly 200 Bachelor's programs, and over 500 Master's programs with over 80% of the coursework done online, across a variety of fields. Perhaps surprisingly, the top-ranked online programs were all developed by private and public brick-and-mortar institutions.
Top-tier universities are clearly seeing online education as an important part of a sustainable revenue strategy. Pace University and Florida Institute of Technology stood out across multiple categories, from Faculty Credentials and Training, to Student Services and Technology, to Student Engagement and Assessment.
Another useful ranking report, this one about the most affordable online degree programs, was done by toponlinecolleges.org. It ranks schools by cost per credit hour. None of the top-ranked programs from the US News and World Report ranking appeared in the Top Online Colleges ranking. Instead, the top colleges were Liberty University, Ivy Bridge, Capella University, and others demonstrating a mix of traditional programs, all-online not-for-profits, and for-profit institutions.
The market is in a state of transition right now--online colleges can't be ranked by traditional schools' criteria, since most of the students are mid-career or have already pursued some higher education. Employers will look to long-trusted reports like US News', but the criteria for both "top" colleges and most affordable need to evolve to reflect return on investment.
Affordability is not just the up-front cost of a degree. Many students will incur additional, unexpected costs by going to a lesser quality school. Contingencies are everywhere: assistant professors that are spread too thin to answer questions; lack of administrative staff to help with choosing classes or financial aid services assistance, even the realization that the online school you chose is not challenging enough, can all be crippling.
The University of Phoenix, ranks in the top most affordable colleges, with one of the highest enrollment rates. But students report running into clerical and administrative difficulty in registering for classes. In fact, it is ranked among the lowest for attrition--only 16% of students graduate as ranked by the Federal standard. Employers might sneer at a school with such a hit-and-miss reputation.
In a market as competitive as the present one, it's important to balance the idea of affordability in the short term, with the return on investment in the long term. One of the best ways to combine your research of rankings is to explore consumer reports and talk to alumni. Shelling out a couple more fistfuls of cash now might allow you to earn quite a few more in the job market.
The US News and World Report, which has long been the standard for college rankings, has finally developed a similar ranking system for online degrees. The report ranked nearly 200 Bachelor's programs, and over 500 Master's programs with over 80% of the coursework done online, across a variety of fields. Perhaps surprisingly, the top-ranked online programs were all developed by private and public brick-and-mortar institutions.
Top-tier universities are clearly seeing online education as an important part of a sustainable revenue strategy. Pace University and Florida Institute of Technology stood out across multiple categories, from Faculty Credentials and Training, to Student Services and Technology, to Student Engagement and Assessment.
Another useful ranking report, this one about the most affordable online degree programs, was done by toponlinecolleges.org. It ranks schools by cost per credit hour. None of the top-ranked programs from the US News and World Report ranking appeared in the Top Online Colleges ranking. Instead, the top colleges were Liberty University, Ivy Bridge, Capella University, and others demonstrating a mix of traditional programs, all-online not-for-profits, and for-profit institutions.
The market is in a state of transition right now--online colleges can't be ranked by traditional schools' criteria, since most of the students are mid-career or have already pursued some higher education. Employers will look to long-trusted reports like US News', but the criteria for both "top" colleges and most affordable need to evolve to reflect return on investment.
Affordability is not just the up-front cost of a degree. Many students will incur additional, unexpected costs by going to a lesser quality school. Contingencies are everywhere: assistant professors that are spread too thin to answer questions; lack of administrative staff to help with choosing classes or financial aid services assistance, even the realization that the online school you chose is not challenging enough, can all be crippling.
The University of Phoenix, ranks in the top most affordable colleges, with one of the highest enrollment rates. But students report running into clerical and administrative difficulty in registering for classes. In fact, it is ranked among the lowest for attrition--only 16% of students graduate as ranked by the Federal standard. Employers might sneer at a school with such a hit-and-miss reputation.
In a market as competitive as the present one, it's important to balance the idea of affordability in the short term, with the return on investment in the long term. One of the best ways to combine your research of rankings is to explore consumer reports and talk to alumni. Shelling out a couple more fistfuls of cash now might allow you to earn quite a few more in the job market.
8 Top Schools with Accredited Online Psychology Programs
Never before has the study of psychology been so accessible to working adults and rural youth. The availability and affordability of online psychology degrees
has changed the way Americans earn degrees and further careers. No
longer are aspiring psychologists required to attend campus classes
full-time. Today, degrees in psychology can be earned entirely online,
from respectable, accredited institutions.
Here are eight top schools with accredited online psychology programs.
The Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s World Campus is the result of a correspondence learning program that began with a farming course in 1892. Penn State knows distance education and arguably does it better than any other American Institution. Their online bachelor of arts in psychology is indistinguishable from the on-campus equivalent--both in terms of curriculum and the conferred degree. If you’re looking to earn a psych degree online, Penn State demands your attention.
Drexel University
Philadelphia’s Drexel University offers a quality online campus, with degrees covering a wide variety of interests. Their Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is available to full or part time students and provides the same lesson plans and evaluation that on-campus students enjoy.
University of Massachusetts
UMass Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is one of the institution’s most popular online offerings, with full accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Arizona State University
ASU Online New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with instruction by the school’s best staff. The school also confers Master degrees in Behavioral Health and Education, providing a natural course of progression from a BA psych degree.
California Southern University
CSU’s School of Behavioral Sciences is one the few on this list that provide postgraduate psychology courses. The Doctor of Psychology degree, PysD, differs from a PhD in that emphasis is given to application rather than academics and research. Read more about CSU’s PsyD in Psychology.
Utah State University
USU’s Department of Psychology proudly provides one of the more lecture-intensive programs on this list, with regular video interaction being part of the curriculum for their online psychology degree, though some in-person interaction is required for completion.
Colorado State University
For those seeking a specialized psychology degree applicable in the business environment, CSU’s Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology is worth a look. The program focuses on effectual management and HR techniques.
Colorado Technical University
CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in consumer behavior will prepare you for a career in marketing, industry analysis, and various positions in the production space. The program is 100% online.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a sixty-year-old retiree, that degree in psychology you’ve been dreaming about is there for the taking. Distance from a good campus, accreditation and lack of time for study are no longer the barriers they once were to a quality education. Some of the top schools in the nation provide psych programs in which the curriculum and conferred degree are exactly the same as enjoyed by on-campus students. The challenge today is one of making that final decision to pursue a degree.
Here are eight top schools with accredited online psychology programs.
The Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s World Campus is the result of a correspondence learning program that began with a farming course in 1892. Penn State knows distance education and arguably does it better than any other American Institution. Their online bachelor of arts in psychology is indistinguishable from the on-campus equivalent--both in terms of curriculum and the conferred degree. If you’re looking to earn a psych degree online, Penn State demands your attention.
Drexel University
Philadelphia’s Drexel University offers a quality online campus, with degrees covering a wide variety of interests. Their Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is available to full or part time students and provides the same lesson plans and evaluation that on-campus students enjoy.
University of Massachusetts
UMass Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology is one of the institution’s most popular online offerings, with full accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Arizona State University
ASU Online New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with instruction by the school’s best staff. The school also confers Master degrees in Behavioral Health and Education, providing a natural course of progression from a BA psych degree.
California Southern University
CSU’s School of Behavioral Sciences is one the few on this list that provide postgraduate psychology courses. The Doctor of Psychology degree, PysD, differs from a PhD in that emphasis is given to application rather than academics and research. Read more about CSU’s PsyD in Psychology.
Utah State University
USU’s Department of Psychology proudly provides one of the more lecture-intensive programs on this list, with regular video interaction being part of the curriculum for their online psychology degree, though some in-person interaction is required for completion.
Colorado State University
For those seeking a specialized psychology degree applicable in the business environment, CSU’s Master of Applied Industrial/Organizational Psychology is worth a look. The program focuses on effectual management and HR techniques.
Colorado Technical University
CTU’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in consumer behavior will prepare you for a career in marketing, industry analysis, and various positions in the production space. The program is 100% online.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a sixty-year-old retiree, that degree in psychology you’ve been dreaming about is there for the taking. Distance from a good campus, accreditation and lack of time for study are no longer the barriers they once were to a quality education. Some of the top schools in the nation provide psych programs in which the curriculum and conferred degree are exactly the same as enjoyed by on-campus students. The challenge today is one of making that final decision to pursue a degree.
Monday, May 14, 2012
A Dr. Phil Free Psychology Degree Program
If you’ve been looking for a career that combines elements of science with social work, a job in the field of psychology may be the perfect fit. We humans are a unique lot in that we are able to contemplate our existence and examine our behaviors in a way that other species are not. The vast majority of jobs in the psychology field require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Getting either of these degrees requires both time and money. If you are working adult, the thought of returning to school can be a little intimidating, no matter how passionate you are about your future career. However, with the increasing in the number of programs offering online psychology courses, getting a degree and seeking employment is much easier now than it has ever been before.
Before you choose a program, it is important that you clarify exactly what it is that you are working towards. The discipline of psychology is a wide-ranging field with a large body of knowledge. Practitioners must be familiar with the latest theories and research in their specialty area. Many jobs in the field of psychology require specific licensure or a graduate degree. Admission to both on and offline graduate programs is competitive, and for this reason, it is important to be sure that you are taking the courses that will fulfill the requirements for advanced studies. This often involves a bit of research on the front end.
Of course, there are always some jobs available to those with only entry-level psychology training. If you’re planning on pursuing a career directly after completing an online bachelor’s degree, research the types of jobs that will be available to you. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, is an excellent resource. The handbook includes job descriptions, salary information and outlook for various occupations. Knowing what type of job you are interested in will help you to narrow the field of online colleges to those that are aligned with your career goals.
Online psychology programs are available from numerous universities and colleges. There are so many different programs that it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you. First and foremost, it’s vital that you do your research when choosing a psychology degree program, and look for a school that not only has the programs you want, but also has a good reputation in the field. Online “diploma mills” have become a big problem over the past decade, and low-quality programs abound.
One of the best ways to assure that you are dealing with a legitimate, quality degree program is to check out the university or college’s accreditation status. Regional and national accrediting agencies assure that educational institutions meet specific quality standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved agencies that should be regularly checked.
While it’s never easy to break into a new a career, getting your psychology degree online can get you started you on the road to a high-paying job that will allow you to use your interests and skills to help others. An online psychology degree can open doors to many exciting jobs in fields as diverse as child psychology, forensics, family counseling, behavioral analysis, and research. Online schools offer flexibility and quality education for individuals who are interested in the diverse field of psychology--and the best part is, nearly all requirements can be fulfilled from the comfort of home.
Before you choose a program, it is important that you clarify exactly what it is that you are working towards. The discipline of psychology is a wide-ranging field with a large body of knowledge. Practitioners must be familiar with the latest theories and research in their specialty area. Many jobs in the field of psychology require specific licensure or a graduate degree. Admission to both on and offline graduate programs is competitive, and for this reason, it is important to be sure that you are taking the courses that will fulfill the requirements for advanced studies. This often involves a bit of research on the front end.
Of course, there are always some jobs available to those with only entry-level psychology training. If you’re planning on pursuing a career directly after completing an online bachelor’s degree, research the types of jobs that will be available to you. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, is an excellent resource. The handbook includes job descriptions, salary information and outlook for various occupations. Knowing what type of job you are interested in will help you to narrow the field of online colleges to those that are aligned with your career goals.
Online psychology programs are available from numerous universities and colleges. There are so many different programs that it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you. First and foremost, it’s vital that you do your research when choosing a psychology degree program, and look for a school that not only has the programs you want, but also has a good reputation in the field. Online “diploma mills” have become a big problem over the past decade, and low-quality programs abound.
One of the best ways to assure that you are dealing with a legitimate, quality degree program is to check out the university or college’s accreditation status. Regional and national accrediting agencies assure that educational institutions meet specific quality standards. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of approved agencies that should be regularly checked.
While it’s never easy to break into a new a career, getting your psychology degree online can get you started you on the road to a high-paying job that will allow you to use your interests and skills to help others. An online psychology degree can open doors to many exciting jobs in fields as diverse as child psychology, forensics, family counseling, behavioral analysis, and research. Online schools offer flexibility and quality education for individuals who are interested in the diverse field of psychology--and the best part is, nearly all requirements can be fulfilled from the comfort of home.
6 Reasons Why Getting Your MBA Through Online Classes is A Better Choice
Completing an MBA degree online is a smart choice. The MBA is almost essential to business advancement in this day and age. But many ambitious business people shy away from the degree, because they feel that they can’t fit it into their schedules and don’t want to relocate to a suitable college. The answer is, take that degree online. If you think online lacks luster or doesn’t make sense, think again. Following are 6 real benefits to online over traditional classroom study.
1. Balance Career, Education and Family
An online MBA provides the opportunity to take classes and work around your own schedule, rather than having to report to a campus and attend classes. Having a career and family does not have to be an obstacle to the completion of an online MBA.
2. Save Money, Go Green
Commuting from home to a college campus means coping with traffic and auto maintenance. Taking courses online can save money in parking, gas, maintenance expenses. Plus, it is one way to go “green” and do your part to save the environment, without ever having to change out of your PJs. Online learning has a much smaller carbon footprint than any type of commute.
3. Avoid Drama
A lot of potential business students don’t realize how important this is. Keep in mind, a lot of college students are young people away from home for the first time, and they behave accordingly. If what you are after is a solid education for career advancement, there is really no reason to surround yourself with people who are interested in who made captain of the football team or where the next jello wrestling contest is going to be held. Save yourself the drama and study online, where you can focus strictly on what matters, the course work.
4. Open the Door to Your Dream Job
If you are working in your field while completing the online MBA, you have the chance to put some of the course materials into practice on the spot. This means avoiding downtime that typically occurs when you are back in a classroom and out of touch with the workforce for a period of time. By having the opportunity to incorporate your education instantly, you are improving your skills in the workplace and giving yourself the opportunity to show off your hot new skills and maybe angle for a hefty promotion. And after all, isn’t that the whole point of the degree?
5. Create a Strong Network
This may seem a bit counterintuitive, after all, doesn’t being on campus result in friendships and networks? Well, yes and no. Those strong friendships often evaporate as soon as everyone disperses homeward and to jobs across the country. With an online class, you have the chance to meet people, who are often already gainfully employed and respected, all across the country. In a way, with an online class you aren’t building a “future” network, but a network in real time. And that is useful for your career prospects.
6. Master Technology
When completing an MBA online, communication occurs in the form of online forums, emails or web conferences and seminars. Today, businesses take full advantage of technology to keep in touch with employees. Therefore, students are preparing for the use of technology at their future job by using these forms of interaction to complete their education. And employers know that.
Find the right program for you regardless of physical location and know that utilizing the internet to connect with others is a habit that will only benefit you in the future. These benefits make an online MBA more attractive to you, and the MBA makes you more attractive to future employers.
It’s a win-win situation.
1. Balance Career, Education and Family
An online MBA provides the opportunity to take classes and work around your own schedule, rather than having to report to a campus and attend classes. Having a career and family does not have to be an obstacle to the completion of an online MBA.
2. Save Money, Go Green
Commuting from home to a college campus means coping with traffic and auto maintenance. Taking courses online can save money in parking, gas, maintenance expenses. Plus, it is one way to go “green” and do your part to save the environment, without ever having to change out of your PJs. Online learning has a much smaller carbon footprint than any type of commute.
3. Avoid Drama
A lot of potential business students don’t realize how important this is. Keep in mind, a lot of college students are young people away from home for the first time, and they behave accordingly. If what you are after is a solid education for career advancement, there is really no reason to surround yourself with people who are interested in who made captain of the football team or where the next jello wrestling contest is going to be held. Save yourself the drama and study online, where you can focus strictly on what matters, the course work.
4. Open the Door to Your Dream Job
If you are working in your field while completing the online MBA, you have the chance to put some of the course materials into practice on the spot. This means avoiding downtime that typically occurs when you are back in a classroom and out of touch with the workforce for a period of time. By having the opportunity to incorporate your education instantly, you are improving your skills in the workplace and giving yourself the opportunity to show off your hot new skills and maybe angle for a hefty promotion. And after all, isn’t that the whole point of the degree?
5. Create a Strong Network
This may seem a bit counterintuitive, after all, doesn’t being on campus result in friendships and networks? Well, yes and no. Those strong friendships often evaporate as soon as everyone disperses homeward and to jobs across the country. With an online class, you have the chance to meet people, who are often already gainfully employed and respected, all across the country. In a way, with an online class you aren’t building a “future” network, but a network in real time. And that is useful for your career prospects.
6. Master Technology
When completing an MBA online, communication occurs in the form of online forums, emails or web conferences and seminars. Today, businesses take full advantage of technology to keep in touch with employees. Therefore, students are preparing for the use of technology at their future job by using these forms of interaction to complete their education. And employers know that.
Find the right program for you regardless of physical location and know that utilizing the internet to connect with others is a habit that will only benefit you in the future. These benefits make an online MBA more attractive to you, and the MBA makes you more attractive to future employers.
It’s a win-win situation.
Friday, May 11, 2012
7 Most Cost Effective Programs to Get Your PHD Online
The
Internet has become ubiquitous across the world. More people, in more
places, from big cities to small towns and remote locations everywhere
on earth now have internet access. And that gives them access to
university programs as well. And not just any old bachelors degree, but
the cream of the crop: post-graduate education and PhDs.
There are a number of online universities which offer PhDs, such as University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Full Sail University as well as traditional universities with specific online programs. While the predominantly online universities have a wide range of PhD offerings in their curriculums, traditional universities have been more reluctant to offer their most prestigious degrees online. But with improvements to internet communications made possible by broadband access, web conferencing, web video, and the vast amount of library resources, even the most stalwart of the traditional schools are beginning to grasp that it isn’t where you’re sitting, but what you’re learning that is most important.
Of all the online universities that offer doctorate degrees, Cal University is one of the most affordable. Being a university dedicated primarily to the study of management and business administration, Cal University offers several DBA specializations. These courses of study are offered at a cost of $300 per credit.
Like Cal University, Baker College is another online institution of education that offers doctorate-level courses of study. While the college does not focus primarily on business administration on the bachelor’s and master’s levels, business administration is the only course of study offered at the doctorate level. Tuition for most graduate programs at Baker College is $375 per credit.
Northcentral University is another primarily online university that offers doctorate courses of study. Northcentral University’s course offerings for PhD programs include business administration, education, psychology, and other fields. Tuition for doctorate programs is $793 per credit.
The University of Phoenix - the largest and most well-known of the primarily online universities - offers a wide range of online PhD programs. These include business administration, education, nursing,environmental science, English, communication, health administration, industrial/organizational psychology, and organizational leadership/information systems and technology. Tuition varies from course to course, but it hovers around $800 per credit.
One well-respected traditional university that offers online courses of study for PhDs is Colorado Technical University. This university offers multiple business management and computer science PhD programs. The tuition for Colorado Technical University graduate programs is $585 per credit.
Another traditional university with significant online PhD offerings is the University of Florida. The University of Florida’s online PhD programs include fields in education, audiology, philosophy, nursing, and pharmacy. Tuition is about $500 per credit, depending on the course of study.
The University of Maryland University College offers a full array of online programs. Among these, it offers two doctorate-level programs: management and management in community college policy and administration. Tuition for its doctorate-level programs is $1,087 per credit, which is a hefty price tag but some of their programs are amongst the most respected in the country..
The legitimate universities and colleges that offer online PhD programs tend to only offer them in specific areas. This is because the nature of a PhD is such that much of the program usually consists of aiding professors in their advanced research. In an online learning environment, it is extremely difficult to carry out such research. The specific programs that are commonly offered on the graduate level through online platforms - such as management and administration programs - are programs that can conceivably be offered in such a way. Students should be skeptical about online universities that claim to be able to offer an overly broad range of PhD programs through a structure of instruction that is entirely online. Also, be sure that the specific program PhD you are pursuing carries the appropriate accreditation for your field of study.
A doctorate completed with distance learning used to be regarded as well, something of a joke. But with the leaps that have been made in internet communications, it has now become possible to do the hard work of a PhD for many programs, completely online. As is obvious from the above listing of tuition costs, the price varies a great deal. But, don’t think that is an indication of quality, some of the most expensive options are actually the least respected degrees. With due diligence, it is now possible to get a solid respected PhD online, at a reasonable cost.
There are a number of online universities which offer PhDs, such as University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Full Sail University as well as traditional universities with specific online programs. While the predominantly online universities have a wide range of PhD offerings in their curriculums, traditional universities have been more reluctant to offer their most prestigious degrees online. But with improvements to internet communications made possible by broadband access, web conferencing, web video, and the vast amount of library resources, even the most stalwart of the traditional schools are beginning to grasp that it isn’t where you’re sitting, but what you’re learning that is most important.
Of all the online universities that offer doctorate degrees, Cal University is one of the most affordable. Being a university dedicated primarily to the study of management and business administration, Cal University offers several DBA specializations. These courses of study are offered at a cost of $300 per credit.
Like Cal University, Baker College is another online institution of education that offers doctorate-level courses of study. While the college does not focus primarily on business administration on the bachelor’s and master’s levels, business administration is the only course of study offered at the doctorate level. Tuition for most graduate programs at Baker College is $375 per credit.
Northcentral University is another primarily online university that offers doctorate courses of study. Northcentral University’s course offerings for PhD programs include business administration, education, psychology, and other fields. Tuition for doctorate programs is $793 per credit.
The University of Phoenix - the largest and most well-known of the primarily online universities - offers a wide range of online PhD programs. These include business administration, education, nursing,environmental science, English, communication, health administration, industrial/organizational psychology, and organizational leadership/information systems and technology. Tuition varies from course to course, but it hovers around $800 per credit.
One well-respected traditional university that offers online courses of study for PhDs is Colorado Technical University. This university offers multiple business management and computer science PhD programs. The tuition for Colorado Technical University graduate programs is $585 per credit.
Another traditional university with significant online PhD offerings is the University of Florida. The University of Florida’s online PhD programs include fields in education, audiology, philosophy, nursing, and pharmacy. Tuition is about $500 per credit, depending on the course of study.
The University of Maryland University College offers a full array of online programs. Among these, it offers two doctorate-level programs: management and management in community college policy and administration. Tuition for its doctorate-level programs is $1,087 per credit, which is a hefty price tag but some of their programs are amongst the most respected in the country..
The legitimate universities and colleges that offer online PhD programs tend to only offer them in specific areas. This is because the nature of a PhD is such that much of the program usually consists of aiding professors in their advanced research. In an online learning environment, it is extremely difficult to carry out such research. The specific programs that are commonly offered on the graduate level through online platforms - such as management and administration programs - are programs that can conceivably be offered in such a way. Students should be skeptical about online universities that claim to be able to offer an overly broad range of PhD programs through a structure of instruction that is entirely online. Also, be sure that the specific program PhD you are pursuing carries the appropriate accreditation for your field of study.
A doctorate completed with distance learning used to be regarded as well, something of a joke. But with the leaps that have been made in internet communications, it has now become possible to do the hard work of a PhD for many programs, completely online. As is obvious from the above listing of tuition costs, the price varies a great deal. But, don’t think that is an indication of quality, some of the most expensive options are actually the least respected degrees. With due diligence, it is now possible to get a solid respected PhD online, at a reasonable cost.
5 Top Resources for Online MBA Program Rankings
Choosing an MBA program can be difficult. Students must consider a number of factors, such as
cost, convenience, legitimacy and future employment potential. Aspiring
e-learners can peruse online MBA rankings in order to find an online
graduate business program that is right for them. However, some lists
are decidedly more informed than others.
US News & World Report
This prominent New York City-based magazine has been ranking American colleges since 1983 -- and today, online programs are also rated. For online MBA programs, results are based on four factors: admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, student engagement and accreditation. In order to be considered in the USNews ‘Honor Roll’ of online business degrees, the program must rank in the top third for at least three of these four categories. For the 2012 ranking, more than 960 regionally accredited schools were considered.
Financial Times
This worldwide ranking of business schools which includes online programs is based on factors like post-graduation salary, cost-benefit analysis and student experience. To be considered, a program must be at least four years old, with at least three years since its first graduating class. It must also be accredited by a legitimate organization, typically either Equis or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The list includes a research rank, which measures faculty contributions to more 45 different academic journals, points are awarded to the school where the author currently teaches. And because this is an international ranking, all monetary costs have been converted to dollar amounts.
The Best Schools.org
This comprehensive list of top online MBA programs is aggregated from data by other publications -- including Forbes, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine – that rate business school programs overall, both traditional classrooms and online. According to a 2011 poll by GMAC, many employers value an MBA program’s ranking over the quality of the school’s curriculum and faculty. As a result, each entry in The Best Schools’ list of 10 is accompanied by previous rankings in other publications. Other information provided about each school includes program details, tuition costs and admission requirements.
Super Scholar
The Smart Choice ranking from Super Scholar is limited to AACSB institutions and schools that have been regionally accredited. Other factors taken into consideration include selectivity, cost and awards and recognitions, as well as market reputation. The list includes several schools with MBAs that are earned entirely online. Ranked entries include school profiles, MBA program details and ‘bottom line’ tuition costs. The site also features rankings for dozens of other online degree categories.
The Princeton Review: The Best 294 Business Schools 2012 Edition (book)
Every year, The Princeton Review surveys tens of thousands of students to determine the best business school programs nationwide. This year’s list of 294 is subdivided into 11 separate rankings. Though all business programs are considered, the in-depth school profiles contained in this book make it a valuable resource for those who wish to pursue an online MBA.
If a student wishes to look into web-based business school, he or she must consider a number of important factors. These factors should be reflected by lists and rankings that the student uses to make their academic selection. There are dozens of websites that rank online MBA programs – but the most valuable resources, like those mentioned above, use published comprehensive methodology to arrive at their results.
US News & World Report
This prominent New York City-based magazine has been ranking American colleges since 1983 -- and today, online programs are also rated. For online MBA programs, results are based on four factors: admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, student engagement and accreditation. In order to be considered in the USNews ‘Honor Roll’ of online business degrees, the program must rank in the top third for at least three of these four categories. For the 2012 ranking, more than 960 regionally accredited schools were considered.
Financial Times
This worldwide ranking of business schools which includes online programs is based on factors like post-graduation salary, cost-benefit analysis and student experience. To be considered, a program must be at least four years old, with at least three years since its first graduating class. It must also be accredited by a legitimate organization, typically either Equis or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The list includes a research rank, which measures faculty contributions to more 45 different academic journals, points are awarded to the school where the author currently teaches. And because this is an international ranking, all monetary costs have been converted to dollar amounts.
The Best Schools.org
This comprehensive list of top online MBA programs is aggregated from data by other publications -- including Forbes, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine – that rate business school programs overall, both traditional classrooms and online. According to a 2011 poll by GMAC, many employers value an MBA program’s ranking over the quality of the school’s curriculum and faculty. As a result, each entry in The Best Schools’ list of 10 is accompanied by previous rankings in other publications. Other information provided about each school includes program details, tuition costs and admission requirements.
Super Scholar
The Smart Choice ranking from Super Scholar is limited to AACSB institutions and schools that have been regionally accredited. Other factors taken into consideration include selectivity, cost and awards and recognitions, as well as market reputation. The list includes several schools with MBAs that are earned entirely online. Ranked entries include school profiles, MBA program details and ‘bottom line’ tuition costs. The site also features rankings for dozens of other online degree categories.
The Princeton Review: The Best 294 Business Schools 2012 Edition (book)
Every year, The Princeton Review surveys tens of thousands of students to determine the best business school programs nationwide. This year’s list of 294 is subdivided into 11 separate rankings. Though all business programs are considered, the in-depth school profiles contained in this book make it a valuable resource for those who wish to pursue an online MBA.
If a student wishes to look into web-based business school, he or she must consider a number of important factors. These factors should be reflected by lists and rankings that the student uses to make their academic selection. There are dozens of websites that rank online MBA programs – but the most valuable resources, like those mentioned above, use published comprehensive methodology to arrive at their results.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
6 Things You Can Do While Earning Your Psychology Degree Online
So
online colleges are all the rage these days, but who wants to actually
pay attention all the time during those classes? The whole point of
online classes is the ability to do other things while you educate
yourself. So without further ado, here are seven things you can do to
busy yourself while taking online psychology courses.
1. Begin to understand the deviant mind with a first person shooter game. This time killing strategy one works a lot better if you’re just listening to lectures. All you have to do is open a new tab (ctrl+T for most browsers) and find your favorite game to play, and shazam! Now you’re learning about human brains while you’re also plastering someone else’s all over the wall.
2. Sleep. Not much explanation needed here. Just like in a real college class, you can quite easily nab a few z’s while you’re listening to your professor prattle on about the various types of human personality. A bonus: this one can actually save you time if you want to go to bed a little later each night. Isn’t college great?
3. Earn another psychology degree. Here's an idea. While you’re dutifully attending your prestigious online college, how about enrolling in another college and earning another psychology degree? All things are better in pairs, that’s just a fact of life: eyes, kidneys, shoes. You think it’s a coincidence that you have two of everything? Nay. So go on! Enroll in a second online college, what’s the absolute worst that could happen?
4. Learn a new language. Como Esta? You might not have understood that cryptic spanish phrase, but it actually means “how are you?” With enough practice, you, too, can learn a foreign language and become a sorcerer of the spoken word. Imagine the possibilities! Instead of ordering Mexican food in English, you can do so in the language those enchiladas were meant to be ordered in - Spanish.
5. Eat. A simple time-saver, however you may want to consider going organic if this is going to be your main vehicle to kill time. Why deal with the annoyances of on-campus dining when you can enjoy the same frozen food in the comfort of your own home?
6. Write. Whenever possible, write about your class. If there’s nothing to write about, write about how boring it is. When finished, you can post your Pulitzer Prize winning piece to Facebook, Tumblr, what have you. Educational and fun!
1. Begin to understand the deviant mind with a first person shooter game. This time killing strategy one works a lot better if you’re just listening to lectures. All you have to do is open a new tab (ctrl+T for most browsers) and find your favorite game to play, and shazam! Now you’re learning about human brains while you’re also plastering someone else’s all over the wall.
2. Sleep. Not much explanation needed here. Just like in a real college class, you can quite easily nab a few z’s while you’re listening to your professor prattle on about the various types of human personality. A bonus: this one can actually save you time if you want to go to bed a little later each night. Isn’t college great?
3. Earn another psychology degree. Here's an idea. While you’re dutifully attending your prestigious online college, how about enrolling in another college and earning another psychology degree? All things are better in pairs, that’s just a fact of life: eyes, kidneys, shoes. You think it’s a coincidence that you have two of everything? Nay. So go on! Enroll in a second online college, what’s the absolute worst that could happen?
4. Learn a new language. Como Esta? You might not have understood that cryptic spanish phrase, but it actually means “how are you?” With enough practice, you, too, can learn a foreign language and become a sorcerer of the spoken word. Imagine the possibilities! Instead of ordering Mexican food in English, you can do so in the language those enchiladas were meant to be ordered in - Spanish.
5. Eat. A simple time-saver, however you may want to consider going organic if this is going to be your main vehicle to kill time. Why deal with the annoyances of on-campus dining when you can enjoy the same frozen food in the comfort of your own home?
6. Write. Whenever possible, write about your class. If there’s nothing to write about, write about how boring it is. When finished, you can post your Pulitzer Prize winning piece to Facebook, Tumblr, what have you. Educational and fun!
Which was the First Online University Offering Classes?
Distance
learning is not a new concept, in itself, but it has never been as
convenient and effective as it is today and because of this new accredited collegiate institutions
are popping up everyday. A quick look at history reveals
extra-geographically based scholarship as early as the 1700s. Then, the
practice started to build momentum in the United States under University
of Chicago president William Rainey Harper in 1892, when he
kick-started the initiative to connect research universities around the
world by way of satellite educational centers.
Through the 1900s, the concept of distance learning spread, hastened by radio and television under The Open University in the UK. Open Universities opened up worldwide. Then, the University of Phoenix began as a distance education program in 1976, taking its offerings online as early as 1989, the time of the Commodore. Throughout this period, brick and mortar institutions began to dabble in the Internet. Peter Copen created the New York State/Moscow Schools Telecommunications Project, which connected a dozen schools in New York with a dozen in the former Soviet Union, demonstrating the possibilities for globalization of education in a brave new world.
In 1995, WeBWorK was launched. WeBWork provided online schools with a means of transmitting homework across the web on a Perl-based platform. Finally, in 1996, the first online school as we know it today, Jones International School, opened its doors to students as an accredited, degree-granting institution. Based out of Centennial, Colorado, the school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Sixteen years later, online education is going strong. As of the tenth anniversary of Jones International School’s opening, only 4% of institutions with over 15,000 students did not offer online classes. The number of students enrolled in a distance education program doubled between 2000 and 2008, and the number of students in a traditional college taking online classes increased by 12%. The quality of education across these programs is monitored by the Quality Assurance Agency abroad, and by the Distance Education and Training Council in America.
In 2009, President Obama earmarked $500 million dollars for the support of online education. Today, one third of baccalaureate programs have claimed that the incorporation of online education into their development strategies are necessary for success. Students are loathe to give up good jobs in favor of relocating for school, and with gas prices climbing, they want education where they can reach it. Experts predict that online education will continue to grow more quickly than any other sector of higher education.
The success of online education is starting to build a path for the creation of successful distance education in pre-college education. One of the pioneers of this program is the University of California at Santa Cruz, which hosts the University of California College Prep Program, extends opportunities for small high schools to offer AP classes they couldn’t otherwise afford to their students.
Online schooling is an element of education that is clearly here not just to stay, but to grow and supplement traditional education where it can add the most value. Though there will always be a place for brick and mortar education, as more traditional colleges offer nontraditional classes, the reputation of distance education grows by leaps and bounds. Future generations are sure to have more educational opportunities than ever before.
Through the 1900s, the concept of distance learning spread, hastened by radio and television under The Open University in the UK. Open Universities opened up worldwide. Then, the University of Phoenix began as a distance education program in 1976, taking its offerings online as early as 1989, the time of the Commodore. Throughout this period, brick and mortar institutions began to dabble in the Internet. Peter Copen created the New York State/Moscow Schools Telecommunications Project, which connected a dozen schools in New York with a dozen in the former Soviet Union, demonstrating the possibilities for globalization of education in a brave new world.
In 1995, WeBWorK was launched. WeBWork provided online schools with a means of transmitting homework across the web on a Perl-based platform. Finally, in 1996, the first online school as we know it today, Jones International School, opened its doors to students as an accredited, degree-granting institution. Based out of Centennial, Colorado, the school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Sixteen years later, online education is going strong. As of the tenth anniversary of Jones International School’s opening, only 4% of institutions with over 15,000 students did not offer online classes. The number of students enrolled in a distance education program doubled between 2000 and 2008, and the number of students in a traditional college taking online classes increased by 12%. The quality of education across these programs is monitored by the Quality Assurance Agency abroad, and by the Distance Education and Training Council in America.
In 2009, President Obama earmarked $500 million dollars for the support of online education. Today, one third of baccalaureate programs have claimed that the incorporation of online education into their development strategies are necessary for success. Students are loathe to give up good jobs in favor of relocating for school, and with gas prices climbing, they want education where they can reach it. Experts predict that online education will continue to grow more quickly than any other sector of higher education.
The success of online education is starting to build a path for the creation of successful distance education in pre-college education. One of the pioneers of this program is the University of California at Santa Cruz, which hosts the University of California College Prep Program, extends opportunities for small high schools to offer AP classes they couldn’t otherwise afford to their students.
Online schooling is an element of education that is clearly here not just to stay, but to grow and supplement traditional education where it can add the most value. Though there will always be a place for brick and mortar education, as more traditional colleges offer nontraditional classes, the reputation of distance education grows by leaps and bounds. Future generations are sure to have more educational opportunities than ever before.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Best Ways to Start Your Search for Online Graduate Program
In
today’s challenging economic climate, job applicants are searching for
ways to stay ahead of the competition; for many, this means looking for a masters programs online.
Graduates of Master’s degree programs not only have an advantage in
the job search, they can also expect to earn significantly more than
professionals with less education. A recent U.S. Census report
states that master’s programs can add up to $400,000 over a lifetime.
Yet for many individuals, work and family obligations can make it
difficult to go back to school. In particular, traditional programs may
disallow individuals from continuing their studies. Online Master’s
degree programs provide an excellent alternative.
Choosing the right degree-granting institution can be a daunting task and evaluating online programs presents its own unique set of challenges. The course content and the quality of teaching is extremely variable among different institutions. Even more important than assessing the quality of a program is avoiding those online schools that fall under the category of diploma mills, fraudulent institutions that award degrees to students who complete little-to-no work.
Before initiating the search for a Master’s degree program to suit your needs, it’s extremely helpful to clarify goals, strengths and weaknesses in regard to obtaining a degree. After thinking through the process and setting expectations, you will be better equipped to investigate particular programs, eliminating those that do not provide what you want. In an article for The New York Times, online learning expert John Bear says that his first advice for prospective Master’s degree students “is that you have to be as comfortable as you can that the degree will meet your needs.”
While this may seem obvious, many individuals enter a Master’s program without a post-graduation plan. Mr. Bear refers to the CSI phenomenon as an example, explaining that many prospective applicants decide to pursue a Master’s degree and simply choose something that sounds interesting without regard to their career goals and post-graduation plans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource for statistics-based information on different careers. It can help individuals to define job goals, based on both financial and personal needs.
Having gained a clearer understanding of your goals and preferences, you can move on to evaluating programs that match these goals. One of the primary indicators of quality educational programming is accreditation. Various regional and national accrediting agencies offer accreditation to educational programs that meet specific guidelines for quality. Any legitimate online school will provide this information. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited schools and additional information on each accrediting agency’s requirements.
Regardless of accreditation, educational programs are only as good as the quality of instruction. Online colleges generally provide faculty profiles, which can give you an idea as to their areas of concentration and teaching experience. Online student forums and professors’ ratings websites can give prospective students additional insight into specific programs.
Master’s degree programs, whether delivered online or in a traditional campus-based format, are challenging and require a significant commitment of time and money. The payoff comes in terms of increased earning power and knowledge that makes Master’s degree holders stand out from other job applicants. Therefore, the amount of time spent on choosing the right online program is a wise investment in the future.
Choosing the right degree-granting institution can be a daunting task and evaluating online programs presents its own unique set of challenges. The course content and the quality of teaching is extremely variable among different institutions. Even more important than assessing the quality of a program is avoiding those online schools that fall under the category of diploma mills, fraudulent institutions that award degrees to students who complete little-to-no work.
Before initiating the search for a Master’s degree program to suit your needs, it’s extremely helpful to clarify goals, strengths and weaknesses in regard to obtaining a degree. After thinking through the process and setting expectations, you will be better equipped to investigate particular programs, eliminating those that do not provide what you want. In an article for The New York Times, online learning expert John Bear says that his first advice for prospective Master’s degree students “is that you have to be as comfortable as you can that the degree will meet your needs.”
While this may seem obvious, many individuals enter a Master’s program without a post-graduation plan. Mr. Bear refers to the CSI phenomenon as an example, explaining that many prospective applicants decide to pursue a Master’s degree and simply choose something that sounds interesting without regard to their career goals and post-graduation plans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource for statistics-based information on different careers. It can help individuals to define job goals, based on both financial and personal needs.
Having gained a clearer understanding of your goals and preferences, you can move on to evaluating programs that match these goals. One of the primary indicators of quality educational programming is accreditation. Various regional and national accrediting agencies offer accreditation to educational programs that meet specific guidelines for quality. Any legitimate online school will provide this information. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited schools and additional information on each accrediting agency’s requirements.
Regardless of accreditation, educational programs are only as good as the quality of instruction. Online colleges generally provide faculty profiles, which can give you an idea as to their areas of concentration and teaching experience. Online student forums and professors’ ratings websites can give prospective students additional insight into specific programs.
Master’s degree programs, whether delivered online or in a traditional campus-based format, are challenging and require a significant commitment of time and money. The payoff comes in terms of increased earning power and knowledge that makes Master’s degree holders stand out from other job applicants. Therefore, the amount of time spent on choosing the right online program is a wise investment in the future.
Online Masters Programs - All Are Not Created Equal
Online masters programs are an increasingly popular choice for adult professionals
looking for a program that respects their important work and family
obligations. Online Master’s programs are available from
distance-learning universities and traditional universities alike. As in
the entire field of higher education, not all online programs are
created equal, some are quite prestigious and some have bad reputations.
One way to ensure that any particular online masters program, or degree in general, is of a high quality and solid repute, is to examine the accreditation of the school. Accreditation is a certification from a third party agency, which indicates that the school has met specific criteria. These vary for each agency and type of school, but all accrediting bodies attempt to determine if the school truly offers what is promised, a quality education. They will examine teacher/student ratios, degree level of instructors, experience of instructors, whether the faculty are regularly published, library resources, and graduation rates, among other aspects. Institutions are awarded accreditation through a series of academic reviews that investigate the quality of the school’s curricula, its mission, and its faculty’s qualifications. Schools must go through accrediting review every few years.There are two types of institutional accreditation, regional and national.
However, most traditional colleges are regionally accredited due to the historical accident of how accrediting bodies were formed, regional accreditation is far older than any of the national bodies. Thus regional accreditation is in fact more respected in most fields than national. Regionally accredited schools will readily accept coursework from other regionally accredited schools, but may reject nationally accredited coursework. Nationally accredited schools will usually accept work done at any regionally accredited college. Federal student funding and loans can be used at both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
Regional accreditation is performed by one of six private accreditation agencies in the United States.The six accreditation agencies are:
National accreditation is awarded to schools across the country based on the type of school in question, for example tech schools, online universities and career schools.
Some schools or programs carry “specialized accreditation.” This is a type of accreditation that is awarded to specific degree programs within a school. It is also sometimes called professional accreditation. Specialized accreditation is performed by an organization considered to have special expertise in a particular field. This type of accreditation is usually found on degree programs that are specific to a particular career, such as education, accounting or medicine.
Specialized accreditation may be the highest level of quality for a masters degree program, given a particular field. These accreditations are far less common than the standard, they are far more specific, and generally quite well-known to potential employers. In a sense, they indicate the creme de la creme for a particular field, of all the programs available. It’s important, however, to verify that the accreditation agency is reputable. There are different forms of specialized accreditation for different degrees, so it’s important to check the one that applies to your career choice. Finally, if you are studying at an international school, make sure that specialized accreditation is recognized at home.
Selecting the best online masters program can be a challenging task. Determining accreditation should be one of the first steps in any due diligence search of online colleges. And don’t simply accept that some agency or other has “certified” or “accredited” the school. Take a little time to ensure that the accrediting agency is reputable. Fortunately, all of this information is readily available online, making the search for the perfect online masters program just a little bit easier.
One way to ensure that any particular online masters program, or degree in general, is of a high quality and solid repute, is to examine the accreditation of the school. Accreditation is a certification from a third party agency, which indicates that the school has met specific criteria. These vary for each agency and type of school, but all accrediting bodies attempt to determine if the school truly offers what is promised, a quality education. They will examine teacher/student ratios, degree level of instructors, experience of instructors, whether the faculty are regularly published, library resources, and graduation rates, among other aspects. Institutions are awarded accreditation through a series of academic reviews that investigate the quality of the school’s curricula, its mission, and its faculty’s qualifications. Schools must go through accrediting review every few years.There are two types of institutional accreditation, regional and national.
However, most traditional colleges are regionally accredited due to the historical accident of how accrediting bodies were formed, regional accreditation is far older than any of the national bodies. Thus regional accreditation is in fact more respected in most fields than national. Regionally accredited schools will readily accept coursework from other regionally accredited schools, but may reject nationally accredited coursework. Nationally accredited schools will usually accept work done at any regionally accredited college. Federal student funding and loans can be used at both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
Regional accreditation is performed by one of six private accreditation agencies in the United States.The six accreditation agencies are:
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
National accreditation is awarded to schools across the country based on the type of school in question, for example tech schools, online universities and career schools.
Some schools or programs carry “specialized accreditation.” This is a type of accreditation that is awarded to specific degree programs within a school. It is also sometimes called professional accreditation. Specialized accreditation is performed by an organization considered to have special expertise in a particular field. This type of accreditation is usually found on degree programs that are specific to a particular career, such as education, accounting or medicine.
Specialized accreditation may be the highest level of quality for a masters degree program, given a particular field. These accreditations are far less common than the standard, they are far more specific, and generally quite well-known to potential employers. In a sense, they indicate the creme de la creme for a particular field, of all the programs available. It’s important, however, to verify that the accreditation agency is reputable. There are different forms of specialized accreditation for different degrees, so it’s important to check the one that applies to your career choice. Finally, if you are studying at an international school, make sure that specialized accreditation is recognized at home.
Selecting the best online masters program can be a challenging task. Determining accreditation should be one of the first steps in any due diligence search of online colleges. And don’t simply accept that some agency or other has “certified” or “accredited” the school. Take a little time to ensure that the accrediting agency is reputable. Fortunately, all of this information is readily available online, making the search for the perfect online masters program just a little bit easier.
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