Campus life faces a degree of change

If campus life was a new sitcom, it would come with a catchphrase - user pays.

Many students turning up for the start of the academic year this week, especially those at less wealthy universities, will notice a difference:
fewer clubs and societies, more expensive shops out sourced to private companies and new charges for legal, medical and psychological support.

Griffith University Institute for Higher Education director Kerri-Lee Krause says the changes - forced by laws outlawing mandatory services fees
could reinforce a shift that started over the past decade. Where once students saw university as a life experience, a rising number view it as a product they are buying.

"Students expect university will deliver rather than it actually being a lifestyle," she says."They see university as a service. Particularly international students say they want value for money."

Student demographics are changing: nearly a quarter are from overseas and pay hefty upfront fees for the right to study and in many cases later work - in Australia.

A survey earlier this decade found more than 70 per cent of full-time students work. Government figures show a declining number of students qualify for welfare and student debt albeit debt deferred until after study - is rising by $2 billion a year.

More students are choosing to study by distance, or do part of their degree online. The proportion of new students mixing external study with the classroom rose by 9 per cent last year.

Even student politicians no longer need to be on campus. Ben Davison, president of the Deakin University Student Association, missed Orientation Week last week due to his full-time job as a Labor Party electoral officer in Ballarat.Melbourne University higher education chair Richard James says students were increasingly mixing study and work.

"We know that the typical student these days is doing a lot of part-time
work (during semester). Traditional student work patterns of working in
vacation just arent available anymore," he says.

It means less leisure time on campus for barbecues, clubs and societies and student politics. The number of student union affiliated clubs at RMIT has dropped from about 150 to 38 since 2003.

Students no longer have to pay student union and services fees of up to
$500. Union membership is voluntary and cheaper between $130 and $265.

At Monash, food and drink is about 20 per cent more expensive for non-
members, parking 235 per cent more costly.

Monash associate dean of teaching Mark Peel says the change to the university experience is sometimes overstated, but if students were less
engaged it was at least partly because of the rise on campus of people from different backgrounds.

"There is a much greater proportion of people coming to university now who are the first in their families to come to university," he said.

"Those students often take university very seriously its not just about the
money and the time youre investing people are thinking if they are going
to succeed in the world you need a professional qualification."


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Engineering (Civil) Online Degree

Just take a look at your surroundings.

Almost anything you move into, through, over, or under was designed and constructed by Civil Engineers: bridges, buildings, airports, waterways and water and wastewater treatment facilities. You could also play a major role in developing water, oil, gas, mineral and other natural resources. On the other end of that spectrum you could also have a hand in making aircraft, spacecraft, ocean liners, and even submarines.

What's involved?

As a budding engineer you will want to prepare yourself for professional practice. by developing strong skills in engineering science and design, and communications and management

The objective of most undergraduate programmes is to equip students with the intellectual, practical and creative skills necessary to apply core technical knowledge across a range of applications and problems. These core skills should help you start your professional careers, but the learning process never stops in the fast-moving world of civil engineering.

Many programmes allow you to focus on certain areas such as Architectural Design, Atmosphere/Energy, Construction Engineering and Management, Design/ Construction Integration (DC I), Environmental Engineering and Science, Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology, Structural Engineering and Geomechanics.

Undergraduate programmes usually last four years, and potential applicants must have an aptitude for Maths and Physics. The early years see subjects such as mathematics and science providing a solid foundation.

It's only later that students will specialise. There are also work opportunities during this time, allowing students to see the practical outcome of theory.

You should apply for a degree that is related to the particular engineering subject you wish to study. A Bachelor of Engineering

(BEng) is more appropriate if:

You want to combine a first degree with a postgraduate qualification

You're a mature student or have nonnstandard qualifications

You want to be an Incorporated Engineer or a Chartered Engineer via a work based graduate training programme

You'd like to study engineering but don't want to become a Chartered Engineer

You should choose a Master of Engineering (MEng) if you want to ~ecome a Chartered Engineer, which is recommended as the most direct way to become professionally qualified.

Basic Course Outline

All engineering students follow a common course in level 7, allowing the flexibility of selecting any engineering stream at the end of the level. The subjects include mathematics, engineering fundamentals and physics, plus electives from a variety of engineering streams.

The second and third levels of the Civil Engineering course include basic engineering courses in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and structural engineering, geomechanics, drawing and computer graphics and engineering analysis.

The fourth level is devoted to options

which can form a broadly based course, or a course with varying degrees of specialisation. Specialised areas include geomechanics, structural engineering

and hydraulics. All students undertake a substantial project which may result in the award of an Honours degree.

During the course of your study you may have the opportunity to complete a certain period of professional work experience.

U.S. Job Satisfaction Declines

Americans are growing increasingly unhappy with their jobs, The Conference Board reports today. The decline in job satisfaction has occurred over a period of two decades, with little to suggest a significant reversal in attitudes anytime soon.

Newswise — Americans are growing increasingly unhappy with their jobs, The Conference Board reports today. The decline in job satisfaction has occurred over a period of two decades, with little to suggest a significant reversal in attitudes anytime soon.

Today, less than half of all Americans say they are satisfied with their jobs, down from 61 percent twenty years ago.

This report is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households, conducted for The Conference Board by TNS, a leading market information company (LSE: TNN).

Decline in Job Satisfaction Widespread
Today’s newest entrants to the workforce are the least satisfied with their jobs. Less than 39 percent of workers under the age of 25 are satisfied with their employment situation.

The decline in satisfaction is not just concentrated among younger workers.

Satisfaction levels among all workers, regardless of age, income or even residence, have deteriorated in recent years. Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center: “Although a certain amount of dissatisfaction with one’s job is to be expected, the breadth of dissatisfaction is somewhat unsettling, since it carries over from what attracts employees to a job to what keeps them motivated and productive on the job.”

Job satisfaction levels, however, tend to rise as hours worked per week increase, but begin to recede at 60 or more hours. Not surprisingly, workers who expect to be in their current position a year from now are much more satisfied than those who foresee themselves working elsewhere.

Consumers rated bonus plans and promotion policies as the least satisfactory benefits of employment, with less than 23 percent claiming they are satisfied with their company’s policies. Satisfaction is also low for performance review processes, workload, work/life balance, communication channels and potential for future growth. Says Franco: “Perhaps, this is why two out of every ten employees does not see himself in his current job a year from now.”

The Ages of Satisfaction

* Less than two out of every five workers under the age of 25 are satisfied with their jobs. This segment of the population has the lowest level of satisfaction and the lowest level ever recorded in the nearly 20-year history of this survey.

* Workers age 45-54 expressed the second lowest level of satisfaction with less than 45 percent content with their current job.

* At the other end of the scale are workers 55-64 and 65 and over. Nearly half of all workers in these age groups are satisfied with their employment situation.

Money Does Buy Some Satisfaction

* As expected, the lowest level of job satisfaction is exhibited among workers earning $15,000 or less per year.

* Workers whose earnings exceed $50,000 per year, at 52 percent, are the most satisfied with their employment situation.

Location, Location, Location

* With less than 41 percent of householders claiming to be satisfied with their current job, the Middle Atlantic states (NY, NJ and PA) are home to the least satisfied workers in the United States.

* The West South Central region (TX, OK, AR, LA) is home to the second least satisfied workforce. Only 43 percent of workers say they are satisfied with their overall employment situation.

* The most content workers tend to reside in the Mountain states (MT, ID, WY, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM). Here, 56 percent of all workers say they are satisfied with their job.

What About the Job?

* Consumers rated bonus plans and promotion policies as the least satisfactory benefits of employment, with less than 23 percent claiming they are satisfied with their company’s policies.

* Educational and job training programs as well as non-monetary reward/recognition and performance review processes did not fare well either. Less than 30 percent of respondents claim to be satisfied with these job aspects.

* Less than 36 percent of employees expressed contentment with their workload, work/life balance, communication channels and potential for growth.

* At the other end of the scale, more than 56 percent of workers are satisfied with their commute and co-workers as well as interest in their work.

In addition to its ongoing research in the area of Employee Satisfaction, The Conference Board is also currently conducting a global study in the area of Employee Engagement in which it is exploring the nature of the “drivers” or causes for employees’ emotional and intellectual attachments to their jobs. The research involves more than 7000 employees in eleven countries around the world. Results from this study will be released in the second half of 2007.

Good news for job applicants

New online features will make it easier than ever for job seekers to apply for a position with the city of Vacaville, according to a statement released this week.

While the city will continue to accept applications that are mailed or hand-delivered, a new system allows for online submission of resumes and job applications. Visitors to the city's Web site could print out applications before, said Human Resources Director Dawn Villarreal, but they could not complete them electronically.

"I think this is meeting the needs of people who are looking for jobs in this day and age," Villarreal said.

The director explained that the city had contracted with NeoGov, a company that specializes in online application tracking systems, for the service. NeoGov charges an annual fee of $6,900, as well as an initial fee of $2,500 for staff training.

Villarreal said the change would be beneficial to job seekers, who can apply from the comfort of their own homes, and for city staff, who will be dealing with less paperwork and can conduct the screening process on the computer.

"Internally, it makes the process much more efficient," she said.

Paperwork reduction could make a noticeable difference in a department that pro-cessed just over 3,100 applications in 2006.

Online applicants will get receipts, automatically on their screens and via e-mail, that their work was received. They also can receive updates on their application status and be automatically notified of new positions as they are posted.

Overall, Villarreal said the changes will provide "improved customer service."

"It opens up the line of communication with the candidates," she said. "They will be able to send us messages and we will be able to respond to them."

Internet users can sign on to www.cityofvacaville.com to try the system, and the Human Resources Department is available to hear questions or concerns at 449-5101, or online at jobs@cityofvacaville.com.


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Apple Pro Applications Technical Writers

Job Description: Studio B is seeking technical writers who have exceptional expertise with Apple Pro applications for a variety of writing assignments, including white papers, website articles, tutorials, and other product documentation.

Necessary Skills: Candidates should have excellent knowledge of one or several of the following applications: FinalCut Studio and Pro 5; Soundtrack Pro; Motion 2; DVD Studio Pro 4; Compressor 2; Aperture; Logic Pro; and Shake.

Necessary Experience: Experience in the field as a developer or designer utilizing the programs is essential. Professional writing experience is not required but preferred. However, candidates do need to provide writing samples that demonstrate good writing skills.

Please submit your resume along with a short summary of your experience with the Apple Pro applications to Lynn Haller at techjobs@studiob,com.

Apple Compiler/FORTRAN Writer

We're looking for someone who can write an article on programming FORTRAN with the Apple compiler (with mention of IBM, Intel and Absoft compilers). We will need someone who really knows the Windows programming environments, and who has some decent familiarity with Mac OS X.

If you might be interested, please send a resume (in PDF or Word format, if at all possible), to Lynn Haller at techjobs@studiob.com, along with a paragraph that explains your experience in the above areas; writing samples, or links to them, would be helpful.

How much does college REALLY cost?

College costs get a lot of press coverage because of the rapid rate with which they are rising. But the rates that are normally quoted as being the price of a college education is usually a look at only three factors- state college tuitions for in state and out of state students, and tuition rates for private colleges. In reality, there are several other factors that weight heavily on college costs, and public and private colleges are not the only options available to students.

When calculating the cost of a college, the tuition will likely be one of the largest costs, but not necessarily so. The costs of books, room, and board continue to grow along with tuition rates. Much of the living costs depend on whether the student is living in on-campus or off-campus housing. Some colleges actually require freshmen or even all undergraduates to live on campus. This lowers the cost of housing, as the price of water and other utilities are included in the price. It also lowers transportation costs that would have been incurred by commuting to campus.

Choosing off-campus housing may be a preference of the student, but often the college in question simply doesn’t have enough on-campus housing to meet the demand. In these cases, the off-campus housing costs may be even high than the year’s tuition.

A student attending a state college can expect to pay an average tuition of about $5,000. This is the tuition of the full school year, whether divided into three quarters, two semesters, or by some other arrangement. The average full costs of a state school, including the books and basic living expenses, is $11,000 a year. This may be reduced somewhat by living in a dormitory with roommates, and it can be increased significantly by living off-campus and commuting to school.

The highly sought after private colleges are raising tuition at rapid rates- even faster than state schools. A student today can expect to pay about $20,000 for yearly tuition to a private college. This is raised to a whopping $27,500 a year with books, room, and board included. The average cost of a private college education is then more than $100,000. This represents the average of private schools, though there are schools to be found that charge much less and much more. Harvard, for instance, currently charges $30,000 a year in tuition fees alone. Some smaller, specialized colleges without Ivy League reputations charge no more than $8,000 to $10,000 per year for tuition.

Other costs that are rarely factored into the cost equation are the health insurance costs. A college student attending school full time may be eligible for a student health insurance plan, if one is available at the student’s school. This is a fixed monthly expense that may rise yearly. The other option is to add the student onto the plan if the parent or guardian. This is legal until the student reaches the age of 23. At that age the student must purchase his or her own health plan as an adult.

Finding Other Solutions

During the last 49 years, the rate of rise in tuition rates has outstripped the general inflation rate for 43 of those years. Because of the steep rises, the costs have become much more than many families can afford. But, there are a number of alternate solutions for students to lower the cost of college.

One way to graduate for a lot cheaper is to attend a junior college instead of a four year school. Junior colleges cost about $2,000 in tuition per year. Their programs last only two years, so an entire associates degree will cost less than one year of a state college. Some students also choose to attend a junior college for the first year or two before transferring to a more expensive four year college. This lowers the rate during the time the student spends in the junior college, and allows the student to take core curriculum classes at the cheaper rate and then transferring those credits.

There are also an increasing number of colleges that offer online courses or even entire online degrees. These are sometimes offered in lieu of regular classes, and are charged at the same credit hour rate as classes taught in a classroom. But, some colleges are making their online courses less expensive in order to cut their own costs for classroom space and resources that the college would otherwise have provided, such as computer use. Online classes also lower transportation costs for students who would have otherwise traveled to campus for the classes.

Filling in the Gap

Financial aid is now the norm at most schools, both public and private. Most private schools have a high percentage of students who are receiving some type of student aid. This can be awarded by the school, funded by the school’s endowment or by the tuition paid by other students. It can also be from private grants or fellowships, and/or from government-sponsored Pell grants. In the 2002-03 year, about $105 billion was pumped into the nations colleges by various financial aid sources.

Students also must borrow money to meet their tuition and living costs. Receiving student aid isn’t always a grant or scholarship. During the 2003-04 year, more than 65 percent of college students took out some type of loan to finance their education. The average student graduating that year did so $17,000 in debt. To get a student loan, the student is considered dependent on the income of the parent or guardian until the student reaches the age of 24. Even if a student is financing the tuition without the help of a parent, the financial aid rules still apply. If the income of the parents is within the range determined by their loan applications, dependent on income, assets, and debt, the student is eligible for loans as well as Pell grants. Using federal student loans in conjunction with grants and scholarships has gone a long way to bridge the gap between the amount many families can afford to pay and the real cost of college.


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Online Degree Link Exchange

If you would like to exchange links with us and add your site to our link pages simply fill the comment and send us details. Below you will find some copy/paste link suggestions to our websites. You may use anyone of them or create your own.

There are only a few simple requirements:

1 - Our link can’t be located on a link farm or FFA page.

2 - We try to keep our site family friendly so we will not link to sites that should only be viewed by adults. We will not link to hate sites.

Below are copy/paste link suggestions you can use.

Online Degree
Directory of Schools online degrees, certificates and programs from accredited online colleges & online universities, students get real time home work help.
http://onlinedegree.wtslink.com/

Name and email are optional (they are needed only if you want a confirmation when your site is added). We do not send junk email or sell/transfer email addresses to any third party.

When suggesting a link please keep in mind this is a family friendly website.

Your First Name:—-><>

Your Contact Email:-><>

Your site’s Title:–>

Your site’s URL:>

URL to our link:>
( Page on your site where we will see the link back to our website.)

Description of your site. (20 words or less)

Please send above details by using below form/or add me at your IM


Sales representative:
Mas Dini Bin Muzammal
YM:Abg_hensem1 at yahoo.com
Gtalk: Adfunk
MSN: reckno6 at hotmail.com
Email: adfunk at gmail.com

eLearners Launches How-To Guide for Online College Students

Where can an online student go for credible advice about online college courses or learning? eLearners.com, the leading resource for connecting students with online education, has answered that question with the launch of the "Guide to Online Education."

The online college course guide is a comprehensive, free handbook for prospective and current online students. The Guide for Online Education, located at www.elearners.com/guide, features simple-to-navigate, concise, yet in-depth, research, advice and "how-to" sections to answer online learners' questions.

"Whether you are just starting to think about going back to school or have already made the decision to return, the eLearners.com comprehensive Guide to Online Education will help answer your questions about the vast and, often confusing, world of distance learning and online education," said Helen MacDermott, eLearners's "Guide on the Side".

From its more than eight years serving prospective online students and universities, eLearners.com has culled from emails, industry research, FAQ's, personal experiences and collective knowledge to create the definitive guide to online education, covering such areas as:

* Going Back to School--Are you ready? How do you get ready? And, how do you get your family on board?

* Opportunities in Online Education--What are you looking for? Blended learning vs. wholly online? Degree vs. certificate? Credit vs. non-credit?

* Online Education Providers--What are the different types of providers?

* Research--What does the research say about online education?

* Being an Online Student--How do I get prepared? How do I set up my home classroom? How to write an A+ discussion posting? How to survive a virtual work group?

* Paying for an Online Degree--How do I tap employer assistance, scholarship, loans and grants?

The Guide also provides profiles of actual online students, showing first-hand what it's like to be an online learner. "This is the next chapter in eLearners.com's commitment to becoming the single-most intelligent resource for those interested in online education," continued MacDermott.

The announcement of eLearners.com Guide to Online Education comes on the heels of eLearners.com's announcement of its Online Education Blogs & Forums area, which provides current and prospective online learners the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and concerns related to their online learning experience. Additionally, eLearners.com offers a comprehensive online education directory with program listings that provide prospective students rich, transparent and objective information. eLearners.com has also introduced such innovations as the eLearners Advisor, an assessment that through a series of targeted questions ranging from technology access and skills, to personal motivation and learning styles, can help prospective elearners determine if online learning is right for them.

For more information on eLearners.com or the Guide to Online Education, visit http://www.elearners.com/guide/

Since 1999, eLearners.com® - Where Learning Begins - has been successfully connecting learners to education, including degree and certificate programs, specialized training, and a variety of courses.


Sources

Online Degree College Business Studies Best Option for Future

Are you a school leaver hoping to further your education by choosing a business course? Finding a business course can be a tricky process without the right guidelines and advice. Many students think they want to do business but have little idea what a business qualification actually is; explains Ms Loo, Program Leader for the business diplomas at Online Degree College.

Regardless of the industry you work in or the company you work for, business skills are becoming more and more necessary in order to compete. Globalisation and modern technological advancements have redefined the way we conduct business. Today's businesses are more competitive, service-oriented and customer-focus. The need for good business skills therefore have become a pre-requisite for most employers. Business graduates have the added advantage of capitalizing on current industry trends to become better employed than their peers.

So what does studying business entails? A business course normally includes a host of core subjects such as management, marketing, accounting and finance, law, economics, statistics and information systems. These subjects provide the theoretical framework to understand the fundamentals of modern business activities. The strength of a business course is the fact that theories and concepts are learnt and students can then apply these to a number of different scenarios and industry types. That is why a business major is able to find jobs in many types of industry and in many different roles.

Students sometimes make the false assumptions that theory and practice are totally different that what happens in real life is not at all like what is ideally written in text books; Ms Loo continues. The truth is theories were derived from real life business experiences and many successful Fortune-SOO companies today continue to use theories in practice. The Online Degree College Business School believes that a good business student must first acquire a strong foundation in theories and concept first before he/she learn how to apply these theories into real life scenarios to understand, analyse, recommend improvements or find solutions to business problems. At the Online Degree College business department, diploma and degree students are often drilled on theories and concepts then practices what they have acquired with real life business cases. In a marketing class for instance, students compete in an Apprentice-style real life competition to come up with the best business idea and a marketing plan to sell this idea. The college then arranges for students to compete openly to start a business to sell their idea. In the process, the students learns how to integrate other business subjects like management, accounting, finance, human resource and so forth into the marketing component.

The department also puts a lot of emphasis on communication skills as an integral tool in teaching business. Students are given additional English subjects as part of their studies with an emphasis on business writing and presentation skills.

Despite a reputation of having a tough syllabi and difficult assessments, the Business Department is the largest school at Online Degree College and its popularity continues to grow. Many of its students come from referrals by existing students who are studying in the various diplomas and degree programmes at the school.

Many students refer their friends to study with us because we give them a good quality business diploma or degree. We don't take any short cuts with our teaching and often teach more than is required to ensure our students get the best opportunity to succeed/ explained Ms Loo. Talented students are groom to excel while weaker students are given individualized academic counseling and coaching to help them become better. The school has a motto that every student must be given a fair chance to learn and to excel. Our dean was previously from corporate management and came into the school with the firm conviction that the industry desperately requires knowledgeable and skilled graduates in business/ explains Ms Loo.

The school runs two diploma business courses in business administration and accounting and 3+0 business degrees in accounting, finance, marketing, management human resource management and logistics management from Murdoch University, Aust and Northumbria University, UK.

To enter a diploma course, students require at least 3 credits at SPM with a pass in BM, Maths and English. The diploma intake commences in January and February 2007.

FRED UNIVERSITY ONLINE DEGREE

Alfred University, founded in 1836, is composed of the privately endowed College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and New York State College of Ceramics (School of Engineering and School of Art and Design). The above tuition figures are for incoming freshmen at the College of Business and rbe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. There are 4 undergraduate schools and 1 graduate school. In addition to regional accreditation, AU has baccalaureate program accreditation with AACSB, ABET, and NASAD. The 2 libraries contain 323,944 volumes and 94,298 microform items, and subscribe to 6467 periodicals including electronic. Computerized library services include the card catalog, innterlibrary loans, database searching, and Internet access. Special learning faciliities include a learning resource center, art gallery, radio station, TV station, and observatory. The 232-acre campus is in a rural area 70 miles south of Rochester. Including any residence halls, there are 54 buildings.

Programs of Study: AU confers B.A., B.S., and B.F.A. degrees. Certificates of advanced study an master's and doctoral degrees are also awarded. Bachelor's degrees are awarded in BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (biologylbiological science), BUSINESS (accounting, banking and finance, business administration and mannagement, management science, and marketing/retailing/merchandising), COMMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS (ceramic art and design, communications, dramatic arts, English, fine arts, French, German, glass, performing arts, and Spanish), COMPUTER AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE (chemistry, geology, mathhematics, physics, and science), EDUCATION (art, athletic training, business, earrly childhood, mathematics, science, secondary, and social studies), ENGINEERRING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (ceramic engineering, electricaJ/ electronics engineering, environmental science, materials engineering, and mechanical engineering), SOCIAL SCIENCE (criminal justice, crosscultural studies, early childhood studies, economics, gerontology, history, interdisciplinnary studies, philosophy, political science/government, psychology, public adminnistration, and sociology). Ceramic engineering, electrical engineering, and meechanical engineering are the strongest academically. Art and design, business administration, and ceramic engineering are the largest.

Special: There are cooperative programs in engineering and business with Duke, Clarkson, and Columbia Universities and SUNYlBrockport. There is crosssregistration with the SUNY College of Technology and a 5-year program in enviironmental management/forestry with Duke. Alfred offers internships in all proograms, extensive study abroad, Washington and Albany semesters, work-study, a general studies degree, student-designed majors, dual majors, credit by exam, and pass/fail options. There are 12 national honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, a freshman honors program, and 42 departmental honors programs.

Admissions: 77% of the 2005-2006 applicants were accepted. The SAT scores for the 2005-2006 freshman class were: Verbal--20% below 500, 47% between 500 and 599, 27% between 600 and 700, and 6% above 700; Math--15% below 500, 48% between 500 and 599, 32% between 600 and 700, and 5% above 700. The ACT scores were 18% below 21, 30% between 21 and 23, 24% between 24 and 26, 16% between 27 and 28, and 12% above 28. There were 7 National Merit finalists. 10 freshmen graduated first in their class.

Requirements: The SAT or ACT is required. The ACT Optional Writing test is also required for some programs. A GED is accepted. A minimum of 16 Carnegie units is required, including 4 years of English and 2 to 3 years each of math, his-' tory/social studies, and science. The remaining units may be in either a foreign language or any of the previously mentioned fields. An essay is required, and appplicants to B.F.A. programs must submit a portfolio. Interviews are encouraged. AP credits are accepted. Important factors in the admissions decision are addvanced placement or honor courses, personality/intangible qualities, and extracurrricular activities record.

Procedure: Freshmen are admitted fall and spring. Entrance exams should be taken in the junior year. There are early decision, early admissions, and deferred admissions plans. Early decision applications should be filed by December I; regular applications, by February I for fall entry and December I for spring enntry, along with a $40 fee. Notification of early decision is sent December 15; regularl decision candidates were accepted for 2005-2006 are accepted on-line.

A Credible Approach to Online Marketing

Will Critchlow of Distilled (http://www.distilled.co.uk/) and Keren Lerner of Top Left Design (http://www.topleftdesign.com/) are teaming up to deliver a seminar about how to get more business from your website on Thursday 22nd February.

Bizunlimited (http://www.bizunlimited.co.uk/), a recent exciting entrant to the UK business network marketplace, built around their 'Credible Currency' that makes bartering easier for small businesses invited Will and Keren to give a talk to their network. Keren said:

"Bizunlimited is an amazing idea which enables a new level of economic exchange for small and medium businesses - and also an great marketing tool for all the members."

Will added:
"we're really looking forward to sharing our knowledge and skills - we want to enable small business owners to help themselves when it comes to making their website more effective."

About Distilled and Will Critchlow

Distilled, formed in 2005 by Will Critchlow and Duncan Morris specialises in helping companies get more business from their websites.

Through a combination of website design, development and search engine marketing, they have achieved success quickly and are growing rapidly.

Based at Waterloo in Central London, they bring backgrounds in advanced maths (Will has a graduate degree in Pure Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Cambridge) and Computer Science (Duncan has a degree in Computer Science from the University of Glasgow) to the challenge of getting their clients more business. Will said:

"the analytical backgrounds are crucial to what we do - the missing step for a lot of people is understanding how and why people behave the way they do online. We analyse the data to shape our campaigns in order to make them as effective as we can."

You can read more on the Distilled website about their search engine optimisation services: http://www.distilled.co.uk/search-engine-optimisation.html

About Top Left Design and Keren Lerner

Top Left Design ("Improve your presence online") was founded in 2002 by Keren Lerner, and combines great design skill with usability and simplicity for effective, successful websites and email communications.

Keren has a degree in Graphic Design and Visual Communications and has been designing and creating websites for 10 years! Her mission is to "clean up the internet" and her prolific design portfolio shows how she combines creativity with clarity to meet client's objectives.

She says:
"We start by helping clients plan their websites, and make the whole process as easy as possible - and we take extra care in the finer details so each page looks consistently great! This attention to detail is appreciated - subconsciously or consciously - when people see the final result! And for enough people to visit the final website, we send them to Distilled!"

On Thursday Keren plans to show people what common design and usability problems to watch out for, and how to overcome them so their websites aren't wasted.

Capella University Launches Three New Graduate Degree Programs in Public Safety and Information Technology

The new online degree programs and seven new specializations begin spring quarter 2007

MINNEAPOLIS -- Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited,* fully online university based in Minneapolis, Minn., today introduced new graduate and post-graduate educational offerings in public safety, IT, business, and education. Enrollment is now open for the programs, with classes beginning spring quarter 2007.

Capella’s School of Human Services launched two new public safety programs, a Master of Science and a PhD in public safety, with two new specializations at each degree level - public safety leadership and emergency management. Both of the public safety programs also offer criminal justice specializations that are currently available as part of Capella’s Master of Science and PhD in human services programs. “Our programs are designed to help public safety professionals develop or strengthen the leadership, management, and preparedness skills they will need to lead and manage public safety and emergency services organizations in today’s challenging environment,” said Charles Tiffin, PhD, a Fulbright Fellow and 29-year public safety veteran who helped create Capella’s public safety programs. “Capella is one of very few universities offering a Master of Science and a PhD in public safety through an online public safety program.”

New offerings in Capella’s School of Business and Technology include a PhD in IT. Learners can choose a general program or a new specialization in information technology education. “I am excited to see this new PhD program, especially since I know of very few institutions in the country that offer doctoral programs in IT,” said Han Reichgelt, PhD, chair of the Special Interest Group for Information Technology Education (SIGITE) of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). “I look forward to the contributions that the Capella students will ultimately make to advance the field of information technology.” The School of Business and Technology is also offering a new management education specialization within the PhD in organization and management program.

Capella’s School of Education launched a new post-master’s certificate in enrollment management. The online program will be offered in association with Noel-Levitz, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in higher education recruitment and retention. Capella currently offers a master’s degree in education, enrollment management specialization.

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for all of these programs. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552) option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu. Review of the master’s and PhD in public safety programs is pending in the following states: AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, VA, WA, and WI. Review of the PhD in IT program is pending in the following states: AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, VA, WA, and WI. Review of the PhD in organization and management, management education specialization, is pending in the following states: AR, AZ, FL, GA, KY, WA, and WI. Review of the post-master’s certificate in enrollment management is pending in the following states: AZ, FL, OH, and WA. Please contact an enrollment director for additional information regarding these programs.

About Capella University

Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited,* fully online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, and psychology, and bachelor's degree programs in business and information technology. Within those areas, Capella offers 75 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 17,900 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ:CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; 312-263-0456; www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

Online Course Development Writer

Short Description:

Write for a number of online course development projects

Duties and Responsibilities:

Thomson ELT is currently seeking writers for a number of online course development projects. All correspondence will happen online, so writers must have daily access to the Internet.

Masters degree, online materials development experience, and near-native speakers preferred.

Please email resume and classroom and/or online activity sample. No phone calls, please.

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TBD

Direct Application To:

Email: scott.rule@thomson.com

Business Education > College and University

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Law University inks MoU with U.S. varsity

Chennai : The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University has entered into an agreement with the University of Central Oklahoma, U.S., for exchange programmes and joint research.

This is the first time that the Ambedkar Law University is entering into an agreement with a foreign institution, N. Manohar, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Ambedkar Law University, told reporters on Thursday. The three-year agreement also facilitates twinning programmes between the universities.

Mr. Manohar said that a team from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) visited Chennai to interact with the students last month. Two faculty members from the School of Law, two from the Postgraduate Studies department and 14 students are scheduled to visit UCO as part of the exchange programmes.

Faculty Member Consolidates Management Textbooks for Online Use

An associate professor of business administration at Pennsylvania College of Technology was in the forefront of a major textbook publisher�s latest initiative in distance education.

Gerald D. "Chip" Baumgardner was the lead writer for a McGraw-Hill project titled �Principles of Management Online,� in which he consolidated the publisher�s three best-selling �Principles of Management� textbooks into one usable online class that would be suitable for each of the books. McGraw-Hill expects a national rollout of the product later this year.

A frequent writer on online-education issues, Baumgardner holds a bachelor�s degree from The Pennsylvania State University, master�s degrees from Penn State and Shippensburg University, and a doctorate from George Mason University.

For more information about academic majors offered by the School of Business and Computer Technologies at Penn College, call (570) 327-4512, send e-mail or visit online.

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Albertson College of Idaho Online Degree

Albertson College of Idaho, founded in 1891, is a private institution offering deegree programs in liberal arts education and the sciences, The college runs on a - L calendar, with a 6-week intercession, In addition to regional accreditaa.-\CI has baccalaureate program accreditation with NASDTEC. The library · 183,308 volumes, 17,000 microform items, and 1717 audio/video tapes/ DVDs, and subscribes to 703 periodicals including electronic, Computerized : services include the card catalog, interlibrary loans, database searching, ( access, and laptop Internet portals, Special learning facilities include a resource center, art gallery, natural history museum, planetarium, and mineral collection. The 43-acre campus is in a small town 25 miles west " , Including any residence halls, there are 21 buildings of Study: ACI confers B,A. and B,S, degrees, Bachelor's degrees are ed in AGRICULTURE (environmental studies), BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE gylbiological science), BUSINESS (business administration and managee. international business management, international economics, and sports oement), COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS (art, creative writing, :rnnatic arts, English, music, and Spanish), COMPUTER AND PHYSICAL CE (chemistry and mathematics), EDUCATION (physical), HEALTH OFESSIONS (exercise science), SOCIAL SCIENCE (anthropology, economm.. ory, philosophy, political science/government, psychology, and religion).

ACI offers a 3·2 engineering degree with 4 universities, as well as crosss'on with Northwest Nazarene University. Co-op programs are available ing, preengineering, and computer science, Internships with major corpoo'. work-study programs on campus, a Washington semester, study abroad, fail options, phys ed credit for military experience, an accelerated degree in . and nondegree study are also available. The Gipson Scholar Program - hmen with superior records (minimum GPA of 3.5) to design their There are 3 national honor societies, a freshman honors program, _ ams in all departments.

Freshman class were: Verbal--16% below 500, 36% between 600 and 700, and 14% above 700; Math--16% below 500 and 599, 33% between 600 and 700, and 11 % above 700. 8% below 21, 21 % berween 21 and 23, 32% between 24 _ and 28, and 24% above 28. 60% of the current freshmen of lheir class; 84% were in the top two fifths, hJ~rarml:J: The SAT or ACT is required. In addition, applicants must be high or present a GED certificate. ACI recommends that students years of English. 3 each of math, history, and social studies, and 2 of sci· . An es ay and a teacher or guidance counselor recommendation are required. AP credits are accepted. Important factors in the admissions decision are extracurricular activities record, leadership record, and recommendations by school officials.

Procedure: Freshmen are admitted to all sessions. Entrance exams should be takken by the fall of the senior year. There are early admissions and deferred admisssions plans. There is a rolling admissions plan. Early decision applications should be filed by November 15; regular applications, by June I for fall entry, along with a $50 fee. Notification of early decision is sent December 15; regular deciision, on a rolling basis.

Financial Aid: In 2005-2006, 93% of all full-time freshmen and 92% of continuuing full-time students received some form of financial aid. 89% of full-time freshmen and 83% of continuing full-time students received need-based aid. Needdbased scholarships or need-based grants averaged $3737; need-based self-help aid (loans and jobs) averaged $3650; non-need-based athletic scholarships averraged $3415; and other non-need-based awards and non-need-based scholarships averaged $4080. 40% of undergraduates work part time. Average annual earnings from campus work are $775. The average financial indebtedness of the 2005 graduate was $25,343. The FAFSA and the college's own financial statement are required. The priority date for freshman financial aid applications for fall entry is February 15.

Computers: Wireless access is available. All students may access the system at designated times in computer labs; 24 hours in residence halls. There are no time limits and no fees. It is strongly recommended that all students have a personal computer.

An NYU Master’s Degree

Professionals from around the world choose NYU for the most comprehensive foundation, study, and analysis of their field. NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) offers 14 industry-specific master’s programs distinguished by the integration of theory and real-world practice. Our master’s curricula are continuously updated to reflect the most recent advances and professional needs in each industry.

Check below on the degree that interests you to learn the latest about our master’s programs, our renowned faculty of experts, and the benefits of getting your education at one of the world’s leading universities.

* Master of Arts in Graphic Communications Management and Technology

* Master of Science in Construction Management

* Master of Science in Digital Imaging and Design

* Master of Science in Direct and Interactive Marketing

* Master of Science in Fundraising

* Master of Science in Global Affairs

* Master of Science in Hospitality Industry Studies

* Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development

* Master of Science in Management and Systems

* Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communications

* Master of Science in Publishing

* Master of Science in Real Estate

* Master of Science in Sports Business

* Master of Science in Tourism and Travel Management


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Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) Online Degree

As an institute of higher learning, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) has an immense and important responsibility in helping the gover1ment produce well-rounded individuals To achieve this objective, UNITEN has adopted several dynamic approaches which are implemented seriously and on a continuous basis. This includes ensuring that the curricula for all programmes are frequently revised to be parallel to and relevant to the needs of the market place. In iUr1 this will increase toe employability of UNITEN graduates.

Outcome Based Education is one of the programmes used by UNITEN to equip Engineering graduates with the basic knowledge and technical expertise required by the industry. Besides fulfilling the requirements set by the Malaysian Engineering Accreditation Council, this programme emphasises the continual quality and relevancy of its curriculum until the placement of UNITEN graduates in the market. During UNITEN's Convocation recently, 20 engineering students were offered jobs with PETRONAS while others were accepted by SHELL, Schlumberger, Esso, Sony, Carrier, Malakoff, Price Waterhouse, KPMG and Ernst &Young. Research statistics also indicate that 70% of UNITEN's graduates were approached by the industry before every convoca ion.

On the other hand, graduates who wish to further their studies to postgraduate level will find that they are readily accepted by local and international universities. These include UK universities like Cambridge, Imperial College, UMIST, Liverpool, Cranfield, Bristol, Warwick and Manchester; Nagoya University in Japan; New South Wales University in Australia; and Western Ontario University in Canada.

Besides focusing on academic excellence, UNITEN also emphasizes non-academic excellence that allows the assessment of mental agility and endurance, as well as physical strength With support from TNB and Malaysia's Rowing Association (PERDAMA), the 2nd UNITEN Rowing Invitation 2006 was organised at Putrajaya Water Sports Complex. This event which is held yearly vias highly successful and included participants from Sri Lanka and Singapore universities. YB Dato' Mustapa Mohamed graciously officiated the prize gi~ing ceremony.

UNITEN also gives primary focus on research and development activities which encourage and develoo the culture ofinnovaiion and competition among the academic staff as well as its students. Strateg;c cooperation between UNITEN and the industrial sector provides access and opportunities for students and academic staff to masrer knowledge as well as scientific. technical expertise that are congruent with industrial and market place needs. In the recent International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition 2006 (!TEX 2006) competition, UNITEN won three gold medals.

Master of Science Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares graduates for advanced positions in the health care environment. The program combines nursing theory with the advanced practice concepts necessary to work successfully within the structure and culture of a variety of health care organizations.

Four specialty concentrations are offered, allowing registered nurses to specialize in community health, gerontology, nursing administration, or wellness promotion.

To be admitted to the MSN program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree earned at an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and must have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license within the United States.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program demonstrate:

* Knowledge and understanding of advanced practice concepts in one of the four specialty areas, including evidence-based practice, research and evaluation methods, health program evaluation, outcomes assessment and quality management, and health service organizations and management .
* The ability to evaluate advanced concepts in order to be active knowledge-makers in the nursing field.
* Active participation and contribution as nurse leaders in a variety of health care settings.

The Growth Of Online MBA Degrees

Are online MBA degrees less valuable than the MBA degrees that are earned in a classroom environment? It is a million dollar question that is asked by everyone today. MBA degrees online are very expensive and it involves putting huge amounts of money at risk.

Let us take a look at the MBA degrees that are available online. The number of MBA programs online is increasing by the day with the increase in the number of students enrolling for them. Employers today are forced to reconsider their attitude of distance learning. They have to understand that the programs available online are competent enough to produce graduates of the same caliber as in conventional learning environments. Not all the degree-granting MBA courses available online are equal regarding syllabus, instruction and official recognition.

Employers know that not all MBA courses available online are worth the paper that they are printed on. These degrees are issued by ‘diploma mills’, which are institutions that charge large sums of money and give worthless education. If you want to do an online MBA degree you must be very clear about the institution you choose. Pursue an MBA degree from a well-known institution that is recognized by the specific regional accrediting authority.

An MBA degree pursued online from a reputed institution will be similar in composition to that which the students pursue by attending classes on campus. Online students make their own schedules, depending on what is more convenient to them, but they will have to pay attention to lectures, read appropriate chapters from other textbooks and also take part in classroom discussions. They will have to spend quite a lot of their time online. Students will be exposed to videoconferences, podcasts and lectures on videotape. Most of these MBA programs online need residency hours - they also need the students to be physically present at important workshops and coursework. The students are required to undergo various tests and pass them while a local proctor is present.

Online MBA degrees are very convenient. Though the coursework and the syllabus will not differ too much, what will be different is that the online students have a lot of flexibility in their schedule. With accelerated online MBA courses, students today are able to finish the course requirements faster than those who sit in conventional classroom environments. These are the most important reasons why students opt for online MBA courses.

Online MBA courses are very often as expensive as the courses that are offered by institutions in conventional classroom environments. As with other degrees too, the costs vary significantly among institutions. The more well known and reputed the institution, the more will be the cost of the degree. The students should be mainly doubtful of an online MBA program if it is priced considerably less than the competitor. This does not mean that the program is a scam or a fraud, but those students who want to pursue an online degree must carefully go through the history of the institution, its credibility and also get information from previous students before enrolling.

Things you should ask yourself before taking Online Degree

The following questions form a checklist to evaluate each college or uniiversity you are considering. Use the profiles, material from the colleges, and your own inquiries and observations to get the answers.

1. Do I have a reasonable chance of being admitted?

2. Can my family manage the costs?

3. Is the overaII size of the school right for my personalIty?

4. Is the location right? (Consider such specifics as region, distance from a major city, distance from home, and weather.)

5. Are class sizes right for my learning style and my need for involvement in class?

6. Will I be comfortable with the setting of the campus?

7. Are the housing and food services suitable?

8. Does the college offer the program I want to study? (Or, often more importantly, does the college offer people and classes that will help me dectde what I want to study?)

9. Will the college push me academically, but not shove me?

10. Do the best professors teach undergraduate courses?

11. Can I change majors easily. if I need to?

12. Do students say the majority of classes are taught by fun, stimulatting, interesting professors?

13. Is the library collection adequate and accessible?

14. Are computer facilities readily available and are campus networking opportunities up-to-date?

15. Is the connection to the Internet adequate?

16. Are there resources for career development?

17. Do the people in the financial aid, housing, and other service offices seem attentive and genuinely interested in helping stuudents?

18. Will I find activities that meet my interests?

19. Does the campus seem well maintained and managed?

20. Will the college meet my religious and/or ethnic needs?

And, finally. the five most critical questions:

21. Is there a good chance I will be academically successful there?

22. Will I be happy as a student there?

23. Do I seem compatible with the student population? Do they seem to enjoy what I enjoy?

24. Does the student life seem in sync with my personality and my goals? Is the student life what I'm looking for in a college?

25. Does the college "feel" right for me?

DELPHI UNIVERSITY

DELPHI University, founded in 1896, is a private liberal arts institution. There 7 undergraduate and 6 graduate schools. Figures in the above capsule and in profile are approximate. In addition to regional accreditation, Adelphi has baccalaureate program accreditation with CCNE, CSWE, and NLN. The 2 libraries contain 856,909 volumes, 788,698 microform items, and 44,531 audio/ tapes/CDsIDVDs, and subscribe to 850 periodicals including electronic. Computerized library services include the card catalog, interlibrary loans, data-searching, and Internet access. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, radio station, observatory, theater, sculpture and ceestudios, a bronze casting foundry, and language labs. The 75-acre campus suburban area 20 miles east of New York City. Including any residence - mere are 24 buildings.

Programs of Study: Adelphi confers B.A., B.S., B.BA, B.F.A., B.S.Ed., and .W. degrees. Associate, master's, and. doctoral degrees are also awarded. lor's degrees are awarded in AGRICULTURE (environmental studies), BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE (biochemistry and biologylbiological science), BUSINESS (accounting, banking and finance, business administration and manageeand management information systems), COMMUNICATIONS AND THE . _ (art history and appreciation, communications, dance, design, dramatic ::;]~Iish, fine arts, languages, music, performing arts, theater design, and viiperforming arts), COMPUTER AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE (chemistry, = science, earth science, mathematics, natural sciences, and physics), ED· _ ·.:10:\ (art, education of the deaf and hearing impaired, elementary, English,

:. languages, mathematics, music, physical, science, secondary, and social . HEALTH PROFESSIONS (nursing and speech pathology/audiology), 'iL SCIENCE (anthropology, economics, history, Latin American studies, _ general studies, philosophy, physical fitness/movement, political scii=ent, psychology, social science, social work, and sociology). Busii5Wlent, psychology, and social studies are the largest.

~ps are available in accounting, banking and money manageeunications, among others. Study abroad is available in more than including Spain, France, Denmark, and England. A 5-year bacheedegree in a number of fields, including biology, social work, and c5:lCHD: 15 offered. In addition, work-study programs, double majors, the B.A.-

_~. an accelerated degree program, student-designed majors, and a ~ .. ~:;n: So..'IIleSter are available. There are 19 national honor societies and a program.

Online Degrees: Online Colleges A-B

Looking for information on online degrees? Just scroll down this page for an alphabetical list of colleges and universities offering online degrees, and the online degree programs offered by each. Then, click on the colleges and universities offering the online degrees of interest to you to request free information.

You will find that associates degrees, bachelors degrees, masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate and certification programs are available in more than 100 fields of study.

Elsewhere on this site, you'll find information on scholarships and financial aid, student loans, student loan consolidation, accreditation, and other subjects of interest to students seeking to learn more about online degrees, distance learning, and online education.


AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY - AIU offers online (associate, bachelors and masters) degrees in majors including business administration, accounting and finance, healthcare management, human resources, management, information technology, visual communications, education, and criminal justice. Some degrees may be earned in as little as thirteen months.

AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY - American Sentinel University was created from the merger of three established online Universities; Sentinel University, American School of Graduate Management, and the American College of Computer and Information Sciences (ACCIS). The university offers online bachelors degrees in computer science, information systems, management information systems, and business administration, plus an accelerated MBA (master of business administration), an executive MBA (masters of business administration) degree program, an executive MBA in international business, an online master of science in nursing, and more.

ANTHEM COLLEGE - Anthem offers bachelors degrees online in medical billing and coding (a degree completion program), business management, health management, technology management, and criminal justice (with several areas of concentration), and masters degrees in business management, health management, technology management, and criminal justice, with the same concentrations available in the internet based bachelors degree program.

ARGOSY UNIVERSITY - offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral (PsyD) degrees in psychology, bachelors, masters (MBA) and doctoral (DBA) degrees in business, and masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees (EdD) in education. The University has campuses in thirteen major metropolitan centers and offers flexible schedules designed to meet the needs of busy adults.

ASHFORD UNIVERSITY - Ashford University offers distance education bachelors and distance education masters degree programs. Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, and Federal Pell Grant are available to qualified Ashford students. Online education bachelors degrees can be earned in psychology or in organizational management with concentrations in accounting, applied behavioral science, biology, business administration, child study, communications, computer graphic design, criminal justice, culinary arts management, and early childhood education. Additional distance education degree programs at the bachelors level are available in education, elementary education, engineering studies, English and language arts, fashion merchandising, health care administration, history, hospitality management, human services administration, liberal studies, marketing, mathematics, physical education, political science, psychology, public administration, retail management, sociology, and visual communication.

Ashford offers two online masters degree programs; one in business administration and another in education.

ART INSTITUTE ONLINE - The Art Institute Online offers associate degrees online in graphic design, and multimedia and web design, bachelors degree programs in advertising, culinary management, interior design, game art and design, graphic design, and multimedia and web design, and a Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA).

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES - A.T. Still University, established more than 100 years ago, offers these programs online; master of geriatric health management, master of health administration, master of health education, master of public health, master of science in advanced physician assistant studies - education and leadership, master of science in advanced physician assistant studies -family and emergency medicine, master of science in advanced physician assistant studies - forensic medicine, and master of science in advanced physician assistant studies - sports medicine.

AXIA COLLEGE - Even if you are employed while pursuing your education, you can earn an associate degree online from Axia College in as little as twenty months in accounting, business, criminal justice, general studies, health administration, information technology, visual communication, and more.

BAKER COLLEGE - Baker College offers online degrees (associate, bachelors and masters) in programs of study which include computer programming, web design, general business, human resources management, management, marketing, business management, information systems, computer science, and health services administration. Baker's tuition is half that of some online colleges.

BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY - Bellevue University's numerous career-focused online degrees include a BA in leadership, a BS in business administration, a BS in business information systems, a BS in corrections administration and management, a BS in criminal justice administration, a BS degree in healthcare management, a BS in human and social services administration, a BS degree program in internet systems and software technology, a BS in management, a BS in management information systems, a BS in management of human resources, a BS in marketing management, a BS in security management, an MA in leadership, an MA in management, an MBA, an MS in computer information systems, an MS in healthcare administration, and an MS in security management.

BERKELEY COLLEGE - The online division of this New York and New Jersey based college offers online associate degrees in information systems management, business management, marketing, health services administration, and international business, and bachelors degrees in fields which include business administration, international business, marketing, criminal justice, justice studies, management, entrepreneurship, and human resources management.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY - Prestigious Boston University offers an undergraduate degree completion program online and an online masters degree program in criminal justice designed for law enforcement professionals.

Boston University, the fourth largest private university in the U.S. and an institution perennially ranked by "U.S. News & World Report", also now offers an online paralegal certificate program taught by practicing attorneys. The program employs case study and includes instruction in the use of PACER, Westlaw, LiveNote, and CaseMap.

BRYANT AND STRATTON COLLEGE - Bryant and Stratton enables students to earn an accredited associates degree online in less than two years. Their online associates degrees are offered in accounting, business, and information technology. Financial aid is available to qualified students.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges C-D

CALIFORNIA COAST UNIVERSITY - California Coast University holds accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Since its founding more than 30 years ago, it has served more than 30,000 distance learners. Associate degrees may be earned online in business and psychology. Online bachelors degree offerings include business, psychology, healthcare administration, and management. Online degrees at the graduate level are offered in education (masters in administration or curriculum and instruction) and business (MBA, and MBA with a human resources specialty).

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY - Capella offers online business degrees at the bachelors, masters, and PhD levels, bachelors and masters degrees in technology, master of science (MS) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees in education, MS and PhD programs in human services, and MS, PhD, and PsyD degrees in psychology.

CARDEAN UNIVERSITY - Cardean's online MBA coursework was developed in association with five leading business schools, including Ivy League Columbia University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago. GMAT scores are not required for admission. The MBA is offered in 16 specialty areas.

Also, Cardean offers distance education masters degrees in communication arts, advertising and public relations, e-commerce,and instructional technology, and undergraduate and/or graduate level certificates in approximately a dozen areas related to business, instructional technology and/or communications.

CENTENARY COLLEGE - Centenary College, founded in New Jersey in 1867, is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Centenary's distance degree offerings include a master of arts in contemporary pedagogy, master of arts in leadership and public administration, master of business administration (MBA) in human resource management, master of business administration (MBA) in international management, and master of business administration (MBA) in management.

CHAMBERLAIN COLLEGE OF NURSING - Chamberlain College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago IL 60602-2504. With online classes and arranged local clinicals, RN's can work full time and earn an online BSN degree in just a year.

CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE - 'U.S. News' "America's Best Colleges 2005" included Champlain College in the top tier of comprehensive colleges in the North. Champlain's undergraduate online degree programs are; bachelor of science in computer & digital forensics, bachelor of science in e-business management, bachelor of science in international business & leadership, bachelor of science in software engineering, and bachelor of science in web site development & management. Champlain College also offers a master of science degree in managing innovation & information technology.

CITY UNIVERSITY - An established leader in external degree programming, City University will evaluate both prior coursework and experimental learning for transfer credit. Loans and scholarships are awarded to eligible students. Online bachelors degrees are offered in psychology, business administration, communications, and computer systems - networking/telecommunications; online masters degree programs are offered in business, education, and project management.

CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS - Cleveland Institute of Electronics offers an online associate degree in applied science in computer information technology and systems management, and an associate in applied science degree in electronic engineering technology. CIE also offers online career training in areas including broadcast engineering, electronics engineering, electronics technology & advanced troubleshooting, electronics technology with digital & microprocessor laboratories, electronics technology with FCC license preparation, and wireless and electronic communications. The Institute is accredited by the DETC (Distance Education and Training Council).

COLLEGE NETWORK - offers Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees and certificates online at ½ the cost with no classroom attendance from accredited universities like Ivy-League Cornell University, Indiana State University, Regis University, Bellevue University, and Salve Regina University. Use their comprehensive study guides to CLEP/test-out of over half of your BA degree. You may qualify for Grants of up to $2300! Earn a degree at your place and your pace!

COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY - Colorado Tech offers bachelor of science degrees online in criminal justice, management, human relations management, information technology, and marketing. In addition, they offer online masters degrees in business management, information systems security, information technology management, and project management.

CONCORD LAW SCHOOL - Concord is the first online law school in the United States. Students may choose the Juris Doctorate Program (JD) or the Executive Juris Doctorate Program.

CROWN COLLEGE - Crown College offers online associate degrees, which can be earned in just 14 months, in business, criminal justice, and paralegal studies. Twenty-eight month bachelors degrees can be earned online in business administration and public administration.

DEACONESS COLLEGE OF NURSING - Deaconess offers an online bachelor of science in nursing (RN to BSN). The program is accredited by the NLN (National League for Nursing).

DeVRY UNIVERSITY - DeVry offers undergraduate (bachelors) online programs with concentrations including small business management, accounting, e-commerce, human resources management, health services management, business information systems, operations management, project management, sales and marketing, information technology, client/server, mainframe computing, network administration, and information systems. U.S. students please click "here." International students please click "here."

DULUTH BUSINESS UNIVERSITY - This Minnesota based online college offers online associate degrees in business administration and medical billing and coding which can be earned in as few as nine months.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges E-F

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY - EKU offers a unique and very affordable online masters degree in loss prevention and safety.

ECORNELL ONLINE - Now you can earn a certificate from a prestigious Ivy League college (actually, a university) without leaving home and on your own schedule. Ivy League Cornell University offers practical, career-oriented certificate programs in areas including leadership and strategic management, financial management, management essentials, human resources, and hospitality and foodservice management.

ECPI COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY - ECPI College of Technology offers associate of science degrees degrees online and on campuses in three states (Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina). Online offerings include criminal justice technology, IT networking and security management, computer electronics engineering technology, accounting systems administration, and business systems administration. The College is a national leader in the number of degrees offered in these fields.

Both scholarships and financial aid are available to students who qualify.

ELLIS COLLEGE - Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs online. Certificates include graduate level certificates in management of information systems, marketing, professional accounting, finance, and international business, and an undergraduate level certificate program in technical writing. Associate of science degrees (AAS) online are given in business administration, accounting, and communication arts. Online B.A.'s and B.S.'s can be earned in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, finance, general management, human resources management, international business, marketing, management of information systems, small business entrepreneurship, managerial accounting, professional accounting, English, communication arts, computer science, hospitality management, humanities, labor relations, technical writing, technology, telecommunications, information technology, mathematics and physics, and electronics and information technology.

Ellis offers an online MBA with concentrations such as an MBA in accounting and information systems, e-commerce, finance, global management, health care administration, human resources management, leadership, management of information systems, management of technology, marketing, professional accounting, project management, risk management, and strategy and economics.

Ellis business courses have been developed in association with a number of the very best business colleges in the world, including Columbia University, Stanford University, The University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, and The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Ellis also offers an online MS in human resources management and labor relations, and an online MA in communication arts- advertising and public relations.

EVEREST COLLEGE ONLINE - Financial aid is available to qualified students enrolling in distance education degree programs in business, accounting, and criminal justice.

FASTFIND ONLINE DEGREE MATCH - Answer a few quick questions and get maight="80" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #C0C0C0">FLORIDA HOSPITAL COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES - Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences offers a bachelor of science degree in radiologic sciences and an RN-to-BS in nursing degree, both via distance education (online).

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY - Florida Atlantic University offers online education in the form of a master of accounting degree in forensic accounting and a master of taxation for executives degree program. These masters level online degree programs offer students the same career training and coursework that come with a traditional accounting degree and the opportunity to be highly competitive candidates for positions in forensics, the fastest-growing area in professional accounting.

FAU's online masters degrees are fully accredited by the AACSB and FAU graduates have an exceptionally high pass rate on CPA licensure examinations. In fact, their pass rate is in the top ten in the U.S.

As a public university, FAU's tuition is comparatively inexpensive.

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - FIT offers an MS in systems management; a comprehensive degree designed to give technical information systems professionals and professionals from other fields expertise in managing information systems.

FLORIDA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY - FMU's online degree offerings include accounting (associate and bachelors degrees), business (associate and bachelors degrees), criminal justice, homeland security (bachelors degrees), a master of science degree in criminal justice, and an MBA degree program.

FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY - This Ohio University has been educating adult students for more than 100 years. In fact, more than 50% have received at least one job promotion while attending the University. Franklin offers distance education bachelor of science degrees in accounting, applied management, business administration, computer science, digital communication, healthcare management, human resources management, information technology, management, management information sciences, marketing, and public safety management. The University also offers an online MBA.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges G-H

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY - This highly respected North Carolina university offers the master of accounting degree online. Their school of business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs and has been recognized by "U.S. News & World Report" magazine for its high quality.

GET-YOUR-DEGREE - Complete a very short online form and the Get-Your-Degree folks will recommend online degree programs, offer you admissions tips, and provide you with information about financial aid.

GOLDEN GATE UNIVERSITY - This well known California university, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, offers bachelors degrees via online education in management, business administration, accounting, and information technology.

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY - Highly respected and well known Gonzaga University offers an online masters degree in organizational management.

GRACELAND UNIVERSITY - Graceland offers two nursing degrees (family nurse practitioner and health care administration) and two education degrees (collaborative learning & teaching and quality schools) online, at the masters degree level. Both are accredited by the appropriate professional groups; the NLN, and NCATE.


HERZING COLLEGE - Herzing College, founded in 1965, offers diploma programs in bookkeeping and payroll accounting, and in medical office administration. Their online associate degree programs include health care, computer information systems, and legal assisting-paralegal. Online bachelor of science degrees are available in accounting, legal studies, management, business administration, homeland security and public safety, computer information systems, and technology management.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges I-J

INDEPENDENCE UNIVERSITY - Independence University offers accredited online associate, bachelors, and masters degree programs in majors including respiratory therapy, nursing, business, early childhood education, public health and more.

INDIANA BUSINESS COLLEGE - This established, nationally accredited college with over 75,000 graduates allows students to earn online associate degrees in accounting, administrative assistant, business administration, Cisco network associate, criminal justice, human resources, and organizational management.

INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY - Partners with The College Network to provide healthcare degrees for LPNs and RNs. Local clinicals and no clinical testing. Use their comprehensive study guides to CLEP/Test-out of over half of your BA degree. Qualify for Grants of up to $2300! Online RN to BSN program also available.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY - Indiana University, one of the Big Ten universities, is a world-class university ranked in the top 25 public universities by "U.S. News and World Report". Its Kelley School of Business was ranked #1 in quality of faculty by the Princeton Review in 2005, and ranked #1 by "Business Week", in the same year, in core teaching quality. Students may now earn distance education certificates from this top University(100% online) in two areas of business.

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - Indiana Wesleyan's graduation rate for distance education students is 98%, one of the highest in the nation (and more than double the national average). IWU's online programs include bachelors degrees in accounting, business administration, business information systems, management, and nursing, masters degrees in business, education, and management, a special education licensure program for teachers, and an associate degree in business.

INSTANT ONLINE DEGREE MATCH - Give this degree matching service a shot. Answer a few questions and get matched to appropriate distance degree programs in seconds.

IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Iowa Central Community College offers three associate degrees online; an associate of science in computer networking technology, an associate of science in business, and an associate of science in criminal justice.

ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE BACHELORS DEGREES - ITT Tech offers online Bachelor of Science degrees in information systems security, business accounting technology, business administration, technical project management, and criminal justice.

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY - Jacksonville offers a highly regarded, NLN accredited, online RN to BSN degree program.

JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Jamestown Community College, founded in 1950, was among the first community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, widely ranked among the best state university systems in the United States. Because it is a public institution, tuition is relatively inexpensive. JCC offers cerificate programs online in individual studies, information technology, and psychology of the workplace. Online degree programs offered by JCC include an associates in applied science in computer information systems, associates in applied science in individual studies, associates in applied science in information technology, associates in arts in individual studies, associates in science in computer science, and an associates degree in science in individual studies.

JONES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - Jones offers a wide range of online degrees, including a bachelor of science in information technology, a bachelor of arts in business communications, a bachelor of business administration, a master of business administration (MBA) with seven different concentrations, a master of arts in business communications, and master of education degrees in specialties which include (K-12), higher education, and corporate training.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges K-M

KAPLAN UNIVERSITY - Kaplan University offers undergraduate, online degrees and/or certificates in interdisciplinary studies, business, management, administration/accounting, health care management, accounting and finance, health care case management, life care planning, forensic nursing, legal nurse consulting, financial planning, crime science technician, terrorism and national security management, introduction to computer programming language, internet and website development, paralegal studies, criminal justice, information technology, computer information services, and more.

Kaplan does not require an application fee.

KEISER UNIVERSITY - Keiser University offers online associate degrees in Medical Assisting, Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Health Services Administration, Accounting, Computer Network Engineering Technology, and Cyber Security Technology, and online bachelors degrees in Business Administration, and Management Information Systems (MIS).

KELLER GRADUATE SCHOOL ONLINE - Keller Graduate School offers online MBA programs with concentrations in accounting, corporate education, electronic commerce, finance, general management, human resources, health services, international business, information security, information systems management, marketing, public administration, public and private educational systems, project management, security management, and network and communications management. Keller also offers an MPA (Master of Public Administration) via distance (online) education.

If you would prefer to begin with an online certificate program before going on for a masters degree, online graduate certificate programs are available in accounting, business administration, electronic commerce management, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, health services management, human resources management, and more.

LA COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL - Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), LA College International provides highly career-focused education online. The 18 month associate degree program in business management-entrepreneurship features the creation of a complete business plan as its hands on capstone project.

In addition, the College offers a bachelors degree, via education online, in business management.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY - Loyola University of New Orleans offers a master of science in nursing degree online. The program includes coursework in nursing administration, management, leadership, finance, quality improvement health promotion, disease prevention/management, integrated delivery systems, and managed care strategies.

Ranked as one of "America's 300 Best Buys" by "Barron's", Loyola has also consistently ranked among the top regional colleges and universities in the South and as one of the top 60 colleges in the United States by "U.S. News & World Report" magazine.

MARIST COLLEGE - Marist College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities, and their master of business administration program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Marist's online graduate degree programs include a master of arts in communication, master of business administration (MBA), master of public administration (MPA), master of science in information systems (information management focus) and master of science in information systems (information technology focus).

MARYLHURST UNIVERSITY - Low tuition is just one reason to consider the online degree programs of Marylhurst University, one of the oldest private colleges in Oregon. In fact, the very best reason to consider Marylhurst is its academic quality, but its cheap tuition certainly doesn't hurt.

Their online college division offers undergraduate (bachelors) degrees in business leadership and real estate studies. It is notable that the bachelor of science in real estate studies program has received accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Marylhurst also offers an accelerated MBA program which can be completed in as quickly as eighteen months.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART & DESIGN - Miami International University of Art & Design, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, offers the master of fine arts (MFA) in computer animation, and the master of fine arts (MFA) in graphic design, both via distance education.
MINNESOTA SCHOOL of BUSINESS - GLOBAL COLLEGE - Globe College of Minnesota School of Business offers diploma, undergraduate, and graduate programs via online distance education. Online diploma programs include accounting and business administration assistant. Online associate degree are offered in accounting & tax specialist, business administration, cosmetology business, management accounting, and transportation business. Bachelors degree offerings are in accounting and business administration, and online masters degrees may be earned in business administration and project management.

MONROE COLLEGE - Monroe College offers online associate degrees and online bachelors degrees in business technologies, and criminal justice.

MOUNTAIN STATE UNIVERSITY - West Virginia based Mountain State University offers online degrees in accounting, medical assisting, business administration, human resources, management, marketing, finance, and hospitality.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges N-P

NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY - NAU offers distance education degree programs at the associate degree, bachelors degree and masters degree (MBA) level. Distance education associate degrees are offered in general studies, applied management, business administration, and information technology. At the bachelors level, distance education degrees are offered in health care management, internet systems development, management information systems (MIS)- network management, applied management, business administration, financial management, business information technology, international business, management, marketing, and an RN to BSN (nursing). National American University also offers an online MBA which may be completed in about a year and a half.

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE - New England College offers master of science degrees online in management (with concentrations in international business, strategic leadership, healthcare administration, and project management), an online master of arts in public policy, and a distance education master of science in criminal justice leadership.

NEW ENGLAND CULINARY INSTITUTE - This leading culinary school was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals' Cooking School of the Year award. NECI is one of the very few educational institutions offering, an online bachelors degree in hospitality and restaurant management.

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Northeastern's part-time MBA program is ranked #20 in the United States by "U.S. News and World Report", and their website says,"... our online MBA program will continue in the same tradition." Additional evidence of the quality of their online program is its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The Northeastern online MBA offers concentrations in criminal justice, finance, general business, high technology, innovation entrepreneurship, international management, marketing, and operations and supply chain management. Up to seven credits may be transferred into the program.

NORWICH UNIVERSITY - Norwich offers top quality online graduate degrees in business administration (MBA), information assurance (M.S.), diplomacy (M.A.), civil engineering (M.S.), criminal justice, and military history (M.A.).

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY - Because of the prestige enjoyed by Notre Dame University, consider how their business certificate program can help boost your career while adding to your skills.

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - Named a best distance learning graduate school, Nova Southeastern was among the first universities offering accredited distance learning degree programs. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) is offered with specialties in curriculum & instruction, elementary reading, elementary mathematics, and K-12 technology integration.

OHIO DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY - Offering online education in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, the University awarded financial aid to nearly 90% of their students in 2005-2006. ODU's eight week term allow students to earn a degree at an accelerated rate, on their own schedules. The University offers a degree completion bachelors degree program in criminal justice and a masters degree in education (curriculum and instruction) for professional teachers and school administrators.

PARK UNIVERSITY - Park University offers more 200 courses leading to eleven fully online college degrees. Park's eight-week terms allow for both scheduling flexibility and degree acceleration. Bachelors degrees include criminal justice, management, computer information systems, health care administration, human resources, marketing, and social psychology.

Masters degrees are offered in communication and leadership, business administration, education, and public affairs.

PENN FOSTER COLLEGE - Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council to offer online education associate degrees in e-commerce administration, electrical engineering technology, electronics technology, web programming, pc maintenance technology, graphic design, hospitality management, multimedia and design, and paralegal studies.

An interest free tuition payment plan and low tuition make Penn Foster a popular choice for students seeking online education and career training.

PERSONAL DEGREE SEARCH - All online degree seekers should give this personal degree search a try. It takes about two minutes and will match you to programs which most closely meet your personal preferences, and requirements. Try it now...you'll be glad you did.

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY - The Princeton Review calls Polytechnic "top-notch" and ranked it among "the best northeastern colleges." Polytechnic's online master of science in bioinformatics degree prepares students for academia and for positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Their master of science in electrical engineering program prepares graduates for a career as an electrical engineer in industry, business or government or for entry to a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering. The master of science in telecommunication networks offers both theoretical and practical knowledge in voice and data communications networks and prepares students for careers in several industries.

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY - PSU offers an online bachelors degree in criminology and criminal justice.

POST UNIVERSITY - Post University offers online degrees with eight week terms which enable students to complete online study at an accelerated rate. Online bachelors degrees are awarded in accounting, business administration, computer information systems (CIS), criminal justice, finance, legal studies, management, and marketing.

Accelerated associate degrees are offered in accounting, legal studies, management, and marketing. Certificate programs are available online in finance, computer information systems, criminal justice, paralegal studies, and accounting.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges R-T

RASMUSSEN COLLEGE - Rasmussen offers online associate degree programs in accounting, health information technician, criminal justice, and business (with concentrations in seven specialty areas).

Rasmussen is accredited by both The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools and by The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools.

REGIS UNIVERSITY - Regis online undergraduate certificates are available in leadership, project management, Java programming, computer networking, management information systems, public administration, and Irish studies. Graduate certificates may be earned in humane management and administration, database development, enterprise java software development, information assurance, storage area networks, education leadership, literacy, international business, educational technology, executive project management, executive leadership, strategic business management, executive international management, database technologies, executive information technologies, software engineering, systems engineering, leadership, pastoral administration, resource development, and program management.

Bachelors degree programs online are a B.S. in accounting, B.S. in business administration, B.S. in computer information systems, B.S. in computer networking, B.S. in computer science, B.S. in marketing, B.S. in public administration, and a B.S. in finance.

The University's online masters degree programs include an MBA, M.S. in computer information technology, master of science in software and information systems, M.S. in management, master of nonprofit management, and master of education.

ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE - Founded in New York State in 1916, St. Joseph's College now offers an online bachelor of science degree in organizational management. Academic scholarships and other financial aid are available, and up to 96 previously earned college credits may be applied toward the degree.

ST. LEO UNIVERSITY - Saint Leo University offers online AA degrees in liberal arts, and business administration, as well as a BA in accounting, a BA in business management, a BA in business administration with a specialty in accounting, a BA in business administration with a concentration in healthcare management, a BA in criminal justice, and a distance education bachelor of science degree in computer information systems.

SALEM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ONLINE - SIU's online degree offerings include an associate degree in business administration, bachelors degrees in business administration and applied computer science, and two MBA programs; in international business and information security.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY COLLEGE - San Joaquin Valley College offers online certificates in clinical medical assisting, medical office administration, business administration, human resource administration, and project management. Online (associates) degree programs are offered in business administration, clinical medical assisting, human resource administration, medical office administration, project management, construction management, and criminal justice administration.

SEARCH FOR DEGREES - Search for online and on-campus degree programs by major, degree level, or location. It's fast and easy.

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY - Sheffield Hallam University, a highly respected, low tuition institution headquartered in England now offers an online masters degree in international hospitality management. Online tutoring is available to all students. There is no application fee. Best of all, the University has an unusually high success (graduation) rate of just over 90%.

SOUTH UNIVERSITY - South University offers bachelors degrees online in business administration, management and leadership, marketing, finance, criminal justice, healthcare management, information technology, network administration, web management, database administration, and nursing. South's masters degree programs online include a standard MBA, an MBA in healthcare administration and a masters degree in criminal justice.

STONECLIFFE COLLEGE - Stonecliffe College is the associate degree granting division of Colorado Technical University. Therefore, their associate degrees are guaranteed to easily transfer into one of Colorado Tech's bachelors programs. Stonecliffe currently offers degrees in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and medical billing and coding.

STRAYER UNIVERSITY - Strayer offers a wide variety of associate, bachelors, and masters degrees online. Among them are undergraduate degrees in business, internetworking technology, acquisition and contract management, computer information systems, general studies, database technology, economics, accounting, marketing, computer networking, and international business.

Strayer's online masters degrees are in education, business administration, public administration, health services administration, professional accounting, communications technology, and management information systems.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - Syracuse offers a certificate program and bachelor of professional studies degree in organizational leadership. The fifteen credit certificate may be completed entirely online, and credits may be transferred into the degree program. Most of the 120 credit degree program may be completed online, but a minimum of 12 credits must be completed with short residency courses.
THOMAS EDISON STATE COLLEGE - This affordable New Jersey State college was designed for working adults. Online certificates are offered in gerontology: senior health and fitness, clinical trials management, homeland security, and paralegal studies.

Associate degrees are available in applied science and technology, clinical laboratory science, electronic engineering technology, air traffic control, aviation flight technology, aviation maintenance technology, biomedical electronics, electrical technology, laboratory animal science, nuclear engineering technology, respiratory care, business administration, natural sciences and mathematics, public and social services, and administration of justice.

Bachelors programs include criminal justice, social and behavioral science, air traffic control, aviation flight technology, aviation maintenance technology, civil engineering technology, clinical laboratory science, computer science technology, construction, electronics engineering technology, energy utility technology, medical imaging, nuclear engineering technology, respiratory care, business administration, accounting, health sciences, human services, administration of justice, and RN to bachelor of science in nursing.

In addition, the College offers masters degrees in liberal sudies, human resources management, management, and nursing.

THUNDERBIRD- THE GARVIN SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - Considered by many to be among the top graduate schools in international business, Thunderbird offers online certificate programs which can be completed in just eight weeks.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY - Founded in 1888, this long established Ohio university offers the following online masters degree programs; master of business administration, master of science in criminal justice - crime analysis, master of science in criminal justice - homeland security administration, and master of science in criminal justice - justice administration. Special scholarships are available to active military personnel.

TOURO INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - This top online, international university serves online students from around the globe. Touro offers online bachelors programs in business administration, criminal justice, management, human resources, logistics management, information technology, public management, computer science, healthcare management, health education, and information technology management.

Graduate certificates are available in clinical research administration, emergency and disaster management, health informatics, law and expert witness studies, and quality assurance.

Touro also offers a master of arts in education with concentrations in educational leadership, e-learning, higher education, and teaching and instruction, an online MBA with concentrations in conflict and negotiation, management, criminal justice, e-commerce management, finance, general management, human resource management, information technology management, international business, logistics management, and public management, a master of science in information technology management, and master of science in health sciences degrees with specialties in clinical research administration, emergency and disaster management, health care management, health education, international health, health care management, health informatics, and public health.

TULANE UNIVERSITY - Tulane has consistently ranked in "U.S. News & World Report" Top 50, and "Business Week" recently ranked its Freeman Executive MBA program 28th in the world. A number of Master and MBA certificates programs can be completed online in as little as eight weeks.


Online Degrees: Online Colleges U-Z

UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE - The University Alliance offers online degrees in numerous subjects from leading colleges, universities, professional, and graduate schools including Villanova University, the Tulane University Freeman School of Business, The University of Notre Dame, The Garvin School of International Management (Thunderbird), the University of South Florida, Regis University, Florida Institute of Technology, The University of Scranton, Saint Leo University and Jacksonville University. After you request information, a University Alliance counselor will be available to assist you from the time you begin to explore your degree options until you earn your degree.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI - Ranked a top 100 public university by "U.S. News and World Report" and a top 100 value by "Money" magazine, Cincinnati's online education degrees include a bachelor of science in clinical laboratory science (BS CLS), an online bachelor of science degree in health information management, and online masters degrees in educational leadership (principal licensure), criminal justice, nursing (nurse midwifery), and nursing (women's health nurse practitioner).

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER - This top Colorado based university has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the United States by "U.S. News and World Report" magazine. It offers distance degree (online) undergraduate degrees are offered in communication arts, leadership & organization studies, public policy and social services, science and technology, and global studies and online education masters degrees in applied communications, organizational communications, public relations and marketing, alternative dispute resolution, and more.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - The University of Florida offers online graduate degrees (one a masters, the other a doctorate) in engineering and pharmacy. The distance education doctor of pharmacy degree (online doctorate) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). In most cases, practicing pharmacists may complete the program (Pharm.D.) in three years without interrupting their careers.

Florida's distance education masters degree in engineering gives working adults a chance to earn an engineering degree from the university "U.S. News and World Report" ranks in the top 25 nationally and #1 in Florida.

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER - Students can now earn an MBA from this top 15, Royal Charter accredited British university. The Leicester University MBA is one of the select few online programs accredited by the Association of MBA's. Here is more good news... interest free payment plans help make the University very affordable.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - The University of Maryland/University College is a leader in distance learning for adult students. Maryland's online programs include global master of business administration, master of business administration, master of distance education, master of education, master of international management, master of science in accounting and financial management, master of science in accounting and information technology, master of science in biotechnology studies, master of science in computer systems management, master of science in e-commerce, master of science in environmental management, master of science in financial management and information, master of science in health administration informatics, master of science in health care administration, master of science in information technology, master of science in management, master of science in technology management, master of science in telecommunications management, and master of software engineering.

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX - You would expect this leading online college to have a wide selection of online degree offerings, and they do. First is an interesting associate degree program through credit recognition, which gives adults degree credit for previous work and can help accelerate their degree. Undergraduate programs also include an RN to bachelor of science in nursing, business (with seven areas of concentration), communication, hospitality management, criminal justice, health administration, information technology, management, and more.

Distance education masters programs include nursing, education (with seven degree options), management resources, an MBA (with seven degree options), international management, and more.

PhD and doctoral degrees online include education, health administration, business administration, and management in organizational leadership.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON - offers two online master of science degrees in education. One is in curriculum and instruction, the other is in educational administration.

UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND - Sunderland University is fully accredited by Royal Charter and recognized by the US Department of Education. In 2001, "The Guardian" ranked Sunderland as the top new university in England. Online programs include bachelors degrees in business which may be earned in as little as three years, and the MBA.

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY - Upper Iowa University serves more than 6,000 students on its main campus, at branch campuses, and via distance learning online. The University offers the MBA in accounting, corporate financial management, global business, human resources management, organizational development, and quality management, and an MPA (masters of public administration) degree in health and human services, homeland security, justice administration and public personnel management.

UTICA COLLEGE - Utica College, founded by Syracuse University, offers an Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Economic Crime Investigation, an Online MBA in Fraud Management, and an Online Master of Science Degree in Economic Crime Management.
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING - Prestigious Vanderbilt University allows students to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree online after just two years of part time study, during which they take just one 4 to 7 week course at a time (15 courses in all). Here is your chance to earn an online graduate degree from a university sometimes called "the Harvard of the South".

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY - Villanova University was ranked #1 by "U.S. News and World Report" magazine in the "Best Universities-Master's- North Region" category for more than 15 consecutive years. Villanova's online certificate programs are offered in high-demand professional disciplines like project management, contract management, and six sigma.

VIRGINIA COLLEGE - Virginia College offers associate degrees online in accounting specialist, administrative office management, human resources management, criminal justice, human resources management, and paralegal studies. Bachelors degrees online include business management, criminal justice, general business studies, health services management, management information systems, network cybersecurity, and private sector accounting. The College also offers distance degree graduate (masters) programs in business (MBA), criminal justice (MS), and cybersecurity (MS).

WALDEN UNIVERSITY - Walden University offers online degrees at the bachelors, masters, EdD and PhD levels. Earn a bachelors degree in business administration, a masters degree in business, public administration, public health, education or psychology, an Ed.D. degree (doctorate) in education, or a Ph.D. (doctoral degree) in applied management, education, health services, human services, psychology, public health, or public services administration.

WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY - WGU is a non-profit university founded by the governors of 19 western states. Tuition costs are relatively low, and progress toward graduation can be accelerated because, as the university says, "…at WGU credit hours don't count. Your progress is determined by your ability to pass rigorous assessments that measure your knowledge and skills as you move through your degree program. In other words, just prove it!"

B.S. degrees are awarded in computer information science, information technology, human resources, business, finance, management accounting, and marketing management.

Masters degrees are available in education, learning and technology, mathematics education, and science education.

WESTERN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY - WIU offers online education at the undergraduate degree and graduate (masters) degree level. Online BA degrees are available in behavioral science, human resource management, business, and accounting. Online BS degrees may be earned in business administration, information technology, international business, and management. Online MBA degrees are available with concentrations in finance, international business and management, and online MS degrees are offered in information technology and information systems engineering.

WESTWOOD COLLEGE - Westwood offers an MBA program online, as well as online undergraduate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, animation, computer network engineering, computer network management, e-business management, graphic design and multimedia, software engineering, visual communications, and web design and multimedia.

WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE - WPI, widely considered a leading university, offers the following masters certificates and masters degrees via distance education; a graduate certificate in environmental engineering, a graduate certificate in fire protection engineering, a master of business administration in technology management, a master of science in environmental engineering, and a master of science in fire protection engineering. Coursework earned in certificate programs can be applied toward a masters degree in the same major field of study.

Career Planning Guide

Get informed, and make a decision that's best for you

Whether you're planning your first career, or looking to change careers, getting informed is always a good idea. Read and learn about careers, including:

* what responsibilities and tasks come with each career (what you would be doing on the job)
* what types of personalities and work styles are good fits for each career
* salary estimates, and employment projections
* what kind of education is either required or generally recommended in this field
* typical coursework or curriculum in such an online program

Take a look at the careers profiled to the left, or, if you're not sure where to begin, read on.

The Building Blocks of Career Planning
Although career planning may seem overwhelming, following the steps in these four building blocks will help you research and attain your career goal:

spacer.gif Self Assessment
Create a personal inventory of your skills, interests, values, personality and learning style.

spacer.gif Research
Learn as much as you can about careers that interest you - how much does it pay, what are the working conditions, etc.

spacer.gif Make a Fit
It's now time to decide how to match your personal inventory with careers that require your strengths and skill sets.

spacer.gif Create a Plan
This may include locating an education program, selecting a school, financial aid, resume preparation, standardized admission tests and interviewing techniques.

Keep reading for more information on how to structure your career planning:

Self-Assessment

Don't be modest - do be honest! Create a personal inventory of your strengths and skill sets by following these steps:

1. Write a list of skills you have acquired.
For example:

* Basic skills - such as reading, writing, speaking, listening
* Social skills - such as teaching, negotiation, persuasion
* Technical skills - such as analysis, trouble-shooting, decision making
* Management skills - such as time management, motivation and direction of others, management of financial and material resources

2. What are your interests?
Create a list of activities and interests that you have really enjoyed in the last five years. Is there a common theme?

3. What do you value in the workplace?
Create a list of what you need in the job environment. For example, you may value some of the following: Feel that your work makes a difference. Job security. Have regular hours. Work as a team. Work independently. Have respect and status. Helping others. Salary. Work with your hands. Work outdoors.

4. What is your learning style?
Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. Many people say they learn more online, and their retention is better too.

* Click here to learn more about online learning.
* Click here for online career assessment tools.


Research

Learn as much as you can about the careers that interest you:
From what you have learned in the step above, create a short list of careers you are interested in.
For each career that interests you, prepare and conduct an information interview with a person already employed in that occupation.
Write to professional organizations requesting more information on the profession and potential contact names.
Other methods to research potential careers include job shadowing, volunteering, contract employment, work-study programs and summer employment.

Make a Fit

Finding that perfect match
It's now time to decide how to match your personal inventory with careers that require your strengths and skill sets.

Examine what you learned about yourself when you completed the steps in your self-assessment.
Review the occupations you have researched.
Now compare your interests and skills with those occupations.
Determine which career best matches your values, personality, skills and interests.

Now you're ready to move on to creating a plan to attain your career goal . . .

Create a Plan

Time for Action
Now that you have a career goal, an action plan needs to be created.
Here are the top things to consider when creating your plan:

Determine what educational requirements are necessary for your career. Do you need a degree, a certificate, just a few courses or vocational training?
Determine which schools will provide you with the education you need. Which school best meets your needs? Consider your lifestyle and family needs. Are classes offered at a convenient time for you? Is the school accredited? Click here for more information on accreditation
What are the admissions requirements and procedures? In some cases, you may have to write an entrance test or exam.
What is the cost of the education required? Will you require financial aid? Could you qualify for a scholarship. Are loans or grants available to you? Click here for more information about financial aid
What is a realistic time frame to reach your career goal? Will you study full-time or part-time?

Get Started: Browse the career path categories listed to your left for further education and information resources.

Which Careers are Projected to Increase in Demand?

Future Growth Projections

In a series of recent reports, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its projections on the growth of the American economy through 2014. Its summary predicts "moderately strong" economic expansion with "a labor force growing at a steady rate with a favorable outlook for a wide array of job opportunities." Still, all career paths will not be created equal in the coming decade, and a handful of superstar professional, healthcare, and technical jobs will outstrip all others.

Overall, manufacturing will continue its decline, but the flatlining of goods will be more than offset by growth in salaried employment and a spike in services. The most in-demand sectors should be education, healthcare, and business/professional. The following five employment sectors are predicted to grow faster--some much faster--than the economy as a whole. The in-demand jobs within these sectors offer you a spectrum of opportunity, since they have vastly different educational requirements and salary potentials.

HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL

In 2004, the healthcare sector provided 13.5 million jobs; through 2014, more new jobs will be in the medical sector than in any other field. In fact, nearly one in five jobs created over this decade will be in healthcare. Many of these positions will require technological skills, although the majority call for less than a bachelor's degree and some require only on-the-job training. Since healthcare is a 24/7 industry, many jobs demand night or weekend work. Hospitals employ 40% of the healthcare workforce. One in five workers is part-time, and the industry doesn't hesitate to hire older workers, students, parents, and workers with second jobs.

Home Health Aides

Though you probably think of doctors and nurses when you think of medicine, home health aides better typify the average medical worker. The 83.3 million people who'll be over 55 will make the home health aide the fastest growing job in the U.S. by 2014. Home health aides provide hands on care for the sick, the elderly, and the disabled. If you're a healthy, compassionate person, your prospects for employment are excellent in this field. You won't need formal education, though the National Association for Home Care offers voluntary certification and some state require licensing. Most positions will be offered by nursing homes (where you'd average $8.81 an hour), hospitals ($9.69 hourly), and home healthcare providers ($8.58 hourly). This job path has very high turnover due to physical and emotional burnout.

TECHNOLOGY

The information sector has the second highest projected job growth rate. Publishing, the Internet, and telecommunications should see real output climb to $1.6 trillion by 2014. A fifth of this will be Internet-related. With real growth in the information services sector targeted to be "an aggressive 8.5 average annual percent," this part of the economy can anticipate a jobs boom. If you're technologically-inclined, your career prospects are bright.

Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts

If designing, configuring, testing, and evaluating computer networks sounds interesting, you should work in communications, one of the fastest growing U.S. employment sectors. You can get into the field with a 2-year degree, although a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science or a similar field will take you farther. You can expect a graduate degree to be necessary for the top positions. Certifications offer an additional way for systems and data communications analysts to demonstrate their skills. Median earnings in systems and data analysis run at $60,000 per year, but the industry is more and more frequently offering temporary or contract employment. Many workers also choose self-employment.

FINANCE

Employment in the financial sector of the economy is project to fall just short of 21 million jobs by 2014. The biggest growth is predicted to be at the top of the professional ladder and at the bottom, where temporary jobs will continue to mushroom. Thus, the educational demands for careers in this sector range from on-the-job-training to graduate professional education. Forty-three percent of financial jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. If you want a job in finance, you can surely get one, but you'll have to make sure to educate yourself if you want to cash in on the business money boom.

Accounting

One of the highest demands in the job market--not just in the financial sector--is for accountants. You can become an accountant with a bachelor's degree or even get a solid para-professional accounting position with an associate's, but you'll have the strongest career potential if you go that fifth year and qualify as a CPA. Median earnings for accountants and auditors currently stand at $50,770. The seller's market means that once you graduate, you can negotiate both a high starting salary and a signing bonus. The shortfall in accountants caused by recent changes in federal regulations is projected to continue through 2014, so you can sign on for five years of education knowing you'll have a solid payoff once you have your sheepskin.

SALES AND MARKETING

Though a significant number of positions in sales will be hourly wage retail jobs, excellent high end sales and marketing positions will be available in the growing technical and business sectors. To get one, you'll need to be highly competitive and creative. You should also have great computer and communication skills, be willing to work long hours, evenings, and weekends, and be open to travel.

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers oversee a firm's marketing strategy. As managers, they command teams of subordinates, overseeing the whole marketing cycle--from product development, to pricing, to branding and promotion. To become a manager, you'll need a bachelor's degree with marketing emphasis. In the tech industry, you'll need a technology bachelor's and an MBA. As of 2004, the top four industries employing marketing managers and the median salaries they pay are:

* $107,030 in computer systems and services
* $98,700 in companies and businesses
* $86,810 in insurance carriers
* $83,610 in architectural, engineering, and related services


ENGINEERING

BLS occupational listings recognize 17 distinct engineering specialties. In general, engineers use computers to design, simulate, and test in their field--everything from nanotechnology to skyscrapers. They're responsible for technical maintenance as well. What engineers have in common, other than the need for a bachelor's degree plus continuing education, is strong employment prospects. Nearly 200,000 jobs are on the horizon, and most of them are in professional, scientific, and technical services. An eighth of these engineering jobs will mean working for the government.

Engineering Manager

If you're one of those rare people with both technological and business skills, you can parlay a degree in engineering and technological experience into a high-paying management position. Though average job growth is expected in engineering management positions, many more jobs will be created by managers who retire or change jobs. Engineering managers help their employers create a manufacturing plan or research and product development plan, which includes budgeting and staffing. You'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering and industry experience before you hone your business skills in an MBA program, which your employer may finance. You're looking at a median salary range between $79,000 and $121,000. Salaries in the semiconductor and electronic component sector will outstrip all others.

Notes of Caution

Depending on your outlook, God or the devil dwells in the details. So it is with the projections above. Here are some factors that can impact your individual employment opportunities:

* If you are a mid-life career changer, do check out the openness of your prospective profession to mature employees. Browse the professional publications in your potential career to see whether ageism is a topic of concern.
* The career projections above do not take into consideration race or gender. Organizations like the National Black Business Council or the Association for Women in Computing can offer more relevant outlooks on the career potential of minority and female job-seekers.
* Occupational salaries sound good, but they reflect the incomes of full-time workers. Make sure that the career you hope to enter offers full time employment in your area. Numerous local ads for part-time or seasonal employment are red flags.
* If you're committed to living in a specific location, ask your local job bank about the demand for careers in your area, check out your state's Department of Employment Web site, and explore the BLS Career Guide to Industries for your state.


Given these caveats and suggestions, you should be able to determine whether the projected job opportunities will be job opportunities for you. If the prospects look good, the time to educate yourself into the new employment picture is now.

The Future of Instructional Models

Hybrid instruction, a combination of online and traditional classroom instruction is the latest trend in higher education.

Mention the word hybrid, and the first thing that's liable to come to most people's minds is a vehicle that runs on a combination of gas and electricity. However, for those in higher education, the word hybrid brings to mind something entirely different--the concept of hybrid instruction.

What Is It?
Hybrid instruction, or hybrid courses, refer to classes where there is a carefully planned blend of both traditional classroom instruction and online learning activities. In other words, hybrid classes combine the best of both styles of instruction. Students are able to make a meaningful connection with their instructors, as well as other students, and yet they are no longer required to travel to campus on a regular basis in order to attend courses because the majority of the coursework can be completed on the Internet.

Going Hybrid
In order to make their classes "Internet-ready," many instructors must adjust their class content--particularly their lecture materials. However, in doing so, they are often making their materials more effective than traditional classroom instruction. The reason? Rather than having students sit in a lecture hall taking notes, instructors can teach through more “active-learning” assignments such as case studies, self-tests, tutorials, and online group projects, all of which takes place over the Internet.

Benefits of Hybrid Instruction
While there are some detractors who are against the "hybridization" of learning, there are, in fact, several advantages of hybrid instruction, the least of which is how it reduces traffic on campus and frees up valuable classroom space. In addition to these rather unusual benefits, some of the most important educational benefits are how hybrid courses help improve writing and computer skills. In addition, hybrid classes also encourage self-directed learning, time management, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills in those who participate in the programs. However, while these additional benefits are certainly important, one question remains: Does hybrid instruction allow for greater subject-matter knowledge than strictly online courses or traditional classroom instruction?

Learning More, More Effectively
While it's still fairly new, many instructors are reporting good success with hybrid courses, and here's why: Students are required to do more work on their own--and this kind of “active learning” results in better test performance and what is known as subject mastery (or subject knowledge). In addition, students in hybrid programs are more likely to participate in group discussions and collaborate online with other students because there is not only ample opportunity to prepare a response, but also because they are not physically speaking in front of a group. In fact, hybrid class participants tend to be more outgoing and responsive because they are “speaking” online versus in a classroom setting. However, even though students seem more confident about being involved with discussions online, it is important to keep in mind that it is because of the actual on-campus classroom component that students are more likely to find success in a hybrid course than in a strictly online class.

The Hybrid Advantage
In addition to the obvious academic advantages, hybrid courses are also making it easier for more people to get a quality education. That's because hybrid programs require only limited on-campus attendance, which means these kinds of college programs are now more accessible to more people in more places, which is perhaps the biggest advantage of all.

Will Getting an Education Pay for Itself?

Of the 699 people on Angelfire's "noted high school and elementary school dropout" list, 18 are billionaires. American entrepreneur Jim Clark, founder of "Netscape" and the first Internet billionaire dropped out at 17 to join the Navy. John Travolta, Charlize Theron, and Quentin Tarantino have done just fine without a high school diploma, too. In fact, for all educational groups below the bachelor's degree, the median income exceeds the mean or average--which means that some people succeed dramatically with little formal education.

Many people trust their luck, rolling the dice with their futures and playing the long shot like the super-achievers above. Others play the odds and bet on education.

Granted, the last few years have seen a drop in real earnings for holders of bachelor's and associate's degrees, thanks to the impact of inflation on wages. A degree isn't a guarantee. Still, undergraduate degrees remain excellent investments, and gains by those with advanced degrees have been staggering. According to 2003 Census Bureau statistics:

* Associate's degree holders average $8,000 a year more than their high school educated friends.
* Workers with bachelor's degrees make nearly $23,300 more a year than high school graduates.
* Master's degree holders average $11,300 more a year than bachelor's degree holders.
* Professionals with doctorates have annual incomes $37,265 higher than workers with bachelor's degrees.


The following estimates put ballpark figures on the possible costs and benefits from investing in various college degrees. The calculations use recent Census statistics--the biggest economic picture painted with the broadest possible strokes--to provide two frequently used measures of value:

* The Net Present Value (NPV) of a degree indicates the total value today of the projected income gains after the cost of getting the degree is deducted. The greater the NPV, the better the educational investment. Any NPV greater than zero means that the educational investment pays for itself.
* The Future Value (FV) measures the degree's total net payoff 40 years down the road, assuming a 40-year career span unless otherwise noted.


Both the NPV and FV calculations are based on averages drawn from the more realistic of the government's two income profiles. Thus, these numbers reflect the economic fortunes of all workers, not just those who worked year round. Using these statistics takes into account the link between both underemployment and unemployment and lack of education.

Smart Investment Move #1: Finish High School

A high school diploma is the best investment any student can make. A dropout can expect to earn $18,734 a year--the average income for all people with no high school diploma or GED. According to 2003 Census Bureau statistics, those who complete high school are looking at an average income significantly higher: $27,915. That's over $9,000 for staying in school an extra year or two. Over time, that annual $9,000 gain from a high school diploma mounts up.
Quick Fact: Census numbers reveal that Black and Hispanic males are the greatest dropout risks; most leave school during the senior year.

Crunching the numbers shows why students who didn't grab that diploma on schedule would be wise to complete it now. Assuming online study while the student keeps his or her job, below is the payoff, using the standard 40-year work life to calculate the diploma's value. First, the net present value of the diploma is the difference between the educational expense, currently estimated at $900, and the probable income gain. The future value of the diploma measures the work life cumulative gain expressed in today's dollars.

Return on Investment
High School Diploma vs. No Diploma
Net Present Value $156,600
Future Value $1,102,700

Getting a high school diploma is an easy way to make a million.

Smart Investment Move #2: Get an Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate degrees remain good investments. Having a bachelor's degree as opposed to just a high school diploma results in the biggest earning hike and greatest payoff on an educational investment -- unless the student earns a doctorate.
Quick Fact: Once costs are deducted, 10 years out, the value of a bachelor's degree over a high school diploma is enough to pay for today's average home in Evansville, Indiana; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Corpus Christi, TX or most anywhere in Kansas and Oklahoma.

The two-year associate's degree is also a solid investment, assuming the standard 40-year work life and online study. When averaging typical costs at campus-based and fully online colleges, outlay for an associate's degree runs around $26,400. Costs do vary widely, and these are loose ballpark figures. If costs and eventual income are typical, the return on an associate's degree will be as follows:

Return on Investment
Associate's Degree vs. High School Diploma
Net Present Value $111,600
Future Value $785,700

Students who take four to five years to finish (the typical time to completion of a working, big city community college student) still add another three-quarter million to their long-term educational payoff.
Quick Fact: African-American women have the most to gain from a bachelor's degree, says the Census Bureau, since they're the group most likely to be under-employed without an education.

Adding the bachelor's to the associate's degree is an even better investment. Since undergraduate degree credits cost the same, expenses for an additional two years in an online program should be as above. Here's the additional payoff:

Return on Investment
Bachelor's Degree vs. Associate's Degree
Net Present Value $235,200
Future Value $1,656,100

For bachelor's degree-holders, median income and mean income are virtually the same. With this degree, investors get what they pay for. Consequently, a high school graduate gets a big payoff by staying in school through the 4-year degree.

Return on Investment
Bachelor's Degree vs. High School Diploma
Net Present Value $346,900
Future Value $2,441,800

The main determinant of the value of the bachelor's degree is the undergraduate major subject. Students looking for big bucks should get their degrees in engineering or computers. Business, too, pays well. The lowest payoffs are, unfortunately, in education, and women and minorities still make less than white males across the board.
Quick Fact: "In 1980, bachelor's degree-holders earned 60 percent more than workers with only a high school diploma. More than 20 years later, the income gap has increased to a nearly 88% disparity." Presidency 7.2 (Spring 2004)

Smart Investment Move #3: Get an Advanced Degree

In 2004, the cost of online MBA programs ranged from $6,000 to $107,000, reports the Amarillo Globe-News. Still, students must shop wisely. Vicky Phillips, founder and CEO of GetEducated.com, warns that "there are now more fake online MBA programs in the U.S. than real ones." (This is why World Wide Learn only features accredited schools and degree programs on its site.)

As with the bachelor's degree, major determines income. Nevertheless, the overall value of an advanced degree has never been higher. Since online graduate program costs vary dramatically, the following calculations use a very rough average of $22,000 for an online master's degree and $46,000 for a doctorate, based on a dozen representative programs in business, technology, health care administration, psychology, and education.

Return on Investment
Master's Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree
Net Present Value $216,000
Future Value $1,520,900

These numbers reflect the typical three- to four-year time-to-degree for master's study and assume a 40-year career. Nevertheless, finishing by age 30 (with a 35 year work life) still yields an investment value of over $200,000 and a lifetime payoff over a million and a half.

The bulk of doctoral degree-holders complete their studies by age 35 and look forward to a 30-year career life, according to the 2004 Survey of Earned Doctorates. Though they shorten the career span, doctoral degrees in well-paying professions have a spectacular payoff:

Return on Investment
Doctorate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Net Present Value $617,900
Future Value $$4,818,400

Given the value of an education, students should explore their financing and aid options, if the cost of study prevents degree attainment. Quality online universities work with their students to come up with funding packages tailored to fit individual needs and financial constraints. Shopping around can cut expenses, since even accredited program costs vary widely.

Ultimately, the value of any degree lies is in the hands of the holder. The graduate's work history and staying power, choice of major and school, and personal motivation are all up to the individual. Willingness to relocate for career advancement also helps.
Quick Fact: "Earnings for the group with more education are always higher, rise and fall more steeply, and peak at later ages than do earnings for the group with less education." Social Security Bulletin 66.1 (2005/6)

Because the payoff calculations in this article take into account underemployed and unemployed workers, graduates who get great jobs and keep them stand to make considerably more than the estimates above. Gains could run $7,000 more annually with an associate's degree, $9,000 more with a bachelor's, and $10,000 more with an advanced degree and full-time employment. The future value of the respective investments would gain an additional $850,000 for an associate's degree, $1,000,000 for a bachelor's, and $1,200,000 for an advanced degree. With these numbers in mind, a wager on education should easily beat rolling the dice.

Online Degree Tips - Your Guide To Online Degree Programs

Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?

Deciding if an online business degree is right for you is an easy task. With the wide selection of programs, flexibility and personalized formatting, an online business degree is a great choice for any one new to the business world or those that are very experienced but looking to learn more.

These degrees can be obtained in many fields of business, for examples, accounting, general business, leadership and marketing. Many colleges offer these business degree, but three well know, accredited online colleges are Ashworth College, Kaplan University and Walden University.

To decide which online business degree is right for you, it is best to decide what your career goals are or what your current job calls for. For instance, if you want to start your own small business, then a degree in marketing may be your best bet. But, if you are currently a manager at your place of business then a leadership degree may get you the skills you need to get a promotion and a raise in your current career.

Other individuals may pursue an online business degree in order to change careers. Many nurses, teachers and other non-business career holders seek online degrees while working at their regular job.

Applying is easy. All you need is a high school diploma or G.E.D and a wilingness to learn. Depending on your previous college experience and work history, you may be able to obtain your business degree in as little as six months.

Before deciding on a university that you are interested in, make sure that they are accredited and the staff has extensive experience in the field that you are interested in.

Once you have decided to enroll, getting started is easy. Most colleges offer year round enrollment so that individuals can get started on their studies right away. After enrolling, most online programs make the coursework available for immediate download so that you can start that very day itself.

What are the Advantages to Completing an Online Bachelors Degree? An online bachelors degree is a four-year college degree that an individual completes and earns through the Internet. The biggest benefit of an online bachelors degree is that it usually takes less time to complete.

Most individuals can complete their online bachelors degree in as little as three years. If you have prior college credits to transfer or relevant work history to consider, then you can complete your degree in as little as six months.

Another benefit to completing an online bachelors degree is that the course work is extremely flexible. Classes can be taken any time throughout the day and you never have to leave your house. All course work is completed via the Internet either through downloadable lessons or virtual class times.

The average online bachelors degree program requires at least twenty hours of course work a week. But since the course are completed online, individuals can work faster or slower, depending on their schedule, as long as the course is completed within the allowed time frame.

The standard time frame for the course work of an online bachelors degree is one class every five weeks. This schedule allows a student to concentrate solely on one class or module at a time ensuring that they learn all of the information presented in that session. This is an advantage over traditional four year colleges because with an online program you can devote your time to each session without being distracted by other classes and information.

Tuition payment is also easier with an online program. Online degree programs qualify for the same tuition assistance that on-site programs do. Therefore, individuals can apply for student loans, payment plans and employer reimbursement programs. Plus, some online colleges allow the student to pay as they go, cutting down on upfront college costs.

Earning an online bachelors degree is a perfect way for individuals that are currently employed full time to further their careers. By studying online, individuals can keep their regular job and still earn a degree in record time.

To qualify for enrollment, you are only required to have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Since no prior college education is required, online degrees are also the perfect choice for someone that must work full time to pay for.

If you are contemplating earning your bachelors degree, then an online bachelors degree program is definitely worth researching.

Why You Should Choose an Accredited Online Degree

An accredited online degree is a college degree that is received through Internet studies offered by an accredited college. This means that the school or university that is offering the degree has been approved by a national or state board of education.

In order to offer an accredited online degree a college must offer its course work and lesson requirements to the board of education for approval. The board will then go through that course work and make sure that it adheres to the industry standards for completion.

When contemplating completing any type of degree over the Internet it is best to do so with an accredited online degree provider. Accredited degrees are more reputable and the credits transfer to other schools should you ever decide to further your education again.

Online degrees can come in many forms. You can earn an associate's degree, bachelors or masters degree or even a course completion certification diploma.

To earn a masters accredited degree online, you must first possess a bachelors degree from a regular or online college.

To earn a bachelors accredited online degree, you need to have at least a high school diploma or G.E.D.

With both degrees, you can shorten the amount of time it takes to complete by having prior college credits or related work experience.

It usually takes about three years to complete an accredited online degree. This time frame is based on a curriculum of at least twenty hours of course work a week. Some degrees, like a specialized law degree, can take up to four years to complete.

By choosing an accredited online degree program as opposed to a regular degree program, you are choosing a degree of a higher standard. With an accredited degree, there will be more choices opened up to you and more occasions for advancement.

What are Accredited Online Degree Programs?

Accredited online degree programs are college programs that are offered over the Internet by certified schools and universities. Accredited online degree programs are tested and approved by state or national education review boards.

There are many different types being offered on the Internet. These programs include degrees in many different fields such as accounting, law, business management and healthcare.

A few well-known schools that offer accredited online degree programs are Phoenix University, Concord Law School and Pierce University. Accredited online degree programs usually offer a completely off-site program, meaning that the student can access everything they will need to earn a degree from the comfort of their own home.

Also, these online degree programs usually offer downloadable lessons that can be accessed and completed at any time during the day or night. However, some programs do require the attendance of virtual meetings or classes that are put on at certain times throughout the day via the Internet.

To find out which degree program is right for you, you first need to choose a field of education that interests you. After defining your field of interest, seek out a school that specializes in that field.

Accredited online degree programs are very useful for those individuals seeking to further their education while continuing full-time at their present job. Some even offer credits for work already completed in the same field as the sought after degree. These credits are usually based on work or life experience. Also, some programs accept credits from other colleges.

Applying prior credits toward accredited online degree programs will help to shorten the length of time required to receive your new bachelor's or master's degree. While some programs can take up to four years to complete, prior credits can reduce your education time by up to two years.

How to Get Your Bachelors Degree Online

Getting a bachelors degree online can be a fast and easy way to further your career. But before you enroll, there are a few important things you need to know.

First, you'll want to make sure that the college that offers the online degree is accredited. School and universities are accredited on a state or national level. This accreditation means that a board of education has researched and approved the schools curriculum and course work.

Next, you will want to make sure that the school is highly recognized and that the bachelors degree is transferable. This helps because someday you may want to further your education by completing your masters degree and you will need to be able to transfer your bachelors credits.

Prerequisite to getting a bachelors degree from any university, you must first have at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D. It also helps to have some college or previous work experience under your belt. If you have previous college credits, then they can be applied toward your bachelors degree program and shorten the length of time that you will need to be enrolled in school.

Without previous college credits, most bachelors degree online programs take up to three years to complete. This time frame is based on an individual that takes at least twenty hours of course work a week. With prior college credits, or by spending more time on course work each week, some individuals can complete their bachelors degree online program in as little as one year.

To decide which college or university to enroll with, it is best to decide what type of degree program you need. Many colleges offer these programs but some specialize in different fields. For example, a person who wants a bachelors degree in business night want to go with Ashworth College, while a person that wants an education degree would want to go with Penn State University.

Once you have chosen a bachelors degree online program, you need to research its class schedule. Many online programs allow you to download the course work and complete it on your own schedule, but some programs require that you log on to the Internet for virtual class sessions a few times a week at a designated time

Character building, health topics for YLC

Youth Leadership Clarksdale member Strohm Gaston signs up to be a volunteer for an upcoming community festival at Wednesday’s monthly session for the class in the Pinnacle at Coahoma Community College.

Clarksdale Police Chief Greg Hoskins said Wednesday it's important for citizens to participate in crime prevention.

"You're not a snitch simply because you want to have a better community," Hoskins said students enrolled in Youth Leadership Clarksdale. "You're a concerned citizen."
Hoskins was one of six speakers at Coahoma Community College Wednesday for a Youth Leadership Clarksdale seminar.

YLC, open to high school sophomores and juniors, offers students sessions in leadership skills, team building, conflict resolution, etc.

Tana Vassel, economic development manager for the Chamber, serves as coordinator for the group.

Wednesday's seminar entitled "The Human Side... How to Do the Right Thing" included talks on character building, health and etiquette.

Hoskins, selected for the post Oct. 2., spoke about the success of Neighborhood Watch in the area.

"If someone steals their valuables, sometimes people are upset with us," he said. "We're sympathetic your house got burglarized. That's why it's so important to have the community involved in reporting crime."

Hoskins said concerned citizens calling the department may even save someone else's life.

"We get calls all of the time and catch so many breaking into homes," he said. "People will continue to break the law until they get caught."
Hoskins encouraged the students to stay in school, noting many can't wait until they turn 17.

"They don't want to go to school and find themselves on the corner," he said. "By the time you finish college, some people you graduated with will be on the corner.

"There's someone like that in every class that graduates from high school," Hoskins said. "Go on to college and do something positive."

Hoskins said that, according to current statistics, crime will triple by the time core students (4th through 6th grade) graduate.

"Can we afford crime to triple," he asked. "That's why we have Youth Leadership Clarksdale, to deter you from becoming a statistic."

Hoskins said today's students are not educated like they should be.
"Learning shouldn't stop at home," he said. "I had to study and couldn't go outside until I finished with my homework."

Hoskins also discussed the prevalence of abandoned houses in neighborhoods throughout Clarksdale.

"Vacant houses are havens for drug dealers, drug users and rapes," he said. "If you're in a neighborhood with a vacant house, call Clarksdale Public Works and report the house or report it to your commissioner."

Hoskins also gave the students some good tips on keeping their belongings safe including:

n Keep the electronic serial number of all electronics such as PlayStations and MP3 players.

n Put house keys around your neck or in your wallet or purse.

n Don't put the family name on your mailbox.

"It's not a good thing," Hoskins said. "Criminals associate names with wealth. If they're out riding, they will see the name and check the mailbox.

"You don't want someone to get hold of your Social Security Number," he said. "Identity theft is big and neighbors today will steal from you. Everyone can't be trusted."

n Go to an accredited university and don't look for an online degree.
"One guy got an online degree from Sacramento International University," Hoskins said. "He took classes online and, when he graduated, got a counselor and made an alumni member."

Hoskins said the online school was not real and had stolen a logo and information from the Institutes of Higher Learning.

"He paid his tuition, but got nothing," he said. "It looked so real. Make sure the school you choose is an accredited university."

n Know the back of your house like the front of your house.

"Many never go in their back yard, especially if they don't cut their own yard or tend flower beds," Hoskins said. "You need to know if something's out of place."

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Will They Accept Your Degree?

Not all degrees are equal. Once you’ve earned a certificate or degree, your options depend a lot on what kind of accreditation your school was granted. Before beginning classes at any school, check to make sure the school will meet your expectations and help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Different people have different motivations for taking classes online. If your goal is simply to learn for your own enjoyment, then choosing a non-accredited institution may be a fine option. However, if your goal is to get a better job or transfer to another school, it is essential that you choose a school that is accredited by the proper associations. Comparing the following options will help you make the choice that is right for you:

1. If your school is accredited by the proper regional agency, your degree will be accepted pretty much everywhere.

• Employers will accept your degree.

• Most schools will accept your credits through transfer.

• Your degree is equivalent to a degree granted by a traditional college.

2. If your school is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, your degree will be accepted by some and rejected by others.

• More employers are beginning to accept online degrees.

• Some traditional colleges will accept your credits, others will not. In a 2001 study, two out of three DETC students who tried to transfer credits to another institutions were successful.

• You may need to prove the legitimacy of your degree to others. However, this is still a valid option

3. If your school is accredited by a professional organization (such as the American Library Association), your degree will be honored by those in your profession.

• Employers in your specific field will accept your degree.

• Some traditional colleges will accept your credits, depending upon both the school you took them through and the professional organization.

• Your degree is equivalent to degrees granted by traditional schools accredited through your professional organization.

4. If your school is not accredited or is accredited by an agency that is not accepted as legitimate, your degree will be rejected by most employers and schools.

• Most employers will not view your degree as valid. You may need to provide evidence to prove that your education is legitimate.

• Generally speaking, traditional colleges will not accept your credits.

• In most cases, your degree will be considered inferior to degrees granted by traditional institutions.

Online Degree Programs Take Off

As More Schools Embrace Web-Based Courses, More Students Log On to Expand Their Education While They Work

Angela Bostic will get her MBA in August from the University of Maryland University College, part of a dual master's degree she is pursuing. She has never met a professor, has never sat in a classroom and has checked out the Adelphi campus only once, long after she had enrolled. In fact, until recently, the 28-year-old graduate student had been studying from Brussels.

Bostic is among an extraordinarily fast-growing number of students nationwide and worldwide who are turning to online degree programs to complete or advance their educations while they work, decisions that are driven by economics as well as by a society that is increasingly mobile.

Congress passed a law in March that drops the requirement that colleges offer at least half their courses face to face to receive federal student aid. The new law will undoubtedly attract more students and schools into the fledgling online industry.

Online enrollment, including multiple courses taken by a single student, jumped from 1.98 million in 2003 to 2.35 million the following year, accounting for 7 percent of postsecondary education, according to Eduventures, a Boston firm that studies trends in education. Another study, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, reports that 65 percent of universities offering face-to-face graduate courses also offer graduate courses online. By early 2008, Eduventures predicts, about one in 10 college students will be enrolled in an online degree program.

"It's only going to grow," said Richard Garrett, an analyst with Eduventures. "The largest high school graduating class in U.S. history is expected to be 2009. There is going to be a lot of pressure on these students to get education in a competitive market."

Critics of e-learning have long said that learning alone through a computer does not provide the enriching intellectual exchange that in-person classes offer. In addition, they say that because the industry is so new, naive consumers may not know the difference between accredited institutions and fly-by-night operations that imply accreditation and charge steep prices. Most educators and industry executives acknowledge that e-learning may not be right for young learners who have not developed the discipline needed to work independently.

Some college administrators predicted that the online learning trend would explode a decade ago as the Internet became more popular, but some traditional schools over-committed before they understood the market. With much fanfare, Columbia University and New York University both launched online learning programs between 1998 and 2000, but they did not offer what some students wanted: a degree. Both programs closed.

Stanford University today offers online master's degrees in certain sciences, but most elite schools have looked down their noses at online degrees.

The University of Phoenix, the nation's largest for-profit online school, initially catered just to distance learning, and it is one of the few that has grown dramatically, by advertising heavily and targeting adult students. But it does not offer what some consumers want: a degree from a traditional brick-and-mortar institution.

At the University of Massachusetts, administrators knew from the beginning that there was an adult market that wanted and would pay for a brand name. "We really understand our audience," said Jack M. Wilson, the president of the university, who started the online venture in 1999. "Students are very different when they are older."

Wilson said his average online student is between 24 and 50, and working. The key for the school, he said, was to create an Internet entity that would blend seamlessly into the university -- admission standards are the same, degree requirements are the same, and the regular faculty is used and paid extra to teach online courses.

Massachusetts's online program offers 61 degree programs, having added 21 this year, and it has quadrupled its enrollment since 2002. In fiscal 2006, revenues for the online school grew 28 percent, and enrollment jumped 20 percent.

Schools that have taken on e-learning in a serious way say producing good, organized courses is labor intensive and expensive. For example, Massachusetts and Maryland's University College provide 24-hour library and technical support to students.

In 1999, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities launched JesuitNet, a collaborative effort in distance learning that allows 28 Jesuit schools to consolidate expenses and share coursework. They started with half a dozen degree offerings and now offer 45 degrees and 380 courses. One of the schools, Fairfield University, found that by offering summer classes online, it was able to keep revenues that students would otherwise have spent elsewhere. Within three years, the school went from 20 online summer courses to 40 -- all fully subscribed.

"We took a much more conservative approach initially, and it has just grown," said the Rev. Charles L. Currie, president of the association.

University of Maryland University College, which has also seen significant growth, is part of the Maryland state university system, although it operates as a separate entity. In 2005, the school had 51,405 online students, up from 9,696 in 1998. UMUC has a leg up on its competitors because it started out 60 years ago as a distance-learning facility serving troops worldwide. With the Internet the school was poised to capture the market.

"There will always be a need and a demand for face-to-face learning," said UMUC's president, Susan C. Aldridge. "But people need more opportunities and avenues to continue their educations."

While traditional schools have for the most part used their staff professors to teach online, UMUC contracts with a wide array of people to teach their expertise. Paul J. Fekete, an international economic consultant, for example, has taught for 11 years. He said he finds the caliber of student quite good. "They have motivation because they are forced to put their views in writing, which can be much more difficult than just a quick answer in class," he said. "They might have to work with someone across the globe" on collaborative projects.

And Fekete, 48, finds the class as convenient for him as for his students. He notes that he has been able to continue teaching while traveling in places such as Laos and Afghanistan.

"I actually feel like I am learning more," said Angela Bostic, the student. "The dynamic is such that you have to learn how to effectively communicate in the written form. That is actually more of a task than speaking in class."

Bostic lives in North Carolina now, but her education remains constant. After she receives her MBA, she will be able to finish her course work for a master's in international management -- from wherever she ends up.

In some cases, however, the opportunity has moved faster than the acceptance. In 1998, Kaplan Inc. (which is owned by The Washington Post Co.) started Concord Law School, the first JD program that is completely online, with 33 students. So far, it has awarded degrees to 229 students in 38 states, and 1,800 students are currently enrolled. But the American Bar Association does not recognize the degree, effectively prohibiting students from taking the bar exam in most states.

Barry A. Currier, the dean, said the school is undeterred. "I think things will change. We just have to take baby steps," he said. "We don't want to bully or scream our way into legitimacy, but once people see what we do over time, the degrees will be accepted."

Accredited Life Experience Degrees - Accelerate Your Progress Online

Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap benefits in the workplace. For this reason, you may be interested in accelerating your progress to get your degree faster. This article will explain seven ways to finish your degree faster. Keep in mind that you will work harder to finish faster and must be willing to make this commitment.

Check with an admissions counselor to see if you qualify for the Credit for Life Experience Program (CLEP). Experience in the business world can translate into college credits with this program. You will have to show documentation of your work experience. The school will verify this experience to determine how it fits into your degree program in terms of college credit. The credits you receive from this program can shorten the time you spend earning your degree. This program isn’t offered at all schools or for all degree programs.

The Proficiency Exam Program (PEP) is similar to CLEP. This program allows students to earn college credit for independent study or other training received without college credit. You may have learned the subject matter in another forum and not need to take the class. You will have to show documentation and pass an exam to qualify for credits with PEP.

Many online universities offer shorter semesters. Some will give you the choice between six, eight and ten week semesters. Shorter semesters allow you to take more classes throughout the year. Keep in mind that these shorter semesters still carry the same requirements. The work load will be more intense, but the time period will be shorter. Be sure you have the time to devote before you choose shorter semesters. The pace is faster and you will need to work faster to keep up.

You can take more classes each semester. Even taking one additional class each semester can take a year off the time you will spend in school. You will have to make time for an additional class each semester, but you'll finish faster. When you plan your classes, schedule a mixture of subjects you find easy with more difficult courses. This way, you won't end up with all the subjects you find difficult at the end of your program.

Some online universities don't require students take general education classes. Your program will focus entirely on your field of study. Often, this structure results in a shorter time spent earning the degree. If you plan to transfer your credits to another university, check before enrolling in the program to make sure the credits are transferable.

Saturday Scholars Programs are offered at many large universities. Students entering this program should hold an Associates degree before applying to the program. You travel to the university on Saturdays, usually from eight in the morning until five in the evening. These programs allow you to finish your degree in two years of Saturdays.

Self paced programs are offered through some online colleges. These classes can be started at any time and finished at your own pace. You can work through the material more quickly than is possible in the typical college semester. Quite a few of these programs set a minimum time you must take the course. Usually they require a six week minimum time frame for completion.

Online Bachelor Degree Education Programs

An online bachelor degree education program can be found in a variety of ways. You can learn about an on-line school program through word of mouth, seeing an advertisement on television, or doing an Internet search from your computer. More and more schools are offering campus programs that cater to the needs of working professionals and other individuals who are unable to attend a regular on campus degree program.

Degrees Offered

Many degrees on-line are offered for both undergraduate and graduate school programs. Colleges offer these low cost alternatives to traditional classes because there is a need for them. More and more individuals are finding that they need an advanced degree in order to get ahead in the work place.

Often individuals are not able to just quit their job and go back to school for two to four years. So on-line school courses are a great alternative. Degrees online are an inexpensive alternative to the high rates of a four-year institution. Individuals can stay working at their current job while they take online courses and finish their bachelor's degree.

Cost of an Online Education

Cost is an essential factor for many individuals. Some people are stuck earning a low income and trying to make ends meet so the idea of spending more money on education is not possible. Other people can only afford a cheap education but really want a good quality education for their money.

Many online programs are aligned with the federal governments loan and grant programs. These educational loans are available to individuals who apply for them. Most programs are need based, but there are some loan programs that are available to all individuals no matter what their current income is.

An affordable online college degree is possible with an online program. For this reason, more and more individuals are turning to online programs to earn their bachelor degree. Online programs are one of the most affordable college educations available to individuals today.

Whether you are looking at finishing your bachelor degree or just getting started with your degree, an online college may be the right choice for you. They are convenient and offer you the ability to take college classes from the comfort of your own home.

Online degree programs are an exciting new trend in college education. Many people find that taking online classes is much easier than they had anticipated so they continue their degree program taking only online courses.

Most individuals will take approximately five years to finish their bachelor's degree if they are working entirely online. This is not much different from the average on campus college student. Because online programs are offered on a continuous basis throughout the year it is much easier for students to continue their education through the summer months.
If you are considering going back to college to finish your bachelor's degree you should look into some of the online degree programs. Online courses might be the right choice for you

Virtual Learning vs. the Classroom

In a time not so long ago, online degrees were questionable, frowned upon, even considered worthless. Could someone really sit at home, stare at a screen and learn as much as someone sitting in a classroom?

Many educators doubted it. It seemed the lazy man's way of learning. But new research suggests that stigma is not only fading, but transforming into eLearning accolades. Recently, an in-depth study from Sloan Consortium, a group supporting online education, confirmed what advocates of cyber-academics had been saying for years: Online learning can be just as good as -- if not better than -- a classroom degree.

"A majority of academic leaders (57 percent) believe learning outcomes for online education are equal to or superior to those of face-to-face instruction," proclaims the Sloan study.

One of those academic leaders -- James Sherwood, Ph.D., dean of University Extension, the continuing education branch of The University of California at Berkeley -- elaborates. "Coming out of World War II and getting into the '60s and '70s, there was a kind of stigma associated with distance education. That has certainly changed," says Sherwood. "Because of video streaming, chat rooms and all the other kinds of technological advances, traditional faculty is becoming more comfortable."

Both Sides of the Coin

Dr. Michael Otaigbe has had the unique chance to compare both types of learning. A classroom professor for 15 years, Otaigbe began teaching online two years ago through Strayer University. And, this semester, he's teaching the same course -- Sociology of Comparative Religions -- both online and in a classroom at Strayer's Woodbridge, Va., campus.

Though he initially struggled to adjust to not having face-to-face time with his students, he has found that his online class generates a level of motivation he hadn't expected.

"Online, I have the freedom to require contributions. Every week, my students have to submit essays and participate in group discussions," Otaigbe says. "I get a better sense of the learning process."

Whereas in a classroom setting, students must respond instantly during discussions, he explains, the online students have more time to research an answer and reflect on what to say before posting a response.

"In fact, what I have learned from the online class, I have used to improve my class teaching," Otaigbe says.

Otaigbe has also found inspiration from his online students, some of whom -- unlike his classroom students -- come from all over the world, which benefits the other online students as well.

"I have students from Japan, from China," says Otaigbe. "I know my student from India contributed a lot when we were talking about Hinduism."

Recruiter's Perspective

The online degree may get respect from educators now, but that's not enough if the rest of the world doesn't follow suit. In some ways, a degree is only as good as the opportunities it affords. Fortunately, recruiters have already begun to recognize the value of an online degree, says John Dooney, manager of strategic research for the Society for Human Resource Management, an association of HR professionals.

"Typically, a person with an online degree is someone who is also working in an organization, so they have experience," says Dooney. "You're getting someone who has the total package."

Formerly an employment manager for 15 years, Dooney admits that online degrees weren't always looked upon positively. "Ten years ago, people just weren't sure," Dooney says. "But now, I don't think people say 'Oh, they're not working hard.'"

As corporations have started using distance learning in their continuing education offerings, it has become more and more accepted as a way to earn a degree as well, he says. Sherwood, who has 20 years of experience running distance learning programs, however, does caution that not all programs are equal.

"One factor is the institution itself," Sherwood says. "If the institution offers on-site degrees and those degrees aren't worth anything, then obviously their distance degrees aren't either." He also advises a level examination of an academic discipline. "Some fields lend themselves to distance education, and some are more difficult to do at a distance." For example, advanced degrees with a serious lab work component might be a struggle to complete through an exclusively online format, he says.

As online learning continues to evolve into a well-respected educational option, perhaps the Sloan Consortium was on to something when it stated that almost one-third of academic leaders "expect that learning outcomes for online education will be superior to face-to-face instruction in three years." Perhaps your online degree will be worth even more than you think!

Education And Jobs Online

Today, the Internet is being used more and more in the academic world to facilitate learning, training and education. Online education is the fastest growing form of learning today, and its applications are spreading into even the most technical of fields. Even the basic college experience has been changed dramatically, favoring more elements of online education than ever before.

When I first went to college in 1999, email and other basic Internet functions were already gaining large-scale popularity, however, education was still limited to the traditional lecture, classroom type discussion, and textbook formats. Within the four years it took me to graduate (okay, five years), I saw an enormous increase in the use of online elements in my own education. Virtually every class I took the last year I spent in attendance had a significant online portion to the class. Often times the online elements were optional, yet I always found them an extremely useful tool as a compliment to the lectures and textbooks.

Not only has online education changed the college experience significantly, it is also playing a large role in many other forms of training and education. Many certifications, licenses, and specialized training programs are using online elements to facilitate their education as well. For example, most nursing programs, graduate programs, medical schools, law schools, law enforcement academies, other government training programs, and even many vocational training programs have online portions to their curriculums. There has also been a rise in ‘Online Universities’, accredited educational institutions and colleges that offer degrees and certifications solely by way of online education.

People today can earn an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a doctorate, even a degree in law or a registered nurse certification. Some of these programs, such as nursing, require a certain amount of physical attendance at a specified location to conduct training, but many of them are conducted entirely online. The rising popularity of online education is not without its criticism and potential drawbacks. Many people argue that removing the live ‘face to face’ interaction of traditional education will impact they way we are able to socialize effectively. These critics suggest that the communication skills learned in discussion and lecture formats are part of the educational experience, and should not be overlooked. There is also some criticism about the ability to regulate online education, and fears about cheating to obtain degrees without earning them. In spite of the drawbacks and criticism, online education continues to grow at a rapid pace, and will most certainly remain a strong part of educational and training programs of the future.

University of Phoenix On-Line Nursing Degree: Students with Dyslexia Demonstrate Unique Strengths

Is dyslexia keeping you from enrolling in the University of Phoenix on-line nursing degree? Some aspects of learning, such as reading and spelling, may be more difficult for nursing students with dyslexia. However, research is showing that dyslexia also gives students significant advantages.
Dyslexia Provides Special Strengths for the University of Phoenix On-Line Nursing Degree

If you have dyslexia, you are also likely to have these strengths to help you excel in the University of Phoenix on-line nursing degree:1

* Tendency to think outside-the-box.
* Able to see the big picture.
* Strong empathy and feeling for others.
* Adapt easily to change.
* High capacity for learning.
* Talented at writing when punctuation and spelling are not judged.

Students with Dyslexia Succeed in the University of Phoenix On-Line Nursing Degree

With the right support, nursing students with dyslexia can successfully complete the University of Phoenix on-line nursing degree. A quiet study environment, extra time for reading assignments, and assistive equipment can help students work with the differences in the way they learn.2
Find Out How to Get Started in the University of Phoenix On-Line Nursing Degree Today!

For more information about the University of Phoenix on-line nursing degree, fill out this information request form. More inks to nursing resources and degree programs can be found at Dynasty Education, the leading education and career resource website.

Demand for Hospital Administration Job Info Follows Healthcare IT Initiative

With the U.S. government's 2007 advancement of the Healthcare Information Technology Initiative, demand for career information is strong, says FindTheRightSchool.com, a resource for healthcare degree seekers. The new nationwide healthcare information management system promises career opportunities in healthcare administration will continue to expand for individuals with proper healthcare administration degrees.

As 2007 ushers in the nationwide Healthcare and Information Technology Initiative, employment opportunities in hospital and healthcare administration will continue to grow, says FindTheRightSchool.com, a one-stop online education tool for campus-based and online degree programs.

The site presents prospective students with information about associate, bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees in healthcare administration or healthcare management to help students enter careers at the crossroads between healthcare and information technology (IT). (http://www.FindTheRightSchool.com)

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, healthcare is the second fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 12 million workers. Amid rapid growth in this ever-changing industry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is pushing the Healthcare Information Technology Initiative that will generate the need for even more healthcare managers and administrators to oversee the flow of an electronic health record system.

As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services propels the Healthcare IT initiative, the White House acknowledges growth in the healthcare industry. After the president's most recent State of the Union Address, Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor, stated that "there are a number of industries that are expected to expand rapidly and create new jobs in this decade." Healthcare is among the four industries she describes.

The healthcare administration industry remains in need of administrators and managers, and individuals with business and management skills should enjoy the best opportunities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that in 2004 there were 175,000 individuals employed as medical and health services managers. This number will likely grow by an astounding 26.1 percent through 2014. In the high-paying field of healthcare administrators, qualified individuals can advance to positions of greater responsibility including chief executive officer of a major healthcare facility.

During a time of nationwide changes in healthcare structure and financing, FindTheRightSchool.com (http://www.FindTheRightSchool.com)
provides prospective students with up-to-date information regarding both campus-based and online healthcare administration degree and healthcare management degree programs.

FindTheRightSchool.com is a one-stop education resource for online and campus degree programs. Students can easily research career-track programs in business, accounting, marketing, technology, management, education, nursing and more.

Starting a Career in Interior Design

Getting an entry-level job in interior design will usually require postsecondary education — usually a bachelor’s degree. Receiving a license is required in some states as well. Due to the nature of the work many talented individuals are attracted to interior design resulting in stiff job competition. Getting your education in interior design will help position you for the possible positions and get you started in your new career.

Getting the Best Interior Design Education

Typical training programs or degree programs in interior design usually take two to four years to complete. With a certificate or an associate’s degree you can qualify as an assistant to an interior designer. Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree you can qualify for a formal apprenticeship program, which puts you on the path to being licensed in the states where it is required. Employers are interested in designers with the best technical skills, and many are looking for applicants who are familiar with CAD software — something to consider when you evaluate possible design classes.

Design Classes Online

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Many of these schools also offer interior design education programs online. Taking interior design classes online can help you fit your education into your busy schedule, and some programs will help you save money over attending a traditional university.

When you consider your interior design education take a look at your goals and a hard look at the school you’re considering. You want to make sure that the design classes you take will best prepare you for a job in interior design.

Online and on task: Degree programs done via computer work for many, but experts advise checking them out

Anna Rose Eckenrode of Altoona works online on her master’s degree in adult education from Penn State World Campus. She expects to graduate in December.
In many ways, Anna Rose Eckenrode is your typical student pursuing her master’s degree. She has an array of assignments and projects to complete on time, all while working full-time and raising three children with her husband, Tony.

But there is a key difference between Eckenrode and many other students — the 44-year-old Altoona resident is taking many of her courses online.

“With online (classes), as long as you utilize your time management skills, you’re fine,” she said. “I can do it at my convenience. (For) some of the students, it’s also demographic. It may be too far to go to a university and for students with a disability, it’s a plus (taking online courses).”

Eckenrode received her associate’s degree in information systems technology through Penn State University in 2003 and her bachelor’s degree in human resource management through Geneva College in 2005.

Now she’s after her master’s degree in adult education through Penn State World Campus and expects to graduate in December.

Since 2004, Eckenrode’s been an education and training specialist for Penn State Altoona Continuing Education & Training. She said she wants to keep her position but have a stronger academic background.

As a World Campus student, Eckenrode has the same academic responsibilities as students attending campuses. Her Web-based courses have lessons entirely online, along with class discussions, and she still has scheduled courses. So for assignments for a course on a Wednesday, she must have the work done by the next class. She’s also able to participate in discussion boards with students for credit and finds that works better for her than participating in a classroom.

“You learn a lot from your peers,” she said. “In class, I’d just sit there and listen, but I believe I participate more online.”

Even her family gets in on the work. When Mom needs to be quizzed for exams, her 20-year-old daughter and 13-year-old twins have no trouble disciplining the student, including having her write some problems she gets wrong five times to really understand the material.

“Their standards are very high for me,” she said, laughing. “If I can do this, anybody can do this.”

But online degree programs don’t always paint a rosy picture. Pop-up ads on computer screens promise a college degree online with just a few payments or in a short period of time.

So which programs are for real and which are all hype?

“In this day and age, there are many, many legitimate programs, but there are also fake colleges that sell college degrees for a flat fee,” said Vicky Phillips, founder and chief executive officer of Essex Junction, Vt.-based www.geteducated.com. “They’ve always existed, and it’s over a $1 billion industry. It’s become a lucrative niche.”

Her Web site showcases accredited online degree programs and includes facts about online learning.

Some would think looking at a college’s Web site could offer indications of legitimacy or fraud. Not always.

“The question becomes, ‘Is it accredited?’” Phillips said. “But it can’t stop there. Most diploma mills are accredited, but by fake accreditation firms. As long as it’s not false advertisement, it’s legal. They don’t have to say if it’s a recognized accreditor or what it means for you.”

To find a legitimate, accredited degree program, Phillips suggests investigating to see if the college is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and visiting www.geteducated.com for the diploma mill police on the Web site.

That offshoot of the site is where people can submit details about a program and staff will investigate to see if it’s accredited through a reputable agency, Phillips said. Each month, staff responds to 500 queries.

The Web site for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation — www.chea.org — lists institutions and programs accredited by recognized U.S. accrediting organizations, information on degree and accreditation mills and questions to ask before signing up for a program

‘‘There’s a lot of information there and information that can directly answer questions,’’ said Judith Eaton, council president. ’

Determining if a program is legitimate or not is just one hurdle to overcome when choosing an online program. Another is picking the right one.

For example, the University of Phoenix Online has an open enrollment program where SAT scores aren’t required. Anyone who graduated from high school can apply, said Todd Cunningham, campus director of the three Pittsburgh campuses. He said specific enrollment figures could not be released.

University of Phoenix has 190 physical campuses across the county, but Cunningham said students can also earn their degrees entirely online or combine classroom settings and online work.

Undergraduate courses at Pittsburgh campuses cost $435 per credit and $30 to $35 more for online programs, he said. Campus courses for graduate programs run $565 per credit with the same increase for online. Doctoral programs through the university are only done online, but Cunningham didn’t have cost information available.

As for the length of programs, it’s really no different than campus-based degrees, he said.

‘‘If you have zero credits with you, you can finish in four years,’’ he said. ‘‘You can also get an associate’s degree in 20 months. Our philosophy is it’s not about enrolling students. It’s about graduating students. It’s up to you to earn your grades, but we’re here to help you.’’

Comparatively, World Campus has the same application and acceptance procedures as if a person was applying to a specific campus, said Executive Director Ken Udas. Cost varies by program, but in most cases it’s similar to residential tuition, he said.

So, undergraduate tuition is approximately $400 per credit and graduate tuition ranges from $551 per credit for courses from the College of Education to $849 per credit for online MBA courses.

As of Oct. 1, World Campus, which offers more than 50 online degree and certificate programs, had 5,691 students taking courses.

‘‘One of the reasons why Penn State World Campus can say it’s one of the best providers is program development,’’ Udas said. Faculty for both online and in-classroom classes go through the same hiring practices.

Once you earn a degree, will employers even take a second glance if your degree was earned online?

‘‘You look at the experience and past work history,’’ said Tim Mallon, president of the Human Resources Management Association of Blair County. ‘‘Secondly is education. The difference is debatable.’’

If an employer recognizes a school’s name, like Penn State, that may add an additional level of legitimacy, he said.

‘‘I’d encourage employees to call potential employers and ask what they’re looking for,’’ he said

Brick and mortar schools (physical locations) may carry more weight, he said, but the popularity of online programs can also be helpful in the hiring process.

‘‘Either way, getting that education is always a good thing,’’ he said.

Mirror Staff Writer Jennifer Babulsky is at 946-7460.



Do your homework

If the answers to many of these questions are ‘‘yes,’’ the operation under consideration may be a “mill”:

For diploma mills

Can degrees be purchased?

Is there a claim of accreditation when there is no evidence of this status?

Is there a claim of accreditation from a questionable accrediting organization?

Does the operation lack state or federal licensure or authority to operate?

Is little, if any, attendance required of students?

Are few assignments required to earn a degree?

Are degrees available solely on experience or resume review?

Are there few requirements for graduation?

Does the operation charge very high fees as compared with average fees charged by higher education institutions?

Alternatively, is the fee so low that it does not appear to be related to the cost of providing legitimate education?

Does the operation fail to provide any information about a campus or business location or address and relies, for example, only on a post office box?

Does the operation fail to provide a list of its faculty and their qualifications?

Does the operation have a name similar to other well-known colleges and universities?

Does the operation make claims in its publications for which there is no evidence?

For accreditation mills

Does the operation allow accredited status to be purchased?

Does the operation publish lists of institutions or programs they claim to have accredited without institutions and programs knowing they are listed or have been accredited?

Are high fees for accreditation required as compared to average fees from accrediting organizations?

Does the operation claim it is recognized by, for example, the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation when it is not?

Are few, if any, standards for quality published by the operation?

Is a very short period of time required to achieve accredited status?

Are accreditation reviews routinely confined to submitting documents and do not include site visits or interviews of key personnel by the accrediting organization?

Is ‘‘permanent’’ accreditation granted without any requirement for subsequent periodic review?

Does the operation use organizational names similar to recognized accrediting organizations?

Does the operation make claims in its publications for which there is no evidence?

10 signs your degree is fake

Online education is a $10 billion-a-year industry, up from $2.5 billion in 2004, according to the "Postsecondary Education Factbook." Enrollment for online courses is projected to reach about 1.7 million U.S. students this year, more than three times those enrolled in 2002.

Some online programs have been accused of being degree mills: fake universities that sell college diplomas, not an education.

Use these tips for identifying degree mills.

1. Your chosen university is not accredited.

2. Your chosen university is accredited but not by an agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, www.chea.org. Internet degree mills are "accredited" by bogus agencies that they themselves have created. These bogus accrediting agencies often have prestigious sounding names.

3. Admission criteria consist entirely of possession of a valid Visa or MasterCard. Previous academic record, grade-point average and test scores are deemed irrelevant.

4. You are offered a college degree based on a "review" of your faxed resume. No valid distance-learning university in the United States will award a graduate degree (master's or doctorate) based solely on a review of career experience. Accredited undergraduate programs typically limit credit for experience to a maximum of 10 courses or 30 semester credits. (One year of a four-year degree.)

5. You are promised a diploma within 30 days of application regardless of your status upon entry.

6. You are promised a degree in exchange for a lump sum: typically, $2,000 for an undergraduate degree, $3,000 for a graduate degree. Universities do not commonly charge flat fees. They charge per credit tuition and fees.

7. Your prospective online university has multiple complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau. Visit BBB online at www.bbb.org.

8. Your online admission counselor assures you that online universities can't be accredited by CHEA-recognized agencies. This is a lie.

9. The school's Web site either lists no faculty or lists faculty who have attended schools accredited by bogus agencies.

10. The university offers online degrees almost exclusively to U.S. citizens but is in a foreign country.

Don't be fooled by diploma mills. Many maintain impressive Web sites and advertise heavily online. Take the time to verify accreditation by an agency that is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Boost your career with an online degree

Obtaining an online degree can be a fantastic and easy way to further your career, prospects and financial future in general. But before you go ahead, there are a few important points you really need to know.

Number 1, you will want to ensure that the institution that offers you an online degree is an accredited body. School and universities are accredited on a national or state basis. This accreditation means that a relevant board of education has researched and approved the schools curriculum and course work.

Number 2, you will want to make sure that the school is well known and that the bachelors degree can be transferred at will. This will help because a timke may come when you might need to further enhance your education by completing your masters degree and you might wish to move your bachelors credits.

Prerequisite to earning your bachelors degree from a university or college, First you must have the minimum of a G.E.D or a high school grade diploma. It also helps to have some sort of college or previous work experience under your belt. If you have earned previous college credits, then you can put these toward your bachelors degree program and the period of time that you will need to be enrolled in school will not be too long.

If you have no previous college credits to your name, The large majority of bachelors degree online programs take about 36 months to complete. This period of time is based mainly on a person that takes a minimum of about 20 hours of course work every week. With previous college credits, or by spending a greater amount of time on course work each and every week, some folk can even finish their bachelors online degree program in as little as 1 year.

To choose which university or college to learn with, it is probably wise to decide which kind of degree program you are interested in. The great majority of colleges offer these type of programs but quite often some specialize in main varied fields. For example, an individual who wishes to gain a bachelors degree in business might decide to go with Ashworth College, while a person that wants an degree in education might decide to go with Penn State University.

When you have decided on a bachelors online degree course, you need to thoroughly research its class schedule. The majority of online programs or courses will allow you to download the course work and complete it at your own convenience, some programs however insist that you log on to the Internet for virtual class sessions at a pre-designated time a few times a week. Now you are aware of the basics you will see that making up for lost time can be easier than you might have thought. topping up your education is now a real possibility and within anybody’s grasp. Go on why not give it a go

Understanding The Life Experience Degrees

The Life Experiences Degrees is a lesser popular type of online education that is offered to adults who have sufficient hands-on experience or skills in their respective fields but do not have the corresponding college degree for it.

The Life Experiences Degrees are being offered by select universities in the United States since 1987. Obtaining a Life Experience Degree is possibly one of the most practical ways to accelerate the career of adults because just like the concept of online education, this type of degree is very time saving and said to be more flexible than the usual online degree studying.

Life Experiences Degree can significantly reduce amount of online classes that you need to complete since you are given life credits based on the result of the assessment of your experiences. To earn a course credit under this program, you need to have a comprehensive description of the skills or knowledge of a certain degree in order to be accepted. And if you could prove the said skills, the Life Experiences Degree can be achieved within two weeks.

The universities that are known to offer full Life Experiences Degrees are Almeda University, Belford University, Breyer State University, Bronte International University, Concordia College & University, Ellington University, Redding University, Rochville University, Ashwood University and Suffield University.

However, adults and professionals need to be extremely wary about obtaining these types of degrees, as these are the degrees that are often involved in online scams like diploma mill or degree mill. You need to very cautious if you want to obtain Life Experiences Degrees and be also aware that there are many institutions that have negative impressions on Life Experiences Degrees.

Online Colleges Gain Popularity Among New Graduates

With the rise of the Internet and the opportunities it now provides, a new type of college student is quickly emerging, making a big splash on the college scene. Imagine being able to earn a college degree without ever attending a traditional classroom!

A wealth of colleges and universities have now gone online, enabling college students both young and old to earn an associates, bachelors, masters or even a PhD degree online. Or, you can simply take a few classes to help learn a new subject or to complete a diploma or certificate.

Online Degrees for Both High School Grads and Professionals

When you think of online colleges and universities, you may assume that it is an educational option mainly for busy professionals or older people who want to go back to school. But online college degrees are becoming more popular with recent high school and college graduates ready to take the next step in their educational advancement.

Here are three great reasons for new graduates to consider earning their degree online:

Conveniently Scheduled Classes on Your Time

Traditional campus-based undergraduate and graduate college courses are scheduled anywhere from early morning to late evening. Trudging back and forth across campus due to a staggered schedule, or trying to schedule your classes around a part-time job or an internship can be overwhelming. But an accredited online college can work with you, offering most, if not all of your classes online with various time options available for you to choose from. Take your classes when it's most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.

Learn at Your Own Pace

At an accredited online college, you set the pace of your studies and determine the sequence and style of learning that is right for you. This helps develop time management skills and means less stress for you since you are on your own schedule and not at the mercy of other student's learning style.

Make More Money

It's a well known fact that people with college degrees and advanced degrees earn much more than their high school or GED counterparts. According to the U.S. Census, workers 18 and over sporting bachelors degrees earn an average of $51,206 a year, while those with a high school diploma earn $27,915. But wait, there's more. Workers with an advanced degree make an average of $74,602, and those without a high school diploma average $18,734.*

There are so many online colleges in the US and abroad that it can be difficult to choose the best online university degree program. But no matter which one you choose, the advancements in educational technology provide you with the opportunity to get the accredited professional education you desire.