Posts Tagged ‘degrees online’
Posted by admin on July 27th, 2009
Thanks to distance-learning technology, amplified federal assistance and a network of military-friendly programs, the opportunities for GI Joes and Janes to further their education during active duty, post-discharge or through retirement continue to grow.
Locally, active duty personnel can take advantage of on-base programs like the ones offered at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (or NAS JRB). Though open in some instances to veterans, military dependants and retirees, the programs are primarily geared for working service members who face potential deployment or transfer while pursuing their studies.
Schooling for soldiers
“All members of the military are encouraged to continue their education,” said Don Ray, a public information officer at the naval air station. “The military gives them the opportunity to attend classes, whether it be at lunchtime or in the evening.
“Not only does it help them later in life when they leave the military, internally, it helps them with promotions,” he said. “It makes them more well-rounded in their job profession here.
“Nowadays a high school education doesn’t get you very far in the military,” he said. “The military has become very technical.
“Plus, while they are on active duty, the military gives tuition assistance, so they don’t have to use their VA [Veterans Affairs] benefits if they don’t want to,” he said. “They can save the benefit for when they get out of the service.”
Rebecca Ary, director of the Navy College Office at NAS JRB, said that four colleges provide on-base programs that lead to bachelor’s degrees or certifications: Columbia College, which offers liberal arts courses in subjects like criminal justice and psychology; Northwood University, offering marketing and management degrees; Embry-Riddle, an aviation program; and ECPI College of Technology, offering computer training.
The schools are members of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges Consortium, a network of educational programs designed to help service members and their families further their education. SOC programs feature reduced in-residency requirements, military-friendly credit transfer policies and credit awarded for military experience.
“It helps the member if the military moves them to another location,” said Ary.
Distance-learning programs and online classes also make it possible for students to complete coursework after being moved, said Ary.
Terry Silva, career services director at Northwood University’s Texas campus, located in Cedar Hill, said that the university takes extra measures to work with service members’ special needs.
“We do work-life evaluations where they can get [college] credit for a particular kind of military experience, like computer training, or leadership or supervisory training,” he said.
“If someone enrolls in a class, then they get assigned to go somewhere, Northwood will refund 100 percent of their tuition,” he said. “If they are transferring out, we tell them if there is a way to get [at least] an associate’s degree with us. There are online and independent study opportunities in case they transfer out when they are close to graduating.
“It’s something for us to give back to them,” he said.
The new Post-9/11 Bill
A population of veterans will soon have better access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1.
The new legislation provides education aid for veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, at a level representing a significant increase above the amount covered in the current GI Bill.
Under the Post-9/11 Bill, funding is available for housing, books, and tuition associated with the completion of graduate and undergraduate degrees and vocational or technical training.
Dallas Baptist University recently created the “Patriot Veterans Opportunity Program,” which features scholarships and support services for students receiving benefits under the new bill.
“We’ve been a military-friendly campus for years,” said Dr. Donovan Fredricksen, dean of the university’s college of adult education. “Our mascot is the Patriot, and we are located next to the national cemetery.”
Anticipating more veteran enrollment
Fredricksen said that DBU has staff designated for the purpose of veteran education as well as a military education task force made up of diverse faculty and staff members.
Additionally, the university will soon launch a new Web site, “Patriot2Patriot”, in anticipation of an increased veteran student population.
“The college I’m over cares a lot about adult students coming back to school,” he said. “We understand about the different responsibilities they have of family and work.
“It’s even more so with our returning veterans,” he said, “It’s truly an honor for us to help them continue their education. ”
Another opportunity for veterans to leverage the new bill’s benefits is through the University of Phoenix, a private university with campuses across the nation, including Texas.
According to a recent press release, University of Phoenix will cover up to 50 percent of on-campus or online tuition and fees that surpass the GI Bill’s benefit rate.
The school also offers programs designed for active duty personnel.
Star-Telegram.com
Posted by admin on July 14th, 2009
President Barack Obama will unveil a $12 billion initiative on Tuesday to boost community colleges and propel the United States toward his goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, administration officials said.
The 10-year program, which he will announce during a visit on Tuesday afternoon to Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, includes a new goal of graduating an additional 5 million students from community colleges over the next decade, double the current number of expected graduates.
Education is the often-forgotten third pillar of Obama’s economic plan and has received far less attention than the other two — healthcare reform and renewable energy.
In a speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in February, Obama warned that the fastest growing fields of employment required more than a high school diploma, while only about half the U.S. population had graduated from high school.
He urged Americans to commit to at least one year of higher education or career training and set a goal of having the United States lead the world in proportion of college graduates by the year 2020.
Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers issued a report on the future of the U.S. job market on Monday that was aimed at bolstering the case for more higher education.
“Well-trained and highly-skilled workers will be best positioned to secure high-wage jobs, thereby fueling American prosperity,” the report said.
“Occupations requiring higher educational attainment are projected to grow much faster than those with lower education requirements, with the fastest growth among occupations that require an associate’s degree or a post-secondary vocational award,” it said.
Community colleges are two-year schools that generally grant associate degrees or training certificates. The annual cost of attendance is around half that of public four-year colleges and universities.
There are more than a thousand community colleges in the United States with more than 6 million students enrolled. Nearly half a million students graduate from community colleges annually.
Deputy Undersecretary of Education Bob Shireman said $9 billion of the funds Obama proposes to spend will go mainly for challenge grants awarded on a competitive basis to encourage community colleges to propose and launch innovative new programs.
Some of the $9 billion would fund programs to address the problem of students dropping out of college.
James Kvaal, special assistant to the president for education policy, said $2.5 billion would be used as seed money to generate $10 billion in renovation and construction at community colleges.
Another $500 million would be used to develop online courses and materials to improve student learning, including artificial intelligence tutoring and multimedia courses, Kvaal said.
Posted by admin on July 8th, 2009
A good way to think about consolidating student loans is protection. If you have variable-rate federal student loans, you can convert your variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. By consolidating and fixing your interest rate, you have protected yourself from future interest rate increases. You’re unlikely to catch the exact bottom so don’t try. Consider the long term ramifications of a variable or fixed rate loan in your financial plan and consider alternatives.
The current fixed rate consolidation loan rate is 2.5%, historically low. In addition, don’t be in a rush to pay off the loan if you have alternative investment options available. For instance, let’s assume you receive a bonus of $20,000 (after tax) and are looking for things to do with that money. After booking that cruise you’ve always wanted to do, look around at your investment and debt repayment options. If you are carrying credit card debt and your interest rate is greater than 9%, that’s probably a good place to put some of that bonus money to work. You’ve effectively earned a 9% return on your money by not having to pay future interest to the credit card company. How about a car loan? Pay it off and use the old car payment as a monthly savings plan into your 401k or IRA. Before paying off some of the 2.5% student loan, consider investing in a good growth mutual fund by opening a Roth IRA and saving $5,000 plus all future earnings are tax free. If you believe an investment in an IRA will earn you more than 2.5%, you’re ahead of the game.
Examiner.com
Posted by admin on June 29th, 2009
Two schools — the University of Phoenix and Bryant & Stratton College — handed out degrees to more than 400 students this month at the Richmond Convention Center.
A third school — South University — will open in Henrico County on Oct. 5 behind the Whole Foods Market on West Broad Street. It is now enrolling students for its local campus and online classes.
The three schools offer classes at a traditional campus as well as online-only.
Online learning is gaining credibility and gaining ground in the higher-education field.
About 12.2 million consumers enrolled in roughly 11,200 college-level distance-education programs during the 2006-07 academic year, the latest figures available, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That’s up from the 3 million consumers enrolled in 2,320 distance-learning programs in 2000-01.
Most traditional colleges and universities now offer online courses as part of their regular degree programs, as well. Some, such as the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, offer a few specialized degree programs entirely online.
Are you thinking of earning an online degree? If so, here are some things you need to know:
* You need the right stuff in order to succeed. “Because there’s no structured class schedule, it takes a lot of self-discipline,” said James Campbell, director of marketing at the University of Richmond’s School of Continuing Studies.
Students who fail at online learning do so for the same reasons as those in a normal class setting, said Walter Green, chairman of the Emergency Services Management degree program in UR’s School of Continuing Studies.
“They just don’t do the work.”
Those diligently engaged in their coursework who regularly interact with other students and the instructor usually succeed, he said.
* Be certain that the school is certified and accredited.
It should be certified by the State Council of Higher Education in Richmond and accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
“Institutions that are approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be of high quality,” said Terry Hartle, an official at the American Council on Education, a trade organization.
The North Central Association of Colleges & Schools is the recognized accreditation board in the region that includes Virginia.
* Be sure the school offers financial aid. Title IV funding from the federal government — including student loans and grants — should be available, said Susan S. Whisenhunt, director of academic affairs at the University of Phoenix in Richmond.
* Tuition varies. Expect to pay $365 per credit hour for an online undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond and $361 per credit hour online at South University. The average annual tuition and fees at the University of Phoenix is about $12,000.
* Don’t assume that online learning is a piece of cake. Course loads are normally just as rigorous as classroom learning.
* You’ll find it convenient. Some of the students enrolled in UR’s online Emergency Services Management or Disaster Science programs are shift workers — firefighters, EMS technicians, even emergency-room physicians. They log in when they can grab the time, maybe even at 3 a.m., UR Program Coordinator Bo Harris said.
“You can study anywhere and anytime,” Hartle said.
* You will communicate electronically with your instructors. But you may not meet them face to face until graduation.
* You won’t feel isolated from classmates. “The students typically are very connected to their colleagues” through online forums and a chat room, Whisenhunt said.
“I see great friendships developing.” It’s like social networking, she said.
TimesDispatch.com
Posted by admin on May 20th, 2009
As a response to the environmental challenges facing businesses, Shrewsbury-based UMass Online, is offering new programs in sustainable entrepreneurship, environmental public policy and green building.
The programs were developed by and are being offered through UMass Amherst and UMass Dartmouth. UMass Online is the online learning division of the University of Massachusetts system.
The sustainable entrepreneurship program will offer a bachelor’s degree and will cover green building, energy conservation, as well as other aspects of the so-called “green economy.”
The environmental public policy program will offer a graduate certificate and cover various aspects of environmental law, public process and policy. Students anywhere in the world can pursue the sustainable entrepreneurship degree entirely online.
Posted by admin on April 16th, 2009
In today’s economy, it can feel as if there are few jobs to be had, much less ones with six-figure salaries attached. However, there are careers to be found in a range of fields that can boost your earning power. What’s more, you can achieve a high income without a doctorate or a law degree.
Of course, achieving a six-figure salary will always require hard work and motivation. There are no free rides or successful get-rich-quick schemes. Sometimes continuing your education is the best way to prepare for a new career.
Below are some steps that may help you take your current salary to new heights.
Consider the benefits of online education.
Online training programs offer an alternative to traditional in-classroom education that can be very appealing for working students. Pursuing an online degree, whether it’s a bachelor’s, associate’s, or higher, allows you to study from home, at your own pace, so you can keep your current job while training for a better one.
Scenario 1: Earn a two-year associate’s degree.
Believe it or not, there are some high-paying careers out there that you can prepare for with about two years of study. For example, court reporters are known to pull in six-figure salaries, and often train for their careers with just one year to 33 months of study. If you’re surprised to see this career on the list, consider that court reporters often take on freelance work in addition to their regular hours to significantly boost their incomes. While the average salary for a court reporter technically weighs in at about $48,000, many use freelance opportunities to top the $100,000 mark.
Scenario 2: See where a bachelor’s degree can take you.
Train for a career in fine arts, finance, or technology, and find high-paying careers in each area. Art directors average about $83,000 annually, with the top 25 percent earning over $100,000 per year. Many art directors hold a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Some begin their careers as graphic artists in advertising, publishing, design, or film, and work their way up to the position of art director while proving themselves through experience and hard work.
In the financial sector, actuaries pull in hefty salaries assessing risks and their financial impacts while often working for insurance companies. The mean annual salary for an actuary is $95,420. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or business should offer solid footing for you to embark upon this career path.
If your interests lie in technology and IT, consider becoming a Web systems manager. The mean annual salary for this career is $113,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 25 percent can earn over $136,000 per year. A bachelor’s degree is a common requirement for IT managers, along with a strong knowledge of computers and management practices. A degree in management information systems may be especially helpful.
Scenario 3: Looking beyond a bachelor’s — let education take you higher.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to advance within your current field, consider the options that might be possible with a master’s degree.
Becoming an educational administrator can be a great option for teachers looking to advance their careers with a two-year master’s degree. In most cases, a master’s in educational administration or educational leadership is required, as well as related experience in teaching or school administration.
A high school principal might expect to earn around $92,000 annually, according to the BLS, while a chief academic officer can earn over $140,000 per year.
Look into further career training.
Research your potential new career, what further experience you might need, and how to get it. In today’s fast-paced job market, current job skills are essential, especially if your career involves using computers or technology in any way. Many professionals remain at the top of their careers with short educational stints or extra certifications in their fields.
Do what makes you happy — the money will follow.
You’ve heard it from everyone from your mom to Oprah: Do what makes you truly happy, and the financial side of things will fall into place. While it may be difficult to swallow this notion when you’re about to leap into a career change, you will likely be happy you did, especially if you follow these guidelines.
Yahoo Hotjobs
Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009
TIP 3: Explore Related or New Career Field
Many of us will find ourselves working on a variety of projects at our jobs even though we carry a specific title or role in a department. The experience we gain from working with various departments provides “hands-on” working knowledge. If you find yourself out of work, we suggest applying your working knowledge and looking for a new position in a related career category. For example, an Account Manager, who typically handles day to day operations such as client management, drafting reports, and exploring new opportunities, can transfer their experience to a related career position in Communications, Marketing, and even Accounting & Finance. Those seriously interested in exploring related career positions can prepare themselves by enrolling in an online degree program offered at an accredited college. This allows them to continue their education while simultaneously seeking employment. Hiring Managers want to see such dedication and commitment in applicants and an additional degree could be the difference between being offered a position or being passed over for a more qualified candidate.
Posted by admin on February 25th, 2009
AchieveYourCareer.com, a respected source in online education news and information, has included a guide illustrating “Quick Tips for Reinventing Yourself during a Recession” to their website and blog. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling financially due to jobs lost, AchieveYourCareer.com outlines inexpensive, quick opportunities to help increase your income, land new job positions, and open new career paths. “In late Q4 and continuing into Q1 of this year, we have seen a tremendous surge in traffic to our online education website, as more Americans consider the benefits that an online school can offer,” stated AchieveYourCareer.com founder and President, Michael Speicher. “If you get laid off, typically you panic. But we published this guide to help showcase how you can still succeed with a strong education foundation and goals.” Speicher added. We have included a sample of “Quick Tips for Reinventing Yourself during a Recession” and for the complete listing of all tips, visit www.achieveyourcareer.com.
TIP 1: Become A Consultant.
If you find yourself unemployed or laid off, you may have several years of experience in a specific job field. Starting your own business as a consultant can be a quick and easy step to earning additional income and growing your client base. By re-establishing yourself in a specific profession, you maybe able to offer your and expertise to a variety of companies. If you are concerned about certification, several accredited online schools offer inexpensive online certificate programs that can be completed quickly at your own schedule. Certificates can be applied to several key industries such as Business, Communications, Teaching, and Healthcare.
TIP 2: Go Back to School
A common goal shared by many Americans is to continue their education. However, once you have entered the work force, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the time and the funds to go back to school. Believe it or not, being laid off or let go from a job can be a liberating experience for some, and it can provide the opportunity and time to become a student once again. One of the most cost effective ways to become qualified for a new career is to explore the opportunities of an online education. Programs are constantly enrolling new adult students throughout the year. Online programs offer superior flexibility compared to traditional campus program, as students can schedule assignments around their personal schedules. Online schools offer accredited degrees at a fraction of the cost of regional and local career colleges. And in some cases, you can earn an Associates Degree in a growing career field such as Education or Healthcare in as little as 24 months or less.
Come Back for more Tips to Reinventing Yourself During a Recession.
Posted by admin on February 5th, 2009
Drexel University Online a pioneer in Internet-based education programs, has added a new online program to its offerings, the Master of Science in Hospitality Management from Drexel’s Goodwin College of Professional Studies.
At the national and international levels, the travel and hospitality industries are increasingly requiring that professionals have advanced skill sets. Drexel University Online’s Master of Science in Hospitality Management provides professionals the credentials they need to advance in the industry, with a convenient and flexible online format. Career paths include senior management of hotels and resorts, convention services, strategic development for online distribution of travel services, real-estate development projects and business ownership.
This two-year master’s program provides a solid education in management, travel and tourism and allows students to choose concentrations in global tourism or gaming and casino management. Courses are taught by the same faculty as on campus so students will not have to sacrifice quality for convenience.
Similar to Drexel’s other online degree offerings, the fully-accredited hospitality management program is offered entirely online, and is intended for working professionals. Students have 24/7 online access to class materials, group discussion, instructor feedback and exams.
Posted by admin on December 3rd, 2008
Laureate Education announced it has launched an international scholarship initiative named in honor of Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education during the Clinton Administration, and a champion of making higher education accessible to those in need. The announcement was made by former President Bill Clinton and Douglas L. Becker, chief executive officer of Laureate Education at the Clinton Global Initiative Asia meeting in Hong Kong. Laureate will award 1,000 Richard W. Riley scholarships to deserving teachers around the world to help them earn an advanced degree in education, business or information technology.
“These scholarships are named in honor of Richard W. Riley for his global contributions to the field of education and to Laureate,” said Mr. Becker. “Our global network of universities will grant more than 1,000 scholarships to teachers around the world because we know that teachers have a tremendous impact on the lives of students and families and the positive development of society. Providing highly deserving teachers with advanced education empowers them to effect positive change and to make their communities stronger.”
Richard W. Riley served as United States Secretary of Education from 1993 to 2001. He previously served two terms as governor of the state of South Carolina. Recently, Mr. Riley was named one of the 20th century’s “Ten Best Cabinet Members” by Time Magazine. During his tenure as Secretary of Education, Mr. Riley spearheaded initiatives to improve academic standards and expand college grants and loans programs. In 2008, Walden University, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, named its College of Education after Richard W. Riley. The Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University is one of the largest and most prominent teacher education institutions in the United States.
Laureate Education will award the scholarships as part of a broad initiative to further educational opportunities throughout Laureate International Universities, a network of 42 institutions of higher education in 20 countries serving nearly 500,000 students. The scholarships are primarily focused at the master’s degree level, but will also be awarded to some undergraduate degree students. Each participating university will be supported in this initiative by the Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University.
President Clinton announced Laureate’s Commitment to Action initiative before the CGI community, which included world leaders from government, business, and the nonprofit sector such as Lee Kuan Yew, minister mentor and former prime minister of the Republic of Singapore; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, president of the Republic of the Philippines; and Yuriko Koike, member of the House of Representatives of Japan.
