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Graduate Degree: Do Earnings Significantly Increase with Advanced Education?

James — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:04:08 +0000

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more education means higher earning power and lower unemployment rates. Earning a bachelor’s degree increases average weekly earnings by 62% over settling for a high school diploma. Do earnings just keep skyrocketing the more education a student pursues?

Average Cost of a Graduate Degree

The U.S. Department of Labor reports average yearly tuition for the 2001 – 2002 academic year was $8,891 for graduate students. However, there are hidden costs to consider as well. If a professional takes time off from work to go back to graduate school full-time, missed salary, health insurance, and lost experience in the job market must also be taken into consideration. For some students, room and board must also be factored into the total bill.

Average Financial Payoffs of a Graduate Degree

The hard data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that bachelor’s degree holders earn an average of $900 per week, whereas graduate degree holders earn an average of $1064 per week. This translates into a $164 weekly difference or an $8,528 yearly difference. Over a lifetime, a professional with a bachelor’s degree working full-time will earn $2 million and a professional with a graduate degree will earn an average of $2 million. In short, a graduate degree typically results in higher earnings in most fields of study, usually to the tune of about 21% higher.

Financial Payoffs by Specific Occupation

The increase in earnings for graduate degree holders varies by occupation and, for some, can be quite dramatic. Psychologists who earn a graduate degree increase their earnings by a whopping 78% over psychologists with just a bachelor’s degree. Other careers that tend to increase in earnings with a graduate degree include:

Education
Counseling
Social work
Management analysts
Biological scientists
Market and survey researchers

In careers that require only a bachelor’s degree for entry into the job market, a graduate degree is not likely to significantly boost earnings. But in industries that value advanced education and are made up mostly of workers who have at least a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree is likely to be a worthwhile investment.

Part-Time Graduate Study: A Possible Compromise

Earning a graduate degree does not have to mean quitting work and attending school full-time. Many students choose to pursue a graduate degree on a part-time basis while maintaining at least a part-time work schedule. This allows students to keep benefits like health insurance and 401K plans while also staying current in the work field. Many schools are now offering alternative class schedules as well as online graduate degree programs to allow mid-career professionals to maintain their current work and family responsibilities.

More information on employment and earning outlooks by career is available through the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008 – 2009. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and education resources.

Tags: careers, employment, graduate degree, Masters Degrees, salary

Online Health Associate Degree in Health Administration: Begin a Career as a Medical Records Technician

James — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:11:13 +0000

According to the Department of Labor, health care is one of the largest and most financially rewarding career fields for professionals who have earned a campus-based health associate degree or an online health associate degree. Employers actually prefer to hire workers with an associate health care administration degree, due to the specific, focused training graduates receive before entering the workforce. An associate health administration degree can train students to enter the health care industry as a medical records technician, one of the fastest-growing occupations through the year 2014.

What is a Medical Records Technician?

A graduate of an online health associate degree program who chooses to work as a medical records technician checks patient records for accuracy and completeness. Every time a patient has contact with a health care professional, undergoes surgery or diagnostic procedures, or reports symptoms of illness, the experience is documented in a medical record. The medical records technician reviews the information and regularly communicates with physicians and other health care professionals to obtain missing information and needed clarifications. It is the responsibility of the medical records technician to ensure all forms are completed correctly and signed by the appropriate personnel.

Required Education to Work as a Medical Records Technician

An online health associate degree in health administration or a related discipline is typically required to work as a medical records technician. Campus or online health care training in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal issues in health information, and computer science are usually included in an associate health care degree. Many health college programs are now offering health care degree online programs. For example, the University of Phoenix offers an Associate of Arts in Health Administration that has been designed specifically for working professionals.

Some employers may require online health associate degree graduates to become certified as Registered Health Information Technicians. In order to sit for the examination for certification, workers must have attended a campus or online health associate degree program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). As of 2005, 184 associate health administration degree programs were accredited by CAHIIM.

Employment Outlook for Medical Records Technicians

Online health associate degree graduates who work as medical records technicians are expected to experience a 27% or more increase in new jobs through the year 2014. Federal legislation now mandates the use of electronic medical records. Medical records technicians will be needed to input patient data into computers and assist in the conversion from paper to electronic charting in many facilities. The skills of medical records technicians will also become invaluable as medical records are increasingly analyzed by insurance companies, courts, and health care regulating bodies.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, health administration, health care, Medical and Nursing, University of Phoenix

Doctorate Degree: What is the Value of a PhD?

James — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:06:12 +0000

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more education means more earnings and lower rates of unemployment. Earning a bachelor’s degree increases weekly earnings by 62%, and a graduate degree increases weekly earnings by another 21%. Going all the way to earn a PhD can increase earnings still further. But is the average five to six year time investment in a doctorate degree worth the extra money?

Reasons Workers Choose to Earn a Doctorate Degree

In 2001, 1% of U.S. workers, about 1. million, held a doctorate degree. Many professionals choose to pursue intensive study and research through a PhD program for the pure enjoyment of the subject matter. Alternative reasons a professional may earn such an advanced degree is for career advancement or to secure a position in teaching or research. A doctorate degree trains a professional to be an expert and a scholar in his or her chosen discipline.

Financial Rewards of a Doctorate Degree

Earning a doctorate degree certainly comes with financial rewards. A PhD holder earns an average of $1307 per week, whereas a graduate degree holder earns $1064 per week. This translates into a difference of $243 per week or $12,636 per year. Over a lifetime, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a professional who has earned a doctorate degree will earn $3. million and a professional who has earned a graduate degree will earn $2. million.

Drawbacks to a Doctorate Degree

Of course, the financial data fail to show the complete picture involved in earning a doctorate degree. Costs such as tuition, missed salary, health insurance, and time away from the work field must be taken into consideration. The PhD job market is also characterized by major fluctuations depending on the supply and demand of the doctorate degree labor market. A doctorate degree is typically a very specialized degree and can make finding the perfect job challenging.

Pursuing a Doctorate Degree Part-Time

Although many students who choose to pursue a doctorate degree attend school full-time and take advantage of internships and assistantships, many mid-career professionals choose to begin earning their PhD on a part-time basis. The majority of universities are now offering alternative class schedules and online PhD programs to accommodate students’ work and family responsibilities. College-Pages.com is a valuable source of information that has an extensive list of available programs by subject and degree level.

For specific predictions on earnings and job prospects by career for doctorate degree holders, students may visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006 – 2007. Predictions are not always exact, but can be a good starting place for the professional considering a PhD.

Tags: Degrees, doctorate degree, Doctorate Degrees, PhD

Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree Online: Prepare for Leadership Positions with a Criminal Justice Administration Program

James — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:03:32 +0000

A criminal justice career can be started with credentials that range anywhere from a high school diploma to a four-year college criminal justice degree. However, the Department of Labor reports that more education means higher earnings, lower rates of unemployment, and access to a wider range of career options. Students looking for an introduction to criminal justice can pursue on-the-job training or start with a two-year educational program. However, workers wishing to pursue leadership positions within the field more often enroll in a criminal justice bachelor degree online program that focuses on criminal justice administration.

What is Criminal Justice Administration?

The discipline of criminal justice involves the study of the government-created system that was set up to maintain social order. The three branches of the criminal justice system are law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Criminal justice administration most often refers to leadership positions within the system. Professionals who choose to enter criminal justice administration receive training in interpersonal and managerial skills, again, as mentioned earlier, often through a criminal justice bachelor degree online program.

Criminal Justice Jobs with a BS in Criminal Justice Administration

Graduates of criminal justice bachelor degree online programs are qualified to work in a variety of positions in law enforcement, criminal law, and corrections. Earning a criminal justice career degree at the bachelor’s level qualifies workers to fill state and federal positions. Other options for criminal justice bachelor degree online program graduates include working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Criminal justice administration programs typically focus on training students for leadership and supervisory positions within the field of criminal justice.

Choosing a Program from Available Criminal Justice Schools

Criminal justice degree online and campus programs typically focus on a variety of subjects, including: Criminal behavior. Criminology methods. Public policy. Specialized interpersonal communication. Ethical issues in criminal justice. Criminal justice job degree programs offer training in both hands-on and administrative aspects of the field. Training also includes a balance of study in law enforcement, corrections, and courts.

So, now, a great many students are choosing to pursue criminal justice bachelor degree online programs in criminal justice administration. For example, the University of Phoenix provides a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration that has been especially designed for working professionals; this is one of the most popular online criminal justice programs available today. Students may complete the entire program through distance education while maintaining work and family responsibilities. The criminal justice administration program at the University of Phoenix focuses on providing students with the managerial and leadership skills necessary to pursue advanced positions within the criminal justice system. For an extensive list of available programs, prospective students may visit College-Pages.com, the education and career resource website.

Tags: Bachelors Degrees, Bachelors Degrees, criminal justice, Law and Social Sciences, law enforcement, University of Phoenix

Associate Degree Business Administration Programs Prepare Students to Work as Supervisors in Business Settings

James — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:38:38 +0000

According to the Department of Labor, professionals with more education make more money, experience lower rates of unemployment, and have access to a wider range of occupations. The Department of Labor also predicts that the fastest growing jobs through the year 2010 will be those that most often require an associate’s degree. Earning an associate degree business administration diploma can greatly increase a worker’s marketability and qualify him or her for supervisory positions within a broad range of business settings.

What Does a Supervisor with an Associate Degree in Business Do?

Graduates with associate degree business administration diplomas who choose to work as supervisors provide management and guidance to other employees. The supervisor is responsible for overseeing office equipment and supplies to ensure department employees have the tools to do their jobs successfully. A graduate with an associate degree business administration diploma who works as a supervisor is also in charge of scheduling required tasks and supervising work performance. Holding staff meetings, coping with employee absences, mediating conflicts, and providing new employee training may also be among the duties of a supervisor.

Required Education to Work as a Supervisor in Business Settings

Specific educational standards for supervisors vary by level of responsibility and industry of employment. According to a recent article in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly of the Department of Labor, employers most often prefer to hire workers with an associate degree in business administration or another discipline related to the job. Workers who have completed an associate degree business administration program are more likely to have taken courses that develop practical work knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Many students are now choosing to prepare for business administration jobs by enrolling in online associate degree in business programs. Schools, such as the University of Phoenix, are offering online business associate degree programs that can be completed entirely through distance education. Online associate degree business administration programs are often designed specifically for working professionals. The Associate of Arts in Business at the University of Phoenix prepares graduates to either directly enter the workforce in a business administration career or streamline into the Bachelor of Science in Business program.

Qualities Necessary for Success as a Supervisor in Business Settings

Graduates with an associate degree business administration diploma who work as supervisors must have good communication and people skills in order to effectively handle employee issues. Supervisors must also be detail-oriented to catch mistakes made by the staff during the course of projects. Finally, supervisors should be computer-savvy with the company’s operating systems and be able to manage time efficiently.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, business, business administration, Business and Management, management, University of Phoenix

Online Associate Degree in Business: Using an Associate’s Degree to Work as an Accounting Technician

James — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:07:45 +0000

Accounting technicians, along with bookkeeping and auditing clerks, occupied over 2 million positions in 2004. They are employed in almost every industry. Positions in this field provide part-time and temporary work opportunities for those who are unable to keep a full-time work schedule. Working as an accounting technician is one of the many employment options after earning an online associate degree in business.

What is an Accounting Technician?

Accounting technicians have more specialized tasks than general bookkeepers. Graduates of online associate degree in business programs who work as accounting technicians may total accounts, calculate interest charges, and post details of transactions. They may also maintain a close overview of accounts and loans to ensure payments are current. Graduates of online associate degree in business programs may also perform more advanced accounting tasks, such as balancing and reconciling vouchers or checking for accuracy of account data.

Required Education to Work as an Accounting Technician

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting technicians must have a high school education at a minimum. However, employers prefer to hire employees who have completed some college education, such as an online associate degree in business. Some accounting technician business administration jobs now require an associate degree in business or an associate degree in accounting.

Many students are now choosing to pursue an online associate degree in business. Schools, such as the University of Phoenix, offer associate business degree programs specifically designed for working professionals that can be completed entirely through distance education. The Associate of Arts in Business at the University of Phoenix prepares students to either directly enter the work force or streamline into the Bachelor of Science in Business program.

Qualities Necessary for Success as an Accounting Technician

Accounting technicians should have a firm grasp on mathematical skills. Graduates of online associate degree in business programs must also be careful, methodical, and detail-oriented. Employers prefer to hire associate degree business students who are proficient in the use of word processing and spreadsheet computer programs. Finally, accounting technicians should be discrete and trustworthy as they may often handle confidential company information.

Employment Outlook for Accounting Technicians

The Bureau of Labor statistics predicts only up to an 8% increase in new job openings through the year 2014 for accounting technicians. However, because associate business graduates who work as accounting technicians are employed in every industry, there should be plenty of remaining opportunities for professionals who are new to a business administration career.

Tags: accounting, associate degree, Associates Degrees, business, business administration, Business and Management, Online Degrees, University of Phoenix

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: Boost Earning Potential and Streamline into the Criminal Justice Workforce

James — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:37:47 +0000

Entering the field of criminal justice can be done with credentials that range from a high school diploma to a four-year college degree. Many local police and detective positions require only a high school diploma and relevant work experience, while state and federal jobs in criminal justice field occupations typically mandate a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a similar discipline. Although a variety of options exist for professionals interested in a career in criminal justice, pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice may be the perfect plan for those who wish to streamline into the workforce and boost their earning capacity.

What is Criminal Justice?

Criminal Justice is the professional field of study and work which revolves around the government-created system that has been set up to maintain social order. Students who choose a criminal justice career major study the particulars which concern this discipline. The three branches of criminal justice are law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Professionals with an associate degree in criminal justice or related credentials work together in the criminal justice system in an attempt to achieve the ideal of justice.

Potential Jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree at the Associate Level

An associate degree in criminal justice can prepare students for a variety of career paths. The University of Phoenix boasts that its graduates are trained to enter jobs in criminal justice in corrections, probation, government, and private security upon completion of its online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. Some specific associate degree job criminal justice options include the following: police detective probation officer corrections officer corrections treatment specialist loss prevention private detective

According to the Department of Labor, many employers actually prefer to hire graduates of associate degree in criminal justice programs because of their focused training and ability to engage in critical thinking. Between the years 2001 and 2010, the occupations that are expected to grow the fastest most often require an associate degree. These benefits translate into financial rewards for associate degree in criminal justice graduates. In 2001, a worker with an associate degree criminal justice diploma or other discipline earned an average of $128 more each week than a worker with only a high school diploma.

Choosing an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Program

Professionals who wish to enter a career with criminal justice degree credentials have a number of programs to choose from. Areas of study may include criminal behavior, criminology methods, public policy, specialized interpersonal communication, and ethical issues in criminal justice. Many students are now choosing to enroll in online associate degree criminal justice programs in order to maintain work and family responsibilities during their educational training. Programs such as the associate degree in criminal justice at the University of Phoenix offer a curriculum designed especially for working professionals that can be completed entirely through distance education. More information on associate in criminal justice degrees, and education resource articles, may be found at College-Pages.com, the education and career resource website.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, criminal justice, Law and Social Sciences, security, University of Phoenix

Associate Degree in Business: Can an AA in Business Promote Success as a Real Estate Sales Agent?

James — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:35:42 +0000

Obtaining a job as a real estate sales agent can be relatively easy. Real estate sales agents must have a high school diploma and pass a written examination in order to become licensed for practice. However, minimal beginning earnings and competition with more experienced agents can make establishing a career as a real estate sales agent rather difficult. According to the Department of Labor, training in business, finance, economics, and other subjects typically presented in an associate degree in business program can help real estate sales agents boost their knowledge and skill level in the industry.

What is a Real Estate Sales Agent?

Professionals with an associate degree in business who choose to specialize as real estate sales agents assist clients who wish to buy or sell a house. A real estate sales agent typically has a good knowledge of his or her local housing market and is able to assist clients in finding the right house in the right area that best fits their needs. Associate degree in business graduates who practice as real estate agents also act as the middle person between buyer and seller when negotiating prices.

How can an Associate Degree in Business Help a Real Estate Sales Agent?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a large number of real estate sales agents have at least some college training. Many firms are now looking for real estate sales agents with a college background due to the growing complexity of real estate transactions. An associate degree in business can also be especially helpful to a real estate sales agent intending to set up his or her own real estate business.

Prospective students who are interested in earning an associate degree in business may visit College-Pages.com, the education and career resource website, for an extensive list of available programs. For more information about becoming a real estate sales agent, students may contact the real estate licensing commission in their state.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, business, Business and Management, finance

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology: A Possible First Step Towards Being a Usability Engineer

James — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:03:31 +0000

Looking for an alternative to counseling, Meredith Silvia accepted a job as a usability engineer after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and government. She seeks to understand the ways in which people learn and remember knowledge and applies that information towards making hardware, software, and websites more user-friendly. Silvia ’s job makes other employees’ jobs simpler.

With the end user in mind, Silvia meets with a variety of parties during the design process. She first interviews groups of customers to determine their needs for the particular program or website. Next she moves on to the software engineers, promoting layouts and colors that will help to avoid employee confusion. Finally, Silvia draws on her education from her bachelor’s degree in psychology to anticipate what employees will want to accomplish with the program or website. Determining which choices will be available and when users will be able to make them is one of the most important steps in designing efficient tools.

In order to better determine what users will want to accomplish, Silvia regularly performs usability tests. Initially, a piece of paper with the program layout is placed in front of the test subject to mimic what he or she would see on a computer screen.Silvia then asks the user to point to a button of his or her choosing. After pointing, another piece of paper is whipped in front of the viewer to replace the previous “screen”.

Another benefit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology is the training to be a good investigator. Usability engineers must probe test subjects in order to discover the reasons for their choices. For example, Silvia says that sometimes a user will say a page should have a print button available. Further investigation into the reason for that need may reveal that the user simply wants to get a better look at the page. The need would then best be served by creating an improved display rather than adding a print button.

Silvia also holds that a usability engineer must be skilled in the art of persuasion in order to work with the user and introduce changes. Usability engineers also require good oral and written communication skills along with a certain amount of creativity to find innovative solutions to difficult problems.

There is no formal path to becoming a usability engineer. However, having a bachelor’s degree in psychology is very helpful in understanding the behavior and choices of employees. Technical knowledge is a must as well.Silvia learned her technical skills by working as a tester, technical writer, and trainer. In addition, usability engineers should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment in order to meet the tight deadlines sometimes imposed.

Students interested in more information on becoming a usability engineer may go to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society webpage. Prospective students may also contact Ashford University for more information on starting a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. College-Pages.com is another useful source of information with an extensive list of available programs and additional educational resources.

Tags: Bachelors Degrees, Bachelors Degrees, Medical and Nursing, psychology

Bachelor’s Degree: A Cost and Benefits Analysis

James — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:35:47 +0000

As of 2003, 27% of U.S. adults had earned at least a bachelor’s degree within their cumulative education. The total number of bachelor’s degrees awarded jumped nearly 50% from 1992 to 2004. Meanwhile, the average cost of tuition has been rising faster than the rate of inflation. The most recent data show tuition alone at $21,235 per year at private universities, and $5,491 per year at public universities. Estimates fail to take into consideration the costs of room and board, books, time, and effort. Does the four year investment in a bachelor’s degree come with sufficient rewards?

Financial Rewards of a Bachelor’s Degree

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying occupations in America demand at least a bachelor’s degree education for entrance into those industries. On average, a professional who has earned a bachelor’s degree earns $900 per week, whereas the worker with only a high school education earns only $554 per week. Going deeper into the data, that means the bachelor’s degree graduate earns 62% more than the high school graduate. Over a lifetime, this adds up to major differences in total earnings.

The Bachelor’s Degree at Work in the Job Market

In addition to higher earnings, bachelor’s degree graduates have lower unemployment rates and a wider variety of career options than workers without a college degree, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job market appears to be increasingly favorable towards workers with a college degree. Between 2002 and 2012, over 14 million job openings are predicted to be won by bachelor’s degree graduates or master’s degree graduates who are entering a profession for the first time.

Should Everyone Get a Bachelor’s Degree?

Although the data certainly sheds a favorable light on the prospect of earning a bachelor’s degree, there are additional factors to consider before jumping in head-first. Job prospects and earning power are also affected by the local job market, the type of bachelor’s degree earned, and the industry a worker is attempting to enter. The most lucrative and fastest-growing industries for bachelor’s degree holders are expected to be in business, computers and engineering, education, counseling, and healthcare. For some professions, an associate’s degree may be sufficient, whereas other professions may require a graduate degree to take advantage of new entry-level job openings.

How to Get Started Towards Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

For more information on job outlook by career and education level, prospective students can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006 – 2007. The number of subjects and avenues towards pursuing a bachelor’s degree are endless and include both campus and online bachelor’s degree programs. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and education resources.

Tags: Bachelors Degrees, Bachelors Degrees, degree programs, education, employment, online bachelors degree, universities

Health Administration Degree: Join the Largest Industry in the U.S. with an Associate Degree in Health Administration

James — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:31:01 +0000

The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed healthcare as the largest industry in the U.S. The healthcare industry employed over 13. million workers in 2004 and currently includes 8 of the 20 occupations that are expected to experience the fastest growth through the year 2014. Students wishing to pursue an associate of arts have plenty of reasons to consider choosing a program that leads to a health administration degree.

What is Health Administration?

The field of health administration is made up of health and human services workers. A health care management degree provides training in information technology, financial management, regulatory and ethical issues in the health care environment, and public policy. A health care administration degree also teaches the values and terminology associated with the health care industry. By the end of a health college program, graduates develop excellent communication skills and are equipped to work in a variety of occupations within the field of health and human services.

Benefits of an Associate’s Degree

Most of the occupations within health care actually require less than a 4-year degree. Although some occupations may require more extensive training, attaining an administrative health care degree online, or through some other means, can boost a worker’s resume to the top of the application pile. In fact, many employers actually prefer to hire workers with an associate’s degree, according to a recent article in the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Quarterly.

An associate of arts health administration degree can also enhance a student’s chances of being accepted into a health administration bachelor’s program. The U.S. Department of Labor found that a student with an associate’s degree is more likely to finish a bachelor’s degree program than a student who has merely taken a few college courses that did not lead to a degree. An administrative health care degree at the associate’s level prepares a student for lifelong learning and more effective academic competition.

Job Outlook for Health and Human Services Workers

Predicted job growth for various occupations within the health and human services industry vary. However, the general occupation of health services manager is projected to experience a 26. % increase in job openings through the year 2014. The health care industry as a whole is expected to provide approximately 3. million new jobs to the U.S. economy between 2004 and 2014. High turnover in the health care industry and the aging of the U.S. population are driving forces behind the continued expansion of the field.

Many students are now choosing to enroll in online health care training through programs such as the Associate of Arts in Health Administration at the University of Phoenix. Many online health associate degree programs in health administration are designed specifically for the working professional who wishes to maintain a salary and benefits throughout the course of the online health degree training period. The Associate of Arts in Health Administration at the University of Phoenix also prepares students to streamline into the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program. Students interested in more information may visit College-Pages.com, the education and career resource website with an extensive list of available programs and additional educational resources.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, health administration, health care, Human Services, Medical and Nursing, University of Phoenix

Degree in Criminal Justice Prepares Students for Multiple Professions

James — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:12:27 +0000

The academic field of criminal justice officially emerged in 1920 with only 1,000 students by the year 1950. The number of students pursuing a degree in criminal justice has since grown to 350,000, according to 1998 figures. Students currently intending to enter a career with criminal justice degree credentials are prepared to serve in a wide variety of professions within the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections positions.

What is Criminal Justice?

The field of criminal justice refers to the system set up by the government to maintain social order. Law enforcement and justice administration are additional dimensions of the criminal justice system. The three main branches of criminal justice are the police, the court system, and corrections. The three branches work in tandem in an attempt to achieve the ideal of justice.

Earning a Degree in Criminal Justice

Students choosing to enter a program that provides a degree in criminal justice have a wide variety of schools and programs from which to select. Several programs focus on administrative work within the criminal justice system, while others train students for hands-on work within the field. Possible class subjects include forensics and investigations, management and administration, sociology, police and community relations, and criminology.

Many schools are now offering sophisticated criminal justice degree online programs. One online college for a criminal justice degree is South University, which offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. South University’s criminal justice degree trains professionals for both administrative and hands-on occupations. Graduates of South University are prepared to enter any number of entry-level jobs with a criminal justice degree.

Possible Jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree

A career with criminal justice degree credentials can lead in countless directions. Professionals may secure jobs with a criminal justice degree in the law enforcement field performing police or detective work. A degree in criminal justice may also be a first step towards a career within the judicial system. Within corrections is an entirely alternate set of jobs with a criminal justice degree. Corrections officers, probation officers, and corrections treatment specialists are a few possibilities. Finally, professionals with a degree in criminal justice may choose to become employed as private detectives or investigators.

Job Outlook for Professionals with a Criminal Justice Degree

Expected job growth varies according to the specific occupation within the criminal justice field. Private detectives and investigators are expected to see an 18 – 26% increase, probation officers and corrections treatment specialists will see a 9 – 17% increase, and police and detectives will also see a 9 – 17% increase through the year 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further information by specific profession is available in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006 – 2007.

Tags: criminal justice, Degrees, Law and Social Sciences, law enforcement, South University, South University

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management: Teaching People Skills for Effective Management

James — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:03:47 +0000

Few can forget the hype that surrounded the release of Stephen Lundin’s Fish! in 2000. The revolutionary book became an addition to nearly every manager’s library. Large corporations, such as Sodexho, made Fish! required reading for all company managers. The effective advice from the book stemmed from a fish market where enthusiasm and respect for human factors in the workplace made it a profitable success as well as a fun place to work.

Programs such as the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management at Ashford University are honing in on the human side of management in order to prepare its graduates for success in the job market. According to Ashford University, human factors of management include:

understanding group dynamics
ethics
human resources issues
effective communication

The program has been specifically designed for professionals who already have some work experience in their field of choice and wish to further develop their management skills.

With over 30 areas of concentration available within the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management program, Ashford University graduates go on to develop a variety of careers. Many choose to go into sales, retail, small business management, government, or non-profit organizations. Some graduates also choose to start a business, or work with the local, state, or federal government.

Professionals who wish to further specialize in the human side of management may wish to choose psychology as their area of concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management program. Up to twelve credits of psychology courses may be transferred into the program, allowing students to keep the value of previously earned education credits. In fact, up to 75 credits total may be transferred into the 120-credit program in order to speed entry into a career of choice.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management are expected to enter a profession that will grow faster than average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers will experience an 18 – 26% increase in employment through the year 2014. Other specific management careers may also be viewed at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

When seeking graduates for entry level positions, some employers look for professionals trained in the human side of management, while others look for professionals with a more technical, business-minded background. Students attending the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management program at Ashford University have the advantage of training in both aspects. This is an important factor in allowing graduates to enter the workforce with a competitive edge in the midst of numerous qualified graduates and experienced workers in the field.

Students who are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management may contact Ashford University for more information. College-Pages.com is also a valuable resource that contains a complete list of available programs and additional informational resources.

Tags: ashford university, Bachelors Degrees, business, Business and Management, human resource, management, MBA, organizational management, psychology, psychology courses, work experience, workforce

Degree in Criminal Justice: Discover a Career as a Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist

James — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:56:42 +0000

The number of inmates in the nation’s jails and prisons is skyrocketing, according to a report in the New York Times. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported 1. million state and federal inmates in 2001, up from 488,000 in 1985. The cost of convicting and incarcerating offenders reached an all-time high of $167 billion in 2001. In order to control the rising cost of the correctional system, professionals with a criminal justice degree are serving as probation officers or correctional treatment specialists, helping offenders successfully rehabilitate back into society.

What is a Probation Officer?

As opposed to the punitive role of police officer, jobs with a criminal justice degree can be focused on helping offenders function successfully in society. Probation officers supervise offenders who have been placed on probation rather than being sentenced to prison. A professional with a degree in criminal justice who chooses to be a probation officer will often meet with the offender and his or her family in their home, or at the offender’s place of employment. A probation officer may also arrange for the offender to receive therapy, substance abuse counseling, or job training.

What is a Correctional Treatment Specialist?

Whereas a probation officer works with offenders in an attempt to keep them out of prison, a correctional treatment specialist works with offenders while they are in prison or in a parole agency in an attempt to prepare them to re-enter society without becoming a repeat offender. A professional with a degree in criminal justice who chooses to become a correctional treatment specialist typically creates a plan of treatment for each of his or her cases, and provides education and training programs as needed. Required Education for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Each state has specific requirements to become a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist. Most states mandate a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work. Candidates may also be required to pass a written examination, psychological test, and physical assessment.

Many schools are now offering a criminal justice degree online. Westwood College is one possibility of an online college for a criminal justice degree. Westwood College’s degree in criminal justice is specifically designed for mid-career professionals in either administrative or hands-on roles within the criminal justice field. Deciding to complete a criminal justice degree online can be a welcomed convenience for the student who is already juggling work and family responsibilities.

Qualities for Success as a Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist

In order to work as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist, a professional with a degree in criminal justice must be in good physical condition and have emotional stability. Most agencies offering these specific jobs with a criminal justice degree require applicants to be at least 21 years old and no older than 37 years old. Professionals in these occupations must also possess excellent writing skills in order to prepare the large amount of reports required for each position.

Professionals interested in a career with criminal justice degree attainment may contact Westwood College for more information. College-Pages.com is also a valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and educational resources.

Tags: criminal justice, Degrees, Law and Social Sciences, Westwood College

Multiple Career Opportunities in Architectural Drafting With CAD Software Training

James — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:58:39 +0000

With a background consisting of just a few college courses and a long history of playing with model cars as a teenager, Derek Sanders has landed a successful, fulfilling career as a model maker. He was recently profiled in a popular career journal for his unique occupation. Designers consult Sanders with ideas sketched on sometimes only a napkin, and he proceeds to make a three-dimensional foam model with the assistance of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.

What is the Function of an Architectural Drafter?

Becoming a model maker is just one creative use of an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting. An architectural drafter serves as the link between designer and final product. In short, an architectural drafter is responsible for making accurate drawings and plans.

Auto CAD software has revolutionized the field of drafting. An architect creates drawings of blueprints, but a drafter with Auto CAD training fills in the fine details that the construction crew requires to make a solid structure. The pervasiveness of this widely used program can be seen simply through the numerous results that appear on the screen after typing “auto cad download free software” into any search engine.

Potential Jobs as an Architectural Drafter

Many graduates with an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting choose to work for an architectural or engineering firm doing drafting detailing. A professional with an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting may also find Auto-CAD jobs in contracting, subcontracting, and materials supply. Numerous construction-related industries provide still more job opportunities for a professional with extensive Auto CAD training.

Educational Requirements for Architectural Drafters

Although Sanders never completed an official architectural drafting degree, an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting can be a way to jump-start a career and get a foot in the door at prospective places of employment. Westwood College, with its numerous locations around the nation, is just one of the modern programs students are choosing to attend while receiving their necessary training. Programs similar to the Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting at Westwood College give students hands-on experience with the newest version of Auto CAD software and are taught by professors with real-world industry experience.

Where to Find More Information

Students may contact Westwood College for additional information about an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting. Westwood College boasts that its students are prepared to work as architectural CAD technicians, engineering CAD technicians, architectural draftspersons, and engineering draftspersons immediately upon graduation. Students may find one of these positions to be the perfect entrance into the architectural drafting industry, or they may come up with creative ideas of their own like Sanders’s model making.

Tags: architectural drafting, Associates Degrees, Associates Degrees, Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), employment, Science and Engineering, training, Westwood College, Westwood College

Associate’s Degrees – What the U.S. Department of Labor has to say about it?

James — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:26:11 +0000

Each year over 400,000 associate’s degrees are awarded to U.S. students. As opposed to a bachelor’s degree, which requires an average of 120 college credits, an associate’s degree typically involves 60 credits or about 20 classes. Most programs can be completed in two years. Upon completion of an associate’s degree, students are prepared to either directly enter their career of choice or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

According to the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, a Bureau of Labor Statistics publication, the fastest growing occupations between 2001 to 2010 will be those most often requiring an associate’s degree. In fact, many employers actually prefer to hire workers who have an associate’s degree. This translates into significant advantages for students who opt to begin their higher education pursuits with an associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2001, a worker with an associate’s degree earned an extra $128 per week compared to a worker with only a high school education. It also discovered that the unemployment rate for associate degree holders was 30% lower in 2001 than for high school graduates.

The educational advantages of associate’s degrees are numerous as well. The most obvious and often cited advantage is the cost of the degree. Average tuition at a four-year public university was $3506 in the 2000 – 2001 academic year, whereas the cost of a community college or two-year university was only $1359. Another advantage of the associate’s degree is the opportunity for a student with low highschool grades to catch up academically. Most associate degree programs are open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Lastly, students who choose to go on to apply to a four-year university after the completion of an associate’s degree are often given preference by college admissions over an applicant who has simply taken a few semesters of college courses. This is probably in large part due to the fact that the U.S. Department of Education found associate degree holders are more likely to finish a Bachelor’s Degree program.

Of those students in pursuit of an associate’s degree, more than 9% chose to enroll in distance education programs in 1998. The convenience of online degree programs allows students to maintain current responsibilities while completing course work. Students interested in completing an associate’s degree program are encouraged to browse our list of degrees and schools offering associate’s degree both online and at campus locations.

Tags: associate degree, Associates Degrees, capella university, degree programs, Degrees, Westwood College

Master of Science in School Psychology: Preventing Depression in School-Aged Children

James — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:20:55 +0000

The American Psychological Association has recently described a ground-breaking new school-based program that is seeking solutions to the rising rates of depression in children. Today’s children have a 9% risk of experiencing major depression before the age of 14 and a 20% chance of experiencing at least one episode of major depression before they graduate from highschool.

Professionals with a Master of Science in School Psychology are concerned about these statistics due to their future implications. A child who has experienced major depression is further at risk for struggling with major depression as an adult. To combat this “common cold” of mental health, psychologists are using the discipline of school psychology to teach thinking habits in schools that will prevent depression.

Research from psychology graduate schools has pointed to the value of being positive in thinking and problem-solving skills. Professionals of school psychology chose to teach these skills to students at risk for major depression. Students in the new school-based program were taught to identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with positive thoughts. Areas that were targeted include self-image, thoughts about others, and thoughts about the world in general. Students were also taught assertiveness and relaxation techniques.

After the training, the professionals of school psychology followed up with the students six months and two years later. At the six-month point, children who had learned the new skills had fewer symptoms of depression and better behavior in the classroom than children who had not learned the skills. At the two-year point, children who had learned the prevention skills had a 22% rate of moderate to severe symptoms of major depression, whereas children who had not learned the skills had a 44% rate of moderate to severe major depression.

The program used in the study period is now in effect at multiple locations in honor of the original psychology graduate school that conducted the research. School systems in California, New Jersey, Texas, Minnesota, New York, and Illinois are using the program to improve mental health and classroom behavior of students.

This program serves as one of the many successes in the profession of school psychology. Psychology graduate schools such as Capella University are producing qualified graduates to continue to make advances in the discipline of school psychology. Students interested in pursuing a career in school psychology may visit College-Pages.com for an extensive list of available programs and additional resources.

Tags: Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, Medical and Nursing, psychology, science

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Current Job Forecast for Professionals with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

James — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:01:22 +0000

Jobs for those with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology are expected to outnumber the amount of graduates entering the work force from schools such as Capella University. Through the year 2014, the profession of Counseling Psychology is actually expected to grow faster than average according to the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook. This comes as wonderful news for students wishing to pursue a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.

Professionals with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology typically help clients who are having trouble adjusting to everyday living. The government employs a whopping 4 out of 10 counselors in the U.S., and the remainder frequently works in a health services setting, such as a clinic or a hospital. A significant amount of professionals with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology choose to forgo the job market altogether and become self- employed.

Beyond the general practice of Counseling Psychology are numerous specialties that can be pursued through a specialized course of study or a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Marriage and Family Therapists counsel clients on a variety of emotional issues to prevent individual and family crises. Substance Abuse Counselors work with people who have difficulties with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or eating disorders. Genetic Counselors work with families who have birth defects or genetic abnormalities that risk being passed on to future generations. They not only help the family to cope with the disorder itself, but they also assist the family in making decisions about the risk involved in conceiving children.

In order for a student with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology to be a successful professional, several personal qualities are essential. The desire to help people is necessary as it is the central function of any position in Counseling Psychology. Counseling Psychologists should also be able to encourage trust, respect, and confidence from others. A client in distress must feel comfortable disclosing thoughts and problems in order for the counselor to inspire change.

Distance education programs such as those offered through Capella University have become a popular choice for students in pursuit of a Master of Science in Psychology. As students decide on a professional specialty and degree of preference, they have also begun looking for programs that accommodate current responsibilities such as work and family. A 1998 survey of governors showed that 83% agreed with the statement that “allowing students to obtain education anytime and anyplace via technology” would be a vital feature of higher education in the 21st century.

Tags: capella university, counseling, Masters Degrees, Medical and Nursing, Medical and Nursing, psychology, science

Nursing and Health Care Degrees

James — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:21:53 +0000

There is more to the study of nursing today than obtaining certification as an RN. And there are a number of degrees in health care that are options for people interested in entering the health care field. At the entry level and lower management level, you can take a relatively short course of study and receive certification as a medical assistant, a nurse’s assistant or any number of other support roles in the health care field.

At the college level you can find all degree options in one health care profession or another. The best snapshot of industry-wide options comes from a look through the distance learning programs for health care positions. Because online education is job-focused, it is a quick study on the careers that are out there in nursing and other health care professions.

University of Phoenix Online provides a comprehensive program of nursing studies. Some of their nursing degrees incorporate health care administration as well. Their health care master’s programs include two MBA degrees with health care specialization; one of them is a dual master’s degree, combining the MBA with a master’s in nursing. Here is a list of their degrees in health care and nursing:

Bachelor of Science/Health Administration Bachelor of Science in Nursing Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management Master of Health Administration Master of Science in Nursing Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing/Health Care Education Master of Science in Nursing/Integrative Health Care Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Health Administration Doctor of Health Administration

University of Phoenix Online has expanded study in the nursing profession to include a number of areas that are vital in today’s managed health care environment. Their nursing program and their health administration academics are state of the art.

Kaplan University has kept their online health care options to the basics. They offer a bachelor’s degree in health care management. They also have an RN program with a bachelor’s in science at completion.

Colorado Technical University has an online MBA program with emphasis in health care management. They also offer a bachelor’s in science with specialization in health care management. If you are within range of one of their six campuses, you can obtain a bachelor’s in nursing and health care associate’s degrees in the following specializations:

Health Care Information Technology Massage Therapy Medical Assisting Radiologic Technology Surgical Technology

Jones International University has an MBA program that specializes in health care management. Their curriculum includes courses in telemedicine and emerging technologies; marketing health services; e-marketing management; and in information technology management. This sampling of classes indicates to what degree Jones International University sees the health care management business relying on the internet not only for business functions but for medical purposes as well.

Online courses to complete earlier college efforts can lead you to a degree in nursing or a degree with any number of health care administration specializations. One of the values of online academics is that the courses and degree programs are designed for efficient completion. Academically, you can be where you want to be much faster than you might think.

Tags: Degrees, Degrees, health administration, health care, Medical and Nursing, Medical and Nursing, nurse, University of Phoenix

Earning a Master’s Degree in Health Administration

James — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:17:28 +0000

Health care is the largest industry in the country, providing close to fifteen million jobs. It is an industry that will continue to grow as our population grows both larger and older. Among the universe of health care workers, management and pure administrative personnel are a relatively small segment. That ratio is going to change somewhat, as more health care in this country becomes public health care due to the rising cost of health insurance and the reduction of employee benefits in American business.

Nevertheless, the pure administrative positions in health care comprise less than ten percent of the total jobs in the field. There are some interesting trends emerging in the private sector that indicate the need for administrative personnel in the field is rising, and will continue to do so.

Because of the reluctance of insurance companies to pay for hospitalization, outpatient care has become more predominant. So, while health care providers are struggling to keep their hospital beds full, at the same time they are diversifying their facilities. Hospitals are laying off mid-level management personnel as outlying clinics are opening their doors and hiring managers. From a U.S. Labor Department report on health care employment:In some management, business, and financial operations occupations, rapid growth will be tempered by restructuring to reduce administrative costs and streamline operations. Office automation and other technological changes will slow employment growth in office and administrative support occupations; but because the employment base is large, replacement needs will continue…In many cases, it may be easier for jobseekers with health-specific training to obtain jobs and advance…Specialized clinical training is a requirement for many jobs in health care and is an asset even for many administrative jobs that do not specifically require it.

All of this suggests that a master’s degree in health care administration will have notable employment value. It suggests further that people who have had some specific medical background prior to pursuing a management role will be in sharp demand. That suggests that if you’re in the service or technical end of the medical industry, a return to school might be well worth considering.

If you’re working, online colleges are the best way to go about pursuing that master’s. Previous college credits should transfer into a non-science oriented business major such as health administration. Even without previous credits, it won’t take nearly as long as you might think.

University of Phoenix Online has the perfect degree to match up with that last projection from the Labor Department. They have two master’s degrees with double majors: one is an MBA with a master’s in nursing, and the other combines a master’s in nursing with a master’s in health administration. University of Phoenix Online also offers a master’s in health care administration and an MBA with emphasis on health care administration.

Capella University offers a master’s in health care administration. Kennedy- Western University has a master’s program in health care administration that does not overlook the competitive side of the health care business: among their areas of study are managed care, marketing, policy analysis, quality management and advanced financial systemic processes. These management degrees approach health care as the business it has become.

Tags: health administration, health care, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, Medical and Nursing, University of Phoenix

Earning a Master’s Degree in Health Care Online

James — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:36:38 +0000

Online colleges show in their academic program designs that they are very much aware of the evolving health care marketplace. As managed health care has evolved, large bureaucracies have appeared in the form of HMOs and large health care provider groups which require people with business management skills. There is also general recognition of the changing requirements in the marketplace.

Management positions where a bachelor’s degree in health care once sufficed now require a master’s in health care. In similar fashion, mid- management positions such as medical office management are often filled by people with bachelor’s degrees when an associate’s degree in health care fit the bill not long ago. Online schools stay on top of these trends and many of them have counseling services that can help you define what the educational needs are for the job you are seeking.

Because of the changing job market, there are a large number of professionals in the health care industry who are going back to school. These are individuals who wish to move up the management ladder and need the degree to carry along with them. Most of these people have some college education behind them. It is in the online colleges that this sort of mid-career adjustment is accomplished most easily because the schools are geared for it.

The goal of the online college is to get you positioned where you want to be in the job market or the professional ranks as efficiently and quickly as possible. A master’s degree obtained through an online college will be completed much quicker than it would on campus and can be done during the hours of your choice. Online schools are also experts in the field of transferring college credits, in order to minimize the requirements for repetition of core courses taken long ago.

The most comprehensive online master’s program in health care administration might be at University of Phoenix Online. Their degrees are designed to incorporate both business essentials and modern medical trends into their courses of study. Below are University of Phoenix Online’s master’s degrees in health care management:

Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management
Master of Health Administration
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing/Health Care Education
Master of Science in Nursing/Integrative Health Care
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Health Administration

You can see the mix of medical and administrative skills woven into some of these degree programs. Mixing medical training and management skills is going to be a vital part of future management roles in health care, according to the U.S. epartment of Labor.

Other online colleges also offer excellent curricula in health care management. Capella University has a master’s degree in health care management available online. Kennedy- Western University offers both a master’s and a doctorate in health administration. Specific areas for their master’s degree include managed care, marketing, policy analysis, quality management and advanced financial management systemic processes. In the business of managed care, a master’s in health care administration will move you into a rapidly growing job segment in a rapidly changing field.

Tags: capella university, Degrees, health administration, health care, Masters Degrees, Medical and Nursing, Online Degrees, University of Phoenix

Improve Your Life and the World With a Master’s Degree In Criminal Justice

James — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:34:46 +0000

The criminal justice system grows increasingly complex and challenging each year. It includes penal law, social control, constitutional law, criminal procedure and evidence, criminology, victimology, policing, courts, corrections and community services, as well as politics. With the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the field of Criminal Justice has expanded at a rapid rate.

If you are currently employed in this field, you can take your place as a leader by earning a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. You can broaden your professional knowledge and competencies in criminal justice research, theory, administration and practice. Because this degree can be earned at your own pace, in your own home and on your own time, you need not worry about leaving your current employment or moving your family.

There are several options available online for you to investigate in the pursuit of your goal. An example is the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice at Umass Online. This degree will assist you in developing the professional skills necessary to assume a position of importance in the field. Umass has been named one of the best schools in the country, and its criminal justice program was established in 1984. Standard classes such as Criminology and Research Methods are offered, along with cutting edge classes like Crime Mapping, Domestic Violence and Terrorism.

Three areas of emphasis are offered in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. The first is criminal justice theory emphasis, appropriate for continuing education in a PhD program, teaching at the college level, or a career in government research. The criminal justice management emphasis is tailored for those seeking promotion into administrative positions. The last emphasis is the victim and offender service program for those interested in working with crime victims, juveniles, probation and parole clients.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and has been named one of the best in the country. This degree serves four types of students:

Those seeking a master’s degree as a prerequisite for entry into the criminal justice field.
Individuals currently in service who wish to broaden skills and expertise.
Those in the criminal justice system seeking to specialize within the system.
Candidates wishing to obtain the training necessary to meet the growing need for teaching criminal justice.

The U. S. Department of Labor has predicted that by 2010 there will be more than a 29% increase in the demand for FBI Agents, Police Officers, Private Detectives, and U.S. Customs Agents. Most of the best jobs in criminal justice require an advanced Criminal Justice Degree. To take your place among this elite group of law enforcement professionals, get online and get started. You can make your world and the world around you a better place.

Tags: criminal justice, Law and Social Sciences, law enforcement, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees

IT Leadership With a Master’s Degree in Computer Science

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:33:17 +0000

One of the indications that a profession has come of age is when academic pundits start arguing about what defines that profession. Computer science is a premier example of that phenomenon. Some people feel that computer science is a catchall phrase that embodies information technology (IT), software engineering, computer engineering and the microelectronics that make computers light up and hard drives spin.

Purists maintain that computer science is only the theory behind computation: the algorithms, the flow of data through the chips and into the applications. It’s a debate for a coffeehouse or a cocktail party. For people who are interested in entering the field, computer science is the study of computers and their component parts. While you can find college majors in computer science, the course load will include software design, database functions and programming. So, for purposes of this article, we will look at the master’s programs in a variety of computer related professions.

Online colleges provide the best framework for focusing on computer science. Their master’s programs include computer science as a major, along with information technology and business-oriented, integrated courses of study. Online study takes a pragmatic approach to giving the student the skills to enter the profession. Online master’s degrees are designed to give the student leadership skills for a highly placed position in his industry of choice. Many online master’s programs in computer science are for working businessmen and women who are seeking to climb the professional ladder.

University of Phoenix Online has an interesting combination of master’s programs in computer science. They have a master’s in information systems; a master’s in information systems management; and an intriguing combination of an MBA with specialization in technology management. Technology management means handling networks and that’s going to incorporate a lot of computer science.

Capella University has four online master’s programs in information technology with specializations that spell out clear career tracks:

Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming

Kennedy- Western University has an online master’s degree in computer science available. To provide an idea of what computer science means at this college, here are the core courses:

Programming Languages
Computer Science Theory
Systems Architecture
Operating Systems I
Relational Databases
Analysis of Algorithms
Object-Oriented Design
Compiler Design
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Communications Expert
Systems Development
Human Computer Interface Design

It’s evident that software and data are an important part of the master’s degree in computer science at Kennedy-Western. Also required is a thesis prep course and the thesis itself, which will mean lots of interaction with the faculty, via email and phone.

Boston University has a master’s in computer information systems that is taught online. The two areas of specialization are database and knowledge management, and information systems security. Information systems and information technology seem to be the terms that have supplanted computer science in a number of academic institutions. If your interests lie in the physical components of computers, you can often find a master’s program in electrical engineering with computer emphasis. But for many of the online institutions, the masters’ programs in technology are focused on what businesses can accomplish with computers because that is where the leadership needs are.

Tags: capella university, computer information systems, computer science, computers, Computers and Technology, information technology, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, science, technology management, University of Phoenix

Earning a Master’s Degrees in Computer Science Online

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:11:58 +0000

There are several well established and accredited online colleges that offer master’s degrees in computer science. Much like an MBA, the master’s in computer science (or one of its related fields) tickets the graduate for a leadership role, and the master’s programs that you will find online reflect that.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science – or in any other major – provides the liberal arts underpinning that is an essential part of higher education. It is at this level that you will find the course requirements in English composition and literature, in history in the sciences and in the arts.

Undergraduate programs usually include some sort of mathematics requirement, usually finessed by non-science oriented students with a statistics class. In computer science you will probably need polished mathematical skills at the leadership level as well as the operational. It would be wise to look at the mathematics employed in some of the courses for a master’s in computer science while you are still pursuing your bachelor’s, so that you will be prepared. If you are coming to a master’s program some years after completing your bachelor’s in information technology, a refresher course or two in math may be in order.

Capella University has an online program for a master’s in science (MS) in Information Technology, Network Architecture and Design Specialization. These are the core courses:

Technical Communications Master’s
Enterprise System and Application Development
Overview of Enterprise Applications
Project Management for Technology Professionals
System Development Theory and Practice
System Usability Analysis and Design
Enterprise Application Testing
Quality Assurance
Business Foundations

You must choose five of these specialization courses:

Network Technology
Enterprise System Security
Client Server Architecture and Design
Network Enterprise Architecture and Design
Advanced Network Technology-Routing
Advanced Network Technology-Switching
Advanced Network Technology-Remote Access
Advanced Network Technology-Troubleshooting
Ethical and Legal Considerations in Information Technology
Special Topics in Technology

The title and the curriculum of Capella’s program reflect the purpose of the degree. It provides core courses in management-level applications of computer technology, and then provides specialization options that can take the graduate in a number of directions. That is the type of pragmatism you will find in online master’s programs in computer science.

Both University of Phoenix Online and Kaplan University have MBA programs with specialization in information technology. Both are heavily business-oriented schools.

Kennedy- Western University has a master’s program in Computer Science with a fairly demanding curriculum focusing on programming and computer function:

Programming Languages
Computer Science Theory
Systems Architecture
Operating Systems I
Relational Databases
Analysis of Algorithms
Object-Oriented Design
Compiler Design
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Communications Expert
Systems Development
Human Computer Interface Design
The Thesis Proposal
The Thesis (9 Units)

This course of study comes complete with master’s thesis. Despite the fact that it is distance learning, many online courses provide extensive communication with the faculty that are teaching their courses. Clearly, a thesis proposal and critique is not going to be much different than an on-campus experience. Note also the number of classes in this program that will no doubt require algebra, and perhaps some calculus as well. An online master’s in computer science is the real thing, requiring real effort, and gaining the graduate real payoff.

Tags: capella university, computer science, Computers and Technology, information technology, kaplan university, Masters Degrees, Masters Degrees, science, University of Phoenix

The Career Builder – A Master’s Degree in Computer Science

James — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:09:54 +0000

A career in computer science can take you in a number of directions. Computer engineering is akin to electrical engineering: it deals with the machine’s hardware. Computer programming includes the fields of computer operating systems and software. In some schools, software design is a separate discipline from programming – designing software is conceptual, while programming that design means writing the code that turns the concept into reality. Computer networking is a specialty all its own. Information technology is a term that can refer to some or all of these specialties. All of these terms and professional fields, in turn, fall under the umbrella of computer science.

Getting to the master’s level in computer science requires working your way up the academic ladder, usually earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology as a platform for pursuing a master’s. In the field of computer science, many professionals in the field who entered it at a relatively low level have chosen to pursue a master’s in order to work their way up the management ladder. Master’s programs in computer science and information technology are designed to provide the necessary professional skills for this pursuit. Often, people with undergraduate degrees in other fields will enroll in a computer science master’s degree program, transferring as many credits as possible and making up the missing pieces with spot course work.

Online colleges are accustomed to continuing education and are prepared to help students achieve their goal regardless of their starting point. The online educational institutions take a pragmatic approach to their business, assuming that most of their students are working adults with ambition and initiative. For that reason, the online master’s programs in computer science are an excellent option at the master’s level because the schools understand that the academic goal is part of a professional goal. They are efficient and are completed in as short a time frame as possible.

Capella University Online has a master’s in science degree program with five choices for computer science specialization. Any one of them would be a good choice for a student interested in computer networking systems, database development and use in a business environment. Capella’s curriculum choices for a computer science master’s are:

Information Technology
General Information Security
Network Architecture and Design
Project Management and Leadership
System Design and Programming
Information Technology Management

Both University of Phoenix Online and Kaplan University have online programs for an MBA (master’s in business administration) specializing in information technology management. That academic concept is a great mix of a highly marketable degree with perhaps the most critical computer science field in the corporate world. The University of Phoenix online master’s programs in technology are:

Master of Business Administration/Technology Management
Master of Information Systems
Master of Information Systems/Management

Colorado Technical University has four master’s degree programs oriented in computer science. In this list, you can see some choices in the programming area.

Computer Engineering
Computer Science – Software Engineering
Computer Science – Computer System Security
Management – Information Technology/Project Management
Management Information Systems Support

These are only examples. Master’s degrees in computer science can take you in any number of professional directions, and they can be achieved online in less time than you might think.

Tags: capella university, computer science, Computers and Technology, graduate degree, graduate degrees, information technology, Masters Degrees, technology management, University of Phoenix

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