Online Degrees

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Monday, October 29, 2007

How An Online Psychology Degree Might Be The Best Choice For You

There are many advantages to getting an online psychology degree. First of all, there are numerous prestigious universities and colleges that offer online psychology programs that are taught by the same faculty who also teach in their classrooms. The online psychology degree offers through the online range from the Bachelor degree to the MBA to PH.D.

One advantage of earning an online psychology degree is that it is flexible enough for the working or the busy people to earn their degree online without having to stop their current job or work. Second, you will have to check into the expense of earning a psychology degree online. It may be a good deal cheaper than attending a regular college or university.

You have many majors in online psychology that you can choose from. Specialization can be in fields such as counseling psychology, clinical psychology, general psychology, organizational psychology, health psychology and school psychology.

Here are a few online psychology degree programs that you can consider:

The University of Phoenix offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology. Courses focus on positive psychology, human sexuality, diversity, social interactions, theories of personality, the neurological and physiological basis of human nature and psychological disorders. Students will analyze the differences as well as the interrelationship of fundamental psychological theories as well as critically evaluate the robustness of a variety of psychometrics.

Ellis College offers a BS in online psychology. The specialization in psychology provides a solid foundation in the methods and theories of human behavior, development and learning. Students become familiar with the practices and the tools of psychology as they pertain to education, business and professional practice.

Kaplan University Online - This online college offers more than 350 online Associate of Applied Science degree, Bachelor's degrees, certificate programs and diplomas. With this BS in psychology, you will be prepared to work in different agencies, organization and research settings. You will prepare employees to learn how to assess people in a proper manner and manage interpersonal relations. This bachelor's degree will prepare you for studying psychology at the graduate level which will offer a wide variety of specialized career choices.

Now that you have decided that you want to go for a bachelor's degree in psychology what kind of jobs will be available for you? You will be amazed to know that about 40% of psychologists are self-employed. That is four times the average for the professional work force.

Most psychologists will need further education in order to open up their own practice if that is what they wish to do. They will probably need both a Master's degree as well as a Doctorate degree.

There are various fields that psychologists can go into. There are school psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, counselors, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, developmental psychologists, social psychologists and experimental or research psychologists.

The list is almost endless as to the professions you can go into with a psychology degree and graduate study afterwards. Even with an online psychology degree it will take a lot of hard work, but when all is said and done, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will be doing something very rewarding with your life.

Nic Haffner likes to give this readers information about online education. You can go to the website online accredited degrees for more.

Friday, October 26, 2007

How To Get A Fast Online Degree

Is it possible to get a fast online life experience degree? Many people today are beginning to realize how advantageous it can be for their careers if they have several degrees to their name. But since we now live in a fast-paced world, majority would rather not spend years trying to get their degrees. Instead they want to get their degrees quickly, and preferably online so all they have to do is get on the Internet from their computers at home. For this reason, many schools began offering online degrees and other accelerated programs. However, before you jump in on the online degree bandwagon, there are a few things you need to know.

First, because of the high demand for fast online degrees, many shady companies are trying to cash in on this demand. These companies are more commonly known as degree mills. They offer online college degrees to anyone who is willing to pay. The catch? There aren't any coursework, so what these degree mills do is basically sell degrees to anyone willing to shell out the dough. These degree mills have ala carte options too. For additional fees, your degree can come with honors, transcripts and even employer verification.

So now you're probably wondering how these degree mills can give you a degree. They actually give you credit for your "life experience." There are many legitimate schools that do give credit for life experience but that's in addition to some sort of coursework that you have to do still in order to get an online college degree. Degree mills, on the other hand, will simply give you all credits on the basis of life experience.

Be aware that many employers don't accept "degrees" earned from degree mills. Sure, you may have extensive life experience and you may know as much, or even be better, than your degreed co-workers, but a degree from these degree mills just won't cut it. In fact, it is illegal in some states for employees to use unearned degrees in order to get hired or promoted for a job. Employers look at the practice of getting degrees from degree mills as unethical. Case in point: Laura Callahan, the former deputy chief information officer of the Department of Homeland Security, is one of the many government employees currently under investigation by the Senate for including unearned degrees in their resumes and job applications.

So now you know that buying a degree from degree mills is not only unethical, but can also get you in a whole lot of trouble when you're found out. This doesn't mean, however, that you can't get a fast online degree legitimately. There are reputable and legitimate institutions that offer fast online degrees. It pays to do some checking on schools and other institutions that offer online degrees. Use the following as your guideline:

1. Evaluate the degree program being offered. Find out the graduation requirements, how many credit the school will grant you for prior learning and what exactly does the school consider as prior learning. Most reputable and legitimate schools that offer fast online degrees will typically give you at most two years' worth of credit for prior learning. This may or may not include your life experience.

2. Evaluate the institution offering fast online degrees. Is it a reputable school overall? What is the profile of the school's graduates? Are graduates of the school able to get into graduate schools? For a list of "substandard" schools, check out the database by the State of Oregon: www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.

3. Evaluate the teaching staff. Find out what the student/faculty ratio is. What percentage of the teaching staff has doctorate degrees? master's degrees? In terms of publication, what types of work and how any have members of the faculty published, and where?

4. Check accreditation of the school. You want to get your online degree from an institution that is duly accredited by a legitimate state-approved accreditation body. The Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation (UCOEA) and the Board of Online Universities Accreditation (BOUA) are not considered legitimate accreditation bodies, so keep this in mind if you come across institutions stating they are accredited by either the UCOEA or BOUA. Visit the website of the Council for Higher Education to check a college's or institution's accreditation: www.chea.org/institutions.

It is possible to get a fast online degree that is both legitimate and acceptable to current and future employers. You simply need to take the time to thoroughly study each institution and program to make sure you won't be paying for something you won't be able to use to advance your career.

Nic Haffner likes to give this readers information about online education. You can go to the website online accredited degrees for more.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Is A Career Degree Online Your Best Option?

This is one of those questions with an "It depends" answer. Getting a career online Life Experience degrees online may be the only realistic choice for people in some situations. For others, it may be smarter to take a more traditional approach. Some areas of professional specialization really require hands-on work under supervision or using specialized equipment. Certainly an accredited online degree program often includes periods where your physical presence is necessary - some subjects require laboratory work for example.

In considering a career degree online you also need to be honest about your own skills, attitudes and habits. Not everyone can make themselves do the work needed to complete a degree without a strong external support system that keeps them focused. Think about how many students start college and disappear after the first semester. It takes discipline and a willingness to sacrifice some immediate pleasures to successfully complete an online degree or certification course.

If you are working and are looking to improve your prospects in that same career area, you need to evaluate the value of any online program carefully. A career degree program has to be an accredited online degree program. This is not to say that you can not learn from an unaccredited program, but how much value do you think an employer will put on an unaccredited degree? You may have learned and increased your skills, but getting that recognized and accepted may not be easy. Some employers will also help with your costs, but generally only for an accredited program - and it needs to be one which will make you more valuable to them.

In a way, it is misleading to speak just of career degrees online. There are also a large number of online learning programs that offer certification of various kinds. Depending on the issuing organization and any accreditation or approval from state agencies or acknowledged professional oversight authorities, these can also be great career boosters.

For older students already working to support themselves and their families, taking time off to attend a college or a certification program is rarely a realistic possibility. And while many colleges and universities offer evening and weekend courses, these can become a major source of stress as one tries to fit into a fixed schedule of classes and cope with the demands of work and home at the same time. Learning and keeping up with the work can be hard enough without those additional stresses.

If you can discipline yourself and can find a quality accredited online degree program in your chosen career area, the marvelous thing about the internet and online degree study is the flexibility you gain. Work at the times you choose, on your own schedule, in your own home. Plus, the ability to replay a lecture or listen again to a seminar is a priceless advantage. If you do have a family, of course you will need their support and understanding. Just because you are sitting at home and at the computer does not mean you are fair game for any and all interruptions. Everybody may need to sacrifice a little to support your earning a career degree online. But thanks to the internet, many people who simply could not have managed to further their education before now have options that can really improve their lives.

Start building your tomorrow today by visiting http://Tools-for-Learning.com for more information and articles on learning through an accredited online degree program for your career degree.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

10 Online Colleges Offering Credit For Life Experience

Life experience degrees we have all heard of them. But do they really exist?

Yes and no. Many reputable colleges and universities allow you to earn credit for life experience. They do not, however, allow you to earn your entire degree through life experience. Only diploma mills make those kinds of promises!

How credit is awarded and assigned varies widely by university, but there is always a specific limit to the number of alternative credits you may earn toward your degree. Most of the colleges listed below offer a combination of credit by examination, military training credit, and portfolio credit.

Most individuals interested in gaining credit for life experience use the portfolio credit method. Using this method, colleges and universities evaluate your life experience, professional training and certifications, and so on. For example, if you are a small business owner, you may be able to get management and accounting credit, depending on your institution. If you are a human resources manager and have had formal management training, you might be able to receive portfolio credit as well.

Important considerations

* Carefully compare programs; all portfolio credit programs are not created equal
* Colleges and universities vary in their treatment of CLEP exams. Review your college's CLEP policies to find out what exams you may take, the scores you must receive to earn credit, and any applicable deadlines/requirements.
* Never assume that your credit will transfer to another university. If you plan to transfer, check with that institution to see if they will honor credit for life experience awarded by another university.
* Certain colleges and universities do not always award portfolio credit, but they will accept portfolio credit awarded by another university
* Ensure that the institution you plan on attending is regionally-accredited

Listed below are ten colleges and universities currently offering some form of credit for life experience:

1. Dallas Baptist University
2. University of Wisconsin
3. Columbia College
4. University of Massachusetts - Amherst
5. Champlain College
6. Central Texas College
7. Western New England College
8. Liberty University
9. Malone College
10. Western Governors University

If you feel that you have experience for which you should receive credit, then make that one of your criteria in selecting an online college. It will save you time and money!

Joy Miller is an educational writer for http://www.online-college-blog.com, a free online resource written by students, for students. Find information such as online course demos, online college reviews, and an online learning assessment quiz, as well as other valuable articles geared specifically for students desiring an online degree.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Benefits Of Online Education

A balance between constructivist and behaviorist objectives and methods probably needs to be determined for your institutions programs. Educators certainly must be actively involved in determining the appropriate pedagogical approaches for their market of students and the types of courses that they teach. Providing an effective learning environment to more students worldwide certainly is an altruistic objective, one that can promote educational ideals that in itself is at least a theoretical benefit to online education.

Practical benefits, particularly convenience, also attract students to online programs. Learners who work well on their own, are computer literate (or can quickly develop the required computer skills), and have access to the Web are likely to be interested in online education. Because these learners can take classes anywhere, at almost any time, the convenience factor attracts new students who want to try online courses.

For their educational pursuits to be successful, however, learners must be prepared to work online. Helping learners to use the technologies and structures found in online courses and socializing students to work with others through the Internet are necessary components to success. Effective online curricula include classes or at least modules that help students become acclimated to electronic education.

Another benefit to online education is the possibility of working with more learners, teachers, and subject matter experts outside a students limited geographic area. Collaborating with people from different cultures and levels of experience is a potential benefit that can enhance the learning environment and provide learners with a wider network of contacts. Online classes may offer special benefits to learners who are shy, have difficulty keeping pace with other students during a face-to-face class, or need time to express themselves effectively. Learners may feel more confident in an online class, even during a real-time chat session, because they perceive that the online venue creates an equal playing field. Learners who look or dress differently from others are treated equally online, because other students cannot see their peers in a text-based course. Learners who may need more time to express themselves can take that time before they post a bulletin board message or send e-mail. The quality of the work, not the appearance of the learner, is what is evaluated.

Online courses can increase participation among all learners. During a chat, for example, all students are encouraged, if not required, to participate. Everyone has a chance to be heard; it is difficult to hide at the back of the classroom.

Students have noted that the feedback they receive online is more often positive and supportive. Comments like good point, I never would've thought of that, or great idea are often more common online. Even if learners in a traditional classroom agree with a speaker, chances are that they will not speak up to make a positive comment. A nod here or there is more likely to be the only positive reinforcement given to in-class speakers. Seeing several written positive comments gives online learners a boost in morale.

Some learners feel uncomfortable speaking up in a traditional classroom because other learners give negative nonverbal cues, like frowning, rolling their eyes, sighing loudly, crossing their arms, or shaking their head. Online, even if other learners feel negatively about a statement, the learner writing the comment gets to complete the thought before someone else posts a reply. Plus, learners at least in a print-based chat session do not get the chance to see or hear each other during a chat. The impact of negative body language or censuring tone is missing from an online written chat.

For learners to reap these benefits, however, teachers must create a supportive, professional, yet personal atmosphere in the online classroom. Having access to a variety of materials and being able to communicate with people internationally through e-mail and chat are wonderful benefits provided by Web-enhanced courses. However, these benefits are only realized if learners feel comfortable using the tools and working together to build an online community of learners.

Teachers can only create a supportive, creative environment if they are given the tools and time to develop meaningful materials and activities, as well as learn how to teach online. Administrators and technical specialists must provide this support, which requires a high-level institutional commitment not only to the infrastructure of online programs, but to faculty training and development. Many teachers are concerned that they may not have this support, because course development, facilitation, and maintenance are time-consuming activities that involve a team of technical and pedagogical specialists. Making sure that teachers develop course materials and are actively engaged in creating programs is imperative for successful, beneficial online programs.

In addition to these loftier benefits, cost factors may also be beneficial. Students educational costs may be lower, if they already have access to computer technology required for their online courses. Activity fees, on- campus or nearby housing, parking, and other costs associated with attending classes on a physical campus may not apply to online learners. The fee structure can be a benefit to some online learners. Economics is an important element in the success of online programs and the reason why many institutions first decide to jump into online education. However, if online courses do not attract students or make enough money, the university or college is likely to drop them. The costs associated with maintaining the technology and keeping up the level of innovation may be higher than the institution is willing to invest. However, at least theoretically, online classes can attract students around the world, opening the institutions programs to a wider market. As well, depending on the amount of interaction required for an effective learning situation, some highly automated classes may be able to accommodate many more students in one session than could possibly fit into an on-site classroom guided by one teacher. Making online programs fiscally viable without sacrificing quality is a challenge, but online courses can bring new monies to the institution.

Go to http://www.tulasicorp.com to learn more about online tutoring and watch a sample versions of materials inside of our site. All tutors are screened, qualified and ready to help your child get better grades!

Monday, October 08, 2007

Nursing Education for a Wonderful Career - 4 Online Options

Nursing must be the only profession in the United States right now where you can pack up your bags, jump on a plane, and move out with confidence to pretty much any city you like across the nation. The chances are, not only your well-paying job, but even your well-decorated (and free!) house or apartment will be waiting for you.

Given the incessant demand for nurses of all specialties in the foreseeable future, it is one of the best career advices one can give today to those looking for a secure job with good pay.

The only precondition to nursing is training a good education covering the basics of health care is a must for certification. But it does not stop there. The field is deep and wide, and the terrain is changed frequently by the new technologies. That's why a nurse's education never ends.

Online education is an attractive alternative for those nurses too busy to take the time off to acquire a college online degree.

Here are four alternative schools to get your nursing degree online, with a study schedule flexible enough to accommodate your full-time job commitments.

University of Phoenix (UP)

UP allows you to earn a B.S. in Nursing or an M.S. while specializing in Health Care Education, Integrative Health Care, Health Care Management or Health Care Administration.

According to the University, the graduates of the B.S. or M.S. programs find employment as "registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and social workers as well as a variety of other specializations."

*** Kaplan University (KU)

KU offers an "RN to BSN degree completion program" for the Registered Nurses to get their Bachelor's degrees. Although most of the classes are available online, the program has a prerequisite clinical course. KU emphasizes the leadership dimension of professional nursing and provides career planning for job placement as well.

The curriculum covers "health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, information and health care technologies, ethics, human diversity, management theory, and health care system and policies." Click here for more information and registration:

*** Jacksonville University School of Nursing (JU)

JU, the main campus of which is located in Jacksonville, Florida , offers a similar online "RN to BSN" program for Registered Nurses. The students are provided 30 credits for their active U.S. RN licenses. They can transfer "approved credits from other degree and diploma programs," which helps.

The best part is, you can "complete your labs and practice projects without setting foot on campus." JU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is CCNE-accredited.

*** South University (SU)

SU also has an "RN to BSN" online program with no campus residency requirements.

The only prerequisite for the incoming students is that they should be a Registered Nurse with either an associate's degree from a school of nursing accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or hold a diploma from a school of nursing accredited by the NLNAC.

The curriculum covers "innovative health care concepts, palliative care, gerontological nursing, and complementary and alternative nursing methods."

U. Akinci is the Editor of Nurse Recruiter Newsletter (http://www.nurse-recruiter.com/newsletter/index.html) published by Nurse Recruiter (http://www.nurse-recruiter.com/index.html), the award winning nursing job board, employment & career site, founded in 1999 by a nurse to help other nurses find the jobs that perfectly match their qualifications and needs.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

The Advantages To Earning Online Degrees

There are several reasons why increasing numbers of people are choosing to earn online college degrees. In fact, as computers and the Internet become more and more a part of people's lives, online schools could well be the future of education. While there are some subject areas such as performing arts, team sports and sciences requiring hands-on lab work that are completely inappropriate to online learning, many others are. These include a great number of online degrees that qualify people for a wide variety of jobs and careers.

The biggest advantage to online degrees is that they can be earned at home. Additionally, such programs typically offer flexible scheduling, giving a student up to one year to complete requirements for a given class.

With college costs spiraling ever upward as one U.S. Administration after another diverts money and resources away from education to private corporate interests, the idea of going off to a traditional college or university has become out of reach for many. While tuition and cost of books for an online university is comparable to that of a traditional brick and mortar university, the traditional student will avoid many extra incidental fees frequently charged by such institutions. Such a student can also save on living and travel expenses by remaining at home. (An online student can also be more productive; one thing that online virtual university lacks are the beer parties and other types of distractions that can cause traditional students to have problems).

There is another secret of online learning that can help one earn a $22,000 degree for little more than the cost of a widescreen digital television. That is the College Level Examination Program, or CLEP. For under $100, the online student can test out of a course on nearly any subject in which s/he has competence, earning up to 12 credit hours. When one considers that the average cost of a single credit hour at a traditional university can cost over $200, CLEP credits are an attractive bargain indeed.

In fact, increasing numbers of traditional brick and mortar universities are offering online college degrees for a wide variety of programs and levels from the Associate's all the way to the Ph.D. Currently, there are 162 institutions across the nation offering such online degrees.

Some hesitate to enroll in online schools. This is understandable; like the airplane and the automobile over a century ago, online learning something quite new, and like those whose battle cry in 1900 was get a horse! there are many who are skeptical of the value of online college degrees.

In defending online degrees to prospective employers, those who earned such degrees can point out that (1) online universities are accredited just like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, and are usually closely associated with such institutions; (2) completing online degrees requires uncommon time management skills; and (3) these programs give students tremendous experience with new software programs qualifications that are definitely valued by employers.

Susan Slobac is a returning student who chose an online degree because of the many advantages that online schools offer. Online college degrees have many advantages for students including flexibility and affordability. Susan offers advice to the increasing numbers of students investigating online college degrees.