College Degrees

Andy West asked:


For many working adults, getting a college degree online has become the number one option for better career satisfaction and improving one’s income. Any more, the busy life of an adult just doesn’t allow for the commute and rigid scheduling that typically goes with an onsite campus. In order to succeed and efficiently learn the material, adults need a type of learning that works around their existing schedule.

With the Internet came many new conveniences, with online learning being one of the most useful features yet. Distance learning was anything but with the Internet connecting people near and far in a single cyber classroom. Accredited schools and universities found a way to reach out to the individual who had always wanted to return to college but for whatever reasons, could not.

Now, getting a college degree online is only a simple Internet connection away. With a virtual classroom that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, learning can take place whenever a student deems the time appropriate. There is absolutely no need to miss work, rearrange schedules or call a babysitter.

With the same curriculum one would find at any onsite college, students could sit back in their home, office or where ever they wish and take on an associate’s, bachelors or master’s degree in the field of their choice. Unlike onsite students who must find their way to classrooms and then find a seat, the comfortable learning environment ensures the material will be better retained.

Nearly every working adult seeks to move up in his or her job at one time or another, either for the pay or to find a sense of job satisfaction. Because of this, large majorities of people turn to the accredited online learning venues. Whether its business, health care, criminal justice or IT, when learning comes from an accredited source, employers are more than glad to see their employees doing what they can to better themselves and their workplace.

As it takes a degree to break into a career much less advance in one, employers have come to not only accept online learning degrees as legitimate, they often make note that the person is the type willing to do what it takes to better themselves. Companies find this type of employee to be a valuable asset. Those who put an effort into their own situation are generally well balanced and stable individuals who know what it takes to build a good future.

Getting a college degree online is also a notably cost effective option when considering the time to commute on top of books and tuition. With online learning, tuition costs are stated clearly with no danger of unforeseen price fluctuations. In most cases, as long as one starts and completes the program in whole, there is never any danger of sudden cost increases.

Learning from an accredited online course grants each student the option of financial aid, just as if they were taking classes at any onsite campus. A financial aid specialist can help students find which financial aid programs they qualify for and help devise a plan for funding. Lifting the financial burden of going back to school can make deciding to return a much easier decision.

After obtaining a college degree online, one will have the opportunity to move forward on a career path that would have otherwise been impossible. Not only does it advance a career, completing a degree builds confidence, inspiring one to move off in other positive directions in life. It is no wonder online learning has become as popular as it has for many working adults.

Roy

Andy West asked:


Today’s job market is more competitive than ever and many people earn a college degree online to ensure they won’t be left behind. In many ways, a degree is like a high school diploma thirty years ago, and to earn a college degree online is an option that makes the most sense for many people.

People pursue the journey to earn a college degree online for many reasons. Many people see the advantage of earning the degree, but have never enjoyed the classroom setting. Listening to classroom lectures can seem like a waste of time, especially if you have to learn class material through readings as well as doing homework. Sometimes it makes more sense to learn the material on your own instead of burning precious time in a classroom, in addition to commuting to campus. For others, there is no physical campus within a reasonable distance offering the major or degree they are interested in.

One of the largest demographics that seek to earn online degrees is middle-aged people. Many middle-aged people who decide to earn a college degree online are not able to attend day classes, and night classes take them away from their family. For many, obtaining a college degree leads to a raise, promotion, or even allows them to begin a new career.

A big advantage of programs that offer individuals the option to earn a college degree online is that you are not tied down to a schedule like students who attend a physical campus. Because the information is online, you can download class information and complete readings and homework at whatever time is most convenient for you. You will never miss a class because of an unexpected obligation or lose attendance points because of circumstances that are beyond your control. Online programs give you the opportunity to control your schedule and do things at your own pace, on your own time. Many students excel in this type of educational setting.

Because the number of people who earn a college degree online is rising and the practice is becoming so common, a degree from many online institutions is just as prestigious as acquiring a degree from a traditional college or university with a physical campus. Employers feel that a degree, regardless of where or how it was earned, is a degree and shows a lot of commitment to furthering your education, improving yourself, and demonstrates that you have the dedication that will likely make you a promising employee.

Employers also respect the fact that it takes an extraordinary amount of discipline to earn an online degree since there is no teacher or other students to help keep you motivated. Since most online learning experiences do not provide a set structure or schedule, earning this degree means that the person has learned effective time management skills and has likely juggled many responsibilities because of their drive to further themselves.

However, a lot of people contemplate the decision to continue their education this way for quite a while before they take the plunge. People are reluctant to seek a degree for many reasons, but most wish they already had the degree they dream about. For some, there is other time or financial obligations holding them back. Many people claim they can’t afford a college degree because they have to support their family, but most people in that situation can’t afford not to. Continuing their education will help get them out of the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle that so many families are trapped in. Parents in hand-to-mouth situation realize how dangerous the situation can be, but it is difficult to break the cycle. Fortunately, financial aid is available and can be quite generous for non-traditional students, especially parents.

The route to earn a college degree online isn’t for everyone, but it allows many people to earn a college degree who could not do so otherwise. For these people, online learning opportunities provide a better lifestyle for themselves and their families, as well as a sense of achievement.

Carrie

Jordan S asked:


If you were a passenger on a Boeing 737….Would you want a pilot that has more flight time logged/more experience, or would you want a pilot with less experience/minimum flight time logged WITH a college degree in any field?

Jessie

Andrew asked:


It is not a secret that getting college degree requires some financial investments. The problem is where do we get the money. Well, there could be several ways out. You can get a scholarship or you take a loan, then work a lot a hopefully in a several years you will pay it back. You can also get a well-paid job and work for 12 hours a day, but it is going to be hard to combine it with your studying. What is the best way then? Lot of employers offer tuition aid programs that allow employees to study, get their degree and work at the same time. Did you know that?

Are you not as skilled as your co-workers because you don’t have a college degree? Or may be you apply for and fail to get promotions because all you have is a high school diploma? Do you have an undergraduate degree, but you’d like to go back and get your graduate degree? That’s an expensive proposition.

If you are working, you should take a look at the options offered to you by your employer. If your employer does not offer a tuition aid plan, and you really want to get that degree, it might be a good time to look for another employer.

It is very important to look for prospects. While taking interview for a new job, be sure you ask about tuition aid and understand what is offered to you and find out about the procedure for receiving this aid.

It is not a secret that most of the time, your employer will require that the degree for which you will study must apply to a position in the company, so that they are paying your way out of the company and into a job with another firm.

If that is the case, find out what courses you will need to take to study for and get a degree in an area that will advance your position with your employer. Be sure that this degree fits with what you want to do with your career over the next 5-10 years.

As a circumstance for your tuition aid, your employer may also want that you sign a paper to agree to stay with their firm for a certain number of years after you get your college degree and education. This is a common process.

That way, they make sure that they get their money’s worth from the tuition aid. Be sure you can handle that obligation before you sign the paper.

Elmer

pa4vt asked:


I know that’s the case for the active route. Recruiter mentioned some people can start higher than O1 on the officer side depending on professional work experience as civilian and if it’s relevant enough to the Navy work. I’m just wondering if same can go for enlisted side? I’m also wondering what it takes to start at E5 or higher in USNR for someone like me with a college degree? I already did my homework on officer side. Just trying to understand enlisted side.

Jill

Derrick P asked:


I’m 20 yrs old and like many people, I’m not sure what I want to do with my life. I’ve got some college but haven’t selected a major yet. I’m thinking about going into a Computer Tech degree or Criminal Justice or Law. I just don’t know what would pay off more.

Tommy

Andy West asked:


Many working adults and professionals interested in getting ahead in their careers consider getting a college degree online. After all, whether you are working towards your first degree or towards a second, or even third degree, going online to do your schoolwork has many benefits. It will give you the opportunity to pursue an exciting new career.

Students in online classrooms often enjoy lower tuition fees, since schools do not have to charge for classroom use. Plus, some students enjoy using online class materials that save them money on textbooks. Students who pursue their education online also have complete control of their school schedules. They can work when they can, and still pursue a family life or a full-time job while they work towards their degree. Students don’t have to move across the country to a cramped dorm room to get a higher education; they can simply work online in their own homes.

Getting a college degree online allows students who otherwise could not pursue higher education to pursue a degree. Since the online option disrupts a student’s life very minimally, a determined student can pursue a higher education while also holding down a job or raising a family. This makes an online degree the perfect option for someone thinking of entering the workforce or changing careers. No matter where you live, you can pursue an education if you have access to a computer and have the willingness to learn. Many online schools and courses even have many of the same benefits as in-classroom education. They offer financial help for students, access to libraries, and even one-on-one virtual time with professors.

Despite all these advantages, though, many would-be students worry. Some students have misconceptions that hold them back from pursuing a better quality education. For example, some students are under the mistaken impression that getting a college degree online is somehow less prestigious than getting a degree from a classroom-based learning environment. This myth may be perpetuated by some less-than-honest academic options online. After all, the Internet is home to diploma mills, which simply send fake diplomas to anyone who applies for them. Cyberspace also boasts some so-called schools that offer degrees that require almost no work. It’s important to remember that while the Internet may have its scam artists, though, there are many legitimate opportunities for students online.

In fact, many of the top schools across the country offer online degree programs and options for students. Virtually all employers and schools are more than happy to hire someone with a quality degree, whether that degree was earned in the classroom or online. The trick is to pursue a quality degree that is recognized by employers and schools alike.

Students interested in pursuing a college degree online should not let myths stop them. There is no difference between pursuing a degree on campus or in cyberspace. However, students interested in the online option should do a little extra research to ensure that the degree they earn will really help them get ahead.

First, students should look for online education options only from accredited schools. Accredited means that a school meets certain requirements and is recognized as a learning institution. Secondly, students should research a school’s reputation and should look for a degree that offers good benefits. For example, students will want to make sure that professors conducting online courses are respected in their field and are available for help when needed. Students should also make sure that courses are challenging and require assignments and tests.

Finally, a good school should offer resources and help for students. This can include scholarships, online learning resources, and other assistance. The more a school and a degree offers, the better the chance that a student pursuing a college degree online will have a good learning experience and a bright future.

Barry

Andy West asked:


An accredited online college degree can be the key to opening doors for a more fulfilling life and career path. No matter where they are in life, many crave to explore their full potential. With an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, it can be possible to not only explore boundaries but create new ones altogether.

The world of online learning has exploded in the last few years, from becoming distance learning programs for those in special circumstances to the now every day 9 to 5 professional who balances a life of work and home while trying to get ahead. The idea of an accredited online degree program fits perfectly with the world of convenience the Internet has created. From paying the electric bill to shopping for shoes, everyday activities are being done from the comfort of home- including getting an education.

For many careers, getting a college degree can mean advancement and making thousands more per year. Getting a degree online, however, means not having to disrupt a current adhering to rigid class schedules. This alone is the primary reason that online learning has rapidly grown not only in popularity but also in levels of respect with the professional world at large.

If the idea of learning anywhere at anytime is appealing, take a look at online learning. From the comfort of home or any other location, in the middle of the day or at the end of an evening when activities have quieted down, learning comes when it is convenient for the student. A student who is at ease in their learning environment, during periods when they are openly ready to learn is likely to retain material better than those who are twisting their lives around a schedule that doesn’t fit.

An Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree can be earned online in Business, Criminal Justice, IT Technology, or Healthcare. Once the program for the degree is finished, online certificate programs can help to keep a professional’s credentials current. The ease of acquiring the education necessary for advancement and the high quality of the instruction earned with online learning continues to reach higher levels of respect with professionals and employers alike

One of the biggest benefits of choosing to get an accredited degree online is getting to skip the costs of relocation or commuting to and from a campus. Room and board costs are also non-existent. As with all accredited learning institutions, financial aid will be available to those who qualify.

The curriculum used for online learning is the same curriculum found at brick and mortar campuses; and just like a brick and mortar campus, accredited degrees are rewarded upon completion of a program. Depending on the student and their choice of program, this can take as long or as short of time as necessary. Students having this much control over their education can make the whole process of achieving a degree a much less daunting task than that of traditional methods.

More and more professionals are opting for online solutions to further their careers; and because of the quality of the curriculum, employers readily recognize online degrees as a legitimate source for earning the right credentials. Many companies realize there is tenacity required to balance getting an education while working and it is often a trait they want in an employee.

An accredited online college degree is a wonderful tool for breaking into a career or bringing one up to levels that a person can find challenging yet rewarding. Convenient with year round enrollment and classes that are ready to go whenever the student is, this type of learning has become an indispensable venue for the working world.

Leonard

Jim Zorn asked:


College degree master online is a need of the day, with the country focusing on generating more and more high-value jobs in service, consulting, and intellectual-property, while willing to relinquish low-value jobs in manufacturing and technology to the third world through outsourcing.

When this trend gathers further momentum in the coming years, one thing is sure - the current distribution of the US labor force, among high school diploma holders, associate degree holders, bachelor’s degree holders, master’s degree holders, professional degree holders, and doctorate holders, will be in for a major realignment, which will clearly be in favor of those having a master’s degree and above.

However, the increasing competition for regular graduate admissions, as well as the increasing financial burden when quitting work to enroll at a regular graduate school, has made college degree master online the way to go for many Americans aspiring for a master’s degree.

No wonder, the penetration of distance education is highest in graduate schools, compared with institutions offering predominantly associate, bachelor’s, professional, or doctoral degrees. In 2005, 44% of schools offering face-to-face master’s degree programs, had started offering them online too.

What It Involves:

College degree master online is about distance learning or online courses that lead to graduate degrees like Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and many more specialized master’s degrees.

For most subjects, the duration of studies needed for a master’s degree ranges between 1 to 2 years. The normal prerequisite is a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, while in some subjects and some colleges, a few years of professional work too will be needed. For example, online MBA programs from almost all prestigious institutions will need work experience for enrolling.

Also, some graduate subjects are usually not available through distance learning. Examples are Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Medicine (MD). Though they require a 4-year Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, they are considered first as professional degrees rather than master’s degrees. However, real master’s degrees in these subjects, like, LLM and MS (Medicine) might be available with a significant online component.

Good scores in standardized tests like GRE and GMAT might be necessary for admission at some of the more prestigious Universities. College degree master online will be demanding, as a typical program will be a mixture of course-based and research-based learning.

Why College Degree?

The nation enjoys a literacy rate of 99.9, which is also a first rank it shares with 20 other developed countries. However, among the US adult population, only 27% have received a bachelor’s degree or above. The rest of the adult population either holds a high school diploma, an associate degree, or haven’t completed their education.

Such a scenario was fine with an economy dominated by manufacturing and farming. However, as the nation continually moved up the value rung, a college degree became an absolute necessity. The value with which industry regards degree holders is evident from the fact that their average salary exceeds the national average by more than $10,000.

Why College Degree Master?

Today only 8.9% of the American student community go for a master’s degree. But America is again moving up the value rung through outsourcing - shifting from leadership in the technology sectors, to leadership in intellectual property, consultancy, and services.

Today, it won’t be an exaggeration to state that a typical American white-collar job demands a master’s degree. The only exceptions are first professional degrees like Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Juris Doctor (JD), and other such professional degrees. Even in these fields, a master’s degree is more desirable today, than it was ten years back.

The most important factor favoring master’s degree holders is that many of tomorrow’s fastest growing occupations require a master’s degree. This makes a master’s degree the passport to high-growth careers.

These include physical therapists, occupational therapists, educational counselors, instructional coordinators, rehabilitation counselors, mental health counselors, operations managers, management analysts, financial managers, information system managers, and sales managers.

Interestingly, at least in some of these fastest growing occupations, a master’s degree has also become a prerequisite for professional licensing.

Master’s degree holders squarely beat bachelor’s degree holders in both earnings and employment rates. While they earn nearly $800 more per month than bachelor’s degree holders on an average, their unemployment rate is much better at 2.1, compared with the 2.6 among bachelor’s degree holders. Clearly, these two factors combine to provide a kind of insurance against unemployment.

Lastly, many academically bright people go for a master’s degree, since they plan to attain one day the terminal degree in their subject, a doctorate.

Why College Degree Master Online?

Due to factors like better salaries, entry to high-growth careers, and better protection against unemployment, there is no doubt a master’s degree is today most desirable. However, opting for a regular graduate school is not for everyone.

First of all, the avenues for attending regular graduate schools are rather limited. While USA has more than 4,000 accredited colleges offering bachelor’s or associate degrees, only less than 300 Universities offer master’s degrees. Clearly, the available seats in these institutions are limited, compared with the increasing demand, thereby taking the competition to get graduate admission to new levels.

To manage the situation, many institutions keep an arbitrary cutoff GPA, sometimes not taking into consideration even test scores like GRE or GMAT. Clearly, the way out from this tough situation is master’s degrees through distance education.

Secondly, the cost of attending regular graduate school is steadily increasing. Annual tuition will cost upwards of $15,000, while even modest boarding will set one back by at least $6000.

Add to this, the revenue loss from quitting one’s job, and it becomes clear that even stipends from being a research assistant or teaching assistant at the University, won’t be enough to meet the high cost-of-living of a regular graduate student. Again, the way out is a college degree master online.

Here, you keep your full time job, pay much less tuition fee, spend not an additional dollar on campus boarding, but still proceed to the much coveted master’s degree.

What to Expect From College Degree Master Online, in the Future?

As demand for college degree master online increases further, the deployment of distance education in graduate schools will increase further from the current level of approximately 50%. Almost every master’s degree will be available online soon.

When options and enrollments increase, costs for college degree master online will come down further. Also, it will be no surprise if college degree master online becomes the norm rather than the exception in graduate study, at least in some subjects.

Bandwidth getting faster and cheaper will result in course delivery through the Internet, especially via asynchronous video, which will become the delivery mode of choice for lectures.

Conclusion

College Degree Master Online solves many problems and provides many positives. It lowers unemployment risks, reduces graduate school expenses, provides admissions to a large percentage of contenders, equips one for high growth careers, and of course, helps maximize one’s earning potential.

This is why master’s degrees are the most widely deployed distance learning programs today, and why the situation will only get even better in the future with more options and more enrollments.

Marilyn

Greywolf asked:


My son is in high school and is interested in the military AND college. I’ve heard of getting a college degree then joining and I’ve heard of joining with the intention of them paying for college. But I don’t really know what to tell him that would be true.

Can anyone help me with some answers?
I have knowledge of the military from many family members who were in it and serving as a military wife for 5 years with my ex-husband. However, he was enlisted and the situation is different with him. He was always saying he’d wished he’d have enlisted as an officer. I was wondering HOW that happens.

I consider serving this country to be an honor. WHERE EVER that is. I don’t have to love the president to love the country. The president will come and go. The country is ours for as long as we can keep it. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

Alexander