Online Degrees News

Are you interested in an online IT degree? Before starting on an information technology degree course online, it’s worth checking out the kinds of careers that a qualification like this can lead to.

Here’s an article by Mary Jackson with her view on the 8 top careers with an online information technology degree:

If you enjoy working with computers, learning new programs or testing out the latest computer software products, earning a computer science degree is necessary if you want to find a well paying job in the computer or IT field. Popular hot jobs you can apply for after you graduate include:Computer engineer, Systems analyst, Computer programmer, Database administrator, Software Support, Software engineer, Network Administrator, Interface designer.

Each of these careers is rewarding and necessary as more and more companies are in need of those who can use this technology to further their businesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, over half of all computer programmers have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field. This means that earning a computer science degree online will increase your chances of finding your dream job.

What education will you receive with an online IT degree?

Equal to a traditional degree program, an online degree will help you achieve any of the premium occupation mentioned above, plus other positions like computer security. However, unlike the students in the regular classroom, you pick the time most convenient to learn and study. Forget rushing from work to attend night classes, fighting for a parking space, or uprooting the entire family schedule. With online IT studies, you can take classes in the fields of: Hardware and software design, Software development, Troubleshooting, Networking, Data Security, Database management,Web design, Develop security plans.

Because most companies use technology systems to carry out business processes and communicate with employees, customers, vendors and others, more and more companies are creating IT departments that employ those who understand how networks function and how to keep them secure. Computer systems and manufacturing companies are also looking for talented individuals to create new software and hardware for consumers. While you earn your degree, you will be able to explore different fields to find one that suits your personality and interests.

Choosing the right online IT degree

First, where do you see yourself five years from now; what information technology degree will get you there? When making the determination, bear in mind the job market. Some computer related occupations like information security and support are on the rise, while the need for programmers is decreasing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, the need for support personnel is expected to increase 13% in the next few years. The key is to find a career likely to provide a lucrative position right out of college. A degree in Computer Science that utilizes your unique talents is best. Alternatively, a generally degree will leave the doors open to a number of computer related careers. Whatever you decide, make sure the college or university has the appropriate accreditation credentials for a quality education.

Earning an online IT degree in any of the specialized areas mentioned above will provide the opportunity to gain the expertise, in great demand, that will translate into a fulfilling and lucrative career. You chances of finding a good job right out of college are greater. In fact, potential employers may come looking for you, and offer you a place in the company immediately after graduation.

Taking an online MBA is a popular choice right now – especially for career professionals and those wanting to progress to the next level in their employment field. But how do you go about finding the best MBA program for you – there are so many out there!

Discovering the best online MBA program for you will always be a personal decision, because it’s essential that you match your career aims and objectives with the course specialization and expertise of the college or school.

Here’s a useful 6-point checklist to help you come up with a shortlist of MBA schools that are best matched to  your personal skill set and ambitions.

1. Find an institution that’s accredited.

Choosing an accredited MBA college helps to ensure the quality of the course that you propose to follow. It will also serve as a testimonial of the value of your training for employers who may be considering you for a future position. Don’t run the risk of choosing an inferior school or a course that will not equip you for your future plans.

2.Choose a school that’s a good fit for your situation and needs.

It’s a little known fact that more than 71% of MBA students are also working full-time. This means that you are likely to be under quite a lot of pressure during your course in order to satisfy the needs of your job as well as your MBA work – and if you have a family, you will need to have time and energy for them as well.  That’s why it’s so important that the school suits your situation.

3. Class Sizes

Make sure that you find out the ratio of teachers to students on the courses you consider. There’s an advantage to being in a group situation when you’re learning, as you benefit from interaction with other students as well as with a professor. But it’s also important that the ratio be small enough that there be an opportunity for you to participate actively – and, when it’s necessary, give you the chance for some one-to-one work with the professor if you have a special need or problem and help you meet your goals.

4.Well-Known Teachers

It’s a really valuable experience to have the chance to be taught by a teacher who is a leader in his or her field. Not only does it make it more likely that the teaching itself will be top-notch – it can also enthuse students to strive to do their best. A teacher with inspirational qualities can help students to appreciate their subject more fully and find new depths in their studies.

It’s also important to look at the methods of teaching used. Some program use case-based learning, others don’t – and not all schools offer the latest online technology. These are important considerations if you will be studying for much of your MBA online.

5. The Benefits Of An Alumni Program

Don’t discount the value of an alumni program to help you find extra resources to advance your career. Mentoring, networking and online communities  are just some of the ways in which you can form helpful relationships with other students, past as well as present, to support your MBA course.

6. Career Development Service

A large proportion of MBA graduates will be looking for a new job soon after graduating. That’s when the support services of a good school can come into their own. If you find yourself looking for new opportunities or unexpectedly out of work, the counseling and advice available may help you revamp your resume, hone your interview technique and generally keep your job hunting skills sharp.

Another useful feature of some of the  better online MBA programs is the opportunity to attend free courses and lectures to keep your knowledge current and up-to-date.

Many prospective MBA students are motivated by the idea of increasing their salary – either in their current field or by progressing to a new area. So it’s all the more important to take all the aspects of online MBA schools into careful consideration before making your choice.

Online MBA degrees continue to enjoy great popularity, bolstered in part by the apparent emphasis that employers are placing on targeted skills learnt in grad school.

Recent survey results by the Graduate Management Admission Council® have predicted an increase in recruitment of those with MBAs or similar graduate degrees. This growth is not confined only to hiring in the business sector: employers in other fields are paying attention to the strategic management skills and team leadership qualities that MBA graduates develop.

Convenience of an Online MBA

An online MBA is a convenient option for a busy professional who is already established in a career. The flexibility and opportunity to customize a learning program is an incentive for a student who needs to fit study time around a busy work schedule.

Such experienced professionals also appreciate the fact that it is sometime possible to complete an online graduate degree relatively quickly, depending on how frequently the student can follow classes and the amount of time available for study.

Teaching Styles

The style of delivery of online programs varies between institutions. The so-called ‘asynchronous’ style of learning allows students to log on at the convenience with in a set period and complete assignments in their own time. Conversely, ’synchronous’ course components are taught in real time in a virtual classroom environment to a set schedule.

Many colleges offer the opportunity to combine both methods in a blended format that suits both the preferences of students as well as the demands of an academically rigorous program.

The GMAC® research also indicated a widening gap between average base salaries proposed for those with higher business degrees, compared to those offered to new employees without comparable qualifications. Here’s where you can read more about the Graduate Management Admission Council®.

In a world in which technology advances rapidly and the frontiers of knowledge are constantly being pushed back, it’s always important to keep professional knowledge and skills up to date. An online MBA from an accredited institution can help to enhance employment prospects in a competitive world.

Master’s degree online programs appeal to many mid-career professionals. The fact that many master’s courses focus on job-related skills makes them very desirable qualifications. And for certain jobs in fields such as engineering and health care, having an advanced degree is a big advantage, if not a pre-requisite, to getting hired.

Experienced professionals understand that learning is an activity that never stops. Advances in technology and new working practices demand the ability to stay abreast of innovations in any career.

That’s why universities — online and on campus — are working to meet the demand for postgraduate professional training programs that combine theory with practical application in the work place.

If you are considering an online master’s degree program as a way to advance your career potential, there are important factors to consider as part of your planning strategy:

1. Are you the kind of student who will get the most out of online education?
Supporters of online degrees cite the convenience and flexible nature of study schedules as a big advantage. This is useful as long as you have the necessary skills of independence and dedication to stay on track when working on your own.

2. Will a master’s get you the advantages you seek?
Any degree calls for a large commitment of time, energy and money. That’s why it’s so important to plan your strategy and have clear goals before you sign up for a course. A lot depends on your career field. Perhaps you already know that going to grad school will benefit your prospects. But it’s not automatically the case that a higher degree means a bigger salary or better chances of promotion.

3. Have you researched colleges in depth?
It’s essential to do your ‘due diligence’ before you enroll. Check the accreditation status of the course and school, and find out the status of the accrediting agency as well. Visit the website of US Department of Education for more information on how to do these background checks.

You’ll also want to know about teaching schedules and styles — for example:

• are courses taught to a set schedule?
• are classes ‘asynchronous’ — so you can devise your own study schedule around your other commitments?
• are there residential course requirements?
• what are typical class sizes?
• is there a mentoring program or other kind of student support system?

If you are already working a job, your employer may be able to offer financial support to enable you to achieve your aspirations for an online master’s degree. You may also be eligible for assistance from grants or scholarship schemes.

Distance education courses offer opportunities to earn a degree to students who cannot or do not wish to follow a traditional campus-based program. The development of high speed communication and research facilities via the Internet have opened up immense possibilities for motivated students interested in finding success through distance learning.

For many people, the barriers to fulfilling higher education options include the need to work a regular job, or difficulty traveling to a campus.

But if you enroll in a school that specializes in distant learning programs, it’s usually possible to earn the same degree as if you attended that college as a full or part time student in the traditional way.

Typical Distance Learning Techniques

Distant education courses allow you to follow lectures and complete course work and homework on the web or at your computer.

It’s important to choose the environment and style of learning that’s right for you. Here are some possible options:

• Attending a virtual classroom, set up like a message board, blog or forum, where you can interact with your instructor and fellow students when the time is right for you.
• Using the aid of technology to observe a traditional class, but at a distance — for example by means of a web camera. These classes may take place live or be recorded for you to replay when you have time to work on your course.
• Working from prepared materials on DVD or CD ROM. This is another way of working at your own speed, and may perhaps be combined with attendance on-campus to take tests or discuss your course work with a supervisor.

Email has revolutionized day to day communication, and is likely to play a major part in your contact with your teachers and other students. You can send work in a file attached to a message, and there may be the opportunity to use instant messaging to discuss topics or ask questions.

These are just some of the ways that schools set up their college courses online. From live communication to self study, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find the kind of learning situation that suits with your specific needs.

Another key benefit from pursuing your college courses online is the potential to save money.

If you’re taking time out from work to complete your higher education, it’s likely that you’ll be making a few economies on the way! So finding ways to keep your expenses down is all the more important, particularly when you’re meeting the extra costs of tuition, study materials, books and so on.

When you’re studying for an edegree, you’ll be spared many of the costs of daily travel to and from school and parking fees. And this doesn’t just mean a saving on the cost of gas or a train ticket. Commuters regularly bemoan the amount of time they waste traveling back and forth. But since you’ll be attending school online as a distance learning student, you can save yourself the chore of sitting in rush hour traffic or waiting for public transport in all weathers.

Many kinds of student appreciate the advantages of receiving degree tuition online. Travel to a campus may be difficult because you are disabled or unable to leave home for another reason. Even access to public transportation is difficult for some who live in more remote areas. Elearning helps to remove such barriers to higher education by bringing your college courses to you.

At some stage in the course of your online degree course, it’s likely that you will need to attend particular events connected with your college. Depending on the nature of your subject, this may be a matter of meeting professors periodically, doing lab work or other field assignments or taking examinations. When you do an online degree search, check out the structure of the course to find out how often you need to attend group meetings or specific events on a campus or elsewhere. Some sort of attendance at group sessions is to be expected as a part of following college courses online.

Online accredited colleges have taken an important step to ensure their students that their courses and programs meet accepted quality standards. In the US, this means that they have been subject to review by a private accrediting agency.

While accreditation itself is not a process undertaken at government level, the US Department of Education does publish a list of the agencies that it deems reliable according to own procedures and criteria. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a non-governmental body which also reviews accrediting organizations.

According to CHEA, accreditation is a “collegial process of self-review and peer review”. This means that an online college seeking to be accredited will need to put into practice a system to assess its own academic quality according to the standards of an agency and write a summary of its performance. It will also be reviewed by other experts, such as faculty members, and will receive a visit by a team from the agency. The agency then decides whether to grant accreditation or not.

Accredited status can be conferred to the institution as a whole, or to specific programs or departments within a college, depending on the nature of the school or the agency that is conducting the review.

Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies

Prospective online degree students need to know what different types of accreditation mean and the relative importance of various regional, national and professional agencies. In particular, acceptance by one of the six regional agencies below commands particular attention:

• MSA – Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education
• NCA – North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
• NEASC – New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
• NWCCU – Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• WASC – Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities

Credit Transfer

One of the biggest concerns for higher education students is whether they will be able to transfer credits for courses already completed if they change schools in the middle of a course. National accreditation is not always as widely recognized as its regional counterpart, and so credits from regionally accredited schools are often considered more transferable – although accredited status by itself does not guarantee that you can transfer credits. If this is a concern for you, it’s wise to check on different schools’ policies before you enroll.

Online accredited degrees have several benefits and advantages in comparison to courses that have not been recognized or earned accreditation. Online colleges need to satisfy the standards and requirements of a third-party accrediting agency in order to enjoy status as an accredited institution.

The situation with accrediting agencies varies from country to country. In some parts of the world, accreditation is carried out by the government. In the USA, it is performed by private accreditors on a national or regional level. Sometimes the criteria for regional accreditation are more stringent than those required by national agencies.

If you’re going to take an online degree, you’ll expect the best standard of education for your money. And a propective employer may look for accredited qualifications from job applicants.

A school offering accredited courses, whether in traditional or online programs, will have undergone a form of peer review through one of these agencies and will have to meet acceptable levels of quality assurance.

It’s important to recognize the differences between reputable online colleges and those that offer qualifications with little or no academic merit. When you enroll in an online degree program, be sure that the degrees offered are properly accredited and that the accreditation itself is authentic.

These days, advertisements for online higher education seem to be everywhere. The best online college degree programs offer opportunities to motivated students to complete their education through courses offered by schools that may or may not have an actual campus. And if you take your course at an accredited institution, it’s possible to earn a degree that can compare with one from a traditional university.

Online college degree programs allow you to follow lectures, complete assignments do coursework via the internet or on your computer. One of the benefits of online education is the role that you the student have to play in deciding what methods and goals are right for you, given your personal circumstances. The exact format and style of the course content will depend on the subject and program that you choose to follow. You need to select a degree program that fits in with your schedule and other commitments.

These are some of the usual components of online college degree distance education:

• A virtual classroom or lab allows you to stay in touch with your teacher and peers — rather like the layout of a forum, blog or message boards. This is a key part of your ‘interactive space’.
• Students observe actual lectures that are recorded or streamed via web cameras. The advantage of technology such as this is that you can play the content at a time when you can concentrate on your work. In cases where the material is ‘live’ you may be able to communicate with your online instructor in real time.
• Learning resources such as CD ROMs back up your course materials. You can study these at an appropriate time of day for you and at your own pace. Alongside this, you may need to attend school or another facility to take a test or to submit coursework.
• You will very likely use email as a principal way to connect with other students and the online professor teaching your course. Documents can be sent as attachments to messages and if you have a pressing question, you may be able to get a speedy response by using instant messaging.
• If your degree program involves tutorials, you can attend these online as a ‘virtual student’ and participate as if your were physically present.

These are just some of the ways in which the best online college degree programs take advantage of the communication possibilities of the web. Self study can take many forms, and it’s up to you to choose a learning style and environment that matches your preferences and needs.

You may find that your school offers a variety of options to suit different studying patterns. Don’t assume that there is only one model that works for an e-degree. Check out the wide menu of choices available for online higher education.

Many students attest to the value of online degrees as a way of increasing their employability potential while managing the demands of work and domestic life. Increasingly, degree courses like these are offered by traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ universities as well as specialist online institutions.

But is an online degree course going to suit your needs — and, just as importantly, will you be able to thrive in an online learning environment? Successfully undertaking such a program is a considerable investment. That’s why you need to have a clear understanding of your goals and what you can expect to achieve with an online qualification.

It’s essential to research the academic credentials of the institution and course, find out about its accreditation status and know what requirements are expected of students. Make sure you do your homework so that you know how the degree will be recognized, not only by employers but also by other colleges in case you need to transfer credits to another institution in the middle of your course.

Online higher education calls for a high level of maturity and self-motivation from a student. The independent style of learning and the very fact of studying remotely requires a student to be able to work without the support of regular face-to-face interaction with a supervisor and other students.

But for those who can balance the demands of school work with other daily commitments such as family or work, the convenience of being able to organize your own study schedule can be a huge advantage. For committed learners, an online degree program can be an enriching and liberating experience.

Online degrees — whether graduate or undergraduate — are big news these days in the field of higher education. We live in a world which lays great emphasis on skills and qualifications for the workplace. That’s just one reason why so many people are looking for a way to acquire that training without having to devote four or more years to full time study on campus.

Not everybody can afford to go to college as soon as they graduate from high school. And for some people, an immediate start on a career seems infinitely preferable to yet more classes.

But what’s interesting is that many people who make that decision change their minds later on. The challenges are different in later life — and many professional people come to realize that developing specific skills and new knowledge through accredited online degrees can enhance their career opportunities.

What sort of people tend to be attracted to online degree programs? While it’s hard to generalize, there are specific groups to whom this new style of learning seems to appeal:

1. Home makers and others with domestic responsibilities
   Parents looking after young children often have to put their professional ambitions on the ‘back burner’. Though it’s a challenge, an online degree gives them the opportunity to juggle study with domestic responsibilities. And such training allows them to get ready for a time when their children have grown up and they can re-launch their career.
2. People at work who need specific professional training
   In a rapidly changing world, it’s always important to stay aware of new developments and technologies. That’s why so many professionals see online degree courses as a way to refresh their knowledge while staying in their job. And some savvy employers recognize the value of this commitment and give their employees tuition support.
3. ‘Lifelong students’
   The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is a passion for many. Online education reaches out to students of all ages and backgrounds and gives them the chance to develop their sense of self-worth, find new purpose in life and remain mentally active.
4. Students who need to save time and money
   Degree tuition can be expensive, and most students need to find ways of balancing their budget. Online study is one way to cut costs by removing or reducing expenses such as travel and campus accommodation. And the asynchronous nature of much online learning material means students can study when their schedule permits, rather than to an imposed timetable

Online degrees appeal to a diverse group of students because of their flexibility. It’s an important way of increasing access to higher education in the modern world.

The Impact of Distance Learning

An online degree is an increasingly useful asset in a world that places a high value on professional training and qualifications.

Getting a degree by distance learning (or elearning, as it now sometimes called) suits the demands of people with busy lives. The programs and training courses available from online colleges take away the need to spend a valuable part of your time commuting to and from a college campus.

Similarly, the structure of online degree programs means that it’s possible to combine your degree training with a regular job, family life and other important parts of your world. You don’t have to give up every other facet of your existence in order to expand your employment potential with an internet based degree.

Negotiating the enormous range of e-degree programs can be challenging. As well as the specialist online degree providers, more and more traditional ‘bricks-and-mortar’ institutions have taken to offering distance based courses. Some of the older universities have been cautious in their adoption of these new approaches to open learning, but they are now beginning to realize the huge potential of including elearning components in the curriculum for a range of subjects.

With the plethora of choices available, the onus is on the student to make the decision that’s right for them:

• What courses are you qualified to apply for?
• What type of degree is appropriate for your goals?
• How will an online degree be viewed in your professional area?
• Which online school will be offer the best chances for success?
• What tools and resources are needed for successful online learning?

Many students have found the freedom and flexibility of online training to be a great motivator and enabling advantage. While it may not be the best solution for every learner, the ability to structure and plan your work towards a higher education qualification can bring independence and a liberating sense of control of your future.