Colleges’ spring terms are winding down, which means thousands of newly minted graduates of four-year colleges will soon be entering the workforce, encumbered by more than $29,000 in student loan debt, per average debtor. At the same time, there’s wide debate about how well college prepares students to compete for the kinds of jobs that would help them pay off their debts.
This disconnect at the top of the academic pyramid is being exploited by community colleges and online educational institutions, often to students’ advantage. What they lack in ivy and clock towers, these places make up for by understanding how to cater to busy working adults and their employers.
Today in Washington, the disruption of higher ed will take another step with the announcement of the first nationally available $10,000 bachelor’s degree. That’s $10,000 for the whole degree, not per year. It will be offered by College for America, an online operation of Southern New Hampshire University. The college keeps its costs down by offering classes online. Unlike other online schools, it operates through employers. Companies such as McDonald’s (MCD) and Partners HealthCare, a hospital operator that’s the biggest private employer in Massachusetts, will offer College for America as an employee benefit and as a way to upgrade the quality of their workforces.
BLOG: Why Education Spending Doesn't Lead to Economic Growth
College for America doesn’t teach courses with credit hours. It teaches competencies, and it tests them using projects that resemble work that employees would be called on to do in their real lives. The first bachelor’s degrees to be offered are in health-care management and communications. College for America soft-launched last year with various associate’s degrees.
College-bound high schoolers may not find any of this particularly exciting, which is deliberate. Paul LeBlanc, the president of Southern New Hampshire University, told me the program is designed for adult learners who don’t want the “bubble,” with quads and clubs, that traditional college-age students do. “They’re chomping down a meal in the parking lot, racing home to see their kids before they get to sleep.” They’re all about acquiring and demonstrating mastery of new skills, and getting paid for them.
College for America “recognizes the knowledge and skills that our folks already have, so they’re not sitting through an Introduction to Business course that they could probably teach,” says Lisa Schumacher, director of education strategies at McDonald’s. Mary Jane Ryan, workforce development director at Partners, told me the pilot project with College for America is going “fabulously well.”
STORY: Ideo's Sandy Speicher Reimagines Education in Peru
The school’s online degree won’t solve the problem of college costs for everyone, but the trend toward teaching practical skills may well trickle up. Says LeBlanc: “There are a lot of these programs coming. There are already a fair number of competency-based programs in existence, thirtyish. There are 130 in development and hundreds being discussed. This is a wave. This is coming.”
There’s unquestionably a market for education that’s tightly focused on employers’ needs. In the last few weeks, I’ve heard inspiring stories from schools such as Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa, Seattle Colleges (formerly known as Seattle Community Colleges), and City Colleges of Chicago. I spoke to students like Janet Murumba, 33, a Kenyan immigrant and mother who received a certificate in industrial manufacturing. Her Seattle Colleges program blends academics with hands-on skills to the benefit of both. Her aspiration: to build airplane wings at Boeing (BA). “In class,” she told me, “I could drill for the first time, and it was like, ‘Oh God, it’s happening, it’s real.’”
Original Source of Article...
To Succeed Stay Out In-front of Change.
Friday 17 October 2014
Thursday 16 October 2014
Should I Earn a Bachelor Degree?
A bachelor degree is a postsecondary (or undergraduate) degree awarded to students who have completed a bachelor degree program. Most bachelor degrees can be earned within four years, though there are some accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as three years. Students who have already earned an associate degree may be able to complete the additional credits needed to earn a bachelor degree in two years of less. Bachelor degrees are popular degrees amonng business students.
Where to Earn a Bachelor Degree in Business
A bachelor degree in business can be earned from almost any four-year college and university. The degree can be earned online or through an on-campus program. Although every business program is different, most schools require that students complete approximately 40 courses or 120 credit hours.
Reasons to Earn a Bachelor Degree in Business
There are many different reasons to consider earning a bachelor degree in a business field. To start, this education track can lead to a better job and a higher salary. Business professionals who hold a bachelor degree tend to earn much more ($1 million on average) over a lifetime than people with a high school diploma. Earning a bachelor degree in a business-related field is also the first step for students who want to go on to earn an MBA or another advanced degree. Other reasons to consider earning a bachelor degree:
Associate Degrees vs. Bachelor Degrees
Choosing between an associate degree and a bachelor degree can be difficult. Associate degrees are often the more attractive option because they can be earned in less time (usually two years). It is also much cheaper to earn an associate degree than it is to earn a bachelor degree.
Of course, there are drawbacks to choosing a two-year degree in business over a four-year degree in business. An associate degree program offers a general education. Bachelor degree programs, on the other hand, provide students with the opportunity to choose a major and receive a highly-specialized education. This is very important for people who want to work in specialized business fields, such as financial management, accounting, operations management, human resources, or marketing.
Choosing a Bachelor Degree Program
Finding the right bachelor degree program can be a challenge. There are thousands of schools and degree programs to choose from in the U.S. alone. Some of the things that should be considered when choosing a bachelor degree program include:
Original Source of Article...
Where to Earn a Bachelor Degree in Business
A bachelor degree in business can be earned from almost any four-year college and university. The degree can be earned online or through an on-campus program. Although every business program is different, most schools require that students complete approximately 40 courses or 120 credit hours.
Reasons to Earn a Bachelor Degree in Business
There are many different reasons to consider earning a bachelor degree in a business field. To start, this education track can lead to a better job and a higher salary. Business professionals who hold a bachelor degree tend to earn much more ($1 million on average) over a lifetime than people with a high school diploma. Earning a bachelor degree in a business-related field is also the first step for students who want to go on to earn an MBA or another advanced degree. Other reasons to consider earning a bachelor degree:
- A bachelor degree is the most common degree awarded by colleges and universities. Students should have no problem finding a business program that meets their needs or career goals.
- A bachelor degree is required for most jobs in the business field. Students who complete a program will have the occupational training needed to secure a job after graduation.
- Employers often hire bachelor degree holders over applicants who have an associate degree or a high school diploma.
- Students who enroll in a bachelor degree program can choose a major and received specialized education that will help them on the job after graduation.
- Students who have taken AP classes in high school or college can earn a bachelor degree in as little as three years. Those who already have an associate degree can usually transfer and apply up to 60 credits toward a bachelor degree.
Associate Degrees vs. Bachelor Degrees
Choosing between an associate degree and a bachelor degree can be difficult. Associate degrees are often the more attractive option because they can be earned in less time (usually two years). It is also much cheaper to earn an associate degree than it is to earn a bachelor degree.
Of course, there are drawbacks to choosing a two-year degree in business over a four-year degree in business. An associate degree program offers a general education. Bachelor degree programs, on the other hand, provide students with the opportunity to choose a major and receive a highly-specialized education. This is very important for people who want to work in specialized business fields, such as financial management, accounting, operations management, human resources, or marketing.
Choosing a Bachelor Degree Program
Finding the right bachelor degree program can be a challenge. There are thousands of schools and degree programs to choose from in the U.S. alone. Some of the things that should be considered when choosing a bachelor degree program include:
- Accreditation
- Cost
- Curriculum
- Faculty Reputation
- Program Reputation
- Student:Faculty Ratio
- Admissions Requirements
- Career Services
Original Source of Article...
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Top 5 Occupations Requiring a Bachelor's Degree
As a high school graduates decide what field of study to pursue, they may wonder what the job outlook will be after obtaining their degree. According to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new graduates looking for a high paying job in a growing field should set their sights on Information Services and Finance. It is anticipated that these jobs in these fields will have the largest growth – actual increase in number of jobs – over the next several years. The top 5 jobs on the list that require a Bachelor's degree and their anticipated percentage in growth are:
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks, wide area networks, internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. This is a broad category of job which includes titles such as Network Planning Analyst and Network Administrator. Starting base salaries for these jobs run from $48,000 – 52,000, while an experienced analyst can earn from $72,000 to $76,000.
Computer Software Engineering is another occupation that will experience tremendous growth in next few years. These engineers design, modify, develop, write, and implement software programming applications. Software Engineers who are new to the field can expect starting salaries to be approximately $55,000. Experienced Software Engineers can earn closer to $83,000 with some more senior Engineers earning over $110,000.
Computer Systems Analysts review, analyze and modify programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing to support an organization's application systems. They often consult with users to identify current procedures and clarify program objectives. Applications Systems Analysts new to this job can generally earn $50,000 to start. Systems analysts with more experience can earn near $78,000.
Management Analysts conduct analysis on work procedures and recommend changes to improve the effectiveness of an organization's management. Management Analysts provide management with studies on ways to increase efficiency. Analysts new to this occupation can earn approximately $67,500.
Original Source of Article...
Rank
|
Title
|
% change from 2006-2016
|
1
| Network Planning Analyst and Network Administrator |
53.4
|
2
| Computer Software Engineers |
44.6
|
3
| Computer Systems Analysts |
29.0
|
4
| Management Analysts |
21.9
|
5
| Accountants and Auditors |
17.7
|
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks, wide area networks, internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. This is a broad category of job which includes titles such as Network Planning Analyst and Network Administrator. Starting base salaries for these jobs run from $48,000 – 52,000, while an experienced analyst can earn from $72,000 to $76,000.
Computer Software Engineering is another occupation that will experience tremendous growth in next few years. These engineers design, modify, develop, write, and implement software programming applications. Software Engineers who are new to the field can expect starting salaries to be approximately $55,000. Experienced Software Engineers can earn closer to $83,000 with some more senior Engineers earning over $110,000.
Computer Systems Analysts review, analyze and modify programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing to support an organization's application systems. They often consult with users to identify current procedures and clarify program objectives. Applications Systems Analysts new to this job can generally earn $50,000 to start. Systems analysts with more experience can earn near $78,000.
Management Analysts conduct analysis on work procedures and recommend changes to improve the effectiveness of an organization's management. Management Analysts provide management with studies on ways to increase efficiency. Analysts new to this occupation can earn approximately $67,500.
Original Source of Article...
Monday 13 October 2014
Online Alternative Medicine Degrees by Program Level
While traditional degree programs in alternative medicine are rare at
major universities, special institutes offer online or hybrid
associate's degree programs in alternative or holistic medicine. These
online programs cover topics in herbology, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Essential Information
Online associate's degree programs in alternative or holistic health are relatively rare, but available. Alternative medicine programs at the associate's degree level take about two years to complete and are offered in both fully online and hybrid formats. Online alternative medicine two-year programs may be available in a range of concentrations, such as herbal medicine or aromatherapy, and are ideal for current medical professionals. These programs are designed to prepare students for further practical investigation in the field of alternative medicine.
Online Associate's Degree in Alternative Medicine Overview
Accredited natural health and wellness institutes provide associate's degrees in alternative or holistic medicine in online or hybrid formats. Interested students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Alternative Medicine or Associate of Occupational Studies in Holistic Health. Alternative medicine is a branch of health and wellness that includes other areas, such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, nutrition, yoga and acupuncture. Students can choose a specialty from these concentrations and use their techniques to heal the human body. Whereas Western medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of an illness, holistic or alternative medicine focuses on treating the cause.
Program Information and Requirements
Graduates can earn their associate's degree in 2-3 years. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others require on-campus attendance for certain classes. Distance learners need access to a computer with high-speed Internet. Instructors create a virtual-learning environment by combining traditional texts with current online teaching methods, such as course management systems and online presentations. Instructors and classmates communicate primarily via e-mail.
List of Common Courses in Alternative Medicine
A curriculum in alternative medicine focuses on achieving wellness through balancing and nurturing a person's mind, body and spirit. Derived from traditions and practices in the East, alternative medicine practices mental calmness through life-coaching, yoga and spiritual studies, uses proper nutrition for optimum physical wellness and strives for natural healing using the body's own powers in preventative and restorative methods.
Introduction to Physiology and Anatomy Course
Students get a thorough overview of human physiology and anatomy. They learn how these systems relate to alternative medicine. Topics of special interest include the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.
Protocols in Holistic Pathology Course
This course covers the principles of naturopathology and natural therapeutics. Instructors teach scientific techniques and philosophical tactics as to how an individual's relationship with nature can be used for natural healing powers.
Terminology in Healthcare Course
Students develop a working vocabulary of healthcare-related terms, giving them practice and knowledge of the healthcare language. They can immediately apply this information to other studies or current employment.
Career Information
Depending on the chosen emphasis, an associate's degree in alternative medicine qualifies graduates to become, among other professions, herbalists, wellness coaches, aromatherapists, massage practitioners or yoga teachers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2010 the healthcare industry, of which alternative medicine was a part, employed 14.8 million people (www.bls.gov). Individuals often work in hospitals, doctor offices and natural health centers. Many, such as massage therapists and yoga instructors, can practice privately.
A December 2013 survey by Simplyhired.com reported the average annual salary for individuals in homeopathy was $36,000. The BLS reported that as of May 2012, massage therapists earned an average annual salary of $40,350, while fitness trainers and aerobics instructors earned an average annual salary of $36,900.
Original Source of Article....
Essential Information
Online associate's degree programs in alternative or holistic health are relatively rare, but available. Alternative medicine programs at the associate's degree level take about two years to complete and are offered in both fully online and hybrid formats. Online alternative medicine two-year programs may be available in a range of concentrations, such as herbal medicine or aromatherapy, and are ideal for current medical professionals. These programs are designed to prepare students for further practical investigation in the field of alternative medicine.
Online Associate's Degree in Alternative Medicine Overview
Accredited natural health and wellness institutes provide associate's degrees in alternative or holistic medicine in online or hybrid formats. Interested students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Alternative Medicine or Associate of Occupational Studies in Holistic Health. Alternative medicine is a branch of health and wellness that includes other areas, such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, nutrition, yoga and acupuncture. Students can choose a specialty from these concentrations and use their techniques to heal the human body. Whereas Western medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of an illness, holistic or alternative medicine focuses on treating the cause.
Program Information and Requirements
Graduates can earn their associate's degree in 2-3 years. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others require on-campus attendance for certain classes. Distance learners need access to a computer with high-speed Internet. Instructors create a virtual-learning environment by combining traditional texts with current online teaching methods, such as course management systems and online presentations. Instructors and classmates communicate primarily via e-mail.
List of Common Courses in Alternative Medicine
A curriculum in alternative medicine focuses on achieving wellness through balancing and nurturing a person's mind, body and spirit. Derived from traditions and practices in the East, alternative medicine practices mental calmness through life-coaching, yoga and spiritual studies, uses proper nutrition for optimum physical wellness and strives for natural healing using the body's own powers in preventative and restorative methods.
Introduction to Physiology and Anatomy Course
Students get a thorough overview of human physiology and anatomy. They learn how these systems relate to alternative medicine. Topics of special interest include the muscular, skeletal and nervous systems.
Protocols in Holistic Pathology Course
This course covers the principles of naturopathology and natural therapeutics. Instructors teach scientific techniques and philosophical tactics as to how an individual's relationship with nature can be used for natural healing powers.
Terminology in Healthcare Course
Students develop a working vocabulary of healthcare-related terms, giving them practice and knowledge of the healthcare language. They can immediately apply this information to other studies or current employment.
Career Information
Depending on the chosen emphasis, an associate's degree in alternative medicine qualifies graduates to become, among other professions, herbalists, wellness coaches, aromatherapists, massage practitioners or yoga teachers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2010 the healthcare industry, of which alternative medicine was a part, employed 14.8 million people (www.bls.gov). Individuals often work in hospitals, doctor offices and natural health centers. Many, such as massage therapists and yoga instructors, can practice privately.
A December 2013 survey by Simplyhired.com reported the average annual salary for individuals in homeopathy was $36,000. The BLS reported that as of May 2012, massage therapists earned an average annual salary of $40,350, while fitness trainers and aerobics instructors earned an average annual salary of $36,900.
Original Source of Article....
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