Individuals who enjoy working with computers and figuring out what makes them work may enjoy a career in computer engineering. An engineer in this profession uses his or her knowledge of computer science, math and electrical engineering to help design computer systems. Read on to learn how to enter the field of computer engineering.
Computer Engineering Overview
Computer engineers, also known as hardware or software engineers, design and develop computer systems. Hardware engineers are closely related to electrical engineers and focus on the design and installation of computer chips, processors and other hardware components. Software engineers, on the other hand, focus more on applying math and computer science to develop and implement software applications.
These branches of computer engineering often go hand in hand, and professionals in this field typically work among a team of hardware and software engineers. They apply their knowledge to a wide range of applications, such as communication systems, microprocessor circuitry and medical equipment, in a variety of industries.
Education Information for Computer Engineers
Individuals interested in computer engineering can choose from bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, depending on their career interests. Bachelor's degree programs are ideal for entry-level computer engineers. Master's degree programs tend to qualify graduates for advanced positions, such as in upper-level development and research. Those interested in teaching computer engineering may pursue doctoral degrees.
Curriculum
In a computer engineering degree program, the curriculum combines in-class instruction with laboratory studies. Coursework focuses on practical, industry application of math, physics and engineering design principles. Students tend to take courses in system design, software and hardware engineering, computer architecture and operating systems. They may also complete internships, which allow them to apply engineering principles to real-world situations and gain hands-on experience.
Licensure and Certification
While computer software engineers are not state-regulated, hardware engineers are typically required to obtain state licensure. The licensing process includes completion of an accredited, computer engineering degree program and passage of a preliminary exam followed by four years of supervised training in the field. Candidates may then sit for a final licensing exam and, upon passage, become licensed, professional engineers (PEs).
Software engineers may choose to obtain certification to demonstrate their proficiency. Several computer science organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society, offer certification programs geared superficially toward software engineers. Many software companies also award certification to computer science professionals who prove expertise in their products.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the projected job growth for computer hardware engineers could reach nine percent from 2010-2020. These engineers earned a median annual salary of $100,920 in 2012, the BLS reports. Computer software developers specializing in software applications earned $90,060 during the same time period, according to the BLS.
Original Source of Article...
To Succeed Stay Out In-front of Change.
Monday, 24 November 2014
Sunday, 23 November 2014
10 good reasons why to study Electrical Engineering
1. It's easy to get your first job
Electrical engineering students fairly easy find their first job because most employers in electrical field search for fresh mind, with fresh knowledge and at the same time they get young people they can mold to their own specific needs and make experts out of them.2. You can work in another country
Working as electrical engineer opens you lots of opportunities in other countries. Laws of math, electricity and physics are universal and your gained knowledge doesn't limit you to only the country you studied in. There are a lot of international companies that need electrical engineers, also most of them are willing to employ people form other countries, and most of them operate on international level that offers you additional options of traveling while working. Besides, you are usually getting payed well for it!3. Student practise can be extended to employment
Most European universities demand students of electrical engineering to get short pravtise with companies before they graduate and usually, if you perform well you can extend your praxis into employment after graduation. The employer already knows you already, they know your skills and work ethics and also they usually start to mold you in their "specific needs" profile during your practise.4. You gain a wide range of knowledge during your studies
Thinking that electrical engineering is just one dimensional is wrong. The range of knowledge gained during studies is amazingly broad and versatile. Even just basic studies gives you wide range of skills - from programming to writing reports; lets face it, reports are required on every step of electrical engineering studies and every employer will demand writing reports on different fields you work on. Even though you are studying a specific part of electrical engineering you will get basics of almost all aspects of electrical engineering and it shouldn't be a big problem to find solutions to a problem that is not strictly in your specific field of expertise.5. Computer skills
Modern world is run by computers. Most of the people use it on regular basis, but some still struggle with some operations that demand knowledge, that goes just a little bit beyond "Click an icon". Electrical engineers are faced with computer problems on every step of their studies and also every day on a job, that's why we usually gain computer skills during studies, when we have to install different programs for our studies, run analysis and tweak components or electrical circuits. Computers become parts of us and we know that hitting them won't make them run faster but fixing might...6. Adrenaline
Maybe adrenaline isn't first thing that pops in your mind when you think about electrical engineering, but trust me there will be a lot of adrenaline rush moments if you get in electrical engineering. Occasional jolts of electrical charge that hits you when you aren't paying attention and touch the leads of charged capacitor or when you connect 2 wires that you shouldn't or an electrical component more or less explodes in front of your eyes because you connected it on the testing board in the wrong way... Those events make you jump out of your chair and definitely raise your adrenaline level. On the other hand you won't most likely do the same mistake again!7. DIY
DIY or "Do It Yourself" is one of more exciting reasons why to get in electrical engineering. When you know how stuff works, what usually malfunction and what are basic rules of electrical engineering you can make your own stuff that usually you need to search for and buy. It's not always cheaper, although some solutions will save you great deal of money, but it works as you want it to work and it's your own creation what gives it additional value and also nice reference in your CV if you are applying for a job. DIY creations are unlimited. You can build a 1 sensor that would cost you 10 in a store or a computer controlled cutter that costs 1000 but you just spent 200 building it.8. Mr./Mrs. Fix-It
Not only everyday fixes, like changing a burned out light bulb or faulty fuse aren't scary moments any more - you might also be able to cope with more complex problems with your computer etc. That doesn't only save you money but also works great as a pick up line...9. New stuff gets out all the time - it never gets boring
Electrical and electronic components are modified, invented and reinvented every day, so you will never be bored because you are using same process or component for the last 10 years. New and exciting stuff is available all the time and you will have lots of fun testing an assembling it.10. Only few simple rules to follow
- Things work better when plugged to power
- Electrical components work on smoke - when it gets out you are in trouble
- If things don't work, read a manual.
Friday, 21 November 2014
Associate Degree in Child Development: Program Summary
Read about associate's degree programs in child development. Learn about
employment and certification options for graduates, as well as common
course topics within a child development program.
Essential Information
Designed with standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), associate's degree programs in child development prepare students for entry-level careers or to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in early childhood development. Courses in this program typically examine the physical, emotional, language and behavioral development of infants, toddlers and school-aged children, as well as covering child nutrition and family dynamics. The curriculum also prepares students to develop age-appropriate education plans and utilize creative arts to foster learning.
This 2-year associate's degree program typically culminates in a child development practicum where students work with children in an educational setting. Admittance requires a high school diploma or GED certificate; prospective students may also need to submit to a criminal background and child abuse screening before being admitted into the practicum phase of the program.
Program Coursework
Coursework prepares students to work with infant, toddler and school-aged children through studies in language development, special needs, assessment and more. Topics of discussion typically include:
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a child development associate's degree program are prepared to work with children in settings like day cares, child enrichment centers, preschools and more. Job titles of graduates may include teaching assistant, preschool teacher, Head Start teacher and daycare provider.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth of 20% for childcare workers from 2010 to 2020, while preschool teachers could see 25% growth in that same period. In 2012, childcare workers earned a median salary of $19,510 while preschool teachers earned $27,130, the BLS reported.
Original Source of Article...
Essential Information
Designed with standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), associate's degree programs in child development prepare students for entry-level careers or to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in early childhood development. Courses in this program typically examine the physical, emotional, language and behavioral development of infants, toddlers and school-aged children, as well as covering child nutrition and family dynamics. The curriculum also prepares students to develop age-appropriate education plans and utilize creative arts to foster learning.
This 2-year associate's degree program typically culminates in a child development practicum where students work with children in an educational setting. Admittance requires a high school diploma or GED certificate; prospective students may also need to submit to a criminal background and child abuse screening before being admitted into the practicum phase of the program.
Program Coursework
Coursework prepares students to work with infant, toddler and school-aged children through studies in language development, special needs, assessment and more. Topics of discussion typically include:
- Child safety
- Child development theories
- Cognitive development
- Behavior management
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a child development associate's degree program are prepared to work with children in settings like day cares, child enrichment centers, preschools and more. Job titles of graduates may include teaching assistant, preschool teacher, Head Start teacher and daycare provider.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth of 20% for childcare workers from 2010 to 2020, while preschool teachers could see 25% growth in that same period. In 2012, childcare workers earned a median salary of $19,510 while preschool teachers earned $27,130, the BLS reported.
Original Source of Article...
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Education in Forensic Science
Forensic science refers to the application of scientific principles to establish facts for legal matters, both criminal and civil. Like all aspects of criminal justice, becoming a forensic scientist requires the appropriate education and training, however, because the term forensic scientist can be applied to such a diverse group of professionals, a wide variety of educational requirements exist. Therefore it may be helpful to divide forensic scientists into categories when considering their educational requirements. One division is between individuals who practice forensic science full time (e.g., crime laboratory personnel, forensic pathologists) and those for whom forensics is an offshoot or specialization of their profession and expertise (many of whom work in academia, such as forensic anthropologists or forensic entomologists). A second division is between civilian forensic scientists and those who are “sworn” individuals such as police officers. As can be imagined, the educational requirements for these groups often differ substantially.
At the heart of forensic science are the crime laboratories, which exist at the city, county, regional, state, and federal levels, along with some private facilities. These range from being very basic and housing a single unit (e.g., fingerprints) all the way to ‘full service’ laboratories that have scientists in many areas, including biology, chemistry, toxicology, firearms, controlled substances, latent prints, trace evidence, questioned documents, digital evidence, polygraphs, and more. All of these individuals examine and test evidence that comes into the crime laboratory, which is usually submitted by police agencies. It is these same agencies that have crime scene investigators (CSIs) who regularly process crime scenes and collect evidence, therefore if an individual is interested in being a CSI, becoming a police officer is the usual route, although a few jurisdictions use civilians for this purpose. This is not to say that forensic scientists never process crime scenes or collect evidence, however, most of their time is spent in the laboratory analyzing evidence, and they may go their whole career without ever visiting a crime scene, or only do so in high profile cases where their specific expertise is required.
Beyond the crime laboratory lays an immense group of professions that can be associated with forensic science. In the medical field, forensic pathologists (which may include medical examiners or coroners) have a medical degree, with subsequent specialization in pathology and forensic pathology. Forensic nurses (or sexual assault nurse examiners) deal with the living, and have the unique training required to identify and treat victims of crime, as well as collect physical and verbal evidence from them. Forensic psychiatrists (a medical degree) and psychologists often examine suspects and witnesses to ascertain if they understand their circumstances and are competent to testify. They are commonly in private practice and consult with the legal system. Note that this is different than criminal ‘profiling’, which is usually carried out by individuals in police agencies who work directly with detectives, and themselves are typically sworn.
The world of academia contains a large number of forensic experts, who use their education and knowledge to assist the legal system, although this is often not their primary responsibility. For instance, almost all certified forensic entomologists have a doctorate in classic entomology or a closely related field, and teach classes and conduct research that often have nothing to do with forensics. Likewise, many forensic anthropologists received their doctorate through years of study of human skeletal remains, which might be modern but are frequently historic in nature and have no relationship to criminal activity. Forensic casework often represents a small (though very interesting) portion of their work. Academics studying animals (zoologists or veterinarians), plants (botanists), manmade structures (engineers), the earth (geologists), electronics (computer scientists) and just about any other field can one day find themselves in court explaining details of a piece of evidence to a judge and jury. The same can be said for experts in other professions, where specialized knowledge is a tremendous asset for the criminal justice system. In other words, any individual who is a respected expert in their craft may at some point become court qualified as a forensic expert.
However, most people considering a career in forensic science probably desire a full time position, which generally places them in the crime laboratory. While jurisdictions vary widely, it is not uncommon for certain specializations in the laboratory to be occupied by officers and others by civilians. (It is rare today that everyone in the laboratory must be sworn, although this was the case in some states a few years ago.) Therefore, policing is one option for a career in a crime laboratory, although a bachelor’s degree is still required. Units in the laboratory most likely to be staffed by sworn personnel are those where the knowledge and skills are learned via observation and interpretation, as opposed to analytical methodologies. Examples include firearms or fingerprints analyses, which are largely learned through an apprenticeship system. Some college level science classes, like chemistry and physics, are useful and may be required, however a full degree in the hard sciences usually is not.
In contrast, the analytical sections of the crime laboratory, including chemistry, toxicology, and the relative newcomer biology, do require a degree in natural science. Analytical chemists were historically the mainstays of the laboratory, and even today they perform the broadest array of analyses for drugs and ‘trace’ evidence such as gunshot residue, arson accelerants, hairs and fibers, soil, glass, etc. Likewise, toxicologists, who test for drugs and other substances inside the body, generally have a chemistry background, although usually with more education in the physiology of how the body metabolizes such substances. Forensic chemists are also used to conduct tests on body fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva. This ‘serology’ testing was based on body fluids’ reaction with specific antibodies, helping to include or exclude a suspect based on characteristics exemplified by ABO blood groups. However, when DNA analysis grew in importance, it became clear that most chemists did not have the educational background needed for its testing, and for the first time forensic scientists agreed upon a minimal educational background required for a specific forensic specialty, which for DNA analysis includes a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences along with specific coursework in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, population genetics, and statistics.
The new educational requirements for forensic biologists put pressure on the rest of the forensic specialties regarding the academic background of their scientists. This, along with the popularity of forensic programming on television, led to a sharp increase in the number of forensic science educational programs in the U.S. Today, hundreds of colleges and universities offer some sort of forensic science education (see http://www.aafs.org/programs-within-united-states), including certificate programs, specializations, undergraduate minor, undergraduate major, and graduate degrees. The rash of new forensic science programs, some of which are undoubtedly designed merely to attract students (and their tuition dollars) to a school or department, resulted in the formation of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. FEPAC inspects and evaluates both undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs, and their accreditation ensures that a program meets minimum standards regarding resources for students, qualifications of professors and instructors, laboratory facilities, etc. This then allows prospective students to be ‘smart shoppers’ when it comes to considering a forensic science educational program.
It should be noted that it is not required that an individual holds a forensic science degree in order to be employed in the analytical sections of a crime laboratory, and in fact, prior to the last decade or two, the majority of new employees instead held a more standard science degree such as chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology. However, given the number of forensic science programs and their graduates that now exist, an otherwise equivalent applicant with a more specific forensic education may be at an advantage when it comes to applying for a crime laboratory position. On the other hand, employers also consider the quality of the education obtained, and an applicant from a prestigious research university or liberal arts college may be given preference over a graduate of a forensic science program from an obscure or poorly regarded institution. Further, a strong (non-forensic) science degree from a quality educational institution opens many doors (including in the criminal justice system), while a forensic education, in spite of the science classes required, can be limiting if forensic science jobs are hard to come by or are in high demand, (today a single job opening often results in hundreds of applications), and may be seen as a less desirable specialization if a student changes his or her mind regarding a career.
Among forensic science undergraduate programs, the mode of education can vary broadly. Some take a more generalist route, wherein students have some biology, some chemistry, some toxicology, etc., while others have one or more specializations (many examples of curricula can be found at http://aafs.org/programs-within-united-states). If a student has a good idea of which part of the crime laboratory they would like to work in, a specialization can make sense, in that it is more likely that all required courses will be covered. Certainly students should make sure any program they choose includes a rigorous science curriculum that meets the requirements of the laboratories. Beyond that, students will receive specialized forensic subject matter such as crime scene processing and evidence collection, ethics, quality assurance, law and testimony, and other topics. Because a crime laboratory is just that—a laboratory—students should also look for programs that result in as much hands-on laboratory experience as possible (which makes on-line education for a forensic science career basically impossible). Internships and laboratory research opportunities (which need not be specifically in forensics) represent highly worthwhile methods for students to obtain hands-on experience, and to see if they truly enjoy a laboratory setting. Schools with limited laboratory space and equipment, and curricula that do not include extensive experience with analytical instrumentation, should be avoided.
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science can be adequate for obtaining a job in a crime laboratory, however the laboratories are increasingly looking for a graduate degree (almost always a Master’s), and a job applicant with such a degree is certainly at an advantage during the hiring process. Owing to this, undergraduates, even those with a degree in forensic science, often seek out graduate education. Naturally, an appropriate undergraduate degree is required for admittance to a graduate forensic program, however, one in forensic science is not, and in some cases a graduate program’s admissions may prefer applicants from a perceived ‘higher quality’ college or university with a hard science degree over a forensic undergraduate major, which is sometimes looked upon as a slightly ‘watered down’ science degree. Graduate programs in forensic science vary widely, both in quality (FEPAC accreditation should be considered) and in the way they approach education. As noted for undergraduate programs, some graduate programs are general in nature while others have specific tracks or specializations. At the Master’s level it is almost impossible to take all the coursework required to satisfy crime laboratory requirements for forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, and forensic biology, so again, applicants should review programs’ curricula carefully. Further, graduate school can and should provide substantial hands-on experience in forensic testing and research, although not all programs stress these. Undertaking an internship at a local crime laboratory can be beneficial as well, however the amount of time spent in the laboratory varies based on the internship program, and interns may not be able to handle actual evidence or equipment, limiting the experience to clerical work.
In summary, the primary consideration when investigating education aimed towards a career in forensic science is the area of expertise, as that will have a profound influence on educational requirements, be it medical school to be a pathologist, nursing school to be a forensic nurse, a PhD program to be a forensic anthropologist or entomologist, computer studies for digital forensics, or myriad other avenues. If work in a crime laboratory is desired, law enforcement is one pathway, while natural science education is another. Attending a forensic science program is not an absolute requirement for working in a crime laboratory, although it does help provide familiarity with many of the issues that are specific to forensic science that would not be encountered in a more traditional science education. As is always the case, attending the best school possible, based on both reputation and resources, is highly desirable. An undergraduate degree with a forensic focus may be enough to land a job, although crime laboratories are increasingly employing individuals with graduate degrees. In this regard, obtaining the best undergraduate science education possible leaves many doors open and acts as a solid foundation for admittance into a graduate forensic program and subsequently a career in a crime laboratory.
Original Source of Article....
At the heart of forensic science are the crime laboratories, which exist at the city, county, regional, state, and federal levels, along with some private facilities. These range from being very basic and housing a single unit (e.g., fingerprints) all the way to ‘full service’ laboratories that have scientists in many areas, including biology, chemistry, toxicology, firearms, controlled substances, latent prints, trace evidence, questioned documents, digital evidence, polygraphs, and more. All of these individuals examine and test evidence that comes into the crime laboratory, which is usually submitted by police agencies. It is these same agencies that have crime scene investigators (CSIs) who regularly process crime scenes and collect evidence, therefore if an individual is interested in being a CSI, becoming a police officer is the usual route, although a few jurisdictions use civilians for this purpose. This is not to say that forensic scientists never process crime scenes or collect evidence, however, most of their time is spent in the laboratory analyzing evidence, and they may go their whole career without ever visiting a crime scene, or only do so in high profile cases where their specific expertise is required.
Beyond the crime laboratory lays an immense group of professions that can be associated with forensic science. In the medical field, forensic pathologists (which may include medical examiners or coroners) have a medical degree, with subsequent specialization in pathology and forensic pathology. Forensic nurses (or sexual assault nurse examiners) deal with the living, and have the unique training required to identify and treat victims of crime, as well as collect physical and verbal evidence from them. Forensic psychiatrists (a medical degree) and psychologists often examine suspects and witnesses to ascertain if they understand their circumstances and are competent to testify. They are commonly in private practice and consult with the legal system. Note that this is different than criminal ‘profiling’, which is usually carried out by individuals in police agencies who work directly with detectives, and themselves are typically sworn.
The world of academia contains a large number of forensic experts, who use their education and knowledge to assist the legal system, although this is often not their primary responsibility. For instance, almost all certified forensic entomologists have a doctorate in classic entomology or a closely related field, and teach classes and conduct research that often have nothing to do with forensics. Likewise, many forensic anthropologists received their doctorate through years of study of human skeletal remains, which might be modern but are frequently historic in nature and have no relationship to criminal activity. Forensic casework often represents a small (though very interesting) portion of their work. Academics studying animals (zoologists or veterinarians), plants (botanists), manmade structures (engineers), the earth (geologists), electronics (computer scientists) and just about any other field can one day find themselves in court explaining details of a piece of evidence to a judge and jury. The same can be said for experts in other professions, where specialized knowledge is a tremendous asset for the criminal justice system. In other words, any individual who is a respected expert in their craft may at some point become court qualified as a forensic expert.
However, most people considering a career in forensic science probably desire a full time position, which generally places them in the crime laboratory. While jurisdictions vary widely, it is not uncommon for certain specializations in the laboratory to be occupied by officers and others by civilians. (It is rare today that everyone in the laboratory must be sworn, although this was the case in some states a few years ago.) Therefore, policing is one option for a career in a crime laboratory, although a bachelor’s degree is still required. Units in the laboratory most likely to be staffed by sworn personnel are those where the knowledge and skills are learned via observation and interpretation, as opposed to analytical methodologies. Examples include firearms or fingerprints analyses, which are largely learned through an apprenticeship system. Some college level science classes, like chemistry and physics, are useful and may be required, however a full degree in the hard sciences usually is not.
In contrast, the analytical sections of the crime laboratory, including chemistry, toxicology, and the relative newcomer biology, do require a degree in natural science. Analytical chemists were historically the mainstays of the laboratory, and even today they perform the broadest array of analyses for drugs and ‘trace’ evidence such as gunshot residue, arson accelerants, hairs and fibers, soil, glass, etc. Likewise, toxicologists, who test for drugs and other substances inside the body, generally have a chemistry background, although usually with more education in the physiology of how the body metabolizes such substances. Forensic chemists are also used to conduct tests on body fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva. This ‘serology’ testing was based on body fluids’ reaction with specific antibodies, helping to include or exclude a suspect based on characteristics exemplified by ABO blood groups. However, when DNA analysis grew in importance, it became clear that most chemists did not have the educational background needed for its testing, and for the first time forensic scientists agreed upon a minimal educational background required for a specific forensic specialty, which for DNA analysis includes a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences along with specific coursework in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, population genetics, and statistics.
The new educational requirements for forensic biologists put pressure on the rest of the forensic specialties regarding the academic background of their scientists. This, along with the popularity of forensic programming on television, led to a sharp increase in the number of forensic science educational programs in the U.S. Today, hundreds of colleges and universities offer some sort of forensic science education (see http://www.aafs.org/programs-within-united-states), including certificate programs, specializations, undergraduate minor, undergraduate major, and graduate degrees. The rash of new forensic science programs, some of which are undoubtedly designed merely to attract students (and their tuition dollars) to a school or department, resulted in the formation of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. FEPAC inspects and evaluates both undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs, and their accreditation ensures that a program meets minimum standards regarding resources for students, qualifications of professors and instructors, laboratory facilities, etc. This then allows prospective students to be ‘smart shoppers’ when it comes to considering a forensic science educational program.
It should be noted that it is not required that an individual holds a forensic science degree in order to be employed in the analytical sections of a crime laboratory, and in fact, prior to the last decade or two, the majority of new employees instead held a more standard science degree such as chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology. However, given the number of forensic science programs and their graduates that now exist, an otherwise equivalent applicant with a more specific forensic education may be at an advantage when it comes to applying for a crime laboratory position. On the other hand, employers also consider the quality of the education obtained, and an applicant from a prestigious research university or liberal arts college may be given preference over a graduate of a forensic science program from an obscure or poorly regarded institution. Further, a strong (non-forensic) science degree from a quality educational institution opens many doors (including in the criminal justice system), while a forensic education, in spite of the science classes required, can be limiting if forensic science jobs are hard to come by or are in high demand, (today a single job opening often results in hundreds of applications), and may be seen as a less desirable specialization if a student changes his or her mind regarding a career.
Among forensic science undergraduate programs, the mode of education can vary broadly. Some take a more generalist route, wherein students have some biology, some chemistry, some toxicology, etc., while others have one or more specializations (many examples of curricula can be found at http://aafs.org/programs-within-united-states). If a student has a good idea of which part of the crime laboratory they would like to work in, a specialization can make sense, in that it is more likely that all required courses will be covered. Certainly students should make sure any program they choose includes a rigorous science curriculum that meets the requirements of the laboratories. Beyond that, students will receive specialized forensic subject matter such as crime scene processing and evidence collection, ethics, quality assurance, law and testimony, and other topics. Because a crime laboratory is just that—a laboratory—students should also look for programs that result in as much hands-on laboratory experience as possible (which makes on-line education for a forensic science career basically impossible). Internships and laboratory research opportunities (which need not be specifically in forensics) represent highly worthwhile methods for students to obtain hands-on experience, and to see if they truly enjoy a laboratory setting. Schools with limited laboratory space and equipment, and curricula that do not include extensive experience with analytical instrumentation, should be avoided.
A bachelor’s degree in forensic science can be adequate for obtaining a job in a crime laboratory, however the laboratories are increasingly looking for a graduate degree (almost always a Master’s), and a job applicant with such a degree is certainly at an advantage during the hiring process. Owing to this, undergraduates, even those with a degree in forensic science, often seek out graduate education. Naturally, an appropriate undergraduate degree is required for admittance to a graduate forensic program, however, one in forensic science is not, and in some cases a graduate program’s admissions may prefer applicants from a perceived ‘higher quality’ college or university with a hard science degree over a forensic undergraduate major, which is sometimes looked upon as a slightly ‘watered down’ science degree. Graduate programs in forensic science vary widely, both in quality (FEPAC accreditation should be considered) and in the way they approach education. As noted for undergraduate programs, some graduate programs are general in nature while others have specific tracks or specializations. At the Master’s level it is almost impossible to take all the coursework required to satisfy crime laboratory requirements for forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, and forensic biology, so again, applicants should review programs’ curricula carefully. Further, graduate school can and should provide substantial hands-on experience in forensic testing and research, although not all programs stress these. Undertaking an internship at a local crime laboratory can be beneficial as well, however the amount of time spent in the laboratory varies based on the internship program, and interns may not be able to handle actual evidence or equipment, limiting the experience to clerical work.
In summary, the primary consideration when investigating education aimed towards a career in forensic science is the area of expertise, as that will have a profound influence on educational requirements, be it medical school to be a pathologist, nursing school to be a forensic nurse, a PhD program to be a forensic anthropologist or entomologist, computer studies for digital forensics, or myriad other avenues. If work in a crime laboratory is desired, law enforcement is one pathway, while natural science education is another. Attending a forensic science program is not an absolute requirement for working in a crime laboratory, although it does help provide familiarity with many of the issues that are specific to forensic science that would not be encountered in a more traditional science education. As is always the case, attending the best school possible, based on both reputation and resources, is highly desirable. An undergraduate degree with a forensic focus may be enough to land a job, although crime laboratories are increasingly employing individuals with graduate degrees. In this regard, obtaining the best undergraduate science education possible leaves many doors open and acts as a solid foundation for admittance into a graduate forensic program and subsequently a career in a crime laboratory.
Original Source of Article....
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business Degree
Read about a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business program. Get a feel for the coursework included in these programs, and see what the job growth and salary potential is for workers in international business.
Essential Information
Bachelor of Business Administration programs with an international business concentration explore how goods are shipped across borders and how to attract investment from international clients. Students can gain a foundation in basic business methods, and they may participate in foreign language and culture classes. Many programs also provide study abroad opportunities for students who wish to study in an international setting. Universities typically expect applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Course Topics
In these programs, students can prepare to plan, organize, direct and control the operations of a firm or organization. Coursework can include a broad focus in general management theory, international business topics, accounting and other quantitative methods. Some degree programs offer a focus on particular countries or parts of the world, such as Europe or Japan. Some common courses may include:
Popular Career Options
Depending on their education and experiences, graduates can work as consultants or executives for corporations with international branches. They can also choose to work within other countries and oversee financial operations of a foreign company. If graduates are proficient in a second language, they may help executives understand each other and bridge cultural gaps. Some career options may include:
Essential Information
Bachelor of Business Administration programs with an international business concentration explore how goods are shipped across borders and how to attract investment from international clients. Students can gain a foundation in basic business methods, and they may participate in foreign language and culture classes. Many programs also provide study abroad opportunities for students who wish to study in an international setting. Universities typically expect applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Course Topics
In these programs, students can prepare to plan, organize, direct and control the operations of a firm or organization. Coursework can include a broad focus in general management theory, international business topics, accounting and other quantitative methods. Some degree programs offer a focus on particular countries or parts of the world, such as Europe or Japan. Some common courses may include:
- Business law
- Economics
- Accounting
- Business statistics
- International economics
- International finance
- International human resource management
- International marketing management
Popular Career Options
Depending on their education and experiences, graduates can work as consultants or executives for corporations with international branches. They can also choose to work within other countries and oversee financial operations of a foreign company. If graduates are proficient in a second language, they may help executives understand each other and bridge cultural gaps. Some career options may include:
- International financial manager
- International economist
- International management analyst
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Online Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
The role of occupational therapists is to help those people with disabilities - physical, mental, or emotional to regain their mobility so as to carry out their day to day activities with ease. They work on enhancing their productivity, both at home and work by increasing the strength of their muscles and flexibility in physical movements. However occupational therapy is different from physical therapy in its aims. While physical therapy is generally focused on enhancing muscle movements, occupational therapy aims at dealing with the physical, physiological and to an extent their psychological aspects of the patient. In that sense it is more holistic in its approach and treatment.
Occupational therapists and assistants instruct and back patients as they work on learning fundamental skills required in daily life. This requires the therapists to make use a large variety of, equipment and tools which will assist the patients in becoming increasingly independent. It is the occupational therapist who is in charge of carving out a plan of treatment for every patient. The job of an occupational therapist can be extremely taxing. However the job satisfaction is even high as it is rewarding to see the improvement in the patient's abilities and independence.
Online Associate's Degree
It is necessary that the occupational therapists and their assistants be licensed. Those who intend to be occupational therapist assistants require an associate's degree from an accredited school offering an occupational therapy program. An amalgamation of theoretical studies and practice, occupational degree is most definitely a valuable degree if one intends to build a career in the field of health care. It is one of the most sought after occupations as occupational therapists are hired by not only hospitals and health care centres but also other institutions like special schools, foster care homes, and even those in sports to an extent. Given the wide job opportunities, you may take a first step towards their career by start with an online associate's degree.
Coursework
Apart from general education, in subjects like English and mathematics, the core of the curriculum is constituted by courses specific to occupational therapy like research methodology, occupational therapy management, and theoretical basis of this field.
Fieldwork and internships form an integral part of the learning process and to graduate from the degree program. Thus students are expected to complete an internship or a certain amount of fieldwork. To qualify for the associate program, you must hold a high school diploma.
An associate degree can be completed in a period of two years. Graduates also must be prepared to appear for the national exam which is required for licensure.
The Attributes of Online Courses
Online education is one of the most convenient formats to graduate in occupational therapy. It offers flexibility in schedules, facilitating interaction with co-students and instructors. Students not only save up on the travelling expense and time, but also save up on the course fees. Now that it is possible to complete an occupational therapy degree online, it makes it easier and convenient for students to pursue their careers within the area of healthcare. A number of institutions offer an occupational therapy degree program online. Universities like Keiser University, Brown Mackie College, Wallace State Community College, Herzing University, and New England Institute of Technology offer an online associate's degree in occupational therapy.
The role of occupational therapists is to help those people with disabilities - physical, mental, or emotional to regain their mobility so as to carry out their day to day activities with ease. They work on enhancing their productivity, both at home and work by increasing the strength of their muscles and flexibility in physical movements. However occupational therapy is different from physical therapy in its aims. While physical therapy is generally focused on enhancing muscle movements, occupational therapy aims at dealing with the physical, physiological and to an extent their psychological aspects of the patient. In that sense it is more holistic in its approach and treatment.
Occupational therapists and assistants instruct and back patients as they work on learning fundamental skills required in daily life. This requires the therapists to make use a large variety of, equipment and tools which will assist the patients in becoming increasingly independent. It is the occupational therapist who is in charge of carving out a plan of treatment for every patient. The job of an occupational therapist can be extremely taxing. However the job satisfaction is even high as it is rewarding to see the improvement in the patient's abilities and independence.
Online Associate's Degree
It is necessary that the occupational therapists and their assistants be licensed. Those who intend to be occupational therapist assistants require an associate's degree from an accredited school offering an occupational therapy program. An amalgamation of theoretical studies and practice, occupational degree is most definitely a valuable degree if one intends to build a career in the field of health care. It is one of the most sought after occupations as occupational therapists are hired by not only hospitals and health care centres but also other institutions like special schools, foster care homes, and even those in sports to an extent. Given the wide job opportunities, you may take a first step towards their career by start with an online associate's degree.
Coursework
Apart from general education, in subjects like English and mathematics, the core of the curriculum is constituted by courses specific to occupational therapy like research methodology, occupational therapy management, and theoretical basis of this field.
Fieldwork and internships form an integral part of the learning process and to graduate from the degree program. Thus students are expected to complete an internship or a certain amount of fieldwork. To qualify for the associate program, you must hold a high school diploma.
An associate degree can be completed in a period of two years. Graduates also must be prepared to appear for the national exam which is required for licensure.
The Attributes of Online Courses
Online education is one of the most convenient formats to graduate in occupational therapy. It offers flexibility in schedules, facilitating interaction with co-students and instructors. Students not only save up on the travelling expense and time, but also save up on the course fees. Now that it is possible to complete an occupational therapy degree online, it makes it easier and convenient for students to pursue their careers within the area of healthcare. A number of institutions offer an occupational therapy degree program online. Universities like Keiser University, Brown Mackie College, Wallace State Community College, Herzing University, and New England Institute of Technology offer an online associate's degree in occupational therapy.
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Which Associate Degree Programs Will Make You the Most Money?
If you’re looking to gain the most educational bang for your buck, it is tough to argue against an associate degree.
For two years (or approximately 20 classes) of learning and around $5,000 of tuition, you could graduate and be ready to earn just as much as someone with a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, many four-year schools accept applications from community college graduates looking to complete their bachelor’s degree. It’s not as though an associate degree will close any doors for you.
The advantages of earning “only” an associate degree in terms of job prospects depend on your career goals and location. According to a study by Georgetown University, 28 percent of associate degree holders earn more than the average person with a bachelor’s degree. How can you land in that camp? Programs in certain industries will absolutely qualify you to succeed and find a job whose earning power is comparable to what might be available to a four-year graduate.
Career Prospects for Associate Degree Graduates
Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. has identified several of the careers in which associate degree holders comprise a large percentage of the workforce and earn approximately as much as their colleagues who have pursued four-year degrees.
Top Healthcare Industry Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees
Top Technician Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees
Nuclear Technicians - median annual wage: $69,060
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians - median annual wage: $61,530
Engineering Technicians, including Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical and Electronics) - median annual wages: $47,560, $51,980, $57,850, respectively
It’s important to note that job opportunities vary significantly by region.
Sometimes, community colleges partner with regional employers to ensure a well-educated workforce, including Ford, General Motors, and John Deere. It’s a win-win, because it’s in the interest of both the school and the employer for students to be prepared for jobs that are in demand. So if you plan to attend a particular community college or are considering only schools in a certain region, check to see if the school has launched any corporate partnerships or job placement programs. It could help to guide you — and ultimately, land you a good job — as you choose an associate degree program with an eye toward career advancement.
Original Source of Article....
For two years (or approximately 20 classes) of learning and around $5,000 of tuition, you could graduate and be ready to earn just as much as someone with a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, many four-year schools accept applications from community college graduates looking to complete their bachelor’s degree. It’s not as though an associate degree will close any doors for you.
The advantages of earning “only” an associate degree in terms of job prospects depend on your career goals and location. According to a study by Georgetown University, 28 percent of associate degree holders earn more than the average person with a bachelor’s degree. How can you land in that camp? Programs in certain industries will absolutely qualify you to succeed and find a job whose earning power is comparable to what might be available to a four-year graduate.
Career Prospects for Associate Degree Graduates
Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. has identified several of the careers in which associate degree holders comprise a large percentage of the workforce and earn approximately as much as their colleagues who have pursued four-year degrees.
Top Healthcare Industry Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees
- Radiation Therapists - median annual wage: $77,560
- Dental Hygienists - median annual wage: $70,210
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists - median annual wage: $70,180
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - median annual wage: $60, 350
- Respiratory Therapists - median annual wage: $55, 870
Top Technician Jobs for Graduates with Associate Degrees
Nuclear Technicians - median annual wage: $69,060
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians - median annual wage: $61,530
Engineering Technicians, including Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical and Electronics) - median annual wages: $47,560, $51,980, $57,850, respectively
It’s important to note that job opportunities vary significantly by region.
Sometimes, community colleges partner with regional employers to ensure a well-educated workforce, including Ford, General Motors, and John Deere. It’s a win-win, because it’s in the interest of both the school and the employer for students to be prepared for jobs that are in demand. So if you plan to attend a particular community college or are considering only schools in a certain region, check to see if the school has launched any corporate partnerships or job placement programs. It could help to guide you — and ultimately, land you a good job — as you choose an associate degree program with an eye toward career advancement.
Original Source of Article....
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