Will Going Back To School To Earn An Online Degree Help You Get A Better Job Or Promotion?

Will Going Back To School To Earn An Online Degree Help You Get A Better Job Or Promotion?

A Guest Post By Derick Sutton

Adults going back to school may feel uncertainty about new challenges and requirements in their lives. They want to complete unfinished college degrees or to advance in their careers. Others are motivated by the need for increased financial worth. Some like the challenge of continual learning and intellectual growth to fulfill personal and work needs. Nontraditional students are adults returning to an online university for a higher education, do not fit into the young, living on campus, college student. Nontraditional students are adults over the age of 25, and have become the new trend in higher education at online universities.

Statistics from the U.S. Education Department's National Center for Education state that college admissions in colleges and universities are expected to climb from 18.2 million in 2007 to 20.6 million in 2018. The most significant growth will be among older students, minorities and women.

Significant changes in an adult's life especially in their career can prompt the need for continuing college education. A few reasons could be being passed over for job promotions because of lack of skills, job requirements have changed, discontent within their company's hierarchy and the possibility of announced layoffs or mergers.

Personal motivation and self improvement is a high motivator for adult learners. Learning about new topics, studies or special interest is a reason for going back to college. Learning new technological skills not only increases their job security but helps them in the home. Learning about social trends could improve their involvement in community activism and volunteer work. The completion of an online degree could revolve around their career and simply be a desire to finish what they started.

Some adult learners begin a new college degree at the retirement stages of their life. Their involvement in new college studies fulfills a need for community engagement and provides the opportunity to stimulate intellectual growth. Others are motivated by a need for change especially with career prospects. Adult students may have decided midlife to transition into new career paths that require additional knowledge and accreditation for them to begin their change.

Nontraditional students have numerous college opportunities especially with the increase in online colleges and online degrees. Add in the potential for financial aid, scholarships, and grants, especially to specific groups such as minorities and women, and going back to school does not have to be an unfulfilled dream.

Many adults, especially during economic downturns, are returning to online universities to complete previous college degrees or to increase their financial worth. The American Council on Education states that higher education colleges and online universities experience a surge in college admissions during these times. Employed and unemployed workers return to school to advance their skills and seek to increase their appeal to their company or potential employers. The increase of online colleges and online degrees are making higher education accessible to returning students especially for those who continue to work and support their families.

Returning to school gives the adult learner a chance to improve their career skills or change career directions. Many returning students do so because of changes in job structure, being passed over for advancement, job requirement changes and possible layoffs or mergers in their company's future. In general, the higher the education a person holds means the higher the salary and better career security.

The potential for salary increase varies with the type of college degree you want depending upon the needs of your career field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with advanced degrees earn more than workers with a high school diploma or GED. The Bureau of Labor employment projections for 2008-2018 show that nearly half of all new jobs and one-third of total job openings will require a postsecondary college degree or award. Also projected is that 14 out of the 30 fastest growing occupations will require a bachelor's degree or higher.

College counselors through assessment services can provide valuable guidance when shopping for online universities and degrees. Be sure to find a personal counselor who can access multiple college searches within college programs such as transfer credits, cost comparisons, and accreditation.

College Equalizer is a revolutionary college search and counseling service that provides you with a personal counselor for your search. With a patented computer system the counselor is able to compare your life experience, such as work and military experience, training, certificates, licenses and others with the transfer requirements and tuition rates of hundreds of accredited colleges and online universities around the country. http://www.collegeequalizer.com

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Nontraditional Students - What Kind of College Degree Do You Need?

Nontraditional Students - What Kind of College Degree Do You Need?

A Guest Post By Amy Doughten

As an adult nontraditional student, your educational needs are different than a traditional student going to college directly from high school. You may need a degree to advance to the next level in your workplace or to qualify for a particular kind of employment. You may find that your earning potential is limited without a college degree.

The type of degree you consider is closely intertwined with your end goal. Two year (Associate degree) and four year degrees (Bachelor degree) are the most common. Of course, within those two types of degree is an almost infinite variety.

Associate Degree

An Associate degree usually requires two years of college. Associate degrees are typically offered at community colleges, technical and vocational colleges, and some 4-year colleges.

It is vital to understand the different types of Associate degree because the choice you make can affect your future schooling opportunities. There are two main types of Associate Degree: Occupational and Transfer.

Occupational:

If you need a degree for a specific skill, an occupational Associate degree may be a good choice for you. The courses you take will be heavily weighed toward the occupation you are studying; you will take a minimum of traditional general education courses like English and Mathematics.

Although each college is different, generally an occupational Associate degree results in:

Associate Degree of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

ProsYou can be career-ready in two years. There are a significant number of careers where an Associate degree is helpful. Some examples include: interior design, fashion design, auto mechanics, computer networking, computer programming, social work, veterinary technicians and healthcare.

Cons

If you plan on continuing your education to obtain a 4-year degree, be aware that the majority of occupational-related coursework you do will probably not transfer to your selected school. Typically, only the general education coursework you complete will count toward a 4-year degree.

Transfer:

A transfer Associate degree is designed to be the first step toward a 4-year bachelor's degree. Most of the coursework will be in general education areas (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and will correspond to the core classes offered at a 4-year school. This is a great way to enhance your current career by adding a degree to your skillset while you work to obtain your bachelor's degree.

Although each college is different, generally an occupational Associate degree results in:

Associate of Arts (A.A.) Concentration in humanities and social sciences

Associate of Science (A.S.) Concentration in science courses

Pros

This can be a very cost-effective way to get through the first two years of required coursework for your 4-year degree. Tuition at the local community college is usually a fraction of the cost of tuition at a private university. You obtain a degree which can enhance your career prospects and increase your potential earning power.

ConsTypically you will choose a concentration of study. If you later change your mind about the type of 4-year degree you wish to pursue, your two years of coursework may not translate to a full two years of transfer classes.

Talk to your academic advisor to make sure your coursework will transfer to the 4-year college of your choice! Many community colleges have articulation agreements with local state colleges, but not all coursework automatically transfer. If a transfer degree is your goal, save yourself time and money by ensuring your coursework will count at the college of your choice.

Bachelor's Degree

Also referred to as either an undergraduate degree or a 4-year degree, a Bachelor's degree generally takes a minimum of four years to complete. As an adult student, it may take several years to complete the coursework for a Bachelor's degree so be prepared that your 4-year degree might take you 6, 8 or more years to complete. A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to a Master's degree (a graduate degree) or a Doctorate.

A Bachelor's degree typically focuses on a specific area of study combined with general educational courses. For example, a Bachelor's degree in psychology is general educational courses, some elective courses, and a heavy concentration in a number of psychology-related courses. This specific area of study is called your Major.

Like the Associate degree, there are different types of Bachelor's degrees. Each college is different, but typically a Bachelor's degree results in:

- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Concentration in humanities and social science.

- Bachelor of Science (B.S). Concentration in scientific and technical fields.

- Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).

- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

One Last Note: Degrees versus Certification

A certification isn't a degree in the traditional sense, but it certifies that you have gone through specialized education for some type of trade or skill. For example, you may want to be certified as a massage therapist, beautician, or a truck driver. These skills do not require a traditional college degree. Certifications are typically offered by technical/vocational schools and community colleges.

Amy Doughten is a full-time nontraditional student attending Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read her blog at http://www.backtocollegenow.wordpress.com and follow her progress at http://www.twitter.com/amydoughten.

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Are You Thinking About Pursuing an Online College Education?

Are You Thinking About Pursuing an Online College Education?

A Guest Post By Vera Baylor

For many people, an online college education is the only way they could pursue a college degree. For others, online degree options present the option of convenience around an already busy life. Online colleges open up a world of possibilities to otherwise nontraditional students like retirees, those who have already entered the workforce and are heading back to school to either earn another diploma or finish courses they've already started taking, those with kids, and more. These are just a few of the situations where an online college education program is not only convenient but often a requirement. These, and others like them, simply wouldn't be able to work in the time around any otherwise full schedule to earn their degree. Does this sound like you?

On the other hand, even traditional students who are fresh out of high school are pursuing an online college education as well. For these students, they may want to enter the workforce straight from high school yet still pursue a college education. Others may have personal commitments at home, such as caring for a sick relative or even small kids to take care of. Still others simply find that the college scene isn't for them and they feel more comfortable learning from the comfort of their own home.

Whatever your situation is, pursuing your college education over the internet is a great step. You will enjoy the same quality education, but can take your courses at a time and in a place that is most convenient for you. There are many different schools from all over the world that now offer online degree programs, so there is a world of opportunity open to you for pursuing your college degree online. Today, just about anyone with some extra time and financial resources can purse a college education with college degree programs available over the internet.

Vera Baylor is a writer and researcher on online college education. You can save time and money by comparing degrees from multiple schools and reading about the options open to you and at Vera's blog: findonlinecolleges.net

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Online Colleges and Universities - A Perfect Fit For Busy Adults

Online Colleges and Universities - A Perfect Fit For Busy Adults

A Guest Post By Natasha Bright

Today, the typical college student isn't quite so typical. About 40% of all students today fall into the nontraditional category, which means they aren't fresh out of high school and moving out of the house for the first time. Many of these so-called non-traditional students are returning to a degree program after taking a break to either work or raise a family. Still others are making the decision to enter new career fields and want the required educational background to move forward.

Since these non-traditional students are often working adults or adults with serious family responsibilities, a full-time college schedule isn't always possible. One possibility for them, and traditional college students, too, is to take a class from an online college or university program. One definite advantage that online classes offer is the ability to take several classes before they actually have to commit to a degree program.

The economic issues of the day may be one reason that many non-traditional students have chosen to return to school. Although they know they want to improve their employment opportunities, they may not know what direction they want to go in, career wise. Choosing an online school can help guide them in their path, because they can take several different classes that will help them decide what path is right for them.

Another great advantage to an online college is that a student needn't be tied down to someone else's schedule. Online schools allow students to create their own schedule; some classes are completely open ended, while others have certain due dates. Non- traditional students can choose the type of class and schedule that will work the best for them, and they won't have to worry about having to quit their jobs to go to school.

Because many non-traditional students haven't been in a classroom environment for several years, they might be concerned about their academic performance. If they are worried their scholarly skills aren't quite up to snuff, an online class is a good place to hone them. An online class will allow a student to familiarize themselves with college level work without the worry of peer pressure, because they will be able to study at their own pace and in the privacy of their own home.

More and more educators are seeing the real benefits that online education can offer students. At the secondary level, some public schools are even offering a great deal of coursework to their students in an online format. Time will only tell, but it seems that as online education becomes more prevalent, degree holders from online school will be just as common and in the same upper management positions as degree holders from traditional colleges.

The workplace is definitely being transformed by online education. Many employers want to see their workforce as highly educated as possible, and are willing to help them with tuition assistance or other funding for school. Online degree programs are ideal for this, because employees can invest in their employees without worrying about them having to take precious time away from work.

Online college may definitely be the best way for non-traditional students to complete their college degree. Whether they want to complete a previously unfinished degree, or move into a new field altogether, this type of degree program can help them navigate their way through these, and other, choices. The programs offered by online colleges and universities will help students gain new skill sets and knowledge, while helping them gain confidence and abilities that may help them move upward and onward at work.

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