Earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree opens up new career options for educational professional as well as increases salary potential. Typically, school districts follow a pay grid based on experience and education. A master's degree results in a larger initial salary and greater potential earnings over the course of a teacher's career. In addition to enhancing the practice of teaching in a traditional subject area, the M.Ed. degree can point teachers in new education career directions.
Master of Education in School Counseling
Most states require school counselors to earn a Master of Education in school counseling, and approved M.Ed. in school counseling programs are designed to meet all state credentialing requirements. Typical courses in a graduate program for school counselors include counseling theories, ethical and legal issues, cross-cultural counseling, behavior management, career development and statistical inference.
School Counselor Career Information
School counselors work with students in elementary, middle and high schools with different emphases at each level. In general, however, school counselors seek to remove barriers to a student's social and academic success. They accomplish this through such methods as individual and group counseling, facilitating programs about alcohol and drug issues and seeking to identify and intervene for students with serious family problems. At the high school level, school counselors assist students with decisions about and preparation for their future.
Salary Info for School Counselors with a M.Ed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for elementary and secondary school counselors as of May 2012 was $62,970. Junior college counselors averaged $56,730.
Master of Education in Learning Technologies
In addition to K-12 and college teachers, this M.Ed. degree program also prepares graduates for careers as corporate trainers and new media specialists. In many programs, graduate students can elect an area of focus based on their career goals. Those who wish to enhance technology use in their schools or school districts can concentrate in K-12 technology integration, while those more interested in creating materials for education and training focus on multimedia design and development. Core courses can include curriculum and instruction, instructional systems and research.
Instructional Technologist Career Information
Instructional technologists are commonly classified as a type of instructional coordinator who evaluates and improves technology integration in schools. In this capacity, they are likely to lead training seminars in how teachers can better meet state standards for technology use in their lessons. Other duties of instructional technologists may include curriculum development, differentiating content for students at varying levels, designing Web-based learning tools and conducting research.
Salary Info for Instructional Technologists with a M.Ed.
According to the BLS, the average salary as of May 2012 for instructional coordinators as a whole was $62,420. There was no specific salary breakdown for instructional technologists.
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Experienced teachers seeking to assume leadership roles in their schools can earn a M.Ed. in Educational Administration to become licensed as administrators. Graduates with this degree can pursue jobs such as curriculum coordinator or assistant principal, as well as leadership positions in educational organizations outside the school. Graduate programs develop advanced skills in curriculum design and teaching strategies, school finance, school law and management strategies.
Educational Administrator Career Information
Educational administrators establish school policies and performance goals, as well as manage staff and administer school funding. In a K-12 setting, school principals and assistant principals work closely with teachers to ensure objectives are being met in the classroom. In their multifaceted job, principals also meet with parents, students and community agency representatives. Principals' job duties may increasingly involve engaging in public relations and fund-raising efforts to draw support from community businesses. Principals also may help develop school-to-work transition partnership programs as well as other programs to serve the diverse needs of students.
Salary Info for Educational Administrators
According to the BLS, the overall average salary for elementary and secondary principals as of May 2012 was $90,980. Salary averages for educational administrators in elementary and secondary schools vary by geographic location. In the northeast metropolitan areas, principals earned average salaries of between $103,560 and $124,080.
Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.
Thursday, 16 October 2014
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
The Best And Worst Master's Degrees For Jobs Right Now
Thousands of new college grads will enter the workforce this year, but with unemployment at 7.6% and underemployment near 18%, many will put off the taxing job search process and opt out of the weak job market to pursue graduate degrees.
With this in mind, Forbes set out to determine which master’s degrees would provide the best long-term opportunities, based on salary and employment outlook. To find the mid-career median pay for 35 popular degrees, we turned to Payscale.com, which lets users compare their salaries with those of other people in similar jobs by culling real-time salary data from its 40 million profiles. We then looked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projection data to see how fast employment was expected to increase between 2010 and 2020 in popular jobs held by people with each degree. Finally we averaged each degree’s pay rank and estimated growth rank to find the best and worst master’s degrees for jobs.
An information systems degree takes the top spot this year. The mid-career median pay for those with a master’s degree in information systems is $101,000 a year. Employment levels for common jobs associated with this degree are expected to grow by about 30% from 2010 to 2020.
“People with a master’s in information systems are generally trained to be managers for IT workers,” says Katie Bardaro, Payscale’s lead economist. “Therefore, when you combine management with a growing industry you experience top pay and employment prospects. We live in a technological world where our technology footprint will continue to grow. Therefore, job opportunities in this field are predicted to grow faster than average by the BLS. Additionally, high demand for tech workers combined with relatively low supply (relative to all other workers out there) drive up the pay for these positions.”
Mid-career median pay for these grads is $117,000; fourth best out of the 35 degrees in our survey. Employment opportunities for physics degree-holders are expected to expand about 22% between 2010 and 2020—making it the seventh fastest growing degree.
“Unlike many of the other physical sciences, physics is one that transitions nicely from a lab to a big data world,” Bardaro says. “The computations and technical tools utilized in a physics program are highly useful in the growing world of data science.”
As it turns out, though there are too few doctors in the U.S. and too few seats in medical schools, those shortages are good for one segment of the population: people who get degrees as physician assistants.
Physician assistants are medical professionals who provide diagnostic and preventative health care services under the supervision of doctors—and they’re in high demand.
“Similar to the IT sector, health care is another sector expected to see tremendous job growth,” Bardaro says. “As our population continues to age and as more people seek health care under the Affordable Care Act, more and more medical workers will be needed. Additionally, these are not jobs that can be outsourced. They will need to be filled by people right here, right now. As far as return on investment goes, a PA master’s degree is a real win. The time and money it costs to obtain this degree is far below that of an MD. However, with a PA one can earn a six-figure salary and still practice medicine in a manner similar to a physician, just under the direction of a physician.”
The mid-career median pay is a whopping $98,800. Another advantage of a physician assistant degree: Employment opportunities are expected to grow 30% by 2020 (from the 2010 employment numbers), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The growing demand for them and the promise of fat paychecks put physician assistant degrees in the No. 3 spot on Forbes’ third-annual look at the best master’s degrees for jobs.
Computer science, electrical engineering, and finance degrees also make the top 10, all with an average mid-career salary of more than $110,000 a year.
A master’s in business administration (M.B.A) can also earn you six figures mid-career—but because of the poor growth outlook for common jobs held by these degree-holders, it doesn’t make the top 10 list.
Not all master’s degree holders enjoy anywhere near such optimistic job prospects or extraordinary pay. Getting a master’s in library and information science, music, English or education can be extremely gratifying–but pricy. Mid-career median pay for all those degrees is under $68,000, and employment for them isn’t expected to grow significantly over the next few years.
Library and information science degree-holders bring in $58,500 mid-career, on average. Common jobs for them are school librarian, library director and reference librarian, and there are expected to be just 7% more of them by 2020. The low pay rank and estimated growth rank make library and information science the worst master’s degree for jobs right now.
“Library and information science is an interesting one,” Bardaro explains. “This is a degree that almost has a bimodal pay distribution. For those who major in this degree and go into library science in the traditional perspective, pay and job growth are fairly limited. However, for those who major in this degree and go into taxonomy work for big data companies and or companies who utilize a search algorithm, pay and job growth are both quite respectable.”
The issue with music and English master’s degrees is they do not open the door to a plethora of high-pay, high-growth job opportunities, she adds. “Common careers for these degrees include performance, teaching, and content management. Additionally, the extra pay bump you get from these degrees between a bachelor’s and a master’s is fairly limited – only about 5%.”
Biology, history, and political science degrees are also toward the bottom of the list—but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. If you’re passionate about these fields, the lower pay and slimmer job prospects shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a master’s. However, it’s important that you ask yourself a few questions before you make that decision.
Ask, “Is the program required to pursue a given career?” “What do the job opportunities look like?” and “Will the cost of the education outweigh the potential income?” If the answer to the last one is yes, then a master’s program is not the way to go, Bardaro says.
Another thing to keep in mind: Master’s degree-holders don’t necessarily earn more than other people in similar jobs—so don’t base your decision to pursue one on the idea that you’ll bring in bigger paychecks.
“We are all human after all and don’t always approach every decision with the level of thought necessary to make it a sound decision,” she says. “Too often people obtain a higher degree because they believe it will bring a windfall of cash. However, this depends on two things: one, actually being able to obtain the ever-elusive job offer, and two, the demand for your field in the labor market. Even if you are able to get a job after your degree, the additional income received might not even offset the cost you incurred. In order to justify the cost of a degree, there needs to be both job opportunities and high demand for your newly obtained skill set, which will lead to higher pay opportunities.”
Bardaro says there are three good reasons to obtain a master’s degree (not including those required for a given career path). One is the desire to increase your knowledge in a given field, which includes obtaining new skills not taught in many undergraduate educations; the second is to make valuable alumni connections that can prove useful in today’s tough job market; and third, to set yourself apart from those with only a bachelor’s degree. “However, more education can sometimes hinder you more than help you with certain job openings. In lean economic times, some companies may prefer the less educated cheaper employee than the more educated more expensive one.”
These may be the best and worst master’s degrees in terms of pay and employment opportunities, but it’s also important to think about work-life balance and employee satisfaction for the common jobs associated with these degrees. “You need to consider overall happiness,” Bardaro concludes. “If obtaining a master’s degree causes an imbalance due to time devoted to education and potentially more stress at work, then one will need to decide if these costs are worth it.”
Original Source of Article...
With this in mind, Forbes set out to determine which master’s degrees would provide the best long-term opportunities, based on salary and employment outlook. To find the mid-career median pay for 35 popular degrees, we turned to Payscale.com, which lets users compare their salaries with those of other people in similar jobs by culling real-time salary data from its 40 million profiles. We then looked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projection data to see how fast employment was expected to increase between 2010 and 2020 in popular jobs held by people with each degree. Finally we averaged each degree’s pay rank and estimated growth rank to find the best and worst master’s degrees for jobs.
An information systems degree takes the top spot this year. The mid-career median pay for those with a master’s degree in information systems is $101,000 a year. Employment levels for common jobs associated with this degree are expected to grow by about 30% from 2010 to 2020.
“People with a master’s in information systems are generally trained to be managers for IT workers,” says Katie Bardaro, Payscale’s lead economist. “Therefore, when you combine management with a growing industry you experience top pay and employment prospects. We live in a technological world where our technology footprint will continue to grow. Therefore, job opportunities in this field are predicted to grow faster than average by the BLS. Additionally, high demand for tech workers combined with relatively low supply (relative to all other workers out there) drive up the pay for these positions.”
Mid-career median pay for these grads is $117,000; fourth best out of the 35 degrees in our survey. Employment opportunities for physics degree-holders are expected to expand about 22% between 2010 and 2020—making it the seventh fastest growing degree.
“Unlike many of the other physical sciences, physics is one that transitions nicely from a lab to a big data world,” Bardaro says. “The computations and technical tools utilized in a physics program are highly useful in the growing world of data science.”
As it turns out, though there are too few doctors in the U.S. and too few seats in medical schools, those shortages are good for one segment of the population: people who get degrees as physician assistants.
Physician assistants are medical professionals who provide diagnostic and preventative health care services under the supervision of doctors—and they’re in high demand.
“Similar to the IT sector, health care is another sector expected to see tremendous job growth,” Bardaro says. “As our population continues to age and as more people seek health care under the Affordable Care Act, more and more medical workers will be needed. Additionally, these are not jobs that can be outsourced. They will need to be filled by people right here, right now. As far as return on investment goes, a PA master’s degree is a real win. The time and money it costs to obtain this degree is far below that of an MD. However, with a PA one can earn a six-figure salary and still practice medicine in a manner similar to a physician, just under the direction of a physician.”
The mid-career median pay is a whopping $98,800. Another advantage of a physician assistant degree: Employment opportunities are expected to grow 30% by 2020 (from the 2010 employment numbers), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The growing demand for them and the promise of fat paychecks put physician assistant degrees in the No. 3 spot on Forbes’ third-annual look at the best master’s degrees for jobs.
Computer science, electrical engineering, and finance degrees also make the top 10, all with an average mid-career salary of more than $110,000 a year.
A master’s in business administration (M.B.A) can also earn you six figures mid-career—but because of the poor growth outlook for common jobs held by these degree-holders, it doesn’t make the top 10 list.
Not all master’s degree holders enjoy anywhere near such optimistic job prospects or extraordinary pay. Getting a master’s in library and information science, music, English or education can be extremely gratifying–but pricy. Mid-career median pay for all those degrees is under $68,000, and employment for them isn’t expected to grow significantly over the next few years.
Library and information science degree-holders bring in $58,500 mid-career, on average. Common jobs for them are school librarian, library director and reference librarian, and there are expected to be just 7% more of them by 2020. The low pay rank and estimated growth rank make library and information science the worst master’s degree for jobs right now.
“Library and information science is an interesting one,” Bardaro explains. “This is a degree that almost has a bimodal pay distribution. For those who major in this degree and go into library science in the traditional perspective, pay and job growth are fairly limited. However, for those who major in this degree and go into taxonomy work for big data companies and or companies who utilize a search algorithm, pay and job growth are both quite respectable.”
The issue with music and English master’s degrees is they do not open the door to a plethora of high-pay, high-growth job opportunities, she adds. “Common careers for these degrees include performance, teaching, and content management. Additionally, the extra pay bump you get from these degrees between a bachelor’s and a master’s is fairly limited – only about 5%.”
Biology, history, and political science degrees are also toward the bottom of the list—but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. If you’re passionate about these fields, the lower pay and slimmer job prospects shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a master’s. However, it’s important that you ask yourself a few questions before you make that decision.
Ask, “Is the program required to pursue a given career?” “What do the job opportunities look like?” and “Will the cost of the education outweigh the potential income?” If the answer to the last one is yes, then a master’s program is not the way to go, Bardaro says.
Another thing to keep in mind: Master’s degree-holders don’t necessarily earn more than other people in similar jobs—so don’t base your decision to pursue one on the idea that you’ll bring in bigger paychecks.
“We are all human after all and don’t always approach every decision with the level of thought necessary to make it a sound decision,” she says. “Too often people obtain a higher degree because they believe it will bring a windfall of cash. However, this depends on two things: one, actually being able to obtain the ever-elusive job offer, and two, the demand for your field in the labor market. Even if you are able to get a job after your degree, the additional income received might not even offset the cost you incurred. In order to justify the cost of a degree, there needs to be both job opportunities and high demand for your newly obtained skill set, which will lead to higher pay opportunities.”
Bardaro says there are three good reasons to obtain a master’s degree (not including those required for a given career path). One is the desire to increase your knowledge in a given field, which includes obtaining new skills not taught in many undergraduate educations; the second is to make valuable alumni connections that can prove useful in today’s tough job market; and third, to set yourself apart from those with only a bachelor’s degree. “However, more education can sometimes hinder you more than help you with certain job openings. In lean economic times, some companies may prefer the less educated cheaper employee than the more educated more expensive one.”
These may be the best and worst master’s degrees in terms of pay and employment opportunities, but it’s also important to think about work-life balance and employee satisfaction for the common jobs associated with these degrees. “You need to consider overall happiness,” Bardaro concludes. “If obtaining a master’s degree causes an imbalance due to time devoted to education and potentially more stress at work, then one will need to decide if these costs are worth it.”
Original Source of Article...
Monday, 13 October 2014
How Employers View Your Online Bachelor's Degree
When Erik Schnackenberg, 28, decided to get his bachelor’s degree at Pace University several years ago, he was confident about his decision to take courses entirely online.
If anything was going to get in the way of his job prospects, he figured it would be the lack of a master’s degree – not his choice to pursue distance education.
“I’ve interviewed several places and no one has asked me if I’m going on-campus for classes,” says Schnackenberg, a train conductor instructor and full-time student. “I think they care more about my major and my GPA.”
Schnackenberg might be onto something. The number of job candidates with online bachelor’s degrees has rapidly increased in recent years, recruiters say. At the same time, acceptance of the degrees by employers is becoming more common.
That hasn’t always been the case, though.
Only a few years ago, in 2009, a literature review by Cleveland State University found that human resource managers, executives and other gatekeepers had negative perceptions of online degrees. Some recruiters blame the stigma on the last decade’s "diploma mills" – online, unaccredited programs known for offering a degree to anyone with a full wallet.
But these days, employers rarely question the quality of online programs, says Susan Fontana, regional vice president of Manpower, a global recruiting firm.
“Things have changed,” says Fontana, whose company works with Fortune 100 companies and small and midsize businesses. “I think 10 years ago, you probably had a little more questioning, but it really is so much more accepted today.”
In fact, sometimes an online bachelor’s degree can be an advantage in the eye of an employer, Fontana says. In some cases, entrepreneurs favor students such as Schnackenberg, who have juggled multiple commitments while earning their degree.
“When you think about balancing a job and the needs of a family with school, that says a lot about the discipline of a person,” Fontana says.
There are several reasons why online bachelor’s degrees are increasingly becoming accepted, including the sheer number of students taking online courses, experts say. About 7.1 million students took at least one online course during the fall of 2012, according to the most recent findings from the Babson Survey Research Group.
Chris Cullen, a brand consultant for colleges and universities, says the perception of online degrees has also changed as top-ranked schools have started offering more distance education options and massive open online courses, known as MOOCs.
“In the past couple of years schools like MIT, Stanford, Duke and Johns Hopkins have joined the online education landscape,” says Cullen, managing director at Infinia DC. "It elevates the concept of online higher ed. Just by their participation the category is lifted."
Despite the evolution of online education, some employers are still wary of online degrees, recruiters say.
Mary Massad, division president of recruiting services for Insperity, a firm that provides recruiting services to more than 100,000 small and midsize businesses, says her clients have a variety of opinions on the degrees.
About 75 percent of her clients have embraced online credentials. As for the other 25 percent, she doesn’t count on changing their minds.
“There are people who are very resistant and very traditional in the way they perceive an online degree,” she says. “For some, it’s just deeply embedded in how they think.”
Although having an online bachelor’s degree isn’t a deal breaker for most of her clients, Massad says having an online degree from an unaccredited school is a sure way to get a resume discarded. Before you enroll in a program, make sure it is accredited, she says.
“You can go into this with eyes wide open – and you should,” she says.
Cullen, of Infinia DC, says some employers favor traditional bachelor’s degrees simply because they are more familiar.
To avoid having an online degree discounted, he recommends enrolling in a program that has brand recognition in the relevant field.
“In time, a person’s experience will outweigh their education on their resume,” he says. “But all things being equal, an employer will judge your education based on their own personal familiarity with the institution that provided the degree.”
Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.
Original Source of Article...
If anything was going to get in the way of his job prospects, he figured it would be the lack of a master’s degree – not his choice to pursue distance education.
“I’ve interviewed several places and no one has asked me if I’m going on-campus for classes,” says Schnackenberg, a train conductor instructor and full-time student. “I think they care more about my major and my GPA.”
Schnackenberg might be onto something. The number of job candidates with online bachelor’s degrees has rapidly increased in recent years, recruiters say. At the same time, acceptance of the degrees by employers is becoming more common.
That hasn’t always been the case, though.
Only a few years ago, in 2009, a literature review by Cleveland State University found that human resource managers, executives and other gatekeepers had negative perceptions of online degrees. Some recruiters blame the stigma on the last decade’s "diploma mills" – online, unaccredited programs known for offering a degree to anyone with a full wallet.
But these days, employers rarely question the quality of online programs, says Susan Fontana, regional vice president of Manpower, a global recruiting firm.
“Things have changed,” says Fontana, whose company works with Fortune 100 companies and small and midsize businesses. “I think 10 years ago, you probably had a little more questioning, but it really is so much more accepted today.”
In fact, sometimes an online bachelor’s degree can be an advantage in the eye of an employer, Fontana says. In some cases, entrepreneurs favor students such as Schnackenberg, who have juggled multiple commitments while earning their degree.
“When you think about balancing a job and the needs of a family with school, that says a lot about the discipline of a person,” Fontana says.
There are several reasons why online bachelor’s degrees are increasingly becoming accepted, including the sheer number of students taking online courses, experts say. About 7.1 million students took at least one online course during the fall of 2012, according to the most recent findings from the Babson Survey Research Group.
Chris Cullen, a brand consultant for colleges and universities, says the perception of online degrees has also changed as top-ranked schools have started offering more distance education options and massive open online courses, known as MOOCs.
“In the past couple of years schools like MIT, Stanford, Duke and Johns Hopkins have joined the online education landscape,” says Cullen, managing director at Infinia DC. "It elevates the concept of online higher ed. Just by their participation the category is lifted."
Despite the evolution of online education, some employers are still wary of online degrees, recruiters say.
Mary Massad, division president of recruiting services for Insperity, a firm that provides recruiting services to more than 100,000 small and midsize businesses, says her clients have a variety of opinions on the degrees.
About 75 percent of her clients have embraced online credentials. As for the other 25 percent, she doesn’t count on changing their minds.
“There are people who are very resistant and very traditional in the way they perceive an online degree,” she says. “For some, it’s just deeply embedded in how they think.”
Although having an online bachelor’s degree isn’t a deal breaker for most of her clients, Massad says having an online degree from an unaccredited school is a sure way to get a resume discarded. Before you enroll in a program, make sure it is accredited, she says.
“You can go into this with eyes wide open – and you should,” she says.
Cullen, of Infinia DC, says some employers favor traditional bachelor’s degrees simply because they are more familiar.
To avoid having an online degree discounted, he recommends enrolling in a program that has brand recognition in the relevant field.
“In time, a person’s experience will outweigh their education on their resume,” he says. “But all things being equal, an employer will judge your education based on their own personal familiarity with the institution that provided the degree.”
Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.
Original Source of Article...
Thursday, 9 October 2014
What I Did With My Degree: Information Technology
It is no secret that getting a degree in information technology can make a lot of sense for those entering college or making a career change. What is maybe hidden beneath the surface are the number of doors an information technology degree can open.
I graduated with a degree in information technology (specifically in software engineering) from Apollo College. I was able to find a job programming visual basic for a company that developed hotel accounting software. I quickly realized that programming was not for me. I didn't like the long hours, alone with my computer trying to build something to fit someone else's idea. There are people out there that love this kind of work, but it wasn't for me. I wasn't sure what I was going to do and I was depressed.
I thought I had wasted my education on something I hated doing in the real world. I decided I really did like information technology and I would continue to pursue other avenues, hoping to find a fit and someone that would hire me for having a general degree in information technology, rather than for my specialty. After leaving the programming job, I accepted a position as a network technician for Graham County in Arizona. I didn't last long doing this work either, but fell into an opportunity with a company that specialized in selling and configuring electronic document management systems.
An inside edge
Electronic document management systems allow users to scan or upload electronic documents into software for processing and storage. In my studies I had learned the importance of process modeling and design. This knowledge gave me an advantage when it came to adding work flow and processes to documents. The knowledge of how software works is also extremely valuable in that I am able to explain to customers the inner workings of the software, thus increasing their comfort with the product. Any information technology degree would give one an advantage in securing a position working with document management systems.
I am currently working for the City of Charlotte as an account manager in the information technology division. The team I work with handles all the electronic document management needs across all city divisions. I meet with the divisions throughout the city and assist them in determining their document and records management needs. A document management project usually consists of some type of legacy paper files that are scanned into an electronic document management system and a day forward scanning process that allows the city personnel to scan new paper documents directly into the system. Scanners must be evaluated for through put and duty cycle to insure they are robust enough to handle the job. Capture software must be configured to get the documents from the scanner into the system along with indexed information or metadata associated with the documents. The electronic document management system must also be configured for proper security, adequate storage space, processes built and retention schedules set.
Building on your knowledge
I have worked with many types of electronic document management systems. One good thing about the industry is that all of the different software solutions available for document management are trying to solve the same problems, which forces them to operate in similar ways. Therefore, once you have the basic knowledge, all you have to do is learn the feature sets for the different software suites as needed.
The most challenging part of working with document management systems is gathering customer requirements. Having a fundamental knowledge of project management, business analysis and resource planning will greatly increase your chances for success. As the expert, one must listen to customers and guide them to a solution that works for them. Customers usually need help documenting their document flows, finding bottlenecks, applying security, designing a document management structure, finding state and or regulatory agency record retention schedules and calculating the return on the investment.
Achieving a degree in information technology was a career accelerator for me. I would encourage those who have similar aspirations to look beyond the usual when searching for employment, especially in today's down economy. A new graduate armed with a degree and an open mind will find opportunities. A great place to start looking are those industries that produce large volumes of paper documents such as the legal, medical and government sectors. As with many technology jobs, furthering one's education and specialty training will ensure continued success. An information technology degree is a tool that can jump-start a career in several industries.
Original Source of Article...
I graduated with a degree in information technology (specifically in software engineering) from Apollo College. I was able to find a job programming visual basic for a company that developed hotel accounting software. I quickly realized that programming was not for me. I didn't like the long hours, alone with my computer trying to build something to fit someone else's idea. There are people out there that love this kind of work, but it wasn't for me. I wasn't sure what I was going to do and I was depressed.
I thought I had wasted my education on something I hated doing in the real world. I decided I really did like information technology and I would continue to pursue other avenues, hoping to find a fit and someone that would hire me for having a general degree in information technology, rather than for my specialty. After leaving the programming job, I accepted a position as a network technician for Graham County in Arizona. I didn't last long doing this work either, but fell into an opportunity with a company that specialized in selling and configuring electronic document management systems.
An inside edge
Electronic document management systems allow users to scan or upload electronic documents into software for processing and storage. In my studies I had learned the importance of process modeling and design. This knowledge gave me an advantage when it came to adding work flow and processes to documents. The knowledge of how software works is also extremely valuable in that I am able to explain to customers the inner workings of the software, thus increasing their comfort with the product. Any information technology degree would give one an advantage in securing a position working with document management systems.
I am currently working for the City of Charlotte as an account manager in the information technology division. The team I work with handles all the electronic document management needs across all city divisions. I meet with the divisions throughout the city and assist them in determining their document and records management needs. A document management project usually consists of some type of legacy paper files that are scanned into an electronic document management system and a day forward scanning process that allows the city personnel to scan new paper documents directly into the system. Scanners must be evaluated for through put and duty cycle to insure they are robust enough to handle the job. Capture software must be configured to get the documents from the scanner into the system along with indexed information or metadata associated with the documents. The electronic document management system must also be configured for proper security, adequate storage space, processes built and retention schedules set.
Building on your knowledge
I have worked with many types of electronic document management systems. One good thing about the industry is that all of the different software solutions available for document management are trying to solve the same problems, which forces them to operate in similar ways. Therefore, once you have the basic knowledge, all you have to do is learn the feature sets for the different software suites as needed.
The most challenging part of working with document management systems is gathering customer requirements. Having a fundamental knowledge of project management, business analysis and resource planning will greatly increase your chances for success. As the expert, one must listen to customers and guide them to a solution that works for them. Customers usually need help documenting their document flows, finding bottlenecks, applying security, designing a document management structure, finding state and or regulatory agency record retention schedules and calculating the return on the investment.
Achieving a degree in information technology was a career accelerator for me. I would encourage those who have similar aspirations to look beyond the usual when searching for employment, especially in today's down economy. A new graduate armed with a degree and an open mind will find opportunities. A great place to start looking are those industries that produce large volumes of paper documents such as the legal, medical and government sectors. As with many technology jobs, furthering one's education and specialty training will ensure continued success. An information technology degree is a tool that can jump-start a career in several industries.
Original Source of Article...
Friday, 3 October 2014
PhD in Exercise Physiology: Degree Program Summaries
Read a summary of programs that are similar to the Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. Check out the educational prerequisites and see the courses that are featured. Review the career prospects and salary information for exercise physiology professionals.
Essential Information
Exercise physiology combines studies in human cellular structures and anatomical composition. Many opportunities to study exercise physiology at the doctoral level are offered through more general
Exercise physiology Ph.D. programs integrate numerous laboratory components so that students can prepare for professional roles in research and development. Furthermore, at the start of a Ph.D. program, students typically work with advisors to individualize their exercise physiology course of study. This essentially allows them to create their own concentration areas. Programs generally conclude with the presentation and defense of a dissertation. Experienced candidates who pass the required examination can become board-certified by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists.
Education Prerequisites
Many colleges prefer students with relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees, such as those in kinesiology or athletic training. Applicants with unrelated majors will usually need to complete preparatory courses in organic and general chemistry, physics, biology and calculus. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may also be required.
Program Coursework
Exercise physiology doctoral students participate in independent study initiatives to prepare for their dissertation defense, which may be in verbal and written form. They take essential research and statistics courses, as well as classes in the following:
Career Prospects and Salary Info
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in exercise physiology can work in public or private sectors. Jobs are often found with athletic organizations, colleges and clinical centers, and specific titles may include:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that college teachers of health specialties earned a median salary of $81,140 as of 2012. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of employed college-level teachers was projected to grow 17% - an average rate of growth, according to the BLS.
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Those who have earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology may want to seek board certification through the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (www.asep.org). In order to be able to sit for the exam, which includes practical and written portions, applicants must meet certain educational and experiential requirements and apply for membership. After candidates pass the exam, their certifications remain in effect for five years. For certification renewal, continuing education requirements must be met.
Original Source of Article...
Essential Information
Exercise physiology combines studies in human cellular structures and anatomical composition. Many opportunities to study exercise physiology at the doctoral level are offered through more general
Exercise physiology Ph.D. programs integrate numerous laboratory components so that students can prepare for professional roles in research and development. Furthermore, at the start of a Ph.D. program, students typically work with advisors to individualize their exercise physiology course of study. This essentially allows them to create their own concentration areas. Programs generally conclude with the presentation and defense of a dissertation. Experienced candidates who pass the required examination can become board-certified by the American Society of Exercise Physiologists.
Education Prerequisites
Many colleges prefer students with relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees, such as those in kinesiology or athletic training. Applicants with unrelated majors will usually need to complete preparatory courses in organic and general chemistry, physics, biology and calculus. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may also be required.
Program Coursework
Exercise physiology doctoral students participate in independent study initiatives to prepare for their dissertation defense, which may be in verbal and written form. They take essential research and statistics courses, as well as classes in the following:
- Biochemistry
- Physiological measurements and tests (i.e. stress tests)
- Physiology of the heart and lungs
- Hormones and metabolism
- Environmental factors and exercise performance
Career Prospects and Salary Info
Graduates of a doctoral degree program in exercise physiology can work in public or private sectors. Jobs are often found with athletic organizations, colleges and clinical centers, and specific titles may include:
- Exercise physiology professor
- Scholarly fitness writer
- Corporate fitness and wellness program director
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that college teachers of health specialties earned a median salary of $81,140 as of 2012. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of employed college-level teachers was projected to grow 17% - an average rate of growth, according to the BLS.
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Those who have earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology may want to seek board certification through the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (www.asep.org). In order to be able to sit for the exam, which includes practical and written portions, applicants must meet certain educational and experiential requirements and apply for membership. After candidates pass the exam, their certifications remain in effect for five years. For certification renewal, continuing education requirements must be met.
Original Source of Article...
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Master of Computer Information Technology: Degree Overview
Research master's degree programs in computer information technology. Get details about admission requirements, courses and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.
Essential Information
A master's degree program in information technology (IT) or computer information technology can teach students the skills required to manage IT projects and networks, develop and apply security measures or design database systems. These programs typically take two years to complete and may culminate in a capstone project based on the student's chosen area of research. Some programs may offer elective courses or concentration options in specialized fields like e-business or telecommunications. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field for admission to most programs.
Educational Prerequisites
Most schools require applicants to a computer information technology master's degree program to have transcripts of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Previous, relevant coursework in the IT field may also be required.
Course Topics
Most computer information technology courses teach students advanced skills related to information systems, networks, database management systems and computer science with a focus on a specific area of study. Core classes usually include:
Popular Career Options
After completing a master's degree program, graduates are typically prepared to enter into managerial roles within the field of information technology. They may find employment in a wide variety of professional settings where computer systems, networks and databases are essential to a company's storage of information, communication and organization. Some possible career titles could include:
Career Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators could see employment increase by 15% from 2012 through 2022. During that same period, network and computer systems administrators could see a 12% growth rate in employment, and operations research analysts might see a 27% increase in employment.
In May 2012, the BLS reported median earnings of $77,080 for database administrators, and its findings showed $72,560 was the median for network and computer systems administrators. Operations research analysts earned a median of $72,100.
Continuing Education Information
After completing a master's degree program, students may continue their study at the doctoral level through programs such as a Ph.D. in Information Technology or a Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology. These programs can offer specialization options in subjects like network information or information security. They can also lead to professional work in a variety of settings, including government, public and private-sector organizations. These research-based programs could also prepare students for work in academia.
Original Source of Article...
Essential Information
A master's degree program in information technology (IT) or computer information technology can teach students the skills required to manage IT projects and networks, develop and apply security measures or design database systems. These programs typically take two years to complete and may culminate in a capstone project based on the student's chosen area of research. Some programs may offer elective courses or concentration options in specialized fields like e-business or telecommunications. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field for admission to most programs.
Educational Prerequisites
Most schools require applicants to a computer information technology master's degree program to have transcripts of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Previous, relevant coursework in the IT field may also be required.
Course Topics
Most computer information technology courses teach students advanced skills related to information systems, networks, database management systems and computer science with a focus on a specific area of study. Core classes usually include:
- Telecommunications
- Computer applications
- Networks
- Technology management
- Systems analysis and design
- Security management
Popular Career Options
After completing a master's degree program, graduates are typically prepared to enter into managerial roles within the field of information technology. They may find employment in a wide variety of professional settings where computer systems, networks and databases are essential to a company's storage of information, communication and organization. Some possible career titles could include:
- Database administrator
- Network engineer
- Operations analyst
- Business systems analyst
- Infrastructure architect
Career Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators could see employment increase by 15% from 2012 through 2022. During that same period, network and computer systems administrators could see a 12% growth rate in employment, and operations research analysts might see a 27% increase in employment.
In May 2012, the BLS reported median earnings of $77,080 for database administrators, and its findings showed $72,560 was the median for network and computer systems administrators. Operations research analysts earned a median of $72,100.
Continuing Education Information
After completing a master's degree program, students may continue their study at the doctoral level through programs such as a Ph.D. in Information Technology or a Ph.D. in Information Science and Technology. These programs can offer specialization options in subjects like network information or information security. They can also lead to professional work in a variety of settings, including government, public and private-sector organizations. These research-based programs could also prepare students for work in academia.
Original Source of Article...
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Is Life Experience Degree Legitimate?
Life experience degrees are designed for the learners who exhibit core competencies of knowledge, skill and experience in some field of interest. In other words, these degrees have their foundation on what you have done in your life pertaining to a degree program. If you have not undertaken formal classes in a field, yet have in-the-field training you are equally positioned as those who gain knowledge by means of textbooks and lectures. Many times people fail to grow in their career because they do not possess a formal degree. Individuals with a degree, on the other hand, are professionally better off. On the basis of your experience, you can gain a life experience degree which would facilitate in your career development.
The Significance of Life Experience Degrees
In the present times of cutthroat competition, attaining life experience degrees seems to have gained critical importance. Because employers do not differentiate between individuals with academic degrees and individuals with a life experience degree, earning a life experience degree can be beneficial for you. Someone having same experience just as yours can be given preference on the basis of a degree; this is where a life experience degree can come to your aid. Once you get a life experience degree, you will have the same growth opportunities as those who have formal education and training.
How to Gain a Life Experience Degree
A life experience degree proffers acknowledgment for personal and professional achievements by means of several online life experience degree programs. However, you must know that you will not be able to gain this degree just by furnishing certifiable information on your resume. Also, it is not worthwhile to apply to this degree online from a university which is not accredited. These unproven kinds of degrees may come from scam artists, and can get you in legal trouble as well. It is essential to gain it from reputable institutes which require sufficient substantiation of experience; some may also call for taking certain tests to demonstrate your knowledge and skill prior to granting you a degree. Those who meet all the requirements can get a life experience degree within no time while the ones who lack an important skill may have to take some classes.
Getting a Life Experience Degree Online
There are a number of reputable institutes which offer life experience degrees on the basis of your prior experience. The former experience may include prior college, work experience, travel, and certificates of achievement, professional development courses or volunteer service. One can gain these degrees in areas such as business, education, fine arts, and sciences. Besides, there are a number of other specialized life experience degrees from which one can opt among the several undergraduate and graduate life experience degree levels. Mostly, these degrees can be attained online in a very short span of time. In order to apply for a life experience degree online, you need to filling out an application form provided by several life experience degree institutes. The prerequisites for these degrees are based on the level of your formal education, the time period you have already invested in a certain field as well as your professional skill level.
Do employers accept life experience degrees?
A:Studies indicate that a lot of employers accept life experience degrees. However, as there are many diploma mills out there you should make sure that the degree you wish to earn is properly accredited.
Q:Which areas are more opted for a Life Experience degree program?
A:Business, education, fine arts, and sciences are some of the most sought after Life Experience degree programs.
Q:Which universities offer the best life experience degrees?
A:Best Life Experience degrees are offered at our website.
Q:Are the best life experience degrees offered online?
A:Yes. The best life experience degrees are offered online as well as on-campus.
Q:How long are the Bachelors of legal education degrees on life experience programs?
A:The Bachelors of Life Experience Degree programs are for 4 years.
Q:How long are the life experience degree programs?
A:Life experience degree programs span over the same duration of 4 years for a bachelors in life experience, 2 years for an associate in life experience and about 2-3 years to complete a masters in life experience degree program. These durations can vary if the degree programs are pursued online since there is no time limit for the completion of online degrees. They offer complete flexibility to the student.
Q:Are there any life experience degree programs online?
A:Yes, life experience degree programs are offered online. You can excess these degree programs and their details on our website. We have got an entire list of institutions offering online degree programs in life experience. These online programs offer flexibility and are comparatively cheaper hence are more pursued by students nowadays.
Q:What is a Pell Grant for a life experience degree?
A:Life experience degree is a degree given to students who have acquired sufficient knowledge in their profession. A life experience degree includes credit and experience that has been attained through work and practical experience. This allows credit transfers and exemption of many courses. Students can apply for the Pell Grant for life experience degree, the application procedure is submitting a filled FAFSA form.
Q:Are there any Universities offering many Life Experience Degree programs?
A:Life experience degree programs are designed for professionals who wish to excel their career by acquiring further education. College credit is given to one's professional experience and skills in a life experience degree. You can browse through our page to find out which schools are currently offering Life Experience Degree programs.
Q:Can you tell me what is life experience degree?
A:Life experience degrees are for individuals who already have a certain level of competency related to a particular field. These degrees have their foundation on the knowledge and skills you already have. Individuals can have knowledge and skills in a particular field but not a degree, which can be a disadvantage for them. On the basis of your experience, you can acquire a life experience degree which will help in career advancement.
Original Source of Article...
The Significance of Life Experience Degrees
In the present times of cutthroat competition, attaining life experience degrees seems to have gained critical importance. Because employers do not differentiate between individuals with academic degrees and individuals with a life experience degree, earning a life experience degree can be beneficial for you. Someone having same experience just as yours can be given preference on the basis of a degree; this is where a life experience degree can come to your aid. Once you get a life experience degree, you will have the same growth opportunities as those who have formal education and training.
How to Gain a Life Experience Degree
A life experience degree proffers acknowledgment for personal and professional achievements by means of several online life experience degree programs. However, you must know that you will not be able to gain this degree just by furnishing certifiable information on your resume. Also, it is not worthwhile to apply to this degree online from a university which is not accredited. These unproven kinds of degrees may come from scam artists, and can get you in legal trouble as well. It is essential to gain it from reputable institutes which require sufficient substantiation of experience; some may also call for taking certain tests to demonstrate your knowledge and skill prior to granting you a degree. Those who meet all the requirements can get a life experience degree within no time while the ones who lack an important skill may have to take some classes.
Getting a Life Experience Degree Online
There are a number of reputable institutes which offer life experience degrees on the basis of your prior experience. The former experience may include prior college, work experience, travel, and certificates of achievement, professional development courses or volunteer service. One can gain these degrees in areas such as business, education, fine arts, and sciences. Besides, there are a number of other specialized life experience degrees from which one can opt among the several undergraduate and graduate life experience degree levels. Mostly, these degrees can be attained online in a very short span of time. In order to apply for a life experience degree online, you need to filling out an application form provided by several life experience degree institutes. The prerequisites for these degrees are based on the level of your formal education, the time period you have already invested in a certain field as well as your professional skill level.
Do employers accept life experience degrees?
A:Studies indicate that a lot of employers accept life experience degrees. However, as there are many diploma mills out there you should make sure that the degree you wish to earn is properly accredited.
Q:Which areas are more opted for a Life Experience degree program?
A:Business, education, fine arts, and sciences are some of the most sought after Life Experience degree programs.
Q:Which universities offer the best life experience degrees?
A:Best Life Experience degrees are offered at our website.
Q:Are the best life experience degrees offered online?
A:Yes. The best life experience degrees are offered online as well as on-campus.
Q:How long are the Bachelors of legal education degrees on life experience programs?
A:The Bachelors of Life Experience Degree programs are for 4 years.
Q:How long are the life experience degree programs?
A:Life experience degree programs span over the same duration of 4 years for a bachelors in life experience, 2 years for an associate in life experience and about 2-3 years to complete a masters in life experience degree program. These durations can vary if the degree programs are pursued online since there is no time limit for the completion of online degrees. They offer complete flexibility to the student.
Q:Are there any life experience degree programs online?
A:Yes, life experience degree programs are offered online. You can excess these degree programs and their details on our website. We have got an entire list of institutions offering online degree programs in life experience. These online programs offer flexibility and are comparatively cheaper hence are more pursued by students nowadays.
Q:What is a Pell Grant for a life experience degree?
A:Life experience degree is a degree given to students who have acquired sufficient knowledge in their profession. A life experience degree includes credit and experience that has been attained through work and practical experience. This allows credit transfers and exemption of many courses. Students can apply for the Pell Grant for life experience degree, the application procedure is submitting a filled FAFSA form.
Q:Are there any Universities offering many Life Experience Degree programs?
A:Life experience degree programs are designed for professionals who wish to excel their career by acquiring further education. College credit is given to one's professional experience and skills in a life experience degree. You can browse through our page to find out which schools are currently offering Life Experience Degree programs.
Q:Can you tell me what is life experience degree?
A:Life experience degrees are for individuals who already have a certain level of competency related to a particular field. These degrees have their foundation on the knowledge and skills you already have. Individuals can have knowledge and skills in a particular field but not a degree, which can be a disadvantage for them. On the basis of your experience, you can acquire a life experience degree which will help in career advancement.
Original Source of Article...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)