If you have an aptitude for mathematics and can compare, interpret, and analyze facts and figures with ease, you may want to consider a career in accounting. Along with these traits, the ability to communicate clearly, work well with people and systems, and a high sense of integrity is an added bonus. Today, thousands of industries and businesses require the services of professional accountants and auditors to track their assets, debts and income. Besides recording all financial transactions and creating statements of costs and gains, accountants also participate in preparing strategies for business mergers and acquisitions, developing financial information systems, quality management and creating tax strategies for companies. Accountants are perpetually in short supply and jobs in this field are not hard to find. In spite of the current economic turmoil, well-trained professional accountants will have no problem landing a well-paid job. In fact, with the recent scandals in the financial sector, there is a greater need than ever for dedicated and honest professionals.
Accountants basically work towards ensuring that companies and businesses run efficiently. They are considered to be the backbone of any organization. Accounting can be broadly categorized into four fields - public accounting, management accounting, government accounting, and internal auditing. Accountants and auditors in each field analyze, record, and verify all financial transactions accurately and provide this information to their clients.
* Public accountants deal with corporations, non-profit organizations or individuals. Their job profiles could include auditing, consulting on tax matters, and designing data processing and accounting systems. There is a new brand of forensic accounting that has emerged which investigates and interprets bankruptcies. Many public accountants are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and work either with an accounting firm or as individual consultants.
* Management accountants are responsible for maintaining the records and analyzing the finances of the companies that hire them. They could be involved in budgeting, cost management, evaluation, and strategic planning. They prepare the all-important financial reports that go out to the company's stockholders, creditors and board members.
* Government accounting requires the maintenance and checking of records in the public sector. These accountants will also audit those companies and businesses that are subject to government taxation and regulations. The Internal Revenue Service is one of the largest employers of government accountants.
* Internal auditing is an extremely important sub-category of accounting. Internal auditors check for mismanagement of funds and fraud. They verify all records and financial statements and evaluate a firm's financial systems and internal controls to ensure that there is no leakage of funds or illegal activities. Internal auditors conduct regular reviews of corporate policy, laws, and procedures. Internal auditing can further specialize into environmental auditing, legal auditing, insurance auditing, healthcare, and bank auditing.
Most accounting jobs would require a minimum Bachelors degree in accounting. Accounting degree programs that also prepare students for various certifications and licenses have an added advantage. When choosing a Bachelor of accounting degree, make sure that the college you choose is accredited and that the course provides training in the latest auditing software and specialized programs so that you have an immediate edge in the job market once you graduate.
by Scott.C

When you want to specialize in a particular subject, a Masters degree is the way to go. There are several advantages of having a Masters degree. Many people choose to do an MBA because they want to enhance their qualifications for better job prospects. Some may do an MBA for the sheer pursuit of a better education. The most appealing reason may be the monetary aspect as an MBA will certainly boost your earning capacity when compared against a Bachelors degree. Having a Masters degree will give you the upper advantage when competing for higher-level jobs.
Masters degrees are available in a variety of subjects - from a Masters in Business Administration to Masters in Health care Administration to Masters in Nursing - the choices are endless. And while a traditional Masters Degree program can take between two to four years to complete, an online Masters Degree can be completed earlier than that depending on the commitment level you can give. As long as the online college you enroll in is accredited, there should be no problem in finding a job or getting the same career options as students who have chosen a more traditional path of education. There are several reasons to earning an online masters degree. It allows students flexibility. Students can study and fulfill other commitments they may have such as a job or commitments at home. If you are willing to put in the extra effort, online degree programs can also be accelerated and completed ahead of schedule. With an online graduate degree, you could study from anywhere - your home, your office, even while traveling. As long as you have a computer and an Internet connection, you have access to all your study material around the clock. Distance learning has broken all boundaries of traditional education. When enrolled in an online program, you could be interacting with students and faculty from around the world. This adds an entire new dimension to the learning experience and offers you a world-view that may be lacking from brick and mortar classrooms.
If you have decided on an online Masters degree, keep the following points in mind before making a final decision:
* After having completed your online Masters degree, the reputation of your online school is especially significant when you apply for a job. In fact, it would be advisable to speak to several employers and ask their opinions on the schools you have short-listed.
* Always check the accreditation of the online school and online master's degree program. There are a number of colleges and online degree programs that fall way below the mark where quality is concerned. In case the school is not accredited, your degree will not count for anything in the long run.
* Think about the cost of your online master's degree program. Masters degrees are more expensive than Bachelors and depending on the reputation of the school, the faculty and the level of technology used, the costs could add up considerably. Many schools will help with financial aid so ask the college admissions office well in advance.Since not all online colleges and online master's degree programs are created equally, it is extremely important that you do a thorough investigation of all factors involved. An online Masters degree demands a great deal of commitment and effort and will have a significant impact on your career. So take care and make an informed decision
by Scott.C

College is not for everyone! I heard this phrase from a teacher back in high school. And although he may be correct, every individual should really sit and think why a college degree would not be suitable for them. Sure, I don't thing that every single human being must attend a four-year University in order to succeed in life. However, that BA Online Bachelor Degree certainly can help you attain a decent career. There's no denying this. Your chances of being employed increase 90 percent if you have a college degree. That counts for something. I guess what I'm getting at is; what will you do to be successful without your college diploma? Are you headed to Hollywood or starting your own business? Ponder these issues carefully before dismissing a higher education in online bachelor degree. And try not to forget that you can work a regular job and acquire your college degree at the same time. I'm talking an online bachelor degree. These are a tad easier to handle since you don't have to grapple with the campus scene and classroom meetings.
People beyond their 20s, 30s and even 40s are making a decision to get educated from accredited university. They may have spent their lives working blue collar jobs or failing to excel in the workplace, but now times are different. Because now they can achieve an online degree from home. As long as you have three things, you're good to go. First you need a computer, preferably a recent one; secondly you must have Internet access; and finally you need the drive to get that online degree. Schedule your courses through a local University accreditation or one clear across the nation. Do so that you can deal with them on your spare time. It's really a cinch. Take your pick from countless Universities and community colleges that offer online bachelor degree programs. This process is changing and developing further as the years go by. I can remember just a few years back when Online Bachelor Degree was not so prominent. Be glad you now have this wonderful option at your fingertips. Take advantage of your PC and online schooling today. That education you've always dreamed of is only a mouse click away.
by Maliki Hassan

Online colleges allow you the freedom to pursue an education program online. That means, there is no need to attend courses in college and there is more flexibility in learning. Online colleges are a great option for those who cannot attend a college for their education. This could include working people or even students of courses that are unavailable in local colleges.
However, choosing an online college is an important decision. Taking the decision lightly could lead to a less than optimal experience. It could also lead you to invest your time and money in the wrong degree.
So, how can you identify the best online colleges?
An accredited degree program is a must as far as many employers are concerned. In case you are interested in further education, most colleges too will accept degrees from an accredited college. Therefore, you need to ensure that the online colleges you are considering are accredited.
The main reason behind opting for an online course is the flexibility it offers. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to how the course is structured. You might expect all online colleges to offer flexible online courses but don't bet on it. Some online colleges do require you to come together periodically at a particular time for a joint discussion. Although the discussion is online, you would still be required to attend it. If you cannot compromise on flexibility, then, you must consider online colleges that do not have such a stipulation.
Online colleges may have different systems when it comes to delivering their courses. Some may send you the course material and appear only for the exams. Others might require you to make your own notes. Some courses are taught through CDs and other media. Sometimes, material is sent through emails. In the same way, you might be required to turn in assignments from time to time, in addition to the exams that are held. You have to consider these very carefully before you zero in on an online college. Choose an online college that is best suited to your learning methods and your schedules. If you have a preference for any one method, choose a course that leans heavily on your method of choice.
The course material also plays an important role in the selection of colleges online. The material should place special emphasis on those sections that are important to you. It is also important to select a course that emphasizes the organizational implications and the practical use of the program. Try to spot colleges that have a system of placement. This could be very helpful as the first job is always the most difficult to come by.
by: Alice Shown

Popular Online Degree Programs In The University Of North Dakota

The University of Dakota is located in Grand Forks, a college town of 50,000 on the Red River of the North. It is a comprehensive research university and the primary center for professional education and training in the state. University of North Dakota also called UND was founded by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883. It is a university with a strong liberal arts foundation surrounded by a variety of professional and specialized programs.

University of North Dakota is one of the 47 public universities in the nation with both accredited graduate schools of law and medicine. The campus is of the university is spacious and spread over 549 acres and has 223 buildings. The University has earned an international reputation for its extensive resources and academic and research programs.

UND enrolls students from all over the world for online bachelors, doctoral and professional degrees. The university offers associate, bachelor and diploma degrees courses. The UND offers distance learning and online degrees courses including Undergraduate Programs, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program, Graduate Certificate and Endorsement Programs and Doctoral Programs.

The area of study in North Dakota Online Degrees includes computer sciences, legal professions, security services and health sciences. Students enrolled in University of North Dakota online degrees can participate in interactive online courses. Students can participate in independent study and get the education they want, the flexibility they need and the quality you deserve.

There are online degree courses in different streams like Arts, Humanities & Languages, Business, Education, Engineering, Math & Natural Sciences, Nursing, Nutrition & Health, Social Sciences and Technology.

Benefits of a Distance Engineering Degree Program are:

• The Distance Engineering Degree Program in UND is tailor made for the adult learners, who are busy working full time. They are not able to participate in the traditional on-campus courses.

• Courses offered through the Distance Engineering Degree Program have the same content as on-campus courses. Students can access online versions of on-campus lectures and participate in on-campus labs which are held in June.

• Student's curriculum is convenient and flexibility. They can take courses while staying on the job and taking care of responsibilities at home. It's up to the student's convenience to choose the time and place for reviewing the lectures and completing the assignments.

• The Distance Degree Program in UND helps student improve their skills and apply it in their current jobs.

Popular online degree programs in the University of Dakota are:

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Certificate

• Graduate Certificate Autistic Spectrum Disorders

• Geographic Information Science

• Health Administration

• Instructional Design and Technology

• Policy Analysis

• Public Administration

Masters of

• Business Administration

• Public Administration

• Social Work

Making enough money to go to college can be hard, even obtaining an online degree can be difficult to swing financially. While there are many ways that people can pay for an online degree, it is often a hard task to do since college requires study time, and work is something that will certainly eat up hours in your day. It is for this reason that it is important to start thinking about how you will pay for your online degree early in the process. The more you think about making money to pay for your online degree, the easier it will be to get through school without having to take time off to replenish funds. The goal of any institution is to get their students through the program without the students having issues paying for their degree. Most schools have specific programs to help you financially.

The best way to pay for your online degree is in cash at the start of the program. This certainly will avoid distractions. Yet this isn't the method that most people use while attending college. Most can't afford to pay for an online degree all at once. Many students must instead turn to alternative ways to make payments. The only way many people can afford to obtain an online degree is through payment plans, and financial aid, both of which are viable ways to pay for school, especially since an online degree is typically considerably less than that of a traditional university degree.

Financial aid for online degree programs is readily available for students. Students have different needs, and many students will qualify for a financial aid package of some kind. These can include a mix of grants, loans, and scholarships that are all put towards your online degree program. The best part of grants is that the federal government offers this money without requiring repayment; in essence they are paying for a piece of your tuition for the program in order for you to better yourself. Financial aid loans for your online degree are typically structured as federally subsidized loans that will eventually require repayment, but at a much lower interest rate than a traditional loan would require.

Payment plans are another way to pay for your tuition at most online degree programs around the country. There are many different payment plans available to those that wish to pursue this method. Some are more advantageous than others, but most follow a similar standard of financing the college tuition over a period of time, which can make tuition a much easier burden to bear.

While one can't prepare one hundred percent for what college costs will amount to, one can always try to be educated on the variety of ways that they may pay for their college education. It is surely a smart move to research the different financial aid packages, or payment plans. Regardless of your financial status, it is imperative to look into what aid might be available to you. This will save you time and money once your online degree program starts.

guest post by Andy West

Are you one of those people who were not able to pursue your career further as you had to look for a job at an early age to support your family? Or, maybe your career options were limited and you did not have the means or the ability to pursue a particular career at that time. It is never too late to further your education and possibly improve your station in life.

An online university degree from a reputable college is the best option for those students who want to enhance their career prospects and study after hours. Online degree courses are normally taken by people who have no time to attend a full time college but still would like to increase their knowledge in their respective fields. Online degree courses are available in literally all fields today like management, medical transcription services, hospitality management, medical sciences, nursing, health management, IT enabled services, graphics and animation and much, much more. Today’s online student can enroll in an online degree course at a university situated at the opposite end of the country or the world. He or she can register online for the courses or degree he is pursuing after filling out an application and paying the tuition fees by credit card or wire transfer. Once the university receives the fees, it will provide the course study material in the form of interactive CD ROMs, books, tapes, etc. Study material is also available in the form of online tutorials where you have to log in at the university website and download the tutorials in the form of E books.

In general, getting admission for an online degree is easy and the timing of study is flexible. Therefore, the pros of an online degree are many in comparison to the cons. The cons are that online degree courses are not as much recognized as full time courses. There is literally no interaction between the students and the teachers; therefore, there are no discussions whatsoever. No one is immediately or physically approachable in the case you have questions when you study.

This last con is being rectified. Through the use of WANs (Wide Area Networks), video conferencing is now made available to students. The students have to attend weekly classes where they can interact with their professors in other cities or countries through a live video session. During the video session the professors may conduct lectures on important topics and also give guidelines to the students regarding their approach to their studies and their attempt at the exams. The students can also discuss their questions with the professors and get them solved.

In conclusion. we see that the online degree market has gained a lot of recognition and momentum worldwide. In one particular course you may find an American, a British, a Chinese and many more people from different nationalities and walks of life.. The universities keep on upgrading their study material based on their research and the students are exposed to the latest of what’s happening in the world. Getting an online degree is going to make you more confident and qualified. You will approach the professional world with more confidence than before. You will be more knowledgeable about the tactics and strategies to be used in your line of profession and you will more easily adjust to changes when required. And finally, it may help you make a better living than before.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? This is a concern that rides the minds of many high school and college graduates alike. It can be difficult deciding on a future career. After all, we figure we're going to have this position for years to come.

This is why it's imperative to choose the right one that makes us happy and pays the bills. One of the more prominent and desirable fields to pursue these days is nursing. Have you considered a career in the medical field? While nursing degrees have always been well known for their reliability and benefits, more recently they've become even simpler to attain. Yes indeed, now days you can acquire an online nursing degree from the comfort of your own home.

Ever since I can remember, my mother has been a registered nurse. I recall her telling me about the time she earned her nursing degree. Of course it wasn't an online nursing degree back then, but who had Internet access in the 60s? She enjoys the working in the medical field and helping those in need of constant care. There is always a certain gratification involved when you strive to make others feel better and live longer. By the time I reached high school, it was clear to me that my mother made a decent income as a registered nurse. She was taking care of three boys on her own, but we always lived well. Not to mention the insurance benefits were ideal. That is something to consider if you're looking into a medical degree. When you work for the state, there are many perks. After twenty years at the same hospital, my mother was able to retire with great benefits.

Are you looking into an online nursing degree? You have to admit, it's great to have access to so much from home. Never before could we accomplish so much learning and education from our homes. With a nursing career, you will soon learn that there are many benefits and shifts available. I watched my mother only work on weekends the entire time I was growing up. How can you beat that schedule? If you are interested in acquiring an online nursing degree, get online today and sort through your options. This very well may be the career choice for you. Cyberspace can give you the rundown on everything the online nursing degree has to offer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in our economy with over a 27% spike in employment projected over the next 5 years. Qualified nurses are in highly demand in the health care market, earning a nursing degree will definitely lead you to a brighter future.

If you already in the health care market as a RN, it time for you to advance your nursing career by earning a bachelor or master nursing degree. With a higher degree you are more employable, you will earn a higher salary, and you will have much more freedom to chart your own career path.

Today, there are many prestige online universities offering RN-to-BSN online degree programs, and now you can earn your nursing degree online. The major benefit of pursuing the nursing degree online is convenience. Like most of prospective online nursing students, you have jobs that you cannot afford to give up in order to return to traditional campus based schools to pursue a higher degree. Having the ability to "attend" class online from anywhere internet access is available at any time that works for your schedule; online nursing degree enable you to achieve your nursing career goal while allowing you to continue your current job.

The Bachelor's degree in Nursing is the basic degree at the professional level of the nursing profession. By earning an online bachelor degree in nursing, you may go on to have successful careers in specialized fields such a:

• Emergency Room Care


• Home Health Care


• Mental Health Care


• Critical Care


• Oncology


• Geriatrics


• Pediatrics


• Pulmonary


• Obstetrics

Master Science in Nursing is one of the hottest degrees and students with master degree in nursing are highly demand in health care job market. Most often, students who choose to pursue a graduate degree in nursing have already gained experience working in the nursing field. The graduate degree will enable you to advance your career to a higher pay position, most often at the managerial level. You can also earn a graduate degree in nursing through online nursing program. Most often, as a master degree student, you will need to choose a specialization to focus in your study. Among the common specialization for graduate degree in nursing are:

• Community Health Systems


• Elderly Nursing


• Psychological Nursing


• Health Care Systems Administration


• Family Nursing

After you complete the graduate degree program, you will be specially trained to be successful in the field of your focus of study.

In Summary

Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations as projected in next 5 years. Qualified nurse with bachelor and master degree are highly demand in the health care job market, getting start now to earn your nursing degree will lead you to a brighter career future. Online nursing degree enables you to earn your degree from anywhere and at your own schedule while preparing you to compete in this booming health care sector.

Computers are a vital business resource in today’s market. Where several years ago they were a helpful tool, now they are a necessity. Computers have taken an integral part in both personal and professional life. Because of this, many new computer jobs have opened up. From programming to maintenance, computer technology is here to stay. Many people who started working with computers did so in their own time and obtained a vast knowledge by independent learning. This experience can be used to earn a more formal degree and increase earning potential by obtaining an online computer degree.

Computer science, technology, information systems and programming are a few of the computer degrees available online. Online computer degrees offer the flexibility of learning from home. This can be especially beneficial to people who are already working or have family responsibilities. Time constraints can hamper these people from attending traditional classes with rigid schedules, residency and attendance requirements. An online computer degree can solve this problem by allowing people to learn at their own pace, at their own time.

Stay at home parents are ideal candidates for online computer degrees. While the children are at school, the parent can study and take courses online at their computer. They are not missing any responsibilities they have with their children and are using the free time they have to further their education. After a degree is obtained, the parent has more potential for getting employment outside the home. People with degrees generally earn more money even in an entry level position. This can allow the parent to be able to afford day care and have a second income.

Even if a parent chooses to remain home after getting an online computer degree, there are many work-from-home opportunities that are available. One can easily do freelance work in programming or systems administration with a computer degree. These jobs are high paying and have flexible hours. However, without a formal education these types of positions are hard to come by.

Most colleges and universities offer some type of online computer degree program. If there are no local colleges, a quick search on the Internet will result in many options. The majority of the work and learning is accomplished online. Occasionally, you may need to take a test at an authorized testing center. Most of these can be schedules at convenient times and work with local facilities for convenience. Generally, there is no long distance travel nor large blocks of time required.

Obtaining an online computer degree is also usually less expensive than traditional college courses. Because there is no need for a dedicated teacher and classroom facilities, the cost for teaching a student online is much less. Therefore, most online degree programs are less expensive. Many programs also allow you to pay per class as you take classes. Traditional methods have you pay for the entire semester regardless of the number of classes taken. Online classes can help you budget better for an affordable, valuable education.

Obtaining a higher education is becoming more important as people compete for jobs. Having a solid education will give you many more job options and grant a higher earning potential. An online computer degree will allow the flexibility to learn at your own pace while obtaining an education that will have a great deal of value. Since computers are here to stay and we will only see advances in this technology, earning an online computer degree is a great way to advance your education.

Online Degrees are the growing trend these days and is gaining more popularity in comparison to the "Traditional" degrees. The uniqueness of acquiring several high quality degrees online is cost-effective, convenient and comfortable. And it is the C3 factor that has hyped the online approach over the conventional approach.

It is the advent of the internet that has changed things drastically from all walks of life. And now, it is even being counted as a resourceful educational phenomenon as well. With online institutes and universities there is absolutely no need to visit the campus, attend the lecture sessions or sit for examinations in order to get yourself recognized. While this online degree acquisition may be a unique program for the people with limited time to spend upon school/ college work, there are some basic loopholes in this system as well.

You join an online course for the first time, and you'll come across a number of technical difficulties. Keeping pace with the regular classes, following the session of each teacher, navigating the system, all this will take you sometime to get fully accustomed. And in any case if you fail to follow things, there are fair chances to be left behind and even to fail.

Next is the question of credibility. Although online degrees are being acknowledged by many of us these days, still there are people who feel degrees from accredited universities are better than those offered by the diploma mills.

Now if you are a prospective e-shopper who is very much used to getting discounts and expects the same out of degrees offered online, then you are very badly mistaken. Costs for acquiring an online degree is likely to be a bit dearer than the ones that are offered in state funded colleges and schools.

The last but not the least point to be considered is online programs may not be meant for students of all kind. But at times, these www.instantdegrees.info online courses and degrees do open up several avenues for individuals who want to gain a higher level of education that may not have been possible otherwise.

One of the most important decisions anyone has to do is deciding what they want to do in life. Some people know at a very young age what career field they want to pursue. Many high school students face the decision of going directly into the workforce or continuing on with their education and receive a degree in a field they want to work in. If they choose to pursue a higher degree, people are also faced with what major they want to study in college. Some people start college with an undecided major, while others may think they are going down the path that is right for them and end up changing majors numerous times. One major that is growing and covers a wide range of career fields is a Computer Science degree.

Some majors are not very flexible and easy to transition into another career field, such as teaching, accounting and pharmacy. More often then not if you are studying for a pharmacy degree, you are going to be working in a pharmacy, or if you are studying for a teaching degree, you're going to be in a classroom, teaching students. However, with a Computer Science degree, you can work in the career field of your choice, at the location of your choice.

With the way technology is in the 21st Century, every small, medium and large size business works with computers. Each and every day our lives revolve around technology and computer systems. This makes a Computer Science degree flexible in the respect that wherever there is a company, there is a need for computer technology degreed employees. Many business rely heavily on computers, such as accountants, advertising agencies, banks, hospitals and school districts, just to name a few. If there is a glitch in the computer system or a software program is not functioning properly, that can be a major problem for employers. This makes the field of computer technology all that much more important.

In a typical Computer Science degree program, students will receive the proper training to complete most computer tasks related with business information systems. Graduates of such a program will receive the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in management, designing of applications, as well as information systems. Some specific techniques students will learn while completing this program are elements of management integration with information systems, understanding current systems analysis and design and how to analyze interpret and apply information system functions that are important in day-to-day business. Besides computer skills, students also receive training in other areas of the business field. Students learn pertinent human resource management skills, decision-making in business organizations, legal and environmental issues, as well as professionalism in the workplace. While these skills are not specific to a Computer Science degree, they are directly related to working in a business environment.

The training in a Computer Science degree program, gives students the skills necessary to not only be successful in a computer technology workforce, but real-life situations. It also gives students the knowledge and power to be successful on an international level. Language in the computer technology field is universal, meaning that it is easy for anyone with a computer technology background to understand, no matter what the spoken language is. Computer technology is a growing career field and these jobs are available all over the world.

More than ever before, people are getting college degrees online. Whether it's a professional already working in a particular field who wants to change careers, a young undergraduate pursuing their first degree, or a busy stay-at-home parent looking for greater opportunity--anyone living the hectic modern lifestyle can benefit from an online degree program. In fact, they've become so popular, most colleges and brick-and-mortar universities are offering the online option alongside their real-time class schedule.

If you're considering furthering your education on the internet, you'll want to know which degrees are hot right now. The following 10 degrees are heavily favored in today's job market and can be found online at a number of both traditional and online universities across the country.

1. Accounting
2. Computer Science
3. Information Sciences and Systems
4. Civil Engineering
5. Economics and Finance
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Business Administration and Management
8. Computer Engineering
9. Electrical Engineering
10. Marketing and Marketing Management

Pursuing your degree online involves more than just sitting and staring at a computer screen or sending in assignments electronically. Most degree programs are just as comprehensive and hands-on as real-time degree programs. The only real difference is the freedom.

When you're pursuing one of these 10 hot degree programs--or any of the hundreds of others you can choose from--you have ultimate control over your time. For anyone who dreams of a bigger, better life but is already swamped with responsibilities, getting an education online is the way to go.

If you're a busy professional who wants to move your career forward with a master's degree, you can find what you're looking for on the internet as well. As always, an M.B.A (master's of business administration) is a great way to advance your career. Other master's level degrees that are hot commodities right now include master's in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Why Online Degrees?

There are a number of reasons you might choose to pursue your education online.

1. Schedule flexibility.
2. Access to distant universities from the comforts of home.
3. Easier access to online resources and research materials provided specifically for your online degree program.
4. The ability to contact classmates and teachers with the simple click of a button.

An internet-based educational program also teaches time-management and pushes you to be a go-getter. Because you've got almost complete control over every aspect of your time you might read a lecture at midnight or a Saturday afternoon, turn in a quiz at 3 a.m. the morning it's due, or take a test from a hot vacation spot. You have to take initiative and stay on top of things. Sound like a chore? It's also going to be one of your greatest assets.

Your ability to use your time effectively might just be the asset that grabs you that great job or a big promotion. Employers love a go-getter who takes initiative.

Whatever your situation, consider an getting your degree online. It's the wave of the future, and you can ride that wave all the way to the top.

online degrees at elearners.com

Accredited online degree costs arms and legs - that's the general notion of many people who think of acquiring the much talked about online degrees. But the reality is a bit different. It is definitely possible to get an affordable package of the same. Browse the internet, and you will come across a bunch of online degree programs that really costs you low.

A person with high ambitions of achieving a better career always have the option of going for the online college degrees that come in an attractive yet affordable package. This degree can help you make better money, and possibly get that promotion that you have long sought after. One great thing about working towards an on-line degree is that you can work on it anytime you want. By focusing towards your degree, you could complete it in as little as two years depending on how many courses you need.

A recent survey revealed that very often a number of working adults carry out extensive research work on an affordable college degree online. Now the question is what actually motivates that kind of a search? May be enhancement of knowledge related to a specific subject or the hope of reaping some additional benefits of these online courses or just to get that long sought promotion. Whatever may be the reasons there are a number of benefits of these Affordable Online Degrees listed as follows:

1. In case of working adults, the degree can be easily pursued without hampering their full time employment.
2. The affordable online degree makes you all the more competitive in the job market.
3. The degree acts as an additional resource that proves an individual's set of skills.

Over the internet, you'll come across a number of online universities and institutes offering you an affordable online college degree. With study material being supplied to the students, these e-learning centers motivate the participant's efforts by claiming, "The world is your classroom."

These non-profit, private universities established by the Western governors are focused to offer the U.S. citizens a "cost-effective, high-quality education". In many cases there is the Federal financial aid that is available for the prospective, eligible students.

guest post by Maurice Levraux

Online Degree Programs Pulverize Excuses For Avoiding a College Education

There is no longer an excuse for failing to earn a degree considering the increased availability and alternatives now available with online college degrees. There are now dozens upon dozens of different online bachelors degree courses that are legitimately accredited, respected and carry the same weight as a bachelors degree from a traditional institution, allowing you to be selective and pursue the the course that suits your exact needs and requirements.

In todays society, having a bachelors degree is more important than it has ever been before. The recent financial instability has caused major job losses meaning companies have more choice to take on fully qualified employees. Holding a bachelors degree will give you the edge you need in the job market and ensure you are able to gain secure long term employment.

If only it was so easy to finish a degree though. You're not 20 years old anymore without the full slate of adult responsibilities. You probably have a family and a full time job, making an on campus experience extremely hard to coordinate. But with an online bachelors program you will see how extraordinarily easy and intuitive it is to finish your degree without any problems at all.

The scope of online degree courses has expanded significantly so much so that virtually every common course can be completed online. There are many different colleges offering their courses through a distance learning program so the chance of finding something that suits your needs and objectives has never been better.

There is no longer a need to take an online program just because it is the only one that is available to you. Available courses now include business, arts, sciences, philosophy, engineering and language study courses along with almost every other subject you might be interested in. If you can do it on campus, chances are it is available online too.

There are no age requirements are other factors that inhibit you from enrolling for an online degree program, and it's an extremely convenient option. Unlike with a traditional campus, you won't have to be commuting back and forth, using up time and gas money. You also won't have to attend a local school just because it's close by. As an online student you can enroll in a program from any location with no trouble at all.

Being able to view you lectures online at any time that suits you gives you further flexibility. There is no set schedule, lecture or tutorial timetables. Everything is done when it suits you. If you are a morning person you can complete your study in the morning, or late into the evenings if you are required to work during the day. You also have the flexibility to complete the course work at your own pace. You can spread your degree out over many years and only take one subject at a time if this is all you have the time to do.

Online programs also give you the opportunity to hit it hard and actually accelerate your learning. By doing this it is possible to complete your degree in a reduced time frame, sometimes allowing you to slash years of the time it normally takes to complete a degree.

Attending on campus courses simply doesn't work for most adults with families and job responsibilities. The good news is that online degree programs are more accepted and more accessible than ever before. You'll get unmatched flexibility and the sky will be the limit with your career and future.

guest post by John Maxted

Today, more than ever before training is the key to keeping up with the competitive working environment. For you not to be overlooked for job promotion or career advancement constant development of your business and professional skills is required.

Organizations have started to examine which training methods can amplify methods of performance, motivation, collaboration and a lifelong commitment to learning. With technology changing as rapidly as it is, skills and knowledge have a short shelf life. There is always pressure to stay up-to-date with training and education throughout a career. No longer is a college education the end of it. Learning has now become a lifelong process.

Learning is such a competitive advantage for employees and employers. . For a business to be successful, it depends on its employees, who to be successful themselves, need quality training. By developing employee skills, corporate executives understand that those skills are the key to keeping a competitive lead in the global marketplace.

Today's labor market is tight and demands on employees are ever increasing. Companies are exploring advances in online technology to train their employees and they are looking for ways to do it inexpensively. One of the best ways to do that is through online courses.

The acceptance of online degree programs is on the rise. Many corporations are hiring applicants into strategic management and executive positions who hold degrees from colleges and universities that have online degree programs. Many of these companies provide tuition reimbursement to their employees too.

The online education community continues to grow as people make the decision to obtain their degrees online. As increasing numbers of professionals receive their degrees and professional training on the Internet, those employers who are uncertain of online degrees will need to reevaluate their position. These programs are gaining strength in the education industry, as technology becomes more sophisticated and the demand grows. At the end of 2006, the total number of students enrolled in online programs topped 1.5 million, which is an increase of 24% over 2005.

For some people they have no other choice than to earn their degree online. They have busy work schedules, family responsibilities, and they just can't stop working and go to a brick and mortar university. Their time is valuable and online learning can give them the opportunity to work and go to school at the same time.
As time goes on and the acceptance of online degrees increases among employers, they will find that people who have taken online schooling have indeed, a lot to offer. These people have to adjust their time and schedules to make time for their schooling. They in effect, become great organizers and multitaskers - and what employer isn't looking for those traits in a potential employee? It takes a lot to achieve time management skills. Students at online colleges and universities have to excel in time management. Their commitment to their education is unmatched.

For years, the fake "diploma mills" that some people would get degrees from set a course of negativity in motion. But times have changed. Employers are coming around to seeing the importance of online education. They are rethinking the importance of online learning. They see it as a distinct advantage.

guest post by Shaun Redgate

An online associate degree program makes going back to school easy and convenient, even for the busiest individual. We live in a fast paced world where everyone is constantly on the go. Whether it is taking the children to dance classes and soccer practice or working overtime to assure all the loose ends are tied up for a special event, for many individuals it does not seem there is enough time in the day to complete every task. With such a busy schedule, the last thing most think of is going back to school. However, with the flexibility and convenience of an online program, going back to school to obtain a degree is feasible for everyone.

There are many reasons why online programs are beneficial to individuals on the go. The first reason is that one can create his or her specific schedule. At traditional colleges and universities, students are responsible for going to classes and attending seminars are the same time each week. However, with and programs such as an online associate degree program, students are not tied down and required to go to classes. Students choose when to complete class work and stick to a school schedule that fits with their life schedule.

Another benefit of attending an online college or university is that it is easy for students to work while they go to class. One reason many choose not to go back to school is because of their financial situation. Traditional colleges and universities make it difficult for students to continue to work full-time and go to school. However, students can still work full-time if they wish and attend classes online. The flexible schedule does not interfere with a students work schedule; therefore students will not face a financial burden to further their education. It will also allow individuals to continue to gain experience and advance in their current career while the student goes back to school.

Those seeking an online associate degree have numerous programs to choose from, which cover a number of different career fields. One program students can choose is a business program. When a student chooses a business program they are able to concentrate on different aspects of the business world. This ranges from accounting and human resources to health care administration and office management. Besides business, there are also programs that focus on criminal justice and paralegal studies. There are also associate programs that focus on the healthcare field in relation to administration and billing and reimbursement.

In addition to online associate degree programs, there are numerous other online degree programs offered. They range from certificate programs all the way to doctorate degrees. For an associate degree, students are required two years of full-time course study. Students in a bachelor degree program can graduate with their degree in four years if they take a full-time schedule while they are in school. The length of master degree and doctorate degree programs varies depending on the type of program. To go a long with the classroom work associated with a master or doctorate degree, depending on the program, students are also required to complete a thesis that revolves around research completed by a student on a certain subject that relates to the program they are studying.

In correlation with an online associate degree, students will also gain hands-on experience in the career field they are studying. Mostly all degree programs encourage students to complete internships or externships to gain valuable experience. This experience is important for students because future employers look to see if potential candidates have experience in a particular career.

by Andy West

An Accredited Online Degree Provides Students A Unique Opportunity

An accredited online degree provides students a unique opportunity to study a course of their choice through distance learning. An accredited online degree is certified and hence provides students the educational recognition they strive to achieve. Whether it is a high school education, an online bachelor degree or a master degree online that a student wishes to pursue it is possible to attain the same through online education.

What is an Accredited Online Degree?

Accredited online degree programs are validated by accrediting agencies on the basis of various factors such as the institute that offers it, its aims and objectives, quality of education, faculty, resources available and student support. Usually such agencies are non-governmental, but are selected by a criteria set by the government. Accreditation allows one to judge the quality of online education provided by an online college or online university by comparing it with established standards. There are national as well as regional accrediting agencies.

Online Accredited Degree Programs

From a basic high school education to higher education programs such as business administration online accredited degrees, nursing degree online, accounting accredited degree online and accredited degree online psychology can be done from an online college or an online university. In fact it is also possible to complete doctorate accredited online courses. So whatever level of education you seek, a variety of subjects are offered by accredited degree programs online. A professional accredited online degree can be pursued at the student's own time and pace and ensures that the student's efforts and success are recognized.
Advantages of an Accredited Online Degree Program

An accredited degree online program is recommended over a course that is not recognized or validated as it provides the student's knowledge recognition and certification. In today's world having practical knowledge and experience is not enough, in order to succeed in one's professional life it is crucial to have a recognized degree to one's credit. An accredited online degree provides proof of the fact that the student has completed the online education and has been assessed with standardized procedures.

Online education provides those students who don't have the time, money or the inclination to do on-campus college accredited degrees, a chance to study the same, but with flexibility in terms of time and effort. It is an ideal option for those who wish to study while working or doing a training program or you may even wish to earn your accredited online degree along with an on campus one. The versatility and flexibility offered by accredited degrees online cannot be underestimated as students can do them and utilize them as per their situation. We can assist you with finding the right college courses online or a master degree online which will help you start a new career or improve your standing in your current position.

You can earn an online bachelor degree, an associate degree on line, a college degree on line and even do a doctorate degree on line. Irrespective of the level of education you seek or the program that holds your interest, you will find many an online university that offers accredited degree programs.

Whether it is business administration accredited online courses, criminal justice accredited online courses, a degree online nursing, career course in education or degree online masters, college accredited degrees assure students of the quality of education, resources and support that they shall receive whilst earning an accredited online degree.

In the pursuit of higher education with an online college or online university, it is essential that students opt for an accredited online degree program that assures them of superior quality of education and recognition of their efforts.

by Mike O'Brien

Online degrees are gaining in popularity and in acceptance in today's society. In the not so distant past, most of these degrees were considered "sub-standard" and were not highly regarded by the educational field, or recognized by businesses as an adequate education.

This is not the case today. As many more students are opting for an online degree, many traditional colleges are now offering these programs. The following tips are offered to students electing to pursue a degree via online education.

First, recognize that an online degree requires a great deal of commitment and self control. This method of study is not the easy way out and may be closer to reality than a degree obtained in a theory based classroom. It takes a great deal of discipline and focus to succeed.

A common misconception that students may have, is that an online college education can be acquired in their spare time. This is so far from the truth. An online degree requires as much time as in-classroom learning. The advantage to an online education, is classroom attendance and studying can be scheduled around other responsibilities, and can take place almost anywhere with an internet connection.

Choose an online college or university wisely and make sure it is accredited. As with traditional colleges, the degrees, certificates, and course structures of online schools vary. Most are eligible for student loan and financial aid programs. Some colleges have a payment plan to help you pay as you go. If you have credits from other schools, ask if you can carry them over. Compare, compare, and compare, until you find the school that is right for you.

If you don't already have a reliable computer with DSL or an Internet Cable connection, get one. Your computer will be your classroom link and it needs to be capable of getting you to where you need to go. Ask what software and other functions you will need your computer to perform in order to meet your course requirements. It is possible to use a public computer, such as at the library, but you lose the flexibility of attending class and studying when it works best for you.
Join online discussion groups at your college. Build your teamwork skills and collaborate with other students. Find people with the same interests for discussion of assignments, and projects. Some instructors or colleges assign you teammates for projects, others allow you to build you own teams. Whatever the structure, having good relationships and connections with colleagues gives you options that you may not otherwise have available.

If possible, get the syllabus for the entire course. Being able to plan ahead and know what is coming, takes the stress out of the unknown. If you are very ambitious, you can even move yourself along a little faster.

Be proactive and keep in touch with your advisors or instructors. Completely understanding assignments and asking questions when clarification when needed, is important in online study. Most courses move very quickly and you cannot afford to get behind. The advisors and instructors are there to help you be successful, use them.

Now that you have made the decision to go ahead with your studies, enjoy your online educational experience, and congratulations on your degree!

By Art Gib

I came across a website the other day that offered life experience degrees and wondered if that really had any value as a degree. Would the work experience you have listed on your resume not be enough or do you actually need a certificate that validates your work experience? When looking for the right online college or university to attend, here are a few pointers to make sure the degree you get is a quality degree that will be valued and respected among your peers and employers.

Accredited Online Colleges

First and foremost, it cannot be stressed enough that you must check the accreditation of the online college or university. To receive accreditation, an online college or university must undergo a thorough evaluation process to ensure that the online college or university offers a quality education that is equivalent to that of a traditional college. An outside accrediting body performs the evaluation, which is not an easy process. Some schools don’t qualify for accreditation and some have even lost accreditation for various reasons. Accreditation also ensures that the online college or university adheres to academic standards. A great way to check accreditation is to visit the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

No Such Thing as a Quick Online Degree

In your search for an online college or university, you may come across sites that offer quick degrees or claim that you can earn an associates or bachelors in no time. Be wary of these claims. The length of time to earn your associates degree or bachelors degree online should be very similar to that of earning your associates degree or bachelors degree through a traditional school such as a community college or state university. While some online colleges or universities can help you earn an associates degree or bachelors degree a little less time, be cautious of those that can offer you an associates degree or bachelors degree in just a few short months.

Real People at Real Online Colleges

Finally, make sure there is a counselor or professor you can actually speak to or even meet with if necessary. If you need help or guidance, you want to make sure that there is someone you can call or see rather than correspond back and forth with a computer. Established, accredited online colleges or universities will typically provide you with a list of numbers to call for specific situations.

guest post by Kimberly Diane

An Online College Degree in No Time: Fund Your Way Through School With Student Financial Aid

There are hundreds of resources available to students who want to continue their education and receive an online college degree but are unable to pay for it up front. Whatever route you're choosing for student financial aid - an unpaid monetary gift or re-paid financial assistance - funding your way through school is achievable. Money no longer needs to be a factor in your decision to return or even go to school the first time around!

To decide which type of student financial aid would suit your educational pursuits, the following information on loans and scholarships should come in handy. Before enrolling at any school to acquire your online college degree, however, you need to make sure that it's accredited, the degree program you're interested in is eligible for student financial aid, and you've discussed your situation with the college's representatives in the financial aid office.

FAFSA: Student Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that provides student financial aid or monetary assistance to eligible individuals who wish to continue their educations well beyond high school and receive a traditional or online college degree. FAFSA strives to encourage all Americans to achieve a higher education and realize the power that it has within our society.

By partnering with a large number of postsecondary schools in the U.S., FAFSA is able to play a vital role in ensuring that interested individuals have ample student financial aid to continue their schooling and receive an online college degree. The program, which processes 14 million applications each year, distributes more than $80 billion per year in student financial aid to eligible applicants (1). To apply online or learn more, please visit www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

Students Loans

In essence, student loans are low-interest monetary assistance from the government to help cover the cost of education (tuition) as well as books, housing, and incidentals. However, upon graduation and receipt of your online college degree, the loan must be re-paid. There are three types of student loans: federal student loans doled out to the students themselves; federal student loans to parents, which are normally referred to as PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students); and private student loans, which are funded by banks and/or financial companies rather than the government.

Advocates for private student loans say that this type of student financial aid combines the best of the low-interest rates, but with a higher loan amount and a longer grace period. Private loans have two methods of disbursement of funds - school to channel (money is distributed to the school) and direct to consumer (money is given to the individual to use as he or she sees fit). Before deciding which type of loan is appropriate for your particular situation, do your homework! Federal student loans require that you are enrolled in college for a certain amount of hours each semester, while private student loans begin accruing interest rather quickly (2).

Loan Forgiveness Programs

While loan forgiveness is not necessarily a way to fund your way through school, it is an excellent way to eliminate your loan debt quickly once you've received your traditional or online college degree. The government has devised a way to purge most (and sometimes all) debt for students who involve themselves in community or military service or work for AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Teach for America, Peace Corps, National Health Service Corps, or teach students in a low-income area (3).

Most of these programs, which serve underprivileged families and individuals, will forgive a large portion of your loan debt if you work full-time upon graduation. The National Health Service Corps, for instance, pays up to $25,000 per year towards your debt. To learn more, visit the Sallie Mae website.

Scholarships

Attend the college of your choice and acquire your online college degree - for free! How is that possible? Student financial aid in the form of scholarships from organizations, clubs, and fund programs all over the United States offer billions of dollars to students around the nation to help them realize their dreams. Scholarships recognize scholastic achievements or merits, while some focus on personal interests, community involvement, and/or financial need. You may be required to write at length on a topic or simply submit some detailed information on your educational interests.

Best of all, scholarships are free money in your pocket - you do not have to re-pay this gift! To learn more about scholarships or to find a few that may be of interest to you, please visit www.fastweb.com.

Realize Your Dreams with an Online College Degree

If you receive a loan, the important thing to keep in mind is that you've been given more money than needed. Try not to spend it all; tuck some away and save it for when you must begin re-paying the loan. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a large loan bill each month (with all the interest to boot). If you've received a few scholarships or other type of student financial aid, congratulations! This money is yours and you can do what you wish with it. You are off the hook and are released from re-paying these generous contributions to your educational pursuits to receive an online college degree.

Regardless which student financial aid route you decide to take, enrolling in college, learning all you can, and acquiring your online college degree are things to be proud of!

guest post by Kimberly Diane

With modern technology, the internet offers students many opportunities to study for online college degrees. Students can also find a wealth of information regarding their online education ambition, for instance like how to apply for college student loan, how to find the right online college degree program for a wide variety of other online education information.

Since many prospective online students are usually working adults, more and more people are turning to the internet to obtain a college degree education program, studying completely from the internet.

However, do be careful when you choose an online college to study with. Beware of fake college degree scams. What many students fail to do is to research the online colleges accreditation process. This is a vital process and is done to make sure that the online college you chose to study from is genuine and creditable.

Since the benefits of an accredited college degree are plentiful, potential students need to ensure that the online college they study with offers fully accredited degrees. An accredited college degree is an endorsement and recognition that you have received a certain level of standard and quality in your education.

However, in the online degree industry, scams abound. There are many so called "degree-mills" on the internet which promise that you will receive degrees in half the time that is normally taken to study for a degree and some even to go as far as to claim that you can earn a college degree even without studying or taking examinations.

These scams and fake "colleges" only want your money and when you are done with them, you will be left with a degree that has not been through a proper accreditation process or worse, you will receive a fake college degree which is completely worthless. So you must beware of them.

A properly accredited online college degree program ensures that a student is receiving a high quality education that is the standard among colleges and universities both online and offline. By being accredited, it holds the online colleges and universities accountable for their performances and this auger well for employer's confidence in the degree's credibility.

By having a fully accredited online college degree by the proper governing boards ensures that your hard work is rewarded. Employers and other learning institutions will accept your degree as being credible.

Students who wish to apply for college financing can only do so if their college is properly accredited by the proper educational boards. No banks will give any college student loans to students who are intending to study with a college without accreditation.

Furthermore, in order to transfer your credits to another educational institution that is accredited, you have to receive a degree from an accredited college or university online.

While the internet is a good medium where students from all over the world with internet access can obtain get a college degree education, you should by all means avoid being a victim of such ruthless scams. Proper accreditation ensures that your online degree will be respected by your employers and other colleges and universities should you wish to go for your post graduate degree.

It is therefore imperative that you research your chosen college's accreditation process thoroughly before committing to any online college degree program. This will make sure that the accredited online college degree you will obtain is properly accredited through the proper state or regional boards. By doing your research well, you will avoid being a victim of fake college degree online scams may cost you lot of money, time, hard work and heartache.

guest post by Chris Chew

Online college degree

Engineering students can expect to work in one of the highest paying careers for a new graduate. An affordable online engineering degree program is a way to start cashing in on the higher salary faster than if the degree was obtained through a more expensive traditional campus based university. Of the 17 engineering specialties, the five engineering degree programs that are expected to have a good outlook for employment in the future are chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering and industrial engineering.

Job growth for environmental engineers is expected to increase by 25% over the next decade according to the US Bureau of Labor. Increasing environmental regulations and proactive concern for the environment are influencing the expected growth in this field. The pay range for this specialty ranges from a low of $43,000 to a high of $106,000 with a median salary of $69,000. Schools such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute offer online masters of engineering programs in this field.

Industrial engineering positions are expected to increase by 20% over the next decade. Industrial engineers study the most effective way to affect production through the use of resources; people, material, and processes. Salaries range from a low of $44,000 to a high of $100,00, with the median being $68,000. Penn Foster College is an online college that offers this degree.

Civil engineering is another specialty that is expected to grow faster than average at a growth of 18% over the next decade. Civil engineers are needed to keep up with the demand of an increasing population in developing infrastructure. The salary range is a low of $44,000 to a high of $104,00, with the median being $68,000. Penn Foster College and Norwich University offer online civil engineering programs.

Chemical engineering positions are expected to grow at an average rate of 8%. Pharmaceutical companies are the most likely to need engineers. Also companies involved in biotechnology and nanotechnology. The salary range is a low of $50.000 to a high of $118,000 with the median being $78,000.

Job growth for mechanical engineers is expected to increase only 4%, but mechanical engineers will be able to enter other specialty areas because of their more broad background. Areas of nanotechnology, materials science, and biotechnology are areas where mechanical engineers can fill the bill. The salary range is a low of $45,000 to a high of $104,000 with the median being $69,000. The University of Delaware offers an online masters program in mechanical engineering.

The overall outlook for engineers of any specialty is good with an expected growth of 11%. Currently there are 1.5 million engineers working in a wide variety of specialties. Civil, mechanical, industrial, and electrical engineers hold the four top positions number of engineers employed.

Many schools offers online college degree such as Ashford, Drexel, University of Toledo, Polytechnic, Eastern Kentucky, Norwich, University of Delaware and Penn Foster College offer online engineering programs.

An online college and university website can provide information about the various programs, colleges and universities, costs, and financial aid. Advisors are available to answer questions, and you can send for information to read at your leisure.

Online college degrees are increasingly popular for both traditional students and those who are pursuing higher education while working. The allure can be attributed to a combination of lower costs, convenience (you can attend classes on your own schedule) and the increase acceptance of online college degrees by today's employers.

The most popular online college degrees tend to be those that focus on a particular professional career or practical discipline rather than more generalized degrees such as those offered by traditional campus-based colleges or universities. There are also a higher percentage of students pursuing associate degrees as opposed to bachelor's degrees through online learning. Part of this is because many students seeking an online college degree are seeking to enter the workforce as quickly as possible or are already working and want to improve their chances of promotion. Another reason seems to be that online students prefer to obtain associate online college degrees so that they can take advantage of it in terms of a better job, and then continue with a bachelor's degree while working full time.

Professional Online College Degrees are Industry Focused

Overall the most popular discipline at online colleges is Business Administration. This is a degree that can translate into any number of industries because it is based on business skills and management techniques that almost any type of company can benefit from. Secretaries and lower level employees often study for online college degrees in Business Administration or Business Management so that they are more likely to be perceived as "promotion material." Another popular degree program is accounting; an associate or bachelor's degree in accounting is always in demand by companies that are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified account managers and bookkeepers.

Computer science degrees at all levels are second only to business administration with students pursuing online college degrees. Because the government predicts that the demand for employees with computer programming and database management skills will continue to increase indefinitely, these degrees are an excellent investment in anyone's future.

Medicine is another industry that is desperately in need of qualified individuals with a degree or diploma in a healthcare related area such as medical reimbursement or healthcare management. With the healthcare crisis now facing the United States, experts in understanding how healthcare insurance works and who can manage facilities seamlessly are in short supply. Online college degrees in this area can take an individual from an entry-level position to management quickly.

Online College Degree Programs Keep Pace with Industry Changes

Online college degree programs keep pace with industry changes and shifts in professional demand because they have certain advantages over traditional colleges. Online colleges don't need additional space or facilities to add new programs to their curriculum. When they notice an emerging trend, they can offer a new program as soon as they have located and hired the appropriate instructors. These instructors are usually industry leaders themselves, and they are able to provide instruction that covers the most recent innovations in their industry because many remain a part of the industry, something typical college professors aren't able to do because of scheduling conflicts.

A perfect example of a program that was non-existent a decade ago is Criminal Justice. Students can pursue an online college degree in Criminal Justice from several excellent online colleges. In fact, criminal justice surpassed health care degrees in popularity at online colleges for the first time this past year.

To find out more about the new and evolving opportunities for an online education, contact admissions counselors to discuss your options. They will know the trends and statistics to help you choose the particular college degree program to carry you into a successful future.

guest post by Andy West