Art Degrees - Accreditation Agencies, Admission Requirements & Curriculum Info

Finding art degree programs can be easy if you know where to look. College directories such as Princetonreview.com are an excellent start or you can use Bing, Yahoo! or Google to search through hundreds of results. Once you have located several art programs, you must separate the weaker ones from the stronger ones. Weaker schools may lack accreditation; they may require little to apply; and the curriculum may stray too far away from the standard.

Let's start with accreditation. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and The Council for Interior Design are the top two accrediting agencies for art degree programs. Both agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov). They are also nationally recognized. This means the program is accredited in every corner of the U.S. Regional accrediting agencies are only valid in the regions they serve. Just a few regional accrediting agencies include:

-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
-New England Association of Schools and Colleges
-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
-Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Next, 99.9% of the world's top art schools have a rigorous application process. At the minimum, a top art degree program will require:

-Superior samples of your work
-Official transcripts from all schools attended (copies will not be accepted)
-Official test scores
-Several recommendation letters
-An outstanding application essay
-An interview

If you are applying to a top online art degree program, your interview will take place over the phone, or via chat if you do not live near the school's campus. It is important to keep in mind that "online school" doesn't mean the school exists entirely online. Most online schools have several to dozens of campuses located across the map.

Lastly, curriculum requirements for art degree programs will vary based on the program. The best way to make sure the curriculum for your school/program is up to par is to select several top art programs. Browse through listings at college directories to create a list of 2-3 top art degree programs. All school websites supply curriculum information, so this part should be east. Next, all you have to do is compare curriculums (your selection vs. top schools).

To learn more about art degree programs, including curriculum and program info for animation programs, visual communications programs and everything in between, visit Best Art Schools.

Howard University - A Bastion of Education Amidst a Serene Locale

Set upon a sprawling 256 acre campus is the reputable Howard University. With long established reputation of academic excellence dating back to 1867, this institution steadily carries on its tradition and will continue to do so in to the future. It is also noteworthy for being the only formidable research based university that is predominately African American.

With its current status it should come as no surprise that this educational institute also played an instrumental role in the American Civil Rights Movement. A notable event that contributed to the movement was the publishing of 'The New Negro' newspaper that helped bring about the Harlem Renaissance. In addition to the Civil Rights Movement the University has been a part of American history as a whole due to its long period of operation.

The university today offers a robust range of academic disciplines that include Music, Art, Law, Social Work, Medicine and more. But beyond its educational value its physical setting is also of interest. Lavish green expanses interspersed with magnificent pieces of architecture that are on offer for the eyes at Howard University.

Taking a stroll through here will most certainly not disappoint. A variety of noteworthy structures can also be found at this destination including the famous Founders Library. So distinct in its appearance this iconic building has been deemed National Historic Landmark.

Howard University also actively encourages prospective students to come and experience the campus firsthand. The option of tour that can include up to 10 people can also be arranged by the University. Or alternatively should you so desire visitors can opt for the self guided tour that allows you to freely explore the massive grounds as you please.

For prospective students and their families wanting to visit this University, staying in one of the nearby Washington DC hotels can provide an ideal accommodation choice. Travelers will find that there are a host of hotels Washington that are not only provide convenient access to this destination but a host of others in the Washington area.

James Cook is an executive working for Hotelseye, which is a popular online reservation portal with a wide collection of Washington DC hotels and also this portal also it provides services links to Washington DC travel such as car rentals and flight reservations. For more info please visit http://www.washingtondchotelseye.com.

America's Best Universities and Colleges

What should you look for in a university? What is important to know about a college when you are ready to apply? Only one thing really matters: on and off campus bars. No I'm joking of course. The truth is that it's not because a college is ranked first in the country that it will suits you the best. Here are a few things you should consider:

-Location
For example, can you find the place? How far from home is it? I know (trust me I really do) that the idea to be as far away from your family sounds really appealing when you first leave for college, but sooner than later, you will change your mind!

-Campus, Multi-Campus or Not?
Having a campus university is extremely convenient, because everything is basically right there: libraries and accommodations... Some urban universities have different sites for every course they teach, which is called multi campus.

-Size
The range of students can vary enormously, from 2000 students (very small) to very large (well over 50 000).

-Living accommodation
Would you prefer to live on campus? Not all colleges offer this service, which can make a big difference in your quality of life, considering you wont have a lot of money for those studying years.

After considering the important points, you can take a look at the 2010 ranking of colleges in America.

1-Harvard University (Cambridge MA)
09-10 Tuition and fees: 37,012
Fall 08 Acceptance Rate: 7.9%

2-Princeton University (Princeton NJ)
09-10 Tuition and fees:35,340
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 9.9%

3-Yale University (New Haven CT)
09-10 tuition and fees: 36,500
Fall 08 acceptance Rate: 8.6%

4-California Institute of Technology (Pasadena CA)
09-10 Tuition and fees: 34,584
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 17.4%

5-Stanford University (Stanford CA)
09-10 Tuition and Fees: 37,881
Fall 08 acceptance Rate: 9.5%

6-University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia PA)
09-10 Tuition and fees:38,970
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 16.9%

7-Columbia University (New York NY)
09-10 tuition and fees: 41,316
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 10.0%

8-University of Chicago (Chicago IL)
09-10 Tuition and fees: 39,381
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 27.9%

9-Duke University (Durham NC)
09-10 Tuition and fees: 38,975
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 22.4%

10-Dartmouth College (Hanover NH)
09-10 Tuition and fees: 38,679
Fall 08 acceptance rate: 13.5%

For more information on university rankings, you can visit http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-universities

Is Distance Education For an MBA Degree Worth It?

Distance education is a field of education that aims to deliver education to students who can not be physically present "on site". In such type of educational program, the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. With the advancement of technological trend, nowadays Distance learning is becoming more recognized worldwide.

General description about Distance Education in MBA
Out of several courses offered Online, MBA has been the most talked about whether it is worth doing through distance learning or not. Earlier only a few companies and organizations gave their consent to the value obtained from the online MBA degree but many of them disapproved this thought. But over the past few years change in the statistical data has shown that many businesses now look highly upon a potential employee who holds a MBA degree, regardless to the fact whether it is from an in-campus program or through an online program.

Why do people go for MBA?
Nowadays people opt for MBA like never before and the main reason behind this choice of course is that it enhances the job qualification and thus they can think of achieving a highly prospective job in a well-known company. Compared to an undergraduate degree holder, an MBA holder gets a higher salary package. No wonder students pursue an MBA degree after the completion of graduation.

Is it worth doing MBA online through Distance Learning?
Unlike earlier, businesses as well as employers have now realized that many accredited schools that run online programs are equally good to produce management students of same caliber as the products of a traditional management college. Therefore, MBA degree through distance learning via online program is gaining much popularity among students and working professionals as well.

Advantages & disadvantages of distance learning
When talking of advantages, then the first advantage is that MBA through distance learning helps you get a degree without spending time at college or doing another job. Then secondly, an MBA degree is a viable tool to obtain potential career as a good number of employers now demand an MBA degree for higher positions in the company. So, if a person gets an opportunity to do MBA through distance learning, he just goes for the degree without giving a second thought.

Since online programs do not require you to attend classes on a set time pattern, you can prioritize the work and studies in a better way. Thus besides obtaining a valuable degree, one becomes an efficient planner for the entire life. Another advantage and reason to opt for an online course is that one can complete the accredited program courses much quicker than the traditional classroom environment.

Now coming to the drawbacks of online programs, one has to do thorough research before getting enrolled in an online program especially the MBA degree. Factually speaking, there exist many 'diploma mills' that can provide anyone with a degree for some money. Such a degree from a non-accredited institution holds no value at all.

So before getting enrolled in an online course, have a thorough research on the background of a concerned institution. You can also talk to the former students who have graduated in that institute. A degree obtained from an institute which is accepted and accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency is welcome by the employers and businesses. So it matters that you select your distance learning institute carefully.

KarROX College of Technology & Management is a premier distance learning center in Mumbai conferring degrees at Bachelor's and Master's Level. All our degree programmes are offered by leading distance education universities like IGNOU, Sikkim Manipal University and Pondicherry University.

How Important Can a College's Accreditation Prove to Be?

The actual worth of a degree on which you are investing a great deal of money can only be determined if you have complete knowledge about the accreditation status of the institute granting that degree. A degree secured by an institution that does not hold accreditation can cause great trouble especially in the development of your career, giving it an uglier look. Now, this isn't something, you should believe because I say it but this what can be easily understood from the attitude of the employers who would never recognize a degree earned from an unaccredited institute.

When considering any institute for the acquisition of a degree, make sure to check for the "accreditation" of the institute before getting enrolled. Online information regarding various institutes enables you in finding an accredited institute for yourself. While searching about the accreditation position of the institute, go through the words used with a minute observation. Several unaccredited institutes make use of words like chartered, licensed, authorized, pursuing accreditation, recognized or registered. But, the word "accredited" is not present there which indicates that a further investigation should be made. So, never forget to check for the key word i.e. 'accreditation'.

Whether you opt for online studies or go to a brick and mortar campus, accreditation is something which must always be checked out. After the "accreditation investigation" part is done, you are responsible to look over the qualifications of the accrediting agency that has given approval; to the institute. More than a few years back, an institute known as American Association of Accredited Colleges and Universities was founded in the US. By name, you may be considering it an accredited institute but in real this accrediting body was a total scam. The US government via the Department of Education has the sole responsibility to evaluate the accrediting agencies; however there are certain institutions that still function although they aren't approved. Now, it is up to you as to how you make the right choice for your future.

Sheila Danzig is founder of Degree.com, http://www.degree.com and Career Consulting International, http://www.TheDegreePeople.com and BG Publishing International. Danzig holds a Bachelor's degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York, a Masters degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and a Doctorate from Universidad San Juan de la Cruz where he is currently a professor. Danzig has co-authored a paper on the acceptance of the 3-Year Indian degree which has been published at IMMIGRATION DAILY among other publications worldwide. The books she has written include, One Year to Your College Degree, The Big Book of College Scholarship and others.

Is College Really Necessary in 2010?

So it's 2010 - and high school students have to ask themselves, is college really necessary? Are you going to college because everyone is doing it - your friends. And everyone is pressuring you - peers, teachers, parents. Or maybe you're going to college because it's the "thing to do" nowadays... well I got some interesting news for you my friend.

1. College does not guarantee a job

Perhaps college is the only business where you hand them a bunch of money, and you pray that you're going to get a job once you finish - fat chance.

Your chance of getting a job in your field depends - your connections, networks, resumes and interview skills. College never guarantees you a job. Never.

Pro-tip: if you want a job, try an apprenticeship program. Once you finish the apprenticeship, the person will hire you. (Reminds me when I was an apprentice for a locksmith)

2. The college experience is over-hyped and over-marketed

College is an extension of high school. It's a fact, not an opinion. In the real world, you work. In college, you go to classes just like in high school but you get a bit more freedom.

Besides - college have a reputation of binge drinking and meeting up with the opposite gender and eating pizza all day (that's where the "Freshman 20" comes from)

According to one statistic, 50 percents of students who enter college don't finish their degree. 50 percent drop out. Wow. Even worse, some take longer then 4 years in college, and they become a career student.

You can find success without going to college!. Learn from my experience, someone who graduated high school and has done it all. Check out my Success without college article - this will save you tons of time and money, so you don't make the same costly mistake a lot of people do.

What Are Colleges Looking For When Screening Students?

Many believed that to get accepted into the college of their choice all they have to do is study and get good grades. While this may have been true in years past, at present the requirements have changed. Colleges and no longer looking specifically at grades to determine who gain's acceptance into their institution. Many colleges are looking beyond grades to see if the student is well rounded. A well rounded student is one that has the ability and tenacity to handle the rigors of a college education?

When reviewing your application, the admissions committed is asking question like:

Will this student stay in our institution throughout their entire higher education tenure?

Is this student willing to engage in campus or community activities that will expose and enhance our campus environment?

Colleges and universities are looking beyond grades to see what type of courses, beyond the general curriculum requirements, did the student complete? They are also looking at the type of extra-curricular activities a student participates in. Many are looking at standardized test scores while others are looking at psychometric test scores. Many are looking for work and professional experience, i.e. has the student ever held a job? The may also ask "is the student personable and willing to interact with diverse cultures and populations?"

What every college and university is looking for is the well rounded student who is looking to achieve and succeed. In essence, each college and university is looking for the student that will make them look good. And if they know that that student is going to make them look good, they are willing to do whenever it takes to get that student to attend their institution. Once a student is accepted, the institution is willing to work with that student academically and financially to make sure that the student is able reach their goals. The institution will also make sure that that student has access to the required resources to insure that the best opportunities are made available both personally and professionally, leading to that students success.

http://www.nationaletc.com

Paul L. van Putten II, Ph.D. is an educator, entrepreneur and business consultant in the areas of social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial start-up, marketing, media management and leadership engagement. Dr. van Putten has seamlessly transitioned between both academic and corporate environments having served as a College President and Corporate CEO. He has also served as a consultant with national and international organizations. http://www.nationaletc.com

College Students Lifestyles in the New Millennium

What are the college students' lifestyles like in this new millennium? For that matter, how has the college students' lifestyle changed since the year 2000?

I was on a university campus a few years ago and all the students walked around with a cell phone glued to their head. Today it is all about texting the person sitting next to you I would guess.

Yesterday a major university in California experienced a peaceful protest. Students, angry about a rate in public education tuition locked arms and blocked the door exits to the board or regents who were meeting on campus. Listen, if kids want to protest that is their business but it seems the only thing that riles these college students these days is when the state raises tuition.

I remember a bill board off the freeway out here a few years ago. It was a photo of two young people a boy and a girl. The girl was wearing a head band and a tie die t-shirt like a grateful dead head concert hanger on.

She was sitting on the shoulders of a young guy similarly dressed. He was shouting something and she was shouting with her fist in the air, the headline read fight for your right to free checking. It was an ad taken out by a bank advertising checking accounts without service fees.

These were models of course posing for the advertising agency connected to the bank. And it was a bit of a joke of using people who looked like sixties rebels to advertise for the bank. But college students are more concerned these days with their bank accounts than with changing the world as college kids back in the sixties were.

This is not a knock against the college students of today. It is never too early to worry about your income and how you are going to make a living. But when there is a war in the middle east; the government changing our health care system against the will of the people; when the government is using tax payer money to bail out the banks which regularly practice usury credit lending practices by increasing interest rates on existing credit balances, sometimes tripling the rates on their whim, we seem not to hear much of a protest from college students.

But when the college students lifestyles are hit in their pocket book they are sure to rally and make their voices heard. What they do not know is that those who raise their tuition have one response. They say if you do not like it then do not go to school here. College students today do not realize that when it comes to money there will always be someone who can afford tuition if they cannot. Step aside if you all you want to do is whine. When you learn that protesting is about the rights of others and not yourselves perhaps your arm locking will get you more than a two minute story on the five o'clock news.

Toronto private schools offer an exceptional curriculum for your child. As Toronto preparatory school provide discipline like no other, it sets as a strong foundation for your child's educational career. If you're looking for a Toronto independent school, visit us today!

All About Computer Programming-Engineering Programs

If you are a computer enthusiast then there is a course that can work best for you. Taking a computer programming degree is a good idea if you want to fit in the ever evolving technology world. The courses taught in an engineering course are aimed at balancing your knowledge between software and hardware. This course teaches you the skills of developing, designing and bringing to life great innovations. As a student you will acquire the skills of circuit designing, testing and verification. With the latest in technology the colleges available have incorporated the use of the latest advances such as MEMS and VLSI.

Among the modules of study you will come around are: control systems, robotics and embedded system, communication systems, VLSI and Solid State. With an engineering degree the world will always depend on a programmer like you to create programs for them. There is so much that a computer engineer can do. Writing codes, creating user manuals and testing existing programs are some of the tasks a student will be able to do after completion of the course.

With a computer programming degree you can work on freelance basis or get employment from video game companies, government agencies, robotics companies and software companies. If you enjoy working with software programs and computers in general the course will be very easy for you. A few courses that will be taken while undertaking an engineering degree are software management, computer systems, java and computer programming. With the advancements we have in technology the computer engineering field is becoming a lucrative one.

The array of jobs that one can get after undergoing the engineering program is endless. As a graduate in this field you can be a researcher, network technician, programmer and a software engineer.

As technology changes you will need to go for a computer engineering school that is reputable and has been known to produce the best programmers. A computer programmer is very important as he plays an integral role in of keeping many computer companies active. Only a programmer can update your software applications or install new ones.

I am but a person with an intense desire for self-expression that is a true devotee of pure intellect; the dream should at least ensure that place in the intellectual community in which my voice is an influential individual. The passion for the expression of thoughts and thirst for knowledge are the driving forces behind my motivation. The ruling is an inspiration of Julius Caesar, I am proud to own! I came, I saw, I conquered! Presently writing about software school and online education.

Do I Really Need to Study at College Or University to Be Successful?

For the last month, in what little free time I have had when I have not been working with the many excellent people that I work with and help both in educational institutions and businesses in the UK and internationally, I have been reading Dan Brown's excellent follow up to the bestselling 'Angels & Demons' and 'The Da Vinci Code' in the form 'The Lost Symbol' involving the central character of Robert Langdon and both controversial historical and Christian themes.

The book is an incredibly good read with the many twists and turns that have become customary in Dan Brown's work as it takes place in Washington D.C. in the United States of America (US) over a period of 'real time' of just twelve hours and looks to deal with many of the mysteries of the Freemasons and associated element.

However, it is another facet of the plot that is key for what I will now to talk to you about in relation to what you should study at college and/or university and why this is important - 'Noetic Science'.

But what are Noetic Sciences and how does this relate to what you the reader should be looking to study at college or university?

Well, in answer to the first part of the above question, put at its most simple Noetic Sciences are explorations into the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing to explore the 'inner cosmos' of the mind and how it relates to the 'outer cosmos' of the physical world. - in effect it is based on the age old theory of 'mind over matter'.

Now, how does this relate to what one should study at college or university?

Well, the answer to this is somewhat more complex...

Ostensibly, what I would look to argue is that you are more likely to be focussed on your achievement in a given subject or a particular task where it is something that you WANT to be able to do. This is important because, all too often, far too many students get it into their heads that they HAVE to go to college or university just because their friends are going and so they go along with no real purpose in mind. They have no idea what they want to get out of it and they end up studying a subject with no real meaning or resonance to them that they DO NOT intend to follow as a career and their results suffer accordingly which is no good to anyone.

This is so, so WRONG!

Remember, your chances of success are heavily influenced by how you feel about what you are doing - if you are half-hearted you will not achieve what you want, whereas if it is something that you feel good about you will be able to achieve many more wonderful things with a more positive frame of mind.

For one thing, as I alluded to in a previous article that you may also find to be useful - entitled 'Want to know the 'Secret' to success as students in whatever you do?' - there is a need to have the correct motivation in your studies, your employment, and whatever else you do to have the best chance of the success that you seek.

Moreover, it is also to be appreciated that there is a not inconsiderable cost that you will need to pay back at some stage - whether your parents lend you the money, you take out a high street bank loan, mortgage your home or take out a government grant you will have to pay back the money that you have borrowed along with the interest in most cases.

Please do not think for one moment that I am seeking to put you off of going to college and/or university - it is a very fulfilling experience and can help you a great deal in your future career - I just want you to think carefully about whether it is the right choice for you and so I would advise you to ask yourself the following questions -

(a) What subject do you intend to study?
(b) Why do you intend to study that subject? (i.e. do you have a future career in mind?)
(c) Can you afford to borrow the fees?
(d) Are you already doing what you want to be doing for a career?
(e) Will further studying further your career and your potential earnings?
(f) Will anyone else be able to borrow the money for you?
(g) Do you have the motivation and desire to succeed?

These are key questions and you should think carefully about your answers as they could have a significant impact upon your future.

I know it can be very difficult to make such decisions when you are still in your teens but you must try because - particularly at universities - these courses can be extremely taxing and time consuming since they can run over a number of years so you must be prepared to persevere, whilst there is also a need to make sure that you choose the right subject to study or whether you can get to where you want to be without partaking in further education.

Remember many successful people in business like Sir Alan Sugar from 'The Apprentice' and Duncan Bannatyne from 'Dragon's Den' have few if any significant qualifications and yet they have been very successful in their careers so there is hope for everyone regardless of your education if you are willing to work in the right areas so get out there and get going!!

Therefore, on the basis of the ideas presented in this article, you are then better equipped to understand yourself and also be much better prepared for the work you need to do along with the other resources you find useful including 'The Secret Guide to Academic Writing & Study' to be clicked on via http://www.academicfx.co.uk/page5.html that provides many further ideas and concepts for furthering your studies.

Contact me now at postmaster@academicfx.co.uk for further assistance in this and other areas where you are having any problems in your education or general life on campus and I will be only to happy to offer you assistance wherever I can in helping you to further your studies as I also tutor and mentor many students at all levels in many subjects each and every year.

College Media Advising - Learning to Let Go

Advising a student newspaper is very much like teaching a child how to ride a bike. Cautious and slow at first, a parent is right there, guiding, supporting, and coaching. As the child gets the hang of it and gains confidence, you slowly push away and let him or her ride off on his own, watching his every move from a distance and hoping for the best.

Sometimes the kid crashes, sometimes he stops himself, afraid to move on, and other times, he rides recklessly without any fear, throwing caution to the wind.

As the faculty adviser to The Montage, a student newspaper at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, I'm just like that parent in the newsroom.

In the beginning, I coach the students on story structures, photo techniques and the basics of design. I lecture on legal consequences and ethical considerations until their eyes start to glaze over. We banter back and forth about newsroom rules, ad placement, and maintaining objectivity.

As the students gain confidence and overcome the intimidation and fear of jumping into something new, I offer resources, guidance and support. Just like the parent clutching to the back of the bike seat, I'm always there and they know that they can always rely on me, bug me on Facebook, or call my cell phone when questions arise and the pressure is too much.

Eventually, though, I must let go. I have to let them experience this journey as independently as possible. As a firm believer in the College Media Advisers' Code of Ethics, I know that students learn best when they have the opportunity to depend on themselves and their peers. They learn through trial and error, tears of frustration, and through the readers that enjoy what they've produced. Most of all, they learn the most when I'm not hovering over their shoulders as mom and rather standing on the sidelines like the cool aunt.

Sometimes, they crash and burn. Sometimes, they plunge headfirst into dangerous waters, throwing all caution to the wind. But most of the time, they take off a little fearful and then build up momentum, riding steady and stable.

As hard as it is to let go, it is much more rewarding to see the pride radiating from their faces when they complete each issue, knowing that they did it on their own. As much as I'd like to run alongside, hold on to the seat of their success and fix the sting of the scrapes and bruises that accompany the ride, I can't and I won't because it's not my journey.

Instead, just like most parents do when their child cycles away, I'll give them a big push, watch from a distance, and hope that I've given enough guidance and support to get them to their final destination.

Shannon Philpott has been a professional newspaper reporter, published freelance magazine writer, and experienced SEO copywriter for 10+ years. She also teaches both college journalism and English in St. Louis, MO, and maintains a blog about writing, reflecting, and teaching at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Bachelor Degree in Social Work - Information on the BSW Degree

A person should consider obtaining a bachelor degree in social work if they want a rewarding career assisting the community. Social workers impact the lives of many people in their community. It is a helping profession with the goal of improving the lives of others.

A social worker's environment encompasses a wide range, like hospitals, prisons, in homes and schools. They do their job through research, counseling, and handling casework. Social workers deal with abused children and wives, drug addicts, and the poor. The even tackle environmental issues with their community. If this appeals to you, read more about social workers and the training required to become one.

On average a social worker can make between $34 to $41 thousand per year depending on which type of field they choose. The majority of social workers do their jobs within organizations and agencies that focus on the many social problems plaguing the community.

At the very least, to become a social worker, you are required to have a bsw from an accredited program. The course of study may include ethics, social and economic justice, diversity, and servicing at risk populations. These principles are taught within the classroom environment and in the field under direct supervision. This program typically lasts four years, with an additional requirement of 400 or more supervised field hours. Social workers need a license to practice and each state has its own requirements. The Board conducts an exam that must be passed. If you are interested in being an asset to your community, take the first step and get your bachelors degree in social work.

Interested in helping people? Read about Top Social Work Graduate Programs and Trauma Psychotherapy.

Is an Accelerated Masters Degree Right For You?

While most people can find a solid career with just an associates or bachelors degree under their belt, other careers require more education and training from their employees. Some careers, including executive and teaching positions require master's degrees in order for candidates to be considered for a particular position.

Though some people may have the time to commit to a traditional on-campus or online masters degree program, others may not be able to devote such time to their studies due to their personal and work schedules. That is where the accelerated masters degree programs come in.

Accelerated masters degree programs cover the very same topics and fields as their traditional counterparts, but an an accelerated pace. This can be done through a combination of things including shortened class times (instead of a traditional semester course, some classes are 3, 4, 6, 8, or 12-week programs), rolling admission (which allows students to begin their study at almost any time so they don't have to wait for a uniform "start" date), and may even be able to accept work-experience credit towards the degree (which then permits students to take fewer courses to complete the degree of their choice).

The other advantage of an accelerated masters degree program is that the program is worth just as much as a traditional masters degree program and is completed in less time.That leaves more time for the student to go after a new career, a new position within their current organization, and more time to enjoy life outside of work and the classroom.

Upon completion of an accelerated masters degree program, you will find that many more doors of opportunity have been opened for you. The higher education of an accelerated masters degree program compared to a bachelor's or associates degree allows them to pursue higher positions within an organization, which could mean higher earning potential as well. Compare top universities offering Accelerated Masters Degree Programs now.

Joy Miller, is an educational writer for Accelerated Degree and reviews colleges offering Accelerated Degree Programs Online.

Beyond the Bachelor's - Advantages of Pursuing an Online MBA

With a sigh of relief, many new graduates finally think they can rest easy after completing their bachelor's degrees. Unfortunately, in today's competitive market, having only a four year degree limits many professional careers to entry-level positions. Due to competition and increased responsibilities within many industries, employers are looking for cost-saving measures; which usually means having employees who can perform more than one position or who are flexible workers or supervisors and can get the job done in both areas when needed. If looking to advance into middle or senior management, completing an online MBA and gaining valuable industry experience prepares future graduates to have an impressive resume and allows for greater chances to move into management positions.

While there are many general online MBA degree options available, these should be considered by individuals uncertain of which industry they would like to eventually settle in or by those who cannot find a specialized MBA tailored to their particular industry. If, however, you are able to find an industry-specific MBA that would translate into your present or intended career path, by all means pursue it. The degree will provide real-world case scenarios taught by industry professionals. Additionally, by undertaking education in a specific area, a student will have the ability to network with professors and students presently working in the industry; which can help advance a person's career.

Professionals working in the healthcare industry may be interested in pursuing an online MBA with a healthcare specialization. This opens the door for professionals looking to advance in positions relating to hospital or clinic administration. Likewise, nurse managers interested in working for an insurance company performing utilization management may wish to supplement their nursing degrees with healthcare MBA's. This helps them understand both the clinical and business sides of healthcare delivery systems.

Chefs looking to own restaurants already have the necessary culinary training but may be lacking business skills. Operating a business involves managing every aspect of a business from financial management, to customer service and managing employees. In order to boost a chef's chance of being a successful business owner, earning an online MBA with a specialization in Food Business enables future restaurateurs to use their previous practical experiences in the food industry and combine educational training in the areas of management, accounting, human resources and other skills necessary for successful business operations.

Even those people who never thought graduating with an online MBA is possible, thanks to the flexibility of classes and the variety of subject specializations. One of the best examples of going from a blue collar worker to a while collar executive all within the same company is the manufacturing industry. Here, workers can start off as production associates and as they progress with their education, advance in the company. MBA's with specializations in Oil and Gas Management, Operations Management and Logistics and Supply Chain Technology Management are great examples of degrees relevant to manufacturing careers.

As more and more companies look to cross train workers, having hands-on training reinforced with an online MBA shows employers that its employees not only have a diverse skill set but are serious about advancing their careers within the company. While many people believe an MBA may be unobtainable due to family or work commitments, taking time and completing a degree shows determination, perseverance and task completion; all qualities senior management looks for in the next generation of managers.

By investing just a few semesters of study, the opportunities open to online MBA graduates are limitless. Consider investing in your future and explore the benefits of obtaining either a general or specialized MBA. You will not only be bettering yourself but with your newly learned management techniques; you will be a more well-rounded and valuable employee.

Andy West is a writer on a variety of topics, including online education. For those who must work and go to school, distance learning is an excellent way to earn an online MBA.

Get Your Grad School Application Recognized - Reach Out to Future Faculty Mentors

One of the major mistakes that prospective students make in applying to grad school in psychology is solely relying on their academic transcript and GRE scores to speak for themselves. While indeed your application package may be impressive, sometimes the decision between one student over another comes down to name recognition. What do I mean by this? You may have heard advice to visit your prospective graduate program. This is indeed sound advice, but you would also like to make sure that key people of influence (ahem, professors or grad students who may be on admissions committees) are looking out for your application. How you get this accomplished is by meeting your future faculty mentor. There are a number of ways to accomplish this: Scheduling a campus visit, sending an email to inquire about their research interests, or stalking via academic conference (just kidding about that one).

Campus visits and facilitating face-to-face meetings are great ways to stand out from the competition! I would advise arranging ahead for an informal meeting with a potential faculty mentor. You can do this very easily via email. Usually busy professors can spare 20-30 minutes of time to talk with prospective students. If for whatever reason that doesn't work, do some investigative work to find out which grad students work with your mentor. Current grad students may be even better information resources to ask the "real deal" questions about classes, department culture, teaching or internship requirements, or you can even ask what they did to successfully gain admission to the program.

Sometimes campus visits are not feasible. Totally understandable. Jet-setting across the country to every grad program you're interested in can be emotionally taxing, time-consuming, or even financially impossible. The next tactic is to ask pointed questions via email. A professor or grad student may be able to answer a few specific, short and to-the-point questions in one email, but avoid sending an endless chain of emails. Be mindful of their time and busy schedules and thank them profusely for taking time out of their schedule to e-mail you.

Although the stalking comment was a joke, if you're able to attend an academic conference and a prospective faculty mentor is on the program schedule, be sure to drop in to check out their presentation, ask an insightful question, and/or speak with them afterwards. Whichever approach you choose, if you present yourself as an overall Grade A student and critical thinker about shared research interests, it is likely that your application will be advanced to the acceptance stack.

If this has been helpful and you'd like to learn more, please visit: http://acceptedtogradschool.com

For the full-length article, please visit: http://acceptedtogradschool.com/campus-visit-meet-faculty-graduate-school/

How to Be Sure You Are Selecting the Right College

College is a scary time. Not only are you leaving home to live at some place that could be thousands of miles away, but you are going to be experiencing something completely new. You want to be sure you are at some place that is perfect for you. Selecting the right college can make or break your experience in a higher education institution.

The first thing that you should look for in a college is whether you like it as a place or not. You do not want to be living somewhere that you do not even like! Take a tour of the campus, they will show you a dorm room and how the entire facility is laid out. This is a great time to learn about some place you could spend four years, so pay attention!

Another good way to make sure you are making a good decision is to talk to some students that go to the school. Usually, if the school is within your state your school will have students who have graduated and gone there. You can talk with them if they live in your neighborhood, or online. Ask them what they like about the school and if they feel they made a good decision. They have every reason to be honest!

One of the best things that you can do when you are going off to college is to research where you are going. Many people pick colleges for the wrong reason, and then regret it later.

Check out College Source 101 for the Education Connection, a free tool you can use to find colleges that match your needs!

Do you know how you are going to pay for college? Neither did I! Visit College Source 101 to sign up for my newsletter on how to pick a college, how to get a scholarship, where to find all of this, and more!

Spotlight on Wine, Spirits and Beverages Management Degrees

Today, the specialized courses dealing with subjects such as wine and spirits and beverage have management degrees that are recognized as meaningful courses and approved upon as a great asset in research as well as the Wine and Beverages Industry.

Programs like the MVS are offered by several management colleges that provide the students with practical and adapted response required by the Wine and the Spirits Sector.

Not only are there many rising opportunities in the European or French markets, in the wines as well as the spirits sector but in fact there are worldwide opportunities as well. It is one sector that is becoming more competitive each day.

The wine companies are facing a lot of economic and managerial problems that need to be solved. The wines and spirits sector companies are searching for expert managers who cannot just work with the marketing tools but are experienced and operational in matters of sales and its techniques. To understand and master the sales technique is very important. While these are the basic requirements, they are other qualifications too that should be met before deciding upon a career in this industry.

These additional qualifications are; a keen sense of creativity and adaptability and general knowledge; that is both strategic and cultural, about the company as well as the wine market.

The Wine and Spirits Management Program assists the person to understand the nature of work required of him and prepares him to work in collaboration with the experts of the Wine industry. Students learn how to guide and explain the problems that arise and provide the solutions to them. Thus an expert in the field can correspond aptly to the requirements of the company.

In many cases the tuition fee and payroll is done by the company itself. Special guidance is provided by the experts of the respective field and in 15 months time, which includes study as well as practical learning, you are all set to enter the Wine industry with all passion and vigor. For any industry it is important for an individual to learn and understand the nature and need of that particular industry and then decide to work his way accordingly, this ensures better understanding of the subject and thus far better implementation.

There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you not only in the European or French markets but instead there are new English and American markets which are growing at a fast pace, to keep up with the competition.

CulinarySchoolsU.com provides the opportunity to research and request free information top culinary schools and culinary colleges for potential students looking to start or expand their career in the culinary arts.

Community Colleges Now Offering Four-Year Degrees

In this still-uncertain economy that remains rife with unemployment, hundreds of thousands of out-of-work blue- and white-collar professionals, competing for scarce available jobs, find themselves faced with the need to further their training, expand their skill sets, or in some cases change career paths altogether. Many are going back to school, some to obtain their first college degree, others to get an additional or more advanced degree that could give their résumé a much-needed competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

Demand for the Convenience of Online College Degrees ...

In recent years, many "non-traditional" students who aren't able to attend classes on the conventional resident college student's full-time schedule - working parents, returning older students, students holding down a part-time or full-time job - have gravitated toward online degree programs that allow students to work toward their college degrees from home (or anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection) and at their own hours. As accredited online colleges and programs have proliferated, so have the number of students pursuing online college degrees.

These online college degrees, however, can often be pricey, requiring many students to take out a significant amount of money in student loans and private student loans. And some online universities have continued to offer only associate degrees and certificate programs, no bachelor's or advanced degrees. As competition for jobs has intensified in a shrinking economy, many job-seeking professionals have found that their two-year college degree is going up against four-year and professional college degrees.

... and Demand for the Lower Costs of Community College Programs

Community colleges have traditionally offered lower-income and non-traditional students a lower-priced, commuter-friendly, and part-time alternative to pricier online college degrees and full-time four-year colleges and universities. But the two-year community college degree has posed the same drawbacks as two-year online college degrees: When going up against four-year degrees in a job search, two-year degrees simply aren't as competitive.

Four-Year Community Colleges Offer a Cost-Convenience Solution

Now, however, students are finding a growing number of four-year degree options at community colleges. As more community colleges respond to increased student demand for affordable higher education, expanding their programs to include four-year bachelor's degrees and applied baccalaureate degrees, new and returning students are increasingly able to obtain the academic pedigree of a four-year degree with much of the flexibility offered by online college degree programs but at the lower cost of a community college education.

Bachelor's Degree Programs at Community Colleges Expanding

Florida currently leads the nation with 14 community colleges authorized to award bachelor's degrees, reports The New York Times, with 12 schools already having done so, in fields including fire safety management and veterinary technology ("Community Colleges Challenge Hierarchy With 4-Year Degrees," May 2, 2009). Nationwide, 17 states, including Nevada, Texas, and Washington, have granted community colleges the authority to award associate and bachelor's degrees.

In some states, community colleges have even become four-year institutions in order to facilitate their new longer programs. At Miami Dade College in Florida - formerly known as Miami Dade Community College - more than 1,000 students are currently enrolled in the school's bachelor degree programs. The average age of these students is 33.

LaKisha Coleman, a Miami Dade student who will graduate with a college degree in public safety management this spring, recommends the school to family members for its advantages over a traditional four-year degree program at a state or private university.

"It's much cheaper, the teachers are good, you can do it in the evening while you work, and everyone's very helpful," Coleman told The New York Times.

Applied Baccalaureate Degrees Another Burgeoning Community College Offering

In the current economy, at a time when students have fewer financial resources to cover their college costs and job prospects are uncertain, the applied baccalaureate degree is becoming a popular option for students, says Debra Bragg, the director of the Forum on the Future of Public Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Usually focusing on applied academics or applied sciences and technologies, an applied baccalaureate degree is a four-year bachelor's degree that may be earned at both two- and four-year institutions, including technical colleges and community colleges. Unlike bachelor's degrees at some conventional four-year universities, however, the applied baccalaureate degree counts technical and associate degree-level courses as degree credits, allowing community college students to keep their course costs low and minimize their need for student loans or other financial aid.

"Applied baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges can be used by students looking for a career that is emerging, or for adults who have earned college credits in the past and are looking to re-enter college, often to advance their careers to a supervisory level," Bragg explains.

Since 2000, the number of states offering an applied baccalaureate degree has doubled, reports the University of Illinois. Currently, 39 states offer the degree.

The applied "real-world" focus of applied baccalaureate programs and coursework is aimed at grooming students to fill projected workforce needs in areas of the country where large concentrations of jobs have been lost due to outsourcing, a shrinking manufacturing base, or a shift in local industry.

"An applied baccalaureate degree represents a viable pathway for someone who previously hadn't thought about earning a bachelor's degree," says Bragg, "but now sees it as a necessary step to getting and keeping a good job with benefits."

online college degrees

Dual Degree Nursing Programs

e field of nursing in itself encompasses many different specialties and the ability to work as a nurse and specialize in a particular aspect or type of health related issue is very appealing to many. There are some nurses who realize that the skills they have can be utilized in other professions. Combining the skills of nursing with other entities can be both helpful and lucrative. For this reason, many colleges and universities offer dual degree programs where students interested in nursing can also pursue another degree simultaneously that is either closely related to nursing or compliments the nursing degree.

There are a few dual degree options and one of the most popular is the Masters of Science in Nursing and the Masters in Public Health (MSN/MPH) dual degree. This program combines the clinical specialization of a master's level nursing degree with a specialized master's level public health degree. Nursing and public health are very closely related and obtaining dual degrees can be very beneficial especially for people interested in public health nursing. These two degrees allow an individual to be fully informed on the clinical aspects of nursing while being capable of applying these specialized skills on a much broader level helping not just one patient but a larger number of individuals to improve their health.

An additional dual degree nursing program is the BSN or MSN and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) option. The combination of a medical and law degree is extremely helpful. There are many nurses who work for lawyers advising them on various health issues in relation to medical lawsuits. Many good medical malpractice and disability lawyers have a medical consultant-many times a nurse-to whom they seek counsel on cases. There are some nurses who decide after years of clinical work to utilize their skills legally by becoming malpractice and disability lawyers. With the clinical expertise and the legal training many find possessing a nursing degree coupled with a law degree to be quite lucrative.

Finally, for nurses looking to use their medical expertise in the business world there is the option of a BSN/MSN coupled with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). There are those who choose to use their nursing degrees and medical expertise to head major organizations such as insurance companies. Some nurses even decide to open their own long-term care facilities and medical information companies. The MBA provides a solid business foundation which will aid a nurse in applying his/her medical abilities in a variety of circumstances.

The decision to pursue a dual degree in nursing and another discipline will provide unlimited opportunities to apply clinical medical knowledge in a variety of settings.

Click here to learn more about LPN Nursing Classes and other nursing school programs.

Balancing Life & Studies - Tips For Student Success!

Regardless of your status in life or educational background, higher education is a privilege, and careful balance of life leads to student success. Though many, if not all, may possess the keys to a door [life] not everyone utilizes it's functions. That is, to insert our keys into the keyhole [our minds], turn, and then push forward [the process of opening a door] ourselves into a new beginning. One of balance and center. Each day is a renaissance, a rebirth of that once was, and is to come. As fellow students of the healthcare profession and future clinicians, I implore you to seek balance. For in deed, it is our sole purpose for making this great sacrifice, both personal and financially. Upon graduation, your professional goal will be to restore bodies, which were once healthy and functional, but has now become dysfunctional due to imbalances, and mal-alignment.

The same is true about life. We are in a constant state of dysfunction when we are not in tuned and out of balance. And with the pursuit of higher knowledge our destinations are highly reliant upon the successes of, how well we embrace the turbulence to the finish line, and our appreciation for those indelible moments. Our journey to professional education is to learn all we can, so we can be the best we can, to all we can. However, let us keep in mind that it is in fact, a journey. Like many of us who frequently race [5Ks and more], not all finish at the same time. But with determination, sacrifice and grace, all things are possible. The great Martin Luther King once said, "I may not get there with you, but we'll get there as a people," professionally.

As we study the human body [Anatomy & Physiology], we learn that if all things being constant [homeostasis, balance] optimal functioning is possible. However, should imbalance occur, whether [musculature, vascular, ligamentous or other connective tissues] the results are imminent, pathology and dysfunction, sometimes death.

Mechanically, an imbalance arises when a long and stretched-out muscle is held by its counterpart, the short and tight muscle, in such a position that if not addressed can lead to injuries.. We also learn, that any imbalance in musculature causes mal-alignment, which then leads to mal-wearing of surrounding tissues, that concludes a myriad of acquired diseases and disparities. In congruency with our study of health and wellness, all of the above are avoidable; regardless of how dismal it may appear at times, there is hope--Cheer up, there is a cure.

I encourage you to take a mental break everyday for at least ten minutes. Just ten minutes! And for those of you whom are time-conscious, you can use a stopwatch to time yourselves. We pay thousands to be at this beautiful campus, why not enjoy it. Go for a walk; sit by the pond; use the basketball court to play; read a book that is not study-related; get to know someone new; sit next to someone new every other day. Remember you cannot choose your patients, they choose you. Why not start now? Join with a friend and talk about the good-ole days; pray for each other; call your distant families regularly; give a high-five to your classmates or professor.

Let us be advocates of a great environment, and therefore, a better tomorrow. It may seem odd at first to those who are not inclined; but remember, advocacy is the ability to see what no one else sees, yet is necessary for the betterment of all. Also, it is the willingness to step out and make a change even when your feet says no! Don't wait for a survey to tell your professor how well they are doing, and how their dedication to excellence has enlightened you. Simply put, just tell them. Let them know how much you value their efforts and expertise.

In lay-terms, appreciate your opportunities because many do not have what you do. As once stated by a USA professor, "find something to be thankful for, and write it down." Hey, your mental health is vital to your survival. Start by creating that healthy environment, and set yourselves up for success. Another gifted professor once said these words from a country perspective, "A little bit-a-something is better than a whole-latta nothing."

Remember, if your sole purpose for going to school is just to graduate, then you would have missed your calling. And, after all your studies you finally made it to graduation, but are no good to your patients because of burn-out, again, you would have missed the boat.

Above all, take five minutes each day to meditate on your creator. It is ironic how we study every other book except the one that leads to life. It is great to study, academically, I love it; but "remember, there will be no end to books."

To my classmates, I love you all very much, and I consider myself very privilege to be here with many of you, and hope that through balance and good practice we will make it to the finish line---well equipped to meet the needs of our awaiting patients.

Copyright 2009 Andrew Guy

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Grants and Scholarships Abound in Places That You May Not Have Even Thought About

State scholarships, grants, federal student loans, federal scholarships, and private loans are all part of the tangled web of the financial aid process, that everyone has to negotiate in order to help minimize the out-of-pocket expense for a college education.

Grants and scholarships abound in places that you may not have thought about.

This short guide is designed to give you several places to look for available scholarships for your education expenses:

State Educational Departments-

The first place everyone should look for college scholarships is their State Department of Education.

The majority of individual states offer grants for students attending colleges and universities, but there are typically scholarships also available for individuals in their first year of university as well as continuing students.

These scholarships, however, usually require a separate application beyond the FAFSA that is required to receive financial aid from the state educational departments.

Private Scholarships-

The best place to find private scholarships is through entities and organizations that are not part of a college or university. Private scholarships can possibly be found by contacting the university's financial aid office and asking where outside scholarship resources may be found.

Private scholarships can also be found by searching the web. There are literally thousands of scholarships available to those who put forth an effort to fill out applications, write essays, and devote time to finding money for college.

Scholarships can be found for specific academic majors, for minority students, for professionals extending their education, and for a variety of other reasons and categories.

Obtaining scholarships is also the best and most economical way to pay for such a college education. When many people begin thinking about how they'll pay for a college degree a lot of money signs usually roll out of their head.

However, with the availability of private scholarships as well as state scholarships a college program should be more affordable than ever!

If you are looking for College and University Finance and don't know where to start -> CLICK HERE.

Private scholarships can also be found by searching the web. This resource will help - http://freeeducationguide2009.info

Transitions For the College Bound Student

Are you a senior in high school about ready to make the transition to college? Are you completely excited yet also incredibly terrified of what will happen? If so, take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one experiencing the ups and downs of transitioning to college. Most likely, all your friends are right there with you!

Being in college means something different for everyone. Maybe college means new opportunity, new friends, and a new life experience. Maybe college is a way to get away from your family that you don't get along with, or maybe college is the next step in your passion for learning. Transitioning to college brings multiple meanings and multiple emotions, not only for you, but also for your friends and family that have watched you grow and become ready for the college transition.

Your parents, most likely, make different meaning of your transition than you do, and your friends may have different ideas about why they want to go to college and what they want the summer to look like before everyone goes their separate ways. Regardless of meaning you may find yourself asking questions like "Will I like my major? What happens if I don't do well in what I love to do? What if I don't know what I want to do? Am I wasting time because I don't know what I want to do for the rest of my life?"

My encouragement to you is to allow yourself to ask these questions and really begin exploring your passions. The transition to college brings multiple other transitions like discovering who you are apart from your family and friends, discovering your talents that you didn't know existed, and learning how to manage your time without a teacher reminding you of your responsibilities. Some new college students learn how to manage money for the first time or do laundry all by themselves. The move to college is more than changing location, it's about learning, growing, and discovering the uniqueness of you. Below, you will find suggestions on how to make this transition easier.

1. Allow yourself to be nervous or confused. The college atmosphere is much different than your home atmosphere and it will take time to adjust and settle into a new routine.

2. Try new things during your first months at school. What you loved growing up and what you were good at during high school is not necessarily what you will want to do forever. Be adventurous and discover what else you love.

3. Do something because you want to, not because you think it would make your family proud or your friends happy, but because it will make you happy.

4. Be curious about the person you want to become. College is about developing a new identity or solidifying the identity you already have. Don't be afraid to notice the changes in yourself.

Because the transition to college and the first months at college bring increased emotion and chaos, I encourage you to speak with a counselor about your experience. If you notice that you are having difficulty making the transition during the summer or find yourself completely lost once you have arrived at college, make an appointment with a counselor in your area. The Lotus Group has many counselors who were once in your position and can help bring stability and insight to your transition. Give us a call at 595-5555 to schedule an appointment. We would love to speak with you.

While Douglas Scott continues to work on his psychology degree he finds therapy to be most beneficial. For more information on Indianapolis therapy visit LotusGroup.biz

5 First Steps to a Graduate Degree

You may be considering going back to school for a graduate degree to help increase your chances of getting and keeping a job. While about 27% of the US population has an undergraduate degree, only about 7% has a graduate degree. The graduate degree could put you ahead of the competition for jobs in this economy.

Perhaps you just graduated from college with an undergraduate degree, and you found that good jobs were scarce. So this may be a good time to add the graduate degree. Perhaps you see lay-offs around the corner at your company and want to be more competitive. Or, perhaps your company pays part or all your tuition with a generous educational assistance program. How can you not take advantage of that benefit?

Here are a few steps to get started towards that degree:

1. Choose a major field and concentration area. This step sounds simple, but colleges and universities have added new blended degrees (classes from several areas of study) in the past few years. You don't have to choose from Business, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Psychology, or Computer Science. Today's majors might be: Engineering Management, Business Computer Systems, Applied Information Management or Industrial Psychology. Look at the offerings of some of the online graduate programs to give you more ideas of major fields and the new blended degrees.

2. Select a college or narrow down your options to 2 - 3 choices. The school should have the degree and major you desire, the concentration area and the format that would work best with your lifestyle. Formats include: accelerated program, weekend, evening, online or cohort group. Don't choose a college because your friend attends that school or because you see the school's ads everywhere.

3. Review the Admission Requirements. If you need the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam), find a Prep Course at your local state university or purchase study books from a good bookstore. There are private companies that offer a Weekend Prep class, but they can be expensive.

4. Look at options for Prerequisites. Prerequisites or foundation courses are less expensive at the community college level or at your local state university's Continuing Education or Extension Department.

5. If you are working and/or receive reimbursement for your schooling, have a conversation with your manager about your career goals and how education can help you achieve those goals. Managers appreciate that you have done the research and can discuss the school choice, major field and total cost of the program. If you need help with choosing a major, school or program, check with your HR Department to see if your company offers Career Counseling and Educational advising.

Dr. Sandy Womack is Director of EduPlan, an educational consulting company specializing in Tuition Assistance Administration, Managed Education and Educational Counseling.

http://www.eduplan.org

Why is GMAT Diagnostic Test Crucial For Your Success?

Let me get straight the point:

As we all know GMAT comprises of 3 broad sections: Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing Assessment.

The quantitative section in turn consists of "Problem Solving" and "Data Sufficiency". This section is considered easy to score when compared to the Verbal section. The reason for this is that most of the questions appearing in the quantitative section are very basic and are based on basic principles of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry: which are subjects taught at school. Many aspirants taking the GMAT test have on average about 2-3 years work experience and it is very easy for them to forget the basics of what have been taught at school. This is where the diagnostic tests come to help.

Giving the correct direction:

Diagnostic tests can help you in measuring your current preparedness for the test. Sample questions corresponding to all sections of the GMAT are included, which will aid you to pinpoint your strong points and weakness both in your basic understanding of concepts and your aptitude levels. In the case of quant and specially problem solving, the diagnostic test gives you in black and white, what you need to focus on and which are the basic concepts that you are missing. This is basically telling you to get back to the reference book of your choice and start from the basics.

To prepare and score well, it is better to do a thorough preparation for approximately 2 months, of which, a month should go into preparing, understanding and recollecting the basic principles of all the areas of the test. The unconsumed one calendar month should be entirely dedicated to giving as many GMAT practice tests as possible.

In order for your preparation to be competent and streamlined, you need to be absolutely careful of which areas to stress more on and which areas to just scan through without wasting much time. The GMAT assessment test gives you an accurate picture of your current preparation levels and therefore, points you in the right direction. This is to ensure that you first month of preparation time is spent on the right areas.

Setting Appropriate Targets:

Setting a target score right before you begin your preparation is absolutely imperative. Without a aim, there is a high possibility of wandering aimlessly and not achieving a truly good score that you deserve.

These diagnostic tests also present you with a potential GMAT score (out of 800) and with this score as a benchmark, you can set yourself an appropriate target score. With proper planning and preparation, there is a high possibility of getting an improvement of about 13%-18% over your initial levels. So if in your initial assessment test you get 600, you can set yourself a target of 700 and start preparing for that score.

Considering the importance of the above mentioned points, whether or not you take a GMAT diagnostic test can make or break your overall score. Having said that, you need to choose the right assessment tools. There are plenty of free GMAT practice tests available online. All you need to do is choose the one which can provide you with those details accurately and thoroughly.

Author is a GMAT Educator for over 8years. He is instrumental in training and educating several thousand students for the GMAT exam. He writes regularly on GMAT related topics, discussion and is now the force behind GMATLive, an online educational portal dedicated to GMAT online education.

visit the site at http://www.gmatlive.com

Distance Learning - Education Created Around Your Child's Learning Style

One of the limitations of traditional schooling is the classroom setting. Most traditional school classrooms are run by one teacher who has a particular teaching style. Good teachers try to vary their teaching styles and try to incorporate as many different learning styles as they can into their daily lessons. But often, students who have particular learning styles can be left out in a traditional school classroom and can be frustrated by an inability to engage in the learning process.

Discovering your child's particular learning style might take some time, but after some assessment and observation, you will discover much about the way your child learns. Most children fall into learning categories. Auditory learners will respond well to oral instructions and will learn well in classes where the teacher gives information orally. These students learn best by listening and talking. Visual learners prefer written instructions and are best able to recall something if they've seen it written down. These learners will learn by watching, so video presentations are a good way to match their preferences. Tactile learners learn best through touching so manipulatives are an important teaching tool for them. They learn best through drawing and creating, using projects like dioramas and models. Kinesthetic learners also learn best through touching, but they also need to involve their whole body in the learning process. They remember material if they act it out. Global learners are intuitive and apt to be spontaneous. They like information to be given in a lively and entertaining manner and they get bored easily. Global learners learn best with attractive materials and they work well in groups.

Once you have a strong sense of your child's learning style, you can then search out a distance learning program in which your child will find success. Remember that simply because your child has a particular learning style, that doesn't mean that he can only learn though those methods. Learning styles are simply ways that students learn best. In order to maximize your child's learning, that learning style can be utilized the most. But other learning styles can be used as well, and children should be encouraged to learn using a variety of styles.

When searching for distance learning programs to meet your child's learning style, take a look at the method of instructional delivery. Often, in an online course, a student is responsible for reading a lesson. The online environment is very strong for visual learners. If your child is an auditory learner, look for a more interactive environment where information may be delivered orally. Perhaps your student will be able to listen to lectures or to watch a video presentation of a class. Video classes are a good option for both auditory as well as global learners.

Look at the way the students are assessed. Many auditory learners are best at giving information orally. See if you can find a distance learning program where this is an option. Find out of presentations are an option for assessment. Portfolios of projects are a good way of assessing a tactile or kinesthetic learner. Speak with the distance learning school to see how flexible they are in terms of meeting many different learning styles.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning school please visit Customized Learning at Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.