The Online Degree Dorm Room

online degree programs psychology | Declare Your Independence From On Campus Degrees

Posted by bposton on July 4th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Happy Birthday America!!

And for you, my little dorm room buddy - here’s some interesting news about the growing acceptance of online degrees by those who have been the most critical - college students.

Of course there are still some people in the world who think that online degrees are easy to obtain and not worth the paper they are printed on. So no matter what, for these people, getting an online degree holds a certain stigma. So they shy away from online programs because they are afraid that employers will think that they did not work hard or learn the right information from an online degree. 

And college kids especially tend to fall into this group. They’ve been conditioned to “go to school” which means on campus.

Now, I have to admit, all three of my daughters have or are attending on campus schools, and in fact it’s much more expensive in some cases to take online courses from the same university where one is enrolled. So there is not much incentive here. But the tide is certainly changing.

In recent years a number of students and employers have moved past this old-fashioned way of thinking and embraced this technology as a legitimate means of educational advancement.

According to recent reports from the Sloan Consortium, an association of online learning institutions, enrollment rates at online schools have increased at an annual rate of 9.7 percent, compared to an overall rate of 1.5 percent for all colleges combined. By their count, almost 3.5 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2006 term, and participation in online learning is increasing by 400,000 students a year.

Congress even lifted a rule limited the number of online students eligible for student financial aid, making the transition both convenient and affordable for the masses.

Because of this new mindset and expanding opportunities, online education seems to have come of age, making college available to almost anyone hungry for a degree, and the menu of majors and course topics is endless.

So if you’re a up and coming college student, or some one who has finished their undergrad degree and thinking about your master’s degree you have to decide one main thing - Is an online degree right for you?
While there are many benefits to online degree programs, such as convenience, 24/7 access, self-pacing formats, and more, the process is not designed for everyone.

Most online courses are very challenging, and demand that you work steadily toward a degree within a particular timeframe, and require a serious degree of self-motivation.

As students ponder the pursuit of an online degree, there is more to consider than whether or not they will earn a solid education.

Some students believe that the college experience is something that they would rather not part with, when preparing for their future careers. I can completely understand that. But from my experience with three daughters, some took very well to the dorm and college lifestyle, while others did not. Some think that the social components of the university atmosphere make students more prepared to deal with the world.

However, colleges and universities are slowly putting this idea to rest, beginning to set aside previous notions about online learning, and embracing the new technology. Some students even say that the social part of college, in terms of academics, is done more online than in the classroom.

But it seems that in terms of employment opportunities, students still believe that the name of a standing University or college will provide them with a better chance at employment upon receiving their degrees. But employers are slowly becoming less interesting in this.

In one survey by Eduventures, a research and consulting firm focused on education, only one in three students thought an online degree was comparable to a traditional degree, while 62 percent of employers believed an online degree was equivalent or better.

20 years ago, the only brand of online education in existence was by a familiar set of online universities. But they have increased substantially in recent years, and carried over into traditional environments.

According to elearners.com, there are now approximately 175 accredited online colleges and schools available for prospective students. Not only from small-town colleges with distance learning courses, but many elite universities, such as Harvard, Penn State, NYU, and Vanderbilt.

So it’s time to give it much more thought, I’d say.

later…

Ben 

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online degree programs psychology | High Gas Prices Could Mean More Online Degrees

Posted by bposton on June 9th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey there my little dorm room buddy…

Don’t know about you, but gas prices are driving me CRAZY!!

In today’s ecomony, high gas prices are actually having a good news / bad news affect on the online degree industry.

On the one hand, high gas prices are forcing educators and students alike to take a much harder look at online degree programs.

For example, the Tennessee Board of Regents has called for a statewide effort to cut down on students’ drive time, asking schools under their jurisdiction to condense class schedules and reach out to students with their online education programs. As a result, enrollment in the Regents Online Degree Program is up 29 percent over last year, and 72 percent of those who have enrolled say gasoline prices are the reason they are pursing online courses.

So that’s the good news - an online degree can save a ton of money in gas.

So what’s the bad news??

Well, because gas prices are so high, and the ecomony is in such bad shape, a lot of folks that could use a degree are finding it much harder to shell out the money to oay for one.

Usually, Universities and two-year institutions benefit to some degree from economic downturns because struggling individuals looking for higher-paying jobs turn to education.

But with today’s gas prices pinching businesses and individuals’ purse strings, fewer are willing to budget for the cost of that education. 

When you think about the fact that in today’s poor ecomony, the hardest pressed group is an adult part-time student who is already juggling a family and a job or two. Often times they just can’t justify the cost of more education.

Sort of a double edged sword. so to speak…

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online degree programs psychology | 22 family members get degree from one college

Posted by bposton on May 16th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Here’s an amazing story about a family from Texas.

Recently,  Camila Ortega of Fort Stockton got her degree the Sul Ross State University. She did it through their online program.

OK, that’s not at that news-worthy. But what IS worth noting is that Camila is the 22nd person in her family to get a degree…

…from the SAME University!

:-0

I thought that was pretty cool.

She joined her mother, two great-aunts, three great-uncles and 15 cousins in graduating from Sul Ross.

Thirteen became educators, seven also earned master’s degrees.

Members of the Pena and Parada families of Sanderson began attending Sul Ross in the 1950s, and Clotilde Pena Hernandez, Camila’s great-aunt, was the first to graduate, earning a B.A. degree in 1960.

A year later, her husband, David Hernadez Jr., received his B.S. degree, and in 1962, Higino Pena Jr., Clotilde’s brother, earned a B.A.

Eight years later, he completed his master of education degree, while his wife, Virginia, earned a B.A. in 1972 and a M.Ed. in 1973.

Camila’s mother, Ramona Parada, also of Fort Stockton, received her bachelor of business administration degree in 1970 and a M.Ed. seven years later.

At least one family member has received a Sul Ross degree in each decade since the 1960s.

Ortega said that her mom was very adamant about her going to school. 

“Sul Ross has put all my family through school,” she said. “They opened their arms to help me get my degree online.

“I wouldn’t trade this university for the world. It has been a blessing to my family and me.”

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online degree programs psychology | Something new…

Posted by bposton on May 6th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hello my dorm room buddy

Hope all is well and your exams didn’t blow your mind…

I came across this story this other day and thought it was quite interesting.

Most universites know how to reach out new students, Tiffin University is doing something no other school has tried:

They create an online college just to get students to its school.

Ivy Bridge College is an online-only school developed and run by Tiffin University
offering associate degrees which can open up doors to a four-year degree at Tiffin
and other schools.

Just what is Tiffin?

Well, they are an independent, coeducational institution that has been educating
students since 1888, and they’ve achieved national recognition for its accredited
on-campus and online courses.

Tiffin’s Ivy Bridge program is designed particularly to help students who need extra
academic assistance to succeed and will team students with coaches who will monitor
their progress.

Specifically, Ivy Bridge College offers:

Log On Anytime. Students can log on to take classes at any time, setting their own
schedule, and completing the program in as little as 20 months.

Connection with teachers and students. The school is encouraging email contact with
teachers, news group discussions, online chats, and office hours. Students will be
able to connect with each other as well.

A planned path. Ivy Bridge has agreements in place with Tiffin University and dozens
of other colleges and universities throughout the United States. These agreements
make it easier for students to be accepted into and to transfer credits to four-year
institutions once they have completed their Ivy Bridge degree.

Earn a highly prized degree. Ivy Bridge students will earn a Tiffin University degree,
which is authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents and accredited by the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (NCA) and by the Association of
Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Applications for new students is currently under way, so if you’re still just thinking about starting with an online course - stop thinking and start doing!

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online degree programs psychology | Save the planet - get your degree online

Posted by bposton on April 23rd, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hello my little dorm room buddy

In case you were too busy cramming for those exams, yesterday was Earth Day.

Of course, isn’t EVERY day Earth Day? :-0

Anyway, I thought I’d instill upon you some interesting fact regarding the “green economy” and how you can benefit from a “green job”.

Today, jobs with a green focus are growing faster than the average for all occupations.

OK - let me repeat that -

Jobs with a green focus are growing faster than the average for all occupations!!!

Want proof? OK - here’s what the US Department of Labor has to say about it:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of environmental scientists is predicted to increase by 25 percent from 2006 to 2016.

That’s HUGE… 

The strongest growth is expected to be in private-sector consulting firms as more businesses realize the importance of going green.

So if you’re wonderin what kind of job you might be interested in or what your next major will be (assuming you’ve already got a major and will change it soon ) How about an online degree in environmental studies?

This is a rapidly growing industry that is constantly seeking knowledgeable and highly skilled professionals to lead the charge.

And you could be one of them…

…think about it…

You could pursue an online graduate programs in Environmental Management or get Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences.

And getting a “green” degree online verses on campus is an exercise in being green as well!

So help save the planet - in two ways…

Get your Environmental Management or Environmental Sciences degree, and get it ONLINE!

:-)

Ben 

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online degree programs psychology | another online degree success story

Posted by bposton on April 16th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey my online degree dorm room buddy:

Here’s a great story about Stefanie Lund, 33, of Gulf Port, Miss.

She had all but given up on her dream to earn a college degree.

If fact, Stef has been through an awful lot, such as surviving Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, a colorectal cancer syndrome that ultimately led to a full colectomy.

Not to mention the fact that she move 37 times after high school.

But now this 33 year old mother of 3 has finally found a way to a better future — through Flint-based Baker College Online.

“Baker Online changed everything,” she said. “No matter how bad I felt, I could keep doing it … and when I left New Jersey for Georgia and then to Mississippi, I could take college with me.”

Now, after a packed day of homeschooling her children, she does her own classwork sometimes as late as 4 a.m.

No re-applying for financial aid, no re-doing credits, just re-connecting to the Internet.

Lund started pursuing her online degree at Baker in 2005 after reading about the program on the Internet. Now she’s two years away from a bachelor’s degree in marketing. After studying business through Baker, she has also become a jewelry merchant, runs a wholesale home decor business and works as a Baker Online tutor.

Lund is among the growing number of students at the Flint-based Baker Online program, who has seen their online student population increase from 2,900 students in 2005 to 4,700 students in 2007.

Now that’s what I call a great online degree success story!

Hey Stef - you’re welcome at our dorm room anytime!

Ben

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online degree programs psychology | Want 19 grand more in your pocket?

Posted by bposton on March 31st, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Did you know…?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you only have a high school diploma then you’re missing out on over $19,000 in additional income per year.

That’s right - you could be making about 19 grand more per year.

How?

Easy - just get a Bachelor’s degree.

Or you can just get an associate degree, which could put an extra $6,500 per year into your pocket. 

OK - I know what you’re saying to yourself: ”just how to do I fit a college degree into my busy schedule?”

Well, since you’re reading this blog, you’re close to the answer:

Start by checking out online degree programs (which are near and dear to my heart )

If you’re a homemaker, active-duty military or someone who travels a lot with your job, you can find an online degree programs that will let you complete college while maintaining a work-home-school balance.

Have you seen the gas prices lately? Well, as an online student, you will never have to worry about driving and parking.

Child care? No problem.

Scheduling? Attend class at midnight if you like.

(see - I told you it was easy )

And you know what? You might even be able to complete work for an associate degree in as little as 18 months or a bachelor’s degree in three years - which measn you get to that extra dough sooner.  

If you have access to a computer (which I assume you do if you’re reading this), then you also have access to online courses and distance-learning degree programs. Most lessons are delivered through special, Web-based distance-education systems. A course may include online lectures, assignments, practice drills and quizzes with instant feedback.

So what do you need to look for in an online program? Here’s a short list:

- Find out how often you will be required to log in for class.

 - Look for a program where you can interact with classmates using a discussion board and instant messaging.

 - Ask whether exams will be taken online or at a local testing site, and whether tests must be taken at specific times.

Also, make sure that you search out a college program that leads to career advancement. Otherwise that extra 19 grand might not happen.
And make sure that you check out a college carefully so that you are in a better position to get that extra income when you finish. Make sure you find this out:

 - Do instructors in your career-specific courses have practical experience in the industry or business? (Tip - go to the school’s Web site and look for instructor biographies or contact the school and ask the program’s director to verify that your instructors will be experienced professionals)

 - Ask if business and industry professionals worked with instructors to develop a program that will provide you with the skills employers are looking for. For example, if you are pursuing a degree in Information Technology, will your program include industry certification training? Or, if you plan on a career as a paralegal, will you learn how to use state-of-the-art legal software?

If you are self-motivating, then getting an online degree is a great way to improve your career opportunities.

And hey, who wouldn’t be motivated, by the prospect of as much as $19,000 per year?

:-)
 

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online degree programs psychology | SHRM Approves Capella HR

Posted by bposton on March 24th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

OK, so what’s that cryptic headline about?

Well, if you’re into Human Resources (better known as “HR”) then you probably have a clue.

:-)

Let me explain to the rest of us.

SHRM stands for Society for Human Resource Management. This is the world’s largest association devoted to
human resource management. The Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests
of the HR profession.

They’ve been around for a while - since 1948 to be exact. And they have 235,000 members in over 130 countries.

OK, so the SHRM is a pretty strong organization for HR folks, right?

Well, they have something called the HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, which they developed to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

And they recently announced that three Capella HR programs fully align with SHRM’s HR Curriculum
Guidebook and Templates. They are Capella’s Human Resource Management specializations in its
MS in Organization and Management, MBA, and BS in Business online degree programs.

And if you’ve been researching online degrees then you know all about Capella, a fully online university that offers
graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology,
public health, and public safety, and bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology,
and public safety.

Now is the picture a little clearer?

What’s impressive about this is that is that only 23 programs in 19 educational institutions in the world
have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates.

And Capella is the first university to have three programs acknowledged, and is one of only three universities with online HR degree programs to gain acknowledgement from SHRM.

So if you’re looking for an online degree to advance your HR career, take a serious look at these programs from Capella.
You can reach them at 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552). 

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online degree programs psychology | economy goes down, degree search goes up

Posted by bposton on March 5th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Ahhhhh…

Spring Break…..

So I decided to take some time during the break to do a little research, and here’s what i found.

(I thought it was very interesting…)

It seems that every time the U.S. economy starts to fail, the search for college degree programs increases.

According to a February 21, 2008 Conference Board report, the US leading economic index steadily decreased between October 2007 and January 2008.

And during that same period, resources for online degrees showed an increase in visitors. Some, like SchoolsGalore.com, experienced a whopping 27% increase in visitors searching for higher education.

So this proves that our national labor force identifies a need to be better educated at times when the US economy seems to be slipping.

It can also be seen as those that have put off getting their degree have gotten a wake-up call from the rush of forclosures and stock market declines.

:-(

It’s a well know fact that the competition for good jobs is extremely tight, even more so in a falling economy. A college degree is always highly regarded by employers. In fact, a college degree is almost always required to qualify for employment these days. There is little room for the uneducated laborer without college level credentials.

So hang in there, get that degree, or - if you haven’t started yet, today’s economy is proof that now is good time to get going!
 

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online degree programs psychology | New Arts Management Degree at Drexel

Posted by bposton on February 12th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey dorm room buddy…

Do you enjoy the “Arts”?

I suppose I do too, but I have alot of trouble staying inside the lines with my crayons

Anyway, you might want to know that Drexel University Online, has just announced that they are adding a new online degree - a Master of Science in Arts Administration. This is a very broad and deep degree program that combines a multidisciplinary approach to arts management that incorporates commerce, research and technology in the arts.
THis M.S. in Arts Administration degree is one of the only arts management degrees in the U.S. offered completely online, and (as usual with Drexel) you can be assured of the same high-quality instruction as with the on-campus program.

So what can you do with this degree?

Well, you can get a high-level management positions within most of the country’s arts and cultural organizations.

That’s because as a student in this program you learn management theory and practice, as well as policy development, marketing, and fundraising for non-profit organizations.

If you’re interested in getting the skills you need succeed in the growing profession of arts and culture administration, then you should seriously consider this MS degree.

And as usual with online degree programs, you can complete the coursework in two years while holding on to your day job. You can also customize the program of study through electives based on your individual career goals.

In case you didn’t know, Drexel University’s Arts Administration program is highly regarded in the industry, and is a part of the Association of Arts Administration Educators and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

Applications for Drexel’s online Master’s in Arts Administration are now being accepted for the fall term. For more information about this online program, e-mail info @ drexel.com or call (877) 215-0009.

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