The Online Degree Dorm Room

Here’s one easy way to finish your degree - if you live in TEXAS

Posted by bposton on December 27th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

I just found out about a cool program that the UT (University of Texas) system is putting in place for next fall.

In short, if you are a working adults in Texas and you did not get the chance to finish your BA degree, now you’ll have the chance to do it on a fast track basis.

This is possible because three University of Texas System institutions are collaborating on what they call a “Bachelor’s Accelerated Completion” program. If you have 60 or more semester credit hours you can take the remainder of your required courses all online.

As I understand it, these classes will be offered to students throughout the state. At the beginning, the only accelerated track degree programs will be in humanities, university studies and multidisciplinary studies. However, other degree plans will be added over time.

If you have more than 60, then the UT TeleCampus staff will work with you to identify online courses or traditional classroom courses at universities or community colleges to help complete your degree.

You of course have to qualify for admission to the UT System, but the good news is that there is some financial aid is available as well.

This all is due to the The Lumina Foundation’s grant that they gave to UT TeleCampus (about $500,000) to help launch the program.

Here is the link to the site for more information:

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Posted by bposton on June 25th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Just the other day I was blogging about the US Pell Grant and how it was being “beefed up” so to speak to help more students struggling to find the funds to finish college.

Well here is another avenue that you can consider. Grants offered by the institution itself.

Case in point. Ellis University, has announced what it calls an “Opportunity Grant Program” to make its degree programs more affordable to students across the globe.

The Opportunity Grant Program offers qualified students funding on a per credit basis, and is available to eligible new or continuing students for coursework that begins with the June 29th term.

The thing I like about this particular Grant program, is that it’s available for the student through the completion of his or her degree program. Of course, to remain eligible, the student must be and remain in good academic standing with the University.

Who is Ellis University?

Ellis University is an online university that offers certificates, undergraduate and master’s programs in a variety of disciplines. Based in Chicago, Illinois, they are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and they are a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

For more information, visit www.ellis.edu or call (877) 355-4762.

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Get an online degree in just one year?

Posted by bposton on April 13th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

So, is it really possible to get a degree online in just one year?

Well, normally I would say “no way”. In fact, if you see websites or ads promising such a thing, then you should probably RUN - not walk - the other way.

However, something as come along that caught my attention and so I decided to let you know about it.

I found out about a program being promoted by educational expert Professor Sheila Danzig. The good doctor is promising to help any American student that doesn’t mind hard work to earn a degree online or at home in less than a year.

Skeptical?

You bet I was.

BUT… Danzig’s program is very different here.

How? Well first of all, at her website, www.thecareerpeople.com, she offers students an opportunity to earn a legitimate degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.

Again, most claims like this have a phase called “credit for life experience” or something like that. Which is a big red flag that you’re starring a diploma mill square in the face.

But this program doesn’t offer credit for life experience. What this program will do is show you how to earn college credit for college-level work that you have have done over the years outside a college classroom.

Most folks do know it, but there are many different types of learning that can qualify for college credit. For example, are you certified by Microsoft? Well, certification classes can be converted to college credits. Are you fluent in a foreign language? That can earn you up to nine semester credit hours.

Now I know what you’re thinking. This program is just how to test out of everything, right?

Nope.

This program is for anyone who wants to earn a degree online by taking courses or exams at home. Professor Danzig offers an electronic guide and free online consultation on her website that she says will enable anyone who follows the program to earn a degree online at an accredited university in the United States within one year.

So, how can you be sure it will work for you?

I can’t give you that answer - you’ll have to check it out for yourself and make sure. However, I can tell you that Doctor Danzig stands behind her program’s claim with a triple guarantee. She guarantees that anyone who follows her program exactly and does not earn an accredited college degree within one year will be refunded triple the cost of the program. That’s a pretty bold guarantee to make her bold claim.

Check it out - see what you think

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New Online Degrees from little and big colleges

Posted by bposton on February 17th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

If you thought the economy was slowing down the online degree programs at universities accross the US, then think again

A few colleges have announced new iniatives and online degree programs, such as…

Walden University, which is one of the leading providers of online degrees.
They just announced three new degree programs designed to meet increasing demands for qualified professionals in the fields of nursing, instructional design and technology, and management leadership with the addition of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing, B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology, and M.S. in Leadership progredams.

Here is a little more detail about each one of the new degree programs
M.S. in Leadership

This is designed to give students the tools and best practices they need to excel in today’s complex organizations. The new program will prepare students across disciplines to lead others and identify innovative solutions to challenges in a variety of professional settings, including the corporate, nonprofit, public, health care and education sectors.

Students can choose from eight specializations: Entrepreneurship, General Management, Human Resources Leadership, Innovation and Technology, Leader Development, Project Management, Self-Designed and Sustainable Futures.
B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology

Demand is high for professionals who can analyze training needs and goals, and then design and develop technology-supported instructional materials for various organizations. One of the few online degree programs of its kind in the nation, Walden’s B.S. in Instructional Design and Technology provides students with the skills and practical hands-on experience to help them succeed in the fields of instructional design and instructional technology. The program offers three concentrations: General Program, Business and Organizational Change, and Human Factors and Interface Design.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This is designed for current registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor’s degree (other than a BSN), and are seeking a BSN to help them achieve career advancement.

In case you were wondering, Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

For more information on these new degree programs, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

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OK, so this one is a little closer to my heart since it’s closer to home (in North Carolina)

Appalachian State University will begin offering an online degree-completion program leading to a bachelor of science degree in health promotion summer semester 2009.

It is the first online undergraduate degree to be offered by the university. (Good for them! ) and it should benefit employees working in health-related positions in corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies across the state.

A cohort of twenty students admitted to the degree program will take two courses each term for 3.5 years. The degree program will include coursework in nutrition and health, epidemiology, environmental health, health behavior change and health risk appraisal.  An internship experience and business minor will enhance the degree.

Information about the degree and admission requirements is available at www.online.northcarolina.edu

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So…what are YOU doing this summer? Here’s an idea…that pays!

Posted by bposton on February 9th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey my online degree dorm room buddies…

I know that it’s pretty cold outside, but let’s just relax and think about summer…

Warm sunshine, cool breezes…

WAIT - I need a JOB for this summer!!

If that kind of thinking has awaken you from your summertime daydream, then I’ve got some great news for you.

The wonderful folks at the Fresh Air Fund are hiring Camp Counderlors for the entire summer!

Fresh Air Fund camp counselors are young adults from all over the United States, representing diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In addition, many international students spend their summers as Fresh Air Fund counselors. The most admirable quality in a Fresh Air Fund camp staff member - wherever they’re from - is a commitment to work with inner-city children.

The Fresh Air Fund also welcomes international staff who wish to apply. They’ll even help you with obtaining visas for summer work in the United States.

Can’t beat that!

So if you are thinking about that summer job (and you SHOULD be, should’nt you? ) Then head over to the Fresh Air Fund site to apply for any one of the many positions they have open:

http://freshairfundcounselors.smnr.us/

later…

Ben

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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 | 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 | 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 | get your degree and save the world

Posted by bposton on January 10th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

OK, so here’s another reason why a goal of acheiving your degree online is a good one.

…It can help save the planet

No, it’s TRUE!

It turns out that choosing an online degree program is an incredibly easy way for
students to make an environmental impact.

That’s according to a new article from WorldWideLearn.com, the world’s premier online
education directory.

The article titled “Nine Ways to Save the World with Your College Degree” reveals
the environmental benefits associated with online education.

While there has not been much research done on this in the U.S. a number of
European organizations have already released studies that show the potential of the Internet
and other e-learning methods to radically reduce energy consumption and emissions.

At least that what the article says…

For example:

The Stockholm Environmental Institute and the UK’s Open University Design Innovation Group
found that, compared to traditional campus college courses, distance learning courses:
-   Consumed nearly 90% less energy
-   Produced 85% fewer CO2 emissions

These energy reductions included:
-   A 92% reduction in travel-related environmental impact
-   A nearly 50% reduction in paper and print consumption

So there you have it - get your degree online and help save the world!

If you want to get the article, just go to WorldWideLearn.com

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online degree programs psychology | An online degree refresher course for the Holidays

Posted by bposton on December 22nd, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Happy Holidays to all my online degree dorm roommates!!

With all your money going to Christmas gifts, textbooks for the next sememster, and gas, your money can stretch thin this time of year. Why not save some traveling cash by taking one or more online courses?

Here’s quick refresher course about online degrees:

You’ve seen the ads that say “Get your degree online”, but have you thought about what it means to school through an online program?

Online education, (also called distance learning and online learning), refers to taking classes over the Internet, usually using a course management system. For the most part, if you sign up for an online class, you will have access to a secure Web site with a course syllabus, reading materials, lectures, course materials discussion rooms and more. As long as your school and program are accredited, you are taking a real class, with a legitimate professor and genuine classmates.

Online education often appeals to working professionals, military personnel, and busy parents. Because you can access your class materials through the Internet, you can take your course virtually anywhere. You can login at the office during your lunch break, e-mail your professor from the airport and check your grades from your PDA.

There are different types of online education. The first is self-paced, which means that, so long as you complete your course within a certain period of time (usually 6,9 or 12 months), you can progress through your work as quickly or as slowly as you’d like. This type of online education is a great option if your schedule varies widely and the time you can dedicate to your course work is unpredictable.

“Asynchronous” courses are classes that do not require you to login in at a specific time, but require that your work be completed at a deadline assigned by the professor. This type of class is a great option for people whose learning style requires a balance of flexibility and structure. Either type allows you to fit your coursework into your busy lifestyle.

Taking classes online can help you freshen your skills and stay competitive in your industry, which helps you move up the ladder and negotiate a higher salary (or a bigger raise). Online education provides you with a way of keeping your professional goals in sight without disrupting your life.

So, save gas, and take online classes in 2008!

See you next year!

Ben
 

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