The Online Degree Dorm Room

online degree programs psychology | Help a Stranger get a Scholarship

Posted by bposton on August 19th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey my dorm room buddy

Hope your classes are off to a great start this semester

I read about this a few days ago and thought it was so cool I just had to share.

(You know how I like to share… )

You can help a complete stranger win a $7,500 scholarship for an online degree at Western Governors University. They have having what they call The Video Scholarship Contest and you can view the vidoes and vote for your favorite.

View all the videos at http://www.wgu.edu/landing/video_submissions.asp.
There are 37 entries in the scholarship video contest. Looks like there was dancing, rapping and singing on these videos explaining why they or someone they know deserve to earn a scholarship and how earning a degree from WGU would change their life.

By voting, you can help select the five finalists and the eventual winner.

Just so you know, WGU is a non-profit, accredited online university. The scholarship is part of WGU’s mission to expand access to quality higher education for busy adults.
Voting is over on Saturday, August 23rd, so get out there and VOTE!

Following the voting period, the five finalists will be announced on Monday, August 25 at noon EDT. Voting will then be re-opened for the top 5 videos and WGU’s selected panel of judges will then reevaluate the finalists and determine the prizes. All winners will be announced on September 3.
All finalists will receive a prize. The entire prize list is as follows:
Grand Prize: $7,500 scholarship (payable at $1,500 every six-month term enrolled for up to five terms) and $500
Second Place: $3,000 scholarship (payable at $1,000 every six-month term enrolled for up to three terms) and $500
Third Place: $2,000 scholarship (payable at $1,000 every six-month term enrolled for up to two terms) or $500
Two Runner-up Prizes: $100 Amazon.com gift certificates (Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest)

The WGU scholarships can be used for students pursuing an online degree in any discipline offered by WGU in its Colleges of Business, Education, Information Technology and Health Professions.

Get ready to smile, laugh and cry as you select your favorite videos. :-)

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online degree programs psychology | Economy Drives Up Demand For Online Degrees

Posted by bposton on July 29th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

WOW, talk about pain at the pump!

With the super high price of gas, and the fact that nobody can explain why it is so high, the country is coming to terms with the fact that these gas prices might just be here to stay.

While that is a scarry thought, at least it appears to be increasing demand for online degrees.

Cases in point:

Hodges University’s campuses have seen an online enrollment increase of nearly
150 percent.

At Florida Gulf Coast University, students taking at least one course online numbered 3,872 out of a total of 9,388 students last fall. In the spring, 4,312 students were enrolled online, or about 46 percent of the student body.

Edison College is looking at a 140 percent increase in students who take online classes.

Now, to be honest, no one has officially attributed this increase to the econony or high gas prices. In fact, some colleges point out that their marketing campaigns are the result. (yeah, right )

But I think anyone with half a brain can tell that if you factor in the cost of gas for communting, and the other costs like parking, etc, the cost of online degree programs is become more and more reasonable. And the overall weakness in the economy is causing a lot more folks to consider upgrading their education.

But hey - that’s what I get for thinking

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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 | 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 | Paralegal - The Next Best Thing to Becoming A Lawyer?

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

Interested in the field of Law, my dorm room buddy?

Well, you’re in good company.

As the law becomes more complex (maybe thanks to the lawyers on Capital Hill ) and since people in the US will sue you at the drop of a hat, there is more demand for legal representation.

Of course, this means that there is not just a need for more lawyers, but more legal support professionals as well.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals will be among the top 30 fastest-growing careers in the 10-year period ending in 2014.

Interested in becoming a Paralegal?

More than just a legal secretary, the paralegal career has advanced to the point that paralegals are taking on more responsibilities that require advanced training, and employers are demanding it.

That’s why All Criminal Justice Schools (ACJS) has launched a comprehensive, 16-page career guide for people wishing to become paralegals. The online guide can be found here. 

ACIS’ guide contains up-to-date information on certification, accreditation and degree information. It is designed to give people considering paralegal careers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about choosing schools, types of degrees and legal specialty areas.

Most important (at least to me) is that it also includes is a section on online degree programs, which is becoming more and more popular for paralegal training.

So have at it, my future paralegal…

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online degree programs psychology | military spouse discount tuition at Kaplan

Posted by bposton on January 29th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

If your spouse is in the military, then first of all you have my deepest thanks for all that you do for them and our country.

In a very small way, I’d like to post this as a way of giving back to those who have given so much.

I recently learned that Kaplan University is giving a 10 percent tuition discount for military spouses. And also that President Bush has asked Congress to allow service members to transfer unused G.I. Bill education benefits to their spouses and children.

So if you have a dream of earning or finishing your degree, then here is an opportunity to do so.

Just so you know, Kaplan is a leading provider of online higher education. They offer more than 100 academic programs that can be completed from anywhere in the world. So now, no matter where the military tells you to go, you have the flexibility of earning a degree online that could help you move to a new career or improve your current career.

By the way, Kaplan also offers a 15 percent tuition discount to all active military personnel, which they’ve been doing for a while now. They even have a dedicated military admissions team that understands the issues that active duty military personnel and their families face every day. 

The military spouse tuition discount will be available starting Wednesday, Jan. 30. If you’d like more information just call them at 866-889-4582.

And again, thanks so much for your sacrifice for our country!

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online degree programs psychology | 5 hard questions to ask before you start your online education

Posted by bposton on January 17th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

OK, so you’ve finally realized and decided that this is the year you’re
gonna start (or finish) that degree - right?

And, you’ve also decided that you’ll be taking most (if not all) of your
classes online.

So welcome to the online dormroom, good buddy!

Now, for a little “tough love”

(”What? on my first day in the online degree dormroom? )

There are a lot of online degree sites out there, and alot of wisdom on
what it takes to get your degree online. But I’d like to sum all of it up with just 5 questions…

Call it - the 5 hard questions to ask before you start your online education:

Numero Uno: Is the Online College or University you’re considering ACCREDITED?

Probably the most important question. You HAVE to look into accreditation.
Get your online degree from a non-accredited institution and you’re soon fine that
your degree is not recognized by some employers.

Or, almost as bad, that course you took will not transfer to another institutions.

Did you know that, unlike the practices of most other countries, the United States government does not ensure all online colleges are accredited?

So make absolutely sure you can answer YES to this question.

2. Can I transfer my credits?

Every online college and university has a different credit transfer policy.
So it’s very important if you’ve already earned some college credits understand the credit transfer policy before beginning an online program. Check with the institution to clarify any questions about transfer requirements, so you won’t be surprised later.

3. Do you know your Financial Aid options?

One of the most important things to consider with When researching an online college it is to look into the institution’s financial aid options. According to a 2003-04 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 63 percent of all undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid options include scholarships, work-study programs, grants, loans and loan-forgiveness programs.

So make sure you know how to “follow the money”

4. Are you the right kind of “learner” for an online degree program?

OK, this is tough one, because you have to be brutally honest with yourself.
Although an online education is the ideal way to learn for millions of people, it doesn’t fit everyone’s learning style.

So before you even apply for an online degree program make DARN SURE that online learning is conducive to your lifestyle. You have to think about your technology access and skills, your personal motivation and overall learning style and then decide if online learning is right for you.

5. Can you rely on your family and/or employer for support?

It’s a must that to do your best academically, you have to have the support of those closest to you. Talk this over with your family, because it WILL have an impact at home. It’s also important for you to make sure you have buy-in from the boss.

Or his boss .

Make sure your employer and manager will support you when you take your lunch hour catching up on a paper or answering a discussion question for your class.

Getting an online degree is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly and one
that will have a tremendous impact on your life. If you do things right, that impact will be very positive, such as improving your career, confidence and salary.

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online degree programs psychology | Nursing degree programs

Posted by bposton on September 9th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

If you’re considering becoming a nurse, you’re not alone.

Being a nurse is a great career choice, not only for those who are seeking a fulfilling career but also for those who want to move away from a monotonous, cubicle bound, nine to five office job.

The rapid changes in regulation and technology in health care sector make it a challenging profession
too. Which is why employers in medical and health care industries are always looking out
for those who are qualified, efficient, at ease with latest technology and knowledgeable in this field.

You could be one of those people, by getting a degree through an online nursing degree program.

You can get a nursing degree online even while continuing with your current job. Since you can schedule your classes around your personal commitments, they do not have to conflict. In,fact the flexibility of a nursing degree program is its major advantage. Studying online also means that you do not have to commute daily to college and that saves a lot of time and energy. You get your course material online and you can submit your assignments and projects online too.

An for the practical portion of your course, (which you can’t don online, of course) often times clinical lessons are arranged at a medical facility near your home.

One option is to get an online associate nursing degree just to get a feel of this profession.
It will work not just as an introduction but also as a gateway to getting advance degrees in nursing.

If you’re already a nurse, then a nursing master degree can do wonders for your career growth and future
prospects. 

So if you are interested in becoming a nurse, or enhancing your current nursing skills, getting
an online nursing degree program should be your first priority.

Also note that as compared to regular degree courses, it can also be less expensive option. Many online institutions also offer scholarships based on merit and need.

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Associate Online Degree Programs | Prestigeous Schools go online

Posted by bposton on November 24th, 2006 — Posted in associate online degree programs

Online education has grown much more popular since the advent of the Internet. But to be honest, most online degrees are still coming from for-profit schools like the University of Phoenix, and not from the traditional brick-and-mortar colleges.

In fact, a lot of the country’s most elite universities have pretty much avoided the trend towards online degrees, thinking that a computer cannot replace the intellectual exchange offered by attending classes in person.

But that is changing - finally

The new online engineering master’s degree offered by Stanford and a handful of other respected universities are embracing online education. Or a least giving it a try. 

Duke University’s new “Global Executive MBA'’ is completely Internet-based. Johns Hopkins University offers an online master’s degree program in bioinformatics.

This is important because it’s a sign that online education is becoming mainstream when these prestigous universities are sticking their toes in the water to see if it’s warm.

It’s a very good sign to me

Ben

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Associate Online Degree Programs | All About Associate Degrees - A summary

Posted by bposton on November 21st, 2006 — Posted in associate online degree programs

I hope I haven’t bored you to tears with all these posts about associate degrees

And maybe you’ve even learned a few things that you didn’t know, like:

The difference between Community and Junior Colleges

The three different classes of associate degrees

The three different types of people that persue associate degrees or take associate degree courses

The advantages of associate degrees over 4 year degrees

How to make sure that your community college is accredited and that the credits you earn will be transferable to a 4 year school if that is your plan.

If you didn’t catch all of the posts, don’t worry, there still here in the online degree dorm room. Just take a look around and you’re find those and other posts that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Ben

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