Top Associate, Bachelor's & Master's Degree Programs, Careers and Salary Options
For some students, there is an easy answer to the choice of career options and field of study. It may be a life-long wish formed in early childhood or the profession that is a family tradition. For most students, the choice of field and career is not simple. Selecting a career and field of study should involve careful thought for prospective students. The best way to make the choice is to put some time and effort into the process. This can increase your chance of making a great choice and finding a satisfying and rewarding career, whether you are considering only on-campus programs or online degree programs.
There are many choices for fields and careers. In terms of popularity, computers and technology rank near the top as does healthcare and related fields. Education and social services have a middle rank along with the arts and communications. Science is in the top ten along with the business fields. The vocational trades and transportation also form a significant part of the top career fields. Depending on the field or career path you choose and how your school search goes, it may be best for some students to earn bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or even doctoral degrees.
Interpersonal Relationships
Success in any career benefits from a positive approach and willingness to work as leaders or followers. In the modern corporation and the high-technology workplace, being able to relate to everyone in the building is a must.
Adaptability
Change is the consistent theme of the information age, and successful careers have the capacity to welcome and adapt to technological change and innovations. Adaptability includes the ability to join in the sharp or gradual transformations that constantly occur in typical work environments. This is much of the reason why those in management positions earn advanced degrees, such as MBA or Master’s of Business Administration degrees.
Creativity and Imagination
Successful careers require the ability to think creatively and use your imagination. In many fields, success depends on developing new ideas and fresh concepts. Successful careers include the risk of trying and failing but learning in the process. Creativity involves the traits of resilience and persistence.
Critical Thinking
Problem-solving is an important attribute. Successful careers involve taking in the challenges of the field of study or workplace and striving to make significant contributions. Critical thinking uses logic, independent thinking, and strong analytical senses to develop ideas and concepts.
Campus learning is synchronous learning, in which students gather at the same time and place to participate in classroom work. Campus learning centers around a physical campus and students must either live on or near the campus or commute to their lessons. It does have many advantages. Students can live in a community of scholars and interact with faculty and other students through face-to-face interactions. Students learn valuable socialization skills. However, campus learning typically requires students to leave their homes, jobs, and families to attend school. This may not be practical for people that work or have other important obligations that require their presence.
Online classes makes education accessible to millions of people that either cannot, or prefer not to, attend classes on a physical campus. These include online associate degrees, online bachelor’s degree programs and master’s degree programs. Online education permits full- or part-time attendance for working people, business people, and persons that for various reasons cannot attend on-campus. One field that offers many online classes and ultimately an accredited online degree, is the business field. This is especially useful for graduate students who are trying to reach their career goals. Online learning is asynchronous, meaning that students learn individually and at different times. Online education provides flexibility as students can access class content on their schedules rather than on the school’s schedule.
The hybrid method combines on-campus courses and online coursework into a custom or school-made program. Some students may prefer to take as many courses as possible online and attend on-campus classes only as required. Other students may prefer to attend on-campus classes except for the times or courses that they cannot fit into their schedule. The hybrid approach accommodates many types of student situations.
The below-listed items provide an overview of typical degree requirements:
Associate degrees online require approximately 60-65 semester credit hours. Students can complete the degree in two to three years.
Online bachelor’s programs typically require 120-125 semester hours and students can complete the curriculum in four to five years. The typical online experience is often completed in four to six or more years because many online students attend an online program part-time while managing full or part-time jobs, businesses, or other obligations.
The master’s degree requires a bachelor’s degree. In addition to the pre-requisite level of education, a graduate degree curriculum, including online graduate programs, requires 30-36 hours of coursework and a dissertation or capstone project.
Associate and bachelor’s programs accept high school graduates or GED diploma holders. However, they may apply other academic standards to the admission process as well. The college and major you choose can require completion of the SAT or ACT exams and may have a minimum score necessary for entry. Once you are in the program, you are often required to maintain a certain average GPA (grade point average) in order to remain. Colleges and universities sometimes make use of academic probation or suspensions in order to make sure the students in their programs are dedicated to learning.
Many schools and majors require admissions testing for undergraduate and graduate online school admissions. Undergraduate admissions typically ask for the SAT or ACT to rate students on learning potential, and efficiency in reading, science, and math. In a similar way, graduate schools require general or specialized tests. Some schools do not require them, and many secondary education institutions have procedures that can waive the exam in cases of substantial life or work experience.
Some fields also value experience and put a higher value on industry experience. Students who have both experience and some form of graduate degree or professional degree from an accredited institution, will have better career opportunities with employers. Nursing is an example, as is teaching, of a field in which various levels of education require hands-on experience as either a prerequisite or a learning mechanism.
Many schools and majors require admissions testing for undergraduate and graduate online school admissions. Undergraduate admissions typically ask for the SAT or ACT to rate students on learning potential, and efficiency in reading, science, and math. In a similar way, graduate schools require general or specialized tests. Some schools do not require them, and many secondary education institutions have procedures that can waive the exam in cases of substantial life or work experience.
Some fields also value experience and put a higher value on industry experience. Students who have both experience and some form of graduate degree or professional degree from an accredited institution, will have better career opportunities with employers. Nursing is an example, as is teaching, of a field in which various levels of education require hands-on experience as either a prerequisite or a learning mechanism.
The time required for online completion of a degree and on-campus should be about equal at most schools for most students. The standard for a four-year degree is eight semesters whether online or on-campus. Some online schools appeal to students by offering accelerated course curricula. Accelerated curricula condenses the requirements into fewer courses to speed up graduation. Many students can accelerate graduation by attending online, but this requires a much heavier than usual credit-load.
The average cost of an associate degree online is about $4,500
The cost of an online bachelor’s degree is about $12,000
The average cost of an online master’s degree is approximately $7,500
University HQ recommends that students carefully consider the available college majors at any school they may select. The college major and related coursework will affect your level of preparedness upon graduation. Students should look carefully at coursework and faculty qualifications; they should carefully determine if the program can provide a strong educational foundation in the field of choice.
The time required for online completion of a degree and on-campus should be about equal at most schools for most students. The standard for a four-year degree is eight semesters whether online or on-campus. Some online schools appeal to students by offering accelerated course curricula. Accelerated curricula condenses the requirements into fewer courses to speed up graduation. Many students can accelerate graduation by attending online, but this requires a much heavier than usual credit-load.
The average cost of an associate degree online is about $4,500
The cost of an online bachelor’s degree is about $12,000
The average cost of an online master’s degree is approximately $7,500
University HQ recommends that students carefully consider the available college majors at any school they may select. The college major and related coursework will affect your level of preparedness upon graduation. Students should look carefully at coursework and faculty qualifications; they should carefully determine if the program can provide a strong educational foundation in the field of choice.
On-time graduation is an important measure of student performance. Schools design their bachelor’s degree courses of study to support four-year completion with an average of 15 credit hours per semester. Students may prefer or fall into a pattern of 12 or fewer semester hours, but this will lengthen the amount of time it takes to earn your degree. The items below describe the on-time completion rates across all majors and college degree programs.
Chart- On-Time Completion Averages for Four-Year Schools
Accreditation is a vital part of the selection process for online or on-campus degrees. Accreditation is an assurance of quality education relied upon by students, graduates, employers, and other educational institutions. The US Department of Education appoints independent organizations to conduct accreditation assessments. They can grant or deny accreditation based upon objective educational standards. The Department of Education established a set of regions and appointed an agency to verify accreditation of the schools, colleges, and universities offering higher education within those territories. There are two types of accreditation; they are regional accreditation and national accreditation.
National Accreditation is a type of assessment that compares elements of a school with other similar schools across the entire US. The types of schools that can get national accreditation include some online-only schools, vocational schools, and schools with special classifications like faith-based organizations. National accreditation works well when the agency has Department of Education recognition.
Regional accreditation is the most influential and widely accepted type of accreditation. Regional accreditation is intensive and thorough. The standards include the best -performing institutions in a multi-state region.
Accreditation reviews the policies and details of the school’s approach to education. It considers resources for education like libraries and laboratories. Regional accreditation reviews faculty qualifications and experience. It can be institution-wide or cover a single department or program. When focused on a small part, it is called programmatic accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on a single part of a school, and it is often a single program or department such as an MBA program, English department, or Computer Science program.
Program accreditation often has special impact because it is narrow and focused. Some accreditation groups offer a kind of special endorsement such as an online accounting or MBA program with an endorsement from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
In the technology-driven global economy, nearly every type of business uses technology. Most businesses and companies have some involvement with Internet technology or at least they use computers, and every business has an interest in keeping electronic records secure. Technology and computers are everywhere in modern workplaces, and students and graduates must be comfortable with varying degrees of technology.
The basics involve computer literacy and familiarity with operating systems and common electronic devices. Software typically requires a learning curve and graduates that can learn quickly have an advantage over those that do not have a level of comfort with varying types of software. Technical fields and occupations require technology skills. Skilled trades increasingly need technological experience. For example, truck driving today, not considered a technical trade, involves GPS, onboard computer, and electronic time management and logistical tracking. Further, the truck engine and motor controls operate through electronic systems, and many truck drivers have some level of mechanical ability to fix small issues on their vehicle so they can keep driving without long, or expensive, stops. Continue reading to learn which professional degrees and degree levels are right for you.
The time required for online completion of a degree and on-campus should be about equal at most schools for most students. The standard for a four-year degree is eight semesters whether online or on-campus. Some online schools appeal to students by offering accelerated course curricula. Accelerated curricula condenses the requirements into fewer courses to speed up graduation. Many students can accelerate graduation by attending online, but this requires a much heavier than usual credit-load.
Accreditation is a vital part of the selection process for online or on-campus degrees. Accreditation is an assurance of quality education relied upon by students, graduates, employers, and other educational institutions. The US Department of Education appoints independent organizations to conduct accreditation assessments. They can grant or deny accreditation based upon objective educational standards. The Department of Education established a set of regions and appointed an agency to verify accreditation of the schools, colleges, and universities offering higher education within those territories. There are two types of accreditation; they are regional accreditation and national accreditation.
National Accreditation is a type of assessment that compares elements of a school with other similar schools across the entire US. The types of schools that can get national accreditation include some online-only schools, vocational schools, and schools with special classifications like faith-based organizations. National accreditation works well when the agency has Department of Education recognition.
Regional accreditation is the most influential and widely accepted type of accreditation. Regional accreditation is intensive and thorough. The standards include the best -performing institutions in a multi-state region.
Accreditation reviews the policies and details of the school’s approach to education. It considers resources for education like libraries and laboratories. Regional accreditation reviews faculty qualifications and experience. It can be institution-wide or cover a single department or program. When focused on a small part, it is called programmatic accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on a single part of a school, and it is often a single program or department such as an MBA program, English department, or Computer Science program.
Program accreditation often has special impact because it is narrow and focused. Some accreditation groups offer a kind of special endorsement such as an online accounting or MBA program with an endorsement from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
In the technology-driven global economy, nearly every type of business uses technology. Most businesses and companies have some involvement with Internet technology or at least they use computers, and every business has an interest in keeping electronic records secure. Technology and computers are everywhere in modern workplaces, and students and graduates must be comfortable with varying degrees of technology.
The basics involve computer literacy and familiarity with operating systems and common electronic devices. Software typically requires a learning curve and graduates that can learn quickly have an advantage over those that do not have a level of comfort with varying types of software. Technical fields and occupations require technology skills. Skilled trades increasingly need technological experience. For example, truck driving today, not considered a technical trade, involves GPS, onboard computer, and electronic time management and logistical tracking. Further, the truck engine and motor controls operate through electronic systems, and many truck drivers have some level of mechanical ability to fix small issues on their vehicle so they can keep driving without long, or expensive, stops. Continue reading to learn which professional degrees and degree levels are right for you.
An online associate degree is the fastest and lowest cost way to get a college degree. Students can select an associate in order to earn a degree that opens entry-level jobs and lays a foundation for a bachelor’s degree.
The most popular college degrees or academic degrees that are the most familiar to people in the United States are the A.A., A.S. and the A.A.S. You want to look for 2 year degree programs that are accredited by a regional or national education institution in order to transfer your credits to a four year college to complete your undergraduate college degree. You should always consult with your academic advisor to prepare for your future college education path.
A bachelor’s degree online can add thousands in annual income and hundreds of thousands over a lifetime of earnings. Attaining a bachelor’s degree will give you access to more options for jobs and careers.
The most popular education courses and academic degrees that are the most familiar to people in the United States are the B.A. and B.S. Read more below to learn about the different 4 year bachelor degree types.
An online master’s degree can add thousands in annual income and hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime of earnings. Students can choose fields that hold high interest and growth potential. While these degrees take longer to earn, they are a requirement for many jobs in academic sectors and much in demand in healthcare and public sectors.
The most popular academic degrees that are the most familiar to people in the United States are the M.A., M.F.A. and M.S. Read more below to learn about the different 2 year master’s degree types that are available.
There is a direct relationship between salary and completed degree levels. The incomes of associate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree (professional degrees) graduates rise with their education level. The level of completed academic degrees has the same type of effect as years of experience. One should note that, with technology and innovation forcing high rates of change, the best candidate for a given job may be a recent graduate that has been immersed in the latest technologies and best practices.
Salary can vary within a field of study depending on the specific occupation class selected. Technology and innovation continuously raise the need for education and training, Employers must ask for higher levels of education, and they pay higher salaries to get the necessary qualifications. Technology and innovation can create a sharp increase in demand for particular occupations and skillsets with the occupation classes. In some cases, the best-qualified workers are recent graduates with current technology backgrounds.
Occupations | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Late Career |
---|---|---|---|
IT Manager | $63,800 | $79,700 | $100,400 |
Chemical Engineer | $67,400 | $87,500 | $123,900 |
Medical Assistant | $30,800 | $34,800 | $39,500 |
Medical Technician | – | – | – |
Electrical Engineer | $66,800 | $84,500 | $110,500 |
Project Manager | $56,000 | $77,700 | $90,800 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $139,600 | $160,100 | $177,600 |
Sr. Physical Therapist | $75,500 | $79,700 | $89,000 |
Flight engineer | $61,000 | $71,200 | $90,000 |
Pharmacist | $102,500 | $119,800 | $121,600 |
Selecting an accredited college is an essential step in finding and completing an online or on-campus degree. At all levels of education, accreditation adds to the value and usefulness of the degree and it guarantees wide acceptance for the credit hours earned in pursuit of a degree. The school can have national, regional, or programmatic accreditation. Regional institutional accreditation and regional programmatic accreditation is the ideal combination for most students at two or four-year schools.
However, you need to be aware that some fields can have special program accreditation from agencies dedicated to high-quality education in that particular field. If your field of study has one accrediting agency that is the gold standard for accreditation in the field, you should do your best to find a program accredited by that agency.
Students should choose online, on-campus, or hybrid types of attendance based upon their situations. Online education is ideal for students that wish to continue working while pursuing a degree. The advantages of online education include lower costs and flexible class attendance. Students have a wide range of freedom to choose when to access course content.
Students should choose online, on-campus, or hybrid types of attendance based upon their situations. Online education is ideal for students that wish to continue working while pursuing a degree. The advantages of online education include lower costs and flexible class attendance. Students have a wide range of freedom to choose when to access course content.
Students should look for post-graduate job placement and career counseling when selecting a school. You first job can boost the early stages of a career. It is not too early to plan for life after the degree program completes. The inquiry should go in depth on this subject. Students should know whether there is a department dedicated to job placement and counseling. They should ask about the size of the program and the types of counseling, coaching, and interview preparation assistance it offers.
A school, college, or university is more than a collection of classrooms and teachers. A school is a community of alumni, supporters, corporate partners, and sponsors. It should be an engine for networking and referrals for graduates.
The best school for any student is the one that best meets his or her needs and preferences. Rankings are only one way of examining the right school. Rankings can make a difference in the way employers and other educational institutions you’re your academic achievement. They can work for or against graduates when seeking jobs to start careers. Schools with high rankings can support interview and positive hiring decisions that may yield higher salaries than lower ranked schools.
No matter how you feel about it, rankings are a factor, and they can affect salary ranges and job offers. When examining school rankings, employers value high graduation rates, low rates of drop-outs, and high indicators on graduates finding high-paying jobs. Employers can use rankings to help predict the level of performance from graduates of a particular school or type of school. However, ranking is not more important than selecting a school that meets your needs and complements your objectives. When all things seem nearly equal, then rankings can be an excellent factor to add to the equation.
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