“I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington

What comes to mind when you think of agriculture? 

When you think of the term ‘agriculture’ you probably conjure up certain images, such as that of a field-bound farmer toiling away in the broiling heat of a midday sun. Conversely, you probably do not imagine highly lucrative agriculture careers with highly diverse, specialized skill sets. 

As you will soon discover in this article, long-gone are the days where a profession in agriculture equated to long days of manual labor in the outdoor heat. In today’s world, agriculture science is no longer limited to farmwork, and can act as a bridge into many seemingly unrelated careers. Basically any industry that depends on products harvested from the natural world will have roots in agricultural science. And what’s more–not only has the professional job market of agriculture evolved immensely, but so too has the potential for highly rewarding professions–both in terms of available career opportunities as well as career trajectory for specific careers.

What Does this Mean to You? 

Well, simply put it means that there has never been a better time to consider a profession in agriculture. Moreover there has never been more entry-points into the most rewarding sectors of the job market. While a degree in agriculture will not pigeonhole you into a career of outdoor labor, it can open the door to some of the best outdoor jobs available. 

Few careers offer such impressive diversity. A background in agriculture can lead to a career in petroleum engineering or environmental engineering, or crop and soil science. These careers in turn offer vastly different work environments–from research work in labs, to golf course management, to engineering or construction work on oil field operations. 

As with any career with such diverse professional paths however, it is crucial for prospective professionals to determine both their chosen entry-point into their career–be it advanced education or work experience–and the desired end point of their efforts. For instance, if you want to manage or develop golf courses it might take years of building experience in tangential fields to build up the necessary experience. 

Review our Agriculture Degree FAQs Before We Delve Deeper into Careers 

• What can I do with an agriculture degree?
• What classes will I have to take for a degree in agriculture?
• Why do I need a degree to become an agricultural manager?
• What degree will I need to become an agricultural engineer?
• What is the difference between an agricultural engineer and an environmental engineer? 
• How do I become an organic farmer?
• What degree is needed to become an organic chemist?
• What Jobs Can I Get With a Biology Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Genetic Engineer?
• Top 10 green-career for nature lovers  
• Top degrees for animal lovers 
• What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Questions to consider to determine if an agriculture degree is for you

• Do you prefer working in a solo or independent environment? Or do you prefer working in a team or group setting? 
  • Answering this question will help you decide between the various agricultural careers defined by more independent research and responsibilities, as well as the more social career paths such as those in the corporate environment. 

• Do you want to work outdoors, indoors, or in a mixture of both? 
  • A background in agriculture will open many doors to outdoor professions, so it is important to decide whether this is something you value. 
  • It is important to note here that the flexibility inherent in agriculture’s robust career paths and opportunities means that you should be able to find the perfect match for you–whether that means working outside for every billable hour or if it means working indoors without exception. 

• Do you prefer theory and research or do you prefer working where rubber meets road where theories become action?
  • Available agriculture careers offer a number of research heavy, laboratory-type opportunities, as well as ‘boots on the ground’ professions where you will be heavily involved in the action. 
  • Do you lean towards one or the other? Or perhaps your ideal career lies somewhere in the middle. 

• Do you want to teach eventually? 
  • While this question may be harder to answer earlier in your career, and work as a teacher can be pursued at any time, the qualifications to land upper-tier teaching gigs are steep. 
  • To become a professor of agriculture for instance requires a stout background in research in combination with an advanced degree. For most professionals this will require long-term planning, and so even if you think you may want to consider it in the future, there will be some necessary steps to take and benchmarks to hit. 

• What is your desired entry-point into your chosen career? 
  • When deciding on how best to prepare for entering the job market, at some point you will inevitably have to choose between building work experience and pursuing advanced education. While pursuing both at the same time is certainly possible, doing so will require careful planning and consideration. 

• • When answering this question you will need to have a clear conception of your goals, as well as how to meet these goals within the context of your chosen profession. 

In order to fully answer these questions you will need a strong understanding of the various career opportunities available to you, as well as the requirements for maximizing these opportunities. So let’s review some of the most profitable careers in agriculture and what education or work history is required for each, so that you can make an informed decision. 

Most Common Agriculture Careers

Before we delve into the upper echelon of professions let’s go over the most commonly held job types with a degree in agriculture. While these jobs may not be the most profitable, they are important to be aware of since they represent the majority of opportunities within the agricultural job market. On the other hand, positions like that of the agronomist offer highly impressive high-end salaires. And much like any profession, the pay of these jobs can be multiplied when you push into upper tier opportunities with greater experience and specialization. 

• Farm Manager
• Average Salary: $60,000
  • A farm manager is a role self-explained by its title. Farm managers oversee farming operations in all shapes and sizes. 
  • As such their responsibilities run the gambit of tasks involved in farm upkeep and oversight, and they are not afraid to get to work in the mud if needed. 

• Agronomist
• Average Salary: $84,000
  • An agronomist acts as the bridge between farming operations and crop researchers. 
  • The agronomist is often dubbed “the crop doctor,” because their responsibility is in monitoring the health of crops, and employing strategies to ensure a successful yield.

• Agriculture Educator
• Average Salary: $47,365
  • An agriculture educator works in a variety of educational environments to explore and pass on knowledge of farming, agriculture, and the complex dynamics of harvesting and preserving natural resources. 
  • These educators work within programs at all levels of education in a range of settings from middle school classrooms to non-profit consultancy organizations, to doctoral programs at high-end universities around the world.  

• Agricultural Consultant
• Average Salary: $64,803
  • An agricultural consultant assumes the role of educating clients within the context of a specific subject or desired result. 
  • For instance, agricultural consultants often work closely with golf courses or golf teams to ensure the quality of a golf course. They might also work closely with construction groups to advise on the structural integrity of the ground, or they might advise farmers on how to employ various new technologies to improve the yield of their harvests. 

• Soil Scientist
• Average Salary: $63,280
  • A soil scientist is a master of–you guessed it–soil. Do not be deceived by this simplistic description however, soil science is a vast and complex field that works to push environmental science innovation forward. 
  • A soil scientist studies the newest research and collects data on the most effective ways to preserve soil health in order to facilitate successful farming operations, human health, as well as land conservation. As such they are often at the forefront of large scale conservation efforts. 

How to Find the Highest-Paying Degrees and Careers in Agriculture

When considering the best payoff for a career in agriculture there are some ‘universals’ to consider when choosing a degree. 

• Firstly, while there are some exceptions, a more advanced degree will typically result in higher salary potentials. Similarly, the majority of well-paying jobs in the agricultural job market are those that lean into either engineering or specialized data analysis, so if your career path leans into those skill sets, you are likely going to see impressive salaries.
• Secondly, work experience also acts as a multiplier on one’s salary. So in many cases it might be worth it to build experience in a job that’s less profitable at face-value in order to unlock the higher salaries that come with seniority, rather than jumping over to a career path with higher salary averages. A minor point here, too, is that if you are not finding the salaries you want for a certain job in your area, you may need to branch out your search to other parts of the country, since agriculture jobs more than other jobs are subject to strong regional influence on pricing and compensation.
• The third and perhaps most important point is to lean into your strengths. You will be much more successful in a career that you enjoy and are able to be passionate about year-in and year-out. And it goes without saying that the greater your success in your career, the greater financial opportunities you will enjoy. 

Requirements for high earnings in agriculture

• Before we explore these there are a few points to consider. While these professions may not have the highest end-point salaries in the industry, we believe it is unhelpful to prospective students and professionals to report a salary that represents an enigma, or an exceedingly rare level of compensation that would be extremely unlikely for anyone to obtain, not to mention those just starting their careers. 
• So to organize this list, we took into account both the career’s average salary in combination with the earnings of the lower 10% and the higher 10% in order to determine their spot within this list.  
• There are certainly other agricultural professions that are highly profitable, however the following careers are those that are both common and reasonably accessible to prospective professionals and students alike.

• The salary stats below were gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and Salary.com 

The Most Lucrative Jobs in Agriculture

Agricultural Operations Manager

Average Salary: $67,950 

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Agricultural Management, Master’s or MBA helpful  

An agricultural operations manager represents a promotion from the traditional farm manager position. While a farm manager might oversee a single farm, an operations manager will specialize in a subset of specific farming operations, oftentimes spread out over many farming operations in an area. In today’s economy for instance, a highly demanded agricultural operations manager position is one where the manager oversees all the industrial hemp operations for farming operations with many locations. 

According to the BLS in 2018 the median wage for farm and ranch managers was $67,950 while the lowest 10% of earners made less than $35,440, and the highest 10% brought home more than $136,940. This is a profession that was in a dire shortage just a few years ago, so the compensation packages have improved drastically and evidently become very impressive at the upper levels, however the BLS reports that overall growth will be little due to the consolidation of smaller farming operations into larger ones. This does represent a unique albeit highly competitive route for promotion and professional advancement. 

Animal Geneticist 

Average Salary: $68,840

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science, Advanced Degrees and Specialization in Genetics or Bioinformatics Helpful

Animal geneticists within the agricultural sector are masters of bioinformatics. They employ advanced mathematics, computing techniques, and laboratory technology in order to map out the genetic factors involved in the various components of animal life, such as overall health, success rates of reproduction, and resistance to disease. Because of this specialty, animal geneticists are at the forefront of many large scale production operations, as well as conservation efforts. 

This career path is one that is heavily influenced by one’s educational background with work history coming in close-second. For this reason, a professional will achieve a salary that multiplies the average when they enter the job market with an advanced degree such as a PhD in Genetics or Genetical Engineering.

Food Scientist 

Average Salary: $71,990 

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Agriculture, Degree in Food Science Helpful

A food scientist employs a deep knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and engineering in order to master the various dynamics of food processing–whether that be through actually cooking food, or through working in the industry on the industrial production side. Food scientists are charged with employing various strategies to monitor food degradation and to prevent it entirely where possible. Much like an animal geneticist, the highly specialized knowledge and skill sets involved in food science make it a career where advanced education is appreciated and rewarded.

Reflecting this reality is 2018 data from the BLS. The lowest 10% of food scientists earned less than $38,740 annually, while the highest 10% of earners made more than $116,740 While the BLS predicts no impressive growth, it is clear that overall employment of agricultural and food scientists will have grown by 7% between 2016 and 2026. This growth is near the average for all occupational growth in the United States.

Agricultural Engineer

Average Salary: $74,480 

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering, Master’s or PhD Helpful

An agricultural engineer is a sort of ‘jack of all trades’ who is the ultimate problem solver of agricultural operations. They manage any power supply issues, strategize what farming technology to use and how to use it, all while prioritizing the highest level of space, time, and energy management. That is, they are charged with ensuring that a farming operation is an efficient operation. Because of the experiential knowledge involved, education level seems equally balanced with work history in terms of scaling salaries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agricultural engineers earned a median salary of $77,110 in May 2018 which has jumped to $80,720 as of 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,500 in 2018 to $47,330 in 2019, and the highest 10% earned more than $116,850 in 2018 to $160,950 in 2019. The BLS estimates that employment of agricultural engineers will have grown by 5% between 2018 and 2028 – slightly smaller growth than the average growth for all occupations. While job growth may be slow, the rise in salaries over the past few years demonstrates a highly profitable job market.

Agronomy Sales Manager 

Average Salary: $76,470

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science, MBA or Sales Specialization Helpful

Agronomy sales managers are the ‘shot callers’ of the farming industry. They typically manage a team of salespeople and fly all over the country to educate farmers on how to properly manage their operation while simultaneously promoting their products, which primarily take the form of fertilizer, seed, farm equipment, or anti-pest chemicals. Because of their role in sales, sales experience or a sales degree might even outweigh the importance of an agriculture degree.

That is not to say you do not need one, but if you don’t, you may be able to compensate with a strong work history in sales. Likewise, if you want to pursue the upper-end salaries as an agronomy sales manager, you should look to develop sales experience in conjunction with an advanced degree in agricultural science or agricultural engineering. This will help you achieve the high-end salaries reported to be in the low six-figures, or as high as $200,000 annually in senior management positions.

Agricultural Commodities Broker and Trader 

Average Salary: $78,214

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s of Agriculture, Agribusiness; Master’s of Agribusiness, MBA, or Sales Specialization helpful

Agricultural commodities brokers are investment-traders that specialize in the agricultural market. Oftentimes these brokers will specialize in a particular crop such as corn, rice, or coffee beans. They will then monitor the market for these crops, set trade values, and execute trades respectively. Throughout this process the broker develops client relationships in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of commodity trading. 

As such it represents a highly social job type with highly promising salary indexes. According to Payscale the bottom 10% of these professionals earn an average of $49,000 annually, or less. The top 10% of brokers report earning around $138,000 or more. Given the social nature of this profession and the importance of managing relationships, higher salaries seem strongly weighted towards those with the most working experience in the industry–while an advanced degree in agriculture or sales will certainly speed up the process.

Agricultural Hydrologist 

Average Salary: $79,370

Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s in Hydrology, Master’s in Agricultural Science

Water is the lifeblood of any agricultural operation, and it is similarly crucial to any environmental conservation efforts. Thus at the center of the agriculture industry is the hydrologist. The hydrologist specializes in knowledge concerning water chemistry, groundwater behavior, as well as hydration demands of certain crops or farming strategies. Success in this field requires at least a bachelor’s in agricultural science with a specialization in hydrology. Advanced agricultural degrees often include sufficient hydrology coursework, however as with any highly specialized career path, the more education the better.

According to the BLS, hydrologists earned an average of $79,370 in 2018, which has jumped to $81,270 in 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,820 in 2018 to $51,220 in 2019. The top 10% of highest earning hydrologists brought in more than $122,890 in 2018 and $127,400. The BLS expects employment for hydrologists to have expanded by 7% between 2018 and 2028 – just slightly faster than the average for all occupations in the US. Thus the field of hydrology is growing fast, and not only that, but the salary indexes are jumping nicely year after year–with upper end employment bringing in solid six-figure salaries.

Check out the top 20 non-law firm jobs with a law degree.

Agricultural Economist 

Average Salary: $104,920

Degree Requirements: Double Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science and Economics, Advanced Degrees Helpful

An agricultural economist is the statistician behind commodities trading and brokering, the mathematician behind the agronomist’s price-setting. Agricultural economists have a highly specialized knowledge base, so advanced education takes priority over work history. 

According to the BLS, economist jobs are fairly lucrative in general with agricultural economics ranking around the middle for economy job salaries overall. Professionals with more advanced degrees such as a Master’s or PhD in Agricultural Economics should be able to pull in salaries that nearly double that of the average. To obtain these positions however, will require an impressive pedigree of research achievements as well as a robust background in advanced education.

Agricultural Lawyer 

Average Salary: $115,820

Degree Requirements: Law Degree; Agricultural Science Specialization (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Law Specialization)

When you think of legal professions, agricultural lawyers are probably not the first type to come to mind. Agricultural lawyers are in extremely high demand, and are some of the most well-paid legal professionals overall. This is because the agriculture industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries on the planet, while also representing one of the largest industries on the planet. For these two reasons, agricultural lawyers are crucial for small farmers and multimillion dollar agricultural operations to navigate the legal environment. 

These lawyers have an immense task of understanding not only local and regional regulations, but also federal law and regulations, as well as international trade regulations. For this reason, advanced agricultural lawyers who demonstrate success in these arenas earn astronomical salaries of mid to high six figures. These types of salaries however, represent the end-goal for agricultural lawyers and may only be achieved after decades of success. Regardless of this fact, average salaries remain some of the highest in the industry, and represent a lucrative specialization for any aspiring lawyers as well. 

Agricultural Purchasing Manager 

Average Salary: $118,940

Degree Requirements: Bachelors in Agribusiness, Master’s or PhD in Agribusiness, MBA or Sales Specialization Helpful 

Agricultural purchasing managers work at the upper-end of the agronomist’s market, expanding their scope of business beyond that of the agronomist to include the acquisitions of entire farming operations. These managers oversee groups of purchasing agents to monitor market trends in order to swoop-in at advantageous times to acquire agricultural infrastructure. These purchasing managers have earned a somewhat negative reputation–at least where local farmers are concerned–because these purchasing managers are the ones who often offer failing farmers a deal they cannot resist. 

While this may lead to a negative connotation from farmers, the purchasing manager is a position of seniority and prestige. These professionals are trusted by large organizations to oversee high-end investments and the management of million-dollar budgets. To excel in this field, you will need to master the ins and outs of the agriculture business, while demonstrating stellar sales instincts and abilities. The BLS reports that high-end purchasing managers pull in around $200,000 annually. 

Fast Facts About Lucrative Agriculture Jobs

• The most profitable degrees in agriculture seem to be those that either involve highly specialized knowledge, or those that involve high-end business maneuvering. 
• These two different approaches can be divided in this way: Agribusiness Degrees, and Advanced Science Degrees. 
• Agribusiness degrees can be maximized by pursuing a business degree or law degree in conjunction and lead to by far the most profitable careers in the industry. 
• To maximize your earning potential in advanced science careers of agriculture, it is important to pursue the absolute highest degree you can, that is, the most specialized degree in your chosen field. This path leads to professions like the Agricultural Hydrologist, Food Scientist, or Agricultural Geneticist. 
• Of course, the final pointer here is to not let these linear paths described above dissuade you from pursuing your passions. Maybe you dislike having to choose between agribusiness and advanced science careers.
• For instance, consider this question: are you interested in the intersection between agribusiness and advanced science? If so, then you may be able to carve a path that incorporates the most lucrative aspects of both. 
• In short, do not settle for anything less than your highest aspirations. 

The post Highest Paying Degrees in Agriculture – Majors and Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Three of the reasons are salary, employment, and education.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median wage for a PTA is $57,430 as of May 2017. For comparison, a physical therapist aide earns $25,730. The aide generally trains on-the-job.

The states with the highest income for PTAs are Texas ($70,450), New Jersey ($67,990), and Nevada ($63,230). Florida and Massachusetts follow with salaries exceeding $60k.

Many of the highest paying cities are in Texas. Tyler tops the list, per the BLS, with an average salary of $83,470, followed by Killeen-Temple ($79,550), Victoria ($76,720), and Texarkana ($75,960). Other Texas cities exceeding $75k per year are San Antonio, Brownsville, and Dallas-Plano.

Employment

According to the BLS, the occupation of PTA should increase by 30% over the ten years of 2016-2026. As of 2016, there were 140,300 employed with a projected job change of 42,700 over the same period.

The majority of PTAs work in facilities not related to hospitals. There were 41,780 working in offices of other health practitioners (BLS 2017), more than double employed in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (17,200). However, the wages are highest for those PTAs in Home Health Care Services ($65,640). Nursing Care Facilities is a close second at $65,640.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has a median salary of $52,000 based on a 2016-17 survey. Several factors, including geographical location, experience, type of practice, and education, affect this number.

Education

The first point of emphasis under this heading is to select a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The organization accredits schools offering PT and PTA degrees. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) provides a directory of PT and PTA programs within and outside the United States.

Your education begins with an Associate degree from over 300 institutions across the U.S. The programs are available at local community and technical colleges, junior colleges, and universities. There are online and campus programs, as well.

Your Associate degree typically takes two years or five semesters. You will likely have general education courses to start, followed by courses specific to this field. A vital part of any program is the clinical hours. The degree at this level is an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant.

The number of credit hours of General Education varies. One example is a community college that requires 31 credit hours of GE before students can progress to the PTA classes. In this example, there are courses in English Composition, Mathematics, Natural Science, Humanities, Behavioral Science, and Fine Arts.

Not all programs have GE integrated into the study plan. Trine University offers an Associate of Applied Science in PTA that consists of 75 credit hours over two years or five semesters. In the first semester, you take anatomy, research methods, and clinical practice. There are two GE-type courses in English Composition and College Algebra. In your second year, there are 15 hours devoted to Clinical Experience.

Some of the online programs require campus visits to complete laboratory obligations. Jefferson State Community College near Birmingham, Alabama, has a hybrid degree or Online Track Program. In addition to the lab classes, there are visits to instructional sites for lectures, exams, and clinics.

The curriculum in an associate’s degree, at most schools, does not entail chemistry and biology. The science is in medical terminology, physiology, pathophysiology, anatomy, and perhaps psychology. The study material in physiology, however, may cover the biological structure of cells and tissues. You should prepare for memorizing the musculoskeletal system of the human body.

You can complete some online programs in as few as 18 months. Rasmussen College is an example of a CAPTE accredited degree with campuses in six states. Their academic (didactic) portion involves live sessions, asynchronous discussions, exams, quizzes, and communication with faculty and peers. Due to the requisite lab classes and clinical practice, there are campus visits for most online programs. You may be able to perform the clinical experience at an approved facility near your residence.

Individuals considering a PTA degree must not underestimate the commitment for clinical hours. Rasmussen, for example, has two clinical sessions. The first one is 210 hours or 5.5 hours per week in a facility, such as a nursing home, inpatient clinic, home health, or rehabilitation setting. The second experience is ten weeks or 360 hours of practice.

An advantage of an Associate degree in PTA is the lower tuition, particularly at a community college. Some are as low as $113 per credit hour for in-state students. You may have additional fees for lab classes. Another example is the PTA degree at South Texas College, where in-district tuition is $70 per credit. Non-resident tuition is $200 per credit hour.

Additional Resources:

What is the benefit of a health and safety engineering degree vs an occupational health and safety degree?

How much Science is there in an Occupational Safety and Health Degree?

The post Why should I consider a Degree to be a Physical Therapist Assistant? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Most people think of clinical researchers as medical doctors performing clinical trials with pharmaceutical or medical device companies, but what is clinical research? Clinical research is the study of health and illness in people and ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illness. It is conducted by medical doctors, but many other researchers are involved in the entire process. Clinical research is performed to learn more about disease and improve healthcare for people in the future. Such a huge project allows for an umbrella of people with various skills, backgrounds, and education to become involved.

Education needed for clinical research

Education is the first thing to consider to become involved in clinical research. Undergraduate and graduate schools are both options and students can choose between three pathways. The first is to gain a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and then get certified as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). CRAs supervise clinical trials and work closely with other administrators to monitor progress and ethical standards. CRCs perform clinical trials and follow the guidelines of good practice and uphold ethical standards. Both CRAs and CRCs work under the supervision of the principal investigator. The second pathway is to obtain a Master’s level degree in clinical research or similar field. The third way to consider is to complete a medical doctorate and/or PhD for the highest educational degree offered for clinical research.

Essentially, undergraduate degrees related to biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pre-medicine, nursing, health science, or biotechnology are good stepping stones to begin a career in clinical research. The following undergraduate degrees are directly related to clinical research and are offered at various universities around the United States:

• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research Management
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration in Patient Safety and Quality
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Research
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health in Clinical Trials Research
• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Clinical Research

Other Bachelor of Science degrees that would allow easy transition into clinical research include: Biology, Biochemistry, Human Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, Genetics, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Public health, Immunology, and Nursing. These degrees are offered in various states both on-campus and online. With a Bachelor’s degree, students may begin an entry-level position with clinical research. Once students gain experience, they may sit to take certification exams; either the CRA or CRC. This would open more doors for clinical research involvement, or even lead to leadership positions in clinical trial projects. On average, a Bachelor of Science degree takes 4 years to complete.

Clinical research and graduate school

Another pathway to become involved in clinical research is to go to graduate school. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree in a related healthcare field, as mentioned above. Once accepted, many Graduate programs offer specific degrees related to Clinical research. Some examples include:

• Master of Science in Clinical Research
• Master of Science in Applied Clinical Research
• Master of Science in Clinical Research Management
• Master of Science in Applied Clinical and Pre-clinical Research
• Master of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Research and Translational Research
• Master of Science in Clinical Translational Management
• Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science with a concentration in Research Management
• Master of Health Science with a concentration in Clinical Research
• Master of Health Science in Clinical Research Administration
• Master of Clinical Research and Product Development
• Master of Clinical Research for Health Professionals
• Master in Clinical Research Methods and Epidemiology
• Master in Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes Research
• Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Studies
• Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Master of Science in Regulatory Science
• Master of Science in Regulatory and Clinical Research Management
• Master of Science in Medical Product Development
• Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Management
• Master of Science in Biotechnology

As you can see, many Master-level programs are offered as a direct path to clinical research. This also does not include Bachelor level degrees that offer continued education at the Masters level. For example, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology students can then continue with a Master of Science degree in Biology. This would also be an option to get involved in clinical research. Master degrees, on average, take 2 years to complete. This does not include the time it takes to complete the prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree. Although CRA and CRC certificates wouldn’t be necessary once you received a masters degree, it is seen as the golden standard for clinical research. Much like any field, gaining certification verifies expertise, education, and dedication to the field or area of study.

MD or PhD and clinical research

The last pathway to become involved with clinical research is becoming a Medical Doctor (MD) and/or completing a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) program. PhDs are purely research degrees, and conclude with research publications, termed: dissertations. The most prestigious PhD programs related to clinical research in the United States include:

• PhD in Clinical Research
• PhD in Experimental Medicine
• PhD in Translational Medicine
• PhD in Bioanalytical Methods
• PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Of course, completing a Medical Doctorate (MD) program automatically opens doors to clinical research; however, both MD and PhD candidates would be named principal investigators of research trials and clinical research projects. Since they hold the highest degree possible, they assume the highest responsibilities and liabilities of any clinical research project. Many medical schools offer dual degree plans that would include MD and PhD. This means that once medical school is completed, the student would hold both a medical doctorate and PhD in a given field or specialty. Medical School typically takes 4 years to complete, and PhD programs can last anywhere from 5 to 6 years, depending on how long it takes to complete a dissertation.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor?

Ways to be involved with clinical research

Students do not need a medical degree to become involved in clinical research. Many options are available to become involved in clinical research either via undergraduate or graduate school pathways. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that medical scientists are projected to increase 8% over the next 10 years, which is higher than the national average for all occupations. This tells us that medical scientist and clinical research is a growing need for future students to consider.

Tessa Chatham

Master of Science (M.S.), Nursing Education| Aspen University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Nursing| Texas Christian University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology and English| The University of Texas at Arlington

September 2019

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• What are the Best Undergraduate Gerontology Programs?
• Top 25 Medical Schools

The post Do I Need to Have a Medical Degree to be Involved in Clinical Research? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Emphasis on Coursework and Practical Application vs. Research

Arguably the most important difference between a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science degree is one of focus. A Master of Science degree is traditionally a research-based degree, while a Master of Engineering is a professional degree that emphasizes practical application of technical skills.

Students might complete the same number of graduate-level college credits for either degree, but the Master of Science degree typically incorporates more research into the curriculum. While this focus on research is most evident from the thesis requirement that you will find in most Master of Science in Engineering programs, research may also be embedded into the curriculum in other ways. Master of Engineering programs may instead involve hands-on work in a different capacity, such as a graduate internship or a design project completed independently or in collaboration with an industry partner.

Don’t mistake a Master of Science as an impractical degree exclusively for academia. Civil engineers often go on to work in industry roles with an M.S. degree. Some research-focused programs make a point to build leadership and other practical skills into the curriculum.

Time to Degree Completion

If your main motivation for earning a master’s degree is to gain the advanced skills and specialized knowledge to excel in your job or advance to a new one, you’re probably more eager to be done with school. Many professional Master of Engineering programs are meant to be completed faster, often in as little as one year of study, so you can get to work sooner.

Master of Science programs, on the other hand, are more likely to take longer. That is partly because the original research needed to develop a thesis takes longer. Students who really want to delve into research in civil engineering are also more likely to be comfortable spending more time in school to do so than students who just want to prepare for their next career move.

Although one extra year of school shouldn’t be what makes your decision, it’s a significant factor that may restrict your geographical location and work opportunities. Students also have to weigh the added tuition cost and how an extra year of study will impact their lives.

Entrance Requirements

Another area where Master of Engineering and Master of Science programs in engineering tend to divide is the requirements needed for admission to the program, although this aspect varies by school. Often, you need to have earned your bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, to get into a Master of Engineering program.

Part of the reason ABET accreditation is so important for getting into this specific engineering degree program is because you need to have plenty of hands-on engineering experience to succeed in a program that emphasizes deepening your engineering skills. Experimental experience and engineering design experience are among the criteria ABET uses to award accreditation to engineering programs.

Students without an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree will have an easier time getting into a Master of Science program in engineering, generally. This includes engineering majors whose undergraduate institutions were not ABET-accredited, as well as students coming from different academic backgrounds outside of engineering.

Each engineering school and program sets its own admissions requirements, so don’t take for granted that you will be able to get into any M.S. degree without an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree. Having ABET accreditation at the bachelor’s level is still beneficial.

Similarities Between Master of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Programs

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

In the most important ways, Master of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering degrees are very much alike. Both programs of study are graduate-level programs. The coursework in either type of degree program encompasses advanced study in engineering, and students of both kinds of programs may have opportunities for specialization. Employers in the field of engineering look favorably upon both types of programs, and students can land an industry role with either a Master of Engineering or Master of Science degree in civil engineering.

If you aspire to earn a Ph.D. or work in academia, you would be better off with a Master of Science in engineering degree. Students eyeing industry leadership roles can conceivably attain these roles with either degree, but the practical Meng may command a better salary.

Additional Resources

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Civil Engineering?

What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

Do Different Personality Traits Help Make Someone More Likely to Be Successful in A Particular Area of Study in Engineering?

The post What Is the Difference Between a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The Basic Role of a Telecom Engineer

In general, engineers use the principles of science and math to design functional solutions to problems. A telecom engineer focuses on designing, installing, implementing, improving and fixing the equipment and systems used for telecommunications. Telecommunications encompasses different ways of transmitting information using technology, from the telegraphs of the 1840s to radio and cable broadcasting and Internet connections. It isn’t only spoken or written words that can be conveyed through telecommunications systems but also images and videos, as in cable broadcasting and video messages.

Some examples of the type of work a telecom engineer may perform include developing infrastructure for wireless and satellite communications and configuring high-speed networks for computer communications. Telecom engineers work in all aspects of telecommunications technology, including wired and wireless networks and radio, cable and optical broadcasting networks. Although different job roles within the field of telecom engineering may focus on different aspects of the field, telecom engineers as a whole are responsible for tasks such as developing telecommunication infrastructure designs and putting those systems into practice for users.

As the field of telecom engineering evolves, old forms of telecommunications, like the telegraph, fall out of favor and new technologies, like 5G cellular networks, come into existence and popularity. Telecom engineers who are nimble enough to switch between evolving technologies can best navigate the growing but rapidly changing job market.

Don’t confuse telecom engineers with telecom technicians, data analysts, network administrators or telecommunication marketers. Although all of these roles relate to the telecommunications industry, only telecom engineers do the work of designing systems.

Designing and Implementing Telecommunications Solutions

A big part of a telecom engineer’s job is to design the telecommunications systems and equipment used to transmit information and communications. This work requires telecom engineers to first understand the problem that needs to be solved by evaluating users’ needs and the technical capacities of their facilities. Only once telecom engineers know what is needed out of the project can they create a design plan that fully meets those needs. Because telecommunications networks involve both hardware and software components, a telecom engineer needs to develop mechanical skills and computer hardware skills, along with advanced skills in math.

Once a telecom engineer has designed the infrastructure of the required telecommunications system, it’s time to implement it. In some cases, the telecommunications engineer will personally be the one to install the system. Other times, the telecom engineer coordinates the work of personnel like telecom technicians, whose job is to execute the plans created by the engineer according to the engineer’s design specifications.

Regardless of whether the telecom engineer installs the system themselves or coordinates the work with a telecom technician, their job isn’t over. Working with the users to make any required modifications is an important part of the job, according to O*NET.

Troubleshooting, Repairing and Renovating Telecommunications Systems

Technical difficulties are, unfortunately, part of life. When users encounter problems with their telecommunications system, they turn to a telecom engineer to restore its function. Troubleshooting network problems and repairing telecommunications equipment is part of a telecom engineer’s job, although the full scope of their work goes beyond basic technical support.

One of the most exciting things about the field of engineering is that it offers opportunities for innovation. Creative and resourceful engineers are always looking for better ways to solve problems and improve functionality, and that extends to communications engineers, as well. When an old telecommunications system is using outdated technology or encountering technical difficulties too serious to troubleshoot, a telecom engineer may be asked to renovate it with more modern technology. This improved telecommunications infrastructure can allow data and communications to be transmitted more quickly and more reliably.

Maintaining telecommunications infrastructure can also be part of the job description of a telecom engineer. Maintenance and updates can be important for keeping a telecommunications system running efficiently and securely.

Additional Resources

What Areas Can I Specialize in as a Telecom Engineer?

What Kind of Companies Would I Find Work in as a Telecom Engineer?

What Are Some Titles of Jobs I Should Look for as a Telecom Engineer?

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post What Does a Telecom Engineer Do? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Focusing on Planet Earth

Many geophysicists specialize in the search for resources buried deep below the surface of the Earth. Taking geology classes that focus on the soil and the history of planet Earth can help future geophysicists who work in fields like searching for and obtaining valuable natural resources. Geophysicists rely on this knowledge of Earth geology to identify and evaluate sites where resources like water, iron, minerals, oil or fertile soil exist and how to obtain those resources.

Then there are seismologists, who study earthquakes and other aspects of the internal structure of the Earth. Sometimes called earthquake scientists, these geophysicists might focus on studying volcanic activity and be called upon when a volcano looks like it might erupt. This aspect of geophysics is more fast-paced, since there might not be much time before a large-scale volcanic eruption occurs, and people in the vicinity need as much time as possible to prepare. If a volcano erupts unexpectedly, geophysicists with a background in seismology can analyze the event after the fact to understand what caused it to happen and to be better able to predict future volcanic activities.

Classes in physical geology, introductory foundations in geophysics, global seismology, structural geology, sedimentary geology, the geology of volcanoes and earthquakes are valuable if you wish to explore a career in these areas of geophysics. You can also benefit from studying the remote sensing technologies geophysicists use to understand, measure and predict seismic events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Your studies in geology might also cover aspects of the oceans on our planet, which can help aspiring geophysicists who want to specialize in those areas. Sometimes called hydrologists, some geophysicists focus on the properties of the water on our planet, both at the surface level and underground. With a career interest in hydrology, you might benefit from taking classes in environmental hydrology, oceanography, marine geophysics and groundwater and engineering geophysics.

Hydrologist is a relatively small occupation, currently employing just 6,700 Americans, and more than 60 percent of this profession is employed by the government at the federal, state or local level, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this career field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate of 7 percent.

Studying the Earth’s oceans is one area of geological study that can help geophysicists that want to focus on the more fluid part of our planet.

Looking at Earth’s Atmosphere and Beyond

If you think geologists are always looking down at the surface of the Earth and what’s beneath it, you may be in for a surprise. Some geophysicists investigate the upper atmosphere of our planet and its magnetic and electric fields. Geology classes about these different fields will offer future geophysicists the background information they need to pursue their careers.

Using their knowledge of geomagnetism, or the magnetic fields of the Earth, geophysicists can handle topics like identifying minerals and mitigating the risks of geomagnetic hazards and disturbances. In addition to physics courses in electromagnetism, geophysics classes in topics such as geophysical fluid dynamics and atmospheric circulation are valuable in this field.

Some geophysicists, called planetary geophysicists, look beyond the Earth to study other solid bodies in our solar system. They use what they know about our planet to simulate what the conditions might be like on other planets. This includes the internal structures of these planets and studying earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Some geology programs include classes about space, which would be useful to those aspiring to be a planetary geophysicist.

Additional Resources

What Can I Do with a Geology Degree?

30 Great Outdoor Jobs Requiring a College Degree

Top 10 Highest Paying Science Careers

Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

The post Are There Any Specific Areas of Geology That Would Help Me Be a Better Geophysicist? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

While high profile inventors and entrepreneurs have brought about many of our most recognizable consumer goods, millions of individuals have helped to make these realities stick. Many of these individuals work in industrial technology-related jobs.

Industrial technology degrees are multidisciplinary degrees that prepare individuals to work in roles that optimize how goods are made. This can include the working, augmentation, and creation of devices and processes that aid in the creation of goods. If you’ve seen any commercials recently that show modern warehouses or assembly lines, you’ve seen a good bit of what industrial technologists help to facilitate

At it’s heart, industrial technologists are focused on three aims that include making production:

• Faster
• Simpler
• More Efficient

Individuals working in industrial technology are routinely creative and technically savvy, and many got their start in the field by obtaining a degree in industrial technology. In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly searched questions about industrial technology degrees, including the following:

Table of Contents

• What Industrial Technology Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Gain an Industrial Technology Degree Online?
• How do I Gain Admission to an Industrial Technology Program?
• What Can I Do With an Industrial Technology Degree?

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Here at DegreeQuery we have one of the largest repositories of coverage on choosing degrees and careers online. Peruse some of our related guides below:

• What Can I Do With a Materials Technology Degree?
• Where Can I Work With a Degree in Industrial Design?
• What’s the Difference Between Industrial Design and Design Engineering?
• What is the Difference Between a Degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineer?
• What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
• What Can I Do With an Occupational Studies Degree?
• The Best Online Degree Programs Presented by DegreeQuery

What Industrial Technology Degrees Are Available?

Industrial technology degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels, with the widest range of programs available at the undergraduate levels. Below we’ll work through each of these degree levels to explain the differences, requirements, and specializations that may be endeavored upon by individuals pursuing said degrees.

At the associates level, industrial technology degrees tend to focus on preparing students to continue their education at the bachelor’s level, as well as applied use of industrial technology tools and frameworks.

As with nearly any associates-level degree, industrial technology associates tend to requite around 60 credit hours for completion, and require between 1.5 and 3 years for completion. The average time for completion of an associates degree is 2 years of full-time study. Students often begin their study with “gen ed” (general education) requirements. These requirements are meant to ensure that students are well-rounded thinkers, can communicate clearly, can argue logically, and are math and data literate.

Types of courses that are typically required for general education requirements include:

• Social Science Courses
• Humanities Courses
• Natural Science Courses
• Mathematics Courses
• Ethics, Philosophy or Religion Courses
• Fine Arts Courses
• Data Literacy or Computing Courses
• Physical Education
• Among Others

Once students have progressed to courses within their major course of study, they are likely to take some selection of the following.

• Computer-Aided Manufacturing
• Industrial Robotics
• Technical Illustration
• Production Planning and Control
• Among Others

With this said, many industrial technology degree programs may cater to the particular needs of a given region or industry. This may prevent you from taking some of the courses above (though is likely a good thing for getting an industrial technology job within your city or region).

Additionally, some associates in industrial technology offer concentrations. Some of the most common concentrations within the field of study include:

• Construction Technology
• Design and Engineering Draft Technology
• Supervision and Management of Industrial Technology
• Occupational Safety and Health

At the bachelor’s level, students can begin to truly future-proof and gain an in-depth understanding of both the managerial and computing principles and practices that power modern industrial technology.

Students within bachelor’s degrees in industrial technology should expect to take general education requirements similar to those listed above in the associates-degree section. The primary differences between a bachelor’s and associate’s degree in industrial technology are that bachelor’s degrees are the entry-level degree within some management positions, and bachelor’s degrees typically require around twice as long to acquire.

Most bachelor’s degree programs are around 120 credit hours, and traditionally take around 4 years of full-time study to complete.

• Supply Chain Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma Management
• Engineering of Automated Systems
• Database Design for Engineering
• Safety Engineering Developments
• Project Management
• Robotics
• Among Others

Within bachelor’s-level industrial technology programs, a wider range of specializations than an associates degree programs can also be undertaken. Some of the most common bachelor’s-level concentrations within industrial technology include:

• Facilities Management
• Construction Technology
• Manufacturing Technology
• Supply Chain Management
• Robotics
• Sustainability Within Industry
• Health and Safety Within Industry
• Project Management

At the bachelor’s level students can begin to prepare themselves for climbing up the corporate ladder and may perform some original research within industrial technology. A greater proportion of master’s degrees in industrial technology than other degree levels are presented in formats that are tailored to individuals working full time.

Typically master’s degrees in industrial technology take 1.5-2 years for completion. Though many allow students to attend in accelerated or part-time courses of study.

Industrial technology degrees may also be pursued at the master’s level within programs that are more centered on computing, management, and human resources.

Within master’s in industrial technology degree programs, some of the following courses are often available:

• Economics of Engineering
• Management of Operations
• Engineering and Management Research Design and Methodology
• Managerial Marketing
• Theory of Networks
• Case Studies Within Manufacturing
• Robotics
• Human Resources
• Project Management
• Production and Inventory Management
• Properties of Materials Used in Manufacturing
• Logistics Management
• Master’s Applied Project
• A Master’s Thesis

At the doctoral level, students may pursue one of the following courses of study:

• A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial Technology
• A Doctor of Industrial Technology (D.I.T)
• Or a Doctor of Technology (D.T.) in Industrial Technology

While all three may lead to many of the same applications, one of the major differences between the three is that one is a research doctorate, one is always an applied doctorate, and one is sometimes applied and sometimes a research doctorate.

You’re likely wondering what this means. They’re all doctorates, are they not?

Research doctorates such as the Ph.D. (and sometimes the Doctor of Technology degree) are centered around preparing the next generation of researchers and educators within a field. As such, a large portion of the course of study is directed towards original research that will be presented in the form of a dissertation. Dissertations are several hundred page research documents that contribute original research within the field of study.

Another central focus within a research document is to prepare the next generation of educators within a field of study. To this end, many Ph.D. programs are in-person and require students to teach some undergraduate courses while they are pursuing their Ph.D.

Contrarily, applied doctorates focus on preparing individuals for jobs within an industry corresponding with their degree. This does not mean that individuals do not partake of individual research while pursuing an applied doctorate, just that it is not as central an element within the degree program.

Applied doctorates may opt to replace a doctoral thesis with a capstone project and/or internship. But in many cases applied doctorates may prepare individuals for academic careers just as well as research doctorates.

There are many areas one can focus within a doctorate. And oftentimes individuals will perform original research into one industry vertical that utilizes industrial technology, including:

• Textiles
• Petroleum
• Construction
• Engineering
• Pharmaceutical
• Chemicals
• Aeronautical
• Consumer Goods

Can I Gain an Industrial Technology Degree Online?

Industrial Technology degrees typically combine management, business, and engineering courses, which are three types of courses most readily offered online. This is to say that there are many online industrial technology degrees. One exception to this rule is for associates-level degrees that tend to teach individuals how to use industrial machinery. Many of these instances may need to occur in-person or in the form of an internship.

Just because industrial technology degrees are offered online doesn’t mean that that’s the right format for you. There are a variety of pros and cons when comparing online and traditional course delivery.

Here at DegreeQuery we’ve informed thousands of future higher-ed attainers, and have uncovered a variety of trends in what makes online education work (or not work) for various students. Some of the most commonly mentioned positives and negatives of online degrees are listed below:

Positive of Online Education

• You don’t need to quit your job
• You don’t need to move
• Many programs are built for working adults
• You get the same degree as in-person programs
• Growing number of support programs
• Growing number of employers view degrees as the same
• Access to top-notch schools not in your area

Negatives of Online Education

• Not as much of “the feel” of attending higher education
• Harder to get to know professors, classmates, or community members
• Not as many support services as on-campus offerings
• You need to be more of a self starter with studying
• Lack of access to networking events and on-campus job fairs

Neither the pros nor cons are meant to entice or “run you away” from online education. There are obviously many factors that go into choosing a degree program that works for you. And for many students who work full time, an ability to keep their job while studying is perhaps the largest factor. For others, getting full access to networking and the “feel” of a traditional higher ed program may be beneficial.

How do I Gain Admission to an Industrial Technology Program?

Admissions to industrial technology programs depend on the degree level you’re hoping to pursue, and are similar to most other engineering, business, or technology degree programs of the same levels.

At the associates level, students pursuing a degree at a community college may find themselves with the opportunity to work through open admissions. Open admissions aren’t truly 100% open. But they typically allow any in-district, city, or state (depending on the service area of the college) who has graduated from high school with above a certain GPA automatic admission. Once students have gained admission to the broader college they are afforded the opportunity to choose industrial technology as their major.

For students seeking admission to associates and bachelor’s degree programs that aren’t open admission similar requirements are needed. Students should expect to take a standardized test such as the ACT or SAT, should be able to provide a transcript from high school study, letters or recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially other essays or even interviews. The range of admission requirements regarding GPA as well as standardized test scores varies widely between institutions. Many of the most competitive schools in the country require nearly perfect scores in each, while the vast majority of schools have lower admission standards.

Within master’s degree programs, industrial technology degrees require similar admissions processes to other technology degrees. Some programs require students to submit GRE standardized test scores, while others may let students with some years of experience substitute a resume or letters of recommendation. Students should have finished or plan to finish their undergraduate study by the start of the program.

Within doctoral programs, students may apply either directly out of undergraduate study or after the completion of a master’s. For students applying directly out of undergraduate study, they will endeavor upon gaining a master’s degree “en route” to their doctoral degree. Essentially these students are entering dual master’s and doctorate degree programs.

For students entering doctoral degree programs, they should reach out to ensure that there are faculty members pursuing in-depth study within areas that interest them. In the event you pursue a research doctorate (Ph.D.) it is important to reach out to faculty members who may be able to be your research mentor before starting the program, as many research supervisors only take on a handful of students to supervise.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Here at DegreeQuery we have one of the largest repositories of coverage on choosing degrees and careers online. Peruse some of our related guides below:

• What Can I Do With a Materials Technology Degree?
• Where Can I Work With a Degree in Industrial Design?
• What’s the Difference Between Industrial Design and Design Engineering?
• What is the Difference Between a Degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineer?
• What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
• What Can I Do With an Occupational Studies Degree?
• The Best Online Degree Programs Presented by DegreeQuery

What Can I Do With an Industrial Technology Degree?

Industrial technology is at the heart of nearly all manufacturing endeavors. And nearly everything we consume is manufactured in some way. That gives you an idea of the massive scope of opportunities for someone with an industrial technology degree.

Additionally, the opportunity to pursue industrial technology coursework from the associates through doctoral levels means that there’s always more room to specialize and that there are industry applications for knowledge in industrial technology from knowledge of how to run industrial technology systems, to knowledge of how to create them.

While there are many, many jobs within industrial technology settings that you can become prepared for with an industrial technology degree, some of the most common include the following.
Manufacturing engineers work to hone, research, and create manufacturing systems. This includes software, hardware, and processes that help to lower the price of the production of a good, enhance the quality of the production of a good, or increase the rate at which a good can be created.

Job outlooks are good for manufacturing engineers, with expected position growth of 9% from 2016-2026. The average salary for these positions can range to above $100,000 for experienced engineers.

Operations managers oversee the daily operations of facilities or manufacturing centers. For individuals who have some experience or education in both industrial technology as well as logistics, management, and business know-how, operations management can be a top-tier job within manufacturing.

Operations is a nebulous term, and can mean many, many different things depending on the setting in which you’re working. Within industrial technology this could involve everything from overseeing a shipping warehouse, to overseeing a high-tech factory that makes electronics or medical equipment. As one may expect, earnings can be quite high depending on what an operations manager is in charge of. Most salaries for this job within manufacturing settings start at over $100,000 a year.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Here at DegreeQuery we have one of the largest repositories of coverage on choosing degrees and careers online. Peruse some of our related guides below:

• What Can I Do With a Materials Technology Degree?
• Where Can I Work With a Degree in Industrial Design?
• What’s the Difference Between Industrial Design and Design Engineering?
• What is the Difference Between a Degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineer?
• What Can I Do With an Engineering Degree?
• What Can I Do With an Occupational Studies Degree?
• The Best Online Degree Programs Presented by DegreeQuery

The post What Can I Do With an Industrial Technology Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Why Analysts Should Consider Earning a Master’s in Finance Degree

At first glance, earning a master’s degree in preparation for a financial analyst role might seem like overkill. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a bachelor’s degree as the level of education required to start working as a financial analyst. However, if you have the drive to excel in a demanding field like finance, there’s a good chance that you will want to advance beyond entry-level financial analysis roles.

To get to more senior-level analyst roles, you’re going to need to surpass expectations at work and continue to build your resumé outside of your accomplishments in the office. Often, analysts and aspiring analysts do this by going to graduate school. In fact, 65 percent of financial quantitative analysts – close to two-thirds of the occupation – report a master’s degree as their highest level of education, according to O*NET.

Many financial analysts who go for a master’s in finance degree want to advance beyond the analyst role. Often, earning a master’s degree is a step on the path toward a career as a fund manager or portfolio manager, according to the BLS. Even if you’re not eyeing management job titles specifically, you may need a master’s degree if you want to work in any senior-level financial analyst role. Without a graduate degree, you may find yourself passed over for promotions and see your career plateau.

Besides going to graduate school, you can improve your job opportunities by earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential. You can enroll in the CFA program with only a bachelor’s degree – just prepare to spend 300 hours preparing for the CFA exams. 

What Financial Analysts Learn in Graduate School

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

In a master’s in finance degree program, you will study corporate finance, financial analytics and financial markets at an advanced level well above what you studied as an undergraduate finance major. Master’s in finance programs cover both theoretical and practical coursework, so the classes you take in these degree programs will not only give you a deeper understanding of the theory underlying financial analysis but also equip you with the skills that apply to the real-world practice of financial analysis. All of these core courses fit neatly into the wheelhouse of a financial analyst and provide a strong foundation for the more specialized skills and knowledge a master’s in finance student can learn through concentration tracks and electives.

Some of the possible concentrations you may find in a master’s in finance program include investments, real estate finance, corporate finance, financial technology, financial management and financial engineering. You could also opt not to select a concentration and instead use your elective coursework to take an assortment of specialized classes that fit your interests.

If you work for a global firm, taking elective courses in international finance markets could be a wise decision. Analysts involved in growing companies might benefit from coursework in mergers and acquisitions. The field of finance is full of specializations ranging from healthcare finance to asset management and retirement savings, so analysts going back to school for a master’s in finance are sure to find graduate courses that are relevant to their area of expertise. If you want to put yourself on the path to management, you might benefit from taking a class in strategic finance. Often, master’s in finance programs are hands-on, including some sort of practicum or real-world finance work experience conducted in a school’s finance lab.

A master’s in finance is a great choice for financial analysts looking to do more with their careers, but you have other options. You can also consider earning a master’s in accounting degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a finance concentration.

Additional Resources

Can a Master of Finance get you a job as a Comptroller?

Is a Finance Master’s a good start to becoming a CFO?

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance?

The post Is a Master’s in Finance a Good Way to Go If I Want to Be an Analyst? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Digital art is pervasive in TV ads, animated movies, TV shows, video games, websites, mobile apps, and more. DegreeQuery highlighted some of these in the article titled: Which Jobs in Animation command the most money? With most positions, salaries vary considerably by geographical location, company stature, and elevation within an organization. This post won’t reiterate the best paying areas, but we will explore some of the possibilities regarding wages.

For example, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, and Walt Disney Animation Studios may pay more than a smaller animation studio. Many may not have heard of Illumination Entertainment, which started in 2007; however, most will be familiar with their successes. Names like Despicable Me, Minions, Robots, and The Secret Life of Pets.

Candidates starting their careers in animation often wonder what salary they can expect from their first animation job. Salaries can vary from one position to another and from one company to the next. While entry-level positions typically pay the lowest wages, animators do have the potential to earn a livable wage even if it is their first job. So many factors can come into play when determining the salary potential in animation, even at the entry-level.

What Factors Determine Wages

A person fresh out of college with an animation degree can research the average wages for this position. Still, they may not accurately portray the individual’s compensation at their first animation job because many factors influence earnings and benefits.

Training and Education

Before embarking on a search on – what and where will I earn a decent salary, you need to be selective in your college. The internet affords several rankings of the best animation programs with a range of tuition. One of the top-ranked schools is the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film/Animation/Video. Students may concentrate on animation, live-action, or open media with courses in animation preproduction, 3D animation, stop-motion animation, digital effects, and puppet animation. Unfortunately, a prestigious program carries exorbitant tuition of $55,220 per school year. In contrast, the BFA in Animation at Sam Houston State University will cost approximately $7,400 per school year for in-state students.

Although animators typically have a bachelor’s degree, someone with an associate degree may have sufficient experience to work in this field. Some animators also have master’s degrees, which is the terminal educational requirement in animation.

One notable institution is the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, resulting from two Los Angeles art and music schools merging in 1961 by Roy and Walt Disney. By 1971, the name changed to CalArts, which offers art, design, film, theater, dance, and film degrees. The school has a three-year Master of Fine Arts in Experimental Animation that emphasizes technique and theory.

Typically, the higher the degree the individual has, the higher the starting wage. However, the additional years of studies can create further debt (tuition) and detract from the years you could be gaining experience. Undoubtedly, the master’s degree in your portfolio would open more doors. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your career aspirations—individuals whose self-study and grasp of animation techniques may not require a graduate degree. Either way, most employers will want to see examples of your work from school projects or work experience.

Experience – Experience is essential when applying for any job, and more is better. An animator with minimal experience might require supervision, training, and mentoring, which could deter some employers. Furthermore, animation has different areas of expertise, each with its own salary scale:

3D Animators:  Requires immense creativity, artistry, and technical skills. According to Payscale, the median base salary is $54,385, with first-time employees closer to $36,00 per year. Computer Careers lists the junior level for 2022 at $38,666 and a senior position at $114,580.

Medical Animator:  Demands courses in anatomy and physiology. Glassdoor reports the average salary at $53,433 with a high of $83,000 for years of experience. Salary.com disagrees, as their average salary is $66,483, ranging from $54,637 to $80,164.

Special Effects Artists and Animators:  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS) states the median pay for the profession at $77,700 with a bachelor’s degree and a projected 16% growth through 2030. This position covers the gambit of creative effects used in various media and entertainment forms.

Video Game Animator:  Much of video game animation involves 3D; therefore, the jobs require this skill and the minimum of an undergraduate degree. According to Zippia, Career Experts, about 14% of video game animators have a graduate degree. They report the average pay at $74,795; however, entry-level jobs could be considerably less (<$30K/annually). The top dollars are in California, namely, San Mateo, Berkeley, Daly City, Richmond, and Irvine (Zippia).

Industry

Different companies and industries have dissimilar pay ranges. Across most sectors, larger companies usually pay higher salaries. The BLS states that most of the Special Effects Artists work in the Motion Picture and Video Industries (2.59%). That seems like a small percentage, except the second spot goes to Software Publishers with 1.09% of the animation workforce.

The Motion Picture category also has the highest annual mean wage at $105,670. The second-highest wage is in Employment Services, with only 320 employees and an average salary of $95,330 (BLS 2020).

Location – This probably plays the most significant part in determining animator salaries. Wages vary from state to state and city to city.

Location is critical when determining the salary an individual can earn at their first job in animation. Here are the five states where multimedia artists and animators earn the highest wages, followed by those with the lowest wages according to the BLS.

• Connecticut – $115,660
• California – $105,480
• New York – $98,770
• Oregon – $96,350
• Washington – $90,130

At the lowest end of the scale is:

• South Carolina – $38,050
• South Dakota – $49,890
• New Mexico – $50,360
• Ohio – $54,410
• Iowa – $57,090

As can be seen, by the numbers, there is a substantial difference between the wages earned in Connecticut and the wages earned in South Carolina. This difference will usually also be there for entry-level positions in animation.

Additionally, states with less desirable wages likely do not employ many special effects and animation.

Cities play a role in determining where an animator sits on the salary chart. As expected, the best paying cities are in California, New York, and Washington. Typically, as in most professions, a higher cost of living generates better income to offset these costs and attract talented employees. Higher median wages generally translate to more enticing entry salaries as a novice animator.

These are the top cities, per the BLS 2020 data:

• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim:  $110,370
• San Francisco-Oakland:  $102,560
• San Jose-Sunnyvale:  $100,510
• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue:  $90,910
• New York-Newark-Jersey City:  $97,000

The site, Comparably, contains an information treasure trove posting entry-level salaries for animators in various locales. Founded by three highly accomplished business people and entrepreneurs, the site also tells you the average rent in a particular city. These statistics allow the job seeker to weigh the housing cost against the starting average salary.

Comparably reports the entry-level wage at $51,482 in Winston Salem, North Carolina; in contrast, the BLS data for the state is at $73,730. Regardless, the average rent in that city is $2,506 for a two-bedroom, which would consume 72.66% of the animator’s take-home pay.

Unexpectedly, in Long Beach, Comparably reports the average salary at $51,534 or about the same as Winston Salem. More importantly, the average two-bedroom apartment in Long Beach is $1,939 per month! Presuming the data are correct, the job in Long Beach is the better choice. From checking on Apartments.com, the rents are almost double the $1,939 figure ($3,797).

In fairness, Comparably took the rent stats from Apartmentlist.com, and this site does have a two-bedroom in Long Beach at an average of $1,939. Why the disparity? Further research is necessary to confirm data before leaving one’s current residence.

What Kind of Work Animation Involves

When we hear the term animation, we often think of these cute little animated characters we see on the television or movie screen. The exciting fact about animation is that it’s used in so many more ways than just cartoon characters. An individual with a degree in animation may work in the motion picture industry, advertising, or help solve crimes as a forensic animator. The starting salary for a job in animation will vary by industry or position.

In addition to the above two job sectors, the following three for employment are:

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Advertising, Public Relations, and Related
• Specialized Design Services

Here are the top four sectors with the highest number of multimedia artists and animators employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

What about Wage When Starting?

In summary, according to the BLS, wages for multimedia artists and animators ranged from $42,390 to $142,750 in May 2020. The former salary is the lowest 10 percent, and the latter is the highest 10 percent. An individual just starting at their first job in animation will typically begin at the lower end, especially if the applicant is working for a smaller market. Some may start as low as $30,000 per year until they’ve obtained some work experience. Those working in the motion picture industry typically earn higher wages than those working in the gaming or design industries.

How do you reach these wages?

With little or no experience, a degree in fine arts specializing in animation, visual effects, or motion graphics, or a degree in computer graphics. These programs require artistic talent in drawing, painting, sculpture, film, or graphics. Communication is paramount as most settings entail working as a team toward a common goal – either the game or related visual medium.

Technical skills, primarily computer proficiency, are paramount in the animation business. Employers look for candidates with the ability to use:

• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe AfterEffects
• Adobe Illustrator
• Motion Graphics
• Computer Animation

Individuals pursuing a career in video game design may see names like:

• Unity – a real-time platform
• GameMaker – Studio 2 is a powerful game development tool
• Unreal Engine – a suite of tools for game developers, designers, and builders
• Maya – 3D computer animation, simulation, and modeling software

Future animators can increase their chances of breaching the lower wage threshold by participating in an internship during their college years. Employment sites, like Indeed, post these openings at various companies scattered across the nation. Here are some examples, as of 2022:

Creative Animation/VFX Intern at General Motors in Warren, Michigan, seeks candidates working toward a degree in visual effects, animation, or entertainment design. They must have good interpersonal skills, comfort with Maya, and creativity.

Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, has an undergraduate intern program for students familiar with 3D digital art, such as Maya or Blender, and coding projects using Python or C++, including computer graphics. Candidates’ educational paths can be digital art, computer graphics, art, or related fields.

Other Qualifications

To progress in animation and, along with it, a higher salary, there are specific qualities for success. The University of Silicon Valley has offered bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various technological and creative specialties for over 130 years. Examples are game art, game engineering, and software development. The school stresses these attributes for success in 3D animation:

• Attention to detail as the profession requires combing through frame by frame
• Exemplary organization as animation projects might involve hundreds of small files
• Thrive on challenges as the job demands creating something new and powerful that audiences or gamers will love
• An excellent memory is an asset to remember the myriad of details in the creation and the appropriate software for the job.

Graduates of an animation degree are well on their way to earning a good salary and doing work that can be fun and interesting. Even working at their first job in animation doesn’t deter their ability to make a good salary because this field offers so many career possibilities.

However, keep in mind that approximately 62,400 working as special effects artists and animators in the United States (BLS); therefore, this will be a highly competitive industry to find viable employment. As stated above, the 16% growth or job turnover looks impressive, but that translates to 9,900 positions over ten years – meaning only 990 each year. Compare those statistics to Software Developers, which the BLS projects a turnover of 409,500 jobs from 2020 to 2030 or 40,950 openings per year.

Related Resources:

What is a Typical Salary for a Graphic Designer?

Which Schools Have the Best Animation Programs?

How Much Math Should I Study if I Want to Become an Animator?

What High School Classes Can I Take That Will Help Prepare Me for a Degree in Animation?

Are There Online Programs That I Can Get a Degree in Animation?

Are There Degrees in Criminal Justice Programs That Use Animation?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Forensic Artist?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post What Salary Can I Expect at My First Job in Animation? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Today there are a wide range of master’s degrees available completely online in physical education, recreation, tourism, athletics, training, and coaching. While this may seem like a wide range of degree types, we decided to pull them into the same ranking as there are often multiple degree types you can use to become involved with a recreation-related activity that you love as a career.

For example, if you’re into professional baseball, you could work on tourism related tasks for the city of a pro team. You could work your way up in the training staff. You could take an organizational perspective and move up within the business ranks of an athletic organization. And of course there are many jobs in physical education in K-12 schools as well as in coaching at the youth and collegiate levels.

For all you individuals who want to make your favorite sport or recreational location your career, we’re here to tell you that there are options galore. Here at DegreeQuery, we’ve helped 10,000’s of students find their dream degree (and afterwards, career). We’ve applied our expertise to recreation, tourism, and coaching degrees below.

How Did We Rank These Programs?

Here at DegreeQuery we use our years of experience researching higher education to inform our picks for “the best” programs of a given type. While we understand that no one program is going to be the best for every student. We try to weight factors that many online students particularly care about highly in our rankings. In the case of this ranking we looked at a number of factors including the affordability of the program, the accreditation level, the range of flexibility for adult or non-traditional learners, and the prestige of the program in question. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And in the meantime, we hope you find your dream degree below!

1. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University provides the top-ranked program in DegreeQuery’s annual ranking of athletic, coaching, and recreational management master’s degree programs. North Dakota State University is known as a public research university with a main campus in Fargo, North Dakota, as well as a range of online degree options. Originally an agriculture and technology college, the University still pulls from these roots to offer many hands-on and applied degrees. With a 57% graduation rate, NDSU is a top-notch public school that offers in-person and online degrees.

One program North Dakota State University offers fully online is that of their master’s in health, nutrition, and exercise science. We like this program because it offers the ability to tackle many health, fitness, and recreation specialty areas within the same degree. The degree also offers two tracks, one that centers around the creation of a master’s-level thesis, and another that allows students to develop a paper or portfolio of projects of their choosing. As the fourth most affordable program surveyed in this year’s ranking, there’s also not much to loose from trying the program out. If you’re looking for an innovative and interdisciplinary online program related to coaching, recreation, or health, NDSU’s may be the one!

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2. Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University is a medium-sized public university with a main campus located in Cookeville, Tennessee. The university is known for a range of subjects including engineering-related degrees, as well as education and coaching. Unlike many universities — at least at the bachelor’s-level — health and physical education degrees are actually the fourth most popular degree type for students to take at the university. With close to 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech is large enough to be able to provide many of the opportunities available at large schools, while not being overwhelmingly large.

Our second pick for the best online master’s in exercise, recreation, or coaching can be seen in Tennessee Tech’s master of arts in exercise science. We like this degree program as it provides some of the widest range of options among competing degrees. Students in the program may select from a range of specializations, including elementary and middle school physical education, adaptive physical education, K-12 licensure in physical education, fitness and lifetime wellness, and sports management. Additionally, the program is one of the most affordable that we’ve surveyed for this year’s ranking, coming in as the 9th most affordable degree program we’ve looked at.

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3. University of Florida

The University of Florida is known for excellence in a wide range of disciplines, one of which is athletics. This carries over into their coaching and physical fitness offerings at the university level, which are routinely ranked as some of the strongest in the nation. The University of Florida is also known for being an academic powerhouse overall, with land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designations marking the school as a center of research into agriculture, aerospace, and the natural sciences. With close to 50,000 students an an annual budget of over $6 billion, you can be sure that the University of Florida offers all of the support services and opportunities you need to complete your sports science, recreation, or physical education degree program.

In this year’s ranking of online degrees in coaching, physical education, and recreation, we would be remiss not to include the University of Florida. With what is routinely regarded as one of the very top sports management schools in the nation, the fact that University of Florida offers online degrees makes this program a great opportunity for many aspiring sports managers. Unique specializations in the program include sports law, athletic development, and high-performance coaching. Practicums, internships, and a final hands-on capstone project help students to hone real world skills throughout their course of study.

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4. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a large-sized public university particularly well known for their engineering, life sciences, and agricultural programs. The university is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution and one of three institutions that anchor the well-thought of “research triangle” of universities and cities. With over 35,000 students, North Carolina State University is the largest university in the Carolinas, and among the largest in the United States. This is great for students seeking a broad alumni network and wide ranging support services that are often only present at larger and well-funded schools.

We like North Carolina State University’s online parks, recreation, and tourism management degree for a range of reasons. The online and accelerated format is a great selling point for many individuals already working full time. The emphasis on a strong foundation of managerial courses is unique in programs we surveyed. Additionally, the subject matter of the degree as a whole centered on tourism and recreation location is unique. Additional program features include the fact that applicants do not need to submit a GRE score to apply, and that students are admitted and study in cohorts, increasing the chances of meaningful exchanges and relationships that can be carried beyond the degree program.

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5. University of Illinois

The University of Illinois is a public flagship and land-grant, space-grant, and sea-grant institution with a main campus located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. The school is home to some 51,000 students making it one of the largest in the region as well as the nation. UI holds an R1 very high research level designation and is known for graduate-level programs in a wide variety of fields. Particularly noteworthy fields of study at the University include computer science, engineering, information science, business, accounting, and education. The University of Illinois is also known to have the second largest library collection of any school in the United States.

The fully Online Master of Science in Recreation, Sport & Tourism offered by the University of Illinois is one of our top picks for sports, recreation, and coaching degrees this year for a host of reasons. The program is accelerated, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 18 months. Students may select from a range of specialization areas through certificate programs that just require 3 eight-week courses for completion. Additionally, students may join cohorts with three entry points per year.

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6. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is one of the largest online degree providers within the southeastern United States. This mid-sized public research university is home to close to 15,000 students and has a main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Bachelor’s through doctoral degrees are available at the university which is classified as an R1 very high research activity institution. Particularly well-known degree programs at the school include psychology, nursing, business, and education.

For this year’s ranking of recreation, athletics, and coaching degrees we would be remiss for not including the University of Southern Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi is unique in our ranking in that they offer two fully-online degrees that meet the bill for our ranking. First is a fully-online master of science in sport coaching education. Secondly, a fully-online master of science in kinesiology with a physical education emphasis. Additionally Southern Mississippi has one of the longer standing online programs of this type in the nation, meaning there’s a strong alumni base, adding to the networking possibilities.

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7. Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University is a public research university with a main campus located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The school is home to some 22,000 students, making it one of the larger in the region, though still much smaller than the largest state schools. Well-known programs of study include a college of flight, offering one of the most prestigious flight science programs in the nation. Additionally, Western Michigan is known for one of the largest business schools (undergraduate and graduate) of any university in the nation. In 2008, a $100 million gift was given to the University to begin construction on a medical school.

We like Western Michigan University’s fully online master’s in coaching sport performance for a range of reasons. It’s one of only a handful of coaching programs with a level five accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education. Additionally, the program doesn’t require a GRE for acceptance, and provides one of the best “bang for your buck” among comparable programs nationally. If you’re looking for a program with proven success to preparing the next generation of elite coaches, at the youth, collegiate, or professional levels, look no further than the program at Western Michigan University.

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8. University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a medium-sized public research university that is part of the University of Nebraska System. This university, originally started as an educational college (or “Normal school”) for the state of Nebraska, today offers a wide range of degrees to over 6,000 students. In recent years, the university has made a sustained push into online as well as blended (online mixed with in-person meet up) delivery methods for degrees. The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been ranked the 9th best public school in the region, as well as the 35th best public university for online study in the nation by a variety of publications.

We like the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s fully online Master’s in Physical Education for a variety of reasons. It’s one of only a few fully-online physical education programs to make it on our list, offers a range of specialization options, and draws from the history and strength of the university as a historical teacher’s college. The two specializations that students may endeavor upon include an online pedagogy route as well as a special populations emphasis. Additionally, the program is one of the most affordable within our list. Of note is that successful applicants should already hold a bachelor’s degree as well as a teaching license as this is not a licensure program for physical education.

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9. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is a public comprehensive university that has a main campus in Portales, New Mexico. Home to over 6,000 students, the University is the largest comprehensive university (offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees without a heavy research component) in the region. Eastern New Mexico University is the first designated Hispanic-serving institution on our list, and has been featured in rankings about social mobility-produciving universities. Many of the most popular majors and degrees at the school are applied and career centered.

We wanted to include Eastern New Mexico University’s fully online degree program in Online Master of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Administration in this year’s ranking due to a number of factors. First, the program is one of the most affordable we surveyed within online coaching, recreation, and related degrees this year. Secondly, students may choose between two versatile focus areas within the degree program, including a coaching emphasis and a sport administration emphasis. Additionally, electives allow students to further tailor their already flexible course of study.

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10. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public land- and sea-grant research university with a main campus located in Clemson, South Carolina. With close to 25,000 students, Clemson is one of the larger universities in the Carolinas, and is well known for a range of fields of study. Some particularly noteworthy fields studied at the university include economics, automotive research, historic restoration, and education. Overall the university is often ranked as one of the 25 best public universities in the nation.

Our tenth favorite pick for this year’s ranking is Clemson’s fully online master’s in parks, recreation, and tourism management. Besides the general prestige of the university and their solid track record with online education, one of our favorite elements of this program is the range of concentrations. Current program concentrations that individuals can pursue include parks and conservation areas management, travel and tourism management, community recreation management, and recreational therapy. Additionally, courses are offered in adult learner-friendly, 6-week increments.

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11. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State is located in Valdosta, Georgia just minutes away from the Florida state line. Valdosta State started as a normal school and over the years evolved into the university it is today. This unique comprehensive university offers in-state tuition to Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. In addition to associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees Valdosta State offers professional certifications and online courses. Among their online offerings is the Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree in Coaching Pedagogy in Physical Education.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Minimum of a Master’s Degree
• 3.0 GPA
• Physical Education Teaching Certification in Georgia or a reciprocal state

The program is 27 credits hours and taught online and offers a potential T-6 certification. Students undergoing this program can expect to study the following courses:

• Coaching Pedagogy
• Coaching Pedagogy Research Methods
• History of Sport
• Sport Coaching Pedagogy
• Communication Skills for Coaches

It is assumed that those enrolled in this online course will already be involved in a coaching program as this course does include professional development. The Ed.S from Valdosta State is known for its affordable programming.

• No GRE Required
• Degree is 100% Online

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12. University of Arkansas Global Campus

The University of Arkansas (UArk) is a public university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The U.S. News and World Report ranks UArk as one of the top 100 public schools in the US. The university was founded in 1871 and currently awards undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and specialist degrees as well as graduate certification programs. UArk has innovated over the years and currently boasts some of the best online programming in the nation according to U.S. News. Among their online degree offerings is the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Physical Education.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• An Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology or a Related Field
• 3.0 GPA

The program of study is 33 credit hours and may be completed in as little as two years. To graduate with this degree students must have a 3.0 or higher and pass a culminating written comprehensive exam. Students enrolled will have the opportunity to study the following courses:

• The Physical Education Curriculum
• Risk Management in Physical Education and Athletics
• Scientific Principles of Movement and Performance
• Sport Psychology
• Professional Issues in Physical Education and Sport

One of the flexible aspects of this degree is that students may enter into the program at any time. To complete this degree in 2 years expect to study full-time.

• GRE May Be Required
• Degree is 100% online

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13. Ohio University

Ohio University was founded in 1804 just one year after Ohio officially became a state. In 1808 Ohio University opened its doors it had 3 students and one faculty member. Today Ohio University enrolls nearly 30,000 students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. Ohio is the home to Fulbright Scholars and Pulitzer Prize winners. Some of the most impressive accolades include 77th most innovative schools, 122nd best value school and 32nd best online master’s in engineering programs according to U.S. News. It’s no wonder their online programming ranks among the top in the nation. Ohio strives to create academic programming that is unique and accessible. One such program is their online Master’s in Coaching Education.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Minimum of Three Years Experience Coaching
• 2.75 GPA or and Above
• An Undergraduate Degree

The Master’s in Coaching has been newly revamped for 2020. It is 30 credit hours in length and consists of 8 core courses and 2 elective classes. Let’s take a closer look at a few of their core requirements:

• Dynamics of Skill Acquisition
• Foundations of Coaching
• Injury Prevention & Risk Management
• Ethics and Diversity in Athletic Coaching

The elective courses give you a unique opportunity to study according to your areas of interest. This online degree is designed with the busy professional in mind.

• GRE Not Required
• Degree is 100% online

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14. Xavier University

Xavier is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was founded in 1831. Currently, Xavier offers over 90 undergraduate programs. This is a comprehensive university that offers a full range of academic degrees and certifications. It is military-friendly and currently ranks as the 5th best regional school in the Midwest. Some of its other accolades include the ranking 4th in the region as one of the best colleges for veterans, 18th for best undergraduate teaching, and 8th for most innovative schools. Part of what makes Xavier innovative is its online academic offerings and are currently offering nearly 20 online degrees in the fields of business and education including their online Master of Education in Coaching Education and Athlete Development (CEAD).

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Degree from a Regionally Accredited University
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or Higher
• Coaching Experience

The CEAD program may be completed in 24 months and requires 33 credit hours for completion. The course material aligns with the NASPE and the NCAE. Like with many on-campus graduate programs this online degree is taught a cohort. You should expect the study the following courses among others:

• Psycho-social Aspects of Coaching
• Coaching Ehics and Phylosophy
• Sport Leadership and Team Building
• Sports Safety, Risk Management and Injury Prevention
• The Science of Performance

For professional development, students will complete a residency. This program has a unique focus on long-term athlete development and includes 2 courses in the second year with this focus. Students will also complete a research project in the field of coaching.

• GRE Required
• Degree is 100% online

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15. State University of New York – Cortland

SUNY Cortland is a public university located in Cortland, New York that was established in 1868. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. SUNY Cortland is regionally accredited and ranked 63rd in the North. Their academic offerings include a number of career-ready degrees in fields like education, social sciences, public administration and more. They also offer a number of standard student services like academic counseling as well as career counseling. This is a great option for New York residents seeking an affordable degree. Their Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.) in physical education. This program is unique as it has two core concentrations: one in adapted physical education and another in coaching pedagogy.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• Completed a Bachelor’s Degree
• Documentation of Initial Certification in Physical Education
• Professional Experience

The course material differs depending on your area of concentration and each course requires 30 credits for completion. Some of the unique courses include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder and Education (Adaptive)
• Inclusive Coaching Methods (coaching/inclusive)
• Lifespan Motor Development
• Comprehensive Examination Seminar
• Research in Adaptive Physical Activity

Individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of differently-abled individuals or investigate fresh ways to inspire youth in schools are going to love this program.

• GRE Required
• This program is a hybrid

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16. Jackson State University

Jackson State University is a public institution located in Jackson, Mississippi. Founded in 1877 Jackson State was originally known as Natchez Seminary. From there the university grew and changed to adapt to the changing times and became a teacher’s college then Jackson State in 1952. Today Carnegie ranks Jackson State as an R:1 institution for having the “highest research activity.” The university currently offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Their academic programs reflect their history with a number of their degree offerings in the field of education. Their online Master of Science aims to equip individuals for a position as manager in the field of sports.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• An Undergraduate Degree from an Accredited Institution
• Completed the GRE

This online degree requires 36 credit hours to complete. The online concentration focuses on sports management with a strong emphasis on ethics and finance. You can expect to take classes like these:

• Sport Psychology & Sociology
• Sport Administration & Organization
• Sport Finance
• Ethics of Sport
• Research Methods

All students will complete a culminating exam.

• GRE Required
• This program is fully online

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17. Drexel University

Drexel University is one of the top 100 universities in the US. This private research university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a global research university, Drexel shines when it comes to innovation and is in fact ranked 23rd in the nation for their information according to U.S. News. Drexel ranks highly as a value school, college for veterans and for its undergraduate teaching programming. There are currently 24,190 students enrolled at Drexel and 4,669 of them are online students. Their online degree offerings continue to expand and include several impressive programs may that rank among the top 10 in the nation. Their online MS in Sport Coaching Leadership is a fantastic option for any individual looking to focus on either rowing or Lacross- two unique concentration options offered at Drexel.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• An Undergraduate Degree from an Accredited Institution
• 3.0 or higher GPA

Drexel Online uses 10-week quarters so that students can complete this program at an accelerated pace. To complete the program you must earn 45 quarter credits. Some of the courses include:

• Ethics in Coaching
• Coaching Theory and Principles
• Biomechanics in Rowing
• Lacrosse Safety and Risk Management
• Managing Coaches & Teams

Another added perk to this program is that you have the freedom to design your own curriculum using a wide range of courses from either concentration.

• GRE Required
• This program is fully online

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18. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University (GS) was established in 1906 and has its flagship campus is in Statesboro, Georgia. This comprehensive university boasts one of the largest enrollments in the state currently enrolling over 26,000 students. GS offers a wide range of academic programs and its most robust programs are in the fields of business, education, and health. This includes their online programming. Prospective students who are working professionals living in Georgia will find the best value with in-state tuition. GS currently offers over 30 online degrees and professional certifications. If you are looking to “become a better coach” then look no further than the online Master of Science in Kinesiology and Coaching Education Concentration. This online degree is a great option for working coaches who are looking to take their career to the next level.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
• 2.75 or higher GPA
• Professional Experience

This online degree is 36 credit hours long and may be completed in as little as 14 months. Of the 12 courses admitted students will study:

• Sport Coaching Pedagogy
• Psychology of Sport & Exercise Performance
• Prevention, Recognition, & Care of Athletic Injuries
• Sociocultural Foundations of Sport Coaching
• Team Dynamics

If you are looking for an accelerated online master’s degree that will help you catapult your career certainly check out GS.

• GRE Required
• This program is fully online

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19. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public 4-year university ranked nationally by the US News and World Report and is located in Greeley, Colorado. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees- both professional and research degrees. Their online master’s in education programs are ranked 35th in the nation and their online bachelor’s programs are ranked 66th. There are currently nearly 13,000 students enrolled and 91% of which are full-time students. The student-to-faculty is 17:1. UNC is a nationally ranked institution. Their online Master’s Degree in Applied Sport Coaching is a great option for anyone looking to take their game to the next level.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
• 3.0 or higher GPA
• Professional Experience

This innovative degree focuses on cutting edge advancements in kinesiology and is a great fit for working coaches. You will study:

• Sport Pedagogy (Teaching)
• Sport Psychology
• International Coaching Perspectives
• Injury Prevention
• Training and Conditioning Principles

This program is accredited by the NCACE. The program is 36 credits in length and culminates with a final exam.

• No GRE Required
• This program is fully online

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20. Ball State University

Ball State University is a nationally ranked university located in Muncie, Indiana. US News ranks Ball State as the 192nd best school in the nation, 95th best public school, 29th best school for online bachelor’s programs, and 35th for best online master’s in education programs among several others. When it comes to innovation, Ball State shines where online education is concerned and currently has 10 online degrees ranks among the top 20 in the nation. Their online degree in Coaching is no different. So if you are hoping to pursue an advanced degree in kinesiology then why not try the Master of Arts Degree in Athletic Coaching at Ball State.

The ideal candidate for this program will have:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
• 2.75 or higher GPA
• Professional Experience As a Coach

Ball State utilizes a cohort style of learning and works well busy professionals as the entirety of this program is offered online. Take a glance at a few of their online courses:

• Sport Pedagogy (Teaching)
• Sport Psychology
• International Coaching Perspectives
• Injury Prevention
• Training and Conditioning Principles

This 36 credit hour program may be completed in just 5 semesters.

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The Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Petroleum Engineering Certification

To acquire certification in this branch of engineering, you will need to turn to the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Members of the Society who meet eligibility requirements and pass a credentialing exam administered by the professional organization can earn its Petroleum Engineering Certification.

The benefits of earning your Petroleum Engineering Certification are similar to the benefits of earning certification in other fields. Certification attests that your skills meet the standards established by an independent professional organization. Employers may view job candidates who have this certification as more committed to the field and to their own professional growth, which may translate to a greater number and variety of job opportunities.

Probably the easiest eligibility qualification to meet if you want to earn the Petroleum Engineering Certification is becoming a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Any professional petroleum engineer or engineering student can join the organization by paying an annual membership fee. As of 2021, the Society of Petroleum Engineers membership fees in the United States are $130 for professionals and $15 for students. You also need an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering or in a related science or engineering discipline. Finally, you need work experience. The Petroleum Engineering Certification is for professional engineers with at least four years of training or work experience in the field of engineering.

You might expect an engineering license to count toward certification requirements, but petroleum engineering positions don’t require licensure as often as certain other branches, like civil engineering. As a result, many petroleum engineers don’t pursue licensure.

Preparing for the Petroleum Engineering Certification Exam

Once you have met your eligibility requirements, it’s time to prepare for the SPE Certification Exam. The Society of Petroleum Engineers sells an Exam Reference Guide and an online SPE Certification and PE Exam Review course. Society of Petroleum Engineers members can also choose to watch free webinars, Strategies for Passing the SPE Certification and PE License Exams and Preparing for SPE Certification and Licensing Exams, as part of their membership benefits.

Applicants for the Petroleum Engineering Certification may request a waiver of the exam requirement if they have taken a written competency exam in the field of petroleum engineering.

Historically, the content of the Petroleum Engineering Certification Exam has included questions on the subjects of drilling, reservoir and production and facilities. Over the course of this seven-hour computer-based testing exam, test-takers will answer 70 questions presented in multiple-choice format.

Keeping your Petroleum Engineering Certification active requires you to undertake 16 hours of continuing education training.  

Petroleum Industry-Specific Certifications

Other petroleum engineering certifications have less to do with engineering practice than with different aspects of the petroleum industry. These certifications and other training programs often revolve around safety and health, since unsafe practices in petroleum engineering could present risks to workers on the site and to public health and wellness.

For example, the IADC WellSharp Certification focuses on well control training standards used in the drilling industry. The same professional association – the International Association of Drilling Contractors – also offers the IADC RigPass Certification. RigPass Certification emphasizes safety training for new employees of oil and gas rigs, drilling platforms that can be offshore or onshore (land-based). You might also take training courses in Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET) or in Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Petroleum engineers visit drill sites, well sites and oil fields, but most work primarily in offices, according to the BLS. However, the time they spend working on offshore rigs can be “high-risk,” according to TIME.

Additional Resources

What Licensures Are Available for Petroleum Engineering?

Is Continuing Education Important for Petroleum Engineering?

Are There Undergraduate Degrees in Petroleum Engineering?

What Civil Engineering Courses Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

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Aerospace Engineering Employment By the Numbers

For 2018, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counted 67,200 aerospace engineers employed in America. The aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry claimed 35 percent of this workforce, as the top employing industry for the profession. Both the engineering services industry and the federal government accounted for another 15 percent of the occupation. Another 10 percent of the profession worked in the manufacturing of navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments – which, given their importance in aircraft and spacecraft, makes sense. Scientific research and development roles encompassed 9 percent of the field.

For all occupations, the rate of expected job growth dropped to 5 percent for the decade, according to the BLS. Collectively, the job growth rate for engineering occupations matched this overall growth rate. However, aerospace engineering is currently expected to see slower than average job growth, at a rate of just 2 percent, the BLS reported. If jobs grow by that expected 2 percent, it will translate to 1,100 new career opportunities.

No one wants to hear that their intended occupation is seeing slower than average job growth. This isn’t a reason to give up on your dream, but it is a reason to think critically about your plan. The job outlook is still good if you have the right skills and specialization.

Aerospace Engineers and the Future of Space Travel

It’s been almost a decade since NASA officially ended its 30-year Space Shuttle Program on July 21, 2011, but that doesn’t mean space exploration has come to a halt. As of 2020, NASA has several missions in the works. The government agency’s ongoing space travel efforts include sending a man and woman to the moon by 2024 under the Artemis program, sending a rover to search the surface of Mars for evidence of past habitable conditions and microbial life and using the satellite OSIRIS-REx to return samples of the asteroid Bennu to Earth in 2023.

NASA is also working on developing a quieter form of its supersonic aircraft technology and celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the International Space Station in 2020. The agency is also partnering with private space exploration and transportation service companies through the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Two commercial companies, SpaceX and Boeing, are planning manned flights, as well as delivering supplies to the International Space Station.

If you focus only on the space component of aerospace engineering, you’re missing half of the field. Changes in the frequency and type of space travel and the players in the space travel industry don’t affect the availability of jobs in aircraft design and development.

Where the Best Job Prospects for Aerospace Engineers Are

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Although a job growth rate that is below average may not be encouraging, the BLS offers reassuring news for aspiring aerospace engineers. Several aspects of the field are seeing positive growth. Instead of working on a space shuttle for NASA, you might get a job designing small satellites that can be used commercially or developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, which can be used for everything from national security monitoring to commercial sales for personal use. A lot of modern aerospace engineers, especially those working in research and development, focus on improving existing aircraft designs so that they are quieter and operate more efficiently, using less fuel and, in turn, costing less money to operate.

Some of the most in-demand skills for aerospace engineers in the current job market, according to the BLS, are knowledge of the software used in the field, knowledge of C++ programming language and a background in stress analysis and structural engineering.

The biggest reason for disappointing job growth for aerospace engineers is a predicted decline in manufacturing jobs, the BLS reported. As aerospace engineers near retirement age, more jobs should open up for new hires, even if the number of jobs stays the same.

Additional Resources

What Degree Do I Need To Become An Aerospace Engineer?

How Advanced Does My Degree In Aerospace Engineering Need To Be To Get A Good Job?

What Classes Will I Have To Take For A Degree In Aerospace Engineering?

What Is The Benefit Of An Aerospace Engineering Degree Vs An Astronomy Degree?

The post With the Reduction of Space Travel and the End of the Shuttle Program, Has the Need for People With a Degree in Aerospace Engineering Been Reduced? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

• 100000
• The RMHC/HACER National Scholarship is worth upwards to $100,000 and is given to as many as 30 students. This scholarship is sponsored by McDonald’s and it’s given to a student with Hispanic heritage. In order to be eligible for this award you must be a high school senior as well as a legal US resident who is younger than 21 years old. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be planning to attend a two or four year college or university full-time. For more information about this award check out their website.
• High School, Hispanic

• 60000
• The Minnesota Indian scholarship program is a $60,000 award for post secondary Minnesota residents who are 1/4 or more Indian ancestry. To be eligible for this award you must be an undergraduate student who is able to demonstrate financial need. Graduate students must be enrolled at least part time. Additionally applicants must be Minnesota residents. For more information about this opportunity had to their website.
• Undergraduate, Graduate, Minnesota, Native American

• 45000
• The EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a $45,000 award for students attending minority-serving institutions. To be eligible for the scholarship you must be a US citizen enrolled full-time in a four-year academic program related to the NOAA. Applicants must earn as well as maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Undergraduate, U.S. Citizen, Minority

• 40000
• The Ron Brown Scholar Program is a $40,000 award intended for intellectually gifted African-Americans. This is a competitive award that offers recipients $10,000 over the course of four years $10,000 each year for a total of $40,000 in four years. To be eligible for this award you must excel academically, show leadership potential, and participate in community service activities as well as demonstrate a financial need. For more information to apply check out their website.
• African American

• 40000
• The Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is a $40,000 award for African-American Colorado high school seniors who have lived in Colorado for at least five years. To be eligible for this award you must have a GPA of 3.0 and be attending college in the fall after you graduate from high school. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• High School, Colorado

• 20000
• The APIASF General Scholarship Program is for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. To be eligible for this award you must be an APIA who can demonstrate financial need. Additionally applicant should be a citizen national or legal permanent resident of the United States and have a minimum GPA of 2.7 as well as be enrolling in an undergraduate program at a US accredited college or university. To apply to the scholarship check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Asian Pacific Islander American

• 20000
• The Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund Will award five scholarships of $5000 to incoming freshmen who are enrolled at a four-year college or university. The scholarship is renewable for four years for a total of $20,000. To be eligible for this award applicants must be of Filipino Heritage with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be a resident of one of the following Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marion, Mercier, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma or the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange or San Diego. For more information to apply to this scholarship check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Filipino

• 20000
• The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans is a $20,000 award for New Americans who are age 30 or younger. This scholarship is valid for two years of graduate study and fellow serve selected based on merit. To apply to the scholarship submit two essays along with your application. For more information and to apply check out their website.
• Graduate, New American

• 18000
• The ASA Minority Fellowship Program supports the training of sociologists of color. To be eligible for this $18,000 award you must be enrolled and have completed one full academic year of a sociology program and be pursuing a doctorate. Candidates should be citizens or non-citizen nationals of United States and have legal residence or be eligible under DACA. For more information and to apply to the scholarship program check out their website.
• Doctoral, Minority

• 10000
• The Bay Area minority law student scholarship is a $10,000 award for under represented minorities who are attending law school in the Bay Area. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. For more information to apply to this award check out their website.
• Minority, Law

• 10000
• The CWGCS Fellowship on Women and Policy is for graduate students in any NYS college or university who’s pursuing a career in public policy. To be eligible for this award applicants need three years of prior work experience. The purpose of the fellowship is to cover living expenses and graduate credits from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, SUNY. For more information to apply check out their website.
• Graduate

• 10000
• The Elms College Elm STEM program is a $10,000 award supported by the National Science Foundation. The scholarship is for students who are majoring in a STEM field and attending Elms College full-time. To apply, you must be a prospective full-time first year student at Elms College majoring in biology, computer information technology, chemistry, or mathematics. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• STEM

• 10000
• The Korean Ancestry Grant is given to Asian students with at least one Asian grandparent. There’s a strong preference for Korean applicants. The grant is for $10,000 and is intended for undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in the United States. For more information and to apply check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Korean

• 8000
• The Hebert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship is an $8000 scholarship that’s aiming to transform racial quality. To be an applicant you must be African-American graduating high school senior and a first year student in an accredited four-year college or university with a demonstrated financial need. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• African American, Undergraduate

• 7000
• CUNY Becas Scholarship Program is for Mexican students who are undergraduate and graduate students meeting the following criteria: academic achievement, financial aid, and commitment to serving the Mexican community. For more information and to apply check out their website. This is a $7,000 award.
• Undergraduate, Graduate, Mexican

• 6500
• The Smithsonian minority awards program as a $6500 scholarship offer to underrepresented groups and disciplines related to the institution the museum field. Applicant should be formally enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to apply to the scholarship check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Graduate, Minority

• 6000
• The AMS Minority Scholarship is a $6000 award that’s given to minority students who have been traditionally under represented in the sciences particularly black and African-American students, Hispanic, and Native American students. This is a two-year scholarship that is distributed once a year during the recipients’ freshman and sophomore years. To be eligible for this award a student must plan to pursue a career in atmospheric or oceanic and hydraulic sciences. Marine biology is not eligible for this award. For more information to apply to this award check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 6000
• The Smithsonian Institution James E. Webb internship is offered to racial minority students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and in public administration. To be eligible for this award you must have a 3.0 GPA. This is a $6000 scholarship. For more information and to apply to the program check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Graduate, Minority

• 6000
• The Smithsonian Native American awards program as a $6000 scholarship to support students who are formally or informally affiliated with a Native American community or tribe. This internship awards are available to Native American students who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program. Recipients of this award are able to pursue a supervised Smithsonian internship. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Native American

• 5000
• The ABA Diversity Scholarship is a $5000 award for underrepresented groups in the travel, transportation and tourism industry. To be eligible you must be attending an accredited college and have declared a major that is relevant to the travel, transportation, and tourism industry with the minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply to this program submit a 500 word essay discussing the roll that you plan to play in the industry. For more information about this $5000 award head to the scholarship page.
• Undergraduate, Graduate, Minority

• 5000
• The ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship provides financial aid to minority students in the healthcare management graduate programming. This award is offered annually and it’s designed to assist minority students who are enrolled in a graduate program. The award is for their final year in school. For more information about this $5000 reward head to their website.
• Graduate, Minority

• 5000
• The ACS Scholarship Program is a $5000 reward for underrepresented minorities looking to enter the fields of chemistry or a related field. If you are African-American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, American Indian as well as a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore, junior pursuing a college degree in the chemical sciences then this scholarship is for you. Three eligible you must be a US citizen or permanent US resident with a 3.0 grade point average. For more information on how to apply check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 5000
• The American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship is a $5000 award for a US or Canada resident who is an American Indian/Alaska native, Asian, Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino or native Hawaiian/other pacific islander attending an ALA accredited graduate program in the following areas library and information studies or an ALA recognized and CATE school library media program. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program in order to maintain their scholarship. For more information on how to apply had to their website.
• Graduate, Minority

• 5000
• Catching the Dream is a $5000 scholarship intended to help Indian people by providing scholarship funds to Native American college students demonstrating academic achievement as well as clearly defined goals and leadership qualities. The applicants must be intending to return to their communities. This award is offered throughout the year. To be eligible for this award you must be a quarter or more degree Native American enrolled in a federally recognized US tribe and attending a college or university full-time. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Undergraduate, Native American

• 5000
• The Fontana Transport and Corporate Scholars Program is for underrepresented low income and first generation college bound students. To be eligible for this award you must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in the following areas: transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, premed, psychology, Spanish language/literature. All applicants must have a minimum GPA at 3.5 and be US citizens. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority, First-Generation, Low-Income

• 5000
• The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is offered to first generation Asian Americans who have demonstrated interest in business. To be eligible you must be an incoming freshman fully enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum GPA 3.0 as well as have a demonstrated financial need. Applicants should be a resident of Alameda, Concha, Costco, Maureen, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Solano county in California. For more information about this $5000 award head to their scholarship webpage.
• Undergraduate, Asian American

• 5000
• The Grand Rapids Community Foundation Awards offers scholarships to students of color including African-American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander or Alaskan Natives. The West Michigan diversity law school scholarship is awarded to students of color who are residing in Michigan. Applicants should have a demonstrated financial need as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Minority, Law

• 5000
• The GRCF Warner Norcross and Judd Law Scholars School Scholarship is a $5000 award for students of color who are pursuing a law degree in the United States. The applicant must be a former or current resident of Michigan or currently attending a school in Michigan. For more information and to apply check out their website.
• Minority, Law

• 5000
• The Korean American Scholarship Foundation Western regional chapter offers a $5000 award to students of Korean Heritage who are studying in the United States. To be qualified for this award you must be full-time enrolled at a school in one of the following Southwest states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA is required for more information and to apply check out their website.
• Korean

• 5000
• The Korean American Scholarship foundation mid western chapter offers a $5000 scholarship to Korean Americans who are studying at one of the following states in the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota copper, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. To be eligible for the scholarship you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be able to demonstrate a financial need. For more information and to apply check out their website.
• Korean

• 5000
• The Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program is a $5000 award for US citizens or eligible noncitizen who meet undocumented student criteria of the RISE act. To be eligible for this award you must be a resident of Illinois as well as a minority student which includes following people groups: African-American/black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American and be a high school graduate as well as a student who is enrolled in an Illinois institution intending to be a preschool elementary or secondary school teacher certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information and to apply had to their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 5000
• The PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship is for Hispanic students who are beginning or continuing their studies in higher education. Students should be purusing studies in institutions located in Arizona and California Central Valley. Eligible applicants will demonstrate leadership qualities in extracurricular activities and financial need. You must be an incoming or continuing full-time undergraduate student that is also a US citizen permanent legal resident undocumented DACA or a Dreamer eligible noncitizen with a grade point average of 3.0. This is a $5000 scholarship. For more information and to apply head to the scholarship providers website.
• Undergraduate, Hispanic Latino

• 5000
• The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Scholarship is a $5000 award to Hispanics living in Pittsburgh. To apply you must be attending or accepted to an accredited institution including a two and four year college or university or trade school in the United States and must reside in one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, beaver, Butler, Fayette, Westmoreland, or Washington county. All applicants must have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Undergraduate, Hispanic Latino

• 5000
• The Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program as a $5000 award for talented minority students were living in Tennessee. If you are intending to pursue a teacher certification at an eligible Tennessee College of University then this award is for you. In order to apply you must be a minority Tennesseean resident as well as a US citizen high school senior who has a minimum of 2.75 GPA. For more information and to apply head to the scholarship providers website.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 4000
• The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship is a $4000 award given to Black/African-American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students. To be eligible for this award you must been intending to pursue a career in the actuarial profession and have at least one birth parent from one of the following minority groups: Black/African-American, Hispanic, Native North American, Pacific Islander. You must be a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to see if you qualify for this award check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 4000
• The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship is a $4000 reward for African-American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American students. To be eligible for this award you must be a resident of the state of Florida and be a minority. You must be enrolled in a university or college and be a junior, senior, graduate student that has not yet earned a bachelors degree in education. State and community college graduates will have special consideration. For more information and to apply check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority, Florida

• 3500
• The Leon Bradley Scholarship Program is a $3500 scholarship for minorities or people of color who are planning to enter the field of teaching. This scholarship program is sponsored by the American Association of school personnel administrators which believes that we all benefit from a diverse experience in our public school systems. Plus this award is given to students in their final year. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Minority, Prospective Teachers

• 3000
• The CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship is for African-American or black students who are pursuing a degree in the performing arts. The performing arts includes the following areas: theater, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching band, etc. To be qualified for this award you must be enrolled full-time in an accredited institution and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For more information about this $3000 award and to apply head to their website.
• Undergraduate, Minority, Performing Arts

• 3000
• The Doctor Barbara Odom Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship is for African-American female high school seniors currently attending classes in the Tarrant county area to be eligible for this award you must be intending to attend a four-year college or university. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5. For more information about this $3000 scholarship had to their website.
• Undergraduate, African-American

• 3000
• The Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship Fund is a $3000 award to South Asian students enrolled full-time in his or her second third or fourth year at Pennsylvania medical school. To be eligible for this award he must be a resident of Pennsylvania or New Jersey and have been and have completed the FAFSA. For more information and to apply to their website.
• South Asian, Medical Student

• 2500
• The American Library Association offers the LITA/LSSI Scholarship. This is a $2500 reward for African-American, American Indian or Alaskan natives, Asian pacific islanders or Hispanic students are looking to turn into the field of library systems and services. To qualify this award you must be a minority who has a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in library’s. Oh boy information and to apply head to their website.
• Graduate, Minority

• 2500
• The California Hispanic Education Endowment Fund HEEF is a $2500 fund for US citizens and living in Orange County, California. This is for Hispanic educational endowment fund. The HEEF offers academic scholarships to Orange County high school community college transfers who qualify. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Undergraduate, Hispanic Latino

• 2500
• The Jackie Shaheen Mass Communication Scholarship award is for Arab American students who are excelling in media studies. This is a $2500 award for junior senior graduate students were majoring in the following areas: journalism, radio, television, and or film and have a GPA of 3.0. Applicants must be US citizens with an Arab heritage.
• Graduate, Arab

• 2500
• The Leonard M. Perryman Communication Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minorities is a $2500 award for undergraduate studies in the following areas: religion, journalism, communications. The scholarship is for United Methodist undergraduate attending in a credit in the US college or university. For more information about this award check out their website.
• Undergraduate, Methodist

• 2500
• Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship is for incoming sophomore, junior, senior enrolled in a four year college or university. To be eligible for this award you must be at least 50% Asian enrolled in a California college or university. Applicants should be majoring in one of the following areas: public policy, business administration, accounting, or political science. Additionally applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be able to demonstrate financial need.
• Undergraduate, Asian

• 2500
• The National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity is a $2500 reward for applicants who are high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must complete a FAFSA. For more information and to apply to this award head to their website.
• High School

• 2500
• The Page Education Foundation Grants offers a $2500 award to Minnesota post secondary schools. This award is for students of color. To be eligible you must agree to complete annual service projects working with young children. To be eligible for this award you must be able to demonstrate financial need and be enrolled full-time at an accredited post secondary institution in the state of Minnesota. All applicants will need to maintain full-time status throughout the academic year and be tutoring children in grades K through eighth. For more information and to apply head to their website.
• Minority, Prospective Teachers

• 2500
• The LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships are for students who are interested in professional development. Applicants must be from a minority group and be a full-time student at a four-year accredited college or university with an emphasis on advertising marketing or public relations. All recipients receive a trip to New York City. To be eligible you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Undergraduate, Minority

• 2500
• The Truman D. Picard Scholarship is dedicated to the support of Native American students pursuing higher education degree in the natural resources. This is a $2500 reward for students who are Alaskan Natives and involved in federally recognized tribes. To apply to this award submit a letter of application as well as a resume and three letters of recommendation. For more information about this program head to their website.
• Undergraduate, Native American

• 2000
• The Charles Shelton Veterinarian Medicine and Technology scholarship is a $2000 award for African-American students who wish to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. Scholarships are given to individuals who can demonstrate an interest in animal welfare. To be eligible for this award you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be an African-American graduating high school senior currently in rolled or returning college student. For more information about this opportunity head to their website.
• High School, African-American

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In 2018 around 2 million STEM positions went unfilled according to the 2020 Computer Science Education Week, and yet the projected job growth within STEM fields continues unabated. Between 2017 and 2027, STEM jobs will grow by 13% as compared to a growth rate of 9% in non-STEM positions. So what are we to take from these statistics? 

Simply put, there has never been a better time to pursue a STEM career, a fact that is perhaps most true for pursuits leading to a career in computer science which expands with around 100,000 new jobs annually. This trend is recognized by parents who wish their children to study computer science in school–with 9 of 10 parents in agreement despite only one in four schools offering it in pre-undergraduate computer science programs. This means that prospective professionals distinguish themselves in an undergraduate computer science education. 

While an undergraduate education represents the baseline of preparation for a promising future in computer science, a graduate education offers the key to unlocking the upper tiers of success. With a Master of Computer Science you can expect doors to open to a number of excellent careers such as data analytics, web programming, or software development. 

RELATED: The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online

There’s No Wrong Time to Start

But perhaps of even more benefit than the diversity of career paths available is the flexibility of job types on offer within these career paths. The dynamic nature of computer science means that prospective students can likely find a professional context for computer science that matches their individual personality and professional aspirations. This is just one of many components that contributes to the widespread popularity of computer science.

 Careers in computer science can take you anywhere from a traditional office environment working as a coder, to a field position where the focus is on installing software on-site, or even to a political office where computer scientists often work as campaign IT consultants. Other options lean more heavily into the theoretical nature of computer science which leads to roles in education and research. In other words, it is important to remember that while computer science may sound like a cut-and-dry profession, it is anything but and is perhaps one of the most malleable professions in the IT job market today, which also speaks to the importance of graduate education so that students may refine their personal approach in accordance with career goals. 

For this reason, many professionals pursue a computer science education later in life to supplement an existing career, or replace it all together. With this in mind, we have tailored this ranking to focus on online master of computer science programs to cater to prospective students who value quality education delivered with efficiency and convenience, given that a career change is anything but.  

Ranking Methodology

Before we dive-in to our ranking of the best master programs in computer science, let’s take a look under the hood at how we arrived at this ranking. Each program ranked according to a combination of performance metrics of the university as a whole as well as performance metrics specific to the computer science program. The computer science programs scored percentile-based points according to the following metrics:

• Graduation Rate
• Number of Available Concentrations 
• New York Times Higher Education Ranking
• Average Salary of Graduates (University wide / not program specific)

The summary section for each school further evaluates the specific program offerings available as well as the unique merits of each, such as internship opportunities, program flexibility, or any other distinguishing factors. These summaries catalogue the program elements that may appeal most to the individual as compared to the overall evaluation quality represented by the program’s rank number. 

In other words, each of the programs in this ranking equates to one of the best computer science programs in the world. What further delineates the best program of these will depend on the interests and goals of the individual. So the #20 school may be the best option for some students even more so than the #1 school, and so on. 

1.) Stanford University

Stanford University is one of those schools whose name and reputation precedes itself. This remains true for the Stanford School of Engineering which offers a Master of Science in Computer Science. Defined by a global awareness, the Stanford School of Engineering operates with a core philosophy of educating students according to a global standard of excellence. 

Stanford’s Master of Computer Science program offers noteable flexibility with both full-time and part-time paths as well as an online coursework. Students interested in an eventual PhD in computer science will find this program is designed with such preparation in mind, and offers continuity of education if students are interested in earning both consecutively at Stanford. 

The path of coursework will depend largely on the individual student’s unique area of focus, professional aspiration, and previous professional experience, which means that students play a determinative role in what they study and how they study it–an impressive leaning towards flexibility for Stanford’s long and established history of traditional education that demonstrates the school’s philosophy of innovation and adaptation in action. 

2.) Columbia University

Columbia University ranks among the most popular universities in public awareness around the world. Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering exhibits the worthiness of this popularity by its commitment to real world applications. Known for innovation and industry-defining advancements in STEM research, students looking to work on the bleeding edge of their field should look no further. 

Columbia University’s Master of Computer Science program offers students entry into most, if not all, major areas of computer science through offering an impressive number of degree options. Students can pursue study in any of the following 8 programs: 

• M.S. in Natural Language Processing 
• M.S. in Foundations of Computer Science 
• M.S. in Machine Learning 
• M.S. in Network Systems
• M.S. in Software Systems
• M.S. in Vision, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics 
• M.S. in Computer Science 
• M.S. in Computational Biology 

While comparable programs attempt to achieve the same scope of study by offering student-directed flexibility within a single program, Stanford looks to maximize the value and completeness by continually updating 8 different program paths to offer the most in accordance with real world industry developments and according to the most current research. This ensures students achieve the education needed no matter what their desired career path. In other words, if any of these programs match your professional interest then you can be sure it represents one of the best in the world. 

3.) Johns Hopkins University 

Johns Hopkins University is a name known around the world for academic excellence and medical innovation. Johns Hopkins University offers a likewise innovative computer science education through the world class Whiting School of Engineering. The master of computer science program operates with a more focused curriculum, offering a single primary track of study in Communications and Networking that can be tailored to the pursuits of students through 10 focus areas: 

• Bioinformatics 
• Cybersecurity
• Data Communications and Networking
• Data Science and Cloud Computing 
• Database Systems and Knowledge Management 
• Enterprise and Web Computing 
• Human-computer Interaction and Visualization 
• Software Engineering 
• Systems 
• Theory

The primary track of Communications and Networking is meant to function as a foundation of study that is relevant to nearly any profession in computer science, while the student directs further specialization by choosing from these areas of study those that are most conducive to individual career goals. Conversely this program approach offers an opportunity for a student–who is uncertain of these career goals–to dabble in relevant subjects in order to help them attain professional clarity and direction. This makes JHU’s computer science program an excellent option for both students with a set career in mind and those who are still uncertain. 

4.) Boston University

Known for a large and active student body, Boston University distinguishes itself in areas of cutting edge research and global business. With nearly $580 million awarded for research initiatives and over 90 active study abroad programs, BU is clearly committed to maintaining its strengths. Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers an online master’s of computer science as well as blended options, which employ both online and traditional classroom learning. The computer science program offers two primary master’s degree tracks combined with several degree concentrations for students looking to further specialize, as well as some graduate certification options.

• Advanced information technology, Graduate Certificate 
• Applied Data Analytics, Master’s Degree
• Computer Information Systems, Master’s Degree
  • Computer Networks Concentration
  • Data Analytics Concentration 
  • Business Intelligence Concentration 
  • Health Informatics Concentration
  • IT Project Management Concentration 
  • Security Concentration
  • Web Application Development Concentration

While the program’s foundation is built around data analytics and information systems, students can use the coursework available through the concentration paths to develop specialized skill sets. Developing real world skills to meet current needs of the industry constitutes a core tenet of Metropolitan College. Students can expect coursework to reflect not only the most current national market demands, but also global trends with an intention towards understanding the systems behind these trends. Students interested in a top-notch fully online master of computer science within the context of international industry will find this program to be an ideal option.  

5.) University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a name familiar to anyone who follows the tech industry in california, and anywhere for that matter. USC manages to stay at the forefront of high tech research and experimentation year after year, and has provided many heavy hitter professionals from its impressive pool of alumni. USC offers an online master of computer science through the Viterbi School of Engineering. 

According to its director the program has a very clear goal, to understand both the fundamentals, but also the current trends in the computer science industry, so that upon graduation students can leverage this knowledge of real-world challenges to pursue either an advanced degree or an advanced career.

The computer science program is designed specifically to prepare students for the highly competitive job market of top-tier positions of aerospace and defense, computer programming, software design, bioinformatics, and computer simulation–just to name a few. Students can choose from the following degree paths that allow for students to gain specialized knowledge in one these areas of concentration: 

• M.S. in Computer Science (Computer Security)
• M.S. in Computer Science (Data Science)
• M.S. in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers)
• M.S. in Computer Science (Software Engineering)
• M.S. in Applied Data Science
• Software Architecture, Graduate Certificate

6.) Stevens Institute of Technology

The Stevens Institute of Technology offers a robust computer science program through the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science. Schaefer aims to make the most out of distance learning education systems and technology in order to provide an education that is on-par and perhaps even superior to the traditional schooling format. Students can expect a multidisciplinary approach to presenting rigorous coursework with a design-based philosophy. 

Students choose from several master’s degree programs, one of which provides the standard computer science degree through a generalized learning format while other programs focus on specific areas of specialty within the field of computer science.

• Master’s in Computer Science 
• Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence
• Master’s in Computer Engineering
• Master’s in Machine Learning 

While on the surface it appears there are less program options available, it is however, an approach intended to be a strength rather than a limitation. By separating general computer science education from specialty studies, students are faced with a choice–between either more freedom of focus in the general studies route, or the specialized route that involves less flexible study within the confines of the rigid syllabus of the chosen concentration. Thus this program is ideal for students who are ready to commit to one path or the other. Conversely though, students who are still figuring out their desired path may find this program less accommodating to such professional uncertainty. 

7.) Georgia Institute of Technology

The first class enrolled in Georgia Tech in 1885 and consisted of only 85 male students; today that number is closer to 30,000 students, a student body composed of individuals of each gender, race, and socioeconomic background. But the student body isn’t the only thing that’s evolved over the years. Beyond maintaining a stellar reputation for academic excellence,  Georgia Tech also spear-headed the charge into distance education when it was cutting-edge technology. 

As one of the first institutions of its caliber to commit the resources required to successfully build out an online education program, students can rest assured that while some universities are certainly new to online education, Georgia Tech and its faculty are old pros by now. Georgia Tech offers a fully online Master of Computer Science through the College of Computing with three program routes on offer: 

• Master of Science in Computer Science (General studies)
• Master of Science in Analytics 
• Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering

Because online degree programs have operated successfully for a number of years at Georgia Tech, its programs acknowledge the challenges associated with returning to school mid-career or working during it. Online syllabi are designed specifically to offer flexibility and convenience to accommodate both traditional students and working professionals alike. This means students can complete the computer science program online either full-time or part-time, making this program ideal for students who will need to work during the program, or who require this level of flexibility for other reasons.

8.)  University of Illinois

The University of Illinois consistently ranks as one of the best educational institutions in the world. Fueling this consistent excellence is the university’s commitment to research-based program design that incorporates international research and market trends through a multi-vocational approach. And despite bearing the weight of a large state school infrastructure, the University employs an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is a number more commonly achieved in smaller private universities. So students at the University of Illinois receive the best of both worlds–all the benefits and opportunities associated with a state school sized operation as well as the student-centric environment of a smaller and more personalized program. 

The University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering offers a fully online Master of Computer Science. 8 classes compose the majority of requirements to complete the degree, which can be completed in as quick as one year or as long as five. This ensures that students with even the most demanding schedules find an agreeable cadence of progress. Students can also work towards specialization through an optionable concentration in data science. 

Students will decide what classes to take in order to direct their studies towards individual career aspirations and interests. Further adding to the depth of specialization options is the University’s enormous resources for independent research, which with the university’s global network is capable of realizing even the most ambitious of imaginations. While the resulting flexibility of all these opportunities might overwhelm some students who prefer a more linear path of study, it will constitute an ideal program for more self-driven students who enjoy the idea of taking charge of their education. 

9.) Illinois Institute of Technology

With a rich history dating back to 1890, The Illinois Institute of Technology establishes itself as one of the top technical institutes in the country today with a wide array of engineering degrees–from aerospace to biomedical engineering and computer science. Students can pursue degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level with a number of these leading directly into prestigious PhD programs. 

Illinois Institute of Technology offers fully online options for a range of Master of Science and Professional Master’s (M.A.S) degrees as well a professional certificates:

• Master of Science in Computer Engineering 
• Professional Master’s in Computer Engineering in Internet of Things
• Computer Engineering (certificate)
• Professional Master’s in Computer Science
• Computer Science (certificate)
• Professional Master’s in Computational Decision Science and Operations Research
• Professionals Master’s in Engineering, Biomedicine Track
• Professional Master’s in Cybersecurity and Forensics 
• Professional Master’s in Cybersecurity 
• Professional Master’s in Cybersecurity Engineering

The online Master of Computer Science program prepares students to either transition into a PhD program or jump into an advanced computer science career with a speciality in research and development. Illinois Institute of Technology offers a number of independent and group research programs to bolster professional experience. Students in the computer science program work towards career specialization by focusing on specific subject matter throughout their research. This empowers students to build a resume in the direction of their interests and career goals, making it an excellent program for any students looking for an emphasis in computer science research and development. 

10.) North Carolina State University – Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a university well-known for top-tier programs in science and technology. NC State further distinguishes itself with its elite group of computer science faculty, which consists of around 40 tenured professors who have demonstrated professional success in real-world industry. Twenty of these faculty members received the National Science Foundation’s prestigious CAREER Award.

These expert faculty bring students access to multi-vocational expertise, so that students can expand their horizons or narrow their focus toward one goal. The same faculty teach both the on-campus and online versions of the computer science program, so online students can rest assured they are receiving the same quality of education as their peers in the classroom. 

The program consists of 31 credit hours without a thesis or final oral exam. Students choose the pacing of their progress, taking one to two courses a semester respectively. Combined with digital lectures and online testings options, students can complete coursework amidst part-time or even full-time work

11.) University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota at Twin Cities focuses on providing an environment of collaboration. Regardless of their chosen program of study, students will receive guidance from faculty advisors, peer and research groups, and from a departmental program administrator that’s assigned to each student. This is particularly valuable in ensuring that each online student feels connected to both their program and their instructors despite being physically distant. 

The real value of this support program however, is experienced after graduation when these support systems move away from academic guidance towards encouraging professional growth and sharing opportunities. During their time in the online Master of Computer Science program, students will find that coursework leans heavily towards skill-development, rather than on research. 

This prioritization of skill-building is meant to prepare students for the highly competitive job market in computer science. Students are still encouraged to explore professional interests in order to determine the skillsets most needed for success in their chosen concentration, but in order to develop skills completely students are expected to follow a more linear path of study. The University of Minnesota prides itself on designing course curriculum to stay relevant amidst the ever-changing environments of business and industry. Students looking for a skill-based and career-focused computer science program will likely find this program to be an ideal match. 

12.) National University 

Since its beginning in 1971, National University has brought innovative education programs to adult learners. Today National University is the largest private non-profit university in San Diego, California. Despite its relatively young age, National University has produced a large alumni pool of over 170,000 students worldwide. This alumni network is taught to work together in order to mentor recent graduates and ensure they reach their potential. 

National University offers a host of both traditional and online programs, among which is the Master of Computer Science program. This fully-online program offers students the highest  level of flexibility and convenience. Classes move at a brisk pace of 4 weeks to completion, enrollment opens monthly year-round, and students can take as many or as few classes as best fits their schedule. This level of flexibility ensures that students with even the most demanding schedules will be able to complete their Master of Computer Science degree at National University. 

According to the program directors, students will be prepared to assume roles of leadership in their field. Students will develop fundamental knowledge of best practices in a myriad of subjects that are crucial to success in the job market. These areas include database theory and design, cloud computing, and software engineering. But what sets this program apart is its commitment to developing advanced communication skills in students, so that they will be able to clearly discuss critical challenges and their solutions in the real world. 

13.) New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers a robust Master of Science in Computer Science from Ying Wu College of Computing Sciences. Ying Wu’s computer science department is the largest academic department at NJIT, comprising one tenth of the student population, and also ranks as the largest computer science department among all research universities in the New York metropolitan area.​ 

The mission of the Master of Computer Science program is twofold–to develop a mastery of both theoretical concepts and applied computing practices in computer science. Through this process students will strengthen their knowledge of algorithms, programming, computing systems, just to name a few. Online students can also pursue a more focused specialization in a skillset through choosing a degree concentration in one of three primary directions. 

• Database and Database Mining 
• Networking 
• Cybersecurity

The NJIT Online Computer Science program also allows for students, who haven’t taken the necessary undergraduate STEM courses, to enroll in the computer science program after completing a one-semester bridge program comprising four preparatory courses. This makes the NJIT program one of few in the country to provide such an efficient transition into a computer science career from an unrelated field. 

14.) Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers an online Master of Computer Science through The College of Engineering and Computer Science whose mission statement explains that the program’s mission is to move beyond theoretical learning in order to prepare students to meet the real-world challenges of the job market. The perceived shortcomings of online education are counterbalanced by an emphasis on social learning, peer group collaboration, and a curriculum designed in tandem with industry trends. 

The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers three primary online degrees. A Master of Science in Cybersecurity, a Master of Science in Computer Science, and a Master of Science in Computer Engineering. The Computer Science program in particular ranks as one of the best technology programs in the country, servicing a wide-range of students with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years old. 

Students can expect coursework to focus on driving innovation and development through the program’s following core learning objectives: 

• Ability to incorporate emerging technologies into new system designs
• Development of expertise in areas such as security and assurance, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, and advanced programming
• Mastery of analytical, critical thinking, and mathematical skills necessary to take on advanced challenges

15.) James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) offers one of the most prestigious fully-online computer science programs in the country. JMU established a master of science in information security in January 1997, making it one of the first programs in the country to focus on information security through distance education. The program earned renown for the quality of its graduates. 

In 1994, 34 students graduated the program, 19 of which were Department of Defense employees educated under a contract with the United States National Security Agency. Students can expect the program to groom and prepare them for top-level positions in the industry, as indicated by the program’s mission statement which indicates a three-fold approach in teaching students mastery over modern information infrastructure through design, implementation, and maintenance. 

Given the prestige of the program, students should expect more steep requirements for success. For instance, program directors require that candidates have skills in the following areas: 

• C++
• Computer Organization
• Data Structures 
• Discrete Mathematics

For students who are interested in an information security career and are able to develop these necessary prerequisites to excel in the program, they will likely find themselves receiving one of the best educations available in the world. 

16.) Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers a Master of Computer Science program through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. Two primary degree paths are on offer–a non-thesis option that requires a minimum of 30 credits, and a thesis option that requires 30 credits in addition to the 6 credits of a thesis. Students can view the choice between these two program paths as a choice between efficiency and a specialization. In other words, students who forego the thesis will be able to graduate quicker with a more affordable tuition, but students who pursue a thesis will pursue independent research guided by expert faculty, which may be invaluable in some careers. 

Online students progress through synchronous formatting, which means that classes are streamed and coursework uploaded online on the same day as they occur in the classroom for traditional students. This means that online students are ensured to receive the same education as their counterparts in the classroom. 

Interaction between students and instructors occurs through online meetings, chat rooms, and collaborative projects. The online programs coursework is divided into the following sections: Group 1 – Theory with 4 available courses, Group 2 – Software Development with 7 available courses, and Group 3 – Computer Systems with 14 available courses. 

17.) Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a fully online Master’s in Computer Information Systems. Program faculty design coursework to meet the ever-changing needs of the business industries. Students will focus on assessing the business needs of stakeholders in order to provide them with optimal experiences in selection, integration, and administration of computer-based technology and systems. Students will choose to develop skills in one of the program’s three available concentration paths: 

• Databases 
• Software Development 
• Security 

These concentrations are designed to fully prepare students for successful careers in areas such as systems development, systems management, IT project management, software development, database analysis and design, and information systems security.

 According to the program directors, students will be tasked with achieving the following outcomes throughout their education: 

• Apply communication and interpersonal skills to translate technical information in order to align computer information systems and tools with stakeholder goals 
• Apply knowledge gained in the curriculum to projects targeted to real-world problems
• Analyze technical aspects of IT projects and apply project management strategies to meet stakeholder business needs
• Apply core aspects of IT principles and tools to the development of applications and administration of computing systems
• Differentiate IT infrastructure and administrative systems solutions to meet desired business needs

18.) Missouri University of Science and Technology

Computer science is the second most popular major at Missouri S&T (after mechanical engineering). Missouri S&T holds a unique history with computer science as it was one of the first universities in the nation to offer computer science instruction, where computer classes were offered by both the math and electrical engineering departments in the early 1960s. A Masters of Science degree in Computer Science was then created by the university in 1964 to prepare students for further expertise in their field. Since then the Computer Science Department has awarded over 1,100 Masters degrees. 

Missouri S&T’s Master of Computer Science program can be completed along one of two paths, a thesis option or a non-thesis option. Both paths are 31 credit hours, which means students do not have to pay more to undertake the thesis path as they would in some similar programs. The trade-off is that students who pursue a thesis will need to use some of their available credit hours to do so, whereas a non-thesis student will be free to use those credits to explore professional interests. 

19.) East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) offers an impressive selection of advanced degree programs with more than 70 master’s degree programs, 2 intermediate programs, and over 60 graduate certificate programs through 11 colleges and schools. ECU’s Department of Computer Science distinguishes itself through a focus on a more theoretical mission of helping humanity solve problems. Offering computer science within the context of a humanitarian doctrine is an excellent approach for students who wish to maintain a social element to their studies. 

While the Online Master of Computer Science program is a more singular course of study without major specializations or degree concentrations, students can expect to learn a multi-vocational approach to problem solving in service of the program’s large humanitarian mission. This means that students will learn more about the philosophy of computer science than they would in strictly research or skill-based programs, which will be of great appeal to some students. 

20.) Nova Southeastern University

 Nova Southeastern University offers a fully online Master of Computer Science program with a focus on real-world applications. The program is completed through ten courses and 30 credit-hours and is designed to help students specialize in a specific area of career-expertise. Online courses are delivered via the CANVAS system in order to accommodate students with varying schedules and in order to ensure that peer-group collaboration is still efficient and productive amidst conflicting schedules. 

The program goes to great lengths to ensure that students establish a strong foundation in the general and theoretical study of computer science. Coursework will be delivered through 5 core areas of investigation: theory of programming, analysis and design of algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, and database management. Students will then pursue specialized knowledge in a concentration of their choice, by choosing 1 of the following 5 areas:

• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Systems
• Data Science 
• Information Assurance and Cybersecurity 
• Real-world Computing 

The post The 20 Best Online Masters in Computer Science Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

There are very few things that everyone likes. But movies happen to be one of them. While we certainly have very different tastes in what we like to watch and how we like to view it, pretty much everyone loves to lose themselves in a good film. Some people take it a step further and identify as true film buffs; they love to watch films from across all genres, read the most incisive film reviews, and think about a film’s formal and artistic elements as they watch. If you’re interested in understanding cinema, not just enjoying it, you may be interested in a degree in film studies.

Just as literature and art history subject these fields to study, criticism, and analysis, a degree in film studies covers the history, thought, and implications of film. A degree in film studies offers students the opportunity to learn about the history and genres of film worldwide, to learn about the film industry and its place in modern society, and to understand the formal elements of cinema. They also learn hands-on filmmaking techniques like screenwriting, lighting, and directing. The skills gained in a filmmaking degree program may not make you the next Hitchcock or Lucas, but they have a range of applications in the modern workplace, from marketing to media. Read on to learn about the field of film studies, what film studies degrees are available, and about the pros and cons of a degree in this field.

Jump To:

• What is Film?
• What is Film Studies?
• What is the Difference Between Film Studies Degrees and Film Production?
• What Classes Will I take for a Degree in Film Studies?
• What Degrees in Film Studies Are There?
• What Jobs Can I Get with a Degree in Film Studies?
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Film Studies Degree?

What is Film?

The importance of cinema can hardly be overstated. Whether we’re talking about films, TV, or YouTube, the art of moving pictures encompasses over a century of innovation, creativity, business, and culture. Having an overview of the field is essential too finding your place in it.

No single person can be said to have invented motion pictures; many early versions of film technology grew up in the late 1800s, as people experimented with techniques for sequencing and projecting images. Just before the turn of the century, Edison Studios, founded by Thomas Edison, made major headway in the world of early films, producing hundreds of short films (most only a few minutes long) which were shown to a paying public.

Films evolved by leaps and bounds over the next thirty years, quickly moving from a novelty to a fully-fledged art form, with an important place in the American economy and psyche. Movies developed incredibly innovative and well-developed tropes and genres throughout the 1930s, even as America suffered under the great depression. As President Franklin Roosevelt observed, “during the Depression, when the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that for just 15 cents, an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles.” Movies have continued to grow in technological sophistication and branched into ever-more numerous genres, but this principle has remained the same; movies have a deep place in our hearts.

Film takes up space in our wallets as well as our hearts. Worldwide, the film industry rakes in $41.7 billion at box offices, and $136 billion when home entertainment is taken into account. When taken as a whole, the industry supports jobs in a mind-boggling array of sectors: studios, screenwriters, actors, film production companies, cinematography, animation, film production, film festivals, movie theaters, distributors, directors, film crews, animators, and more. Movie critics and media writers also play an important role in connecting the viewing public to the movie industry and its products.

What is Film Studies?

The discipline of film studies is almost as old as film itself. The first schools providing formal instruction in cinematic arts appeared in the 1920s, as feature-length films were first coming into prominence. These programs focused on the technical end of film: directing, editing, lighting and so forth, and later came to include some theoretical grounding as well. As films grew in popularity, film reporting and criticism became increasingly important, and people began to subject films to the same academic scrutiny as literature and art, resulting in the start of film studies. The field of film studies is defined as an academic discipline covering the historical, critical, and theoretical approaches to film. It is considered by many to be a branch of media studies, and is separate from the newer but related field of television studies. In film studies, people critically examine formal issues of a film such as:

• narrative structure
• artistic values
• cultural content
• economic role
• political implications

In other words, film studies is all about thinking of film as a form, asking questions like “why does this film’s cinematography have such an emotional impact?”, “what cultural biases does this film reflect?”, or “what is this screenwriter saying with their choice of narrative structure?” In addition to interpreting individual films, students learn to critically consider and analyze cinema as an institution.

What is the Difference Between Film Studies Degrees and Film Production Degrees?

There’s lots of overlap between degrees in film studies and degrees in film production, both in terms of coursework and in terms of career prospects.

A degree in film studies provides training in the academic discipline of film studies. In a program of this type, the emphasis is on film theory, film history, and film criticism, as students learn to formally analyze cinema, its artistic qualities, and its role in society. They also get exposure to the basic principles of film production, photography, and screen writing. These classes help students in a film studies program understand the process behind films.

How, then is film studies different from film production? In a degree in film studies, the emphasis is on the technical side. Some theory and criticism classes are also included alongside these technical courses in order to provide a context for making technical and artistic decisions. Students in a program of this type study topics like:

• Audio production
• Screenwriting
• Film editing
• Cinematography
• Pre-production
• Visual Effects
• Advanced Lighting
• Post-production

The difference between Studies Degrees and Film Production Degrees is not completely cut and dried, however. The content of each of these programs can vary by school. Some schools, for instance, offer a film studies degree that’s heavy on classes in film production. Some film production programs offer a lot more classes on film theory and history than their peers. And some schools offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Studies, focused on technique, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in film studies, focused on theory.

What Classes Will I take for a Degree in Film Studies?

Film studies degrees usually represent some balance between classes in the theory and practice of film. As discussed above, the focus of film studies programs varies widely between schools, and the curriculum for each school will reflect that particular school’s focus.

Some schools offer a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) or master of fine arts (MFA) in Film Studies, which is a professional degree that is highly focused on the practice of film making, along with some courses in theory and criticism. In a BFA or MFA in film studies program, you can expect to take courses in scriptwriting, lighting, directing, sound, and so on (as in a film production degree). But most schools offer undergrad film studies degrees as liberal arts degrees, degrees designed to produce students who are well-rounded critical thinkers with a broad base of knowledge about the world. As a liberal arts degree, a BA in film studies will require about half of a student’s classes be in general education, with classes in a range of topics like history, science, sociology, math, and psychology. The remaining half of the course load will be in classes specific to the film studies major.

Typical courses titles for a degree in film studies include:

• Introduction to Film Studies
• Trans-cultural Chinese Cinema
• International Cinema
• French Cinema
• German Cinema
• Spanish American Cinema
• Film, Literature, and Politics of the Third World
• Film Analysis
• Film Theory
• History of Cinema
• History of Animation
• Gender and the Cinema
• Documentary Film

Many schools also require students to complete a senior project, thesis, or capstone seminar in film studies before graduating.

What Degrees in Film Studies Are There?

You can earn a bachelor’s in film studies (usually as a BA), master’s in film studies (Master of Arts, or MA) or even a PhD. Most degrees in film studies are conferred at the bachelor level. Bachelor’s degrees take four years to earn, on average, though accelerated programs exist that condense the coursework into just three years. An undergraduate degree in film studies, as discussed above, usually includes a large general education core, and prepares graduates for entry-level work in a wide variety of fields where critical thinking matters.

A bachelor’s in film studies can also lead students deeper into the realm of academia, and be a stepping stone to a master’s in film studies. A master’s degree usually takes two years to earn; those who want to speed up their degree timeline can enroll in an accelerated master’s program, which can be as short as 18 months. A master’s is a graduate degree, and focuses entirely on the film studies discipline, with no general education classes. In addition to graduate level classes, you can expect to complete a senior thesis, a research based project completed under the supervision of a thesis advisor.

A PhD in Film Studies is the highest possible degree in the field, and shows an elite level of scholarship. A graduate with a PhD in film studies can be said to have a broad basic knowledge of every area of the field, as well as intensive knowledge of one particular area. To earn a PhD in Film Studies, you’ll take graduate-level classes in film studies and related areas, then work with a doctoral advisor to select a very specific area of film studies that has not yet been researched. You’ll spend several years conducting original research and writing up your findings before defending your dissertation before a panel of experts and finally publishing your findings. The entire process can take as few as two years, but more often takes 5-7 years.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Film Studies Degree?

It’s no secret the film industry is fiercely competitive. The Guardian reports that in 2009, 12.5% of film studies graduates with full-time jobs worked in the art/design/culture sector. Of those in the film industry, 2.1% became directors, 1.2% became video/film recorder operators, and 1.4% became broadcasters. Abut 34% of film studies graduates took positions in retail/hospitality, likely as “day jobs” to augment their income from creative work on the side.

In short, a degree in film studies doesn’t necessarily prepare you for a career in filmmaking, though it certainly can. A film production degree is a better fit for this field, where hands-on skills mean everything, and industry connections forged at student film internships matter greatly. Instead, a film studies degree develops an array of soft skills that are transferable to a number of jobs.

Film Studies graduates can be said to be generally knowledgeable about the world, thanks to their liberal arts background. As The Hill has reported, formal study in the humanities produces graduates who are better problem-solvers and decision-makers. And while much has been made of the increasing need to STEM graduates, research conducted at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education determined that the demand in the workforce for non-routine analytical skills taught in a science degree program has increased more slowly than the demand for social skills. These in-demand “soft skills” include:

• conflict resolution
• organization
• coordination
• negotiation
• social perceptiveness

And while STEM graduates do get paid more than humanities graduates, that salary difference does not tend to exceed $5,000 per year in most fields. Research conducted by Douglas A. Webber, an economist at Temple University, showed that top the 75th percentile of humanities graduates earn about as much as the median computer science or business graduates over their lifetimes.

In addition to the communication and social skills listed above, film studies majors have well-developed critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Altogether, these soft skills can be applied anywhere that people come together to communicate and solve problems. Good fields for a graduate of a film studies degree program include media, marketing, project management, and education. And while there are not an abundance of job openings for film and television critics and writers, those that exist are likely to go to film studies graduates.

If you’d like to stay with the academic discipline of film studies itself, you’ll want to earn a master’s or PhD in films studies. A graduate degree is required to teach at the postsecondary level, and a degree from a highly-ranked school is especially important for landing a job in academia. A master’s in film studies can make you eligible to teach film studies at the college level, but a PhD is preferred, and is the only way to get on the track to a tenured position. If you choose to pursue a career in academia, be aware that teaching positions don’t open up frequently in this field. You’ll need to be prepared to wait until a professorship in film studies opens up (usually when another professor retires), and possibly relocate in order to take it.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Film Studies Degree?

Based on what we’re covered, there are obvious advantages and drawbacks to a film studies degree, and just as easy to see that this degree is not right for everyone. It’s easy to highlight some of the difficulties potentially posed by a degree in film studies. The biggest of these is that a film studies degree does not lead to a clear career path, apart from teaching film studies itself. While a degree in film studies will give you lots of marketable skills, it will be up to you to market them but showing potential employers how your communication, research, analytical, and critical thinking skills can serve you on the job. Employers, too, may not be as familiar with film studies as they are with other humanities degrees like English or Sociology. You will likely need to use your skills in communication and analysis to connect the dots between film studies expertise and the ability to excel in a field like marketing or media.

If you decide to remain in the academic discipline of film studies by going on to teach, you’ll also face challenges. Namely: job scarcity. Each school only has a few teaching jobs open in film studies when compared with departments like business, engineering, or psychology. These tend to open up only infrequently, and competition for them is fierce. You’ll have difficulty getting a foot in the door without a PhD, and even then, a position (especially in a location you’d like) is not guaranteed.

On the other hand, there are a number of excellent reasons to go for a degree in film studies. For one, this interdisciplinary degree will expose you to a variety of topics, from art history to politics, all in the context of film. This, along with the general education core included in all liberal arts degrees, will make you a well-rounded thinker with a grasp of many topics. You’ll also develop in-demand soft skills like research, analysis, collaboration, negotiation, and project management.

Apart from the practical reasons to pursue a degree in film studies, the most compelling ones may be personal. Those who are passionate about film want to pursue their passion by studying the subject as deeply as possible. And in today’s flexible career landscape, a degree is not necessarily a road map. In fact, The Washington Post has reported that only 27% of Americans hold jobs related to their college major. Given that, film buffs may want to seriously consider a degree in film studies.

Further Reading:

• What Does an Animator Do?
• What are my Degree Choices to be a Film/TV Producer?
• 10 Creative Careers That Won’t Require You to Be a Starving Artist
• 15 Degrees That Are Perfect for Becoming Your Own Boss
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s Degree?
• 25 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees for 2019
• 50 Best Online Degrees for 2019
• What degree do I need to be an Art Director?
• Top 15 Liberal Arts Schools in America
• What Degree Programs Can I Major in at a Liberal Arts School?
• What is the Median Salary for an Animator?
• What Can I Do with a Graphic Design Degree?
• What is the Benefit of Having a Degree in Web Design?
• What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?
• What Can I Do with an Art Degree?
• 100 Most Affordable Online Colleges & Degrees 2019
• 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The post What Can I Do With a Film Studies Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

ScholarshipPoints.com $10,000 Scholarship

• 10000
• ScholarshipPoints awards one $10,000 scholarship every quarter of the year exclusively to members. There is no essay required. Simply sign up to be automatically entered into the scholarship.Eligibility Requirements: Must be thirteen (13) years of age or older on the date of entry Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the fifty (50) united States or District of Columbia Must be currently attending (or planning to attend) a college located in the United States
• ScholarshipPoints solely grants participants one $10,000 scholarship each quarter of the year. No essay is required. Simply sign up for compulsory admission into the scholarship. Eligibility Requirements: Must be thirteen (13) years of age or older on the date of entry Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident in the fifty (50) united states or district of Columbia Must be presently attending (or preparing to attend) a college located in the U.S.

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Sons of Italy Scholarship

• 550
• The Sons of Italy Scholarship is awarded to graduating senior from a Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan county high school or a current, full-time Wenatchee Valley College student. Graduating senior from a Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan county high school (or a current, full-time Wenatchee Valley College student) Students must be accepted as a full-time student at a certified technical/trade school, 2-year or 4-year college or university of their choiceA current, full-time Wenatchee Valley College student (or Graduating senior from a Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan county high school ). Students must also be or have a legal family member with more than 1/8th Italian ancestry.
• The Sons of Italy Scholarship is awarded to senior graduates of Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan County High School or current full-time students of Wenatchee Valley College. Graduates of Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan County High School (or current full-time students of Wenatchee Valley College) Students must be admitted as full-time students of a accredited technical / commercial institution, 2-year-old.

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Columbus Guarini Scholarship for Transfer, Degree-Seeking and Study Abroad Students

• 5000
• This scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from the Hon. Frank Guarini, CCF Board Member and Chair of John Cabot University’s Board of Trustees to the Columbus Citizens Foundation. This program benefits transfer, degree-seeking or study abroad students planning to attend John Cabot University. Eligible applicants must be of Italian descent, at least 25% Italian and must demonstrate financial need.
• A generous gift by the Hon made the scholarship possible. Frank Guarini, founder of the CCF board and director of the Columbus People Foundation board of trustees of John Cabot University. This initiative supports students who intend to enter John Cabot University through transition, degree-seeking, or study abroad. Registered candidates must have Italian descent, at least 25 percent Italian descent, and must prove financial need.

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General Scholarship

• n/a
• The General Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a 4year undergraduate program or a graduate program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens of Italian descent. Enrolled in a fouryear undergraduate program or a graduate program. Eligible students must be of Italian descent.
• The General Scholarship is awarded to a recipient who is enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program. Candidates must be U.S. residents of Italian origin. Enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program.

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Henry Salvatori Scholarship (for general study)

• n/a
• This scholarship was created Henry Salvatori, the late philanthropist and businessman to benefit high school seniors. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional leadership, understanding and respect for liberty, freedom and equality. THis scholarship is open to senior high school students planning to attend an undergraduate program at a four-year, accredited academic institution. Students must be U.S. citizens of Italian descent.
• This scholarship was established to support high school seniors by Henry Salvatori, the late philanthropist and businessman. Applicants shall show exemplary behavior, knowledge and reverence for rights, liberty and equity. THis award is available to senior high school students in a four-year, approved college university preparing to pursue an educational course. Students must be Italian origin resident of the U.S.

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Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship

• n/a
• The Italian-American Mutual Aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship is awarded to students of Italian descent attending a four-year college or university. This scholarship is available to high school seniors and undergraduates. Students must be from the city of Aurora, Illinois or the broader region and be of Italian descent.
• The Italian-American Mutual aid Society of Aurora, Illinois Scholarship is awarded to students of Italian descent attending a four-year college or university, which is open to seniors which undergraduates in high school . Students must be of Italian descent from the city of Aurora, Illinois or the larger area.

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Italian Language Scholarship

• n/a
• This scholarship was established to benefit students who are in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study, majoring or minoring in Italian language studies at an accredited academic institution. Applicants must be U.S. citizens of Italian descent. Junior or senior year of undergraduate study
  majoring or minoring in Italian language studies at an accredited academic institution
• This scholarship has been set up to support candidates who are undergraduate, majoring or minoring in Italian language studies at an approved learning institution in their junior or senior year of study. Applicants must be U.S. residents of Italian origin. Major or minor in Italian language education at approved university

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Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship

• 6000
• This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college/university program in the United States as full-time students. To be eligible, applicants must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.
• This scholarship was developed to offer financial aid to seniors in high school preparing to enroll as full-time students in an approved college / university program in the US. Applicants must be a resident of Italian descent in the United States to be registered.

Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship

• 1000
• This scholarship was established to support matriculated college students. Applicants must be of Italian heritage.
• This scholarship was created to help students who have enrolled in college. Applicants shall have Italian ancestry.

DiMattio Celli Family Study Abroad Scholarship

• 1250
• DiMattio Celli Family Study Abroad Scholarship is a $1,250 fund given to two successful applicants with an Italian heritage. The program sends the awardees to Italy to study. The applicants must be a full-time student in an accredited college or university in the United States.
• DiMattio Celli Family Study Abroad Scholarship is a $1,250 fund with an Italian background offered to two qualified applicants. The program will be sending the award winners to study in Italy. The candidates must be a full-time student at a US approved college or university.

Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship

• 1250
• Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship is given to a sophomore, junior or senior student if an Italian heritage. The applicant must be pursuing a degree in engineering. The program provides a $1,250 fund.
• For an Italian heritage student, Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship is granted to a undergraduate, junior, or senior. The candidate must possess an engineering degree. The initiative offers a Budget of $1,250.

Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship

• 1,500 – 6,000
• This scholarship was established in memory of Sergeant John Basilone to benefit students who are United States citizens of Italian heritage. Applicants must be initiating graduate studies, full-time, at an accredited college/university program in the United States.
• This scholarship was created in remembrance of Sergeant John Basilone in order to support students who are people of Italian descent in the United States. Applicants may pursue full-time graduate studies at an accredited US college / university program.

National Italian American Bar Association (Anthony & Anne Rosinia Scholarship Fund)/ Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

• n/a
• This scholarship was established to benefit students who are rising first, second or third year and enrolled in a law school program at an accredited academic institution.
• This scholarship was developed to support students who are soon to be first, second, or third year and are enrolled in an approved academic institution’s law school curriculum.

Elementary School Grant Program

• n/a
• The scholarship was established in 2003 by Richard J. Naclerio to provide financial assistance to students who are of Italian descent and entering grades k through 8.
• Richard J. Naclerio founded the scholarship in 2003 to offer financial aid to students who are of Italian origin who will enter careers teaching grades k through 8.

High School Scholarship Program

• n/a
• Founded in 1994, the scholarship is available to students who are of Italian descent (at least 25% Italian) with a GPA of 3.0 (85% or B) or higher. Applicants must be 8th graders who will enter high school as a freshman in the Fall and must be from households where the total gross income does not exceed $20,000 per capita.
• The scholarship was established in 1994 and is open to students of Italian origin (at least 25 per cent Italian) with a GPA of 3.0 (85 per cent or B) or better. Applicants must be 8th graders starting high school as a student in the fall, and must come from families where the annual gross income would not surpass $20,000 per capita.

Columbus Citizens Foundation Scholarship Program

• n/a
• The scholarship program was established in 1984 to provide a four-year scholarship to outstanding students who are Italian descent and their total household income does not exceed $25,000.
• The scholarship program was founded in 1984 to grant exceptional students who are Italian origin a four-year scholarship, unless whose gross household income must not surpass $25,000.

Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship

• 5000
• This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Benjamin Cottone to benefit students pursuing graduate education at an accredited medical school in the United States. To be eligible, students must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage.
• This scholarship was created to support students seeking graduate study at an approved medical school in the United States in remembrance of Dr. Benjamin Cottone. Students must be a resident of Italian descent in the United States to be registered.

Italian Catholic Federation Mario Cugia Italian Studies Scholarships

• In 1998, to honor Mario Cugia, Past President and Life Member of the Italian Catholic Federation Central Council, an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was created. Supplementing the Federation’s Scholarship Program for lower division students, the Mario Cugia Scholarship has been established to encourage and support majors in Italian studies. The program offers two scholarships: (1) a $600 award to a 3rd year university student declaring a major in Italian, and (2) a $1,000 award to a 4th year university student continuing his or her studies in Italian. Applicants must be of the Roman Catholic Faith, of Italian descent or – if non-Italian – children or grandchildren of current members of the Italian Catholic Federation and must have declared a major in Italian Language, Literature, History, Art or other aspect of Italian culture.
• In 1998 an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was established to honor Mario Cugia, Former President and Life Member of the Central Council of the Italian Catholic Federation. The Mario Cugia Scholarship was created in the Italian studies to promote and assist majors. The program provides two scholarships: (1) a $600 reward for a 3rd-year university student who announced an Italian thesis, and (2) a $1,000 reward for a 4th-year university student who completed his Italian studies. Applicants must be Roman Catholic, Italian or, if not Italian, children or grandchildren of current members of the Italian Catholic Federation and a designated major in Italian, cultural studies, or Italian literature

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign and IRE Students

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers grants in favor of foreign citizens not residing in Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) for the academic year 2019-2020 in order to foster international cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, to promote Italian language and culture and to support Italy’s economic system in the world (According to Law 288/55 and its subsequent changes and additions). Grants are offered to pursue study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes, both public and legally recognised. Courses of study available to recipients include: Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale 2° ciclo), courses of Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM), PhD programmes, Research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela), Italian Language and Culture Courses
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) is providing grants for foreign nationals not residing in Italy and Italian nationals living abroad (IRE) for the academic year 2019-2020 to encourage international cultural, science and technical cooperation, to promote Italian language and culture and to boost the economic structure of Italy in the world (According to L) Grants are offered to follow programmes of study, preparation and/or research at officially and lawfully accredited Italian Higher Education Institutes. Study courses open to recipients include: Master’s degree (Laurea Magistrale 2 ° ciclo), Further Education courses in Literature, Music and Dance (AFAM), PhD programs, Studies under Scholarly Supervision (Progetti in co-tutela), Italian Language and Cultural Courses

National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Scholarships

• Scholarship requirements include the following. Be enrolled in a US accredited institution of higher education on a full time basis for the Fall 2021 semester, have a GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 (or the equivalent). (Some scholarships require a lower GPA for eligibility. Students in a pass-fail system are also eligible.) Be a United States Citizen or permanent resident alien. Have Italian American ancestry. To be considered Italian American, the student must have at least one ancestor who has immigrated from Italy. Have an active NIAF Membership. Student may use their parent, guardian or grandparent’s membership.
• The criteria for scholarships contain the following. Be enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester in a US approved higher education institution on a full-time basis, have a GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 (or the equivalent). (Some scholarships require a lower qualifying GPA. Pass-fail applicants are also eligible.) Be a member of the United States or a permanent resident alien. Had family of Italian American origin. The student must have at least one parent who has immigrated from Italy, in order to be called Italian American. Had an successful membership on the NIAF. Students can use membership from their parent , guardian or grandparent.

Order of the Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) Italian Language Scholarship

• U.S. citizens of Italian descent in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study for the Fall 2020 term, majoring or minoring in Italian language studies at an accredited academic institution.
• This scholarship is a majoring or minoring in Italian language studies at an accredited academic institution for U.S. residents of Italian origin in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study for the term of autumn 2020 (and potentially future years).

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University of Bologna (UNIBO) Study Grants

• The University of Bologna offers to deserving international students who wish to register for First Cycle, Second Cycle or Single Cycle Degree Programmes at the University of Bologna for A.Y. 2020/21: study grants of €11,000 gross (Unibo Action 2); tuition fee waivers (Unibo Action 1). The study grants and the tuition fee waivers are assigned on the basis of SAT and GRE, for one academic year.
• The University of Bologna provides to eligible foreign students who choose to participate in First Cycle, Second Cycle or Single Cycle programs at the University of Bologna for A.Y. 2020/21: research grants of €11,000 total (Unibo Action 2); tuition fee waivers (Unibo Action 1). Research grants and tuition fee waivers are distributed for one academic year on the basis of SAT and GRE.

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Florida State University Italian Scholarship

• The purpose of the Ada Belle Winthrop-King Undergraduate Summer Semester Scholarship in Italian is to provide an opportunity for an undergraduate student at Florida State University to live and study in Italy in order to increase his or her knowledge of the Italian language and culture. Previous study or travel in Italy will not make the applicant ineligible. The award must be used for study on the FSU Exchange program at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia in Perugia, Italy or the Centro linguistico di ateneo of the Università di Pavia in Pavia, Italy. The award is valued at $6,000. To be eligible for an award, applicants must have a declared major in Italian, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in Italian and must have completed an ITA or ITW course at the 3000 level or higher-level Italian course at FSU by no later than the end of the semester in which the application is made.
• Ada Belle Winthrop-King Undergraduate Summer Semester Scholarship in Italian is intended to offer an incentive for an undergraduate student at Florida State University to live and learn in Italy to increase their knowledge of the Italian language and culture. The candidate would not be ineligible for a previous thesis or travel in Italy. The award shall be used to research at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia in Perugia, Italy or the Università di Pavia’s Centro linguistico di ateneo in Pavia, Italy, on the FSU Exchange programme. The money is priced at $6,000. To apply for an award, candidates must have a declared major in Italian, a combined GPA of at least 3.0 in Italian and must have completed an ITA or ITW course at FSU level 3000 or higher by the end of the semester in which the application is submitted.

Washington University Italian Scholarship

• UW Italian Studies scholarships – students applying to the Italian Studies program in Rome & Rogliano or the “Framing Rome” Exploration Seminar are eligible ot apply for merit- and/or need-based scholarships which are funded by various endowments. Ask your program director about current opportunities. FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) Fellowship – open to current and incoming UW students who are citizens or permanent residents. Available to students studying underrepresented languages (Italian – undergrad or grad students, French – grad students only). Academic year or summer quarter fellowships available.
• UW Italian Studies Scholarships-Students applying for the Rome & Rogliano Italian Studies Program or the “Framing Rome” Research Seminar are entitled to qualify for merit and/or need-based scholarships that are funded by different endowments. Tell the Employment Opportunity Program Manager. FLAS Fellowship-available to present and new UW students who are nationals or permanent residents. Open to students learning underrepresented languages (Italian-graduates or undergraduates, French-graduates only). Fellowships available in academic year or summer quarter.

Oregon State University Italian Scholarship

• The Ornelio and Diamond DePietro Scholarship Fund was created in honor of Ornelio and Diamond DePietro and will provide scholarship money for undergraduate students majoring in French or Italian and preparing for a career in education, focusing on grades K-12. This money may also apply to a study abroad experience. This award is for students seeking a degree at OSU preparing for a career in K-12 teaching.
• The Ornelio and Diamond DePietro Scholarship Fund was created in honor of Ornelio and Diamond DePietro which will offer scholarship money for undergraduate students who are majoring in French or Italian and who are studying for an education career with a emphasis on grades K-12. This money can even refer to an experience studying overseas. This award is intended for students pursuing a degree at OSU in preparation for a K-12 teaching career.

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Il Circolo Scholarships for study abroad in Italy

• These scholarships range up to $2,000 depending on the number and quality of applications. Preferably students are majoring in LLCL: Italian with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
• Such scholarships amount up to $ 2,000 depending on the amount and quality of applicants. LLCL: Italian with a minimum GPA of 2.8 is ideally the student’s major.

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UC Berkeley Italian Scholarship

• The Mario Cugia Italian Studies Scholarship ranges up to $1,000. In 1998, to honor Mario Cugia, Past President and Life Member of the Italian Catholic Federation Central Council, an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was created. Supplementing the Federation’s Scholarship Program for lower division students, the Mario Cugia Scholarship has been established to encourage and support majors in Italian studies. Applicant must be of Catholic Faith, of Italian descent or children or grandchildren of current members of the Italian Catholic Federation and must have declared a major in Italian Language, Literature, History, Art or other aspect of Italian culture.
• The Mario Cugia Scholarship for Italian Studies ranges from up to $ 1,000. In 1998 an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was established to honor Mario Cugia, Former President and Life Member of the Central Council of the Italian Catholic Federation. In addition to the Federation’s scholarship program for students from the lower section, the Mario Cugia Scholarship was created to promote and support majors in Italian studies. Applicants must be of Catholic Religion, of Italian descent or children or descendants of existing members of the Italian Catholic Federation and have declared a major in Italian Language , Literature, History , Art or some other part of Italian culture.

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The Gian-Paolo Biasin Memorial Travel Prize

• The Department of Italian Studies offers a competitive annual award for the Gian-Paolo Biasin Memorial Travel Prize. The prize amount varies depending on the year, and is to be used toward funding a recent Berkeley graduate’s travel to Italy for further study, either in the summer immediately after graduating or in the following academic year. All current seniors who intend to graduate within the year are eligible to apply. Applicants must have achieved passing grades in at least three courses taken in the Department of Italian Studies, at least one of which must have been taught in Italian.
• The Department of Italian Studies is giving the Gian-Paolo Biasin Memorial Travel Prize at a competitive annual competition. The value of the award varies depending on the year, which is to be used to finance a recent Berkeley graduate’s trip to Italy for further research, either in the summer shortly after graduation or in the academic year following. Both current seniors who wish to graduate within the year will apply. Applicants must have received passing grades in at least three courses taken in the Italian Studies Department, at least one of which must have been taught in Italian.

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UNICO National Highland Beach Chapter Scholarship Endowment

• The Highland Beach Chapter of UNICO provides a student with a scholarship for use for tuition, fees and other related expenses. One $1000 scholarships will be given each year.
  The Italian Studies Program will identify a student who responds to the following criteria and meets the following eligibility requirements: is an undergraduate who declares an Italian Major/Minor;
  ,has a GPA of 3.0 or better;,demonstrates efforts toward completing a degree requirement; preference to an incoming high school student or transfer student into the program ,if at all possible, Italian heritage though not required.
• The UNICO Highland Beach Branch offers a recipient with a grant for tuition, insurance and all associated expenses. One $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each year. The Italian Studies Program recognizes a recipient who satisfies the following qualifications and eligibility requirements: is a candidate who announces an Italian Major / Minor; has a GPA of 3.0 or higher;

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The Lena Camiccia-Arnautou Scholarship for Excellence in Italian Studies

• Two awards will be given in the amount of $ 1,500 each are available to students majoring in LLCL: Italian with a 3.00 GPA. Must be registered in Italian courses upon application and write a 250-word statement outlining their reasons for applying.
• There will be two scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each for students majoring in LLCL: Italian with a GPA of 3.00. Upon submission, must be enrolled in Italian courses and write a 250-word paragraph setting out the reasons for the submission.

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Order of the Sons of Italy-Bonanno Lodge Scholarship for Italian Minor or Major

• One award will be given in the amount of $800 to a declared LLCL: Italian major with a 3.00 GPA or greater. Students must be enrolled in intermediate or advanced Italian classes upon application. And students must demonstrate meaningful community service involvement.
• One award is granted to a designated LLCL in the amount of $800: the Italian major with a GPA of 3.00 or greater. Students must, upon admission, be enrolled in intermediate or advanced Italian degree. And students have to prove active engagement in community service.

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Thomas McCormick Scholarship

• The Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Fund, a Florida non-profit corporation, was incorporated on December 30, 2004 with Nuccia McCormick as the founder and President. The company is named after Nuccia’s late husband who, as Nuccia, was an enthusiastic supporter of education, cultural diversity and international diplomacy. A scholarship recipient will be provided with a financial contribution ($1,000) towards the participation in the FAU study abroad program, which includes several learning opportunities (language and culture classes, day trips).
• The Thomas W. McCormick Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Florida, was established with Nuccia McCormick as its founder and president on December 30th 2004. The organization is named after the late husband of Nuccia who, like Nuccia, had been an ardent supporter of education , cultural diversity and international diplomacy. A scholarship winner will receive a financial donation ($1,000) to FAU study abroad program requiring various learning experiences (language and culture courses, day trips).

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Margaret Broch Foundation Scholarships for Study in Venice

• Two Margaret Broch Foundation Scholarships are established to help Florida Atlantic University students conduct a study abroad experience in Venice, Italy, through a university- accredited study abroad program with Florida Atlantic University. It is geared toward students of the FAU Italian Language program. The two scholarship recipients are provided with financial contribution ($500) towards a summer trip abroad that will expose them to the culture, the architecture and the society of the city of Venice. Students will be expected to actively participate in a culturally and socially useful activity while in Venice, to be agreed upon with the trip leader.
  The applicant must respond to the following criteria. He/she must be : academically deserving (preferred GPA above 3.00) enrolled in the Italian Studies Program at Florida Atlantic University
  participant in FAU Study Abroad Program in the city of Venice willing to attend and speak at a public event upon return.
• Two Margaret Broch Foundation Scholarships are designed to help students from Florida Atlantic University undertake a study abroad experience in Venice , Italy, through a university-accredited study abroad program with Florida Atlantic University. The program is targeted at students from the FAU Italian Language Program.

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Italo American Cultural Society Scholarship for Study in Venice

• The ITALO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Scholarship was established to help Florida
  Atlantic University students conduct a study abroad experience in Venice, Italy, through a
  university-accredited study abroad program with Florida Atlantic University. This scholarship is
  for male and female students alike.
  Scholarship recipients are provided a financial contribution ($500) towards a summer trip abroad
  that will expose them to the culture, the architecture, and the society of the city of Venice.
  Students will be expected to actively participate in culturally and socially useful activities while
  in Venice, to be agreed upon with the trip leader.
  The applicant must respond to the following criteria. He/she must be
  : Full Time student of FAU Academically deserving student (GPA above 3.0)
  ,Participant in FAU Study Abroad Program in the city of Venice ,Willing to attend to the Thank You Event, and a second meeting upon return (TBA). Priority will be given to students who are CLUB INSIEME active members
• The ITALO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Scholarship was founded to help students from Florida Atlantic University undertake a study abroad experience in Venice , Italy, through a study abroad program with Florida Atlantic University, approved by universities. This scholarship is for students of both sexes. Scholarship winners will receive a financial donation ($500) to a summer trip abroad which will introduce them to Venice’s history , architecture and environment. Students are supposed to engage regularly in culturally and socially beneficial events when they are in Venice, to be accepted with the tour leader. The candidate needs to meet the following conditions. He / she must be: full-time FAU student Academically qualified student (GPA above 3.0), participant in the FAU Study Abroad Program in Venice City, ready to attend the Thank You Session, and a second meeting upon return (TBA). Students who are committed members of the CLUB INSIEME will earn preference

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UNICO Scholarship for Study in Venice

• The Highland Beach Chapter of UNICO will help students conduct a study abroad experience in
  Venice, Italy, through the FAU ͞EdƵcaƚion Abroad͟ program͘
  One or more scholarships may be given, ranging from $500 to $1,500.00. The scholarship will
  be used for the students going to Venice, Italy, for a six-week period to study the Italian
  language and culture. After an initial screening by FAU Italian faculty, the final approval will be
  from the Board of Governors of the Highland Beach Chapter.
• UNICO ‘s Highland Beach Chapter will help students pursue a study abroad in Venice , Italy, through the abroad program of the FAU Education Abroad program. One or two scholarships can be awarded, ranging from $500 to $1,500.00. The scholarship may be used by students traveling to Venice , Italy, to learn the Italian language and culture for a period of six weeks. Following an initial review by the FAU Italian Faculty, the final permission may be received by the Highland Beach Chapter Board of Governors.

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Enrico Dallio Scholarship for Study in Venice

• To honor Enrico Dallio and his his positive influence on young people, this
  Scholarship helps Florida Atlantic University students who will conduct the FAU study abroad
  in Venice, Italy, with a financial contribution of $400.
• One or two scholarships can be awarded, ranging from $500 to $1,500.00. The scholarship may be used by students traveling to Venice , Italy, to learn the Italian language and culture for a period of six weeks. Following an initial review by the FAU Italian Faculty, the final permission may be received by the Highland Beach Chapter Board of Governors.

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Tony Colella Scholarship

• A scholarship recipient will be provided with a financial contribution ($1,000) towards the participation
  in the FAU study abroad program, which includes several learning opportunities (language and culture
  classes, day trips).
  When the student returns from abroad, he/she will be asked to provide the board members with
  highlights of the trip and a report of what was learned, both culturally and educationally, from the
  experience.
  The student should be ready to accomplish the mission of youth ambassador from Broward County to
  Italy, in order to strengthen the relationship between these two countries and provide a positive image of
  the home country abroad.
• A scholarship winner will receive a financial grant ($1,000) to enroll in the FAU study abroad program , which provides many learning experiences (language and culture courses, day trips) and, after the student returns from abroad, he / she will be asked to provide the board members with details of the trip and a briefing on what has been learned, both culturally and culturally. The student should be able to fulfill the role of Broward County’s youth ambassador to Italy to improve the friendship between these two countries and have a good picture of the home country abroad.

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Study Abroad Flight Fellowship

• A limited number (3 per year) of up to $1000 study abroad fellowships are available for deserving students who are declared LLCL majors or minors.
  The fellowship will reimburse the expenses for the cost of the flight to an LLCL-sponsored or approved program, which includes a course taught in lingua.
  The students will apply to the Scholarship Committee with a receipt of the flight, unofficial transcripts, and proof of acceptance into a study abroad program.
  CRITERIA for this Award: Merit-based (the higher GPA the better),Declared LLCL majors or minors
  Accepted in a LLCL-sponsored or approved program, which includes a course taught in lingua
• For eligible students who are deemed LLCL Majors or Minors, a small amount (3 per year) of up to $1000 study abroad fellowships is available. The fellowship may cover the costs of the trip to a college funded or accepted by LLCL, which requires a course taught in lingua. The applicants can apply to the Scholarship Committee with a travel receipt, confidential transcripts and proof of admission to an overseas study programme. CRITERIA for this Award: Merit-based (better than GPA),Declared LLCL majors or minors Accepted in a curriculum funded or accepted by LLCL, including a course taught in lingua

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Marco Pozza Research Fellowship

• This Research Assistantship is given by the FAU Italian Program to deserving students. It
  is a project-based assistantship to develop special initiatives that expand Italian and
  Italian American academic research. It may be used by graduate students during class
  breaks. The amount of the fellowship and the time commitment will vary, according to
  the project.
  The creative nature of this assistantship honors poet Marco Pozza
• This Research Assistant is offered to eligible students by the FAU Italian Scheme. It is a project-based assistant to create special projects to improve Italian and Italian American academic study. It will be used by graduate students during class breaks. The duration of the fellowship and the time period can differ depending on the project.

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Ramappo Scholarship Italian Studies

• The Coccia Foundation currently has seven sponsored scholarships. At Montclair State University, the Coccias established an institute to promote an understanding of the links between Italy and America and to foster interest in Italian and Italian-American fields of study. To be eligible you must be: Italian Language minor, promote Italian language, culture and education, nominated by faculty
• Currently the Coccia Foundation has seven grants funded. The Coccias founded an institute at Montclair State University to encourage awareness of the ties between Italy and America, and to cultivate interest in the fields of research in Italy and Italian-America. You must be eligible: Italian Minor Language, support Italian language, culture and education, approved by faculty

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ICF Italian Language Scholarship

• In 1998, to honor Mario Cugia, Past President and Life Member of the Italian Catholic Federation Central Council, an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was created. Supplementing the Federation’s Scholarship Program for lower division students, the Mario Cugia Scholarship has been established to encourage and support majors in Italian studies.The program offers two scholarships: (1) a $600 award to a 3rd year university student declaring a major in Italian, and (2) a $1,000 award to a 4th year university student continuing his or her studies in Italian.
  Applicants must be of the Roman Catholic Faith, of Italian descent or – if non-Italian – children or grandchildren of current members of the Italian Catholic Federation and must have declared a major in Italian Language, Literature, History, Art or other aspect of Italian culture.
• In 1998 an Italian Studies Scholarship Program was established to honor Mario Cugia, Former President and Life Member of the Central Council of the Italian Catholic Federation. In addition to the Federation’s Lower Division Scholarship Scheme, the Mario Cugia Scholarship has been created to promote and assist major students in Italian studies. The program offers two scholarships: (1) a $600 award to a 3rd year university student who announces a major in Italian, and (2) a $1,000 award to a 4th year university student who continues to study Italian. Applicants must be of Roman Catholic Heritage, of Italian origin or-if not Italian-children or descendants of existing members of the Italian Catholic Federation and must have proclaimed a major in Italian Language , Literature, History , Art or some other part of Italian culture.

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LUIGI & ANITA TRAVERSO ENDOWMENT

• The Luigi and Anita Traverso Endowment has been created by Professor Emeritus Giancarlo Traverso to honor his and his brother Giuseppe’s parents. It provides funding for scholarships to benefit SUNY New Paltz students interested in Italian Studies and for an annual lecture series open to the public. The endowment seeks to increase enrollment in the Italian Studies Program, to expand the program’s service to the Hudson Valley community, to offer forums for discussion on the Italian and Italian-American experience and to help establish a major in Italian Studies. Applicant must be a junior attending full time in good academic standing. Applicant must have completed the New Paltz intermediate Italian language sequence (courses ITA201 and ITA202) or equivalent.Scholarships will provide a maximum of $2,000 to spend at least an academic semester abroad studying in a recognized Italian University with nine or more transfer credits earned in “subject matter” courses such as literature, history, art history, mathematics, economics, psychology and philosophy.
• Professor Emeritus Giancarlo Traverso founded The Luigi and Anita Traverso Endowment to honor the parents of his brother Giuseppe. It offers funds for scholarships to support students participating in Italian Studies at SUNY New Paltz and for an annual lecture series open to the public. The endowment aims at raising participation in the Italian Studies Curriculum, extending the operation of the program to the Hudson Valley region, providing forums for dialogue on the Italian and Italian-American experience and helping to develop a major in Italian Studies. Applicant must be a junior in good academic status and full time attendance. Applicants must have completed the Current Paltz intermediate Italian language series (courses ITA201 and ITA202) or equivalent. Scholarships would include a limit of $2,000 to spend at least one academic semester abroad studying at a recognised Italian university for nine or more transfer credits received in “subject matter” courses such as literature , philosophy, art history, mathematics, economics , psychology, etc.

The Edna Grzebien Prize

• The Edna Grzebien Prize is awarded for excellence and commitment in the study of world languages.
• The Edna Grzebien Prize is awarded for the study of world languages, in particular students who exhibit excellence and commitment in the study of world languages.

Maurizio Vannicelli Prize

• Maurizio Vannicelli Prize in Italian Studies is awarded for the best essay on a theme of Italian literature or culture.
• The Italian Studies Maurizio Vannicelli Prize is awarded for best essay on a subject in Italian literature or history.

AATI Essay Contest

• AATI Essay Contest: The American Association of Teachers of Italian annually awards two outstanding undergraduate college students for an outstanding essay in Italian language, culture, literature, and cinema.
• AATI Essay Contest: Annually, the American Association of Italian Teachers recognizes two outstanding undergraduate students with an exceptional essay in Italian language , history, literature, and film.

The post 50 Top Scholarships For Italian Language and Studies Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The question assumes that HCI is essential in society, business, and manufacturing, and other applications. Since the boom of computers and handheld devices, the term user-friendly has experienced its own proliferation. Ease of use is paramount when designing and building electronics, particularly one that exists in most households. Therefore, humans with the constant interaction with smartphones, PCs, iPads, Macs, and more want the device to be easy to master.  The concept is usability or user experience (UX). Product designers need to consider this aspect as well as functionality. Making it too simple to use might detract from the purpose and function of the hardware and software.

HCI specialists must consider usability, function, price, and human behavior. The latter refers to understanding how the users see the product meeting their needs, desires, problems, and emotions. Sight is a strong sense in humans, requiring designers to assess the smartphone’s attractiveness. Apple’s iPhone has been described as beautiful and practical. Going back to the 4s model, the back panel was glass. Visually that phone was stunning as well as functional. When Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in 2007, he shifted the focus from more memory, better camera, and faster connectivity. Nokia, at the time, had Apple beat on these characteristics. Instead, Jobs had the designers create a handheld computer – make calls and browse the internet. Its success is legendary!

Mr. Jobs recognized the user experience as taking precedence over all other qualities. He concentrated on how the consumer could interact with the phone in novel ways. Hence, creating a mobile phone with most of the same functions as a desktop computer was brilliant. Indirectly, Apple analyzed the relationship between humans and phones, resulting in sales that peaked at 231.22 million in 2015.

Job Opportunities

It is challenging to determine projected job growth as HCI is a multidisciplinary field consisting of various titles and positions – similar to vocations in medicine or engineering. Some of the opportunities in HCI are:

Visual Designer

User interface plays a role in creating and designing advanced visual components without losing ease of use. Another term is graphical user interface (GUI) that refers to the information, actions, size, color, and visibility integrated into the software. Windows, macOS, Chrome, and Linux are examples of GUI operating systems.

Software Engineer

The two ingredients in a computer or smartphone are the software and the hardware. The software engineer develops the software and applications, which require knowledge of the operating system, mathematical models, and programming languages. They must analyze the users’ needs and the devices’ capabilities in the design process.

Cognitive Systems Engineer

This multidisciplinary profession involves data mining, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and human cognition. Cognition, by definition, means thinking. Therefore, this engineer’s focus is to assess and analyze how humans think and how behavior affects the specific technology’s development.

 UX Designer

UX design applies to many everyday products and services, from apps to vacuum cleaners. An app must be user-friendly and perform to the user’s satisfaction. This example is no different than a vacuum cleaner or coffee maker that must be easy to operate and meet the person’s expectations. Psychology (cognition), business, market research, technology, and design are elements in the creation and development steps. Excellent results in all of these attributes convert to better sales= revenue.

Donald Norman, an Apple engineer (why are we not surprised), coined the term in 1993 when he changed his job title from User Interface Architect to User Experience Architect. He opined that a person’s experience encompassed the design, the graphics, the interface, the operating system, and the how-to manual.

The enormous success of Disney World is a credit to Walt Disney’s vision to create attractions that created special memories for all attendees. When Disneyland opened in July 1955, it was a marvel developed by the imagination of an individual who magnified user experience.

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth over ten years (2019-29) is 8% for Digital Designers and Web developers. Software Developers have an increase of 22% over the same period. Computer hardware engineers only have a projected growth of 2%. A better job outlook exists in Computer and Information Research at 15%. On the negative side, Computer Programmers will decline by 9% over the ten years.

It is evident from these statistics that the job growth in the HCI field varies considerably. Because of the various disciplines in this arena, there is no uniformity of employment projections.

Related Resources:

Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees

What are the benefits of Human-Computer Interaction? 

What are the typical college requirements for a Human-Computer Interaction degree?

What do you study in a Human-Computer Interaction program? 

What is Human-Computer Interaction, and is it a new field?

What can you do with a Human-Computer Interaction degree? 

Can I expect cutting-edge material and programs if I study Human-Computer Interaction? 

What areas outside of programming will I study during an undergraduate degree in Human-Computer Interaction? 

What kind of competition can I expect when applying for a Human-Computer Interaction program? 

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

The post If Human-Computer Interaction is so important, why isn’t the expected job growth better?  appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

How Petroleum Engineers Use Programming

What is the purpose of learning computer programming? While developing a new technical skill is valuable in and of itself, it may not have as much to do with this particular engineering career as you might expect. Computer engineers and software engineers often use programming to create and develop software applications, but this task generally isn’t part of a petroleum engineer’s job duties.

When petroleum engineers use computer programming, they generally do so for one of two reasons. One reason is for the purposes of analyzing data rather than coming up with a new app, program or website. As such, statistical programming is among the most important kinds of computer programming for petroleum engineers to know. The other main reason for petroleum engineers to use computer programming skills is to develop the functions and applications to automate important but tedious mathematical calculations.

You don’t have to know computer programming to automate calculations. Spreadsheet functions can automate simpler calculations for you. However, programming can become necessary when automating more complex or nuanced calculations and functions.  

The Most Important Computer Programming Languages for Petroleum Engineers

The development software languages petroleum engineers use most, according to O*NET, include R, Python, C++, Java and Microsoft Visual C#. Knowing R is ideal for statistical programming. Learning R allows you to work within statistical analysis software developed by statisticians and define new functions to add and customize functions. C++ is a language that works in conjunction with R. The general-purpose programming language Python primarily serves a different function in the life of a petroleum engineer. Python can be used for automating calculations in petroleum engineering.

Petroleum engineers may also encounter uses for skills in development environment software, such as Eclipse IDE, according to O*NET.

Computer Skills Beyond Programming

Computer literacy is important in this tech-focused field, but programming may not be the skill that matters the most for petroleum engineers. Simulation and modeling software programs and computer-aided design programs – most commonly, Autodesk AutoCAD – are some of the technical types of computer software most in use in this field. Simulation and modeling programs are part of what O*NET categorizes as analytical or scientific software.

One software program widely used across engineering disciplines is MATLAB, a programming and computer platform made by mathematical computer software company The MathWorks, Inc. Similarly, Autodesk’s finite element analysis FEA software helps engineers in all branches of the field calculate and predict how products react to the application of forces that range from heat to vibrations.

Other software programs are specific to the field of petroleum engineering. Computer Modeling Group (CMG), for example, offers reservoir simulation software. IHS PETRA has applications for petroleum engineers in all job roles, including reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, completions engineer and production engineer.

Weatherford’s PanSystem is a well-test analysis program, while its WellFlo program is used primarily in performance tests in the production engineering stage of petroleum extraction. Schlumberger’s line of software products for petroleum engineering applications includes the ECLIPSE reservoir simulator and the Petrel Geology and Modeling suite for 3D geological modeling of reservoirs and more. TRC Consultants PHDWin is a leading reserves and economics software program in the oil and gas industry.

The computer programs that matter in petroleum engineering aren’t exclusive to highly technical applications. Petroleum product extraction is expensive work, and financial analysis software is often used to keep costs under control. Petroleum engineers may also use enterprise resource planning software programs, business intelligence programs and databases.

In the list of skills needed for petroleum engineers, programming is far down O*NET’s list. A few of the most important skills for this occupation are critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, complex problem solving, decision making and systems analysis and evaluation.

Additional Resources

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

What Are Currently the Hottest Areas of Research in the Field of Petroleum Engineering?

Is Continuing Education Important for Petroleum Engineering?

Which Area of STEM Is Most Important to Be Strong in to Be Successful in Petroleum Engineering?

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

The post What Kind of Computer Programming Do I Need in Order to Be Successful in Petroleum Engineering? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Quantitative Skills in the Finance World

Finance is definitely a numbers-heavy field. Math is important, but it isn’t advanced levels of abstract mathematics that you need to know to succeed in this field. What’s more important is a strong grasp on applied mathematics, specifically a field sometimes referred to as financial mathematics, quantitative finance or even financial engineering.

If you look at the curriculum of a master’s in finance degree program, you’ll notice that advanced calculus, trigonometry and geometry aren’t part of your degree requirements. The math-related courses you will take tend to be more specialized and more relevant to the field of finance, including classes in financial modeling, financial economics and econometrics. Even most undergraduate finance programs don’t require students to take an extraordinarily heavy load of math classes, instead asking aspiring finance professionals to take just one introductory college-level calculus course and a class in business statistics.

The main reason math skills matter for financial analysts is to help you estimate the value of financial investments, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For personal financial advisors, math skills are needed to assess portfolio growth or loss. 

Analytical Abilities for Finance Professionals

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Analysis is an important part of success in the field of finance, whether or not your job title actually includes the word “analyst.” Although you might associate analytical skills with math skills, thinking primarily of statistical analysis methods, that isn’t always the case. Aside from performing mathematical and statistical analyses of numerical data, finance professionals also need to have strong reasoning skills to understand what the numbers actually mean in terms of decision-making. All the data in the world won’t help you if you can’t translate numerical information to positive financial decisions.

Once you have analyzed the performance of investment opportunities, you have to interpret that information correctly to decide whether an opportunity is a good fit for your company or client. This is more complex than it may sound, because you have to take into account different timelines and levels of comfort with risk. An investment that makes sense for a client who is willing to take more risks and has a longer timeline to make up losses may be a poor choice for a client with a conservative portfolio who is getting ready to start dipping into their retirement account.

The best finance professionals have reasonably strong math skills but also have the ability to consider these different factors, both quantitative and qualitative, in their analyses of financial data and reports.

Understanding Rules, Regulations and Business Law

The field of finance is heavily regulated. There are financial regulations on banks and other financial institutions that affect how they are allowed to operate. There are rules and license requirements to sell different kinds of financial products, such as securities, according to the BLS. Certain investing moves, like insider trading, are illegal.

Because there are a lot of regulations in the finance world, understanding what the rules are and how to comply with them while doing your job effectively is essential for finance professionals. Often, the coursework in a master’s in finance program will touch on topics of regulations and compliance with classes in business ethics, internal auditing, financial regulation and ethics and multinational financial management courses that examine tax regulations in different countries. Of course, regulations are subject to change as new laws are enacted and new legal cases are decided, so even after you graduate, you still need to keep up to date on the latest developments that could affect your career.

For most finance professionals, understanding laws related to finance is an important part of doing their jobs but not the primary purpose of their work. However, if you’re especially interested in financial regulations, you could pursue a career as a financial examiner.

Additional Resources

Is There Any Math Required for a Degree in Finance?

How Advanced Does My Degree in Finance Need to Be to Get a Good Job?

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Finance Degree Instead of an MBA?

The post Are Math Skills or Understanding of Rules and Law Most Important in the Finance World?       appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Today, agriculture is a blend of crop science, soil science, biology, chemistry, logistics, finance, and more. And just because most of the world is rounding out close to 100 years without major food shortages, doesn’t mean that we can take that for granted. Climate change, resource scarcity, and rapidly rising populations will present some of the hardest challenges to agronomists the world has ever faced.

While most modern westerners don’t see where their food comes from, farms are much a part of modern life as in any other era. Technological advances have required less “manpower’ to run many farms. But agriculture is truly large subsection of business. At last count, over 40% of American land meets the USDA’s criteria for being labelled farmland. Over 3 million farm manager positions provide ample opportunity for the right candidates.

If you think you might have what it takes to excel in agriculture, be sure to look through some of the most common questions we come across on the topic here at DegreeQuery.

Table of Contents

• At What Degree Levels Can I Study Agriculture?
• Can I Obtain an Agriculture Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to an Agriculture Program?
• What Can I Do With an Agriculture Degree?

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Be sure to check out DegreeQuery’s related resources including:

• What Can I Do With a Food Science Degree?
• How Much Science is in an Environmental Engineering Degree?
• What is a Degree in Environmental Nutrition?
• What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Environmental Science VS. Environmental Design?
• What Can I Do With a Biology Degrees?
• What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Engineering?
• 50 Degrees to Change the World
• 30 Great Outdoor Jobs Requiring a College Degree
• Why Do I Need a Degree to Become an Agricultural Manager?
• The 10 Best Green Careers For Nature Lovers
• What Degree Do I Need To Become An Agricultural Engineer?
• The 10 Highest-Paying Science Careers
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Organic Chemist?
• What Are The Best Degrees For Animal Lovers
• How Do I Become an Organic Farmer?

At What Degree Levels Can I Study Agriculture?

Degrees in agriculture are available from the associates through doctoral levels. Most commonly, farm managers and technicians hold bachelor’s or master’s in agriculture. Specialists and agronomy researchers are more likely to hold a Ph.D. in the subject.

Associates in agriculture degrees typically require 2 years of study. These degrees begin with general education courses meant to ensure basic college-level skills as well as exposure to a wide range of academic disciplines. Once students have worked through general education requirements they will typically take around a full year of courses directly related to agriculture.

Common major courses within an associate of science in agriculture degree include:

• Statistics
• Botany I and II
• Animal Science I and II
• Macroeconomics
• Plant Science I and II
• Soil Science
• General Chemistry I and II
• Electives

Many associates degrees in agriculture are transfer programs, meaning community colleges have relationships with four-year degree programs. Once students graduate from a transfer associates program they gain automatic admission to the final two years of a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s degrees in agriculture are some of the most widely offered degrees in agriculture. Similarly to associates degrees, students begin their course of study with general education requirements. Upon completion of a majority of general education requirements, students embark on almost two years of primarily studying agriculturally-related topics.

Some common courses to find in a bachelor’s in agriculture degree program include:

• Animal Science
• Plant Science
• Chemistry
• Botany
• Economics
• Logistics
• Leadership
• Environmental Law
• Organic Farming
• Global Farming
• Environmental Policy
• Range Science
• Farming Ethics

At the master’s level, students of agriculture can begin to aid some original research as well as specialize in an area of expertise. Many agriculture programs at the master’s level either focus on agricultural education, or are part of a larger research-centered agricultural studies programs. Though coursework will vary depending on whether or not you’re studying agricultural education or agricultural science, some common courses at the master’s level include the following:

• Agricultural Education
• Research Intro
• Adult Education in Agriculture
• Technology in Agricultural Education
• Higher Education Law
• Computer Applications in Agriculture
• Agricultural Finance
• Agricultural Policy
• Agribusiness Management
• Precision Agriculture
• Soil Fertility
• Agroecology
• Vet Products
• Vet Ethics and Law
• Vet Operations and Practice
• Among Others

At the master’s level, the most common specializations available in agriculture programs include:

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Education
• Agribusiness
• Sustainable Agriculture

Doctoral degrees in agriculture primarily take the form of doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs. The central aims of Ph.D. programs (which are also known as “research doctorates’) are to facilitate original research by students within the program as well as to prepare the next generation of higher education educators within the discipline.

With such a central focus on research, students in doctoral degrees in agriculture should prepare to spend 3-6 years in a doctoral program (depending on whether they hold a terminal master’s degree or not). Additionally, as with all research doctorates, students should be prepared to craft and defend a dissertation. Dissertations are several hundred page research documents that — in theory — should be of publishable quality.

At the doctoral level, courses will largely depend on a student’s area of specialization. Though many courses will overlap with what is covered in the master’s section above.

Can I Obtain an Agriculture Degree Online?

Agriculture happens in the field. And a great deal of the research attached to agricultural endeavors is still field research. With that said, many courses that comprise the core majors courses at the associates, bachelors, and in master’s in agricultural education degrees can be taken online.

Students seeking an online education in agriculture (which is totally possible) should consider some of the following before choosing whether to pursue an agriculture degree online.

Online degrees are primarily delivered via two modes: synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous courses require students to all “log in’ at the same time. Students and professors communicate in real time as if they’re in the same location (well they are, digitally).

Asynchronous courses allow students to log in at any time. Students will likely still communicate some with one another, but in the form of forums, emails, or specially scheduled events.

Students should be aware that while asynchronous courses do provide the highest level of flexibility offered in online degrees, that students also note a “self starter’ mentality is needed.

Be sure to take into consideration how much support you may need in obtaining your degree, as well as whether you are self motivated or need someone “looking over your shoulder’ for you to stay on top of school work.

If you’re looking for some of the best online agricultural degree programs, be sure to check out DegreeQuery’s rankings page.

How Do I Gain Admission to an Agriculture Program?

Admissions into agriculture-centered degrees depend on the degree level you are pursuing. Typically, agriculture studies programs hold the same admissions requirements as most degrees at a given level.

At the associates level, many community colleges have open admission standards. This means that any students meeting a baseline requirement of GPA and holding a high school diploma or GRE may gain admission to their program. You just need to keep your grades above a certain point to stay in the program.

At the bachelor’s level, some programs have open admission policies, but much more commonly students will need to apply. Common application materials include:

• Transcripts (from high school)
• ACT or SAT standardized test scores
• Answers to required essays or statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Potentially an interview

Students may enter into a master’s-level degree in agriculture through two routes. Terminal master’s are applied to on their own, while “en route’ master’s are achieved as part of a larger Ph.D. program. As such, en route master’s in agriculture involve applying to a doctoral-level program.

For terminal master’s degrees, students should have a degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. The most common graduate school admissions test for agriculture programs is the GRE. Though some agriculture business programs may also require the GMAT for consideration.

For students in applying to doctoral programs, they should take time to assess the research interests of professors in the program. Research doctorates typically require students to find a professor that will work with them in their research. Once you have obtained approval from a professor mentor, you may continue with your application process.

In general, agriculture degrees are not exceedingly competitive admissions wise. Many undergraduate degrees are offered by A&T (agriculture and technology) universities that are public universities. Most graduate programs in agriculture are not known for having a wide range of applicants, meaning admissions standards may be high but not extremely competitive.

What Can I Do With an Agriculture Degree?

Agriculture is big business, and there are a much wider range of roles within agriculture than there were in the past. While a vast majority of farms in America are smaller family farms, the average size of farms in America is still sizable at 400 acres. Many of the largest farms in America are operated by large corporations, which may employ hundreds or thousands of individuals.

With that said, many agriculture degree holders do jump into similar roles. The most common roles in which agriculture degree holders are employed include:

• Farm Manager
• Agronomist
• Agriculture Educator
• Agricultural Consultant
• And Soil Scientist

Farm managers are the most general job title in our list. And in reality the day-to-day of running a farm will vary quite a bit depending on what is grown or raised. Farm managers can help grow produce, plants used for herbal supplements, raise cattle, raise fish, raise other wild game, and grow lumber, among other things.

Farm managers tend to be generalists, and thus a degree like one in agriculture can be a great start. Responsibilities of farm managers may include researching and implementing different growing or farm management practices, managing of inventory and equipment, overseeing marketing and logistics for sale of agricultural products, overseeing labor on the farm, and staying up-to-date with laws and regulations affecting farmers.

While there’s certainly a range largely based on what is being farmed as well as the size of the operation, the average salary for farm managers is presently close to $60,000.

Agronomists work to grow and utilize plants for sustenance, fuel, or raw materials. They’re the chief scientists and expirementers behind choices of what to plant, how to plant, and how to change what we plant at many of the largest farms. The primary role that agronomists play in the US focuses on increasing quantity and quality of plants that will be sold in grocery stores within the US.

While not all agriculture degrees will prepare you to be an agronomist, many with agricultural degrees are able to specialize in plant science enough to become agronomists. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum in many states, though graduate degrees can definitely help you to specialize.

Agronomist salaries vary by state, but average around $84,000 a year. Salaries we saw when surveying the matter ranged from $33,000-$144,000 depending on education level, location, and experience.

Agriculture educators may work in a variety of settings, from corporate education or consulting for existing farms, to university settings. The typical jobs of agriculture educators focus on one of two areas, either to proselytize and inform consumers about the use of a specific agriculture crop, or to teach the basic component sciences of agriculture, often for credit.

Most agriculture educators hold a master’s degree, and many master’s programs in agriculture do provide a specialization track in education. While salaries vary depending on whether agriculture educators work in corporate or university settings, the average salary for this role is presently $47,365.

Agriculture consultants typically hold advanced degrees in either agribusiness or agricultural sciences and work by providing an outside perspective on difficult challenges that agricultural businesses face.

Specialization areas within agriculture consulting vary widely, and as one may imagine there are many routes towards gaining the experience needed to be a consultant. Some of the most popular consulting areas within agriculture include forestry, control of pollution, crop rotation, organic farming, and livestock matters.

The lifecycle of an agricultural consultant job includes meeting with new clients, visiting the location of the consultancy to collect data and set up experiments, analyzing results, writing reports and suggestions, giving talks, and publishing papers on what one has learned.

While the top agricultural consultants can make substantially more, the average salary for this role is presently $64,803.

Finally, soil scientists are tasked with performing research, analysis, and offering suggestions of the different chemical and physical properties of soils. As one interested in agriculture would likely guess, soil is the bedrock upon which quality produce and plants are grown. Soil scientists work for a variety of employers, including universities, corporations that create agricultural products, in consulting roles, as well as directly with large farms.

Soil scientists can work with a degree in agriculture, though the degree should include a significant component of sciences underlying agriculture including soil science, chemistry, biology, botany, and so forth. Many soil scientists hold a master’s degree either in agriculture or a more natural science-heavy discipline.

While average salaries for soil scientists vary depending on the location of employment, a national average is presently $63,280.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Be sure to check out DegreeQuery’s related resources including:

• What Can I Do With a Food Science Degree?
• How Much Science is in an Environmental Engineering Degree?
• What is a Degree in Environmental Nutrition?
• What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Environmental Science VS. Environmental Design?
• What Can I Do With a Biology Degrees?
• What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Engineering?
• 50 Degrees to Change the World
• What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science?
• 30 Great Outdoor Jobs Requiring a College Degree
• Why Do I Need a Degree to Become an Agricultural Manager?
• The 10 Best Green Careers For Nature Lovers
• What Degree Do I Need To Become An Agricultural Engineer?
• The 10 Highest-Paying Science Careers
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Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Engineers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications engineering specifically. In an undergraduate degree program in telecommunications engineering, you will complete coursework in the foundations of telecommunications, telecommunications network management and legal issues in telecommunications. You will study topics in fiber-optic communications, analog and digital communications, satellite transmission and switching and automata theory. Your core coursework is also likely to include more general engineering topics, including mathematics and statistics, mechanical engineering fundamentals, computer systems and network engineering and programming in C language.

If a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications engineering isn’t an option at your school, you can still work toward becoming a telecommunications engineer by studying a related, less specialized area of engineering. A major in electrical, electronics or computer engineering can provide an excellent foundation for a future career as a telecom engineer. You might also consider a background in civil engineering, especially if you aspire to work on large infrastructure projects. Make sure to look for classes that are as relevant to your area of focus as possible, even if you don’t have the opportunity to complete a formal concentration or specialization in telecom engineering. For example, you might study digital signal processing, telecommunications networks and the Internet of Things.

Another option for undergraduate study is a bachelor’s degree in the Internet of Things, which generally refers to the study of physical devices that contain Internet-enabled sensors, such as smartwatches, security systems and telecommunications components. 

Gain Work Experience

One way to build your career in the telecommunications engineering niche is through gaining work experience in the field. Entry-level and junior telecom engineering roles may not require much specialized knowledge of the telecommunications engineering industry. Instead, you can learn through on-the-job training to apply your knowledge of one of the more prominent engineering disciplines, like electrical, computer or civil engineering, to work in this specialty area. As you grow your specialized skills and areas of knowledge, you can move up into telecommunications engineer roles with more seniority and more extensive job duties.

You don’t have to wait until after you graduate to start gaining real-world work experience. An internship that provides any amount of hands-on engineering experience is valuable, and one related to the telecommunications field is even more so.

Get Professional Credentials

Having the right professional credentials will open up your career to new opportunities. Which credentials you need will depend on your state as well as your desired career path.

For some telecommunications engineer jobs in some states, you may need a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Acquiring your license usually means passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, gaining at least four years of experience as an engineer-in-training, and then taking the relevant PE Exam. For aspiring telecom engineers, the PE Electrical and Computer: Electronics, Controls, and Communications exam is typically the most relevant PE Exam. The content of this test measures your knowledge of general electrical engineering topics as well as digital systems, electromagnetics, electronics, control systems and communications.

Beyond licensure, you may benefit from seeking professional certifications and credentials. One credential to consider is the Internet Protocol Engineering Professional (IPEP) designation offered by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and the International Society Broadband Experts (ISBE). You might also seek certification as an iNARTE Telecommunications Engineer from the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics.

The Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) also offers credentials that may be relevant to telecom engineers, including the Registered Communications Distribution Designer and Registered Telecommunications Project Manager designations.

Consider a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in telecommunications engineering is another part of the process of getting certain jobs in the telecom engineering field. You don’t need a graduate degree to work in telecommunications engineering, but you may need one to move up in the field. Master’s degrees may be required or preferred for senior telecommunications engineer roles. Even if a master’s degree is optional for the job you want, the specialized graduate-level knowledge you gain while pursuing that degree is important. If you majored in a general engineering discipline, a graduate school program may be your first opportunity to take formal coursework in the specialized area of telecommunications engineering principles and practices.

You don’t necessarily have to wait until you have experience and professional credentials to go to graduate school. Some master’s in telecom engineering programs accept recent graduates without work experience, and some schools offer “4+1” accelerated programs.

Related Resources: 

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Telecom Engineer?

Is a Degree in Computer Science Good for Getting Into the Telecom Engineering Field?

What Are Some Important Areas of Study That I Should Be Good at to Be a Good Telecom Engineer?

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

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