Kinesiology

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Perhaps the most relevant field of undergraduate study for occupational therapists is a major that many students haven’t even heard of. Kinesiology is the study, based in the life sciences, of physical activity as it is used for fitness, work, entertainment and other activities of living.

When you major in kinesiology, you will complete courses in anatomy and physiology, the physiology of exercise, muscle physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular exercise physiology and exercise behavioral science. In addition to understanding the concepts and foundations of physical activity, you will learn skills like how to take measurements and conduct research in kinesiology, how to plan and evaluate physical activity programs and how to promote physical activity.

Some schools offer a major in exercise science, a subfield of kinesiology, rather than in kinesiology. Although exercise science is a narrower field of study, it also is more self-explanatory and better known among students who haven’t yet taken a kinesiology class.

Anatomy

If your school doesn’t offer a major in kinesiology or exercise science, or that major doesn’t appeal to you, studying anatomy is another great option. Anatomy is a specialization of biology that deals with the structure of the body and the parts that make up the body. Students majoring in anatomy take plenty of biology courses, but they also take a more specialized series of courses in gross, developmental and applied anatomy, as well as classes subjects in pathology, immunology, neuroscience and diagnostic imaging.

Although anatomy is often lumped together with physiology, anatomy has more to do with the structure of an organism, while physiology is more concerned with the functions of those structures and the physical and chemical processes that occur in them.

Biology

Biological sciences is the most common major for aspiring medical school students, according to U.S. News & World Report. It stands to reason that biology would also be popular among aspiring occupational therapists, who are also healthcare practitioners and who need to have a solid understanding of the structure and functions of the parts of the human body. Biology is the life science concerned with the study of living organisms. While biology isn’t specific to only human structures, an undergraduate curriculum in biology will offer you the opportunity to delve into the molecular and cellular structures of biology in human beings and the procedures used in medical laboratory work.

Although less common than pre-med courses of undergraduate study, some colleges offer a pre-occupational therapy series of courses that can be completed in conjunction with any major. These tracks align with common graduate school prerequisites.

Psychology

When you look at the list of prerequisites for a typical master’s in occupational therapy program, you might be surprised at how many psychology classes are on the list. Although each graduate school has its own set of admissions requirements, it’s not unusual for applicants to an occupational therapy program to be expected to have prior knowledge of general psychology, abnormal psychology and developmental psychology.

You don’t have to declare a major in psychology to take these courses, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt if you did. Besides these prerequisite classes, your undergraduate curriculum in psychology might include studies in quantitative psychology, psychology research methods, the history of psychology, clinical psychology, community psychology, behavior modification and cognitive processes.

Studying psychology as an undergraduate won’t derail your plans to go into occupational therapy or restrict your graduate school options. Many psychology majors go on to work in careers outside of psychology, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Social Sciences and Liberal Arts Majors

As long as you take your prerequisite courses, what your official undergraduate major was won’t matter too much to an occupational therapy admissions team. Plenty of occupational therapists come from a broader academic background, such as a major in the social sciences or in liberal arts.

Some of the more common social science major options are anthropology, the study of human behavior and culture, and sociology, the study of social change, interaction and behavior. Liberal arts, one of the broadest academic majors, allows students to develop strong skills in critical thinking and communication while studying a variety of topics in the arts, natural and physical sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Although occupational therapy is a healthcare role and a scientific area of study, it is meant to be applied in the service of helping people. Having strong communication and skills and understanding individual and social behaviors can help you connect with patients. 

Additional Resources

What Is a Typical Admissions Process When Applying for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

Where I Am Most Likely to Find a Job as an Occupational Therapist? A Hospital? A University?

Is There Something I Can Do to Help Me Decide If I Want to Invest the Time to Get a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

The post What Should I Get My Undergrad Degree in If I Want a Master’s in Occupational Therapy? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

“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.

For some people, the love of singing goes deeper, and they may want to fine-tune their vocal instrument with serious training. There are many reasons to learn to sing, of course. For some people, just learning to carry a tune and impress their karaoke friends is a worthy goal. Other people want to perform in a singing group, such as a choral ensemble or musical theater troupe, to develop a solo act, or to sing in a band. Whatever your musical ambitions are, there are several tried-and-true methods to achieve them. These ways to learn to sing range from free, fast, and simple, to costly, long, and challenging. There’s no right or wrong way to learn to sing, but thoroughly understanding your options will help you determine which method fits you best.

Reasons for Learning to Sing

If you’re naturally musical, the question “why Sing?” may be difficult to answer. For some people, making music is as natural- and as essential- as breathing. But many other people take up singing as a new hobby, to explore their creative side, to express themselves, or to expand their horizons. If you’re considering learning to play a musical instrument, there are many reasons to do so, and benefits to sticking with it, even when learning to play becomes challenging. Knowing the many benefits of learning to Sing can keep you motivated and help you appreciate your progress.

Singing helps prevent illness

Research conducted at the Goethe University in Frankfurt found that after singing in an amateur choir, subjects had significantly higher levels of antibodies in their bloodstreams, meaning their immune systems were strengthened.

Singing improves fitness

You don’t have to be performing arena rock to get a workout from singing. An article in the New York Times reported that opera singers have been shown to have better heart function and lung capacity than the average person. And the Telegraph reports that singing is an aerobic activity that increases blood oxygen levels.

Singing boosts your mood

A 2008 study conducted in Australia found that singers reported a higher level of personal life satisfaction higher than the average person did, even when their individual stressors were above the national average. Another study in 1998 found that residents of a nursing home who took part in a regular singing program for just one month had lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Singing improves your social life

To sing well, you’ll need to develop self-awareness, focus, and patience as you practice on your own. All these qualities help you be a better coworker, partner, and friend. When singing in a group, you’ll literally be in harmony with your peers, being attentive and responsive. And bonds are powerfully strengthened through sharing a positive and creative experience like singing.

Singing improves your sleep

Snoring and sleep apnea are associated with sleep loss, fatigue, weight gain, and even heart problems. But if you sound good singing, you probably sound good sleeping; experts say that singing strengthens the muscles of the throat and palate, which prevents snoring. You can also expect your posture to improve as your neck and back muscles grow stronger through singing.

Singing makes you confident

Just a few rounds of karaoke can make anyone feel like a rock star. When you learn to sing well through training and practice, your confidence grows dramatically. You’ll also develop a more resonant, clear voice and upright posture that will nonverbally communicate self-assurance in every area of your life. And although singing in front of others can be incredibly intimidating, most people also say that it’s exhilarating and makes them feel extremely confident.

Learning to Sing through Self-Teaching

If you’re motivated and passionate, you can absolutely be your own music teacher. Plenty of legendary singers, from Johnny Cash to David Bowie, were entirely self-taught. When you teach yourself to sing, you can go at your own pace, vocalize in the privacy of your own home, and

The methods that people use to improve their voices and singing haven’t changed much over the years. That means just learning these longstanding principles and applying them through dedicated practice can go a long way towards making you a better singer.

• Instructional Video Channels on YouTube such as Singing Success
• Guide Books such as “The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice” by Jennifer Hammady
• Instructional Websites such as How to Learn to Sing in 14 Steps on WikiHow
• Recorded Lessons on sites such as Lynda

Needless to say, self-teaching is the most cost-effective way to learn to sing. Youtube and internet guides are free, and many books on how to sing are available for free through libraries.

Self-learning Pros:

• low cost or free
• go at your own pace
• private and convenient

Self-learning Cons:

• no technique modeling
• no personal feedback
• hard to maintain motivation

Learning to Sing through Online Classes

If you’re like most people, it’s easy to start a new undertaking like learning to sing, but hard to stick with it, especially once the novelty has worn off. If you find that your YouTube channel subscription is going unwatched and your instructional books are gathering dust, you may want to try online classes to learn to sing. Signing up for a class will give you more guidance than self-instruction, but will still generally allow you to learn on your own time and at your own pace, and from your own home. Most online classes in learning to sing are accessible and affordable as well.

Some of the most popular online classes for learning to sing are:

• Superior Singing Method
• Approach vocal training method
• Singorama

Learning to sing through a series of online lessons provides structure and instructor demonstrations, but one thing you’ll miss out on is feedback. Anyone who’s heard their own voice recorded knows that it’s hard to judge the way your own voice sounds (thanks to the way resonance work inside our heads). If you want someone to not just show you how to sing but listen to you and give you pointers, you’ll want private lessons.

Online Class Pros:

• some structure
• guided instruction
• demonstrations and modeling

Online Class Cons:

• usually some cost
• lower flexibility
• no responsive feedback

Learning to Sing through Private Lessons

Even a few lessons with a private instructor can go a long way towards helping you learn to sing your best. In a one-on-one session, you can learn through not only modeling and demonstration but through feedback and personal coaching based on your performance. There are actually two kinds of professionals people hire when learning to sing: voice teachers and voice coaches

Voice teachers, also called vocal teachers or singing teachers, work on a student’s vocal techniques. Sessions focus on training pupils in physical skills like range, note accuracy, singing posture, breath control, head voice vs. chest voice. They also help students learn to maintain their vocal health so that they can sustain their song performance.

Voice coaches, also called vocal coaches, work on a student’s song performance. They usually play along on a piano while guiding singers through learning and rehearsing songs. Along with building their repertoire, voice coaches help students with their stage presence and showmanship so that they can be great performers as well as great singers.

• Freelance voice teachers and voice coaches
• Singing lessons within music class franchises like School of Rock
• A College of Music or Conservatory

Finding the right person to help you learn to sing this way is essential- you’ll want to learn from someone who has singing skills, experience, and a teaching style that fits your learning style. Because you’ll be working so closely with your voice teacher and/or voice coach (potentially for years), it’s worth taking your time to seek out someone you enjoy working with.

Private Lessons Pros:

• intensive feedback
• personalized and structured
• easier to stay motivated

Private Lessons Cons:

• high cost
• must be in-person
• personal fit is important

Learning to Sing through Degree Programs

If singing is your life, and you see yourself going for a future in the performing arts, you’ll want to consider getting a degree in singing. A degree in singing usually comes in the form of a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. There are two main types of music degrees: BAs and BFAs.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music (BFA or BM) has a curriculum that’s solely devoted to music, without general education classes. A BFA is a great choice for people pursuing a career in the performing arts.

A Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) is a liberal arts degree, which means its curriculum is made up of about one-half general education core classes. A BA is a good choice for those who would like a broader range of career options, usually in the music industry, since a BA can lead to jobs in administration, marketing, or advocacy.

In a music degree program with a vocal performance concentration, you can expect to take classes in:

• music theory
• music history
• vocal styles
• sight-singing
• ensemble performance
• aural comprehension

Studying at a college, university, or conservatory is a major investment. You can expect to spend several years and thousands of dollars pursuing a degree in vocal performance. At the end of your program, you’ll need to have skill, luck, perseverance, and flexibility to find opportunities in your field. Making the most of your school’s internship and mentoring programs and your alumni network can help you make the most of your skills and interest in singing.

Music Degree Pros:

• learn singing history, theory, and technique
• high structure and feedback
• training, mentoring, networking

Music Degree Cons:

• highest cost
• must apply and audition to get in
• fine arts degrees don’t always lead to jobs

Further Reading:

• What Can I Do with a Performing Arts Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Music?
• 10 Creative Careers That Won’t Require You to Be a Starving Artist
• The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
• 15 Degrees That Are Perfect for Becoming Your Own Boss
• Top 10 Careers for Extroverts
• Are There 2-Year Degrees in Music Therapy? Are They Worth Getting?
• Should I Get a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy?
• Do You Need Clinical Experience to Become a Music Therapist?
• What Are Some Other Careers Related to Music Therapy?
• What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy?
• What Are the Differences Between Art Therapy and Music Therapy Degrees?
• What Certifications Do You Need to Become a Music Therapist?

The post How to Learn to Sing appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

There is no question that the most common bachelor’s degree achieved for one desiring a sports medicine profession is a sports medicine degree. Sports medicine degree programs prepare their students for a variety of careers in both athletics and medicine. Common careers for sports medicine degree program graduates include athletic trainer, personal fitness trainer, physical therapy clinic trainer, rehabilitation specialist, or an athletic coach.

Sports Medicine Bachelor’s Degree(s)

Program Overview

Sports medicine degree programs champion their interdisciplinary education. The field is broad, encompassing everything from athletic training to exercise science and nutrition. A sports medicine degree should give its students the skills needed to work with both individuals and communities, working to improve both individual and social health.

It is common for sports medicine degree programs to offer a specialization. Typical specializations or concentrations include exercise science, health sciences or rehabilitative science. If you have found or are looking at a bachelor’s degree specifically in sports medicine but without offered specializations, it will likely still be impacted by whether it is offered by the department of medicine, physical education, physical therapy, or kinesiology.

It is important to understand that there are many bachelors’ degrees that may be referred to as sports medicine degrees. This includes degrees like a BS in Health Education and Behavior, a BS in Health Science, a BA in Healthy Lifestyle Management, and a BS in Exercise Science. The following discussion of sports medicine degree programs is not specific to one bachelor’s program, but instead is meant to display general knowledge about all sports medicine program details and goals.

Program Location

Sports medicine bachelor’s degree programs are available on campuses across the country. Sports medicine degrees online are also a readily available option for qualified students.

Length of Program

Sports medicine degree programs are similar to other undergraduate programs. A student who stays on track can expect to finish their bachelor’s in four years. The first two years of education are often filled with general requirement courses and electives, while the final two years of education are specific to the bachelor’s program chosen. Sports medicine degrees online are usually going to have a similar timeframe, though it is not uncommon for them to offer greater schedule flexibility and/or the potential for a slower pace. Should a student transfer into a sports medicine degree program (on-campus or online) or already have existing transferrable credits, it may take as little as two years to complete a sports medicine major.

Expected Courses and Education

Generally, sports medicine programs seek to give their students a strong foundation in both health sciences and behavioral sciences. This will include fundamental knowledge surrounding exercise and fitness as they relate to human physiology, as well as a particular emphasis placed on the ability to recognize, prevent, evaluate, and treat fitness related injuries and poor practices.

Please note that the following list is neither exhaustive nor conclusive. Specific courses are going to depend on what sports medicine bachelor’s degree you have chosen to pursue, what department offers the degree, and what your chosen specialization (if you have one) is.

The courses listed below are typically taken in addition to (or after the completion of) general elective course and requirements (like math, English, humanities and/or foreign language(s)).

Potential Courses

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Nutrition
• Fitness and Culture
• Emergency Assessment and Care
• Biomechanics
• Principles of Sports Medicine
• Theories of Sports Medicine
• Injury Evaluation and Treatment
• Therapeutic Modalities

Clinical Practicum Experience

Depending on one’s specific bachelor’s degree chosen or area of specialization, a clinical practicum experience or internship may be required. These experiences are often completed in the student’s final quarter or semester (15-20 credits) and are typically full-time supervised work experiences.

Master’s Degree Potential

While many may choose to gain employment immediately after graduation from their bachelor’s degree program, other students choose to continue in pursuit of a master’s or professional degree. This choice to continue is often made in order to open up the door to a career as a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, a nurse, or a physician.

How Do I Choose a Program?

There are so many options available to today’s student that it can make it extra difficult to know how to make your choice. As you consider bachelor’s programs, pay attention to the things that matter specifically to you. Is tuition a big deal? Then pay attention to costs/credit and whether or not there is flexibility in the student schedule for part-time work. Do you already know what you want your professional career to be? Then apply to programs that offer a specialization that focuses on that area. Lastly, though there are specific sports medicine degree programs, don’t forget to look at degrees in health sciences, exercise science, or healthy lifestyle management, as those too will set you up well for a career in sports medicine.

Laura Mansfield

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Sacred Heart University

Associate’s Degree of Nursing (ADN) | North Seattle Community College

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing, Sales | University of Washington (Seattle)

January 2020

More Articles of Interest:

• What Can I do With a Degree in Sports Medicine?
• What Does a Sports Psychologist do?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Sports Science?

The post What is the Best Bachelor’s Degree to Get if You Want to Get Into Sports Medicine? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Types of Communication

In the effort to reach the targeted audience, there are different areas of communication. In turn, there is an array of degrees; for example, the University of Delaware offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. Graduates will be qualified to work in public relations, digital and social media, and corporate communication. Another example is the online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership at Maryville University. There is also the choice of an Emerging and Digital Media sub-specialty in the degree.

The online Master of Science in Communications at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Relations has three specializations:

Advertising: Learn about the creation, planning, and execution of advertising campaigns.

Public Relations:  Learn about the intricacies of handling public relations and forming effective communications.

Journalism:  The coursework covers digital and social media, editing, analyzing information, and delivering news and information.

Is journalism the best field?

The real answer to the question is – it depends on where your interests and career aspirations lie. The answer is subjective. Some students may opt for journalism as their dream job, whereas others see themselves entrenched in digital media or analyzing corporate communications before dissemination to the public or shareholders. Others who embrace technology may prefer to settle into the creativity of digital media.

What is Mass Communication?

It is any form of imparting information through various media types to a large segment of the population. Some of the mediums to transmit the message are newspapers, magazines, brochures, radio, television, social networking, billboards, the internet, and film. The purpose of mass communication varies. Advertising is one type, as are: news reports, social interests, entertainment, knowledge, and more.

Journalism typically involves reporting events through print, newspapers and magazines, television news channels (CNN), radio, e-readers, and cell phones. There are sub-categories, such as investigative journalism that exposes corruption, environmental concerns, health scandals, abuse of power, and similar activity. The journalist feels compelled to reveal something that could be in the public’s best interest to know.

Students interested in investigative journalism would benefit from a program with an emphasis on journalism. The College of Liberal & Applied Arts at Stephen A. Austin University offers a Master of Arts in Mass Communication with three choices:

• Advertising and Public Relations
• Broadcasting
• Journalism

How much can I earn with a degree in Communications?

Journalism does not have the best salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for the category of Reports, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts is $46,270. For those applying their mass communications degree for Public Relations, the pay is better at $61,150 (BLS). More optimistic is PayScale‘s mid-career income for a Public Relations Director at $92,200. The same site ranks journalist at #28 of 28 with a mid-career wage of $44,700 – on their list of professions related to communication

There are exceptions to any job group as some are in the stratosphere of the annual salary data. For example, George Stephanopoulos earns $15 million per year as a host on Good Morning America. Anderson Cooper of CNN has a reported income of $12 million per year.

Jobs and more jobs in Communications

Having a degree in mass communications or related field opens up a myriad of possibilities. If you glance at employment sites like Indeed, there are numerous pages of different positions. Some of the titles are:

• Social Media Specialist
• Corporate Communication Coordinator
• Facility Manager of Communications
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Public Communications Specialist
• Marketing Communication Specialist
• Public Information Officer

The list goes on. What is best for one individual might not be ideal for another. Do you prefer to be the creator of the information or the presenter? Many of these jobs require the skill of public speaking. If that is not for you, then a journalism job or compiling the digital news and information is more suitable. The best area of mass communication is the one that best fits your personality, goals, and comfort zone.

Additional Resources:

What are some of the topics for a thesis in Mass Communications?

30-36 hours doesn’t seem like much. Can I still work while getting my Master’s in Mass Communication?

What areas fall under the umbrella of Mass Media?

What interpersonal skills should I possess to be successful in pursuing a mass communications degree?

Easiest Online Master’s Degrees

What Is the Difference Between Corporate Communications and PR?

Are Companies Looking for Something More Than a Social Media Expert When Thinking About Corporate Communications?

What Are Some Typical Courses I Would Take in a Corporate Communications Master’s Program?

What Areas of Writing Should I Focus on to Be Successful in Corporate Communications?

The post Is journalism the best field to pursue after getting a Master’s in Mass Communications? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

You may be contemplating moving towards a career in graphic design. As a consequence, you undoubtedly have a good number of questions about becoming a graphic designer. A primary question might be whether or not you are likely to be hired as a graphic designer without a degree if you’re a strong portfolio. As is the case with so many things in like, this question doesn’t result in a clear black and white answer.

A College Degree, a Portfolio, and a Freelance Graphic Designer

A significant percentage of graphic designers are freelancers, independent contractors working on their own. While the benefits of obtaining a degree in graphics design or an associated area of study cannot be underestimated, you can succeed in this profession if you lack a college degree but have a strong portfolio.

The reality is that a prospective client is not highly likely to focus on a freelance graphic designer’s academic career when considering engaging that professional for services. The prospective client is nearly certain to focus most if not all attention on a graphic designer’s portfolio.

Another reality is that an individual, business, or organization interested in engaging the services of a graphic designer will be considering more than one design professional at the same time. In other words, if you’re being considered for a gig, you’re not alone. For this reason, you need as many arrows in your quiver as possible to set yourself apart from what might be a pack. Yes, a strong portfolio is key. Nonetheless, if you are among fellow professionals with a good portfolio, a prospective client may dig deeper. If that occurs, education might become a focus of that due diligence.

Graphic Designer in a Firm

A considerable segment of graphic designers work as part of firms, according to Forbes. If you’re interested in seeking employment in graphic design, marketing, or similar type of firm, a degree may be important or even required, even if you have a strong portfolio.

Many firms have set minimum requirements for employment that very well may include education. While a smaller firm may be more inclined to bend certain requirements if a person has a particularly strong portfolio, you cannot expect that to happen. Bending requirements is not as likely to occur with larger firms.

Graphic Designer on the Team of a Corporation or Business

If you’re interested in obtaining a position as a graphic designer with a corporation or business, a degree may be required. This may be the case even if you have a commanding portfolio. In a situation in which a corporation or business is interested in your work, but you’re lacking a degree, you can attempt to pitch them on the benefits of engaging you as an independent contractor. In some isolated cases, when a prospective employee doesn’t meet education requirements, a corporation or business may consider utilizing that individual’s services in a freelance arrangement. Bear in mind if you go that route, you’ll not be able to obtain some benefits that might be available to an employee of a corporation or business. These benefits, including health insurance, might be a primary attractive feature in the first instance.

In the final analysis, you need to ascertain how you want to go about pursuing a career as a graphic designer, including as a freelancer, with a firm, or with a corporation or business. Once that decision is made, you’ll be in a better position to determine what you must have in your overall resume.

Related Resources:

What is The Best Way to Prepare For Applying To Undergraduate Programs in Graphic Design?

What Can I Do with a Graphic Design Degree?

The post Am I Likely to Be Hired as a Graphic Designer Without a Degree if My Portfolio is Good? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Sometimes fiction fascinates more than fact. A short story or novella penned by E.M. Forster (1879-1970) in 1909, titled – The Machine Stops, predicted the technology age. This science-fiction work tells the story of humanity that must live underground because humans lost the ability to survive on the earth’s surface. A global, omnipotent Machine provides their bodily and spiritual needs. It also conveys communication via video conferencing and a type of instant messaging (sound familiar?). This novella is one of a long list of publications that include five novels; his novel, A Passage to India (1924), resulted in a Nobel Prize for Literature nomination.

In general and surgical hospitals, technology has changed how they operate; technology is indispensable to a hospital’s objectives. Health information management links the clinical, operational, and administrative functions. The healthcare system must maintain accurate patient medical records, which ultimately reduces procedural errors, lowers costs, and improves patient care. Students earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management, technology, or systems in this endeavor. A career in this field requires all the same skills as health administration: problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, technology, and analytical skills.

Undergraduate degrees highlight the importance of technology; for example, Grand Canyon’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration includes a Health Information Technology and Management course. The material covers data management, information systems, and how these relate to patient confidentiality and security.

Purdue University Global also offers a B.S. in Health Care Administration with a class in Information Technology and Systems for Health Care. Students learn about database architecture and design, administrative reports, health security, and technology management.

There are many hats to wear in healthcare administration, particularly in a hospital environment. A large metropolitan general hospital could have over two thousand beds, namely New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Florida Hospital in Orlando. A March 2020 article in U.S. News reported that there were 728,000 medical and surgical beds available in 2018, according to Blavin’s report. Without the burden of COVID-19, there is an average of one out of three beds empty across the nation. These statistics create a multitude of patient records to document. The hospital administrator should be aware of all phases of the hospital’s operation, including the technology.

Poorly managed health information can have life-threatening consequences. It can also pose a legal problem when inadequate medical record-keeping contributes to a patient’s death or severe illness. Archaic paper records are too cumbersome and slow to access. Up to the minute medical information is critical, so hospital administrators need to have the latest software and hardware. Also, cybersecurity is vital to the security of patient information. Lack of security measures can lead to exposure, such as the one at Rush System for Health in January 2019 at their Chicago hospitals and clinics. During that security breach, roughly 45,000 personal information and Social Security numbers were obtained. This event occurred at the A 2017 article in Health IT Security stated that larger facilities and teaching hospitals had a greater risk of a data breach.

There is a marriage of technology and federal policies in hospitals that is incumbent on administrators to address. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 implemented administrative safeguards for healthcare organizations. Managers need to ensure that hospital staff has the requisite training to handle security issues to mitigate patient medical records’ breaches. Despite the most advanced hospital technology, studies found that human error was the number one cause of data security problems, according to the Baker Hostetler law firm.

The use of technology affects software vendors, medical supplies, consultants, hardware installers, and business associates. All of whom could be a potential threat, which will eventually fall into the administrators’ lap.

Looking at examples of hospital administrator jobs on employment sites, you see many duties dependent on digital technology. For example:

• Allocation of staffing resources, workflow management, and performance monitoring
• Manage and develop budgets
• Create and maintain a high-performance learning environment
• Knowledge of fiscal management
• Keeps current with advances in business methods, technological changes, and economic trends

Additional Resources:

Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees

Are there professional organizations that will benefit my career in Health Administration?

How do I become a Health Administrator? 

What makes a good Health Administrator?

What kind of jobs would I look for in Health Administration? 

Which areas of the country pay the best for jobs in Health Administration? 

What certifications are there in Health Administration to help with getting a job in this field? 

What are the key responsibilities of a Health Administrator?

The post How is technology changing the business of Health Administration in hospitals?  appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Within the history of art one can find the Bayeaux Tapestry, ancient friezes on Greek architecture, and even mystical scenes painted by firelight on cave walls in the dawn of time for our species. Art history is also our most recent hit television, Broadway musicals, street art and graffiti, and festivals celebrating the best in music, religion, and culture.

If you find yourself drawn to an understanding of arguably the most human of pursuits, you may be a great fit for pursuing a degree in art history. Art history blends a deep understanding of historical forces, human issues, art, architecture, religion, and more.

Here at DegreeQuery, we’ve covered a wide range of degree topics always with an eye towards applying said degree in the real world. This guide is no different, and will cover the following topics:

Jump To:

• What Art History Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Gain An Art History Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission To An Art History Degree?
• What Can I Do With an Art History Degree?

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out some of DegreeQuery’s related resources below!

• What Can I Do With a Classics or Ancient History Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Performing Arts Degree?
• What Can I Do With a History Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Curator?
• What Courses Will I Take in an Industrial Design Bachelor’s?
• What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?
• The 15 best Liberal Arts Schools In America
• The Best Online Degree Programs of 2020

What Art History Degrees Are Available?

Art History degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels. Though bachelor’s in art history are typically thought of as the lowest degree level that can provide students with a wide base of liberal arts and multidisciplinary courses.

At the associates level, the primary goal of an art history degree is to prepare students to continue their studies at the bachelor’s level, and to provide a general introduction to collegiate students.

As with all associates degree programs, students must pursue general education credits. These credits are commonly around half of an associates degree program (in length), and are meant to ensure that students have been exposed to a range of topics expected of a college graduate.

Some of the courses that you may take within general education courses inside of an associates in art history degree include:

• English Literature and Composition
• Computer Literacy
• Data Literacy
• A Foreign Language
• Courses in Natural Sciences
• Courses in Social Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Arts
• Humanities
• And More

On top of general education courses, students should of course look forward to coursework within art history. Typically associates in art history degrees offer art history courses that mirror 100-200 (first and second major year) courses within a bachelor’s degree. This can make associates degrees a great way to get a start on a future bachelor’s degree in the same field.

Some common major courses within associates in art history degrees include:

• Art in Medieval Europe
• Art in the Renaissance
• Modern Art
• Postmodern Art
• Art of the Ancient World
• Art Within Prehistory
• And a selection of electives

We should note that while there are a handful of associates degrees in art history — and even a few offered entirely online — that bachelor’s degrees are the typical degree level at which students enter art history. If you would like to pursue an associates degree and are aiming to follow your study with a bachelor’s in art history, a wide range of associates can help you get there, including a degree in history, a degree in art, a related humanities degree, or a degree in social science or education.

At the bachelor’s level a wide variety of colleges and universities offer art history degrees and courses. These degree programs begin with general education requirements similarly to associates degree (for a view of such courses, read through the associates section above).

Once students have worked through some of the basic general education courses, they are likely to start on art history courses. At the bachelor’s-degree level these are likely to include some of the following:

• Western Art History: Prehistory through Middle Ages
• Western Art History II: Renaissance Through Present
• Art of Oceania
• Art of the Americas
• Art of Asia
• Art of Africa
• Art and Architecture in Egypt
• Several Foreign Language Courses
• Art and Architecture in Rome
• Art of the Italian Renaissance
• Art of Northern European Renaissance
• Modern and PostModern Architecture
• African American Art
• Folk Art
• Contemporary African Art
• Pre-Columbian Art
• Art of Women
• Curatorial Issues
• And More

Additionally, students within art history bachelor’s degree will often be offered the option of completing an undergraduate thesis write-up, or pursuing an internship.

Many students may decide during their undergraduate study to pair an art history degree with licensure for becoming a teacher. A few of the most common routes include gaining licensure to teach history, art, or social studies within K-12 public schools within a given state.

At the master’s level students may begin studying how to take on some curatorial roles within museums, libraries, and galleries. Additionally, students may begin to prepare for a deeper specialization that may be continued within a doctoral degree. Students may either apply directly to a terminal master’s degree out of undergraduate study, or they may gain a master’s degree “en route” to a doctoral degree.

Master’s degrees in art history typically require 60 credit hours of study, and require around 2 years of study. Your study will be geared at obtaining a general backdrop of many art history topics and eras at the graduate level, as well as diving more deeply into one potential focus area. Students’ specialized study at the master’s level often center around a master’s thesis.

Master’s theses aren’t original research like a doctoral dissertation, rather they are a hundred plus page write-up about the current state of a field of research (arranged into an argument). A master’s thesis is meant to show that you can engage with scholarship at the highest levels within your field, carefully interpreting the findings of others and constructing your own arguments.

Finally, doctoral degrees in art history typically come in the form of a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in art history degree. Ph.D.’s are research doctorates, meaning that there are two primary goals within the degree progression. The first goal is to help prepare future scholars in the field. To this aim, doctoral candidates must pursue, write, and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral dissertations are documents comprised of original research and are often several hundred pages long. They are meant to provide an original contribution to the field of study into which one is entering. Once a doctoral dissertation is completed, students must defend their dissertation in front of a panel of peers. Dissertations should be of a level of quality equal with those in peer-reviewed journals within the field of study. Though they need not actually be published in order for a doctoral candidate to graduate.

The second aim of a Ph.D. program is to help prepare the next generation of collegiate and graduate-level educators within a field. To this aim, Ph.D. programs (particularly those that are in-person and not online) often require students to work as teaching assistants are to teach undergraduate courses on their own.

At the doctoral level of study, art history students typically specialize very deeply in one subject matter area. This can be on a particular artist, or school of artists, on a particular artistic technique, or a certain era or location within art history. Examples of specialization areas within art history doctoral degrees include (but are not limited to):

• Baroque Art
• Art from Prehistory
• Pre-Columbian Native American Art
• Social Issues Within An Era of Art
• PostModern Art
• Street Art
• Medieval European Art
• And Many Other Areas

Can I Gain An Art History Degree Online?

As with many other areas within the liberal arts and social sciences, online degrees are available, though not to nearly as wide of an extent as for professionally-centered degrees. At the associates and bachelor’s level, there are a wide range of art history-related courses that students can take, and some fully online programs. There are also some master’s-level academic programs offered fully online. These are typically geared towards those seeking professional educations to work in museum, archeological, or library settings.

Additionally, a handful of Ph.D. programs in art history, or that can be tailored to art history degrees can be taken online. Though a vast majority of master’s and doctoral-level programs in art history are only offered in-person.

If you have never taken any courses online, and think you may be interested, you should note some of the most common pros and cons cited by students who have taken online courses. An online education can be a great enabling factor in obtaining one’s education. But it’s also not the best choice for all students.

Some of the most common “pros” of online education include:

• Not needing to move to gain an education
• Not needing to quit your job to gain an education
• Being able to pursue a program tailored to adult student needs
• Lower prices
• Access to many support services from a distance
• And, in the end, the same degree

Meanwhile, some of the most common “cons” or complaints about online education include:

• It being harder to make friends or gain meaningful connections online
• A greater need to be able to “self start” with your schoolwork
• Lack of easy access to networking events
• Lack of access to repositories of art history objects (museums, libraries, etc).

Either way, there are some great art history programs that are available in-person and online. If you think you may be interested in an art history degree, be sure to check out DegreeQuery’s top-notch academic rankings today!

How Do I Gain Admission To An Art History Degree?

Depending on the degree level you’re interested in, art history degrees require similar admission processes to other degrees of the same level. At the associates and bachelor’s degree levels, students should be prepared to gain admission to the general college they would like to study at, then should be able to choose an art history major if it is offered at their school.

In graduate degrees, art history admissions are similar to those of other liberal arts and social science degrees.

Starting with associates degrees, students in many districts may find that local community colleges have what is known as “open admissions.” Open admissions mean that anyone who meets a certain set of requirements can gain entry to a program. Typically, open admission requirements include living in-state, in-district, or in-town (depending on the area the community college is meant to serve), and graduating high school with a certain GPA. To retain open admission status, students must typically keep their collegiate grades above a certain level.

At the bachelor’s level, colleges and university admissions can range from open admission to highly competitive. Some Ivy League (and similar stature) schools have acceptance rates of between 3-5% of applicants. There are a number of tools online to determine if your academic profile is good enough for admissions to the schools you are interested in. Typically a good way to be entirely sure is to reach out to admissions or to look at the accepted student profile.

Typically undergraduate degrees try to look at the “holistic” application of a student. In that if a student has a poor standardized test score, but some other redeeming factor such as lots of community service work, they may still gain admission.

The typically required documents for undergraduate admissions include high school transcripts, an ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume and interviews.

At the master’s level, students should be prepared to take a GRE standardized test. Additional requirements commonly sought for admission include a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

At the doctoral level, admissions are similar to those at the master’s level with the additional requirement that one’s research interests align with faculty studying at the university. Students should ascertain what the research focus areas within a university program as well as reach out to potential faculty members who one things may be interested in being their mentors. Upon a successful “pairing” of this sort (faculty members typically only take on a handful of “ment-ees”) the remainder of the admission process typically lines up like a master’s-level program.

What Can I Do With an Art History Degree?

As with many liberal arts and social science degree programs, art history degrees teach one to communicate and analyze complex issues, they teach students to write and present information, to logically debate the merits of different arguments, and to be a well-rounded and “human” thinker. Additionally, art history degrees provide domain-specific knowledge around eras of human history, design trends, and fine art. This is all to say that you can take an art history degree into many fields. Depending on how unrelated the specifics of the field are to art history, you may have to do some “catch up” work, but many of the hardest to train skills in rigorous thinking and communication will already be present.

There are also a range of jobs that require domain-specific knowledge of art history, history, or design. Some of the top choices for art history graduates include:

• Art Historian
• Museum Curator
• And Art Director

Common careers not as closely related to art history that graduates move into include:

• Law
• Education
• Marketing
• And even technology and health care

Working through the top choices for art history graduates, art historian jobs are a logical place to start. Art historians are primarily employed by colleges and universities, museums, or foundations and non-profits who hold a central aim related to art history.

The term art historian is typically reserved for those who hold a Ph.D. in the field, and is typically associated with one who can teach or research about art history at the highest of levels.

Work requirements will vary depending on the location at which an art historian works, but generally include some of the following:

• Applying for grants to expand educational or research-based programming related to art history
• Writing of scholarly research articles or books on art history topics
• The teaching of art history in classroom settings in a university
• The education and building of awareness of art history for the general public
• And the preservation and documentation of historical art

While earnings will vary depending on the setting which an art historian works, they can be on par with earnings of tenure-track professors within other disciplines and rise above $100,000 later in one’s career.

Our second stop within art history careers is that of museum curator. Public and private collections at a range of entities need qualified professionals to preserve, document, curate, and educate the general public on historical works of art. If you’ve been to any museum of any size, you have likely encountered some art collection. These collections range from small groupings of regional importance, to priceless works of art that are prized the world over.

Typical job requirements of museum curator jobs include:

• Serving as an expert on a certain era or type of art and artifact
• Helping to select and provide explanations for new exhibits
• Applying for grants for new programming within a museum context
• Seeking, preserving, and documenting artistic collections
• Leading of tours or talks on eras or works of historical art

While the earnings of museum curators can vary to quite a extent, the nationwide average for this job title in America is presently $58,000.

Finally, art directors work in a variety of industry, creative, and foundation-based settings. These individuals apply knowledge of historical art or design to direct the representation of an entity – often through graphic and product design. Art directors may need to position the digital and tangible design assets of their organization within historical design contexts. Knowledge of many historical art and design eras can lead art directors to hold robbust frameworks through which they can critique and direct art for an organization.

While earnings for art directors vary depending on experience, market, and the organization at which they are working, the average salary for this role is presently $98,000.

Check out some of DegreeQuery’s related resources below!

• What Can I Do With a Classics or Ancient History Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Performing Arts Degree?
• What Can I Do With a History Degree?
• What Courses Will I Take in an Industrial Design Bachelor’s?
• What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?
• The 15 best Liberal Arts Schools In America
• The Best Online Degree Programs of 2020

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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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• 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.

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

While there may be little difference between the professional outcomes offered through each of these degree paths, there are notable differences in the student experience of each degree type. These differences occur primarily on the level of program prerequisites, education philosophy, and to a lesser extent, subject areas of coursework. While all three degree paths–the ADN, ASN, and AAS–will see students prepared to take the NCLEX for licensure as an registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), the path to get there will vary. 

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for instance is a more general denotation for an associate of nursing degree and simply implies a concepts-focused curriculum. An ADN program may employ an approach to coursework that is more similar to a liberal arts education. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) usually implies a curriculum designed to meet industry needs and demands. An AAS program will likely emphasise research methods and current data trends. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) however, distinguishes itself in several ways. Students can expect an ASN to deliver coursework across a broader spectrum of study, including areas of social science, psychology, and physiology–depending on the specific program. 

In almost every case students should place far more importance on exploring the identity of a specific nursing program, rather than attempting to divine its identity from the title of the associate degree on offer. In other words, it is best to avoid assuming differences between an AAS, ADN, or ASN degree, since these differences may not apply at all in a university’s unique implantation of them. To assist in the process of identifying the best nursing programs, we have compiled a ranking of the country’s best online associate of science in nursing programs. The summary section of each school will explore the unique traits of the program and its particular curriculum design in order to help students find their ideal program. 

Ranking Methodology

To ensure an objective validity to the following ranking, each school was assessed according to various performance and quality metrics. Schools earned points according to the following three areas:

• Graduation Rate
• Earning Potential of Graduates
• Overall Quality of Institution 

It is important to note however, that while these schools have been organized into a numerical ranking, the 19 schools included represent the top programs in the country. And so what may constitute the ideal program for one student may differ from what makes an ideal program to another. With this in mind, students should refer to the summary section of each school, and the program’s web page, in order to determine which program best fits their career goals and personal interests. 

1. Excelsior College

Excelsior College offers two primary Associate of Nursing degrees in the form of an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science. In both associate degree programs, students will progress at their own pace through 8-week fully online courses. The two degree paths are virtually identical except for a slight variation in general education course requirements and the number of credit hour requirements. 

In either program, students will be prepared to pass the NCLEX exam in order to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse. Excelsior’s nursing program distinguishes itself through a clear commitment to faculty involvement and advisor oversight. Despite the online format of the degree program, students will receive guidance and oversight to ensure they are on the right path and are meeting desired performance goals. 

2. Nightingale College

Built on the principles of Confidence, Competence, and Compassion, Nightingale College offers an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) fully accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education of Nursing (ACEN). The program is designed with flexibility in mind, and offers numerous course formats to accommodate students with demanding commitments. The program is offered in traditional, fully-online, or blended formats, so students can choose the format that best matches their schedules and interests. 

The program’s curriculum provides students with a strong conceptual base of knowledge tempered by real-world skill-building that is tested in both real and simulated clinical settings. Nightingale employs state-of-the-art technology to ensure that online students receive the same quality of education as traditional students in the classroom. The program lasts 20 months when earning a GE in conjunction and lasts 16 months without it, making it one of the most efficient programs on this list. 

3. University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville offers a robust selection of healthcare degrees. Students can choose from any of the following fully-online degree programs: 

• Registered Nursing (LPN, RN, or Prelicensure Generic Entry)
• Practical Nursing 
• Nursing Assistant
• EMT-basic
• Paramedic

The nursing program in particular distinguishes itself through a recent change in teaching philosophy that made headlines. Starting in 2019, the program shifted away from the traditional model of nursing education, which was cited to overwhelm students with a cumbersome content load. In its place, students will instead progress through a concepts-based curriculum that seeks to prioritize principle of information over quantity of information, so that students might learn the systems behind core concepts. 

This program represents a unique departure from the dominant paradigm and gives students an opportunity to move away from rote-memorization that has defined similar programs for decades, and instead focus on the theoretical and philosophical components to relevant information. Students who prefer this type of thinking will find this program to be a rare opportunity. 

4. Midway University 

Midway University prides itself on generating top-tier nursing professionals, a fact evidenced by the early recruitment of the university’s students before their graduation. Midway offers an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) that can be completed entirely online and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN certification exam. 

The ADN program prepares students to excel in a wide array of positions, such as those held by recent graduates: 

• Staff Nurse on Medical-Surgical Unit
• Cardiovascular Unit 
• Neurological Unit 
• Pre and Post-Partum Units
• Pediatrics Unit 
• Intensive Care Units

Students will explore a curriculum designed with two primary objectives in mind. First, students will develop a strong conceptual base of knowledge in the classroom environment. Second, students will master skills in a clinical environment that will help distinguish from competition in the job market after graduation. Students who value a career-focused nursing program will likely find this program to be an ideal option. 

5. Herzing College

Herzing College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) that is designed to accommodate students who wish to incorporate online education with traditional learning in a clinical environment. With general education courses offered online, students can complete the bulk of coursework at a flexible pace from the convenience of one’s own home. To offer clinical training however, Herzing employs a regional network of healthcare institutions for students to complete real world clinical training. 

The program is also designed to accommodate students looking to transition from a Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse through transitioning previous education to count towards credit hours, in order to speed up the transition and to reduce the expense. The ASN program itself can be completed in less than two years. Students typically take 20-24 months to complete the 72 credits. While not quite as flexible as a fully online program, students who can take advantage of the regional networks offered  in Florida, Alabama, and Ohio will be hard-pressed to find a better hybrid program. 

6. Northwest Technical College

Northwest Technical College offers an array of nursing degree options, nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students may choose from several nursing degree options depending on previous experience and career goals: 

• Nursing Assistant Track
• Practical Nursing 
• Associate of Science in Nursing – LPN Step-in (LPN to RN)
• Associate of Science in Nursing – RN Track

With these four degree paths, students will find each major entry point into the nursing career. The Associate of Science in Nursing (RN Track) is also designed to help students seamlessly transition credits and experience into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or even a Master of Science in Nursing down the road. 

The Associate of Science in Nursing (RN Track) takes 2 years to complete and combines on-site clinical participation with online general education coursework. Curriculum is organized in such a way as to accommodate students with even the most demanding schedules. 

7. Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester offers an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) that incorporates a blended program format, employing elements of both online education and traditional learning. There is also an LPN-mobility Track which is designed to accelerate a student’s transition from LPN to RN. The ADN track however, is designed specifically to achieve learning outcomes inline with success in the role of a registered nurse. 

The ADN track focuses on laboratory precision, clinical exercises, and strong concept-building in the classroom in order to train students how to handle the high-risk environments of the registered nurse profession. The programs fundamental learning outcomes can be organized into the following objectives: professionalism, critical thinking, caring, collaboration, and nursing intervention. With these objectives in place, the program is designed so that graduates will not only perform the tasks required of them, but thrive in doing so. 

8. Northwestern Michigan College

Northwestern Michigan College offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program with the specific goal of training highly skilled registered nurses. With the registered nurse position making up 2.5 million jobs in the United States, Northwestern Michigan College sets its program mission to educate the next generation of leaders within this job market. 

The ADN program can be completed entirely online through an asynchronous learning format, which means that each student completes coursework relative to their own pace and scheduling goals. Peer collaboration is achieved through simulated clinical environments, which reward clear communication and efficient collaboration. 

For students with previous nursing experience, there is also an LPN to RN program that is designed to make this transition as efficient and affordable as possible through employing a generous credit-transfer policy. Students may also choose to pursue an LPN program. 

9. North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College offers a variety of options for the nursing student. Both online options and traditional on-campus options provide students with the ability to choose their best fitted option. The programs located in Trenton and Maryville offer an accelerated LPN to RN program, which offers a potential completion time of just 9 months, making it one of the fastest transitional programs in the country. 

Also on offer is the online variant of the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program. While coursework is completed online, students must ensure that clinical rotation requirements can be met. This program distinguishes itself however, in its liberal arts education. According to the program’s objectives, the liberal arts curriculum is designed to instil a strong foundation of critical thinking and an awareness of culture in its graduates. 

10. Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing program. This program is designed to be a mobile point of entry for students with an LPN earned from another nursing program, or through Minnesota West’s LPN program. Students can complete this program entirely through an online curriculum, or through the traditional curriculum on-campus. 

The difference between the two curriculums however, is solely in the form of delivery. Minnesota West takes great pride in the quality of its online programs, which employ asynchronous schedule formats to accommodate even the busiest of student schedules. Students of the ASN program will take the same tests, study the material, and work with the same instructors as their on-campus counterparts. Online students will be given the same care and attention as students in the classroom, a guarantee that similar programs are less eager to make. 

11. Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is one of just 16 nursing programs nationwide to earn the honor of the title, “Center for Excellence in Nursing Education.” And with its recently opened state-of-the-art simulation lab, WCC has solidified itself all the more as one of the best nursing programs available. Aside from these stellar accolades, WCC offers more Associate of Nursing degree options than many other schools: 

• Associate in Applied Science – LPN to RN
• Associate in Applied Science – RN
• Associate in Applied Science (Completion Associate) – RN/EMU BSN
• Associate in Applied Science (Management BS Associate) – RN/EMU Technology
• Associate in Applied Science (BSN Associate) – RN/UM 

Students will earn their AAS through a combination of online courses and traditional learning. This program represents a more competitive program than many on this list, permitting  only 100 students annually. Accepted students will enjoy some amazing perks however, such as its simulation lab, can experience thousands of simulated clinical emergencies in real-time. These simulations are designed to force quick thinking and encourage peer collaboration in order to prepare students to excel as registered nurses in a high-stakes team environment.  

12. Renton Technical College

Renton Technical College offers a program designed specifically to train Nursing Assistants. Graduates of the program work in healthcare facilities, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, or at-home care operations. The nursing assistant certification has a twofold function, on the one hand it prepares students to work in a healthcare environment, and on the other hand it constitutes as the beginning education for what might later transition into an LPN or RN education.
Students earning this certification will practice their skills in a variety of environments, both in real time and in simulation. Students in this program can also choose to pursue the RTC/VMC health coaching program. In this 11 week program, students will learn how to become public educators of health and how to promote fitness and overall physical wellbeing. 

13. Harcum College

Harcum College offers a well-designed nursing program through which students may earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The ASN is completed through a combination of traditional learning and online coursework. Beyond traditional coursework, supervised clinical experiences help to train students to employ quick thinking in high-stakes situations–where lives can quite literally be at stake. 

Harcum distinguishes itself through a commitment to an education philosophy that prioritizes conceptual frameworks. For instance, ASN students will learn to view patients on a health-illness continuum which denotes a more complex and realistic system, as opposed to the black and white paradigm of illness and health as polar opposites. To meet the needs of the individual, and to help the individual stay within the bounds of their desired health goals, ASN students will study holistic health practices along with the accepted best practices of the real-world. 

Students who maintain an interest in holistic health philosophies will likely find its inclusion in this program to represent a rare opportunity. Similarly, students who prefer a more philosophical and concept-based education will feel right at home in this program. 

14. Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College offers a host of fully-online nursing degrees for the prospective student. There are six total degree variations on offer including: 

• Associate of Applied Science – LPN to RN Bridge 
• Associate of Applied Science – LPN to RN Traditional Bridge
• Associate of Applied Science – Paramedic to RN Bridge
• Associate of Applied Science – LPN (Cert C)
• Associate of Applied Science – LPN Part-time (Cert C)
• Associate of Applied Science – RN Traditional

As listed–there are a number of entry points for a student with an LPN degree to transition to an RN degree as efficiently as possible. 

The AAS RN program consists of two years of intensive study, incorporating both conceptualization and theory, as well clinical evaluations and laboratory testing. The program is accredited by the Kansas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Program curriculum is also designed with the intention of providing the groundwork for a student to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing after graduation. 

Hutchinson’s nursing program recognizes the fact that Registered Nurses function in an astoundingly diverse set of roles throughout their careers, and as such great care has been given to ensure that students in the AAS program receive an interdisciplinary education capable of preparing students for the vast variability of skills and responsibility these positions entail. 

15. East Mississippi Community College

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) offers two primary degree paths for the prospective nursing student. There is a generic Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) that is designed to accommodate entry-level students and train them into registered nurse professionals. There is also an accelerated track for students with a LPN certification, which transitions quickly into an RN. 

ADN students will enjoy a highly focused mission of curriculum and teaching philosophy, that is, to encourage innovation in the pursuit of lifelong health and wellness. While many programs become consumed by the data-based exploration of acute symptoms and disease, EMCC’s students will learn to focus on the individual’s life as a whole, rather than be limited by a focus on immediate symptomology. 

Despite employing innovative perspectives, EMCC is a career-focused institution and brandishes some of the most impressive student-success metrics in this ranking. While 60% of students finish the program, 100% of graduates passed their NCLEX certification exam. Moreover, 90% of graduates are employed by the time of graduation, a statistic of which many comparable programs would be envious.

16. Jefferson Community College

Jefferson Community College offers boths a general associate’s of nursing, as well as an accelerated summer bridge program (LPN to RN). Applicants to the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program will be reviewed by the Selective Admissions Committee based on a range of factors to determine the applicant’s admittance or rejection into the program. This committee is a clear indication of the program’s competitive nature, as well as its prestige respectively. 

The ADN program employs a career-focused curriculum, which is designed to prepare students for the real-world demands of the industry, so that students know what to expect after graduation and how to achieve desired success. Jefferson Community College is notably competitive for nursing applicants, mostly due to its highly impressive metrics of student success in this regard. 75% of students complete the program, 89% of students pass the licensure exam, and 92% of students were employed as an RN within 6 months of graduation. 

17. Columbus Technical College

Columbus Technical College’s Division of Health Sciences and Nursing hosts a wide array of health-minded degree programs. Among the degree programs on offer is the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), which consists of 70 semester-hours and is usually completed in 2 to 3 years. A summer bridge program allows students with an LPN certification to earn their RN certification quickly and affordably. ADN students without previous LPN experience will progress through a curriculum designed to instill an interdisciplinary understanding of health and illness, and the conceptual frameworks for each. 

CTC’s ADN program also prioritizes the responsible management of resources. Because the success of a registered nurse often depends on how well they can make use of the tools and resources made available to them, ADN students will learn how to work with team members and use all available information in order to achieve the greatest outcome. To this end, clinical projects often prioritize clear communication and efficient collaboration to ensure that ADN graduates understand how to function as a member of a team. 

18. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College specializes in adult and distance education through online programs. Among these online programs on offer is the Associate Degree in Nursing, which can be completed entirely online. Students can rest assured that the same standard of academic rigor is held for online coursework as it is in for work in the classroom. And online instructors are likewise specially trained in the delivery of online curriculum, so as to guide students, answer student questions, and prompt discussion–to an equal or even greater extent than offered in a classroom, since online learning formats often allow multiple students to engage at once, a liberty less common in the classroom. 

Metropolitan Community College employs cutting-edge online technology through a partnership with Ed2Go, ProTrain, and VisionPoint. With these state-of-the-art technologies in place, students of the ADN program can expect coursework to take the form of interactive videos, peer group video conferences, and other media formats designed to encourage student engagement and facilitate collaboration between peers. 

19. Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College offers a number of degree options for the prospective nursing student. These degree programs offer both traditional learning formats and a blended format, which incorporates traditional classroom curriculum in tandem with online learning components. Students may choose from an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), Nurse Aide Certification (STNA), or an Licensed Practical Nurse program. 

AAS students will complete the necessary prerequisites to become a registered nurse, and will benefit from a stellar faculty. The AAS program faculty are industry veterans who have their finger on the pulse of the registered nurse’s market and can advise nursing students respectively. This guidance is taken to greater heights in the Student Nursing Association, which facilitates the mentor-mentee relationship. These relationships continue on even after graduation in the Nursing Alumni network, which sees professionals continue to support each other in the real world. This program is ideal for prospective RN students who are interested in building a close-knit professional network. 

The post The 19 Best Online Associates Degrees in Nursing appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Earn a Master’s Degree

Certification in this profession is awarded by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics. The first step to certification is getting your degree. A master’s degree is the minimum education required to apply for certification, and it’s also the entry-level education typically required to get into the field in the first place, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

When seeking certification, you must have a degree in orthotics and prosthetics specifically, and your degree program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) if earned in the United States. Students who earned their master’s degree outside of the U.S. may pursue certification if their graduate education is evaluated as being equivalent to an accredited master’s degree at an American school by the World Education Services (WES).

Generally, accredited and equivalent degree programs in orthotics and prosthesis include studies in patient assessment and treatment, biomechanics and pathomechanics, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and gait analysis, according to the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). By the time students graduate from a master’s degree program in orthotics and prosthesis, they should have the education needed to work with patients in clinical practice and to construct, modify or oversee the fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic medical devices.

As of 2020, the CAAHEP listed only 13 institutions across the United States as accredited for offering programs preparing students for a career as an orthotist or prosthetist.

Complete a Clinical Residency

After you finish your formal education, you need to gain the hands-on experience required to work in clinical practice. To accomplish this, students must complete a supervised residency. Your residency experience must take place in a clinical setting and be accredited by the NCOPE. Unlike graduate degree programs, which usually encompass the principles and techniques used in both orthotic and prosthetic devices, the residency stage of your career preparation requires you to make a choice.

Students can choose to complete 12 months of residency experience in either orthotics – fabricating and fitting patients with orthopedic braces and other support devices in clinical practice – or in prosthetics, which revolves around medical devices used as replacements for missing limbs and other body parts. If you want to become certified in both orthotics and prosthetics, then you must complete a longer 18-month dual discipline residency.

Candidates seeking single discipline certification finish their residency before they move forward with the next step, taking professional certification exams, but those undertaking a longer residency for dual disciplines may begin taking their exams while still in residency.

Pass a Set of Certification Exams

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Taking an exam is a typical part of professional certification in many careers, but orthotists and prosthetists must take three different exams: a written exam, a simulation exam and a clinical patient management exam. Written and simulation exams are administered by computer, while the clinical patient management exam is a practical exam that takes place in a clinical setting.

Candidates seeking certification in either of the single disciplines will answer 165 multiple-choice questions over the course of three hours, while those pursuing dual discipline certification have three and a half hours to finish a total of 200 questions in the written exam. All of the written exams test candidates’ general knowledge of patient and practice management principles, but the dual discipline exam also includes some content related to prescription criteria. When you get to the simulation test, the exam content differs substantially depending on whether you’re taking the orthotics or prosthetics exam, although the format of the exam – seven hypothetical situations in which students might answer questions about the steps they would take or the medical devices they would recommend in a given scenario.

Upon completing all exams – and, for dual discipline applicants, the end of the 18-month residency period – the credential you would receive would be the Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Prosthetist (CP) or Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) credential.​

Additional Resources

What Should I Do Between My First and Second Years of an Orthotics and Prosthesis Program to Help Me Be Ready to Graduate?

What Technical Experience or Knowledge Should I Have Before Starting My Master’s Program in Orthotics and Prosthesis?

What Kind of Experience Should I Have to Make Me More Desirable to an Admissions Office for an Orthotics and Prosthesis Program?

The post What Do I Need to Do to Become Certified in the Field of Orthotics and Prosthesis? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

On the list of professionals who seldom receive public praise, compositing artists would rank toward the top. As one of the most important links in the visual production chain, their job is to finalize every project. Without their review, many animating, lighting, or designing errors would remain undetected. Regardless, the vast majority of the viewers know very little, if anything, about them.

Given that they make final edits, compositing artists have to be knowledgable about each area of the multimedia process. If they are revising an animation, per se, they might have to use programs like Autodesk Maya or Cinema 4D. Once they start making changes to the composition, however, they usually need to rely on Adobe After Effects or Blackmagic Fusion. In other words, compositing experts are normally the most versatile group of creators. So, does their earning potential justify the additional training that they must go through?

What Does a Compositing Artist Do?

Compositing artists are in charge of achieving a balance between all elements that go into the multimedia project. They must review characters, sceneries, transitions, movements and miscellaneous inputs for potential errors. Once they discover issues, which almost always exist, they must resolve them by coordinating with the original creators. While their technical abilities should be borderline perfect, they also need to lead, motivate and mentor others effectively. Thus, anticipating their median salary to exceed the median earnings of other digital creators is not a far-fetched expectation.

Earnings in the Current Market

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, multimedia artists’ median income for 2018 was $72,520. Although that salary does not explicitly mention compositing artists, it is a great frame of reference for the industry. As per the data comprised by Comparably, the earnings for compositing experts range from $84,564 to $126,846. Comparably, which is an award-winning company that specializes in compensation reviews, further finds that the upper 67 percent of these artists earn north of $126,000 per year.

Important Factors

Even with the aforementioned figures, predicting the exact median salary for a compositing artist is extremely challenging. This is mostly because there are many individual factors that, while often unbeknownst to others, determine the creator’s true value. Examples include the artists:

• Network and professional contacts
• Level of experience and career goals
• Geographical location and willingness to move
• Extracurricular specializations and training

Additionally, the state of the marketplace has a direct impact on median salaries. For instance, 2008 was a year when the disastrous economy led to a drop in median earnings for compositing experts because it coincided with the peak of a financial crisis.

Improving the Salary Outlook

In a country where the poverty line for a four-person household is at $25,750, as per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, compositing artists have the potential to reach financial freedom fast. Since the lowest point in their earning range, ($84,564) is more than three times higher than the said threshold, they seldom come close to the poverty line.

Notwithstanding, creators should do everything in their power to improve the salary outlook, and they should avoid taking the seemingly booming, job-packed market for granted. Even though artists who struggle to reach decent pay are few and far between, building professional leverage should remain a priority.

One of the easiest ways to enhance marketability, thus boosting the earning potential, is to complete advanced education programs. Since just about every compositing artist has a bachelor’s degree, graduate-level studies will help aspiring creators stand out. Not to mention the unparalleled upward mobility that will accompany the increase in starting pay. So, to answer the original question, it is fair to say that the earning potential justifies the extra training. After all, the median salary is a great testament to how gainful compositing artists’ careers can be.

Related Resources:

What Degree Do I Need To Be An Animator?

What Can I Do With An Art Degree?

What is the Median Salary for an Animator?

What is a Typical Day in the Life of an Animator?

What Does an Animator Do?

Is it Easy to Work for Myself as an Animator?

Are Their Certain Parts of the Country Where It’s Easier to Find a Job as an Animator?

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

The post What is the Median Salary for a Compositing Artist? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The Intersection Between Society and Crime

A single perpetrator may commit a crime without an accomplice, but that doesn’t mean he or she wasn’t influenced by external factors, especially social ones. When these problematic social factors are allowed to persist, the impact is, unfortunately, a greater potential for future crimes. Social issues can contribute to criminal activities in many ways, but the reverse is also true.

Criminalizing crimes like drug use, rather than treating those offenses as health conditions requiring rehabilitation, often means incarcerating people for nonviolent crimes and removing them from the families, communities and economies of which they are a part. Even if the incarcerated individual gets treatment within a correctional facility and undergoes rehabilitation, the effects of that absence on the community – may be profound.

Children may grow up without a crucial parental figure. Families could lose stable homes due to the loss of a paycheck. Small businesses could flounder because an owner, manager or longtime employee is gone. All of these changes affect society, especially when they occur on a grand scale, and may drive even more criminal behavior from others affected by the original crime or incarceration. When an incarcerated individual gets released from prison, it is often difficult to find gainful employment or readjust to a family unit that has changed drastically – which only serves to increase the likelihood that the individual will commit repeat offenses.

By gathering empirical data and formulating evidence-backed theories about the relationship between social issues and crime, those who have studied criminology can develop strategies and programs that address these social issues. Altering the factors that influence crimes, rather than merely increasing the severity of sentences, may more effectively reduce rates of criminal activities.

There’s a tendency to look at psychological factors on criminal behavior in the general sense of considering a suspect’s thought processes or, more specifically, whether mental health issues played a role. Social factors are equally important, especially for prevention.

What Criminologists Do

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes criminologist as a specialized type of sociologist, or a type of social scientist whose area of expertise is society and social groups. Many people with a job title of criminologist work in social science research, conducting quantitative and qualitative research and collecting and analyzing data to understand crime on a social, rather than individual, level. Instead of looking at the possible motives of an individual criminal, criminologists tend to emphasize larger societal issues and explore both how these matters impact crime and how crime affects these issues in turn. For example, a criminologist may explore correlations between crime rates and unemployment rates to understand how poor economies contribute to increases in crime. Criminologists who perform research at colleges and universities often have teaching duties, as well.

Some criminologists focus less on academic and research pursuits and more on the practical application of their knowledge to criminal justice situations. In consulting roles, criminologists may help law enforcement officers solve crimes and government entities develop more effective corrections and crime prevention programs.

Criminologist isn’t the only career path you can pursue when you study criminology. The program of study is relevant to virtually any criminal justice career, especially since most roles in law enforcement, corrections and criminal intelligence require some form of academy training or on-the-job training to learn procedures. With a criminologist background, you can become a police officer, a criminal investigator, a federal agent, a private detective, a probations officer or a corrections officer.

Studying criminology doesn’t mean limiting your career prospects to research, teaching at the college level or occasional consulting. It means approaching any position in the criminal justice system from this global perspective of how outside forces drive criminal behavior.

What to Expect When You Study Criminology

Studying criminology means drawing from the concepts, principles and practices used in both sociology and criminal justice and synthesizing those findings to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Focusing on this field of study means you will complete classes in sociological principles and social problems along with courses in the legal process, criminal justice principles and criminal procedure.

Coursework in statistical analysis, psychology, anthropology, philosophical issues, political science, economics and American history round out the curriculum of this truly interdisciplinary field of social science inquiry.

Additional Resources

What Can I Do With a Criminology Degree?

What Kind of Jobs Does Someone With a Criminology Degree Look For?

What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Private Investigator?

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post What Does It Mean to Study Criminology? 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.

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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Nursing Shortage

The nursing shortage in the US is expected to grow because of several factors. Currently, there are greater than one million RNs that will reach retirement age within the next 10 to 15 years, and this is because the population of working nurses includes a large group (over 50%) that is over the age of fifty. As these nurses age, so does the general population within the United States. In May 2014, the US Census Bureau reported that by the year 2050, the number of US residents 65 years of age and over would be 83.7 million. This is almost double the amount that was previously projected in 2012. As these individuals mature, they will require more health care and require long-term care for chronic medical conditions. More skilled nurses will be necessary to help care for these older individuals.

Direct Entry MSN Programs

For more than twenty years, nursing schools across this country have actively explored new ways to increase student volume and attract new students. This being done to alleviate this predicted nursing shortage in the coming years. According to the US Department of Labor,  the employment opportunities for registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent between 2018 to 2028.

One of the more innovative ways that colleges and universities are approaching nursing education is through a direct entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. These MS degree programs are designed specifically for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. In other words, a degree in an area other than nursing. These programs are also referred to as “accelerated” or “entry-level”.

The interest in this type of program has been gaining momentum nationwide, and they can be a great benefit for students that have an interest in becoming a nurse but do not want to take the time (or spend the money) to obtain another bachelor’s degree. Many of the schools that offer this type of program require that applicants have the following:

• A BS from an accredited college or university
• A GPA of at least 2.75
• Specific prerequisite courses before entry
• Clean criminal record (background checks are required)

These programs are somewhat competitive for applicant acceptance, and once accepted, the programs are at an accelerated pace when compared to most traditional nursing education programs. Students typically have completed all of their required general courses before entry. Therefore,  the remaining classes are related to the requirements to be eligible to take the NCLEX and graduate with the necessary credentials to be considered an advanced practice nurse. Many of these programs are two years in length and may require a summer session to complete all of the coursework.

An MSN opens up the door to a wide assortment of exciting nursing positions and career opportunities for those aspiring to work in the ever-growing healthcare industry. Depending on the program’s offerings, students may focus their efforts on a specialty within nursing. This might include specialties such as Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Each college or university has requirements for entry and program completion, so it is necessary to do some research to which is the best option to meet all of your needs.

Direct Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned previously, there will be a greater need in the future for nurses in general. This is especially true when it comes to nurse practitioners. Currently, there are not enough general practitioners across the nation to care for the future demand of our growing population. This is where CNPs can be exceptionally well-positioned to help.

Fortunately, for those interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner, there are exceptional opportunities for employment and schools that are equipped to train future CNPs. One option is a direct entry program for non-nursing graduates. Just as described above, these direct entry nurse practitioners program allow individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in a major other than nursing to jump directly into an NP Master’s program.

There are direct entry programs that require their applicants to already hold an RN license; however, many others do not. This makes a program of this type an extremely attractive track for those individuals with a strong academic background or dedicated professionals interested in make a career change. A direct entry NP program allows students to obtain their license as an RN, as well as meeting the credentialed requirements as a nurse practitioner.

Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs

There are even some colleges and universities throughout the US that offer a direct entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. These programs, however, as far less common than those for obtaining an MSN. These programs are open to students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing and offer an exceptional educational opportunity that prepares them to succeed as an advanced practice leader in their chosen area of specialty.

As you can imagine, these programs are highly competitive for enrollment and academically rigorous. Many require intensive full-time, year-round study during the first eighteen months, to prepare the student to take the NCLEX exam and become a licensed RN. Once this portion is complete, the student continues to meet the requirements for graduation which typically takes another 3-3 1/2 years. During this portion of the program, students must earn the necessary course credits, complete a minimum number of clinical hours, as well as a culminating project to be awarded the DNP.

The advantage of these direct entry programs is that applicants can hold a bachelor’s degree in any area of study as long as achieved at an accredited college or university. Students entering into these types of programs earn a BSN and MSN in about the same amount of time that it typically takes to complete a bachelor’s program, and those with some experience in the medical field can often graduate in as little as 3-4 years while studying on a part-time basis.

A significant advantage is that many of the existing direct entry MSN and DNP programs often cost less than it would amount to if a student paid to earn their BSN and MSN separately. For individuals interested in direct entry nurse practitioner programs, there are online options as well that can benefit working medical professionals. These programs give students the option to complete a portion of the required course online and may allow students to complete the necessary clinical hours at their current location.  As you can see, there are different ways that you can get your MSN or DNP with having a BSN, and there are various programs throughout the country that can help you achieve this goal.

Tracy Everhart

Master of Science (M.S.), Complementary Alternative Medicine| American College of Healthcare Sciences

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

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Microbiology| Hampshire College

November 2019

More Articles of Interest:

• How Much Extra in Salary Can I Expect to Earn with a Master’s in Nursing?
• Are There Good Quality Online Master’s Programs in Nursing?
• How Long Does it Take to get a Master’s in Nursing?
• Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medicine?
• In General, How Much Does it Cost to Get a Master’s in Nursing?

The post What Does a Master’s Direct Entry (MDE) Mean? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

HCI adds the element of human involvement into the equation as it considers the user experience or UX. Not synonymous with UX is UI or user interface, which concentrates on what the user sees and how he/she interacts with the product. For example, the buttons, icons, the navigation system, and the layout. UX homes in on how the human (user) uses the device to accomplish a particular task or function. UX technicians want to make the customer journey productive and enjoyable.

The above paragraph segues into a position known as UX design.

UX Design

The UX designer uses a tool bag containing graphic design, layout, languages, testing, and cognition. The designer’s goal is to create an efficient, easy-to-use, pleasant, and engaging product. The designer arrives at the consumer’s finished product through market research, product development, testing processes, and beta models.

Design or the product’s look is one component; user experience or interaction is another necessary attachment. Why design an eye-catching product if the user struggles to master all of its functions and capabilities? Cognitive science and psychology enter the picture to teach the UX designer how to meet the average user’s motivations, goals, and behavior. Cognitive science seeks to understand how the mind works, such as behavior, thinking, and intelligence.

Many industries employ UX designers. A job posting on the employment site, Indeed, in cyber security, seeks a designer to work with product managers and engineers to create successful security products for clients. Online retailers, like Amazon, have positions for UX designers to perform task analysis, use storyboards, and strategize to improve the customer experience.

Interaction Design

Under the umbrella of UX is interaction design that places the user and the product under the microscope. These designers determine how well the two mesh – does the product or device allow the users to achieve their objectives in a gratifying manner?

A consulting company, frog (lower case), has 16 studios worldwide, including Delhi, London, Madrid, Paris, Shangai, Toulouse, New York, and Munich (employees call themselves frogs). Some of the extensive clients’ list includes healthcare, consumer products, retail, automotive, media, and technology. Frog employs interaction designers to use navigation models, user flows, and design architecture in collaboration with Visual Designers.

Research

This area covers a gambit of professions. Research is integral to the above positions as they allow for the user’s interaction. One aspect is interviews with a target group to obtain their feedback. Usability studies are another form of research that directly engages potential buyers to test the products. The opinions and comments from these sessions provide the participants’ evaluation. What did they like and dislike? What changes should be made to improve the user experience?

Without the product in hand, the research may conduct interviews posing hypothetical questions. The answers offer qualitative and quantitative information for the researcher to take to the designers and developers. Some companies do their own research, and others may hire a consulting firm for the task.

Researchers in this occupation work in a range of industries that might have physical stores and online ordering. Examples are companies in the grocery business, home improvement, furniture, electronics, and many others.

Interactive Developer

Other names for the position are UI/UX Developer, Developer, and React UI Developer, front-end engineer, whose responsibilities combine audio, graphics, video, programming, and other hard skills. Many jobs require applying JavaScript frameworks, usability testing, React, SEO, Adobe Suite, Sketch, and database systems. The necessary skills vary according to the company. As an example of a specialty – Senior Email Developer, as posted by Epsilon, a digital and marketing consulting and business services corporation.

A title mentioned above is a front-end developer that involves the implementation of web design. The individual uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to render the codes into a website. Web design considers the aesthetics and the user experience – this is where HCI comes into play. Beauty must accompany function, or the user might soon abandon the site in pursuit of another. More complex applications involve the development of UI Components using ReactJs with the Redux framework. Analytical and technical skills are necessary for this profession.

In summary, there is a large family of positions related to HCI – as there are in these programs’ curricula. Samples of courses include psychology, mathematics, web design, software development, networking, UX, UI, interaction design, artificial intelligence products, and many more.

Additional 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?

If Human-Computer Interaction is so important, why isn’t the expected job growth better? 

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

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? 

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• 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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