Good Jobs With Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology

When debating the quality of job opportunities with only an undergraduate degree in psychology, it’s important to clarify whether you are considering only jobs in the field of psychology or jobs in other areas. Within psychology, there are admittedly only limited career opportunities, and very few good jobs, with just a bachelor’s degree. You may be able to work as an applied behavior analyst or move into a career in social work with your bachelor’s in psychology degree, or you could use this undergraduate psychology background to work in a social science research role, such as research assistant. However, there are no good psychologist jobs with only a bachelor’s degree, because all jobs that are permitted to use the word “psychologist” in the job title require an advanced education beyond the bachelor’s degree.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

The majority of psychology majors don’t go on to work in psychology, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Outside of the field of psychology, your job prospects can improve considerably. Studying psychology gives you insight into how other people – prospective employers, clients, customers and audience members, for example – think, feel and behave. Through studying psychology, you develop skills in observation, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, which can make you a valuable asset in many different job functions and appeal to employers in all industries.

Although there are dozens of possible non-psychology career paths open to you with an undergraduate background in psychology, certain fields draw in greater numbers of psychology majors. In business, for example, psychology majors may make excellent managers, human resources specialists, market researchers and administrative professionals. You can use your understanding of research methods, statistical analysis and the scientific method to pursue an education in a life or physical science and become a scientist. Some psychology majors enter creative fields like writing, while others choose to work in non-psychology jobs in law enforcement and criminal justice, such as police officer or probation officer.

Although you can do many jobs with a psychology degree, you may use the skills you have learned in a career that requires no degree or any degree, the APA reported – and you may have to persuade employers that your psychology background adds value.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Psychology?

By advancing your education with a master’s degree in psychology, you can open up your career opportunities to include some limited psychologist roles. Generally, a master’s degree is enough education to qualify you as an industrial-organizational psychologist. Industrial-organizational psychologists use the principles and practices of psychology to solve problems and improve performance in business and other workplace settings. Although this field of psychology requires the least education, it is one of the highest paying roles, with a median wage of $97,260, according to the BLS.

RELATED: What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist?

A master’s degree can also open some doors in the field of school psychology, but there are several factors to consider. Different states impose different educational requirements on school psychologists, and master’s degree programs in this field can range from short programs requiring around 30 graduate credits to lengthy programs that require 60 credits. If you choose the wrong path for school psychology jobs in your state, you could end up unable to get a license and attain a position in this field.

While 47 percent of industrial-organizational psychologists have a master’s degree, 48 percent of industrial-organizational psychologists report a doctorate as their highest level of education. An additional five percent have post-doctoral training.

The Best Psychology Jobs at the Doctoral Level

If you really want to open doors to the best jobs in the field of psychology, then there’s no substitute for earning a doctoral degree. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) can prepare you to become a licensed psychologist in fields such as clinical or counseling psychology. Whether it’s research, clinical treatment of mental illnesses or counseling services that help people find better ways to approach difficult life situations that most appeals to you, a doctoral degree will help you do it.

Experience, gained both during and after your education, is also a crucial part of preparing for these high-level psychology jobs. You should expect to complete practicum and internship experiences while pursuing a psychology degree, especially at the doctoral level.

Additional Resources

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With a Psychology Degree?

The Hidden Benefits of a Degree in Psychology

The post How Advanced Does My Degree in Psychology Need to Be to Get a Good Job? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.― William James 

If you are looking to pursue a career as a counselor then you’re in the right spot.  Counseling is an essential profession and one that is in greater demand than the average professions in the nation according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Socially speaking we need counselors as they provide an affordable alternative to psychologists and specialize in areas of growing concern like substance abuse and behavioral disorders, relationship issues, disordered eating patterns, and existential concerns.  

According to some of the leading scientists in the field of psychology, physical well being has improved over the centuries whereas mental well being has taken a decided turn for the worse. 

The pressures of work and family have contributed to this, connecting our lives to technology that robs our attention has contributed to this, and the global climate crisis has contributed to this decline.  

Addiction and dependency has skyrocketed, children are starting to become depressed and teen suicide is up.  Not to mention, the cost for private treatment is out of most people’s reach. Counselors to the rescue!  And effective treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as mindfulness have shown to dramatically improve people’s lives.  

There are a myriad of different types of counselors as well as ways for clients to access that treatment. School counselors as well as group therapy sessions, art and music therapy as well as somatic movement practices are just some of the types of treatment options available to individuals in need of support.  

If you’re here chances are you know this and want to do something about it.  Counseling is an important profession and one that most people who do it describe as a type of calling.  It takes a special quality of person to become an effective counselor.  And to remain an effective counselor it takes a good paycheck and a healthy work-life balance.  This is where people who do caring professions can get stuck.  They find that in order to pay their bills and have something left over they have to work extra long hours, take on more cases than they may be comfortable with and maybe even take on an additional night or weekend job.  

If you’re looking for the highest paying counseling profession then chances are you understand the importance of finding this balance.  You will thank yourself in the long-term and your clients will too.  

In this guide we’re going to take a look at which counseling positions pay the best and some of the necessary steps required to obtain a high-paying job in counseling.  We’ll also take a look at some of the ways you can augment your salary as a counselor that may not directly involve working with more clients.  

Before jumping in to jobs let’s take a closer look at your background and what to consider before embarking on this rewarding career. 

Keep these questions and considerations in mind as you explore this resource:

So you’re considering counseling- great!  Let’s take a closer look at a few more things to consider before making the leap into a new career. 

Chances are you have experiences in your life that have led you to this point.  Why do you want to be a counselor?  Which experiences have expired you to get to this point? 

Much of counseling is about your soft skills that make the technical skills you will obtain during your degree translatable to a wide group of people. Do you have patience? Are you okay with troubleshooting?  How are you at “reading between the lines?”  Are you hardworking and willing to seek out best practices including furthering your education later in life? 

What do you do in tough situations?  Do you become quickly satiated with problems or are you able to withstand lengthy periods of time listening to and troubleshooting problems that cause people pain some of which may be painful to listen to and hear? 

Next consider your time. How much of it can you realistically devote to furthering your education. Is it open-ended as long as you’re able to work part-time? Do you have more of a  finite timeline wherein you need to complete your degree before a certain date?  While most people want to jump into a new program it is always important to consider time as time and money for most people go hand-in-hand. 

What additional skills do you have?  Working as a counselor is not a single-faceted job. There is a lot that goes into counseling that is useful.  For example, good counselors record very good data.  Experience collecting data is useful.  Research is another great skill to have under your belt as there are new evidence-based therapies emerging all the time.  Perhaps you have some experience with advocacy. There are several populations who are under represented in the counseling space and it may be important that you spend time advocating for that group of people. 

And finally ask yourself do I truly wish to be a counselor?  You can’t forget the lengthy paperwork testing and heaviness that comes with the job.  Do you have what it takes to work in that capacity on a regular basis? 

Still there are several perks to counseling including flexible scheduling and a purpose-filled career. It turns out that purpose in one’s career can lead to greater fulfillment in life and may even lead to a longer life.  

As you can see there is much to consider with regards to counseling and the counseling profession! 

OK, let’s move on to some of the most lucrative careers you can get with a degree in counseling. 

What are the Highest Paying Counseling Positions?

In this next section we’ll take a look at some of the highest paying jobs in counseling. Even within a profession there is a wide range of pay as pay does increase with certain qualifications as well as with years of experience.  Let’s take a look. 

School Counselor 

School counselors are essential as they help students develop both the social as well as the academic skills required to succeed.  Depending on your preferred age, school counsellors work to assist students looking to get into college, succeed academically, and navigate the difficulties associated with being a teen or youth.  Additionally, school counselors must also work with children and youth who have experienced trauma, are depressed or are simply struggling to fit in socially. The school counselor helps students to overcome both their social and behavioral problems through counseling sessions as well as educational sessions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counselors earned a median salary of $57,040 as of 2019. 

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Hard Working
• Oral and Written Communication 
• Interpersonal
• Good Listener
• Planning

Sex Therapist 

Sex therapy is becoming more common and is a form of therapy that works with individuals as well as couples who are looking to explore and change their sexual behaviors.  Many sex therapists work with physicians to address every aspect of what could be contributing to the client’s needs for sex therapy.  Sex therapists are accepting of all sexual orientations so this is not the type of therapy that attempts to “cure someone of their homosexuality.”  The majority of sex therapy is talk therapy.  Issues addressed in sex therapy may include: lack of desire, difficult with an orgasm, pain during sex, an inability to have penetration sex, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and others.  As you can see the sex therapist often works with a patient to determine if the issues is physiological, psychological or both.  There is a vast range of what a sex therapist can make but the average salary is about $60,000 a year. Though some sex therapists make as much as $300,000 per year. 

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Problem Solving 
• Interpersonal
• Trustworthy 

Marriage and Family Counselor 

Marriage and family therapists help people to overcome relationship problems. The marriage and family therapist creates an atmosphere wherein couples feel comfortable to express themselves to their therapist and to their partner. The counselor guides a relationship through their rocky patch and helps them to use strategies and tools to change their patterns.  Over the years the need for marriage and family counselors has increased. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth between 2018 and 2028 which is much faster than the national average which is 5%.  This will add over 12,000 new marriage counselor positions during that 10-year time.  The median salary for a marriage and family counselor is $49,610 a number that changes depending on level of education, location, and the number of years of experience. 

Soft Skills 

• Oral and Written Communication
• Interpersonal
• Teaching 
• Listening

Career Counselor 

Career counselors are typically employed in academic settings and help students to create and build their future careers.  Many career counselors work in community colleges as well as colleges. Part of the career counselor’s responsibility is to help a student discover their own abilities and they do so with aptitude and achievement testing.  The career counselor will likely evaluate the student’s educational background and determine where a student may need to gain additional skills and education in order to meet their career goals. The career counselor will likely help their client locate and apply for jobs in their field or may help a client to apply to the appropriate educational programs.  

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal
• Oral and Written Communication
• Good at Listening 

Geriatric Counselor 

A geriatric counselor helps families with issues related to the aging process. Many people who are older have to cope with a significant amount of loss. The geriatric counselor helps the elderly transition from retirement to the end of their lives.  There is quite a lot of crossover between a physician and a geriatric counselor as a geriatric counselor often works with their clients who are experiencing health concerns as they affect the end of their lives.  This is not a position that can prescribe medication but rather a geriatric counselor works with patients to help them navigate their experiences through talk therapy and some education.  There is a salary range for a geriatric counselor which depends on the person’s qualifications and years of experience.  Many geriatric counselors earn an average salary that ranges between $54,00 and $74,000 per year. 

Soft Skills 

• Interpersonal Skills
• Oral and Written Communication
• Attention to Details
• Great Listener 

Substance Abuse Counselor

It’s 2020 and we have a lot of things going on in the world today.  Substance abuse is among the things that have steadily been on the rise.  For decades people across the nation have suffered with methamphetamine addictions, opiate addictions, alcohol abuse, cocaine addictions and more.  Substance abuse counselors it may come as no surprise are some of the most in-demand counselors out there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% increase in substance abuse counselors between 2018 and 2028. This means 68,000 new jobs.  A substance abuse counselor must first evaluate a client’s need and assess their readiness to receive treatment.  The substance abuse counselor may create a treatment plan for the client as well as for their family.  A big part of a substance abuse counselor’s job is to connect their clients with resources and services that can augment their lives including support groups. Finally, a substance abuse counselor identifies areas that may be barriers to recovery and counsels clients through those hurdles. 

Soft Skills

• Oral and Written Communication
• Leadership
• Interpersonal
• Patience
• Open-Minded 

Other mental health positions that are lucrative: 

• Social Worker 
• Recreational Therapist 
• Health Educator and Community Health Workers 
• Mental Health Counselor 
• Behavioral Disorder Counselor 

What Are the Highest Paying Counseling Degrees?

The highest paying degrees in mental health are psychiatry degrees as well as psychology PhD.  Those positions are different from counseling positions though there is some overlap.  For the purposes of this guide, we are going to look specifically at counselling degrees and the ones that lead to some of the highest paying counseling positions.  Let’s take a look at those:

Master of Education With School Counseling Specialization 

The purpose of this degree is to prepare school counselors to meet the academic, psychological, and social needs of students in the K-12 school setting. These programs are typically longer than a standard master of education as they include additional material on school counseling. Additionally, these programs often require field experiences that may last for a semester or a couple of years.  Today’s program includes  course material on multicultural counseling, crisis intervention strategies, assessment and research, as well as the ethics of practicing as a school counselor.  A number of these degrees include course material in group counseling, career and college counselling, childhood and adolescent trauma, developmental disabilities, psychopathology and treating children and adolescence, and other contemporary issues related to school counseling.  

Master’s in Mental Health Counseling 

A master’s in mental health counseling is a great choice for any individual looking to pursue a career in counseling. These programs prepare you to pursue licensure as a counselor who is qualified to reach clients of all ages. Mental health counseling includes assessment, practices, and relationship building. These courses will teach you about the theory and history of these programs as well as practical applications of the material.  Some of the more common courses that students take include counseling psychotherapy, ethics and legal issues, assessment in counseling, lifespan development, crisis trauma and disaster response, counseling addictive disorders, and more.  Look for programs that are accredited through the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). 

Master of Science in Family Therapy 

To become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) you’ll need a master’s degree in couple and family counseling.  These degrees prepare counselors to work with clients in a variety of settings. The course material explains the history and theoretical bases for the practice of marriage and couples therapy. Students will examine what a family is and are challenged to restructure their thinking around what makes a family.  The MS in family therapy often includes courses and in psychopathology and diagnosis across the lifespan, contemporary and integrative theories of family counseling, premarital and marital counseling, human sexuality, substance abuse addiction and families, marriage and couple and family counseling skills, multicultural issues for counseling professionals, career counseling across the lifespan, group counseling, counseling techniques, and assessment techniques for individuals, couples, and families. 

PhD in Counseling and Psychology 

While a PhD is not necessary to initiate a career as a counselor, a PhD does typically mean a bump in salary.  Ask yourself what is your main goal as a counselor? Would you prefer to be a psychologist? Then you will want to consider a PhD in clinical psychology.  These degrees are typically 4-6 years in length and require research as well as clinical experience. Though much more schooling than a typical master’s degree program a PhD or PsyD typically adds $30,000 to a person’s annual salary!  

Here’s a resource list from DegreeQuery to help set you up for success in a career in counseling. 

How Can We Help You Achieve Your Goals as a Highly Paid Counselor?

Here at Degree Query, we’ve created a variety of content to help you research and determine your career path.  We’ve answered common questions, provided in-depth guides about careers, ranked degrees on many metrics, ranked occupations, and much more. Here’s some of the work we’ve done related to counseling careers and degrees:

Rankings For Counseling-Related Degree Programs

• 20 Best Online BSN Degrees 
• Top 50 Degrees For the Future
• The 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing the World
• 100 Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools
• 40 Fastest Online Masters Degree Programs
• The Highest Paying Master’s Degrees

Guides On Counseling Degrees

• What Classes Will I Take For a Degree in School Counseling?
• How Advanced Does My Degree in Counseling Need to Be to Get a Good Job?
• Is Counseling a Growing Industry? 
• What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Counseling? 
• What Is the Fastest School For a Degree in Counseling? 
• What are the Highest Paying Jobs in Counseling? 
• What Are the Easiest Degrees to Get in Counseling? 
• Is There Value in Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling? 
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Counseling? 
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Psychology? 
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?

Common Questions About Counseling Degrees

• What Is the Difference Between a Social Worker and a Public Health Worker? 
• How Do You Become a Forensic Social Worker? 
• Which Degree is Better: a BA or a BS? 
• What is the Demand For Graduates With a Psychology Degree? 
• What Is the Difference Between a Counselor Degree and a Psychology Degree? 
• What is the Difference Between a School Counseling and a School Psychology Degree? 
• How Do I Prepare For a Psychology Degree While in High School? 
• What is the Salary Potential for a Behavioral Science Degree? 
• What Are Some Computer Languages for Beginning a Bachelor’s in MIS Degrees? 
• Is There Any Math Required For a Degree in Psychology?
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

This is just part of the work we’ve created that discusses counseling and other business-related topics. We invite you to explore our homepage and search functions to better tailor the content that is right for your. 

Fast Facts About Lucrative Mental Health and Counseling Careers  

Before we go, let’s take a look at some employment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on some of the most lucrative counseling positions:

Substance Abuse Counselor: In 2019 the median pay for these roles was $46,240 annually or $22.23 per hour.

There were 305,500 of these roles in 2018. This was expected to grow by 22% between 2018-28, creating 68,500 new jobs in the field which is much faster than the national average.

The typical entry-level education was a Bachelor’s Degree. 

Psychiatrist: In 2019 the median annual pay for these positions was $220,430 or $105.98 per hour.

The typical entry-level education was a doctoral degree. Though not a counseling profession, this is the highest paid job in mental health as this is an MD who can prescribe medicine.

Psychologists: In 2019 the median pay for these workers was $80,370 annually, or $33.64 per hour.

There were 181,700 of these jobs in 2018. This was predicted to climb by 14% between 2018-28, creating 26,100 new roles in the field.

Training and Development Specialist: In 2019 the median annual pay for these positions was $61,210, or $29.43 per hour.

There were 306,400 of these jobs in 2018. This was expected to grow by 9% between 2018-28, with 28,900 new roles created. 

As you can say there is a wide range of jobs that are related to counseling.  With the growing need in counselors and social workers you are likely to gain employment.  We hope you were able to find what you were looking for in our guide.  

Good luck in your career as a mental health professional! 

The post Highest Paying Degrees in Counseling – Majors & Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Opportunities With a Master’s vs. a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

If your career goal is simply to become a social worker, you might choose to end your college education at the bachelor’s degree level. The BSW equips students with the skills needed to work in direct service roles in individual and family services, according to the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). With this degree, you might find work as a caseworker in specialties such as child and family social work, healthcare social work or school social work, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your job would include working directly with clients to help them improve their lives through advocacy, developing plans to solve problems and identifying services and resources available to clients. Other jobs with a BSW degree might include habilitation specialist, family service worker or mental health assistant.

One crucial area of social work that you must have your MSW degree to work in is clinical social work. Clinical social work involves diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. A clinical social worker has the skills to provide counseling and other therapeutic interventions. What makes a clinical social worker different from other mental health professionals is the perspective of viewing clients as individuals within their social environments and planning and implementing treatments accordingly.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

Opportunities also differ between BSW holders and MSW holders when it comes to the macro level of social work. Macro social work refers to efforts at the policy level, rather than individual level, to advocate for social justice and improvements to social services. Both BSW and MSW holders can work in macro social work to some capacity, but your degree level affects your potential for advancement. High-level positions in macro social work, like lobbyist and college instructor, usually require an advanced degree.

A master’s degree might also help you move into leadership roles within a social work agency or organization.

The Curriculum of a Master’s in Social Work Degree

MSW programs are usually structured so that the first year of study covers foundational coursework at the graduate level, while the second and final year covers advanced subject matter. The first year is also the generalist year of study, while MSW students in their second year take specialized coursework. Specializations might be broad, such as choosing between clinical and advocacy tracks, or they may be narrower, such as focusing on a niche like children and families or health and mental health.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Generalist foundation courses might include studies social work research methods, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, diversity and oppression, the foundations of clinical assessment and social work practice as it pertains to individuals, families and larger groups. Advanced coursework varies by specialization. In a clinical social work path, it might include in-depth studies into the skills and techniques of therapeutic work in clinical settings. For macro social work, the curriculum might cover the complex issues that involve social welfare policies that apply to groups such as aging adults or to matters such as violence against women and children.

An important part of the MSW degree is field experience. CSWE-accredited MSW programs include at least 900 hours of supervised experience.

The Advantages of a Graduate Social Work Education

There are many benefits to pursuing a master’s degree in social work. For one thing, you can improve your income potential by a great deal. Although social work isn’t known as an especially lucrative career path, the BLS reports that social workers with a master’s degree earn 25 percent more than those without. Social workers with their MSW can expect to earn more than $13,000 above what BSW holders make, according to the National Association of Social Workers.

Most people who get into the field of social work do so because they have a calling to help others. While all social work roles serve this goal of helping, they do so in different ways. When debating whether to go to graduate school, students need to consider how they want to make a difference. Your MSW degree qualifies you to help others in more ways than you are able to do with only a BSW degree, but ultimately, the question comes down to what you want to do with your social work career.

Although the MSW is a crucial part of becoming a clinical social worker, there are further steps involved in the process, including two years of post-graduate supervised experience and acquiring and maintaining a license.

Additional Resources

What Is the Difference Between a BSW Degree and an MSW Degree?

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

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Social Work?

The post Is There Value in Getting a Master’s Degree in Social Work? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Degree Options in Psychology and Behavior Analysis

Given the dramatic effects autism spectrum disorder can have on a person’s life, it’s no surprise that psychologists – who study thinking and behavior – are often part of the team that works with individuals with autism. There are multiple types of psychologists whose work can be beneficial for helping individuals with autism. For example, developmental psychologists are often the ones who make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric psychologists often work with children who have autism.

One form of therapy that has a particularly large body of evidence to support its effectiveness in treating children with autism is applied behavior analysis, or ABA. Practitioners in the field of ABA aren’t necessarily licensed psychologists, but instead, professionals who are educated, trained and credentialed in this specialized area of clinical practice. Education options in behavior analysis range from the short 40-hour training programs needed to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to master’s and doctoral degree programs that cover the core content areas in the field.

RELATED: The 20 Best ABA Online Masters Programs (Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees)

The average wgae for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), who have a graduate degree, is $59,248, according to PayScale. For Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), who have a bachelor’s degree, PayScale reports an average salary of $43,364.

Special Education Degrees

If you want to work with children with autism and other developmental disorders in a teaching capacity, you might pursue studies in special education. A special education degree can qualify you to work in classroom settings or in resource rooms, instructing individuals or small groups of students with special needs, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The degree needed to work in special education can vary from one state and school district to another. At the minimum, you will need a bachelor’s degree in education, with enough studies in special education specifically to qualify as a major program of study or a minor or concentration. Some employers require a graduate degree to be qualified as a special education teacher. Available in traditional and online formats, master’s degrees in special education may include studies in applied behavior analysis strategies for teachers, the evaluation of exceptional children,  intervention strategies, assistive technology, characteristics of children with disabilities and issues in special education.

Special education teachers earn a median wage of $59,780, the BLS reported.

Degrees in Occupational Therapy

Some individuals with autism spectrum disorder have little independence because they need assistance with the activities of daily living. To allow for more independence, occupational therapists can work to help ASD patients with many of these activities, ranging from basic self-care functions like eating and toilet training to acquiring communication skills, sensory processing skills and fine motor skills.

If you haven’t heard of occupational therapy before, you aren’t alone. Like the better-known discipline of physical therapy, the goal of occupational therapy is to improve function. Yet instead of focusing on the physical performance of large muscle groups, occupational therapy focuses on the everyday activities that are part of life and work, including both physical and mental skills. master’s degree is the lowest level of education accepted to become an occupational therapist, the BLS reported, although doctoral programs in physical therapy also exist.

More than 70 percent of occupational therapists have a master’s degree. Occupational therapist is a high-paying career, with the BLS reporting a median wage of $84,270 per year.

Social Work Degrees

Researchers have learned that appropriate intervention and treatment – especially when started early in the patient’s life, shortly after diagnosis – can improve the function of people with autism and help them live fuller and more independent lives. Families affected by autism often need help accessing care and navigating the resources available for child and adult patients. Social workers may be the ones to fill this gap, connecting patients and their families to the services that can help them. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) sometimes diagnose and provide treatment to individuals with autism, just as other mental health professionals are qualified to do.

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program can prepare you to become a social worker, but to work with patients with autism in a clinical setting, you would need to earn a Master of Social Work and acquire a license to practice.

Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology

Some of the most challenging symptoms caused by autism are the ones that impact an individual’s ability to communicate. Advocacy organization Autism Speaks reports that one-third of individuals with autism are nonverbal, while others struggle with different aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication. One of the professional roles routinely brought in to help improve language problems among individuals with ASD is speech-language pathologist.

Speech-language pathologists use strategies to improve function related to a wide variety of communication and language issues, ranging from teaching basic words to patients who cannot speak at all to helping patients overcome problems with the rhythm and fluency of speech, the BLS reported. Among individuals who achieve greater function in communication, a speech-language pathologist may even use strategies to teach the basics of how to hold a conversation.

A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is the standard education needed to attain a license and practice in this field, according to the BLS. The median wage for speech-language pathologists is $77,510.

Additional Resources

What Populations Does a Behavior Analyst Work With?

What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Speech Therapist?

The post What Degree Do People With a Job in Treating Autism Have? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is Sociology?

It is the study of human behavior and relationships in a social setting. These settings could involve small groups, institutions, religions, organizations, different cultures, and more. Sociologists analyze how consequences and events in society affect individuals in the collective sense. For example, how does crime, poverty, discrimination, family violence, aging, and religion influence society?

Sociologists observe, interview, examine, and conduct surveys to determine how the above elements in society shape human lives. Researchers in this field require writing and communication skills, critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity.

What is Social Work?

Social work deals with many of the same factors as sociology that affect human behavior. Crime, poverty, aging, domestic violence, substance abuse, and racial inequality are all components that can adversely affect individuals. A social worker assesses the impact of these circumstances to help people cope with daily life.

Social workers may counsel with one person and many in their hands-on approach. These professionals help people deal with emotional and behavioral issues. In this endeavor, there are specialties, such as child and family, public health, mental health, substance abuse, and aging or geriatrics.

Degrees

For sociology, you can begin with either a Bachelor of Arts or Science. One of the differences in the two options is that the B.S. degree aims at students considering a graduate program. An Arts program provides a foundation into the organization of societies and sociological fundamentals. The B.A. may suit students who use their degree in other areas than sociology.

Generally, there are commonalities in the coursework of the B.A. and B.S. in sociology. Some of the standard topics in both are statistics, race and ethnicity, gender sociology, poverty, and social class. Depending on the curriculum, there may be less mathematics in the Arts program. Math, and in particular statistics, is imperative because quantification is an essential aspect of sociology. A course in research methods explores the collection, integration, analyzation, and reporting of data.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

The curriculum may differ concerning the subject of math in a bachelor’s degree in social work. Except for the possibility of a math course in the school’s General Requirements, you can avoid additional math classes. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at the University of Pittsburgh has no math courses.

Similarly, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work entails no mathematics. The exception found in one program refers to a math prerequisite before enrolling in the Research Methods class at Bowling Green State University’s College of Health and Human Services. Therefore, you should carefully review the coursework of schools on your preferred list.

Another difference in a sociology major is the choice of taking a Bachelor of Arts and Science. The College of Professional Studies at Dallas Baptist University offers this degree. Some of the classes in their General Studies 39 to 49 credits include natural science, religion, kinesiology, social science, English, mathematics, and Fine Art.

Licensure

A significant difference between the two disciplines is the selection of a social work program that leads to professional licensure. Each state has its regulatory board, which you can find at the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). To become a Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW), you need an undergraduate degree in social work and pass the ASWB examination.

Licensure raises another difference. For social work, you should attend a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE sets standards for social work education, which includes over 750 bachelors and master’s degrees in the United States. As you advance your degree, there are various requirements and licenses. For example, a Clinical Social Worker must have a Master’s (MSW) in most states. In contrast, there is no licensure for sociology.

Careers

There are many similarities in employment opportunities for both sociology and social work graduates with a baccalaureate. Education, government and public administration, public policy, family issues, race relations, and criminal justice are potential areas.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that sociologists will experience a 9% growth rate through 2028. However, this equates to only a change in 3,000 jobs for the ten-year period of 2018-28. The BLS reports the median income as of May 2018 at $82,050.

The BLS numbers see a big difference in the number of job changes over the same ten years. Employment openings for social workers is predicted to be 707,400 or an 11% growth rate (2018-28). More jobs but less money. The BLS has its median wage at $49,470 (May 2018).

Both salaries based on a master’s degree.

Related Resources

What Salary Can You Earn With a Master’s in Social Work Degree?

What Can I Do With A Social Work Degree?

How Do I Prepare for a Social Work Degree While in High School?

What Is the Difference Between a Social Work Degree and a Psychology Degree?

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Justice Degree and a Social Work Degree?

What Classes should I take to Specialize in Forensic Social Work?

What Masters in Social Work Salary Can I Expect After I Earn My Degree?

The post What is the Difference between a Degree in Sociology and Social Work? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A public health degree is a science-centric, interdisciplinary degree focused on thorough investigation of issues and topics related to public health–such as preventing and mitigating natural disasters, disease, and systemic health challenges. This flexibility in focus allows individual students the freedom to pursue specific studies within these topics, while also providing a generalized model of study which opens the door to many careers in public health. 

As such the exact form and structure of a public health degree will depend on a number of factors: the level of the program, the direction implied by the program’s curriculum, and any degree specializations or program concentrations available. 

A public health degree can provide an excellent alternative to degrees in medicine which are much more rigid in the constraints placed on curriculum and routes of study. Whereas medical students will learn how to intervene in individual cases of illness and injury, public health students learn how to create environments and implement programs to promote health in groups of people. 

Before we dive into the various aspects of the public health degree and inroads to the job market, consider these resources if you have additional questions:

• WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOCIAL WORKER AND A PUBLIC HEALTH WORKER?
• HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE TO GET A MASTER’S IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT ARE THE BEST GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT BACHELOR’S DEGREE DO PEOPLE HAVE WHO WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHICH ARE THE BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS TO GET MY MASTER’S IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• HOW MUCH HANDS-ON PRACTICAL WORK WILL I DO WHILE GETTING MY MASTER’S IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT DEGREE DOES A PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE NEED?
• WHAT IS A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREE?
• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH?
• WHAT JOBS ARE IN-DEMAND WITH A DEGREE IN PUBLIC HEALTH?

Roads to the Job Market with a Public Health Degree

Unlike medical degrees which typically require study in programs of at least a Bachelor’s level or Master’s level, students can enter the job market with a public health degree of any level, even an Associate’s degree. This provides a level of flexibility and adaptability for both prospective students and current public health professionals. That is, whether you are a working professional or prospective student, there will be a number of program options that will meet your needs. 

Current public health professionals with a desire for professional advancement will have the option of going back to school–as programs exist at graduate and even doctorate levels. Similarly, these professionals will be able to work towards upward mobility in their careers by pursuing specific degree specializations within their chosen or desired area of focus. 

While–in general–most public health degree programs start out with a more generalized curriculum at the undergraduate and associate level and become more specialized in higher level programs, the opposite can be true in select circumstances. In other words, students will most likely always have the option of choosing between specialized or generalized studies in public health. 

Routes of Study in Public Health: Global, General, and Specialized 

Given the sheer flexibility of public health degrees and the variety of programs on offer, what you can do with a public health degree will depend largely on the exact format of the degree earned. One of the most impactful distinctions to consider is the difference between generalized and specialized public health degree programs. While generalized programs will be guaranteed to cover the most important topics and issues relating to a career in public health, specialized programs will be best-suited for opening the door to specific career paths. 

Another major dichotomy to recognize is that public health degree programs typically focus on either local/national public health, or global public health. Generalized curriculums may provide adequate explorations of both topics, but more specialized programs will usually fall into one category or another. 

Here is a breakdown of popular professional specializations in public health: 

• Biomedical Science

The field of biomedicine is an ideal career-destination for any professional who wants to work at the forefront of developing new medicines and treatments for disease and illness–often with a focus on global public health.

• Nutrition

Nutrition is the focus of professionals who want to intervene in public health concerns by targeting the nutritional and dietary behaviors of a group of people–usually with a focus on research and data gathering. 

• Nutrition Technical Advisement 

Nutrition technical advice is the professional focus of nutrition-minded professionals who wish to employ current nutrition research to act in an advisory capacity for organizations or even governmental bodies. 

• International Health Care

International health care is the field of public health concerned with developing policies, procedures, and research targeted at the intersection of national and international health policy.

• Health Policy

Health policy is the sector of the public health profession that is primarily concerned with developing organizational or governmental policies to facilitate the meeting of certain metrics and standards of health.  

• Private Health Consulting

Private health consulting is the sector of the public health profession that is primarily concerned with providing consulting services in the private sector–mainly to corporate organizations. 

• Infectious Disease

Infectious disease is the area of public health that works at the forefront of preventing and intervening in cases of infectious disease. Professionals who specialized in this area typically either work in the field, or on the side of research and development. 

• Public Health Practitionership 

Public health practionership is the field of public health with perhaps the most flexibility, and is typically conferred by a Master’s of Public Health. Professionals with this kind of title work in a variety of fields and specializations. 

• Biostatistics

Biostatistics is the field of public health that is focused on the statistical relevance of key factors and variables relating to public health. These professionals collect and analyze large data sets in order to glean valuable insights regarding public health.

• Environmental Health Science

Environmental health science is the field of public health that looks to the environment in considerations of public health–in other words these professionals work at the intersection of man and nature. 

• Public Health Education

Public health education is the field of public health concerned with propagating important information through one of two routes–either in the context of the classroom, where educators look to cultivate the next generation of public health professionals; or in the context of providing education to communities and/or organizations in need of it. 

• Health Care Management and Administration

Health care management and administration is the field of public health that is primarily concerned with the operations management of health care facilities or laboratories–such as hospitals and testing facilities. 

• Water Quality Planning

Particularly in third world countries, the quality of public water services is at the center of public health concerns. Water quality planners work to ensure that communities are receiving adequate amounts of water and that the quality of water that they receive is up to par. 

• Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the field of public health that is primarily concerned with the cataloguing of infectious diseases as well as the conditions that lead to or propagate such diseases. Epidemiologists often helm clinical trials to either develop treatment methods or to further develop our understanding of such diseases. 

Public Health and the World Pandemic

Any prospective public health professional will want to know how the environment of the public health job market is shifting due to COVID-19–because the changes are extreme and far-reaching. Some of the most evident consequences of the worldwide pandemic are located in the sector of local public health opportunities. 

As international health policies evolve there is an increasing demand for local public health professionals to implement these policies and to ensure public safety. As such, many opportunities are arising for public health professionals to work in smaller localized communities, whereas pre-covid the market was trending toward globalization and internationality. 

Another major trend to consider is that epidemiology, testing, and biomedicine have seen explosive support and infusions of governmental infrastructure around the world. As all the world’s developed countries race to prevent future damages from Covid-19 and work to prevent the next world pandemic, many new opportunities have presented themselves in these areas. 

Similarly, as large companies look to return to full or partial operation, there is an increased demand for public health professionals who will work in an advisory or consultancy capacity in this context to guide companies toward greater operational efficiencies while maintaining compliance with key public health policies and mandates. 

It is important to mention though that like any job market, the environment and outcomes are always in flux and can be largely unpredictable in the long-term. In order to get a clear picture of how COVID-19 is impacting a specific area of the public health job market, be sure to speak to your professors, program directors, and active professionals in the field in order to get an accurate conception of realistic expectations to hold. 

Catalogue of Public Health Jobs

When answering the question of ‘what can you do with a degree in public health?’ one of the most important elements in determining the answer is how the degree is earned. Given the flexibility and number of degree specializations on offer, students will be well-served in establishing a desired job early in their studies because most of the best public health jobs are gated behind certain academic or professional prerequisites that often require years of planning and effort to complete. 

In order for students to know how to most effectively progress through their degree programs, let’s look at some of the most prominent professional end-goals and positions: 

• Epidemiologist

Works to identity diseases, their causes, and effects. These professionals work at the forefront of preventing the spread of diseases or preventing them entirely. 

• Biostatistician

Biostatisticians collect and summarize a wide range of biological data sets to inform a range of inquiries. In the context of public health, these professionals collect biological data that is decided to be of ‘high value’ in the context of public health. 

• Industrial Hygienist

Industrial hygienists work to ensure that the working environments of large industrial operations remain compliant with public health standards and policies. Large manufacturing operations often employ hundreds of employees in strenuous physical conditions, and industrial hygienists work to ensure that these conditions do not become dangerous or unhealthy.

• Health Administrator

Health administrators work in a variety of professional contexts to ensure the effective operation of a health-minded organization. 

• Health Economist

Health economy is a rapidly growing field that is positioned at the intersection of business and healthcare. Health economists gather data on how businesses use resources–both physical and organizational–to accomplish objectives in the healthcare industry. 

• Health Educator

These professionals work at educators within the field of public of health, spreading valuable information in classrooms, corporate panels, and interorganizational conferences. 

• Sanitarian

Public health sanitarians work to ensure that public spaces are properly cleaned so as to lessen the risk of infection, bacteria, and the spread of disease. 

• Public Health Adviser

Public health advisers work as consultants and advisors to both governmental bodies and corporate organizations. 

• Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses are specialized nursing professionals who work both at home and abroad to carry out public health directives and operations–particularly in the case of developing countries where public health outreach initiatives are more common.

• Program Director

Program directors work at the helm of various organizations and agencies–both in the public and private sectors. These professionals might oversee an individual testing clinic, healthcare facility, or even a number of them.

• Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists conduct studies, experiment, and collect data relevant to the intersection of nature and humanity. These scientists look to develop models for using the environment to facilitate better health of people–ideally in a symbiotic relationship. (Learn more about the 5 best careers in environmental science.)

• Toxicologist

Toxicologists are experts of the human body, and master the fundamentals of biochemistry to understand how certain molecules and compounds interact with the human body and its systems at the molecular level. These professionals can work in either the public or private sector.

• Health Analyst

Health analysts work in a variety of professional settings to explore high value inquiries related to health. Public health analysts work to analyze various factors, variables, and interactions in this context–with the specific inquiry depending on the analyst’s professional background.

• Demographer

Demographers are masters of statistics and epidemiology, who specialize in exploring the statistical significance of key metrics and variables relating to changing human populations and demographics. 

• Medical Administrator

Given the size and scope of public health operations, medical administrators work to ensure the security and efficiency of these operations on the back-end. These administrators work to manage personnel, assign working schedules, and ensure necessary paperwork is up to date. 

• Health Director

Health directors helm public health operations, acting as top-end managers and leaders of the organization. 

• Health Commissioner

A health commissioner works at the forefront of a state or city’s public health operations, overseeing all organizational activities within a given territory. This is a career-end point and lifelong dream for many public health professionals.

• Minister of Health

A minister of health is a unique position which employs the resources of a faithful institution to facilitate the health of its congregation. These professionals work at many different levels depending on the structure of the faith-based institution and the scope of their position.

• Surgeon General

The Surgeon General is the leading head of federal public health services, and health concerns relating to government. The Surgeon General is the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and is the country’s figurehead on matters relating to public health. 

10 Fastest Growing Jobs in Public Health 

Investing in a public health degree is a serious life decision that requires a tremendous investment of time, effort, and money. So with this in mind, prospective students will be well-served to establish a good idea of which professions are best-suited to receive new new employees and recent graduates. So let’s look at some of the most demanded positions and sectors of the job market. 

• Health Educator

Health educators work closely with clients and students to explore behaviors that promote health and wellbeing. Health educators can specialize in issues and concerns relating to public health.

Number of jobs in 2019: 127,100

Job Growth: 13% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $46,910

• Community Health Workers

Community health workers are the jacks of all trades in the public health industries. Their exact workload and professional responsibilities will depend almost entirely on their particular position and their employer’s needs. In the context of public health however, the primary task of community health workers is outreach.

Number of jobs in 2019: 56,130

Job Growth: 11% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $39,540

• Epidemiologist

These professionals explore the causes and factors related to the spread of disease. Oftentimes these professionals work for organizations in a research and data collecting capacity, and report their findings to their employer, the public, or both. Despite having seen some dropping off in its growth last year, COVID-19 has caused employers to show a renewed interest in hiring these professionals.

Number of jobs in 2019: 8,000

Job Growth: 5% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $70,990

• Biostatistician

Biostatisticians combine a mastery of statistics with expertise in biology in order to develop more comprehensive datasets to describe meaningful public health phenomena. While the BLS does not directly offer a profile for biostatisticians, the information below is for the larger category of ‘Mathematicians and Statisticians,’ which should convey an accurate picture of the job market. 

Number of jobs in 2019: 45,700

Job Growth: 33% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $92,030 

• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Occupational health and safety specialists are professional analysts who specialize in public health and safety within an organizational context. This position is growing in demand as companies around the world look to adapt to a world forever changed by COVID-19.

Number of jobs in 2019: 122,600

Job Growth: 4% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $70,480

• Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical research coordinators are top-end managers who oversee clinical research trials and similarly formatted operations. These professionals combine an expertise in research and experimentation with business-management skills. 

Number of jobs in 2019: N/A

Job Growth: 5% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $129,100

• Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers organize, coordinate, and oversee programs and services designed to promote and facilitate public health. These professionals work in a variety of environments depending on their speciality and the specifics of the position.

Number of jobs in 2019: 175,500

Job Growth: 17% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $67,150

• Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit executive directors are at the high end of business management in the public health sector. They oversee entire organizations, or even multiple organizations, in order to ensure their successful operation. 

Number of jobs in 2019: 2,774,300

Job Growth: 4% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $104,690

• Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare consultants work in all areas of the public health industry, coordinating with their clients to help them reach key objectives in either personal or organizational health. Consultants can work either as self-employed professionals or as members of a larger corporate team. 

Number of jobs in 2019: 422,300

Job Growth: 14% from 2019 to 2029

Median salary: $91,160

Making the Most out of your Public Health Degree

In order to have the most options for your public health degree, it is important to set yourself up to have those options to choose from–specifically there are some key strategies and elements to opening up the door to more and greater opportunities. Let’s catalogue those here:

• Begin establishing a specialization as early as possible–consider research projects and/or internships if your program does not offer them

• Consider an online degree program so that you can earn a public health degree while continuing to build professional experience in the job market 

• If you don’t have time for a full degree program, consider a specialized graduate certificate in your desired specialization 

• Ask your professors or employer what skills are needed most in the field you are interested in 

• If you are having trouble finding your ideal job in the United States don’t be afraid to expand your search beyond its borders–after all, public health is global business

The post What Can I Do With a Degree In Public Health? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Differences in Career Focus

It’s true that there’s a lot of overlap in the populations you could serve and the problems you could help solve with these two distinct educational paths. The field of child and family social work may seem particularly closely related to graduate studies in family, youth and community service. However, there are critical differences in the job titles, responsibilities, and daily duties that come from pursuing these two distinct degrees.

If you have your heart set on being a social worker, then a degree in family, youth and community services probably isn’t the right choice for you. A social worker is a professional who works to help people in a variety of different populations solve or cope with problems and improve psychosocial functioning in their lives. In most states, social workers must be licensed, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This licensing process often involves earning a social work degree (a Bachelor of Social Work, or BSW, degree for entry-level roles or the MSW degree for master’s-level work).

Whether you’re a licensed social worker at the BSW level or you use your MSW to become a licensed clinical social worker and take on job responsibilities like diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, you will have distinct job responsibilities, including considerable case management duties. Often, though not always, you will work in a direct service role rather than an administrative one. As a social worker, your job will revolve around applying the practices of social work to helping clients address real-world problems that range from child welfare to the plight of aging populations and from homelessness to the care of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

A master’s degree program in family, youth and community services won’t necessarily qualify you for a social work career or licensure. Instead, it prepares you for careers such as roles in human, social and community service management. Often, these managerial-level roles are more administrative in nature than a social worker’s role, involving more big-picture advocacy and programming planning. Although you may work with individuals while performing intakes and other forms of interviews, you likely won’t hold the same kind of direct service professional role as a social worker, but instead an important support and advocacy role. Ultimately, graduates of a family, youth and community services program collaborate with social workers to make a difference.

Jobs in family, youth and community services depend on your level of education. With no formal education in this field or with only an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, you’re more likely to find employment in a lower-paying role like youth worker. 

Differences in Curriculum

Students in a master’s degree program in family, youth and community services take a breadth of coursework that prepares them for management and administration roles that make a difference. On one hand, they study topics like interpersonal relationships, parenting education and family dynamics and intervention. However, part of their education is also likely to focus on matters like program design and management. Often, students in these degree programs have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas that are of particular interest to them, including poverty and working with military families as well as tasks like developing and managing grant funding and applications. You may complete an internship or other capstone experience.

For MSW programs, the curriculum is usually more focused on the practice of social work, often with an emphasis on clinical social work. As a result, this program may include classes like theories of clinical social work practice, group theory and practice, social work research methods and field instruction in social work. A big part of studying social work at the master’s level is completing supervised field instruction hours. MSW programs should require a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction, according to the Council on Social Work Education, but programs may require more hours.

If you start your education as a student of family, youth and community services but later decide that your true calling is social work, you can go on to pursue an MSW degree even though your bachelor’s degree isn’t a BSW.

Additional Resources

I’m Having Trouble Convincing My Family of the Value of a Degree in Family, Youth, and Community Services. What Are Some Arguments for Getting Them on Board?

What Can I Do With a Youth Work Degree?

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Social Work?

The post Family, Youth and Community Services Sounds a Lot Like Social Work. What’s the Difference Between This Degree and One in Social Work? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is a public health major?

A Master of Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree program that emphasizes the everyday aspects of public health. Educational program designs prepare students for a role in promoting community awareness related to communicable diseases, violence prevention, injury prevention, and other issues that affect the health and safety of its citizens. Research typically is not a primary focus in most MPH programs, so a student desiring a career as a researcher or professor of public health must look for a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree program instead.

The core curriculum for an MPH Program usually includes courses to provide a foundation for the professional in public health knowledge and the science of public health, as well as factors related to human health.  All MPH graduates must demonstrate public health competencies associated with the critical disciplines within public health (social and behavioral determinants of health, biological sciences, biostatistics, management sciences, epidemiology, demography, public health problem-solving, computer applications, environmental health, and public health policy) as well as other emerging areas within public health.

Best MPH programs

According to US News & World Report, some of the best campus-based and online MPH programs can be obtained through these top five universities.

• Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health– Baltimore, MD. This university’s MPH program has been ranked number 1 by U.S. News & World Report since 1994. They offer a full-time 11-month program and a part-time online program that takes 2-3 years to complete. They also offer dual degree options with their other schools, such as nursing, medicine, veterinary, law, business management, and social work.
• Harvard University, TH Chan School of Public Health– Boston, MA. This school offers courses for established public health professionals and those new to the field of public health. They have flexible degree formats and numerous options for specific areas of study. These include a 45-credit MPH for individuals that already have a graduate degree, an online/on-campus MPH in Epidemiology that can be completed part-time over two years, and a 65-credit MPH program for students with a minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate work experience in a relevant public health field.
• University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill– Gillings School of Public Health– Chapel Hill, NC. This university offers degree and non-degree options, from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to certificates and continuing education. Master programs are available with 12 concentration areas, to match your educational needs and interests. The program requires 42 credits for completion and can be done on a full-time basis at the campus or on a part-time online basis that can be completed in as few as 20 months.
• Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health– NY, NY. The Columbia MPH program has a unique structure that integrates six components into its two-year course of study, and each student must select from one of six departments for their major. While most students take the full two years to complete the program, Columbia also offers a one-year accelerated curriculum as well for select candidates.
• Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health– Atlanta, GA. Emory offers the opportunity to obtain an MPH within two years or less (depending on the department) in nine different areas of concentration. In addition to core courses, students are required to complete a 200-400 hour applied practice experience and an integrative learning experience that applies the competencies developed during the course study, applied practice experience, and related field experiences. They also offer dual-degree programs in collaboration with the schools of law, business, nursing, and medicine.

Master’s in public health career opportunities

Many individuals are looking to expand the base of knowledge to increase their career opportunities and earning potential. The field of public health offers these seekers both of these options and more. Many people with an MPH go on to work as epidemiologists, educators, health care administrators, biostatisticians, policy advisors, researchers, and congressional staffers. This desirable trait of extreme variety within the professional field of public health also provides areas of upward mobility. There are specific facts to keep in mind when considering a career in public health.

Job Opportunities– There are documented and forecasted shortages of epidemiologists, public health nurses, public health physicians, educators, and administrators. It is projected that job opportunities within health care (including public health) will grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028. This is much faster than the average for all occupations in the United States. This growth will add about 1.9 million new jobs over the next ten years.

Job Security– There is a growing need for public health workers in every sector, and this is anticipated to continue growing in the future. Nearly all graduates find employment directly following college, and the unemployment rate for public health professionals continues to remain low despite the increased awareness of the benefits of public health programs. With this increase in public awareness, MHP educated individuals will be in even higher demand.

Earning Potential– According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the earning potential of an individual with a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree ranges from $78,500 for a Public Health Professor, to $89,000 for a Biostatistician, and $100,000 for a Public Health Administrator. Other areas of employment also offer career opportunities that are difficult to predict potential earnings (i.e., public health policy).

Individuals who obtain an MPH will benefit from a combination of multiple disciplines within the health care arena. They have countless possibilities for career paths with an abundance of jobs available and the potential for upward mobility in their chosen specialty. For many, knowing that they are making a substantial impact on the community can be the most rewarding motivation to study for a Master of Public Health degree.

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

October 2019

More Articles of Interest:

• What Can I Do With a Health Care Degree?
• Are Online Health Education Programs Viewed Differently than On-Campus Programs?
• What Degree Does a Public Health Nurse Need?
• Top 25 Medical Schools

The post How Long Does it Usually take to get a Master’s in Public Health? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

This scientific impulse — to question how the world works, and proceed to find answers in a methodical way — is behind almost all of the scientific breakthroughs that make our world what it is today.

And luckily for you, there are more paths to scientific education as well as more jobs in the sciences than ever before.

Here at DegreeQuery we’ve worked with students and potential students of almost every subject matter; many of them hoping to study science. We’ve answered all sorts of questions revolving around science education. And the one that comes up more than any other is “what can I do with a degree in science?”

So here we are, outlining many of the paths you can take to become a scientist (or one of the many related roles) through pursuing a scientific education. First off, let’s look at what exactly a degree in science is.

Check out our list of FAQs below, or proceed down the page for our guide on what can I do with a science degree?

Science Degree-Related FAQs

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• The Top 10 “Green” Careers for Nature-Lovers
• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science
• What are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Types of Science Degrees Are There?

The short answer: there are many degrees you can gain in the sciences.

Much like “humanities” or “technology” degrees, science encompasses many, many disciplines at the university level. Science degrees also fall into the categories of applied degrees — centered on learning skills specifically for a job — and research degrees focused on obtaining and sharing new knowledge in your field.

Science degrees can be broken down into a few large groups including social sciences, hard sciences, and applied sciences. Let’s take a look at what degrees fall into these categories below:

Common Social Sciences in University Settings

• Anthropology
• Cognitive Science
• Criminology
• Cultural studies
• Development studies
• Economics
• Education
• Environmental studies
• Gender and sexuality studies
• Geography
• History
• Information science
• Law
• Library science
• Linguistics
• Management
• Political science
• Psychology
• Public administration
• Social work
• Sociology

Social science degrees apply scientific methods to questions related to society and relationships between individuals. Questions considered by social sciences can include things like:

• Why are some people better at dealing with adversity?
• What are the best ways to promote productivity among workers?
• Why do small children babble?
• What are the most efficient ways to promote voter turnout?

As you can see, social sciences cover a wide variety of inquiries. Though all social science inquiries (and fields of study) are centered around the study of individuals and society.

Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences (often called “hard” sciences) focus on applying modes of scientific inquiry to the natural world (and beyond). While hard sciences don’t specifically focus on answering questions about society and individuals, many “hard” science discoveries have greatly impacted us all.

Examples of discoveries in the natural sciences include:

• The discovery of penicillin
• The law of gravity
• The discovery of other planets in our solar system
• The untangling of the human genome
• “Why” we get stomach flu
• And many other questions

There are many specializations within the natural sciences, as well as many more applied degrees that relate to the natural sciences. A quick list of natural science degrees available at the university level includes the following:

• Astronomy
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Atmospheric Science
• Oceanography
• Geology
• Materials Science

(Learn more about the highest-paying jobs with a biology degree.)

Within each of the above fields of study, there are many subdisciplines. But broadly speaking most of the natural sciences fall into one of the above.

Applied Sciences
Applied sciences take the lessons and methods of social or natural sciences and apply them so as to solve a particular type of problem.

Many applied sciences are multidisciplinary. For example, nursing science may look at social sciences including management and psychology, as well as natural sciences like chemistry and biology. Depending on their focus, engineers may regularly apply knowledge from chemistry, physics, geology, or materials science.

There are too many branches of applied science to go over in our current article. But some of the most common applied sciences are listed below:

• Engineering Fields
• Business Fields
• Medical Fields
• Counseling Fields
• Educational Fields

What Can You Do With a Degree in Science?

The short of it is a lot. The longer answer is a little more complex and depends on what type of degree you hold.

Holding a degree in science, particularly one denoted by the word science in the type of degree (ex: Bachelor’s in Science, or Master’s in Science) is emblematic of a number of things.

People that hold degrees in science are viewed as…

• Having an understanding of the scientific method
• Having the ability to read and process data and come to conclusions
• Being quantitatively bright
• Having the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts
• Being well-rounded thinkers suited for many challenging and rewarding roles
• Having an understanding of current literature in their field of study (depending on degree level)

What this means is that science majors are suited for jobs both inside and outside of science. Science degrees prepare students with quantitative skills as well as the ability to communicate. While switching to a role outside of the field of science you studied in will mean some on-the-job learning, most employers prefer candidates that show the potential for quantitative reasoning, ability to learn new skills, and the ability to communicate. Science degrees prepare you in all three of these areas.

Additionally, science degrees can prepare you for a career in the field that you studied in. Unlike some other degrees (such as some in the arts and humanities) where there aren’t as many jobs in the field as there are graduates, there’s a shortage of skilled science workers.

Some of the most in-demand and under-staffed careers related to science today include the following:

• Biologists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Physicists
• Chemists
• Science Teachers
• Geologists
• Nuclear Engineers
• Computer Scientists
• Data Scientists

A Day in the Life of a Scientist

Scientists work a variety of settings, including governmental labs, hospitals, engineering firms, for pharmaceuticals, in university settings, and in the criminal justice system.

For this reason, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the “average day” of a scientist means many different things.

What is clear is that scientists — more than potentially any other field — are often involved with research. The scientific method, after all, is a method of conducting experiments to verify hypotheses. And this is precisely what many scientists are employed to do.

Additionally, some scientists may be employed to interpret data, to teach those of less advanced scientific knowledge, to present scientific findings, or to help apply scientific findings to make products of solutions.

Below we’ve listed the most common locations of employment by type of scientist:
Most Common Employment Locations for Chemists

• Pharmaceutical and Medical Manufacturing
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Scientific Research

Most Common Employment Locations for Physicists

• Scientific Research
• Federal Labs
• University Settings

Most Common Employment Locations for Biologists

• Federal Government
• University Settings
• Scientific Research

Most Common Employment Locations for Geologists

• Architecture and Engineering Firms
• Oil and Gas Extraction
• Scientific Consulting

Most Common Employment Locations for Psychologists

• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Health Practitioner Offices
• Individual and Family Services

Most Common Employment Locations for Economists

• Federal Government
• Scientific Research
• Scientific Consulting

Most Common Employment Locations for Material Scientists

• Scientific Research
• Architecture and Engineering Firms
• Management of Companies

Career Outlook for Scientists

Technological advancements may be replacing workers in some fields, but scientists are responsible for making, honing, and maintaining these technological advancements. In short, even if automation takes many, many jobs, scientists will still be needed to create and maintain automation tools.

What this means is that scientific careers are some of the safest you can enter for job stability and earnings.

Below we’ll list the current number of jobs in a variety of scientific fields, as well as the percentage increase in job numbers expected by 2026.

• Physicists: 19,900 (+14%)
• Chemists and Material Scientists: 96,200 (+7%)
• Biologists: 19,400 (+8%)
• Psychologists: 166,600 (+14%)
• Geologists: 32,000 (+14%)
• Economists: 21,300 (+6%)

(Source)
Aside from job security, job satisfaction is also important. A number of comprehensive job satisfaction studies have been completed in the last few years. A prominent job satisfaction survey made note of median salary, stress levels, work environment and projected growth in a number of fields.

The top-ranked jobs for job satisfaction that involve a great deal of science include the following (of the top 25 out of 200 jobs surveyed):

• #2 – Medical Services Manager
• #3 – Operations Research Analyst
• #5 – Data Scientist
• #6 – University Professor
• #12 – Biomedical Engineer
• #14 – Dental Hygienist
• #15 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• #17 – Audiologist
• #18 – Dietitian
• #20 – Optometrist
• #21 – Meteorologist
• #23 – Economist

Science Degree Levels and Types

What you can do with a science degree ultimately depends on what science degree you pursue. Below we’ll work through some of the most common science degree types (and levels) with the aim of informing you as to what you may be able to do with a degree.

Psychology Degrees

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate science degrees. At the undergraduate level, psychology degrees prepare you for grad school, can open some doors for entry-level psychology jobs, and generally make you a well-rounded thinker, writer, and speaker. These skills are transferable to a wide range of jobs or graduate school opportunities.

Psychology degrees are available at the associate’s through doctoral levels. There are pros and cons to each level of psychology schooling, and they can lead to many different work settings, from elementary schools to private practice, to research hospitals.

Associates degrees in psychology require around 60 credit hours for completion, and most students complete their course of study in 1.5-2.5 years (with 2 being a “normal” pace). Students obtain a solid general education through general education requirements. These requirements include entry-level courses in a wide range of fields with the end goal of ensuring students know how to read, write, perform critical thinking and communicate clearly.

After general education requirements, an associates degree in psychology may include courses such as the following:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychology of Substance Abuse
• Human Growth and Development
• Research Methods in Psychology
• And several electives

For those that wish to work in psychology roles, associates degrees are generally “transferred into” bachelor’s level programs. This allows students to obtain bachelor’s degrees at most colleges in as little as two years.

Bachelor’s degrees in psychology are one of the most common science degrees out there. These degrees can prepare you for some entry-level psychology jobs, though for those seeking to work one-on-one with clients in a clinical or counseling psychology role, more advanced degrees are required.

Bachelor’s in psychology degrees start with the same general education requirements that associates degrees require. They then proceed with some combination of the following courses:

• Human Growth and Development
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychology of Personality
• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Multicultural Psychology
• Learning Theories
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Statistics for Psychology
• Several Electives
• Capstone or Research Project

You can enter the psychology field with a bachelor’s in psychology, proceed to another field, or enter grad school. Some psychology-centered roles you may be able to perform with a bachelor’s in psychology include case manager positions, technicians, counselors (not performing one-on-one counseling), and rehab specialists.

Master’s degrees in psychology prepare students for school counseling roles, career counseling roles, organizational and industrial psychology roles, and in some states can lead to licensure as counseling psychologists. For students that wish to become clinical psychologists, doctoral degrees are often required.

At the master’s level, psychology degrees typically begin to specialize more. Students may specialize in degrees leading to a specific job such as forensic psychology or organizational industrial psychology. Other students may pursue master’s level degrees that are stepping stones to doctoral degrees. These degrees include master’s focused on clinical psychology and counseling psychology.

School psychologists comprise a large number of psychologists that practice with master’s degrees. A number of degree options are available to those seeking to become school psychologists or counselors. Some are more education-centered, while others focus on developmental psychology or a specific psychological school of thought. Most states have slightly different standards required for school psychologists to gain a license.

Doctoral degrees for psychology are primarily offered through three degrees: Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. programs, and Psy.D. programs. As with most disciplines, Ph.D. programs seek to prepare students to perform original research and teach at the university level (if they so choose).

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degrees are professional doctorates that — while terminal degrees — do not primarily seek to prepare recipients to teach at the university level. These degrees often do not require a dissertation, and instead, focus on applied skills related to psychology jobs.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees with psychological focus are sometimes research doctorates and sometimes professional doctorates. These degree programs look at psychology through the lens of education and can help to prepare school psychologists.

Chemistry Degrees

Chemistry degrees are offered primarily at the bachelor’s through doctoral levels. Entry-level chemist positions are available after a bachelor’s degree. Related degrees such a bachelor’s in chemical engineering or biochemistry can lead to related roles.

In research settings, graduate-level chemistry degrees are more common, with many prestigious research labs only employing Ph.D.’s as full chemists. As with most science degrees, paths into teaching are available at almost every degree level, though a Ph.D. is often required to teach at the university level.

Bachelor’s in Chemistry degrees provide one of the strongest natural science backgrounds one can achieve at the undergraduate level. These degrees can prepare you for a wide range of graduate schools including chemistry, medical school, biochemistry, or engineering.

As with other bachelor’s-level degrees, degrees in chemistry require around 120 semester credit hours for graduation. The course of study often begins with general education requirements. These requirements are not within the field of chemistry, though aim to ensure that graduates are well-rounded in their university knowledge, can think critically, can read and write well, and are articulate.

Once into the major courses, chemistry majors will often take some arrangement of the following courses:

• Intro to Biology
• Organismal Biology
• General Chemistry
• Chemistry for Engineers
• Organic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Corresponding Lab Courses for Much of the Above
• A number of electives

What a Master’s degree in chemistry students can begin to specialize more thoroughly. Generally speaking, chemistry master’s degrees are applied, with students looking to pursue original research opting for doctoral programs. At the masters level, chemistry students will often gain a more advanced understanding of chemical research methods, and will focus on one area of applied chemistry. Examples of specializations at the master’s level can include the following:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Additionally, some courses of study will focus chemistry education, clinical biochemistry, chemical engineering, or applied chemistry generally.

Master’s degrees can help you advance to senior research positions in chemistry depending on your location of work. They typically require 30 credit hours and may be completed in 2 years or less.

Doctoral degree in chemistry are typically gained through a Doctor of Philosophy (PH.D.) in chemistry degree. This means that chemistry doctorates are research doctorates that provide a central aim of helping doctoral candidates to perform original research and gain preparation for teaching at the university level.

Of course there are plenty of work settings outside of universities for Ph.D.’s in chemistry. But the fact that the Ph.D. is the main route to a doctorate in chemistry means that students seeking this degree should be prepared to spend several years performing original research to prepare their dissertation.

Physics Degrees

Physics degrees are primarily offered at the bachelor’s through doctoral levels, and can lead to employment in a variety of engineering, research, and laboratory settings. Some of the largest employers of physicists include the Federal Government, private engineering and architecture firms, and universities.

A bachelor’s degree in physics shares a great number of courses with mathematics and engineering degrees. It can be a great entry point into an engineering profession or lead to graduate school opportunities in a number of disciplines.

Bachelor’s in physics degrees require around 120 semester credit hours for graduation, with the first third of the course of study often consisting of general education requirements. General education requirements do not focus on the major at hand (physics), but instead, ensure that the degree candidate is well-rounded in their learning and ability to think critically.

Once students are into major courses in physics, the following courses are often offered at the undergraduate level:

• Physics for Engineering I and II
• Electronics
• Modern Physics
• Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnatism
• Optics and Waves
• Thermodynamics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Calculus I, II, and III
• Differential Equations
• Statistics

Furthermore, some bachelor’s in physics programs offer the ability to specialize. Common bachelor’s-level specializations include the following:

• Biophysics
• Teaching Physics
• Computation
• General Physics
• Radiation Physics

At the master’s level, many physics students may elect to pursue more applied coursework in engineering or architecture fields. For those seeking a master’s in physics specializations in applied topics are usually offered. Additionally, graduates of physics master’s-level programs are in a great position to gain admittance to a wide range of Ph.D. programs including astronomy, astrophysics, physics, neuroscience, or engineering.

Master’s degrees in physics typically require 2-3 years for completion. And often offer specializations including:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics
• Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science

Those that obtain master’s in physics find employment as senior engineers, in research settings, as founders of companies, or in teaching.

Finally, a doctorate in physics typically comes in one of two varieties: a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in physics, or an applied doctorate such as a Doctorate of Engineering in a related discipline.

While doctoral candidates in both Ph.D. or D.Eng. programs may focus on a wide variety of physics-related topics, the main difference between the program types is that one is applied and one is research-based.

Ph.D. programs are built around the central goal of enabling students to perform original research in their field. Additionally, successful candidates in Ph.D. programs are expected to be able to teach at the university level upon graduation.

D.Eng. degrees offer a range of applied engineering-related degrees that are physics heavy. D.Eng. degrees with a focus on aerospace or (more broadly) engineering physics are common courses for those looking to work in engineering upon pursuing a physics-related Ph.D.

Geology Degrees

Geology degrees are in high demand in architecture, engineering, and oil and gas extraction fields. The entry-level degree required to enter many of these settings is a bachelor’s degree, with greater opportunities with a master’s or doctorate in geology.

A bachelor’s in geology degree generally requires around 120 semester credit hours and is completed in around 4 years. After general education requirements (around the first third of a degree, generally) that focus on aiding students to become well-rounded learners, major courses can include:

• Geology Laboratory
• History of the Earth
• Mineralogy
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Structural Geology
• Watersheds
• Calculus I, II, and III
• Chemistry I and II
• Physics I and II
• A number of electives

While a number of career types can be available within geology after just a bachelor’s the primary hiring parties for those with a bachelor’s include the following:

• Smaller oil and gas companies (particularly during booms)
• Governmental or non-profit agencies
• Primary and Secondary Schools

To obtain employment in geological engineering or in major oil and gas companies, master’s or doctoral degrees in geology are needed.

We’ve covered geology in a number of pieces of content at DegreeQuery. Some of our favorites are listed below:

• 30 Great Outdoor Jobs that Require College Degrees
• The 50 Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
• What Degree Does a Mining and Geological Engineer Need?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Petroleum Engineering

A master’s in geology typically offers specialization into one applied field of geology as well as preparation for future Ph.D. programs. Common specializations within geology master’s programs include the following:

• Solid Earth Geochemistry and Petrology
• Solid Earth Geophysics
• Sedimentary Basins and Palaeoclimate
• Water Resources
• Geological Engineering

For those seeking to pursue a doctorate in geology, the primary degree sought is a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in geology. As a Ph.D., doctoral geology degrees have the primary aim of supporting original research from doctoral candidates as well as preparing doctoral candidates to teach at the university levels.

Thought those are the primary aims of Ph.D. programs, obtaining a Ph.D. in geology doesn’t “pigeon hole” one into academia. Rather, a wide variety of research positions as well as applied geology positions in oil, gas, and engineering value Ph.D.-holding geologists.

Economics Degrees

As with many of the social sciences, economics is a versatile study that can lead to jobs or graduate school in a wide variety of fields. Economics degrees are typically offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

At the bachelor’s-level of economics students pursue a four-year degree that often requires 120 credit hours of coursework. After general education courses (a well-rounded selection of courses meant to promote overall literacy and critical thinking) students proceed into more advanced major courses.

Typical courses offered at the bachelor’s level in economics include the following:

• Calculus I and II
• Statistics I and II
• Probability and Statistics in Engineering
• Economic Principles
• Microeconomics I and II
• Macroeconomics I and II
• Econometrics
• History of Economics
• Finance Electives
• Microeconomics Electives
• Macroeconomics Electives

While advanced degrees are typically required for jobs with economist in the title, a variety of related positions are available to those holding bachelor’s in economics degrees. Some of these jobs include secondary civics or economics teacher, bookeeper, accounting (with additional coursework), financial advisor, financial analyst, and a number of other positions.

We’ve covered economics degrees in great detail elsewhere on DegreeQuery. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in economics, make sure to check out some of our other FAQs listed below:

• What Can I Do With a Degree in Economics
• What Degree Should an Actuary Have?

At the master’s level and beyond, those with economics degrees can begin to take on roles with economist in the title. Students at the master’s level typically pursue theoretical economics or some more applied subset of economics or econometrics. Common specializations within a master’s in economics degree include the following:

• Public Finance
• Labor Economics
• Health Economics
• Agricultural Economics
• Development Economics
• Financial Economics
• Industrial Economics
• or International Economics

Degrees typically require 10-24 months for completion depending on whether they are accelerated or not. Coursework at the master’s level varies depending on one’s specialization, but may include courses in the following:

• Graduate-Level Microeconomics
• Graduate-Level Macroeconomics
• Graduate-Level Econometrics
• Graduate-Level Data Analysis
• And a wide range of electives and research opportunities

Applied Science Degrees
While the above categories constitute some of the more popular social and natural science disciplines, a wide range of degrees incorporate science to some degree.

The most common applied science degrees include engineering, business, and health care related degrees. If you came across our page looking for any of these applied science disciplines, make sure to check out our coverage of these topics below:

• Business Degrees
• Engineering Degrees
• Health Care Degrees

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

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

Common Definitions of Social Work

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) describes this field as a vocation that revolves around “helping people function the best they can in their environment.” Critical to developing a fully realized understanding of the field of social work is understanding that, according to the NASW, both direct service and big-picture advocacy are necessary parts of social work.

Social work is a field that is necessary across the globe. The International Federation of Social Workers regards the field as advocating for “social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people,” noting the profession’s emphasis on human rights, respect for diverse cultures and communities and the principles of social justice and fairness.

What else do students need to know about how authorities in the field categorize and explain social work? As an academic discipline, social work can be referred to as an “applied science.” Social work is a diverse field that encompasses many different specializations, client populations and forms of problem-solving. Social workers assist individuals, families and communities. They stand up to social problems that range from poverty to physical and cognitive disabilities – and they do so through means that range from identifying social service programs and resources to providing direct interventions like counseling and psychotherapy.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics labels social worker as a community and social services occupation, rather than a social science career. This classification reflects that the goal of social workers is performing the practice of helping people solve problems.

A Practice-Based Profession

It’s not that social work isn’t an academic discipline. It is, as the International Federation of Social Workers notes, and conducting research is an important part of advancing the field of social work with evidence-based programs and interventions. However, most social work programs, particularly at the undergraduate level, emphasize practical skills and how to put them into action helping people with social problems. At the master’s degree level, studies in social work can include the specialty of clinical social work, which encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and the practice of providing psychotherapy.

The popular image of a social worker meeting with clients and working with them to develop plans and put in place resources for help fits into the area of micro social work. These social workers assist individuals or family units by providing direct service, and it’s easy to see how their work is practice-based. Social workers also work in macro social work, an area of the field that is concerned with big-picture issues of social policies, programs and services. Although this sort of advocacy work is less noticeably practice-oriented, it is much more narrowly focused on fixing problems than on merely studying and understanding them, as the closest related science – sociology – is.

Because practical skills are so important to social workers, field work is a big part of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of social work.

A Helping Career Path

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

For social workers, the career is less of a “job” and more of a calling to make a positive difference in the world. Social workers are professional helpers who rely on their problem-solving skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills to help them find solutions to a wide range of issues.

Many social workers specialize in helping certain types of clients – like children in a school or incarcerated individuals – or clients dealing with certain situations, such as individuals with a disability, survivors of domestic violence or people with a history of substance abuse. Specializing in this way allows social workers to develop expertise in the kinds of services, programs and other resources that are relevant to their clients.

Clinical social workers aim to help clients through the treatment of mental and emotional health issues or apply psychotherapy techniques to the grieving process, family conflicts and other situations to which an individual may have trouble coping.

Additional Resources

Are There Different Areas I Can Study Under Social Work?

What Is a Typical Career Path for a Social Worker?

Are There Organizations That I Should Join When Wanting to Get Into the Social Work Field?

The post How Is Social Work Defined? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Psychology and Sociology Coursework

Introductory studies in psychology and sociology are a must for students of behavioral science. While psychology and sociology are related, they differ in key ways. The study of psychology focuses on understanding thought and behavior, while sociology is the study of groups and the dynamics and patterns of social interactions, relationships and structures. Behavioral science degree programs often include numerous courses in the foundations of both fields. Your psychology coursework might include introductory psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology and cognitive psychology as well as studies in lifespan development. You might take sociology classes that include introductory sociology, social problems, social change and social deviance.

Classes in cultural anthropology, the scientific study of humans and particularly the cultural variations found in human societies, are often part of a behavioral science curriculum, as well.

Classes in Science, Statistics and Research

You might expect a degree program with the word “science” in the name to include more of a focus on scientific principles and practices. As a discipline that blends the natural and social sciences, psychology requires familiarity with the scientific method as well as skills in quantitative analysis. Often, degree programs in behavioral science include coursework in research design and methods used in the sciences, particularly as they pertain to the social sciences. A knowledge of statistics is required for this field, prompting colleges to include courses like probability and statistics, statistics for behavioral and social sciences, research and data analysis and inferential statistics in their degree programs. There may also be a quantitative component to courses in psychometrics, which refers to the psychological assessments used for diagnosis and the statistical concepts underlying these measurements.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

What about courses specific to behavioral science? These classes may blend concepts and practices used in the natural and social sciences and often focus on the application of behavioral science theories to real-world situations.

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Because behavioral science is a popular major for students who aspire to work in counseling, social work and psychology, many programs in this field of study incorporate studies in the fundamental knowledge needed to work as a psychological or behavioral therapist. A bachelor’s degree program is no substitute for a master’s degree in counseling or a doctorate in counseling psychology, but undergraduate courses in counseling and psychotherapy often cover the basics that these advanced degree programs will build on later in a student’s education.

At the undergraduate level, a course in counseling theories for behavioral science majors might begin by introducing commonly used theories of assessing and treating clients, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and humanistic theories. Once students grasp these broader theories, they might study more specialized techniques used in the field of counseling. Classes on treatment strategies might focus on the evidence-based strategies used to address client concerns in a wide variety of behavioral health matters.

Courses focusing on developing counseling skills might allow students to put their studies of counseling skills to work in individual and group counseling scenarios in which they interview and provide direct service to real or “practice” clients.

Why Study Behavioral Science?

For many of the roles that an undergraduate behavioral science degree program prepares students to attain, further study is needed. You must have a master’s degree in counseling to become a licensed professional counselor and an advanced degree – typically, a doctorate – to work as a psychologist. Since you have to go to graduate school anyway, why should students consider earning a degree in behavioral science?

The fact that an undergraduate program in behavioral science is broader than studying only psychology, sociology or counseling is exactly the appeal of this degree path. It is ideal for students who don’t know precisely what they want to do in the field, because it equips them with an understanding of the foundations of each branch of study and allows them to see what aspect of the behavioral sciences most appeals to them personally. This program includes enough coursework in psychology that it should make it easy to get into graduate school for subjects ranging from psychology and behavior analysis to counseling and social work.

Even without a master’s degree, you could get a job in a community and social service assistant role, or as a parole officer, probation officer or correctional treatment specialist, with a background in behavioral science, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported.

Additional Resources

Is There Any Math Required for a Degree in Behavioral Science?

What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With a Behavioral Science Degree?

How Do I Prepare for a Behavioral Sciences Degree While in High School?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?

The post What Classes Will I Take for a Degree in Behavioral Science? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

However, flexibility isn’t the only benefit of online learning. An online degree may also be the fastest degree to get.

If you’re thinking, “I need a degree fast,” you’re in luck. Our list of the quickest online degrees includes degree programs at every level – including certificate programs and associate degree to master’s degree and even doctorate programs – that allow students to fast-track their college education.

Some of these programs may be completed in just half the time it would usually take to finish your degree. The fastest online degree programs on our list include 18-month programs degrees and even, at some schools, 12-month degree programs.

Important Things to Know About Fast Online Degree Programs

There are a few important things students who want to get their degree fast should know about quick online degrees. 

Major Options for Online College Are Extensive

If you’re thinking about enrolling in an online school, you can’t just look for “the fastest degree.” You need to choose a major.

Today, many schools offer online courses in just about every subject. Examples of the areas of study you might explore through online classes include:

• Accounting
• Business administrationeas
• Computer science
• Corporate finance
• Creative writing
• Data analysis
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Fire science
• Forensic psychology
• Homeland security
• Human resource management
• Human anatomy
• Human services
• Laboratory science courses (biology, physics, chemistry, etc.)
• Liberal arts
• Mathematics (algebra, calculus, etc.)
• Nursing
• Organizational leadership
• Political science
• Public speaking
• Social work
• Software engineering
• Supply chain management

Online learning is more of a good fit for some programs of study than others. If you need to develop extensive clinical, hands-on or technical skills in an offline environment, it may not be possible to complete a degree exclusively through online study. Instead, you might learn through online classes combined with simulation and/or in-person laboratory, clinical and fieldwork experiences.

Computer science degrees, naturally, lend themselves well to online instruction. It isn’t hard to find a course – or an entire degree program – in computer information technology, web development, programming or other areas of computer science that can be fully completed through online coursework. You may notice that our list of the fastest online degree programs includes schools that offer computer technology degree options.

On the other hand, nursing degrees, like an RN-to-BSN program, require considerable clinical training that can’t be completed completely online.

Still, if you’re committed to earning your degree online, you have options even in the medical field. For example, prospective students who care more about preparing for a whole in the healthcare industry than about becoming physicians or registered nurses specifically might instead opt for a major in health science or health care management. These fields would allow them to work in areas that don’t require as much clinical training, such as health promotion, public health and healthcare administration.

Fast bachelor degrees are some of the most widely offered accelerated online degree programs out there. You can also find fast online degrees at the associate’s level, the master’s level and the doctoral level, as well as accelerated certificate and certification programs.

Online Learning Isn’t Always Easy

The flexibility and the unique ability to progress at your own pace that distance learners enjoy may mitigate some of the challenges traditional students pursuing on-campus degrees face. However, if you go into your higher education journey expecting to breeze through “easy” online degree programs, you may be disappointed.

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options

An online degree from a fully accredited school is the same degree that on-campus students earn. That means it requires the same amount of college credits. Often, online students complete the same courses as other students.

Even if there are some changes to the degree requirements for students pursuing their degrees in an online format, students pursuing their degrees online still have to complete as many general education courses and intermediate through advanced major coursework as students studying on campus.

In some ways, online degrees can be more difficult than traditional campus-based programs. You have to be disciplined and self-motivated to make sure you get your work done without the structure of regular meetings in a physical classroom and face-to-face interactions with professors.

In particular, if your goal is to earn your degree faster, you will have to cover more of the curriculum in a shorter time or continue your studies over numerous terms with few breaks.

Accreditation Matters

One of the most important factors in choosing an online degree program is making sure you enroll in an accredited university or college. Accreditation means that the institution has been determined to meet a set of standards of academic quality established by an outside organization.

Ideally, you should focus your online college search on schools that have acquired regional accreditation. The regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are:

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

In addition to institutional accreditation, you may also need to look at programmatic accreditation. In certain fields of study, attending a program that hasn’t achieved accreditation from a programmatic accrediting body can have serious consequences. You may be unable to get the license required for the career you want.

The need for programmatic accreditation is most significant in careers that are licensed or otherwise highly regulated, such as careers in the healthcare field.

Who Can Benefit From Choosing Fast Online Degree Programs?

There are more accelerated online options than ever before. This means programs exist that can cater to or accommodate a more diverse student body. The fastest online degrees are a good choice for any student looking to get a degree quickly, including:

• First-time students
• Working professionals seeking career advancement in their lifelong career
• People who are re-tooling for a new career path (career changers)
• Former students who want to finish a degree they started years before

This isn’t an exhaustive list. Self-paced online degrees are a great option for anyone who needs flexibility or wants to benefit from the instruction of exceptional faculty members at a school that is too far away to reasonably commute to for in-person classes.

Each of the fast degree programs on our list is a great choice for someone who is eager to quickly gain the knowledge they need to qualify for popular jobs or increase their worth in the job market.

The Quickest Online Degree Programs

So many programs now offer the opportunity to earn fast online degrees on your own schedule.

How do we begin identifying the quickest degree to get online and the fastest degree programs online? 

Methodology

• Time Until Degree: the estimated time until a bachelors-level degree may be completed if students take advantage of all accelerating program components.
• Accreditation: All of the schools on our list of the … are regionally accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting organizations recognized by the CHEA.

The Fastest Online College Programs by Category

All of the programs below are fast. However, they provide the opportunity to obtain a degree quickly in different ways. Examples range from super-accelerated courses (the fastest) to programs that allow you to transfer tons of credit or shorten your degree based on work experience.

The online programs on our list of the quickest degrees to earn online fit into one (or more) of the following categories:

• Accelerated courses (generally, the fastest degree to get online)
• Fast degree programs online with shorter requirements overall 
• Personalized learning fast online degree programs
• The fastest online degree completion programs

Accelerated Courses

The fastest degree online programs offer a large variety of class start dates throughout the year. They may condense a full semester’s worth of study into a shorter duration. The course lengths available vary across schools, but examples include 5-, 6-, 10- or 12-week course lengths.

Short Total Program Length

Some programs offer a short expected time frame for degree completion thanks to generous transfer policies or alternative program structures.

Personalized Learning

Certain college programs may be completed at an extremely fast pace by leveraging credit for prior knowledge or experience. Students may be able to test out of classes, get credit for portfolios or use other personalized learning experiences to work toward their degrees.

Degree Completion or Bachelor/Masters Completion Programs

Some of the fastest online schools and programs offer an array of degree completion options. Schools also offer combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in an accelerated and bundled format.

Check out the 30 fastest online degree programs below.

1. Liberty University Online

Liberty University offers a wide range of fully online bachelor’s level degree programs.

Students can accelerate their progress toward a degree through paths to obtain credit by examination, for military training, for professional training and life experience, through MOOCs, and through the submission of a portfolio.

Students at Liberty University can pursue 60 online bachelor’s degree programs and, depending on the program, may choose from numerous minors and concentrations.

View program details.

2. American Intercontinental University

American Intercontinental University offers an accelerated online program that tests students’ prior knowledge for credit. Credit for prior knowledge can be applied to both general education and core courses.

Students who are able to apply the full amount of prior learning credit through transfer credits, standardized tests, challenge exams and professional experience portfolios can reduce the credit hours (and time) needed to earn a degree by 75%. It’s possible for these students to complete their degree in just 9 months.

View program details.

3. Regis University

Regis University’s Center for Professional Studies offers courses in accelerated 5- or 8-week terms. Classes start six times per year.

If you’re close enough to attend some courses on campus, Regis offers a number of accelerated delivery methods, including campus-based, online, or directed study.

Regis University currently offers accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs in the following areas:

• Business administration
• Accounting
• Computer science
• Communication
• Elementary education

Depending on which degree you choose, you may be able to transfer between 66 and 90 credits earned through prior college studies, slashing the requirements for graduation to as much as one-half or even one-quarter.

View program details.

4. Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College offers a number of accelerated undergraduate courses of study for adult learners.

Students at this school take courses in six- and eight-week terms. To make the maximum progress toward your degree, take as many as three classes at a time.

Adult learners can choose from 16 accelerated online bachelor’s degree programs in fields that range from accounting to humanities and even project management. The school also offers accelerated online certificate programs, associate degree programs and master’s degree programs.

View program details.

5. University of North Carolina Wilmington

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, accelerated online degrees include business, nursing and healthcare degrees, as well as the Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication degree.

All but two of the 18 accelerated online degree options are master’s-level degrees. The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a bachelor’s degree completion program that requires the RN credential and a minimum of 24 credits to transfer from prior college study.

Similarly, the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program is for registered respiratory therapists with an associate’s degree ant at least 24 credits to transfer.

For all of the accelerated online degrees at North Carolina University, students taking the maximum number of courses may complete the degree in as little as 12 months.

View program details.

6. Lamar University

Eight-week semesters and multiple start dates year-round allow students at Lamar University to move through their curriculum faster.

The school offers online degrees in fields like business, health science, nursing, education and criminal justice.

Aside from accelerating their progress by loading up on courses during each condensed semester, students may be able to apply Prior Experiential Learning Credit to their degree.

View program details.

7. Immaculata University

At Immaculata University, adult professional programs include more than a dozen online options at the associate’s and bachelor’s levels.

A generous transfer policy allows Immaculata University students to transfer as many as 72 credits obtained through prior college study.

It isn’t only formal higher education that can count toward your degree. Students can also get credit for prior learning, which includes training in the workplace, that can take the place of some college credits.

Between these ways of accruing credits and the condensed terms that allow students to finish more course per term, students may be able to finish a bachelor’s degree within two years.

View program details.

8. Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s Global Campus offers a wide variety of bachelor’s- and master’s-level degree programs online.

The accelerated bachelor’s degree programs at the Global Campus of Colorado State University are intended to be completed in as little as three years, saving students a full year of study – and tuition – over a traditional four-year bachelor’s program.

To graduate on this faster-than-normal timetable, Colorado State University students must take 15 to 16 credits of study during each fall and spring semester. Over two or ideally three summer sessions, they complete 6 to 9 credits of coursework, as well.

Year-round study is what allows students to graduate early even if they have no prior college coursework.

Current accelerated options for online students at Colorado State University include the following subjects:

• Business administration
• Communication studies
• Economics
• History
• Human development and family studies
• Interdisciplinary liberal arts
• International studies
• Journalism and media communication
• Languages, literatures and cultures
• Mathematics
• Natural resource tourism
• Political science
• Psychology

View program details.

9. Marquette University

Online learning options at Marquette University have grown considerably over the past few years. The school has added new online options at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The bachelor’s degree in business communication became Marquette University’s first fully online undergraduate degree program in 2019.

Degrees listed as accelerated by Marquette University are the school’s combined bachelor’s/master’s dual-degree programs. The school offers nearly 30 programs that award multiple degrees. In most cases, these accelerated programs are five-year programs that culminate in both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Not all of the accelerated options offered by Marquette University are available in fully online formats.

View program details.

10. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers Accelerated Adult Learning Programs online, as well as through campus-based and hybrid formats.

Online courses at this school may be synchronous or asynchronous, so prospective students should pay close attention to the sort of online course for which they’re signing up.

The accelerated degree programs for adult learners at the University of Indianapolis include bachelor’s degrees in the following areas:

• Business administration
• Early childhood education
• Liberal studies
• Organizational leadership
• Public health education and promotion

Most of these programs are hybrid programs rather than full-online courses of study. However, the University of Indianapolis does offer the following eight 100% online degrees in the fields of education and health sciences:

• Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction (STEM concentration available)
• Master of Arts in Special Education Leadership and Practice
• STEM certificate
• Technology certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Science in Aging Studies
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Master of Public Health

View program details.

11. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University, which since 2017 encompasses what was formerly Philadelphia University, offers seven accelerated bachelor’s degree programs:

• Behavioral & Health Services
• Business Management
• Health Sciences
• Health Services Management
• Health Studies
• Human Resource Management
• Information Technology

Students complete their coursework through a series of eight-week terms.

Thomas Jefferson University also offers a Bachelor of Science Degree Completion program in 10 areas:

• Building & Construction Studies
• Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Technology
• Leadership in Emergency Services
• Organizational Leadership
• Health Studies
• Behavioral & Health Services
• Health Sciences
• Health Services Management

Undergraduate students can transfer up to 87 credits toward their bachelor’s degree, making Thomas Jefferson University a very transfer-friendly school.

View program details.

12. Park University

The accelerated eight-week courses at Park University facilitate faster program completion.

The school offers online degrees in more than 70 fields of study. The variety of programs available to online students at Park University includes undergraduate minors, certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees.

View program details.

13. Notre Dame College

Notre Dame College offers a variety of online program offerings at the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Business, education, criminal justice, psychology, social work and nursing are some of the areas in which online learners can pursue degrees or certificates at Notre Dame College.

A generous transfer policy means that students can generally transfer up to three-quarters of the credits required for a bachelor’s degree, as long as those credits were completed within the past 10 years. It’s possible for students to transfer the maximum number of prior college credits to graduate within 1 year.

View program details.

14. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers numerous online programs at the certificate and bachelor’s levels. However, the most accelerated options at the institution are the school’s 10 fully online bachelor’s completion programs:

•  Advanced Manufacturing systems
• Analytics
• Digital Communication and Media
• Finance and Accounting Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Information Technology
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Management
• Project Management
• Psychology

Through an extensive Prior Learning Assessment program, Northeastern University helps students get maximum credit toward their degree for professional certifications and experience. The school’s transfer policy permits up to 50% of the credits required for a bachelor’s degree (60 credits total) to be transferred from prior study at other institutions.

Students completing a bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University may be able to earn their degree in as little as 18 months. To do so, they would need to transfer the maximum amount of credits and complete an intensive workload year-round. The PlosOne accelerated master’s degree programs may also be of interest.

View program details.

15. Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University of Chicago offers five bachelor’s-level degree completion programs:

• Health Care Management (BA)
• Human Resource Management (BS)
• Kinesiology (BS)
• Organizational Management (BA)
• Sports Management (BA)

Transferring as many as 67 credits allows ambitious students to finish their bachelor’s degree in as little as 16 months.

View program details.

16. Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH, the eight-week accelerated terms that begin six times per year are a large part of what makes it possible to earn accelerated online degrees.

For example, if you decided to pursue a bachelor’s in accounting degree from SNHU online and doubled up on the number of college classes you took each term, you would be able to graduate almost a year early. The accelerated bachelor’s degrees, of which SNHU offers six in subjects like communication, finance, marketing, nursing and sport management, are among the most popular degrees.

Additionally, SNHU is a great place for online students who are interested in master’s degree programs. The school’s policies allow undergraduate students to take some graduate-level coursework that applies to their bachelor degree. Then, if they choose to enroll in graduate school at SNHU, the individual student can also apply those graduate-level college credits to the school’s master’s programs.

View program details.

17. Elmhurst College

Elmhurst College offers both in-person night classes as well as accelerated online courses for adult learners.

Students may complete accelerated bachelors-level degrees in as little as one year. TheOnline Accelerated BSN (ABSN) can be completed in just 16 months. So can the Elmhurst Management Program, a business administration degree completion program.

View program details.

18. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University offers several online bachelor’s degree programs. Students with 90 or more credits of prior college study qualify for the Accelerated Professional Studies degree program.

Under this program, students need just 30 credits of study at Arkansas Tech University to complete their Bachelor of Professional Studies Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Students interested in graduate study should also consider Arkansas Tech University. The school offers 20 Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree programs in areas like the following:

• History
• Journalism
• English
• Teaching/education
• Creative writing
• Foreign languages (world languages and Spanish)
• Health and exercise science
• Kinesiology
• Strength and conditioning studies
• Accounting
• Business administration
• Finance
• Business data analytics
• Business management
• Emergency management/homeland security
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Computer engineering

View program details.

19. Limestone University

Limestone University offers accelerated evening and online bachelors-level offerings. Students complete each course in eight-week increments.

The maximum number of courses a student can take at once is two. By doing so, full-time students can take up to 36 credit hours per year. That’s roughly one-and-a-half times the pace of traditional college programs.

Other factors that help to expedite the time to degree for online students at Limestone University include:

• Generous transfer policies
• Acceptance of AP credit
• Acceptance of credit through CLEP (the College Level Examination Program)

View program details.

20. Western Governors University

Two core features of the online degree programs at Western Governors University help students massively accelerate their progress toward a degree.

A competency-based education means that students with previous experience may test out of subjects. The more assessments you can pass, the closer you are to obtaining your degree.

Western Governors University charges a flat rate subscription fee regardless of the number of credit hours completed. This pricing structure allows highly motivated students to save money. They can take as many credit hours during a single term as desired, with no financial penalties for progressing toward their degree at breakneck speed.

View program details.

21. Fisher College

Fisher College offers a number of bachelors-level degree programs fully online and on an accelerated schedule. New accelerated course start dates begin six times yearly. Each course lasts eight weeks.

Fisher College currently offers more than a dozen distinct bachelors-level degrees online. The school embraces alternative degree pathways, such as prior learning assessment (PLA) programs.

View program details.

22. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers a variety of accelerated offerings at associates through doctoral levels of study.

Courses of study are tailored to working adults. With six term start dates spread throughout the year, ambitious students can take numerous courses in a single academic year.

The school currently offers 28 bachelor’s-level online programs of study.

View program details.

23. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is an Evangelical Christian school that offers a number of 100% online bachelor’s degree options. These degrees are tailored to working adults.

Many online programs have five start dates yearly. These frequent start dates allow adult learners to take courses in an accelerated fashion or as they fit into their busy lives.

Students with some college coursework under their belts can use the generous transfer policy to continue their progress toward a degree.

Indiana Wesleyan University now offers more than 160 online degrees, including dozens of online bachelor’s degree programs.

View program details.

24. University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin system offers a flexible competency-based program that allows students to complete a variety of bachelors-level degrees in a fraction of the time of a traditional degree.

Experience from prior courses, real-world professional work and military experience are all accepted if you can prove your competency. Current Flex program degrees available through the University of Wisconsin include:

• Associate of Arts and Sciences
• Bachelor’s in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
• Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences – Diagnostic Imaging
• Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences – Health Sciences
• Bachelor’s in Information Science and Technology
• Bachelor’s in Business Administration

The school also offers flex certificate programs in project management, health care informatics and substance use disorders counseling. Additionally, the University of Wisconsin – Madison offers 40 accelerated programs outside of the Flex programs, although some of these programs are campus-based.

View program details.

25. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an accelerated schedule. Accelerated, fast-paced courses make it possible for students to work through individual courses faster than traditional sixteen-week semesters.

Students can accrue a large amount of credit for past experience. Prior learning, portfolio assessment, credit by examination and military service are all among the non-traditional ways students can earn credit toward their online degree.

Some of the areas in which Florida State College at Jacksonville offers accelerated learning options include:

• Communication
• Design
• Business
• Finance
• Construction trades
• Manufacturing
• Culinary arts
• Hospitality
• Education
• Human services
• Health care
• Public service
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Transportation
• Logistics

View program details.

26. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College offers an accelerated environment for students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in a variety of fields that are in high demand.

The school kicks off a new semester five times per year. Course durations range from 5-week super-accelerated courses to traditional 15-week courses.

Procedures through which students may accelerate their degree include a generous transfer policy, CLEP tests, military training, corporate and agency training, the Connecticut Credit Assessment program, and portfolio assessment.

Charter Oak State College offers accelerated online programs in areas like business, health care, public safety and information systems.

View program details.

27. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and bridge programs for busy adults.

Saint Louis University currently offers more than 50 fully online programs of study. These programs include undergraduate minors, certificate programs, bachelor’s degree programs, master’s degree programs and even a few doctorates.

The online degree programs available at Saint Louis University include courses of study in the following areas:

• Analytics
• Aviation
• Biosecurity and disaster preparedness
• Blockchain, cryptocurrency and financial technology
• Brewing science and operations
• Cannabis science and operations
• Computer information systems
• Cybersecurity
• Emergency management/homeland security
• Evidence-based decision-making
• General studies
• Health administration
• Information systems
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Medical cannabis science and therapeutic management
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Organizational development
• Professional studies
• Project Management
• Security and Strategic Intelligence
• Technology and leadership

Not all of these online degree programs are accelerated, but some are. Many of the accelerated online degrees at Saint Louis University are bachelor’s-to-master’s programs. Accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s online program options include analytics, cybersecurity, information systems, leadership and organizational development and project management. Through these bridge programs, students take master’s level classes while they are still undergraduates. 

View program details.

28. Mercy College

Mercy College, with its main campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, awards online degrees through more than 50 programs.

In particular, the school is known for its accelerated online nursing programs. These second-degree programs are for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but want to become qualified as a registered nurse. Through the accelerated program, students can prepare to become nurses in just 18 months.

The school also offers an accelerated online degree in organizational management. It’s possible for students to complete this business-related degree in as little as 12 months.

View program details.

29. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers hundreds of online bachelor’s degree programs. The school’s four-credit, one-course-at-a-time process allows students to efficiently make their way through the courses required to graduate.

Two accelerated online degree programs also provide opportunities for driven students: a 3+1 and a 4+1 year program. The 3+1 program allows students to finish both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree through four years of intensive year-round study. Students in the 4+1 program obtain a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years, because they take summer off.

View program details.

30. California Baptist University

At California Baptist University, students can pursue degree completion and accelerated online programs through the Online and Professional Studies departments.

The coursework in California Baptist University Online’s fastest degree completion programs is designed specifically to meet the needs of working adults. The degree programs are a great option for students who need flexible schedules. Transfer students are welcome here, with a generous transfer policy under which students can bring with them up to 100 semester units of prior college study.

Students at California Baptist Univesity can choose from more than 40 total bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs that can be completed online.

Each semester consists of two different, eight-week sessions. During each session, students can choose their courses and finish a class in a short amount of time.

By taking full advantage of the program’s flexibility to take 12 or more units per semester, online learners can work their way through their degree requirements quickly. This makes California Baptist University one of the fastest degree completion programs out there. Many students finish their degrees within a period of 12 months to 16 months.

View program details.

Our Fast Degree Series

– Fastest Overall Programs
– Fastest Online Associates Degrees
– Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degrees
– Fastest Online Master’s Degrees
– Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post 30 Quickest Online Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists or SLPs are trained professionals adept at dealing with problems of communication and swallowing, including sound articulation, social communication, and fluency. They treat both children and adults in a variety of settings. The following are common career opportunities for speech-language pathologists:

Education

The majority of jobs for speech-language pathologists fall under the realm of education.

Schools

Working in a school setting is the predominant career for SLPs, with 52 percent working with children in early intervention, preschool, and grades K-12. Their duties are highly varied:

• In public school settings, SLPs are part of the treatment team for children who are identified—or may be identified—as special needs. Children who have been recognized as special needs receive an Independent Education Program (IEP) to address their specific learning requirements. An SLP has a hand in creating the IEP as well as implementing the recommended treatment intervention. It should be noted that children in private schools that do not employ speech pathologists may receive SLP services from a public school in their area if they qualify.
• SLPs can conduct diagnostic evaluations to discover the exact nature of language and communication problems. This is usually done as a way to ascertain the need for an IEP or specialized services.
• SLPs will work with children individually or in small groups on various communication issues such as:
  • Helping children with autism communicate in socially acceptable ways.
  • Managing communication disorders, such as dyslexia and stuttering.
  • Improve vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
  • Increasing phonological skills, such as basic reading and decoding.
• SLPs train teachers and parents in ways to help students with academic, communication, and social skills in an educational environment.
• Besides writing evaluations, there is a fair amount of documentation required for children receiving special education services for which an SLP may be responsible.

Colleges

Only a small portion of SLPs are in careers in higher education. In a college setting, they may conduct research, teach, or perform clinical supervision. They can also provide direct clinical work in a university clinic or associated health care facility, such as a university hospital.

Hospitals

Speaking of hospitals, many SLPs work in a hospital setting. People in hospitals may have speech and language issues as a result of a medical problem, such as a brain tumor, or due to an injury, such as a car accident. The major role of an SLP is to provide an assessment of the issue and to create a treatment plan for follow-up care. An acute care setting does not allow for much direct clinical work, but it can assist in setting up care in a longer-term setting. Some hospitals possess outpatient services, however, that allows SLPs to provide direct care.

Residential Facilities

Residential settings, such as assisted living for senior citizens or a skilled nursing facility offer the opportunity for SLPs to do longer-term clinical work. For example, someone who suffered a stroke may go to a rehabilitation center to work on recovering their speech abilities. Or, an older adult experiencing dementia may need to work on retaining their communication skills. SLPs are much in demand to work at residential facilities where their work is highly valued.

Outpatient Work

There are plenty of agencies and clinics that need speech-language pathologists. For example, a speech and hearing clinic will employ SPLs to do clinical work on an outpatient basis. Or a home health agency might hire an SLP to provide direct care to people in their homes. Further, an SLP might work in an early intervention program providing services to at-risk youth.

Corporate Work

You may not think about the need for speech and language services in the business world but they can be quite valuable to corporate success. The focus of SLPs in this area is less on pathology and more on helping train employees for optimal business interactions. An SLP, for instance, may educate individuals on presentation and interviewing skills. In addition, they may help employees focus on aspects of communication valued by the corporate world, such as fluency and social communication. Further, an SLP might help businesses work with employees or clients with speech and language disabilities. Although an SLP might be hired to work as a company employee, it is more likely they would work with a company as an outside consultant.

Social Work

Abused and neglected youth (and adults) may have the development of their speech and language abilities delayed. An SLP may be asked to diagnose and treat an individual who never had the opportunity to have their problem identified or help someone recover their potential stunted by abuse. An SLP often works closely with a social worker who is the case manager for a family or individual and may have referred them for services.

Interdisciplinary Office Work

Speech-language pathologists often work with other colleagues as part of an interdisciplinary team. For professions that frequently work together, it is not unusual to share office space. SLPs may work in an office with audiologists and occupational therapists because they often find the need to work together. For example, occupational therapists help people develop, maintain, and recover daily living skills. Communication and language skills are critical to daily living and the work of SLPs complement the overall goals of occupational therapy.

Government Work

Government-funded agencies often employ SPLs to work in an administrative or clinical capacity. For example, they may be contracted to work for a public health agency providing services as a consultant or performing direct care. Further, they may provide services for active military and veterans, such as working for Veterans Affairs (VA).

Private Practice

Quite often, an SLP will choose to start their own private practice. As their own employer, they can consult to schools, outside agencies, or corporations as well as provide direct clinical care in their office. Private practice affords SLPs flexibility they are unlikely to get in other jobs. It is a popular choice for people that have some experience and have built up contacts and a positive reputation within the field. Although you may start as a solo practice, there is also room for growth (if you wish) by adding other practitioners. The downside of private practice is having to manage the administrative tasks that are otherwise completed by others when working as part of an organization.

A career as a speech-language pathologist opens up a world of options. While most end up working in education, there are jobs in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings one can obtain. With great flexibility, you can choose a career within the field of speech-language pathology that will best fit your goals and desired lifestyle.

MS Broudy

December 2019

More Articles of Interest:

• How Much Money Does A Speech Pathologist Make?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Speech Therapist?
• What Master’s Degree Should a Speech Therapist Have?
• What Are Some Issues a Speech Therapist Might Help Someone With?
• What are Important Characteristics for a Person to Have to Become a Speech Therapist?

The post What Are Some Possible Career Options For A Speech-Language Pathologist? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

To this we say, “bravo!” And also congratulations. There are more master’s-level degree programs than ever before. There’s also more of a range of what is required of master’s degree candidates. Some programs are intensive and in-person, others are available online or with only occasional campus visits. Many master’s degrees are built for students with busy work or home lives. This means that the time has never been better for pursuing a master’s degree, almost no matter the subject you would like to pursue.

Below we’ll work through a variety of statistics related to what a master’s degree can do for you, as well as work through some differences between master’s degree programs. If you aren’t sure if a Master’s is right for you, or aren’t sure what discipline you would like to pursue a master’s in, be sure to look at some of our comparative master’s content below:

• Easiest Online Master’s Degrees
• Fastest Online Master’s Degrees
• Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees
• Best Online Master’s Degrees

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree?

The facts speak for their self when examining master’s degrees. In short form, master’s degrees…

• Make you more employable
• Often lead to leadership positions
• Are some of the most cost effective degrees for return on investment
• Allow you to continue your study at the doctoral level
• Lead to dramatic average salary increases compared to lower degree levels.
• Are some of the most “adult friendly” degree types, often offering flexible delivery and support services.

Let’s examine some of these master’s facts in a little more detail.

First, “master’s degrees make you more employable.” A minority of Americans hold any higher education degree. But for the minority that do, employment prospects are much better. This rule extends through the most senior levels of education.

Below are unemployment rates by degree level.

• High School Diploma: 5.4%
• Associates Degrees: 3.8%
• Bachelor’s Degrees: 2.8%
• Master’s Degrees: 2.4%
• Doctoral Degrees: 1.7%
• Professional Degrees: 1.5%

Secondly, “master’s degrees often lead to leadership positions.” In fact, many leadership positions in a wide range of organizations prefer or require master’s degrees. Master’s of business administration (MBAs) are common requirements for management positions. Master’s degrees or above are often required for school administrators or teachers in leadership positions. Master’s degrees are the minimum degree needed for counseling, social work, religious positions, and many more.

The third note in favor of master’s degrees is that they’re some of the most cost-effective degrees out there. While tuition for master’s degrees is generally higher than that of associates or bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees typically just require 1-2 years for completion. On top of that, many master’s degrees are built for adult, working students. This means that you don’t have to leave your source of income while you pursue a master’s. Also, quick time-until-degree means you’re spending less on living expenses or splitting your time between work and school than longer degrees.

For those that really want to approach expert status in their fields, master’s are the next logical step after a bachelor’s degree. Many doctoral programs that admit students directly after undergraduate study include a master’s degree “on the way” to a doctorate. For other programs, master’s are expected to gain entry to doctoral or terminal degrees. Plus, in some fields master’s degrees are the terminal degree in the field.

If all of that wasn’t enough, you should consider the earnings of master’s-degree holders. While this will obviously vary depending on the field you’re pursuing a master’s in, master’s degrees earn substantially more in their lifetime than associates or bachelor’s degree holders. The average salary for someone with a master’s degree is $69,732. Compare this to $41,496 for an associates degree or $59,124 for a bachelor’s degree and you’ve got a difference between $10,000-$30,000, per year! That means that master’s degrees often “pay for themselves” after just a few year. This of course depends on how much your program costs. But regardless, master’s degrees pay.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree?

As you may have expected, this question can’t be answered in short form. The answer really depends on what you’re studying. A quick montage may include working as a nursing educator, working as a manager at a corporation, working as a lead engineer, or as a therapist.

For many highly skilled jobs, master’s degrees are the entry point to leadership roles, or the career generally. In the case of some states, teachers have to hold a master’s degree. Licensing requirements for accountants, nurses, and specialty nursing positions also often require master’s degrees.

As the answer to this question really depends on the field in question, we’re going to work through some of the most common fields in which people seek master’s degrees below.

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Business?

By far the most common master’s-level degree in business is the master’s of business administration (MBA) degree. If you’d like to look at our in-depth guide to MBA degrees, make sure to check out our guide to what you can do with an MBA degree here.

While you don’t need an MBA to start working in a business role, a large number of managerial positions do prefer candidates with MBAs. MBA programs allow for a great deal of specialization, with some students pursuing MBAs in finance, while others specialize in marketing. This means that MBAs can be a great fit for someone that wants to manage in a number of disciplines.

Additionally, MBAs are great degrees to have if you would like to start you own business. Those looking to invest in new enterprises will want to see that you know what you’re doing. MBAs prepare students to read and prepare financial statements, come up with business plans, locate opportunities through analysis and research, market products, and manage employees. If you’re looking for one degree that can help to prepare you for starting your own business, an MBA is that.

Secondarily, there are master’s degrees available in nearly every subspecialty within business. Some other common master’s-level degrees related to business include the following:

• Master’s in Marketing
• Master’s in Accounting
• Master’s in Finance
• Master’s in Human Resources Management

Generally, masters-level business degrees focus on one or two tracks: a technical skillset, or management of colleagues with a technical skillset. Where a master’s in business administration with a focus on marketing will acquaint a student with marketing principles enough to manage marketers, a master’s in marketing provides more technical skills to perform marketing tasks. Similarly with an MBA focused on accounting versus an accounting master’s. A master’s in accounting will help to prepare one for a certified public accountant exam, an MBA in accounting will help one to have a good enough understanding of management and accounting to manage accountants.

One final note about master’s degree in business is that many corporate employers will help to pay for their employees to increase their skills. More so than in other disciplines, master’s degrees in business are often paid for by employers with the understanding that the employee will remain in their current place of work after finishing their degree to apply their newfound skills. In short, master’s in business degrees can be used to get ahead in your current workplace, and sometimes on your employer’s dime.

Think you would like to pursue a degree in business? Make sure to check out our guide to business degrees here. Additionally, check out our business degree rankings below:

• The 15 best-paying business careers
• The Best Master’s in Finance Degree Programs

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Education?

Master’s degrees in education are one of the most common master’s degree types. They may be obtained for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to):

• Obtaining licensure to teach in a given area
• Obtaining a pay raise in an education setting
• Providing a stepping stone for pursuing a more advanced degree
• Helping educators to reach leadership positions

Master’s in education are most commonly pursued for one of two reasons: (1) a teaching candidate does not hold a teaching license, and elects to gain one through a master’s program, or (2) the program candidate is already a licensed teacher and wishes to gain experience and likely a pay raise in their current position.

Some of the most common master’s degree in education include the following:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Higher Education
• Educational Leadership
• Adult Education

Curriculum and Instruction master’s are potentially the most common education master’s. These programs allow future or current teachers to focus on a cluster of curriculum, often primary or secondary education, or a specific subject. These degrees can lead to teachers becoming instructional coordinators, or if nothing else boosting their pay and expertise.

Early childhood education master’s degrees can lead to a variety of positions in which expertise of early childhood is preferred. In traditional education settings, those with a master’s may become lead teachers or hold other leadership positions. Many organizations are centered on the well-being of children, and thus those with early childhood education master’s may find roles in non-profits as well as in grant writing.

Master’s higher education degrees are often pursued by those that already hold a doctorate and are working in a professorial position, or others that work in university or college settings and are trying to expand their opportunities. Positions including student affairs administrator, financial aid coordinator, administrator of a department, and so forth.

Educational leadership is a particularly versatile master’s degree. Apart from reaching leadership teacher roles, educators with a master’s in educational leadership may also head up a department, become an assistant principal, work in a school district, or –with further certification– become a principal.

Adult education master’s recipients work in a variety of settings. Adult education occurs at trade schools, in community colleges, some universities, in tutoring settings, and in corporations. This makes adult education master’s one of the most versatile master’s in education degree types. This is particularly the case if you may not want to work in a traditional K-12 setting.

Think you would like to pursue a degree in education? Make sure to check out our guide to education degrees here. Additionally, make sure to check out our rankings of the best education degree programs below:

• Top 15 Graduate Degree Programs for Teaching

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Nursing?

Nursing degrees have some of the best return on investment and job security of any degrees. This is true of nursing degrees at almost any level, from the associates through doctoral degrees. And is particularly true of nurses with master’s degrees.

Master of Science in Nursing degrees can lead to a number of careers that can make over $100,000 a year. The most common specializations that students pursue at the master’s of science in nursing level include the following:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  While those wishing to practice clinical psychology one-on-one with patients must hold doctoral degrees in the field, many counseling psychologists begin practicing with a masters. There are a variety of job titles and settings in which counseling psychologists practice. A few are listed below:
  • Marriage Counselor
  • Career Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • School Counselor
  • Grief Counselor
  • Life Coach
  • Among Others

  Additionally, master’s degrees in psychology are a common stepping stone towards pursuing the two major types of doctoral degrees in psychology: a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree, or a doctor of philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.).

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in psychology? Make sure to check out our guide to psychology degrees here.

  What Can I Do With a Master’s in Computer Science?
  
  While the most common entry-level degree for those working in computer science fields is a bachelor’s degree, master’s in computer science help students to specialize and attain leadership roles.

  Earnings are strong in computer science fields, particularly in more specialized areas. At the master’s level, common specializations in computer science include the following:

  • Information Assurance
  • Mobile and Web-Based Computing
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Software
  • Hardware
  • Information Management
  • Data Analytics
  • And Artificial Intelligence

  While opportunity and earnings can be strong in any of the above fields, some of the most in-demand include information assurance as well as data analytics and artificial intelligence. While earnings vary by location and experience, the highest paid computer scientists in these fields can at times bring home more than $300,000 a year in salaries.

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in computer science? Make sure to check out our guide to computer science degrees here.

  Also, make sure to check out our masters-related rankings on computer science below:

  • The Best Online Master’s in Cyber Security
  • The Highest-Paying Jobs in Computer Science

  What Does a Master’s Degree Involve?

  
  Above we looked at some of the most common employment opportunities that come from master’s degrees in a range of fields. But before you jump into looking for a degree program, you probably want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. The answer to what a master’s degree entails obviously depends on the program of choice, but generally accrediting bodies and professional organizations make sure that degrees of a certain type follow some guidelines. Below we’ll look at what is required of different master’s degrees.

  What Does a Master’s in Business Involve?

  As we’ve mentioned above, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is the most common business degree at the master’s level. MBAs typically require 2 years for completion for full-time students.

  There are three major types of MBA programs: traditional, professional, and executive. These “types” of MBAs reflect how much experience those in the program have accrued. Traditional MBA programs are generally open to those in their early career or directly out of undergraduate studies. Traditional MBAs typically require the most courses and are the most intensive of the MBA types.

  Professional MBAs are generally open to students that have 3-5 years of business work experience that isn’t at the managerial level. As students have some experience, these degree types often require slightly fewer courses than traditional MBAs. A good number of these programs are also available with courses at night, on the weekends, or online, as it is assumed that most students are working.

  Finally, executive MBAs assume that students are coming into the program with at least 5 years of managerial experience. Many executive MBA candidates have their course of study paid by their provider. And due to the rigorous work schedules of candidates in the program, many programs meet online or on the weekends.

  Regardless of your choice of MBA type, most MBA programs offer a range of specializations. While all MBAs generally cover a wide range of business topics in a general curriculum, specializations are commonly available in the following areas.

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Sustainability
  • Leadership
  • And Others

  Interested in learning more about what a business degree entails? Check out our other business master’s degree FAQs below:

  • How Long Does It Take To Get An MBA?
  • How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Degree?
  • Is there any math required for an MBA?
  • What is the difference between the CFA Cert and a Masters in Finance?
  • What is the salary potential for an MBA?
  • What is the difference between a MBA and supply chain management degree?
  • What is the difference between a MBA and an organizational leadership MBA?
  • What is the difference between a certification and master’s in human resources?
  • What is the difference between an MBA and a master’s in accounting?
  • How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?
  • What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?
  • How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in business? Make sure to check out our guide to business degrees here.
  What Does a Master’s in Education Involve?
  Master’s in education were one of the first graduate degree program types to be built around the busy working schedules of potential students (current teachers). To this end, many master’s in education programs meet in-person in the summers, or are entirely online.

  While there are many popular master’s-level degrees in education, one should be aware that most teachers are required to pursue some graduate courseswork. A fact little known to those outside of education (or hoping to get involved) is that a bachelor’s in education degree is technically a graduate level professional degree. While not a full master’s, bachelor’s in education degrees routinely require some graduate-level coursework.

  Additionally, educational specialist degrees are a unique form of professional degree that straddles master’s and doctoral candidate coursework. For those looking to specialize slightly past a master’s degree (yet not to the extent of a doctorate, educational specialist degrees are available in most subject areas that are also available at the master’s level. Educational specialist degrees are terminal. Meaning they are the highest degree in a subject area one can pursue.

  Master’s in education typically require 1-3 years of study for completion. Some programs are built for students that still need to obtain a teacher’s license and require additional courses, while others are for teachers that are already licensed.

  Common master’s degrees in education include the following:

  • Masters in Mathematics Education
  • Masters in Music Education
  • Masters in Early Childhood Education
  • Masters in Early Childhood Special Education
  • Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Masters in Educational Technology
  • Masters in English Education
  • Masters in Environmental Science Education
  • Masters in Elementary Education
  • Masters in Reading and Literacy
  • Masters in Special Education
  • Masters in ESL, TESOL and ESOL
  • Masters in Science Education
  • Masters in Secondary Education
  • Masters in Social Studies Education
  • Masters in Educational Administration
  • Masters in Higher Education
  • Masters in Adult Education

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in education? Make sure to check out our guide to education degrees here.

  Additionally, we’ve compiled a wide range of education degree FAQs around the site and with some of the most popular gathered below:

  • How Do I Prepare for a Mathematics Education Degree While in High School?
  • What Is a Master of Education Degree?
  • What Is the Difference Between a Mathematics Degree and a Mathematics Education Degree?

  What Does a Master’s in Nursing Involve?
  Master of Science in Nursing degrees typically require 2 years of full-time study. Though some programs may offer generous transfer options or accelerated courses that can lower the time required to gain a degree.

  For entry into Master of Science in Nursing degree programs, students are typically required to hold a bachelor of science in nursing as well as a registered nursing license. Due to the large shortage of skilled nursing staff, however, there are a variety of academic paths that blend together lower degree levels with a master of science in nursing. These include the following:

  • RN to MSN Programs
  • BSN to MSN Programs
  • ADN to MSN Programs
  • ASN to MSN Programs

  Coursework in a master of science in nursing degree begins with a set of core courses that remain the same regardless of your specialty in the MSN program. Courses may include the following:

  • Foundations of Nursing Care
  • Pathophysiology
  • Health Assessment
  • Integrated Clinical Management
  • Pharmacology
  • Biostatistics
  • Health Promotion
  • Geriatric Care
  • Public Health
  • Child Health
  • Health Care Ethics
  • And a practicum

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in nursing? Make sure to check out our guide to nursing degrees here.

  Also, check out some of our nursing degree FAQs listed below!

  • What Is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse?
  • What Is the Benefit of a BSN Degree Vs an ADN Degree?
  • What Is the Benefit of an MSN Degree Vs a BSN Degree?
  • What Degree Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Need?
  • What Is the Benefit of a Nursing Degree Vs a Physician Assistant Degree?
  • What Is the Benefit of a Nursing Degree Vs a Medical Degree?
  • What Is the Benefit of a Nursing Degree Vs a Sonography Degree?
  • What Is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Nursing Assistant?
  • What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Nursing?

  What Does a Master’s in Psychology Involve?

  Master’s in psychology allow students to start to specialize. Several master’s in psychology tracks can lead to employment right away as a psychologist, while clinical psychology generally also requires a doctorate.

  Some of the most common types of master’s in psychology program include:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology

  Psychology master’s that can lead straight to counseling and psychology employment generally require a practicum or supervised experience element. These master’s degrees include forensic psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, counseling psychology, and child psychology.

  Depending on your focus area, psychology master’s can be interedisciplinary. Industrial/organizational psychology may include courses in business or management. Forensic psychology may include courses in criminal justice or law. While child psychology may include education courses.

  Whatever your choice, master’s in psychology generally take 2-3 years for completion and have some in-person element for most applied programs.

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in psychology? Make sure to check out our guide to psychology degrees here.

  A range of our degree and career FAQs on psychology may also be found below:

  • The Hidden Benefits of a Degree in Psychology
  • What can I do with a psychology degree?
  • What Degree Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?
  • What Are the Most Popular Undergraduate Degree Programs?
  • What Are the Different Kinds of Psychology Degrees?
  • How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?
  • What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist?
  • What can I do with a degree in Recreational Therapy?

  What Does a Master’s in Computer Science Involve?

  Master’s in computer science curricula vary widely based on what your focus area is as well as the expertise of those teaching the program. Typically coursework requires 2-3 years for completion. Around 30 credit hours is typical of the number of courses required.

  While there are a wide range of specializations you can endeavor upon in a master’s in computer science degree, most degrees have courses in the following that make up some sort of general education curriculum:

  • Computer architecture
  • Algorithms
  • Operating system design
  • Programming language
  • Networking
  • Software engineering

  Think you would like to pursue a degree in computer science? Make sure to check out our guide to computer science degrees here.

  Want to find out more about computer science-related degree programs? Check out our FAQs below:

  • What are some of the Degree Choices to be a Cyber Threat Analyst?
  • Where can I work with a Degree in Ethical Hacking?
  • What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Actuarial Science?
  • Are There Any Computer Classes Required for a Degree in Math?
  • Are There Any Science Classes Required for a Degree in Math?
  • How advanced a Degree do I need to work in Cryptography?

For Further Reading:

• Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
• What Salary Can You Expect With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
• What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?
• What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?
• What Masters in Social Work Salary Can I Expect After I Earn My Degree?

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

Education Options for School Psychology Careers

Most psychologist jobs require a doctoral degree, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. In the field of school psychology, your options aren’t limited to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). There’s another doctoral degree option you could consider, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, along with options at the master’s and specialist levels.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) differentiates between traditional graduate-level master’s degree programs in school psychology, which often require around 36 credit hours of graduate study, and 60-credit specialist-level master’s degree programs. These shorter master’s degree programs don’t meet NASP standards for approval and accreditation and may not include an internship. They also may not qualify you for many jobs, because most states require a minimum of 60 credits plus a lengthy internship. On the other hand, specialist-level programs in this area of study, including 60-credit Master of Arts, Master of Science, Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and graduate certificate programs, meet accreditation standards and offer full job prospects. You can complete specialist-level programs in as little as three years, compared to five to six years of study, the NASP reported.

RELATED: What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Psychologist?

How do most school psychologists choose to meet their education requirements? Although Psy.D., Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs exist, most school psychologists don’t choose this route. Instead, 48 percent of them earn some level of master’s degree, 32 percent complete a post-master’s certificate and 19 percent choose a professional degree like the Ed.S.

NASP-approved school psychology programs must include a year-long internship in a school setting that culminates in at least 1,200 to 1,500 hours of fieldwork.

High Income Potential

Although it’s common to think of school psychologist roles as adjacent to occupations like school counselor and school social worker, psychologists earn considerably higher wages than these other help-focused careers. Across all occupations, the BLS reported a median salary of just $38,640. Social workers and counselors typically earn somewhat more. The median annual wage for child, family and school social workers is $46,270, while for school counselors, it’s $56,310. The wages for clinical, counseling and school psychologists are much higher, at a median salary of $76,990, the BLS reported.

School counselors need a master’s degree, so choosing the school psychology route often takes just one year of additional study and can offer a lifetime of better pay rates.

Faster Than Average Job Growth

The field of psychology is growing at twice the average rate of job growth. Compared to the seven percent increase in opportunities expected across all occupations, jobs for psychologists should grow by 14 percent, or 23,000 new jobs, the BLS reported. The job outlook is particularly strong in the areas of clinical, counseling, and school psychology, in which 21,000 of these new jobs are expected to emerge. Considering that 27 percent of all psychologists in any field or specialty are employed by public and private elementary schools, it’s no surprise that, even in the face of budget cutbacks, this field of psychology should reap the benefits of job growth.

Public school environments account for 81 percent of school psychologist jobs, but they can also work in private schools, universities, community agencies, clinics and hospitals, according to NASP.

Working With Young People

What draws many school psychologists into the field is their calling to work with children. Childhood and adolescence are crucial times in the human lifespan, and whether or not children get support to deal with any mental, emotional, learning or developmental difficulties that present themselves can have a profound impact on their future. There’s something particularly fulfilling about knowing that your efforts are helping children and teenagers succeed academically, function better socially and become healthier, happier and better adjusted. As a school psychologist, the work you do every day helps future generations overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

U.S. News & World Report lists school psychologist second among its ranking of the best social services jobs.

Additional Resources

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Psychologist?

How Long Does It Take to Become a School Psychologist?

What Classes Will I Take for a Degree in School Psychology?

The Hidden Benefits of a Degree in Psychology

What Is the Difference Between a School Counseling Degree and a School Psychology Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

The post What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in School Psychology? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

This is not an uncommon situation. Many students stay on track through high school graduation and their years in extra schooling. Yet when they graduate, they have a degree in hand, student loans looming, and zero idea what to do next. To avoid landing in a similar situation, it is important to understand what type of gerontology education choices are available, what you can do with a gerontology degree, and what the gerontology job outlook is.

Educational Options for a Gerontology Career

Perhaps one of the most beautiful things about a career in healthcare, and more specifically, a gerontology career in healthcare, is the vast array of educational options available for achieving goals. For the student interested in careers in aging, there are certification tracks, associate’s degree tracks, bachelor’s degree tracks, and advanced degree tracks. While different educational choices lead to a different job outlook and income earning potential, there is no question there are possibilities for nearly every student in any financial situation. Remember to always look for programs, degrees, and certificates that are accredited.

Gerontology Certificate

For those working with the elderly or interested in a career with the elderly, a certificate in gerontology is meant to enhance your understanding of the population. Typically, these courses take 6-8 weeks, are a certain number of course hours (20-30), may be done online, and cost between $200-$500.

Associate’s Degree in Gerontology

If you are unable to go to a 4-year university, there are associate programs available to you. Graduates of these degree programs have the knowledge and skills to holistically care for the aging population, with career options in direct patient care, administration, training, advocacy, and care management. Programs typically last two years and are often offered online, with an in-person practicum or internship the final semester.

Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology

Most universities offer bachelor’s degrees in gerontology; many have options for online education if needed. Courses typically include introductory geriatric education, theoretical approaches concerning elder development, healthcare and social system overviews, and analysis of existing public policy. Bachelor’s programs typically take 4+ years.

Advanced Gerontology Degree

There are many jobs in the gerontology field that require post-secondary education. Master’s degrees in gerontology are available, as well as master’s degrees for those with a related bachelor’s degree (like social work, healthcare administration, physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist).

Advanced Gerontology Certification

If you already work in gerontology or possess a degree in an applicable and/or related field, you have the option for specialization. Look for a certification accredited by the National Association for Professional Gerontologists (NAPG). Typically, individuals with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree pursue these certifications. These non-degree programs ensure you are specialty “certified” to work with the geriatric population. Courses will differ depending on where you achieve your certification, but will likely cover topics like community resources for the elderly, psychosocial aspects of aging, health aspects of aging and social policies of aging.

 Entering the Gerontology Workforce

You have your degree(s) and/or certificate in hand, great! But now what? What kind of jobs are available to you? Where do you look for jobs? These answers are largely dependent on what educational choice you have made. However, there are a few different places where you will find that many professionals with gerontology education chose to work.

Health Facilities: There are many jobs available in health facilities, for all levels of education. Health facilities include locations like hospitals, nursing homes, community clinics, hospices, and home health organizations.

Community Agencies: While the work may be similar to some health facility jobs, these sorts of jobs are available in retirement centers, senior centers and adult day-care programs.

Corporate: Typically, these careers are for those with a more diverse background (administration, leadership, business, finance). This includes positions in organizational management (at any facility or agency), product development and/or marketing, and private healthcare consulting.

Advocacy: Advocacy careers are most often found at membership organizations or research organizations (Senior Advocacy Services, HI-CAP Medicare, Elder Justice Initiative, AARP, and AgeWork).

Research: To be part of gerontologic research, you will want to look for job opportunities at universities and colleges and government agencies.

Social Service: Social services encompasses federal positions and local community possibilities. Opportunities are available with family service agencies, departments of social service, churches, and senior centers.

Rehabilitation: Focused on elder re-entry into life and possibly the workforce, rehabilitation agencies, state agencies, and centers for job retraining and placement also offer career opportunities.

Gerontology Careers Outlook

Finding work you are passionate about is always a gift. If that work also has great job security, then you are likely set up for a long and fulfilling career. Today, as the baby boomer generation continues to age, the job outlook for gerontologic jobs is strong.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates a steep increase in the population aged 65 and over, concluding that there will be 83 million persons >65 years old by the year 2050. This is nearly double the estimated 43 million persons in 2012. This large increase means greater care needs and greater job opportunities. From 2018-2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 13% increases in both entry-level positions in social and human survives and social and community services manager positions.

Aging, and all of its nuances, affects individuals, families, social norms, and policy. For most, embracing its inevitability is (eventually) the only choice they have. A career in gerontology is certain to be rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging, as you help those around you embrace what is potentially one of the greatest honors many of us get, the privilege of living long and living well.

Laura Mansfield

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)| 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)

October 2019

More Articles of Interest:

• Do Most Master’s Programs in Gerontology Require me to Take the GRE?
• What Are the Best Undergraduate Gerontology Programs?
• What Exactly Does a Gerontologist Do?

The post Where Would I Look For Jobs With a Degree in Gerontology? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Pundits have called the liberal arts useless, some of the best degrees for teaching you how to think, as well as one of the only ways to get a true college education. There may be an element of truth to each of these assessments. However, what we can say more surely is that many, many individuals have found liberal arts degrees as a fantastic way to advance careers, make themselves better thinkers, and fulfill natural curiosity.

As you likely already know, the liberal arts (plural) are comprised of a wide range of subjects. So the answer to what you can do with a liberal arts degree will depend to some extent on exactly what liberal art one pursues.

With that in mind, our guide will look at the following:

• What are liberal arts degrees?
• What skills do liberal arts degrees hone?
• Can you get a liberal arts degree online?
• What you can do with liberal arts degrees?
• What resources are there for you to choose between liberal arts degrees?

Here at DegreeQuery we’ve covered all sorts of college and graduate degree-related topics. Many of these topics fall under the heading of liberal arts. If you have a specific question, feel free to look through some of our general FAQs below. Additionally, scroll down the page farther to see DegreeQuery’s coverage of “what can I do with a liberal arts degree?

• Top 15 Liberal Arts Schools in America
• What Degree Programs Can I Major in at a Liberal Arts School?
• Where Are the Best Places to Study Abroad While Earning a Bachelor’s Degree?
• Top 20 Highest Paying Online Degrees
• 25 Fastest Online Associate’s Degrees
• The Top 15 Schools for Studying Abroad

What is a Liberal Arts Degree?

The history of the liberal arts is long and nuanced. There is a strong claim that the liberal arts are the oldest degree type known. Dating back to the 5th and 6th century Greek and Roman empires, what we now know of as the liberal arts were taught as the subjects and skills deemed necessary for “free” citizens to know in order to participate in civic life.

As the years passed, the liberal arts were divided into two groups of subjects. One such group was named the Trivium. Topics included in the Trivium include:

• Grammar
• Logic
• And Rhetoric

• Arithmetic
• Geometry
• The theory of music
• And Astronomy

The liberal arts of today are certainly built upon many of the ancient topics of the liberal arts. Though a more general definition of the liberal arts has emerged as topics that are not directly related to professional, vocational, or technical studies.

Today the subjects included in the liberal arts include the following:

• The arts (including fine arts, music, literary arts, and performing arts)
• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• Social Sciences (including geography, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, and more)
• Natural Sciences (including biology, chemistry, physics, and more)
• Mathematics

What skills do the liberal arts develop?

• Lifelong learning skills
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• The ability to dissect complex ideas
• The ability to think logically
• Quantitative skills
• Problem solving skills

Many employers explicitly seek liberal arts majors due to their versatile nature as well as their ability to learn new skills quickly. A great proportion of job knowledge occurs in on-the-job training, and many liberal arts majors are particularly well equipped to excel in this area. While technical educations may become out-of-date in the matter of a few years, liberal arts educations tend to prepare graduates with skills applicable to any role throughout their lives.

The importance of the liberal arts can be seen through the fact that they’re a central part of the curriculum of all majors. General education requirements, typically required of all associates and bachelors degree majors are almost entirely liberal arts courses. The purpose of general education requirements is to ensure that graduating students are well-rounded thinkers, articulate, and generally deserving of a higher education degree.

In a sense, some commentators are right when they say that no one is truly educated to higher education standards without the liberal arts.

Think you may be interested in a liberal arts degree? Be sure to check out our ranking of the Top 15 Liberal Arts Schools in America.

Can You Get a Liberal Arts Degree Online?

A traditional image of a liberal arts major includes a small number of students discussing a topic with a teacher around a seminar table, long hours in the library, and impassioned conversations with fellow students.

While there is certainly something to be said for one-on-one attention, access to learning materials, and a scholarly community, today there are more ways than ever to gain access to these educational elements online.

Liberal arts degrees have historically been offered primarily at small, (often) private universities known as liberal arts universities. These universities rarely offer online degrees, and do often provide a traditional collegiate “feel.” Modern life, however, doesn’t often provide the time or resources required for this type of education. Luckily, many institutions of higher education have modernized their liberal arts degree programs and today provide them online.

Online learning isn’t the proper choice for all students. But it can be a great way to obtain a degree while juggling work of life responsibilities. Some of the most commonly mentioned benefits to online degrees include the following:

• Online degrees don’t require you to move to pursue a degree
• Many online degrees are built for working students
• Asynchronous degrees allow students to log on 24/7 to “attend” class
• Many traditional learning and support services are now available online
• Many online programs have fewer fees than in-person programs

• Online degrees often require more self-motivation from the student
• Less access to on-campus enrichment and support opportunities
• Less chances to “get to know” professors or classmates
• Many students haven’t learned online before

While many liberal arts degree programs of today are offered online, many liberal arts graduates will attest that some of the most formative experiences of their life were at in-person liberal arts degree programs. With that said, the choice is ultimately up to you, what you feel you can include in your life, and what your ultimate goals are.

For a more detailed look at some of the pros and cons of online education, as well as what online degrees are out there, be sure to check out our 2019 online degree rankings guide page.

What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

• The Humanities
• The Arts
• The Natural Sciences
• The Social Sciences
• Mathematics

• History
• Philosophy
• English Literature
• Foreign or Ancient Language

• Humanities graduates are prepared with solid critical thinking and communications skills
• Humanities graduates are prepared for non-science or tech professional degrees
• Humanities graduates are prepared for graduate coursework in their area of study

The critical thinking and communications skills offered by a humanities degree can be great assets to businesses, non-profits, or government organizations that need grant writers, content producers, account executives, and marketing professionals.

As humanities, majors advance in their career, their ability to continue learning throughout their life, communicate effectively and think critically often lead to leadership opportunities including management positions.

While humanities degrees don’t lead to “one single role” like some professional degrees — and thus require some leg work in finding what industry you should enter — in the long run they often pay off with skills that no other degrees teach.

The second option for humanities majors that is listed above includes returning for a professional degree after graduating with a humanities bachelors degree. While humanities majors can return for any graduate degree with a little extra coursework, a straight humanities course of study lends itself most well to attending graduate programs in education or law. Alternatively, students in the humanities are also some of the highest scoring students on graduate admissions exams in business fields.

The final option is to return to school for a humanities topic. Doctoral programs in philosophy, English, foreign languages, and history typically accept students directly from bachelors programs. The terminal degree in all of these fields is a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.).

Unlike other doctorate types, Ph.D.’s are research doctorates. This means that one of the primary focus areas of the course of study is to produce original research in the form of a dissertation. Additionally, successful Ph.D. candidates should be well prepared to teach at the university level.

While graduates of doctoral programs in the humanities can move into other fields such as marketing and writing, the primary end-points of these programs are teaching or research careers.

One thing we’ll need to distinguish before we proceed is what arts we’re talking about. At the undergraduate level, the most common art-related courses of study include:

• Performing Arts
• Theater Arts
• Fine Arts
• Music
• the Literary Arts

For a lucky few in all of these arts, their art will become their career. This is particularly true of the most prestigious conservatories as well as master of fine arts (MFA) programs in creative writing.

A second and much more common track is that students of the arts may enter into arts education. Coupling a degree in the arts with a bachelor’s in education, pursuing a master’s in education, or an alternative teacher licensure track like Teach for America are common routes to gain a teacher’s license.

Arts educators work in a variety of settings, though most commonly public K-12 schools. Additional locations of employment may include local museums, in private art instruction, theaters, for non-profits, and other settings.

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Geology
• Astronomy
• And related degrees

1. Obtaining employment directly in their field of study
2. Becoming a K-12 educator in their field of study
3. Pursuing a graduate degree in their field of study
4. Pursuing a graduate degree in a separate field

For most of the above scientific disciplines, employment with a job title similar to your degree requires at least a master’s degree. Exceptions to this rule include undergraduates with degrees in biology taking lab or research positions under the supervision of a more educated biologist and those with bachelors in geology entering fields related to geology.

Teachers of STEM disciplines including most of the natural sciences are in high demand. Many states provide alternative licensing tracks that students may endeavor upon after receiving their bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline. Alternatively, bachelors-level students in the natural sciences may elect to follow up their degree with a master’s in education or a dual bachelor’s in education to obtain licensure.

The third option for what you do with a degree in the natural sciences is to attempt to obtain admission to a graduate program in your area of study. There are both master’s and doctoral-level programs for each of the natural sciences. Master’s degrees typically take less time and in some fields can lead to employment as a scientist of the type you studied to be. Generally the title of “physicist,” or “biologist,” or “chemist,” however, is reserved for those that have completed a doctoral degree in their discipline.

Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are the go-to degree type in all of the natural sciences. While other related degrees may offer professional doctorates, Ph.D. programs are always research doctorates. This means that students must complete a dissertation filled with original research. This also means that Ph.D. candidates should be capable of teaching at the university level upon completion of their degree.

Both master’s and Ph.D. programs may be pursued directly after undergraduate study. In Ph.D. programs, students that do not already hold a master’s degree are granted a master’s part way through their course of study.

The final option for students of the natural sciences is to pursue a graduate degree in another field. The natural sciences are some of the most well-rounded and provide a strong basis for many professional degrees. Physics, geology, and chemistry are all strong degree to follow up with engineering degrees. Chemistry and biology degrees provide most all of the prerequisites needed to attend nursing or medical school. While most quantitative sciences may also lead to admission in technical graduate school as well.

Of course, graduates of the natural sciences may find they would like to pursue a very different route upon graduation. Natural science majors have some of the highest average scores on both law and business school admissions exams.

Taken all together, the undergraduate degrees in the natural sciences can lead to a wide range of fields.

For a more detailed look at where natural science degrees can take you, be sure to check out our science degree guide as well as our page specifically on biology degrees.

Similarly to the natural sciences, degrees in the social sciences often lead to careers in those very same sciences when pursued at the graduate level. At the bachelor’s level, students of the social sciences may find employment at a lower level in their discipline, can pursue unrelated disciplines, or pursue teaching careers related to the social sciences.

The most common social sciences seen at the undergraduate level include the following:

• Economics
• Sociology
• Social Science
• History
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Geography

Perhaps the most common undergraduate degree in the social sciences, psychology degrees can lead to a variety of therapy, counseling, and psychologist jobs with graduate training. For more in-depth information on what you can do with a degree in psychology, check out our psychology degree guide.

Sociology, social sciences, and anthropology all focus on studying how humans relate to one another on a systemic level. These degrees can lead to employment in the area of study with graduate degrees, as well as a number of related positions including social work, counseling, and human resources.

Geography degrees are quite specialized but can lead to important positions within the academic world with graduate education. Geography informs a wide variety of disciplines including history, biology, political science, physics, and geology.

The fact that mathematics is one of the liberal arts often surprises students. This is because a degree in mathematics pursues a “pure” discipline that does not prescribe or prepare students for a particular career track.

With that said, mathematics majors may be the single most sought after of major types. Mathematics forms the basis for all quantitative disciplines. Applied mathematics is at the heart of health care, finance, the natural sciences, management, and technology.

Particularly lucrative and in-demand paths that mathematics can take with just a bachelors degree include training to be an actuary, statistician, or data scientist. Actuaries work with insurance and finance companies to assign levels of risk to scenarios. Statisticians work in a variety of scientific and business roles. While data science has recently become an incredibly in-demand skill set.

Many fields within graduate level mathematics programs are also quite applied. This is unique among liberal arts of which mathematics is counted a discipline because “pure” or theoretical mathematics is not career or vocation centered. With that said, many graduate-level mathematics disciplines are.

For a more detailed run-down of what exactly you can do with a degree in mathematics, what degree types are available, and what courses are taken, be sure to check out our mathematics degree guide.

Additional Resources for Choosing a Liberal Arts Degree

• Top 15 Liberal Arts Schools in America
• What Degree Programs Can I Major in at a Liberal Arts School?
• Where Are the Best Places to Study Abroad While Earning a Bachelor’s Degree?
• Top 20 Highest Paying Online Degrees
• 25 Fastest Online Associate’s Degrees
• The Top 15 Schools for Studying Abroad
• How do I become an Organic Farmer?
• Top 10 Careers for Extroverts
• Top 10 Careers for Introverts
• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science
• What are the best degrees to get?
• What can I do with a degree in American Studies?
• What can I do with a Political Science degree?
• What Classes will I take for a Degree in Public Relations?
• What degree do I need to be a Natural Science Manager?
• What Degree do I need to be a Policy Analyst?
• What degree do I need to be a Training and Development Specialist?
• What degree do I need to become a Case Manager?
• What degree do I need to become a Journalist?
• What degree do I need to become a Judge?
• What degree do I need to become a Librarian?
• What degree do I need to become a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative?
• What degree do I need to become a Probation Officer?
• What degree do I need to become a Public Relations Specialist?
• What degree do I need to become a Translator?
• What degree do I need to become an Urban Planner?
• What Jobs Can I Get With a Liberal Arts Degree?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Math?
• Where Should I Go to Earn a STEM Degree?
• Why Do Some Degree Programs Require Undergraduate Students to Study Abroad?

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

If you find yourself drawn towards a rigorous and extremely rewarding career like special ed, you’re in luck! There’s a national shortage of these skilled and very crucial individuals, and this is evidenced by the large range of future special education scholarships. Check out fifty of the most lucrative of these scholarships below!

• Varies
• Each year a person of color is awarded the Alma Exley Scholarship. This scholarship is for students that are either a junior or senior in college or are in the process of obtaining their master’s degree.
• Applicants must be enrolled teacher-preparation program at an institution in Connecticut, be a person of color such as African American, Asian American, or Native American, be a junior, senior, or pursuing a Master’s degree.

• 3000
• This scholarship is available to members of a Lutheran congregation that in the process of pursuing an education in a helping field such as special education.
• Applicants must be an active member in a Lutheran congregation and in the process of obtaining a degree in a field such as special education. Students must show interest in utilizing their faith to help individuals with both intellectual and physical disabilities.

• 3000
• This scholarship is for junior and senior students at the undergraduate level that are planning to pursue a career that will support individuals that have developmental or intellectual disabilities.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be an active member of a Lutheran community, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and have career goals that will help individuals that have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• 2000
• This award is available to full-time graduate students that plan to obtain their Master’s degree in special education. Students must be a member, wife, or have a deceased parents of the Knights of Columbus. Special consideration for students who are enrolled in a Catholic graduate school.
• Candidates must be a member, wife, son,daughter, or have a deceased parent that was in good standing with the Knights of Columbus and are pursuing a degree in a field of study that would directly benefit individuals with disabilities.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for both STEM majors and STEM professionals that are in the process of becoming a mathematics teacher. All chosen winners will acquire financial assistance, a master’s degree, proper licensure, and job assistance.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or in a similar field, commit to teaching in an area that is most needed for for two years after the completion of the teacher certification program, and be a U.S. resident.

• 500
• The Bright Future Scholarship for Early for Early Childhood Teachers is available to high school seniors, two to 4 year college students, and graduate students enrolled in an accredited institution. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate a desire to teach children six years of age and younger.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in child development and education.

• 10000
• The Whelan Foundation awards two scholarships per year to Long Island recipients that are normally denied because of financial hardships. This scholarship is for special education majors.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a special education major and be a Long Island resident.

• 5000
• This scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate students that attend a Delaware college and are enrolled in a program that will lead to a teacher certificate. Applicants that plan to teach in areas of the Delaware Department of Education that are in a crucial demand will be given preference.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, be enrolled in a Delaware college, and be attending a program that is for attaining a teacher certificate. High school seniors must have a minimum score of 1570 on the SAT.

• Varies
• This scholarship was created to supply aid to students that are spiritually motivated and have completed at least sophomore or junior year. Although not required, preference will be given to students interested in teaching.
• Applicants must have religious values of any belief system. Preference is given to individuals who have completed sophomore and junior year, want to pursue a career in education, and have academic success.

• 9000
• This scholarship is for educators that are already working as an early childhood teacher. Applicants must desire to further their education by enrolling in an associate or bachelor degree program in early childhood education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a resident of Massachusetts, studying education, attend a two or four year college, and be an undergraduate student.

• 1000
• The Florence Turner Karlin Scholarship is available to students that are graduates of a Nebraska high school and are pursuing education at a certified institution in Nebraska.
• Candidates must have completed their sophomore year of college while maintaining a minimum of 3.0 GPA, graduated from any Nebraska high school, be enrolled in a qualified college or university in Nebraska, and be in the process of pursuing a degree in education.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to students who graduated with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA from an accredited high school and plan on pursuing a degree in education.
• Candidates must plan on pursuing a degree in education and must have graduated from an accredited high school. Preference is given to students that demonstrate a financial need.

• 1000
• This scholarship is to high school seniors that have already been accepted into a qualified college with the desire to study social services, teaching, or nursing.
• Applicants must be ambitious high school seniors that have already been accepted into a qualified college or university with the intention of studying nursing, social services, or teaching.

• Varies
• The Gates Millennium Scholarship Program is available to African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American undergraduate students who are planning to major in education.
• Contenders must be studying any area of education such as public health, engineering, education, or science. Applicants must also be a person of color such as American Indian, African American, or Hispanic American.

• 1000
• This award is available to Oklahoma undergraduate students that enrolled in a program that will lead to a career in public service.
• To meet eligibility students must attend a qualified college or university in Oklahoma, major in public service, be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, and maintain exceptional academic performance.

• 2500
• The Katie MacDonald Memorial Scholarship is available to students with Down Syndrome who are seeking educational or job training beyond high school. One award will be given to a student who is pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or junior college degree.
• Applicants must either have Down Syndrome or are pursuing a junior college, graduate, or undergraduate degree.

• 2000
• The Gill-Elliott Scholarship is available to graduating seniors at Highlands High School that maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and plan on pursuing a degree in technology, science, math, engineering, or pre-medicine.
• Candidates must be a graduating senior at Highlands High School, maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, have a combined ACT score of a minimum of 28, or have a SAT score of 1250.

• 5000
• This scholarship is available to college seniors who are pursuing a degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA while in the process of obtaining a degree in education, have an exceptional record of community service, and agree to teach in Nevada upon graduation.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for graduates of a Grand Rapids Public High School who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education. Students must be enrolled in either a public or private college.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, be a resident of Kent County,Michigan, and pursuing a degree in education.

• Varies
• This award is available to seniors at South Christian High School in Grand Rapids Michigan with a plan to enroll in an a full-time program at an accredited college or university. Students must demonstrate the desire to major in education, business, or healthcare.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate a financial need, and be a senior at South Christian High School.

• Varies
• The GRCF Rosemary Cook Education Scholarship is available to a Challenge Scholar at Union High School that intends to pursue an undergraduate degree in education.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, enroll in a full-time education program at an accredited institution, demonstrate a financial need, and graduate from Union High School

• Varies
• This award is for students who are education majors that plan on teaching math or science. This scholarship provides a four-year college education to Indiana high school seniors.
• Candidates must be an Indiana high school senior, maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, and plan on pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach math or science.

• 2500
• The James & Patricia Sood Scholarship was created for cancer survivors, patients, or immediate family members.This scholarship is available to students that are pursuing their degree in education.
• Qualifying candidates must have been between the ages of 15 and 39 when they were diagnosed or treated for cancer. Students whose had an immediate family member diagnosed with cancer must have also been between the ages of 15 and 39 when it occurred. Applicants must be majoring in education.

• 3000
• This scholarship is available to students who plan on obtaining a degree associated to the areas of developmental or intellectual disabilities. Relevant majors include social work, physcology, nursing, healthcare, or behavioral sciences.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must a New York State resident that plans to pursue a career that involves working with individuals that are developmentally or intellectually disabled.

• Varies
• This award is dedicated to a North Dakota resident that is a junior or senior pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
• Candidates must be both a resident and high school graduate of North Dakota. Students must also be majoring in Elementary Education.with a preferred emphasis in music, art, or mathematics.

• 20000
• The JCC Graduate Scholars Program is available to U.S. Jewish graduate students that are willing to work two years with a Jewish Community Center (JCC) upon graduation.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a U.S. resident that is also a Jewish graduate student. Students will also need to complete a field placement or internship at JCC.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to English majors enrolled at the Valley City State University in North Dakota.
• Applicants must be English majors at Valley City State University. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability.

• 3000
• This award is available to students that are in the process of obtaining a special education certificate from a New York State degree program.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be enrolled in a New York State degree program and be pursuing a certificate in special education.

• 2000
• The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program is available to students who are enrolled in an accredited Maryland institution and plan on majoring in fields related to human services, childcare, teaching, social work, nursing, or public service.
• Applicants must be Maryland residents, be enrolled in accredited college or university in Maryland, and is both merit and need-based.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for students that are in the process of obtaining a special education certificate from a New York State degree program.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a New York State degree program and be pursuing a certificate in special education.

• 5000
• This award is available to Kentucky residents that are in the process of pursuing teacher certification at an eligible Kentucky college or university.
• Qualifying candidates must be a U.S. citizen, accepted into a teacher education program, and demonstrate financial need. Students must also teach one semester at a Kentucky school for each semester the award was received.

• 1000
• The Kinnett Scholarships for College/Further Education is available to high school seniors that plan on pursuing a degree in special education. It is also available to high school seniors who are receiving special education assistance to aid in their pursuit of furthering their education regardless of if it’s through a college or vocational school.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be high school seniors pursuing a degree in special education or be receiving special education services.

• 1000
• This scholarship is available to female African American students in Fort Worth, Dallas that are high school seniors and plan on pursuing a career and degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a senior at a high school in Dallas, Fort Worth, maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, and be an African American.

• 30000
• The Next Generation Teacher Scholarship is dedicated to help both high school and college students in Indiana who plan on pursuing a degree in education.
• Applicants must be academically successful, pursuing a career in education, and devote to teaching in Indiana after graduation.

• 1500
• This award was created to help students in Oklahoma pursue a career in education by helping provide financial assistance and ensuring future teachers upon graduation to public schools in Oklahoma. Students will need to devote a minimum of three years after graduation to teaching in Oklahoma public schools.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be in the top 15 percent of the graduating class in high school, be admitted to a professional education program, or have an ACT or SAT score that is in the top 15 percent of the graduates of that year.

• 2500
• The Olivia M. Marquart Scholarship is available to Pennsylvania residents who are cancer patients or survivors that are in the process of majoring in education.
• Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have a physician verification form along with being a resident of Pennsylvania.

• Varies
• The Order of Alhambra Scholarship is available to teachers and junior or seniors that are in the process of being able to teach both developmentally and intellectually disabled students.
• Applicants must have accumulated 50% of required credits and be either a master’s degree student or upper-level undergraduate students.

• 10000
• This scholarship is available to students that have graduated or will be graduating from Washington County Maryland Public Schools with intent to become a teacher. Students will need to be enrolled or accepted into a college or university with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
• Applicants must be from Washington County Maryland Public Schools and fall under the jurisdiction of the Washington County Board of Education.

• Varies
• The Regina C. Williams Memorial Scholarship is available to seniors at Prince George’s County high school that are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen, and plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.

• 15000
• This scholarship is available to soon to be graduating college seniors that are willing to pursue spending one year in a public service activity at any location.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must agree to spend one year in a public service activity before pursuing graduate school or a career. Awards are given based on academic success, personal achievements, and the value of each submission.

• 1500
• The Save a Life Scholarship was created to help bring awareness to the importance of CPR and first aid. This scholarship is for students that are pursuing a degree in education or healthcare.
• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited degree program for education or healthcare.

• 2000
• The WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship is available to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses.
• To meet eligibility requirements applicants must pursue a degree in healthcare, business, information technology, or K-12 education.

• 4000
• This grant is available to students that are pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach in an area that is in high-need. Students must attend a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program and agree to teach in a institution that helps students from a low-income family.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, agree to teach in a high-need field that also has many families in poverty, and complete at least 4 years of teaching within 8 years of graduation.

• 500
• This award is available to students pursuing a degree in education or any other field of study that is related to teaching.

• 500
• The Tennessee Christa McAuliffe Scholarship is available to a student in Tennessee that is planning on becoming an educator in the state. There is 1 award given each year to a student that has completed their first semester as a junior.
• To qualify students must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, completed the first semester as a junior, and plan on pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach in Tennessee.

• 3000
• Arc New York Scholarships are for New York State students that are pursuing a degree in physical or occupational therapy, special education, or in a related field.
• Candidates must either a member of the Ark New York Chapter, enrolled in a New York State program that will lead to a degree in education, or be a full-time student that is studying a field related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• 1000
• This scholarship is available to people of color who are in the process of obtaining a degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and be a person of color. Students must also be pursuing a career in teaching.

• 1500
• This scholarship is available to students who are planning to teach at the elementary level by providing financial assistance to applicants that are a minimum of 25 years old and at least a sophomore in college.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, attend or planning on attending an accredited college, and be at least 25 years old.

• 5000
• This award is available to a student that is pursuing a degree in special education.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and be majoring in special education.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to Black and Hispanic students who plan to teach in Indiana upon graduation for a minimum of three years.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, be an Indiana resident and a U.S citizen, and be a minority.

• 2000
• The Gill-Elliott Scholarship is available to graduating seniors at Highlands High School that maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and plan on pursuing a degree in technology, science, math, engineering, or pre-medicine.
• Candidates must be a graduating senior at Highlands High School, maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, have a combined ACT score of a minimum of 28, or have a SAT score of 1250.

The post 50 Top Scholarships For Special Education Educators appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The Direct Service Roles of Micro Social Work

Micro social work refers to social work roles that revolve around assisting individuals. Also called direct service roles, micro social work positions involve working with clients – individuals and families. Most of what the average person thinks of as the practice of social work – such as working in child and family services or putting individuals in touch with programs and resources that help with housing and other issues, fit into this category of direct service.

Within micro social work, there are many different job functions. Nonclinical roles in micro social work might include caseworker and case manager jobs. These roles, particularly in the industry of individual and family services, are often available to candidates who acquire a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) reported.

Clinical social worker jobs often fall into the micro social work category, as well. A clinical social worker has a graduate education that qualifies the practitioner to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and to provide counseling and other forms of therapy for clients who need assistance coping with difficult situations in their lives. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) are mental health professionals who may work in private practice or in counseling and mental health facilities. Before you can become a clinical social worker, you need to earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

One distinction between the BSW and MSW degree is that the BSW is a generalist education only, while the MSW covers both generalist and specialist knowledge, according to the CSWE.

Advocacy and Public Policy Matters in Macro Social Work

Macro social work is the opposite of micro social work. Instead of focusing on the small-scale work of social work practice with individuals, macro social work emphasizes the large-scale efforts of advocacy, social justice and public policy. Macro social workers don’t have that fulfilling experience of helping individual clients improve their situations and their lives, but they use their passion for social justice and their knowledge of social work theories and practice to work for improvements in social service programs and social policies.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Some job titles you might hold in macro social work include community organizer and program developer. At institutions of higher education, you might work as a researcher or a professor. High-level roles in this field include lobbyist, which often requires an MSW degree, but the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that a BSW degree is sufficient for some macro social work roles in policymaking, legislative advocacy and the development of social service programs.

The changes brought about by macro social workers affect a large number of people – much larger than the number of clients a single social worker, even one with a large caseload, can assist – but that impact is not as personal or relationship-based.

Where Mezzo Social Work Fits Into the Field

Not every role or function within social work will fit neatly into either micro or macro social work. These two opposing focuses can be thought of as the two ends of a spectrum, and in between them is what’s called mezzo social work. Mezzo, which literally translates to “medium,” “middle” and similar concepts, refers to social work practice that falls in between direct service with individuals and indirect service involving policy.

Generally, mezzo social work is the name for practice that involves a lot of work with communities and other groups. A social worker who works in school, business and other organizational settings might be classed as a mezzo social worker, or at least, some of his or her job responsibilities might fall under this category.

There’s often overlap between different fields of social work. For example, a clinical social worker might lead a weekly support group in addition to providing clinical services to individuals – and might even be involved in some lobbyist and policymaking functions.

Additional Resources

What Can I Do With a Social Work Degree?

What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Social Work?

What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

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

What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Social Work?

The post What Is the Difference Between Micro and Macro Social Work? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Education

The requirement for only a four-year college education can be a benefit for individuals who prefer to launch their career with a bachelor’s degree. Although research on this topic seems to favor a master’s degree, there are employment opportunities with your baccalaureate.

Each state board of social work sets its standards concerning licensing and degree requirements to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).  Minnesota, for example, accepts applicants for their LSW with a bachelor’s degree in from a college/university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

There are higher qualifications for different licenses. In Louisiana, you may apply for a Registered Social Worker license with a bachelor’s degree. The Certified Social Worker/Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker demands a master’s degree.

An important note (and benefit) of the specialty is that you can add forensic skills to your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). The School of Social Work at the University of Maryland has a Forensic Social Work Certificate Program. Designed for the fulltime social worker, you can complete the certificate in less than one year.

Diversity

Individuals who want the challenge of an unpredictable job may relish forensic social work. Each day may offer new clients, different settings, and the chance to interact with a variety of professionals. Your work can take you into residences, police departments, settlement homes, mental health facilities, courts, detention centers, jails, and more. In these diverse settings, you engage police officers, lawyers, psychologists, psychiatrists, probation officers, community leaders, for examples.

Within the various roles, forensic social workers are responsible for diagnosing criminal populations, making recommendations about mental status, serving as an expert witness, conversing with law enforcement personnel, referring defendants to community resources, and developing support programs within the criminal justice system.

Diversity applies not only to the roles and nature of this job but also to one’s education. There are choices in your degree. An undergraduate degree in social work is not your only option. Unfortunately, a bachelor’s degree in forensic social work is scarce. The combination of criminal justice and social work marries the two disciplines involved in this type of social work.

Southeastern University, located in Lakeland, Florida, offers a double major in Social Work and Criminal Justice. The 126-credit program consists of 24 hours of criminal justice courses and 50 core hours of social work. The former covers topics as criminal courts, juvenile delinquency, government, and the justice system. The latter includes two field seminars and eight hours of practicum.

Employment

After spending time and money earning a degree, you want assurance that your efforts will translate to a rewarding career. Because of the specialized nature of forensic social work, there is no job data for the occupation. US News reports that Child and Family Social Work ranks #78 on their 100 Best Jobs list for 2019. Clinical Social Worker ranks #83. The former based upon a bachelor’s degree and the latter based on a graduate degree.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a positive outlook for social work. Their latest published data (2016) state that there were 682,100 working in this occupation with a projected growth of 16% or 109,700 jobs added or changed over ten years (2016-2026). This figure equates to the change in over 10,000 jobs each year. As of May 2018, the BLS reported the median salary for social workers at $63,140. Industries with the most employees are federal, state, and local government, excluding schools and hospitals.

Intrinsic Benefits

Extrinsic rewards and benefits are those that are measurable. Examples are compensation, medical, and dental plans, pension plan, and life insurance. Intrinsic benefits refer to job satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, emotional rewards, and other intangibles.

A forensic social worker should derive more benefit from the charitable rewards of the profession than tangible rewards. The hours may be arduous; the work can be demanding and stressful, and it may stretch your patience and resilience to the limit. If you do not possess an inherent sense of altruism for those in need of compassion and empathy, then you may want to consider a different line of work.

Related Resources

What Salary Can You Earn With a Master’s in Social Work Degree?

What Can I Do With A Social Work Degree?

How Do I Prepare for a Social Work Degree While in High School?

What Is the Difference Between a Social Work Degree and a Psychology Degree?

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Justice Degree and a Social Work Degree?

What Classes should I take to Specialize in Forensic Social Work?

What are the Careers in Forensic Social Work?

Do Forensic Social Workers work in Criminal Matters or Civil Matters?

The post What are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Forensic Social Work? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

“By the numbers” the largest health care roles are related to skilled nursing, counseling of some form, and those providing care as medical doctors. Many health care roles are lucrative, filled with interesting and rewarding cases, and — perhaps most importantly — vitally important to the well-being of patients.

Perhaps the largest marker of a functioning society is how well it can take care of its sick. And health care workers, no matter their role, are part of this crucial set of services.

Here at DegreeQuery, we’ve covered a wide range of higher education degrees, many of which are related to health care. We wanted to create one hub for all health care-related content on our site. And here it is!

If you’re wondering what type of health care degrees are available, what you can do with a health care degree, and how to get started, scroll below!

In the event that you already know you want to pursue a degree in health care or have a specific question answered elsewhere on our site, be sure to check out our rankings and FAQs listed directly below.

Health Care Degree Rankings

• Top 25 Physician Assistant (PA) Degree Programs
• Top 25 Medical Schools

Health Care Degree FAQs

What Types of Health Care Degrees Are Available?

At the end of the day, there are many, many degrees that can lead to working in a health care role. With that said, many health care degrees start the same way.

The human body is an exceedingly complex system. Trying to study or make recommendations about the human body without a base level of scientific understanding is nearly impossible. This is why nearly all health care related degrees require a strong foundation in the sciences.

At the associates and bachelors levels, health care degrees often require the following:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Psychology

Beyond these shared foundational science courses, students seeking health care jobs generally pursue an applied degree in a health care field. This applied degree can occur initially at the associates or bachelor’s level, or after an undergraduate degree in another disciplines. Students pursuing other degrees first often pursue a scientifically rigorous degree that fulfills admissions requirements for nursing, doctor of medicine, or other doctoral programs in health care.

Below we’ve listed some of the most common health care degree types by degree level:
Associates-Level Health Care Degrees:

• Associates in Allied Health
• Associates in Health Sciences
• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Associates in Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)
• Associates in Biology
• Associates in Radiology Technology
• Associates of Dental Assistant
• Associates in Respiratory Therapy
• Associates in Cardiovascular Technologist
• Associates in Ocupational Therapy
• Among Others

Except for in the case of emergency medical technology (EMT) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs, most associates-level degrees in health care lead to assistant positions within health care fields.

Learn more about how long it takes to get an associate degree.

For more information on precisely what you can do with an associates in a health care field, be sure to check out our career section below.

At the bachelor’s level, a wider range of scientific degrees that can prepare students for graduate school in health care fields are available. Common non-applied bachelor’s degrees that can lead to careers in health care include the following:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Psychology

A wide range of applied degrees related to health care are also available including:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Health Education
• Bachelor of Allied Health
• Bachelor of Health Science
• Bachelor of Nutrition
• Bachelor of Health Informatics
• Among Others

Generally speaking nursing, educational-related health careers, management, and social work settings may be entered with a bachelor’s degree. In other disciplines including laboratory settings, research, and more advanced medical care, advanced degrees are required.

Interested in learning precisely what you can do with a bachelor’s in a health care field? Be sure to check out our < a href=’#career’>career section below.

At the master’s level, students can begin to achieve more advanced standing roles in management, nursing leadership, and health care practitioner fields like speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and more.

Specific healthcare-related degrees available at the master’s level include:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Science in Social Work
• Master of Science in Nutrition
• Master of Science in Allied Health
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
• Master of Science in Biological Engineering
• Among Others

Finally, the doctoral level of study prepares many of our front-line and research practitioners within health care. At the doctoral level, there are two general tracks leading to health care careers. Research doctorates help to prepare graduates for research positions as well as teaching at the university level. These doctorates require dissertations, which are research documents of several hundreds of pages.

In contrast, professional doctorates are geared towards a range of professional settings. The most common professional doctorates awarded in health care professions include:

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Medicine
• Doctor of Optometry
• Doctor of Nursing Science
• Doctor of Dentistry
• Among Others

A wide range of health care provider positions are pursued by seeking a doctor of medicine or nursing degree. Nurses specialize in nearly every medical discipline, and (obviously) doctors do as well.

Are Health Care Degrees Available Online?

If you’re narrowing down your search for a health care degree, you may be wondering if you’ll be able to pursue your course of study online. The answer is that for most bachelors and masters degrees in health care related fields, online degrees are available.

For degrees preparing students for hands-on medical care of others, online study is often paired with in-person clinical practicums in the students home town.

Even if there is an online degree available in the field you would like to study in, students should think long and hard about the pros and cons of online education before endeavoring on this track.

Some pros and cons of online education for health care degrees include the following:

Pros of Online Education for Health Care Degrees

• Online Degrees are often built for those working full time or juggling life and school.
• No need to move for your degree program.
• Online Degrees often cost less due to fewer fees on top of tuition.

Cons of Online Education in Health Care Degrees

• Many health care careers are “hands-on” with students benefiting from more in-person learning.
• Less access to on-campus networking and support
• Online studying often requires more self motivation

With that said, many people seeking degrees in health care are alredy working in the field. Online degrees can offer the flexibility and support needed to be able to add a degree

What Can I Do With a Health Care Degree?

As you’ve probably noticed above, there are many different health care degrees. They can be used to gain positions as diverse as speech language pathologists and pharmaceutical researchers.

We’re going to step through some of the most common jobs people pursue with a health care degree below, organized by degree level.

What Can I Do With an Associates Degree in Health Care?
Associates degrees in health care are largely applied degrees that prepare students for a particular support task in medicine.

Three of the most common jobs those with health care associates degree pursue include: emergency medical technicians (EMT) positions, licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions, and registered health care information technician (RHIT) positions.

Emergency medical technicians are first responders often known as paramedics. If you’ve ever seen the site of a disaster, a car accident, or an ambulance racing up to someone’s house, chances are an EMT was involved.

EMTs thrive in tense situations, have quick reactions, good judgment, and help to assess medical situations and transport patients to the proper care settings.

EMT jobs are growing rapidly, with an additional 15% growth in openings expected over the next 7 years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. EMT positions often just require a vocational certificate from a community college, meaning your time studying is short. But for not even requiring a whole associates degree, earnings are quality.

The nationwide average salary of EMTs is $33,380, quite a bit higher than for other jobs requiring the same level of education.

Another very common path for associates in health care degree seekers is to become a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses work in a variety of settings as primary caregivers. They take vitals, administer medicines, help with medical procedures, and enact the care plans of more senior nurses and doctors.

The most common path to becoming a licensed practical nurse is to pursue an associate degree in nursing or a licensed practical nursing preparation program. Depending on the course of study, licensure as an LPN can occur in 1-2 years.

Demand for LPNs (or more senior registered nursing positions that some associates-degree holders are eligible for) is high. LPNs make an average of $45,030 per year, much higher than the average for other positions requiring less than an associates degree.

Finally, registered health care information technician (RHIT) positions are licensed individuals that help to oversee health information systems. These jobs require associates or bachelors degrees in health care information management as well as the taking of a licensure exam.

Objectives of RHIT jobs are to organize and analyze health care data to support business objectives as well as better patient care. RHIT jobs are similar to data analyst jobs but tailored towards health care settings.

Earnings are good, particularly for those with only an associates degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered health care information technicians with associates degrees is
$38,040.

There are many other positions in health care one can work as with an associates degree. Many health care careers provide great stability as well as quality paychecks relative to other jobs requiring the same degree level. Some of the other most common jobs one can perform with an associates degree in health care (as well as average earnings) include:

• Radiology Technicians: $45,421
• Speech Language Pathology Assistants: $55,324
• Occupational Therapy Assistant: $54,520
• Dental Assistants: $35,980

What Can I Do With a Bachelors Degree in Health Care?
Bachelor’s degrees in health care fields can lead to a variety of lucrative, in-demand, and fulfilling positions. At the bachelor’s level, some of the most common health care positions are in the fields of nursing, management and information technology.

Individuals can become registered nurses (RN’s) with either an associates or a bachelor’s degree. RN’s with bachelor’s of science in nursing degrees, however, tend to make more money, assume more leadership responsibilities and are in higher demand.

At the bachelor’s level, RN job openings are expected to increase dramatically over the next several years. This has led to salary increases, particularly in specialty nursing areas. For general RN’s, the average salary is $70,000 nationwide. In a handful of states, however, this number of over $100,000.

Registered nurses enact doctor and nurse practitioner care plans, perform more detailed workups on patients than LPNs, and often supervise LPNs. RN’s can find work in a variety of settings, from schools, to assisted living facilities, to group homes, to hospitals. There are over 3 million nursing jobs in America today.

Nursing Degree FAQs

• How Advanced Does My Degree in Nursing Need to Be to Get a Good Job?
• How Do I Prepare for a Nursing Degree While in High School?
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Nursing?
• What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Nursing?
• What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Nursing?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Nursing?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Nursing?
• What degree do I need to become a Nurse Practitioner?
• What Degree Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Need?
• What Degree Does a Critical Care Nurse Need?
• What Degree Does a Nephrology Nurse Need?
• What Degree Does a Public Health Nurse Need?
• What Degree Does a Rehabilitation Nurse Need?
• What Is the Benefit of a BSN Degree Vs an ADN Degree?
• What is the Benefit of a Forensic Nurse vs. a Nurse Educator Degree?
• What Is the Benefit of a Nursing Degree Vs a Physician Assistant Degree?
• What Is the Benefit of a Nursing Degree Vs a Sonography Degree?
• What Is the Benefit of an MSN Degree Vs a BSN Degree?
• What Is the Demand for a Degree in Nursing?
• What Is the Demand for a Master’s Degree in Nursing?
• What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree and a Master’s in Nursing Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Nursing Assistant?
• What Is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse?
• What Is the Difference Between an Anesthesiologist vs Nurse Anesthetist?
• What Is the Difference Between a Nurse Midwife and a Neonatal Nurse?
• What Is the Difference Between a Nursing Assistant and a Home Health Aide?
• What Is the Difference Between a Nursing Degree and a Medical Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between an Associate’s in Nursing Degree and a Bachelor’s In Nursing Degree?
• What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With a Nursing Degree?
• What Kind of Job Can You Do With a Degree in Nursing?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Nursing?

A second common path into health care with a bachelors degree is through information technology related degrees. Health care settings are often high-tech settings, and a veritable army of support technicians and administrators are needed to ensure the largest hospitals remain working.

Two paths are generally accepted to get into health care IT with a bachelor’s degree. Some job candidates will pursue a bachelors in health information management. This track typically prepares students to use health care setting-specific technologies related to patient records. A second track is through a general information technology degree. This route prepares students to work as systems administrators, network administrators, and cybersecurity analysts within health care settings.

While most IT degrees aren’t technically centered on health care, health care settings are one of the largest employers of information technology professionals. We felt this merited a mention as there are many tech-savvy students with an interest in helping others (and career opportunity) in health care.

The third major option for gaining employment in health care fields with a bachelors degree is through studying business or management with a focus on health care. Nearly every medical setting needs accountants, human resources workers, and managers of logistics. In smaller clinics, these tasks sometimes fall to the head doctor. But in larger settings, an entire administrative wing is often required.

At the bachelors level, not as much specialization is available in business or management degrees. Many degree programs, however, will let students tailor their undergraduate course of study some through electives. Students electing to take a handful of business or management courses centered around health care settings may be “shoe ins” for positions as health care managers or business workers.

The average salary for health care manager positions is currently $62,344 nationwide. This is somewhat higher than the average salary for all bachelor’s degree holders.

What Can I Do With an Masters Degree in Health Care?
Master’s degrees are the “entry level” degree for many leadership positions within health care. Short of pursuing a doctor of medicine or related degree, master’s can lead to in-demand and fulfilling positions in a variety of health care settings.

Unlike bachelor’s degrees, which primarily lead to nursing or support positions in health care, master’s degrees can lead to a range of research and primary care positions. Some common job titles assumed with master’s degrees include public health researcher, lab manager, therapy roles, nurse practitioner, specialized nursing positions, and management positions within health care administration.

Starting from the top, public health researchers work in a variety of settings including hospitals, for non-profits, in pharmaceutical companies, and at universities. One of the most common degrees held by these researchers is a Masters in Public Health.

Public health researchers may help to create original research related to health outcomes, track the health of communities, apply for grants for health-related programs, and make recommendations to decision makers. With some known as epidemiologists, these professionals study patterns as they relate to human disease and injury.

The average salary nationwide for epidemiologists and public health researchers is $70,820.

A second health care job that may be entered with a master’s degree is that of lab manager. Many health care settings rely heavily on diagnostic procedures. Professionals working in this role may work in governmental, hospital-based, clinic-based, or private corporation labs.

Typical responsibilities of clinical lab managers include the management of overall lab operations to ensure safety, security, quality outcomes, the accuracy of tests, best practices, and more. These positions require individuals that can understand the testing being done, communicate to a variety of stakeholders, and provide good judgment in a managerial capacity.

Demand for skilled clinical lab managers is high nationwide and provides an average salary of around $92,000 a year.

Therapy roles provide health and well-being support in a variety of settings including private practice, K-12 educational settings, hospitals, and religious organizations. As opposed to clinical psychologists (who are required to hold a doctoral degree), counseling therapists often “just” require a masters. Counseling can occur related to eating disorders, general mental health, relationship counseling, grief counseling, and end of life counseling.

Common degrees for counseling psychologists include masters degrees in counseling or psychology. Though salaries vary depending on the setting of work as well as title, an average salary for counseling psychologists is $72,540.

Nurse practitioners pursue either master of science in nursing degrees or doctorates. These highly trained nurses often work with minimal supervision of doctors, with some states allowing nurse practitioners to run their own private practice under minimal doctoral supervision.

Similar to doctors, nurse practitioners work with all portions of patient care including diagnosis, treatment, and consultations. Nurse practitioners within in and out-patient settings and some may specialize in a particular portion of a medical clinic (for example, neonatal care, or cardiac care).

Nurse practitioners are in high demand nationwide, and can often choose their place of work. An average salary for nurse practitioners nationwide is $104,740.

Some nurses not seeking nurse practitioner status may choose to specialize further than a BSN with a master’s degree. Common specialized nurse positions include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Researcher, and Certified Psychiatric Nurse. Many of these specialized nurses can command quite high salaries, with certified nursing registered nurse anesthetists making an average of $155,000 a year.

Finally, master’s degrees can prepare business support workers in medical clinics to excel as health care administrators. A variety of degree types including masters in business administration, masters in accounting, masters in leadership, and masters in finance offer specializations in health care.

Salaries depend on the exact role filled, but senior managers in health care settings often make over $150,000 a year.

What Can I Do With a Doctorate Degree in Health Care?

Likely the first doctoral degree most people think of in relation to health care is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Number wise, this is the most common doctorate degree in health care.

A great number of other doctoral options are also available, however. These options are often applied doctorates leading directly to a job and include:

• Doctor of Nursing
• Doctor of Pharmacology
• Doctor of Dentistry
• Doctor of Optometry
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology
• And a number of others.

Perhaps the most dynamic and diverse degree of those mentioned thus far is the Doctor of Medicine degree. MD’s study for 3 years to gain a general understanding of our bodily systems. They then specialize further in one or multiple residencies. Upon completion of their residencies — which often include years worth of supervised work and training as the doctor type the candidate is pursuing — students may sit for their board exams. Upon completion of this long process, students can call themselves practicing doctors of medicine.

There are as many types of medical doctors are there are systems in the human body. Some that you’ve probably heard of and their average salaries are listed below:

• Family Physician: $227,541
• Internal Medicine Physician: $223,175
• Pediatrician: $205,610
• Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN): $315,295
• Surgeon: $382,812
• Psychiatrist: $227,478
• Cardiologist: $512,000
• Dermatologist: $400,898
• Endocrinologist: $225,090
• Gastroenterologist: $$337,500

Similarly to M.D. degrees, those pursuing other doctoral degrees in medicine devote years of their life to getting into rigorous graduate programs and working their way through them. Demand is high for almost every form of doctor related to health care.

If you think you might be interested in a doctoral degree in medicine. Be sure to check out some of DegreeQuery’s resources on the matter:

• The Best-Paying Jobs in Health Care: Top 15 Highest-Paying Medical Specialties
• Top 25 Medical Schools
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Medicine?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Physical Therapy?
• What degree do I need to be a Speech Therapist?
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor?
• What degree do I need to become a Dermatologist?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Pediatrician?
• What Is the Benefit of a Biomedical Engineering Degree Vs a Medical Degree?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Biomedical Engineer?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Genetic Engineer?

Didn’t see what you were looking for on health care jobs? Be sure to check out some of our other health care career-centered FAQs below!

• What Associate’s Degrees Are Good for a Career in the Health Care Industry?
• What can I do with a degree in Sports Medicine?
• What degree do I need to be a Cognitive Neuroscientist?
• What degree do I need to become a Hospital Administrator?
• What degree do I need to become a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative?
• What degree do I need to become a Speech Pathologist?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Optometrist?
• What degree do I need to become an Epidemiologist?
• What Degree Do I Need to Become an Exercise Physiologist?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Anesthesiologist Assistant?
• What Is the Difference Between a Chemical Engineering Degree and a Biomedical Engineering Degree?
• Where can I work with a degree in Addiction Counseling?
• Which Degrees Can Prepare You for a Career in Telehealth or Telemedicine?
• What Masters in Social Work Salary Can I Expect After I Earn My Degree?

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