Types of Communication

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

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

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

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

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

Is journalism the best field?

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

What is Mass Communication?

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

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

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

• Advertising and Public Relations
• Broadcasting
• Journalism

How much can I earn with a degree in Communications?

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

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

Jobs and more jobs in Communications

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

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

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

What areas fall under the umbrella of Mass Media?

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

Easiest Online Master’s Degrees

What Is the Difference Between Corporate Communications and PR?

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

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

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

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

What Editors in Upper Management Roles Do

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Upper management roles in newspapers and magazines are often editorial roles. Some of the job titles you will commonly encounter in newspaper and magazine management include managing editor, executive editor and editor-in-chief.

Generally, editor-in-chief or executive editor is the most senior-level editorial role in a publication. The person in this role serves as the chief executive of the newspaper or magazine and handles big-picture responsibilities such as guiding the overall editorial direction of the publication and handling matters of strategic planning and budgeting, according to The Houston Chronicle.

In contrast, managing editors are more concerned with the details and logistics of getting the newspaper or magazine to publication. A managing editor’s job duties may include identifying story ideas, assigning stories to staff and freelance reporters and coordinating writing and editing work so that the story is ready for publication on schedule.

Managing editors may also oversee editorial assistants, associate editors and department editors.

Preparing for Upper Management Roles in Newspapers and Magazines

If you want to work as an editor-in-chief, executive editor or managing editor, a master’s in journalism is a good place to start. Another option, especially if you’re eyeing an executive editor role, is to pursue an MBA in media management. However, since good journalism is about more than just a financial bottom line – about, for example, ethics and integrity in investigative storytelling – it’s important that aspiring leaders of newspapers and magazines understand the laws, ethics and practices of honest, reliable journalism just as much as they understand matters of strategic business planning and financial planning.

While MBAs have a place in the management of enterprises that include news publications, having a background and graduate education that embraces the principles of journalism more thoroughly may be an asset for some newspapers and magazines. A master’s degree in journalism prepares you to perform the full scope of work involved in reporting and editing a news story.

Throughout your graduate studies, you will develop skills in finding news story ideas, cultivating a network of sources, undertaking investigative research, conducting interviews, fact-checking information and composing and editing articles. Master’s in journalism classes often involve workshops in which students critique each others’ work to improve and polish stories for maximum accuracy, writing quality and rhetorical effect. Often, graduate journalism students take classes in different types of journalistic content creation, including news reporting, investigative reporting, feature writing, long-form narrative writing and audio and multimedia storytelling.

You don’t necessarily need a master’s degree to become an editor. O*NET reported that a bachelor’s degree is the most common education for this career path, accounting for 80 percent of the profession. However, 17 percent of editors report having a master’s degree.  

Editor Job Requirements Beyond the Master’s Degree

Education alone won’t land you the upper management job you’re seeking. Before you can work in high-level newspaper and magazine roles like managing editor, executive editor and editor-in-chief, you usually need some journalism experience. Experience working in a position like reporter, writer or editorial assistant can put you on the path to a management role as editor, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the BLS reported that you can become an editor with less than five years of experience, reaching upper management editorial roles can take longer.

If you’re already working in the journalism industry, your graduate education may be the last missing piece to complete your qualifications for upper management positions. However, if you’re using your master’s degree to make a career change, a graduate-level internship opportunity – especially one with a major newspaper, magazine, or broadcast news channel – can help you begin acquiring the experience needed for management work.

Education and experience matter for upper management roles in journalism, but the skills you bring to a newsroom are even more important. The classes you take in a master’s in journalism program help you develop editing skills as well as writing and reporting skills.

Additional Resources

What Kind of Careers, Other Than a Writer, Can I Look for With a Master’s in Journalism?

Where Can I Work with a Journalism Degree?

What Jobs Can I Get With a Degree in Journalism?

The post Will a Master’s in Journalism Help Me Get a Position in Upper Management at a Paper or Magazine? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Well-Organized

Skills in organization are among the most essential qualities for human resources managers, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Rarely will an HR manager be able to just put all other responsibilities aside for any considerable length of time and instead focus on just one task.

After all, the company depends on them for overseeing worker recruitment, training programs, benefit programs and workforce planning, as well as staffing issues and disciplinary actions. Human resources managers act as coordinators, supervisors and consultants who educate and advise all areas of management, as well as the link that connects management and administration to workers, according to the BLS. Even when planning a major training program or a big recruiting effort, HR managers can’t let matters of employee benefits, disciplinary issues and performance evaluations fall by the wayside.

If you’re the kind of organized person who doesn’t have a problem juggling and prioritizing different projects, you will likely be able to keep up with the demands of human resources management positions.

Strategic

Human resources managers aren’t as involved in the strategic management of a company as, say, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other top executives. However, their work requires a strategic nature, especially with regards to making decisions and managing the company’s most important resource: its workers.

A big part of an HR manager’s job, according to O*NET, is being able to choose the best candidates to hire for a job and the best workers to assign to a task. Human resources managers should understand how to develop employees into the best workers they can be through training and coaching methods. They also need to find the balance between directing how employees work and motivating them. Critiquing employees’ work without being critical can be a challenging feat, but the best human resources managers are able to find the right times and ways to accomplish this goal and leave workers feeling motivated instead of deflated.

In several aspects of their work, from choosing who to hire to selecting the training programs and efforts most likely to be effective, HR managers make decisions. Strong decision-making skills are integral to success in this role, the BLS reported.

An Inspiring Leader

As a human resources manager, you’re a leader in many capacities. You’re the one who leads the human resources department and all of the specialists and support staff it comprises. You may also lead projects in the sense of choosing what employees to assign a task to and, in some cases, serving as the point of contact between those workers and management. Whether you’re leading training and development programs or leading the search for new talent on any given day, what’s certain is that you can’t be a successful HR manager if you can’t become comfortable with the responsibilities of leadership.

Given the significance of people in the context of this leadership role – especially compared to other management positions, such as marketing manager or finance manager – being a leader who motivates, inspires and brings out the best in workers is particularly critical.

A Great Listener

Communication skills, in general, are vital for human resources managers, the BLS reported. However, being a good listener – and an active listener, is an especially valuable trait for an HR manager, according to O*NET. When you’re an active listener, you don’t rush people or make them feel like your mind is elsewhere when they are speaking. Instead, you give their words, as well as their nonverbal cues, your complete attention. If you don’t understand their points, you ask for clarification in a way that is respectful and appropriate.

Human resources managers use their listening skills throughout their daily job duties. Interviewing job candidates, sorting out workplace disputes, understanding why and how workers currently do their jobs so their work can be improved and clarifying what management is looking for in a team to perform a task are all aspects of HR management that require listening skills. How you make employees feel when you’re listening to them can affect whether they see you as approachable – which determines whether they approach you promptly when problems arise or whether they allow small issues to turn into big ones because they don’t want to involve you.

Communication skills go hand in hand with interpersonal skills, because good communicators tend to navigate interpersonal interactions more successfully. However, HR managers need more than just strong “people skills” to perform well at their jobs.

Additional Resources

Is Being a “People Person” Really That Important of a Trait in HR?

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an HR Manager?

What Are the Typical Job Responsibilities of an HR Manager?

The post What Are the Best Personality Traits for an HR Manager? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A Curriculum That Emphasizes Breadth Vs. Depth

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

The biggest question to answer when comparing the MBA and MS degrees in business analytics is whether you want to focus more on building general business knowledge or gaining specific knowledge of data analysis.

The MBA is known for the breadth of its curriculum. Students would take a sequence of courses in business analytics to round out their graduate studies in areas of business that include management, marketing, business strategy, human resources and finance. If the versatility of your degree in the business world is important to you, then an MBA might be a better fit. You could use your business analytics coursework to work in this area, but you also have enough knowledge of other business subjects to find work in other functions and capacities.

If you’re committed to the field of data analysis and are more interested in developing deeper knowledge in this specific area, the MS is a better option. Most of your coursework in an MS in business analytics program is in data analysis and related technical areas rather than general business topics.

Students in an MS in business analytics program may take some courses that focus on more general business areas, such as management, business fundamentals for analytics professionals and business communication for analytical decision-making. However, their curriculum is opposite of what you would find in an MBA program, which devotes a greater share of the curriculum to core business studies and only a small portion of it to specialized business analytics coursework.

In MBA programs, business analytics is a concentration or specialization track within the business administration curriculum. Business analytics is not the full focus of your MBA degree, as it would be in an MS program.

A Focus on Practical Skills or a More Comprehensive Approach

Business analytics students in MBA and MS programs typically have different interests in the field. MBA students tend to look at data analytics as the means to an end: making strategic business decisions based on data. As such, they’re more interested in practical skills in data analysis and their business applications. On the other hand, MS students tend to be data analysis professionals first and business professionals second. They are typically interested in the theoretical concepts underlying the field of business analytics as well as the practical applications of these concepts, so their curriculum tends to be more comprehensive.

In an MBA program in business analytics, you will probably study data management and data mining, as well as applications of data analysis to different areas of business. These courses usually revolve around developing practical skills, not learning the theories of data analysis.

The topics you cover in an MS program in business analytics are likely to encompass data management, software engineering, programming in languages like R and Python and the methodologies of machine learning and optimization. Some of the more data-heavy and math-heavy classes you might find in a Master of Science program include probability and statistics, statistical foundations of business analytics, machine learning fundamentals, optimization for prescriptive analytics and data management, exploration and visualization. What ties these studies to the field of business is coursework in the applications of analytics in finance, supply chain management and marketing.

With your MS in business analytics degree, you’re prepared to advance to a role like senior business analyst at a data analytics company. An MBA degree in the same subject is more likely to prepare you for a consulting role in business in fields like analytical marketing or financial data analysis.

A Program for Students With a Business Background or a Technical Background

When you’re asking which degree option is better, you need to take into account your own skills, strengths and background. These factors are particularly important because, despite the similar names, MBA and MS degrees in business analytics generally cater to students with different backgrounds. MBA students are usually business professionals who want to develop new skills in business analytics as well as advancing their knowledge of other areas of business. Students in an MS program in business analytics are more likely to have a technical background.

This doesn’t mean that business students can never get into an MS program and those with technical skills can’t pursue an MBA. It does, however, speak to the foundation you will need to succeed in these programs. Formal admissions requirements might be different between MBA and MS programs.

Additional Resources

What Is the Difference Between an MBA and a Business Master’s?

The post Which Is Better: An MBA or an MS in Business Analytics? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Data is random, a small fact without context. Organized data is information. It has value and can provide insight into decision making.

Let’s provide some examples. A list of addresses is data. A spreadsheet column of addresses paired with a customer’s name and the products they buy the most is information. The first doesn’t have enough context to tell you how it might be valuable. The second can provide insight on what newsletters to mail out, or what geographic regions certain products sell in.

We live in a data-rich age. Data is the plentiful, raw material. Mined, processed, and organized into information. Information is the product, or part of the service. Similar to other raw materials, you can have all the data in the world, and it’s not as valuable as a little bit of information. That’s where qualified information management professionals come in.

If you want to get in on the earliest stages of our new age of information. An age where data is plentiful, but actionable insight is scarce. Then a degree in information management may be the right track for you.

Here at DegreeQuery we’ve covered a wide range of academic and career related topics. And we’re pleased to present our guide on information management degrees below.

Table of Contents

• What Information Management Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Gain an Information ManagementDegree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to an Information Management Degree Program?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Information Management?

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Be sure to check out some of our coverage on related degrees below. Additionally, a more comprehensive list of related resources may be found at the bottom of this guide.

• What Can I Do With a Management Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
• What degree do I need to be an Information Technology Specialist?
• Top 10 Highest Paying Management Careers
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• Top 10 Library Science Graduate Schools
• Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Computer Science
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Market Research Have?
• What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

What Information Management Degrees Are Available?

Information management degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels. With that said — as with other management degrees — bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field are by far the most common.
Because information management is in essence a marriage of information science as well as management, it’s typically too much material to fully put into an associates degree. While at the bachelor’s level, some degrees can fit in a larger preparation for the field, many information managers pursue a degree in management or a technical discipline in their undergraduate course of study and finish their schooling with an information management graduate degree.

With that said, information management degrees are available at the associate’s level. So we’ll jump into what these degrees entail below. An associates in information management typically begins with a set of general education courses. These courses provide a wide-ranging foundation for collegiate study. Some of the courses that students will likely take in their general education required courses include:

• English
• Religion, Philosophy, or Ethics
• Intro to Computing/Data Literacy
• A Social Science like Economics or Psychology
• A foreign language
• Mathematics
• Physical education
• A Natural Science like chemistry, biology, or geology

Within major courses at the associates level, an associates in information management will most likely require core courses in the following:

• Intro to Scripting
• Foundations for System Design
• Cyber Security Foundations
• Database Technology Basics
• Management of Telecommunication Systems
• As well as a handful of electives.

At the bachelor’s level, students pursuing a bachelor’s in information management will start with the same general education requirements as an associates degree. Some bachelor’s-level information management degrees will offer specialization areas. But many of the core courses are similar across universities.

Core courses for bachelors in in information management degrees center around teaching the following skills:

• Proficiency in computer use and information system design and use
• Proficiency in object oriented programming to support business goals
• Proficiency in data management systems
• Proficiency with general management concepts and skills as they relate to information systems

Though course titles may vary, the above are the most common objectives of a bachelor’s-level program in information management. These courses are designed to support information management analyst, developer, administrator, and management careers upon graduation.

At the graduate level, masters in information management degrees are available. These should not be confused with master’s in information management systems. Rather, masters in information management provide interdisciplinary study that encompasses a broader range of topics than information management systems.

Subjects that are typically included in some form in a master’s in information management degree include:

• Information Management Systems
• Knowledge Management
• User Experience and Usability
• Strategic Information Management
• Business Administration
• Information Design
• Information Architecture
• Project Management
• Business and Technology Ethics
• Among Others

Master’s in information management are typically viewed as terminal degrees within the field. Though there are ways to study information management at the doctoral level. If you’re seeking to continue your study of information managment at the doctoral level, we would suggest looking into related degree programs that provide doctorates and tailoring your course of study. These may include Ph.D. in computer science, doctor of business administration degrees, and Ph.D. in management degrees.

Can I Gain an Information ManagementDegree Online?

Information management degrees blend two disciplines that are most readily accessible via online education: technology and management. As such, a majority of information management programs that are available in-person are also available online.

As with many management-related programs, many online information management programs are built for adult and non-traditional students who are working full-time. This can be a great boon for those who fit the bill.

One note we should add is that just because a program is available online does not mean that you should pursue the degree in this way. This is particularly the case if you haven’t taken online courses before. What many students don’t know is that online education has a wide range of trade-offs with “traditional” education. While millions of people have succeeded through online education, some students perform better in “in-person” environments. We’ve detailed some of the most commonly noted pros and cons of online education below:
Pros of online education

• Lower fees than in-person programs (often)
• Programs built for those working full time
• Often more flexible than traditional programs (accelerated or slowed down courses)
• Viewed as equal to traditional degrees by many employers
• Unique support measures for working adults
• No need to move or quit your job to attend

Cons of online education

• Harder to “get to know” professors and classmates
• Less access to on-campus events
• Less of a college “feel”
• Some employers don’t view as favorably

How Do I Gain Admission to an Information Management Degree Program?

Information management degrees are primarily entered at the associates, bachelors, and master’s degree levels. While each degree level has its own protocol for admission, this protocal is not substantially different from entrance to other technology or management degrees at the same level.

At the associates-level many institutions of higher education offer “open admission” policies. This basically means that any student meeting basic requirements (being a high school graduate with a certain GPA) gains automatic admission, and may stay in the college unless their grades drop below a certain level. Other associate program entrance requirements mirror bachelor’s entrance requirements.

Bachelor’s degrees typically require the same elements for admission regardless of the individual degree you wish to pursue. Applicants should plant to have finished their high school degree (or equivalent) upon entry into the program. And for many programs should plan to take standardized entrance exams such as the SAT or ACT. Additionally, most bachelor’s-level programs require students to complete several entrance essays and sometimes interviews.

At the master’s level, information management degrees — similarly to other business and technology degrees — sometimes offer multiple admission options. In the case of some programs, showing years of experience in a role related to information management can be used in lieu of other entrance requirements. Though unrelated to admissions, an additional perk in some programs includes being able to use experience on the job to test out of some courses.

If you aren’t seeking entrance to a program that considers work experience (or you don’t have any), you should be prepared to take the GRE exam (or the GMAT for MBA programs). Additionally, ensure you can gain access to college-level transcripts. Financial aid is also an important part of the application process. With professional graduate degrees, many employers offer programs that will cover your tuition. If you think you may work in a company with this benefit, be sure to inquire!

What Can I Do With a Degree in Information Management?

Information management is a uniquely flexible degree. You can see this in the name itself, which can be read as meaning the management of information (ie. technical tasks), as well as management within a group that performs information-related tasks (ie. management). If you look at the curricula of some of the most popular information management degrees, both sides of this double meaning are present. In short, information management degrees prepare you for technical and management positions within information fields.

Below we’ll start with some of the technical positions that information management degrees prepare you for.

First, the role of database administrator Database administrators are in charge of the security, performance, and integrity of databases within businesses. In this role you may be tasked with designing a database, migrating databases, helping to mine data stored in databases, and more general routine tasks related to the center of digital information: the database.

Elements within information management degrees that prepare students the most for this role include in-depth knowledge of database structures, design, as well as scripting to manipulate databases. Management and business courses within information management can help you to sync up database tasks with broader business objectives. The average salary for database administrator roles is presently $72,183.

Secondly, data analysts are some of the primary users of database technologies. They help to mine, manipulate, and interpret datasets, effectively turning data into information. These professionals work in between the technical side of data creation and gathering and the business side of decision making. With a degree in information management, you’ll be perfectly placed to work in tandem with both sides of this role. The average salary for data analysts is presently $59,389.

On the management side of information management is the role of information system project management. An information system is a system of technical and human components that work to utilize software and IT for business objectives. Seperate from IT project management, information system management is more concerned with the relationship between human stakeholders and the information available from a system. This role has seen massive growth in the last decade, and is expected to continue this trajectory. The average salary for this role is $85,093.

Finally, product managers within information-driven industries work by providing the final say related to a single product. These positions are typically higher up than project managers, as a single product may involve a range of projects. Information management degrees can provide a solid technical backdrop as well as access to business and management concepts. In tandem, these can allow for better communication with the wide variety of team members and stakeholders that product managers deal with.

The average salary for product managers is presently $99,598.

Furthermore, product managers are expected to be experts on the product being created. This creates a burden on product managers without experience or schooling in an information field. If you think that you may want to work as a product manager in a lucrative information-based sector, be sure to inquire about a bachelor’s or master’s in information management today!

Didn’t see what you were looking for? DegreeQuery has covered information management and related disciplines from a variety of angles. Some of our most closely related content includes the following:

• What is a degree in Health Information Management?
• What are the Highest Paying Jobs in Information Security?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Management Consulting Have?
• What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Management?
• What Is the Demand for a Degree in Management?
• What Can I Do With a Management Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Leadership and Management?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Management?
• What should you know when you interview for a Job with a Degree in Information Security?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Management Accounting Have?
• What Degree Do I Need to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
• What degree do I need to be an Information Technology Specialist?
• Top 10 Highest Paying Management Careers
• What Can I Do With a Medical Technology Degree?
• What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
• What is a Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics?
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• What degree do I need to be a Cyber Threat Analyst?
• What degree do I need to be a Metadata Analyst?
• Top 10 Library Science Graduate Schools
• Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Computer Science
• What degree do I need to become a Librarian?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Market Research Have?

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

Finance

If you know from the start that a master of finance degree is in your future, then majoring in finance as an undergraduate may seem like the most obvious choice. After all, you’re getting an early start studying the concepts, theories and analytical methods that your future graduate studies will expand upon.

You can also get a high-paying job, like financial analyst, financial examiner or personal financial advisor, with only a bachelor’s degree in finance, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A bachelor’s degree in finance program will usually include undergraduate-level coursework in financial investment theory and practice, banking and financial services, risk management, corporate finance, financial analysis, quantitative reasoning and more.

Some schools even offer combined bachelor’s and master’s in finance degree programs that allow you to complete both courses of study faster. Although this type of accelerated program makes for an intensive workload, it can save students time and money.

Business

If you want to develop both breadth and depth in your knowledge of the business and finance world, consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business and then focusing on finance when you get to the graduate level. Business administration undergraduate programs are more general and versatile, covering the foundations of all aspects of business instead of focusing more narrowly on one area like finance. In fact, you’re likely to take classes in management and leadership, economics, business communications, business law, human resources, economics, various aspects of accounting and, of course, finance.

Studying business administration first can help you gauge your level of interest in finance and in other areas of business. You can also customize your studies by choosing a program that offers concentrations within business administration or strategically selecting electives.

Accounting

Like finance, accounting is a numbers-focused aspect of business. The difference is that accountants create, compile and interpret business statements, while finance professionals use financial statements to assess financial risks, opportunities and markets. If you don’t want to jump right into finance studies at the undergraduate level, learning the principles used in producing financial statements and reports by studying accounting can provide you with a relevant but versatile background. Accounting is a broader field of study and career opportunities than it may seem at first glance. Often, bachelor’s degree programs in accounting require coursework in financial accounting, cost accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.

With both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance – and, of course, the right combination of coursework – you may meet the eligibility requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA) as well as a senior-level finance professional.

Economics

When you study economics, you study wealth and scarcity, including how wealth is created and transferred and how resources are consumed. Since the overall economy and individual financial markets are closely related, having a solid understanding of economics theories and principles can only aid you in your future finance studies and career path. Studying economics requires introductory coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics as well as economic theory, economic statistics and the study of economics in specialized topic areas, such as health and environmental policy.

Most economics majors don’t go on to become economists, Forbes reported. Careers in some aspect of business are the most common professional paths for economics majors, according to the American Economic Association. 

Mathematics and Statistics

Finance is one of the most math-intensive areas of business. It stands to reason, then, that brushing up on your math skills as an undergraduate would put you in a good position to meet the mathematical demands of a graduate program in finance. Undergraduate math majors take coursework in complex branches of mathematics at increasing areas of difficulty. Classes in calculus, linear algebra and analytic geometry are typically required, along with elective coursework in high-level mathematics. In statistics degree programs, coursework in probability and statistics, experimental design and regression analysis are common.

Some mathematics degree programs focus more on theoretical, or “pure,” mathematics, while others emphasize applied mathematics. If you’re interested in finance, applied mathematics or statistics may be a better fit for your career plans.

Additional Resources

What Is the Difference Between an Accounting Degree and a Finance Degree?

What Is the Difference Between a Finance Degree and a Mathematics Degree?

What Is the Difference Between a Business Degree and a Finance Degree?

Is There Any Math Required for a Degree in Finance?

The post What Are Some Good Undergraduate Degrees in Preparation for a Master’s of Finance? 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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $1,173 per week. Compare that to $712 per week for workers with a high school diploma.

But even higher earnings are available for workers with a master’s degree. The question for you is, does it pay to continue your education? 

The same BLS study notes that workers with a master’s degree earn a median salary of $1,401 per week. Workers with a professional degree earn even more at $1,836 per week. So, yes, it could be worth it to continue your education!

Employers in many different fields will tell you that the more education you have, the more likely you are to move up the pay scale. In fact, some mid-level jobs require a master’s degree. A lot of high-level positions, like senior management, often require a master’s degree as well. In some professions, like counseling, a master’s degree is required for licensure.

If you’re ready to raise your income ceiling and continue your education, consult the list below. We’ve compiled 50 of the highest paying master’s degrees you can get.

Each degree lists the median salary. This information is obtained from the BLS and other sources, like Salary.com.

Remember, the salary you earn can vary from these numbers. This is especially true when you consider other elements of the compensation package, like health insurance and retirement benefits. Consider this list a good starting point. But do additional research as well to find the best master’s degree for you.

50. Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counseling is closely related to social work and psychology. It is focused on helping people with disabilities. People with mental health and addiction issues can also seek help from a rehabilitation counselor.

A student who has earned a rehabilitation counseling degree is called a rehabilitation counselor. They can work in private practice, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities. Some of them work in schools, government agencies, and insurance agencies as well.

It’s challenging work. And while the median salary for a rehab counselor may not match that of an MBA, the work is highly fulfilling. The good news is job prospects are strong through the end of the decade.

Job Outlook: 10% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $35,950

49. Social Work

There are many different specializations within this field. In general, the main priority for social workers is to help people cope with challenges in their lives. This might include:

• Adopting a child
• Dealing with unemployment
• Being diagnosed with a terminal illness

Some social workers work with specific people as well. They might specialize in working with children or the elderly. Some social workers are employed in schools. Others work only with people struggling with substance abuse.

Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental issues. To become a clinical social worker, you must have at least a master’s degree for licensure.

This is also a fast-growing occupation. While the median salary is toward the bottom of the rankings, the availability of jobs makes it an attractive option.

Job Prospects: 13% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $50,470

48. Master of Music in Music Education

A master’s degree program in music education has many focuses. First, you’ll learn how to foster musical skills in your students. Second, you’ll learn how to improve your own musical abilities. Third, you’ll explore educational tools you can use to improve your ability to teach music.

Students in these programs also take courses in:

• Leadership
• Curriculum development
• Research

You’ll also study musical foundations and music technology. Grade-appropriate courses are included as well, such as elementary teaching methods.

Job Prospects: 9% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $51,670 (for music directors) to $69,530 (for post-secondary music teachers)

47. Master of Studio Arts

A master’s degree in studio arts is usually focused on many areas. Students can work in photography, painting, and sculpture. They can also work in drawing, print, and extended media. In some cases, you might focus more on one area than others.

This degree can lead to many different jobs. You can be an art teacher at a college. You might find a job as an art director for a creative agency. You might even work as a museum curator. In any case, having a master’s degree can open many different avenues for work.

However, the job outlook for some studio arts careers is not good. With many areas in decline, competition for jobs might be intense.

Job Outlook: -2% to -4% decline through 2029

Median Salary: $52,110 (for graphic designers) to $94,220 (for art directors)

46. Pathology

A master’s degree in pathology is a good choice if you wish to work as a pathology assistant. This career is an important one. It involves examining organisms and their cells, molecules, and tissues. It also involves studying these systems to find the causes of disease.

Pathologists tend to work in research or clinical settings. As such, it’s important to have a solid background of science. It’s often best to have an undergraduate degree in one of the following areas before beginning a master’s degree in pathology:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Life sciences
• Anatomy
• Physiology

By getting a master’s degree in pathology, you’ll have the skill set you need to work in research or teaching. You could also pursue careers in the biotechnology field.

Job Prospects: 7% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $53,120

45. Reading and Literacy

Reading and literacy is a specialty within a master’s of education program. Students gain skills that allow them to assist others in becoming better readers. This includes diagnosing reading problems. It also includes developing strategies for overcoming those problems.

Reading and literacy specialists often work with schools. They might develop a reading curriculum for teachers. They might also team teach in a classroom of children that have reading difficulties.

Some reading and literacy specialists work in private practice. Some become writers. Others work for media companies. A good number also work with adults to help them improve their literacy.

Job Outlook: -10% decline through 2029

Median Salary: $54,350

44. Divinity

A master’s degree in divinity prepares you for a professional ministry role. These programs focus not only on religious teachings but on leadership as well.

For example, you might take courses in Biblical content. But you will likely also take courses in communications, research, and organizational leadership.

Graduates of these programs often become ordained. They typically work as a minister in a church setting. This is not always the case. With additional education, you might be a counselor or social worker. Some people with a master’s in this field become teachers as well.

Job Prospects: 4% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $55,190

43. Interior Design

Graduate programs in interior design focus much on design principles. However, they also revolve around ways to use design principles to improve the way people live.

Much of an interior design graduate program involves the study of art, space, and ergonomics. Studies of color theory, psychology, and computer-aided design are often part of a master’s program as well.

Today, interior design programs also reach into the areas of globalism, social responsibility, and sustainability too.

Job Prospects: -5% decline through 2029

Median Salary: $56,040

42. Early Childhood Education

Though you can be a teacher with a bachelor’s degree, teachers with master’s degrees earn more money.

A master’s degree in early childhood education allows you to work with kids age 1-8. The number of children enrolled in early childhood education programs is expected to continue to rise. This includes kids in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary grades.

Additionally, it is expected that many Baby Boomer teachers will retire in the coming years. With more kids in schools and more job openings, that makes this career a solid choice.

Job outlook: 4% growth through 2029

Median salary: $59,420

41. Master of Fine Arts

A master of fine arts, or MFA, allows students to advance their artistic abilities and knowledge. This is different from a master of studio art. An MFA is more focused on a specific creative field.

Students in this program learn highly technical skills. The skills learned depend on the specific area of study. For example, an MFA student in photography will learn a much different skill set than an MFA student in music performance.

Other careers for graduates with an MFA include:

• Screenwriter
• Actor
• Film director
• Author

Job Prospects: -5% decline through 2029

Median Salary: $63,200

40. Anthropology/Archaeology

A master’s degree in this field opens doors to many occupations. Anthropologists and archaeologists might work for government agencies or museums. Some work in construction and transportation trades. There are also jobs to be had in cultural resource management.

Field experiences are part of the master’s training for this field. This might take the form of an internship at a museum. It could also be a field experience on an archaeological dig.

In some cases, graduates might work in the private sector. This might involve doing contract work for government or public agencies. Some anthropologists and archaeologists go on to have a career in education as well.

Job Prospects: 5% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $63,670

39. History

Students receiving a master’s degree in history will be trained in research methods. These programs also focus on writing skills and content in selected areas of history.

The job possibilities with this degree are wide-ranging. You might work as a historian. You could teach as well. A graduate degree in history is also good preparation for law school.

Many people that work in museums and archives have advanced degrees in history. Some historians become lecturers and authors too.

Job Prospects: 3% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $63,680

38. Criminal Justice

The criminal justice field is growing. This is true for the number of jobs and the variety of positions. The possible salary levels are getting more diverse as well.

In the years since the 2001 terrorist attacks, homeland security has been a top priority. Competition for jobs in this sector is extremely high. Having an advanced degree like a master’s in criminal justice could help you land the job you want.

Career choices in this field include:

• Emergency management
• Policy and planning
• Crime scene investigation
• Agency administration

Depending on the fieldwork you wish to do, you might need to specialize. For example, a position as a field agent for a law enforcement agency would require training from that agency.

Job Prospects: 5% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $65,170

37. Curriculum & Instruction

A degree in curriculum and instruction is often a master’s of education. This degree is specifically for educators who want to extend their studies into theories of education. Curriculum design is a large part of these programs as well.

Most students in these programs already have classroom teaching experience. Getting this degree could allow them to move into other education-related careers, like:

• Instructional coordinator
• Academic coach
• Assistant Principal

No matter the future career, students in these programs will have a lot of work ahead of them. A master’s in curriculum and instruction requires studies in curriculum theory and educational research. There are courses in diversity and classroom management as well. Educational testing and measurement is a core topic too.

Job Prospects: 6% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $66,290

36. Orthotics and Prosthesis

You might have never heard of an orthotist or prosthetist. However, they are important and rapidly growing careers.

Orthotists specialize in creating things like supports and braces that help people with medical conditions function better. For example, they might design a walking cane for a patient.

A prosthetist designs and builds artificial limbs. For example, they might design an artificial hand for a patient that lost their hand in an accident.

In both cases, these positions require you to work closely with physicians to create supports that enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Job Prospects: 17% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $68,410

35. Public Health, Epidemiology

Advanced positions in the health industry often require a master’s degree. With a master of public health degree, you will get widely recognized credentials for managerial positions.

These positions can be in a variety of settings. Many public health officials work for government agencies, like the Center for Disease Control. Others work for non-profit organizations. Still others work for private organizations to conduct research or lobbying efforts.

Many master of public health programs have different options for specialties. You might specialize in epidemiology or health care policy. Health care administration or communicable diseases are additional options.

Job Prospects: 5% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $70,990

34. Architecture

Master’s programs in architecture provide students with advanced studies in building design. This includes designing structures for urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Much of an architecture program is focused on functional designs. These designs might be for single-family homes. They might be for apartment buildings. They might also be for skyscrapers or transportation hubs.

But there is also a good deal of conceptual studies. This includes designing buildings for the future. Buildings that might be more sustainable or functional might fall into this category.

Expect to study things like architectural history, environmental control systems, and tectonics as well.

Job Prospects: 1% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $80,750

33. Finance

Finance is another broad career area that offers many different paths for graduates to find success.

In school, students learn about many different financial services. This includes:

• Securities
• Corporate finance
• Investments

Finance graduate students also learn about the processes of mergers and acquisitions. Financial management principles, concepts, and techniques are further topics of study.

With a graduate degree in finance, you might find employment with a commercial bank. You could also work at an investment bank or an accounting firm. Some finance graduates work in corporate finance. Others are employed in private wealth management or entrepreneurial finance.

Job Outlook: 5% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $81,590

32. Biology

Master’s in biology programs provide a broad education in the principles of modern biology. The study of biology usually includes advanced courses in:

• Cell biology
• Molecular biology
• Physiology
• Neurobiology

Likewise, biology master’s programs include studies in developmental biology, pharmacology, and environmental studies.

Since these programs are so diverse, there are many career paths you might take. With additional training, certification, or licensure, you could become a:

• Teacher
• Physician’s assistant
• Biochemist
• Biological technician

Job Prospects: 3% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $82,220

31. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing field of work. But before you can begin your career, you need an advanced degree.

A master’s of occupational therapy program combines in-class learning with practical experiences in the field. You’ll learn how to work with patients of all ages. You’ll also explore methods that can be used with patients that have varying physical ailments.

For example, you might specialize in working with aging adults. This might mean you focus on muscle strength and flexibility. Alternatively, you might specialize in working with injured athletes. In this case, you would focus on rehabilitating the injury so the patient can return to full strength.

Job Prospects: 16% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $84,950

30. Civil Engineering

Though a bachelor’s degree in engineering can qualify you for many jobs, a master’s degree is even better.

Master’s programs in civil engineering explore advanced topics. These topics relate to how designs impact the environment, properties, and people as well:

• Fluid mechanics
• Acoustics
• Hydrogeology
• Computational mechanics

There are many opportunities for specialization too. For example, you might specialize in earthquake engineering. Another option would be to specialize in continuum mechanics.

Though this can be a lucrative career, it is not expected to grow much in the coming years. This will likely mean increased competition among recent graduates for fewer positions.

Job Prospects: 2% increase in jobs through 2029

Median Salary: $87,060

29. Mechanical Engineering

Engineering is a popular graduate program. Within engineering, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest disciplines.

This is good for you because the training you can get in a graduate program in mechanical engineering can lead to a variety of engineering careers. This includes:

• Aerospace
• Medical
• Agricultural
• Manufacturing

Usually, mechanical engineering programs come with a specialty. For example, you might have a set of courses that focus on material science. Alternatively, the area of emphasis might be fluid science or biomechanics.

Truly, the possibilities are virtually endless with a graduate degree in this field.

Job Prospects: 4% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $88,430

28. Physical Therapy

Maybe you’ve had a need for a physical therapist in your life. If so, you know that a physical therapist evaluates and treats patients with movement dysfunctions.

You can be a physical therapy assistant with as little as an associate’s degree. But a master’s degree is required to be a physical therapist. 

Most physical therapy programs include coursework in the following:

• Physiology
• Biology
• Anatomy
• Kinesiology
• Biomechanics

These programs include studies in exercise, neuroscience, and pathology as well. Students also learn how to conduct themselves in an ethical manner. There is instruction on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning too.

Not only is this a highly rewarding career, but it is also growing rapidly. High demand means there should be plenty of jobs to be had in the coming decade.

Job Prospects: 18% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $89,440

27. Statistics

Like information science, statistics is a rapidly growing field. This is due in large part to the explosion of data that is produced in today’s world.

Statistics is not just the study of numbers for mathematical purposes. Instead, the theory, methodology, and practice of analyzing data is a fundamental tool in a wide variety of career areas. This includes:

• Education
• Sports
• Politics
• Mobile computing

Statistics is also a central component of finance, marketing, and even the internet.

In a master’s program in statistics, you can expect to learn about probability and theoretical statistics. Applied statistics and research topics should also be expected.

Job Prospects: 33% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $92,030

26. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

This is one of the most highly specialized areas of psychology. It deals with the scientific study of human behavior in organizations. Typically, these psychologists strive to resolve workplace-related issues.

For example, an industrial-organizational psychologist might be asked to identify ways to improve employee productivity. As another example, they might seek to find a solution to mistrust between employees and managers.

This kind of work requires a strong understanding of organizational dynamics. It also requires a good knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Job Prospects: 3% job growth through 2029

Median Salary: $92,880

25. Construction Management

A master’s degree in construction management opens up all kinds of jobs for graduates. Projects for residential, industrial, and commercial clients all need skilled site managers.

Likewise, heavy construction, mining, and highway projects need construction managers to ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget.

In a construction management master’s program, students explore a range of topics. This includes:

• Project management
• Cost control
• Construction programming
• Finance

Additionally, students study technical topics related to construction as well as finance. Most programs have coursework in entrepreneurship and business as well.

Job Prospects: 8% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $95,260

24. Educational Leadership

Educational leadership master’s programs are similar to those for organizational leadership. You still study things like project management, team building, and effective communication.

However, these programs are specifically focused on leadership in educational settings. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Preschools
• Elementary schools
• Middle schools and junior high schools
• High schools
• Junior colleges
• Public and private universities

These programs emphasize the importance of leadership, technology, and curriculum development in providing sound educational services for students.

Typical courses include educational leadership, school finance, and school law.

Job Prospects: 4% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $95,410

23. Educational Administration

If you have your heart set on a career as a principal or administrator, this is the master’s degree for you.

Educational administration degrees come in the form of a master of arts. This degree provides a foundation of skills for a variety of careers. These include:

• Personnel supervision
• Principal or assistant principal
• Superintendent or assistant superintendent
• Education finance
• School law

Educational administration programs also focus on topics like curriculum and instruction. Courses in learning theory and ethics are also to be expected.

Job Prospects: 4% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $96,400

22. Health Administration

Many healthcare executives have at least a master’s degree in health administration.

These programs prepare leaders that can effectively run a healthcare organization. These organizations are often quite large. They have significant budgets. There are many employees as well. This puts a lot of pressure on administrators to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Additionally, programs in health administration focus on the rapid changes that occur in the industry. For example, students might learn about emerging technologies that make telehealthcare a viable option for many patients.

Studying healthcare administration involves courses in finance, economics, and strategic planning. Students also develop strong leadership and research skills.

This is by far one of the most in-demand jobs. It is expected to stay in demand for the rest of the decade.

Job Prospects: 32% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $100,980

21. Electrical Engineering

Like other engineering fields, electrical engineering is a fast-growing career. Earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering will qualify you for a wide range of job options. This includes:

• Scientific research
• Power generation
• Architecture
• Manufacturing

Regardless of the area they work in, electrical engineers must have solid skills. This includes a deep understanding of topics like math, circuitry, communication systems, and electrical design.

Generally speaking, a master’s program in electrical engineering will take two years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options that cut that time in half.

Just be sure you choose a school that is accredited. Accreditation comes from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Many jobs in this field require applicants to have a master’s degree from an ABET-accredited program.

Job Prospects: 3% increase through 2029

Median Salary: $101,250

20. Telecom Engineering

Telecommunications is a rapidly growing industry. This means that job prospects should be good for the next few years. But it also means that more people are entering this field. Competition for jobs can be fierce.

To position yourself for a telecom engineering job, you need at least a master’s degree. These programs explore topics such as:

• Computer network theory
• Operating systems
• Network engineering

Obviously, a large part of a telecom engineering master’s degree is also on telecommunications networks. This includes how to design, build, and deploy networks.

Many positions in this field require you to have a deep understanding of leadership. Additionally, you’ll need to be versed in telecommunications policies and regulations.

Job Prospects: 3% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $101,250

19. Economics

With a master of science in economics, you can pursue any number of careers. It is a broad field of study that emphasizes the development of technical, analytical, and qualitative skills. These skills are developed in courses like:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics
• Economic theory

These programs have a heavy emphasis on research as well. The research component helps students gain analytical and problem-solving skills.

With a master’s degree in economics, you can pursue careers in the public or private sector. You might become a professor or a policy analyst. You could also go into data science or budget analysis as well.

Job Prospects: 14% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $105,020

18. Software Engineer

Software engineering is a highly lucrative field. With a master’s degree, you can find many different advanced careers that pay very well.

Software engineers aren’t just employed by software companies. Instead, they are employed in a variety of sectors. This includes, business, industry, and government.

In most cases, software engineers design and construct computer systems. They also test software. Another important job duty is to maintain computer applications and systems.

This can be tedious work. Software is coded line by line. However, software engineers enjoy high pay, good benefits, and generally positive work experiences. There is often good job security as well. Companies are willing to pay a premium for well-qualified workers.

Job Prospects: 22% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $107,510

17. Applied Mathematics

Applied mathematics might seem like a very narrow field. However, a master’s degree can open up many different job opportunities.

For example, a master’s in applied mathematics might lead to a career in the engineering field. Likewise, you can pursue jobs in actuarial science. There are other possibilities as well, including:

• Scientific computing
• Numerical analysis
• Mathematical biology

Some of these fields are in higher demand than others. Actuarial science, for example, has more available jobs than mathematical biology.

Nevertheless, by gaining experience in math, economics, business, and other related disciplines in this master’s program, you’ll be prepared to take on all kinds of jobs.

Job Prospects: 18% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $108,350 (for actuaries)

16. Physician Assistant

If you’ve been to a doctor’s office recently, you may have seen a physician assistant, or PA.

These health care professionals are not medical doctors. However, they are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of an M.D.

During a master of science in medicine program, students learn how to handle common tasks, like: 

• Conducting physical exams
• Diagnosing illnesses
• Treating illnesses
• Ordering and interpreting tests

Likewise, PAs might write prescriptions for drug therapies. They will occasionally assist in surgery as well. A large part of this job is also providing advice on preventative health care to their patients.

It should be noted that you must graduate from an accredited master’s program. You must also take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). It is a good idea to continue your education as well. PAs that have specialties or board certification usually make more money.

Job Prospects: 31% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $112,260

15. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia to patients before surgery. They usually work in a team with medical doctors, including an anesthesiologist.

However, they don’t always work in hospitals. Some nurse anesthetists work in dental offices and outpatient surgical centers as well.

Part of the duties of nurse anesthetists is to evaluate patients. These evaluations inform the type of anesthesia to be used. They also help determine the type of anesthesia to be used. Evaluations usually involve conversations about the patient’s:

• Known allergies
• Health conditions
• Medications

Among advanced practice registered nurses, nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid. This is also a rapidly growing field. This means that in addition to high pay, there should be plenty of jobs available in the coming years.

Job Prospects: 45% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $115,800

14. Nurse Midwife

Like other health care careers, nurse midwifery is a rapidly growing field. Nurse midwives are licensed professionals that specialize in childbirth. They also specialize in reproductive health.

Typically, midwives help facilitate births. They also provide prescriptions, offer counseling to new parents, and perform annual exams.

Becoming a nurse midwife requires a lengthy education. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, they must also be a registered nurse. To become a certified nurse midwife, they must also have a master’s degree.

Common courses in graduate programs for nurse midwives include:

• Postpartum care
• Advanced physiology
• Research methods
• Pharmacology

Job Prospects: 45% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $115,800

13. Nurse Practitioner

One of the fastest-growing careers by far is nurse practitioner. That makes getting a master of science in nursing a smart choice.

Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care. They often provide direct care to patients as well. In some situations, a nurse practitioner might be specialized. An example of this would be a family nurse practitioner. Another example would be a cardiac nurse practitioner.

In graduate school, students focus on health care courses. This includes:

• Pharmacology
• Community health
• Statistics

Master’s programs also focus on specialty areas as well as clinicals. You can expect to be more independent in your studies and clinicals at this stage than in undergraduate studies.

Job Prospects: 45% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $115,800

12. Human Resources Management

A business is only as good as its people. This is true despite massive changes in how businesses operate. It’s also true in spite of the incredible technological advances that have changed the business landscape.

A master’s degree in human resources management will prepare you to lead a business’ employees. Your education will include a variety of topics, including:

• Employee training
• Hiring and firing procedures
• Overseeing organizational change
• Recruiting new employees

Additionally, human resources managers tackle issues related to employee and labor relations, sensitivity training, and employee compensation.

Job Prospects: 6% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $116,720

11. Organizational Leadership

A master of arts in organizational leadership is a great choice. These programs offer a wide range of studies. While the focus is on developing leadership skills, students also learn about:

• Project management
• Team building
• Effective communication

Organizational leadership also involves a heavy dose of conflict resolution. To be an effective leader, one must understand how to bring opposing sides together to manage disagreements. This is true whether you work for a small, medium, or large organization.

By the time students graduate, they will have the skills to be successful leaders in the public and private sectors.

Job Prospects: 6% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $116,968

10. Human-Computer Interaction

Not all that long ago, a master’s program in human-computer interaction would have been thought of as material in a sci-fi movie. Today, though, master’s programs in this area are becoming much more common.

These programs usually integrate multiple areas of study. This includes:

• Usability
• Interface design
• Research methods
• Interactive computing

Students in these programs also focus on user experience. This involves designing computer interfaces that are easy to use and intuitive.

With a master’s degree, you could go to work in the private sector. Some government agencies might also have positions available. In many cases, graduates go on to get a Ph.D. Doing so will open up even more career paths. It will also improve the possible salary.

Job Prospects: 2% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $117,220

9. International Relations

Many people that get a master’s degree in international relations work for the government. And while there are many government agencies that might hire a graduate with this degree, there are many other career options. This includes:

• Human rights activist
• Lobbyist
• Media analyst

In some cases, graduate programs in this field require you to have certain prerequisites. For example, proficiency in more than one language is often highly sought-after. This is because of the nature of this work. Often, the work revolves around the relationships between different nations.

As you might have guessed, the complexities of these relationships are far and wide. They can influence law and politics. There are also significant economic impacts that can result from how nations interact with one another.

Job Prospects: 6% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $122,220

8. Physics

Studying physics at the graduate level often means choosing from one of a number of specialties. These include:

• Quantum physics
• Biophysics
• Biophotonics
• Computational physics

With a graduate degree in this field, the world is your oyster. Physicists are employed in a wide range of disciplines.

For example, a physics degree could lead to a career as a computer programmer. Likewise, you might become a medical physicist. Other options include teaching, research, and product development.

There are many job opportunities in the aerospace industry, energy, technology, and engineering as well.

Job Outlook: 7% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $122,220

7. Computer Science

Computer science has long been a popular choice for master’s students. That’s because technology is rapidly changing. It’s also becoming an increasingly important part of our daily lives.

Because good computer scientists are in such high demand, workers tend to be very well paid. If you get a master’s degree in computer science, that only improves the likelihood that you have the necessary skills to be a desirable job candidate.

Computer science graduate programs focus on computer language theory and software design. There are also classes on operating systems, networks, and databases. Information security and data management are common courses as well.

A computer science master’s degree usually takes two years to complete. The return on that investment can be quite good.

Job Prospects: 15% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $122,840

6. Information Science

Information science is a field that examines the properties and behavior of information. It is concerned with the flow of information, how information is processed, and how information is used as well.

In graduate studies in information science, students learn how to collect, organize, and store information. Coursework also focuses on retrieving information, interpreting it, and passing it on to other people.

Information scientists are in demand in all sectors of the economy. You’ll find information scientists employed by Fortune 500 companies. They also work for government agencies. A good number work in the non-profit sector as well.

As organizations produce more and more data, information scientists will be in higher demand. In fact, this career area is expected to have strong growth throughout the 2020s.

Job Prospects: 15% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $122,840

5. Biostatistics

Most people with a master’s degree in biostatistics work in public health. Typically, they design studies that seek to expand medical knowledge. Additionally, they analyze data and seek out ways to improve the quality of research in public health.

Government agencies employ a large number of biostatisticians. This is because policymakers need hard data on which to make their decisions. Likewise, governments are seeking to reduce the cost of health care. To do so, they need biostatisticians to analyze health care data to identify areas where costs might be reduced.

Common courses in biostatistics master’s programs include:

• Bioinformatics
• Epidemiology
• Public health

Job growth for statisticians as a whole is expected to be robust for the next decade. But biostatistician jobs could see even more growth over the same period.

Job Prospects: 33% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $123,853

4. Business Administration

A master’s of business administration (MBA) has long been a top choice for graduate school students. As the economy continues to globalize, having an advanced level of business knowledge will only become more important.

In fact, many argue that business leaders must have at least an MBA. This level of education is necessary to handle the rapidly changing economy.

The core curriculum in an MBA program covers best practices like:

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Organizational behavior
• Finance

These programs also help students develop the soft skills they need to be successful. This includes communication skills, conflict resolution, and leadership skills, among others.

Though there are many avenues you can take with an MBA, some career areas are hotter than others. Finance managers are in high demand right now. Database administrators and business operations managers are also highly sought after.

Job Prospects: 6% to 15% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $129,890 (for financial managers)

3. Marketing

Marketing is critical for companies to maximize their return on investment. This being the case, skilled marketers can command very high salaries.

In a graduate program in marketing, you’ll study the thoughts, behaviors, and actions of buyers. You’ll learn the importance of differentiation. You’ll also learn how to establish unique brands.

Additionally, marketing programs help you:

• Develop solid communication skills
• Design engaging digital marketing campaigns
• Understand the qualities of effective promotion

Though some people with a master’s degree in this field work as marketing managers, others choose to work independently. In either case, the salary earned can be among the highest for master’s-level workers.

Job Prospects: 6% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $135,900

2. Petroleum Engineering

Historically, petroleum engineering has been one of the most lucrative engineering fields. Though there has been a shift toward renewable energy, petroleum engineers can still command excellent salaries.

To be a petroleum engineer you must have a strong education in STEM subjects. This includes:

• Engineering
• Math
• Natural sciences
• Earth science

In today’s world, technology plays a huge role in petroleum engineering. As such, graduate programs for petroleum engineering have a significant focus on technology. After all, technology is used to find reserves of oil and gas.

Being able to find these reserves and extract the oil and gas safely and economically is a central duty of petroleum engineers. To ensure students can achieve these goals, petroleum engineering programs have a heavy dose of coursework on safety.

Job Prospects: 3% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $137,720

1. Engineering Management

Engineering managers coordinate the activities of engineering companies. This involves much more than overseeing projects. Instead, engineering managers are responsible for:

• Developing plans for new designs
• Determining staffing and training needs
• Hiring and supervising staff
• Leading research and development projects

As a management position, there is a lot of oversight of workers. There is also a lot of coordination between different stakeholders on various projects.

An engineering management master’s program will help you develop the skills needed to carry out these tasks. Additionally, you can expect to take courses in:

• Engineering functions
• Information systems
• Economic decision-making

In most cases, students need two to three years to complete an engineering management program. But some students might be able to finish in just one year. 

Job Prospects: 3% growth through 2029

Median Salary: $144,830

The post Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Here are some of the factors affecting the completion rate:

Transfer of Credits

The Master of Science in Sport Management at Texas A&M who has earned 12 hours of graduate credit may be able to transfer courses above the stated limits.

Liberty University has an assortment of online degrees, one of which is the Master of Science in Sports Management. The non-thesis degree offers several possible course transfer options. College standardized tests, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is one example. You may use military training as a credit – provided it passes the free Evaluation. Work experience is a possibility, subject to the school’s Experience Plus program. Liberty also has a transfer of credits for eligible classes. There is the possibility of transferring up to 50% of the required courses – if accepted.

Part-time vs. Full-time

Northeastern University offers an M.S. in Sports Leadership that covers ethical leadership, sports law, and sports media relations. The program has the option of an internship or capstone. There is the choice of full-time or part-time – the former taking as few as 18 months.

Online vs. Residency

Online programs can be as fast as commuting to campus daily. The University of Miami as a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Sports Administration. Students can complete the 30-credit program in 20 months. The curriculum focuses on sports marketing, leadership, legal aspects of sports, globalization in sport, and kinesiology. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to pursue work in sports management.

Another example of an online degree with less than a two-year completion is Concordia University-Saint Paul. Its accelerated Master of Arts in Sport Management consists of 33 credit hours. Each course is seven weeks, which allows students to graduate in 18 months. The curriculum examines strategic planning, marketing, law, and concepts of management. The institution claims that 95% of graduates receive job offers within one year.

The online 36-credit hour Master of Science in Sports Administration at Arkansas State University has an advertised completion time as few as 12 months. The school boasts one of the most affordable total tuition at $11,412. The coursework includes sport law, marketing, finance, budgeting, leadership, sports governance, and communications. In addition, students may transfer up to nine graduate hours from the school or other higher education institutions.

If a 21-month program suits you better, Ohio University offers a Professional Master of Sports Administration. The program has three mandatory residencies at the Athens Campus and two additional residencies at the National Sports Forum. This online degree consists of one class every seven weeks, with a one week break between each session. Some of the recognizable topics include sports governance, sports marketing, human resource management in sports organizations, law, and financial administration.

Combine Undergraduate with Graduate Degree

An accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree allows students to take up to 12 hours of graduate courses. The student receives credit for both the undergraduate and graduate hours, which reduces the master’s program. This format applies to the University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Eligibility depends on the undergraduate student completing at least 90 hours of undergraduate courses with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Students who opt for this format at the undergraduate level are not committed to the master’s degree, nor does it guarantee admission into the Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management (M.S.E.M.). The M.S.E.M has the choice of a 27 credit hours thesis or 21 credit hours non-thesis.

Conclusion

Speed should be one criterion on your list of colleges offering master’s in sports management or related discipline. Online or campus, tuition, location, full or part-time are other considerations. Working individuals may need the ongoing paycheck to pay for living expenses and tuition. Plus, this allows one to study at a leisurely pace, if you desire.

Additional Resources: 

What is the difference between a Sports Manager and a Sports Agent?

Is a law degree helpful for a career in sports management?

Do I need to be a former athlete to have a good chance at a job in sports management?

What kind of undergraduate degree is best for trying to get an internship with a sports team?

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

The post How long does it take to get a Master’s in Sports Management? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Really Matters for Admission Into a Master’s in Human Resources Program

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

If you’re holding off applying to a master’s degree program in human resources because you didn’t major in HR as an undergraduate, it’s time to take your next step. Although some graduate programs in human resources may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in the subject already, many HR master’s programs have no specific educational prerequisites.

Instead of focusing on what major you chose as an undergraduate, most master’s of HR programs are more concerned with the quality of your academic performance and with what you have accomplished since your undergraduate studies. A specialized master’s in human resources program will usually build on students’ existing knowledge of work in the HR field, so you should have at least some work or internship experience in this area of business. You may need letters of recommendation from former college instructors or from professional contacts who can speak to your skills, work ethic and ambition.

If you didn’t major in HR as an undergraduate, use your application essay or personal statement to explain your career path and how the specific human resources program to which you are applying will help you achieve your human resources career goals.

A Human Resources Professional’s Educational Options

Given the importance of your personality traits and soft skills in the field of HR, as well as the ability to learn on the job, there are many different educational paths you can take to work in human resources. Some of the non-HR undergraduate majors that commonly lead to employment in a human resources role include sociology, psychology, liberal studies and communications. However, the biggest overlap is between human resources and business administration, and students can move between these fields of study in either direction.

If you start out as a business major, you complete undergraduate courses in a breadth of business topics, gaining the foundations of each business function even if you don’t delve deeper into those fields. Human resources is one of the subjects you are likely to function, but other topics may include finance, accounting, management, organizational behavior, marketing and economics. Whether you decide during your studies that you like learning about HR or simply wind up working in a human resources role after graduation, you can easily build on these business foundations from your undergraduate program when you go to earn a master’s degree in HR.

Switching from undergraduate studies in human resources to a more general graduate business program may be more complicated, but it’s definitely doable. This path may make sense for you if you pursued a bachelor’s degree in HR but, after years being out in the workforce, wanted to make a change or specifically to move up into higher-level management positions that weren’t necessarily focused on human resources. In this case, an MBA may be a better fit for you than a master’s in HR specifically. The broader focus of an MBA makes this degree more versatile and can help you move up into leadership roles outside of human resources. However, that means you will need to complete graduate-level study in topics like finance, accounting and economics that you might not be familiar with, since you didn’t study them extensively as an undergraduate.

Some MBA programs have prerequisite finance, accounting and economics courses, so HR workers without a background in these quantitative areas of business administration may need to take non-degree courses in these subjects before you start working on your degree.

A More Focused Curriculum for Graduate HR Students

If you majored in HR as an undergraduate and are eyeing a Master of Science degree in human resources, you may worry that your coursework will be redundant. Having an undergraduate background in human resources is valuable for understanding the foundations of HR, but the coursework is different enough at the graduate level to keep you interested, even if you studied the basics of the field years ago.

That’s because graduate programs in human resources go beyond what’s covered in a typical undergraduate HR course. You get to delve deeper into an area of specialization through master’s-level courses like global and cultural effectiveness and strategic positioning and social change. Through advanced study in the human resources field, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills in screening and recruiting talent, managing worker performance, interpersonal communication and other crucial areas of HR.

Although it’s possible to pursue a master’s in HR without formal studies in human resources, these graduate programs typically require students to have at least a basic level of foundational knowledge of the field from work experience.

Additional Resources

Is a Master’s Specifically in HR More Useful Than a General MBA?

What Is the Difference Between a Certification in Human Resources and a Master’s Degree in HR?

What Is the Difference Between a Human Resources Degree and a Business Degree?

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

The post Will Having Studied HR as an Undergraduate Make a Big Difference When Applying for a Master’s? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A strong graduate degree can aid you in becoming the “unicorn” that so many health informatics jobs want. Regardless of whether you entered the industry viaX a clinical track or an information science track, there are advanced degree programs available that can assist you in bringing it all together, giving you the knowledge and training to thrive in all aspects of upper level health informatics careers.

Graduate Degrees for the Health Informatics Field

There are a variety of advanced degrees that can assist you as you climb up the ladder in the health informatics field. Not unlike when you made your choice of bachelor’s programs, you again have a variety of advanced degree options available to you, including administration, clinical, or information science tracks. Though the specifics will be different program to program, plan on spending one to three years in post-baccalaureate education. Depending on the direction you choose to go, you will likely be able to find both online and on campus options.

Because there are different tracks to enter the health informatics world, it is difficult to say which advanced degree is best. Most professionals will find that they need an advanced degree that opens them up to what they haven’t previously studied or know, like an RN achieving a master’s in healthcare informatics (MHI) or a computer science analyst achieving a master’s in healthcare administration (MHA). As you do your research and choose a program, pay attention to the course work to ensure that you will be well-rounded in both technical and clinical skills when (all of) your education is complete.

Master’s of Health Care Informatics: Today, you have the option to achieve a MHI on campus or a MHI online. These programs are touted for healthcare professionals (like an RN) who want to move into advanced information management and those in IT roles (like a data analyst) that want to move into healthcare management or specialist positions. Degree requirements in these programs will include fundamentals of the current healthcare system, social and organizational issues in health informatics, foundations of information systems, and legal, regulatory and ethical issues in healthcare and informatics. Some programs will include an internship or practicum experience. Typical length of programs is two years.

Master’s of Healthcare Administration: MHA programs typically take between 18 months and three years to complete. MHA programs are also widely available online or on campus. Courses are focused on management and leadership; they will typically include healthcare finance, healthcare ethics, public health and policy, quality management, strategic planning, and healthcare marketing. It is not uncommon to choose a specialization in a MHA program. Common specializations include healthcare informatics, healthcare operations, quality care, health policy and financial management.

Master’s in Information Systems Management (MIS): Not surprisingly, this is also a degree you can achieve on campus or online. Common coursework for these programs will typically include java programming, data communications, systems development and analysis, computer hardware, databases for business and database systems, and business applications. Graduates of these programs will also display proficiencies in accounting, statistics, and computer programming. Typical length of program is 18 months to three years.

 Master’s of Computer Information Systems (MCIS): MCIS programs typically desire candidates with an educational or professional IT or computer science (CS) background. Students of a MCIS program will learn about different information systems; degree requirements will include courses in legal and ethical issues in CS, computer network administration, database design and management, fundamentals of information systems, and information technology management. It is not uncommon for those pursuing a MCIS to also pursue an MBA, in an effort to gather both business and technical experience and acumen. Program length is usually two years.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): MBA programs usually take two years to complete. They are available both online and on campus. Prior professional experience and education are weighed heavily in most application and admittance processes. Common core courses of an MBA will include accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, organizational development, operations, business statistics, leadership and ethics and microeconomics. Typically, a health informatics professional is going to need to choose elective courses that focus on the informatics field, like information systems, computer applications, quantitative analysis, and intro to computing.

Careers for Advanced Degree Health Informatics Professionals

You are likely wondering what careers an advanced degree will open up for you. The following list (not all-inclusive) includes some common careers and the associated annual salaries of different advanced degree health informatics professionals:

• Clinical Applications Specialist: 72,000/year
• Nurse Informatics Specialist: $78,000/year
• Health Informatics Manager: $71,000/year
• IT Consultant: $78,000/year
• Clinical Informatics Manager: $92,000/year
• Chief Information Officer: $158,000/year
• Chief Technology Officer: $158,000/year

Currently, payscale.com reports an average median salary for all health informatics specialists of $62,000/year.

Is the Graduate Degree Worth It?

Though a graduate degree will cost you additional time and money, it is an investment you will be happy you made. U.S. News and World Report, according to the American Medical Informatics Association, states that today there are more than 70 programs that offer advanced degrees in health informatics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an increase of 11% and 18% in health technician and health management careers (respectively) over the next 10 years (this is much faster than average). Clearly, this is a high demand industry with strong expected growth and expansion. If you are already in the field or are sure that this is the direction you’d like to move, there are many degree programs that will help you achieve your goals.

Laura Mansfield

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) | Sacred Heart University

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

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

October 2019

More Articles of Interest:

• What Are the Best Undergraduate Degrees to Prepare for a Career in Health Informatics?
• What Is Health Informatics?

The post Do I Need a Graduate Degree to Get Involved in Health Informatics? Which Ones are Best? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A Focus on the User, Not Just the Technology

Even the most cutting-edge technological innovations mean little if the people who need to use them can’t figure out how to do so. This focus on the user’s needs and capabilities is one of the major foundations of human-computer interaction.

HCI is, in some ways, a field that emphasizes accessibility. It may be difficult to imagine in the modern era of smartphones, smartwatches and smart homes, but computer technology wasn’t always meant for everyone to use and enjoy. The expansion of computer technology into virtually every aspect of modern life has drastically changed the identity of the end-fusers of computers since the 1970s. In a comparably short time, things changed from computer usage being largely restricted to professionals in the field who had special training in computers to being present in all environments, for all purposes and all audiences. Now that personal computing has come so far and seeped into everyday life, the technology itself needs to be accessible for those audiences.

To this end, a major focus of the field of human-computer interaction is user experience, sometimes abbreviated as UX. Providing a great, intuitive user experience means thinking about the context in which the user is interacting with the technology and what the user needs from the technology. Another part of creating the right user experience is considering how the design and display of the technology work to create a seamless, intuitive use.

The field of HCI encompasses websites, wearable technology, smartphones and other types of computer hardware and software.

An Interdisciplinary Area of Study and Work

When you go to graduate school for human-computer interaction, you should expect to take classes in interdisciplinary subjects of study. Computer science is part of the HCI curriculum, of course, but so are other topics. Expect to take some coursework in psychology, such as psychological statistics, cognitive psychology, human abilities and engineering psychology.

Industrial design is another possible area of study to include, such as human-centered design, visualizing communication for interaction, interface prototyping and web design accessibility. Some degree programs in human-computer interaction may offer students the opportunity to specialize their studies in areas such as digital media and interactive computing, as well as to take specialized coursework in health informatics and video game design.

Different HCI programs encompass different subject areas in the curriculum, but cognitive science, ergonomics, sociology, linguistics and cultural anthropology are all possible areas of study you might have the option to explore.  

An Array of Careers in Research and Professional Practice

In the discipline of human-computer interaction, careers are available in the research aspect of the field as well as in practice. Researchers working on HCI have to draw on both qualitative and quantitative research methods in their quest to better understand the motivations behind user behavior and the challenges people face when interacting with computers. Their findings contribute to a varied assortment of fields that include psychology, cognitive science, economics, marketing and even library science.

If you’re more interested in the practice-oriented career paths of HCI, you might wind up working in a role like user interface developer, accessibility designer, or cognitive systems engineer. Different roles in the human-computer interaction occupations emphasize different aspects of the field. For example, accessibility designers focus on crafting a technical experience that is easy to use even for users who speak different languages and are at different levels of cognitive development. Cognitive systems engineers are more closely connected to the artificial intelligence that powers computer technology.

RELATED: The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online

Graduates of a human-computer interaction program can seek more traditional computer science jobs, such as information architect. With an HCI background, you might focus on strategically structuring computer-based information for the most intuitive user experience.

Additional Resources

What Are Some Long-Term Goals in the Field of Human-Computer Interaction?

What Are the Disadvantages of Human-Computer Interaction?

How Does Interface Design Work With a Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?

The post What Does Human-Computer Interaction Mean? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

When an art director works in the business of animation, most would see this as a match made in heaven. And rightly so. After all, animations are one of the contemporary forms of art that have been on the rise over the past few decades. Merely glancing over the $420 million earned by Toy Story 4 in less than two months is a great testament to the said statement. What a lot of individuals fail to realize, however, is that the art directors who work in the animation sector handle responsibilities that go far outside conventional artistry. The vast majority of their duties are more closely related to management and administrative side of things than the actual art.

Who Is an Art Director?

Before getting into common responsibilities of animation art directors, it is important to understand who these professionals are. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a typical job description characterizes them as experienced leaders who have in-depth knowledge of design, visual resources, negotiation techniques, project management, and employee development. All of those skills are obtained over the years leading up to their big promotion to a directing position. Once they attain this prominent title, their job is to ensure that things run smoothly from an overall perspective of the entire department. To do so, they must possess extremely versatile skills and be adaptable enough to work with dozens of partners, associates, and subordinates daily.

Visual Work, Design, and Layouts

The first duty of an animation art director is to lead sessions related to visual planning, design, and layout of upcoming projects. For instance, when a client hires an animation company to create a hypothetical advertisement for them, they will usually make their inquiry to the art director. From that point on, it is up to the director to build a vision of the final result that they will work towards alongside other artists. Hence why the next set of duties that will be discussed shortly relates to communication. Art directors also have to act as the authoritative figure whose stamp of approval is necessary before any project can move forward. If an artist creates a preliminary animation, it is often up to the director to look over the draft and decide if some changes need to be made. It is also not uncommon for them to be the ones who make those changes since they carry a background in animating. Remember, practically all art directors are promoted to their position, not hired for it straight out of school. That implies that they have enough knowledge about the business of animation to make actual animations from scratch.

Client Communication

As said above, communication is one of the most important skills art directors across all sectors have to possess. The reason why is that their job is going to require constant use of this talent. The same is true for those who are working in the animation market. Some common examples include discussing project expectations and pricing with clients, delegating duties and providing feedback to employees, and leading meetings with senior management on long-term plans of growth. All three of those categories will require a different approach. So, art directors have to know how to strategically communicate in different settings to be successful with different audiences.

Project Management

One of the most crucial job responsibilities of an animation art director revolves around project management. Whilst this is a duty that they share with senior managers and those charged with governance, they still have to be in charge of innumerable employees who look up to them. Day-to-day tasks here include things like making schedules and agendas, assigning artists to projects based on their strengths and interests, and reviewing performances to ensure that goals are met in a timely fashion. Project management is also where they have to keep track of spendings and cross-reference them with expected earnings. Doing so will allow them to perpetuate the required levels of profitability that may be put in place by the company’s executive leaders.

Budgeting

The fact that art directors who work in animation are often generalized as just another form of animators is not too surprising. After all, most individuals who have no experience here will not know about the countless financial tasks that rest on the shoulders of these professionals. Art directors spend a lot of their time working with budgeting where they coordinate expected spendings with senior managers and the company’s accountants. That helps them understand what a reasonable price range for an animation inquiry would be. So, once they meet with a prospective client, they can discuss how much the project will cost and determine if it is safe to proceed. So, becoming familiar with the basics of finance is a very overlooked skill that art directors have to possess to do their job in the business of animation effectively.

Human Resource Duties

Finally, given the director role that is at hand, one has to consider the human resource responsibilities. The vast majority of art directors have a limited number of duties when it comes to hiring, firing, and training new animators. Although it only accounts for a small portion of their time, it is worthy of mention since the human resource responsibilities give art directors the necessary authority to do their job. If an animator fails to meet performance expectations and seldom accepts positive feedback, per se, the art director will be within their rights to terminate them, find someone else, and train them accordingly. Hence why animators and artists across all industries are well aware that they have to report and follow instructions given to them by the company’s art director. In fact, according to Forbes, professionals who have the power to fire someone are viewed as an epitome of leadership.

Based on the discussed duties, it is quite clear that anyone who wants to be successful here must spend enough time perfecting their animation knowledge, leadership, management, and other intangible skills. Doing so will put them in a position where they can transition into the role of a thriving art director who knows all the ins and outs of the business of animation.

Related Resources:

What Degree Do I Need To Be An Animator?

What Can I Do With An Art Degree?

What is the Median Salary for an Animator?

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

What Does an Animator Do?

Is it Easy to Work for Myself as an Animator?

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

What Kind of Company Does a 3D Modeler Work For?

Should I Get a Master’s to Become a 3D Modeler?

What Kind of Fields Use a 3D Modeler?

Is it Easy to Work for Yourself as a 3D Modeler?

What is a “Good” Salary for a 3D Modeler?

What are the Best Programs for a 3D Modeler to Learn?

Can You Be an Animator and Work on Movies that aren’t Animated?

How Do You Become an Animator?

What Kind of Animator Makes the Highest Salary?

The post What Does an Art Director do in the Business of Animation? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design – Friedrich August von Hayek

Economics is the social science of studying production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It explores how economic actors behave and interact with one another.

Economists teach theories, methods, and principles, study and research the impact of economic policies, deal with all kinds of data and organize it to come to useful conclusions and decisions, create policies that impact everything from organizational success to global harmony, and much more.

When you study economics, you get an immersive education in the rules that govern our world. There are many issues in our world that economists are in a rare position to influence. Their work can vastly improve society by helping to create theories and models that focus on producing better outcomes for more people. One of the most famous examples of this is John Forbes Nash Jr., whose Nash Equilibrium grappled with the need to make decisions not only based on what’s best for you, but what others are likely to choose based on what’s best for them. Curbing our Darwinian impulses is important throughout society, but especially in economics, which governs our individual and collective qualities of life.

One fascinating aspect of economics is how it’s viewed as a science even though it’s more a mixture of science and trial by error. With a bit of inspection it becomes clear that economics is an extremely subjective field that’s based on our individual and societal limitations. Nash had schizophrenia and believed that men wearing red ties were part of a communist conspiracy against him. Much of his most important was done in the 1950s, yet in 2004 noted economists Charles Holt and Alvin Roth wrote that “Students in economics classes today probably hear John Nash’s name as much as or more than that of any economist.”

Due to the intangible nature of economics, the field is ripe for change. Many of its most important thinkers and theorists are from long before Nash. Our society is lacking when it comes to breakthrough economics innovation that grapples with current events, which creates opportunities for you to not only break into the field, but make vital contributions to it.

Another surprising facet of economics in higher education is its separation from business schools. You might think that economics would be intrinsically tied to business education, and the two of course overlap, but most schools have a separate business and economics department. Why? Because in theory an economics education is supposed to prepare graduates to work for greater social cohesion and efficiency through producing more harmonious economies, while in practice business schools teach graduates how to make and accumulate profits for themselves and their organizations.

By earning an education in economics, you can help to do more responsive and useful work in the field that will impact its future.

In this guide we’ll look at the available economics degrees, including different specializations and degree levels, and share the work we at Degree Query have done to help you find the right economics degree for you. While you read it, please consider the following:

• What are your overarching career goals, and how can an economics degree help you achieve them?
• What degree level have you earned in higher education? What job do you want, and what degree level is required to qualify for it?
• You don’t have to know exactly what you would do within economics, but you should have a general idea about where you’d work (think tanks, government agencies, businesses, etc.).
• How much can you afford to pay in tuition for a specific economics degree you’re considering, and how much would you have to take out in loans to pay for one?
• There are a wide range of costs associated with different economics programs depending on the school you choose to earn one from, its delivery format, the scholarships, and loans you might qualify for, among other factors.
• It’s also always preferable to pick a school where you can pay for tuition rather than borrow. But if you need to borrow money to afford a program, always strive to take out public loans over private ones. You should also only pick schools that are accredited, affordable, and non-profit over expensive, for-profit schools.
• How much time do you have to take your economics degree each day, week, and in total before you graduate from it? Different programs offer their education curriculum through a variety of formats.
• What’s the best delivery format for you to attend your economics degree? Would you rather attend school full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or in a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus learning?
• Where would you like to live and work after earning your economics degree? Different states and territories have different demands for economists.
• What is your career/educational experience, and how can specific economics programs enhance your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in economics degrees? How can a specialization or focus of a program help you get the education you want and reach your career goals?

These are just some of the questions you should be asking yourself. When you’re searching for a degree program, it’s helpful to write out what you’re looking for, what qualifications you have, and what parameters you have to abide by. Use these questions as a guide and add any to them that you find pertinent.

Before we look into specific degree levels and specializations, let’s look at what you’ll get out of an economics degree:

Economics Degrees Build Skills and Aptitudes In

• Analytical Chops: the ability to examine data, find patterns within it and synthesize those findings into useful, logical conclusions is central to becoming a successful economics student and professional, and perhaps the main thing you’ll work towards in an economics degree program.
• Intellectual Curiosity: important economic discoveries and theories often come from reexamining consensus positions. In economic degree programs, you’ll absorb what’s come before you with an eye towards innovation.
• Math: you’ll use calculus, algebra, and statistics to solve real problems throughout your economics study and work, so having strong math skills or brushing up on them before entering an economics program would be extremely helpful.
• Intellectual Versatility: economics is heavily impacted by psychology, politics, history, and sociology. Having a breadth of knowledge about many different topics and areas of society is central to your work, and any good economics program.
• Patience While Facing Complexity: you’ll be examining incredibly layered problems and datasets, and will learn to keep your calm through frustration, as well as approach problems in multiple ways.
• Reading Comprehension and Communication: successful economists inhale information and can distill it into useful conclusions. You’ll need to read constantly, understand what you’re reading, and effectively communicate it with math, writing and speaking to peers, supervisors, and people unfamiliar with economics.
• Motivation: you’ll need to be dogmatic in your pursuit of an economics degree and career. Sacrifice and self-discipline will spur you onward. These degree programs are an opportunity to cultivate those aspects of yourself, but you’ll need to do much of the heavy lifting.

Of course, you won’t be completely alone. You’ll have peers, professors, and the opportunity to network with professionals in the field that can set an example for your career. We’re also here to make your life easier:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Economics Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve worked very hard to help you find the best degree for you, whether that’s in economics or elsewhere. We’ve ranked schools, jobs, and degree types. We’ve also answered common, pressing questions about the degree options available, written reports about the state of higher education, and offered you tools like our interactive compare careers matrix that was designed to help you select the best educational path for you. Some of the content we’ve produced that’s specifically focused on economics degrees and the schools that house them includes:

Rankings

• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• Top 10 Accounting Degree Programs
• 50 Best Online Master’s Degrees 2019
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• 15 Top Degrees for the Highest-Paying Business Careers
• Top 50 Online Business Degrees
• 50 Best Online Degrees for 2019
• Top 20 Highest Paying Online Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Can I Do With a Degree in Economics?
• What Can I Do With a Business Degree?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Financial Planning Have?
• What Is the Benefit of an Accounting Degree Vs an Economics Degree?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Purchasing Have?
• How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?
• What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Of course, this is just some of what we’ve done that covers business, finance, accounting, economics, and other related degree disciplines and career paths. To see all of our content related to economics, visit go here, or select another degree type that interests you. If you discover a school or program through our rankings that you think is a good fit, it’s helpful to e-mail their support staff directly to get more information about the programs you’re interested in and get assistance about its application requirements and processes.

Let’s examine the different levels of economics degrees and what they’ll prepare you to do:

What are the Different Levels of Economics Degrees?

There are four standard levels of economics degrees, including Associates, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees:

Associates in Economics

In these two-year programs you’ll get a foundational education in researching and analyzing economic issues and trends. You’ll look at markets, business decisions, and much more. In these programs, you’ll be prepared to continue your education in a four-year program. Associates in economics are offered online, and by community and junior colleges. They can cost significantly less than four-year programs while helping you earn credits towards them. Graduates are prepared for entry-level business positions and can work as junior economists, analysts, and consultants, but you’ll likely need to continue your education to have a long-lasting career in the field.

Bachelors in Economics

These are four-year programs that tackle the quantitative and qualitative aspects of economics. You’ll take courses like economic statistics, economic history, micro and macroeconomics, economic politics, econometrics, and much more. You might have the opportunity to specialize in areas like agricultural economics and financial economics, among other options. You’ll learn to use relevant software and research techniques to solve economic problems in many different sectors and settings. Graduates can work as statisticians, economists, and financial analysts, among many other roles, or continue onward in their economic education. The federal government offers some of the best entry-level jobs for economics Bachelor’s graduates.

Masters in Economics

In these one to two-year programs you’ll study advanced economic theory, applied economics, and econometrics, among many other subjects. Earning a graduate economic degree will give you a much better chance of having a longterm career in economics in comparison with a Bachelor’s or Associates. To enter these programs you’ll need to have a Bachelor’s degree, as well as a background in calculus-based economics, probability, statistics, and other foundational economic theories and skills. Some of these programs are more focused on the theoretical, while others are application-driven. These programs may require a thesis, and are likely to let students specialize in an area of economics they are keen on, like Developmental Economics, Sustainable Economics, Financial Economics, International Economics, among many others. For some, this can be a terminal degree, while others might continue to earn their doctorate.

Doctorates in Economics

These programs take three to seven years to complete and are often paired with another discipline, like business administration, management, finance, international trade, labor economics, behavioral and experimental economics, among many other options. They are for qualified students with a Master’s in the field and significant work experience in the field. You can choose between programs that are more research focused and those that deal with applied economics. Often you’ll be required to do field work, turn in a dissertation, and defend it. Graduates will be prepared to work in all aspects of economics at the highest levels.

Apart from these degree levels there are also many different specializations in economics degrees that allow you to explore specific aspects of the field, or earn a dual degree in economics and business, among other options:

What are the Different Specializations Within Economics

MBA in Economics

While economics and business degrees are often separate, in this specialization track you’ll be able to combine them and prepare for roles in banking, government, finance, and much more. These programs will give you a general overview of what goes into business management decisions in many settings while also giving you a graduate level economics education. Other areas you’ll likely explore include leadership, marketing, production, and operations management.

Behavior and Strategy

Because so much of economics rests on the choices people make it can be very valuable to specialize in that part of the field. Areas covered include individual choices, group choices, and most importantly you’ll learn how strategic business decision-making changes markets, These programs can prepare you to work as a consultant, research analyst, among many other positions.

Data Analytics

This field is exploding because of the results it produces for organizations of all stripes and sectors. In economics programs specializing in data analytics, you’ll get extremely comfortable inspecting theories and models to discover patterns, forecast variables, and make decisions, among many other applications. You’ll likely explore the latest software and methods related to data analytics, and do advanced, difficult math.

Economic History

Previous economies and historical events aren’t all-determining when it comes to future economic trends and issues, but historical economies and past financial situations can teach us a lot about our society and where it’s going. In these degree specializations you’ll be prepared to work as a teacher, or perhaps continue on to graduate school (would make an excellent fit for someone interested in a specific aspect of practicing law). As with all historical study, it both needs to be respected and bucked.

Economic Policy

If you want to have a direct impact on future economies this is your opportunity. In this degree focus, you’ll delve into the design, installment, and effects of governmental economic policies. Graduates will be prepared to work as policy analysts for government agencies, research analysts for think tanks, and much more.

Learn more about what degree you need to be a policy analyst.

Economic Inequality and Poverty

This specialization has a strong need for new economists, and among the lowest supply of them. While free market capitalism is the system we live under, many people agree that a strong safety net is essential to societal cohesion. By working on these issues you can potentially make some improvements in these areas. By specializing here you can choose to fight against income inequality and poverty, proposing policies that help those who need the most assistance.

Labor Economics

Here you’ll work with micro and macro elements to understand labor markets and solve problems in them like unemployment, demand for undersupplied skills, and much more. You’ll also examine labor efficiency, hiring practices, legislation.

International Macro-Finance

For when you want to help control the world’s money. You’ll explore the global economy, how interconnected it truly is, precisely how events in one corner of the world can change profits globally, or in distant markets. If you want to work in banking or finance, this is a great option. You could also work at a non-profit or government agency as an analyst or policy advisor.

Economics Degrees in Conclusion

Before the guide ends, let’s take a quick look at how much you can expect to earn as an economist. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2017 median pay for economists was $102,490 annually, or $49,27 an hour. There were 21,300 of these roles in 2016, which is expected to grow by 6% between 2016-26, leading to 1,300 new jobs. The typical entry-level education for these positions was a Master’s degree.

BLS also found the lowest 10% of economists made under $56,400, while the highest 10% made over $172,580. Top earners worked in finance and insurance, the federal government, and in scientific research and development services.

We hope you’ve found this guide extremely helpful. Economists play an integral role in our society and have an opportunity to do work that can drastically change it.

Remember to approach your search for a degree with a list of criteria important to you. We’re here to help you educate yourself about higher education, but you’ll need to do much of the legwork. Whenever you find a program or school that you think is a match for your needs and goals, you can always reach out to their support staff directly to request more information and get assistance in the application process.

Good luck in your education and career!

The post What Can I Do With An Economics Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Mental Health and Music Therapy

Much of the impact music therapy has on an individual is in the area of mental health, the American Music Therapy Association reported. By offering clients nonverbal yet effective ways of expressing their feelings, music therapy can help people who struggle with communication – whether due to medical conditions or simply as a result of a history of less-than-optimal communication practices. The potential of music therapy to lift mood and lead to relaxation makes it an effective component of a multi-faceted approach to treating depression and anxiety, as well as helping clients cope with crisis, trauma or grief. Innerbody Research reported that anxiety, depression and stress are among the mental health conditions for which music therapy can serve as one of the effective interventions.

Music therapists may work with patients seeking help for mental health concerns in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, halfway houses, substance abuse rehabilitation centers and private practice.

The Intersection Between Music Therapy and Physical Health

Although music therapy is often associated with its roles in assisting in mental wellness – even among patients whose physical health issues contribute to the mental health concerns – it has plenty of applications beyond making patients feel better emotionally. Among patients with chronic pain, the strategic use of music therapy has been linked with reports of pain reduction and can even result in patients choosing to use lower doses of pharmacological pain relievers. Since music therapy doesn’t carry the often unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects many of these drugs have, reducing the need for pain-alleviating medicines through music is remarkable.

Another amazing application of music therapy to physical health disorders is using it to help patients whose medical conditions render communication difficult. For example, those who suffer a stroke, traumatic brain injury or another form of damage to the brain may have trouble finding, remembering and forming words when speaking, but thanks to the way the brain works, they still may be able to sing. Music therapy can help them express their thoughts despite difficulties with normal speech and even be part of the process of retraining their brains to speak again.

The implications of using music therapy to treat physical health ailments are varied and significant. Music therapy has proven effective in every arena from treating autism spectrum disorder to Alzheimer’s disease.

Music Therapy’s Place in Oncology

Cancer can have devastating effects on the body. Unfortunately, cancer treatments, too, are notoriously difficult to tolerate, resulting in a lot of side effects. It’s no wonder that oncology, the branch of medicine focused on treating cancer, often has a place for music therapy as a complementary type of treatment – not as a cure for the disease, but instead as a method of treating symptoms and side effects. Researchers have discovered numerous advantages of music therapy for cancer patients, including lessening anxiety, depression, nausea and vomiting.

Cancer patients who use music therapy in addition to their cancer treatments report a better quality of life.

Why Music Therapy Helps So Many Patients and Problems

Part of the field’s versatility is due to the universal charm of music. Whatever genre, tempo or timbre you most enjoy, music is shown to have the capacity to affect mood and even result in physiological effects on the body such as better respiration and lower blood pressure and pulse. The noticeable effect music has on humans – and even animals – has been recognized since ancient times and across borders. Societies ranging from Ancient Greek civilization to tribal and indigenous groups worldwide have expressed some connection between music and physical or psychological healing.

Like music, the human body runs off of a rhythm, which is one reason why ancient and modern cultures worldwide find music so engaging. The mechanisms by which music helps in treating patients with different conditions vary, from creative self-expression to manipulating rhythm and sound frequency within the brain or body, according to the American Psychological Association.

As researchers continue to study how, why and how much music impacts healing and wellness, it’s likely that the use of music therapy will only grow.

Additional Resources

What Does a Music Therapist Do?

What Makes Someone a Good Music Therapist?

What Is the Difference Between Music Therapy and Music Education?

What Are Some Other Careers Related to Music Therapy?

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Speech Therapist?

The post What Populations Does a Music Therapist Work With? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Leveraging Your Organizational Leadership Skills for a Career in Politics

Whether you hope to be a politician or stay out of the limelight in a behind-the-scenes role like political advisor, a degree in leadership can put you on the right path. The first thing to know is that there are no definitive educational or work experience backgrounds for politicians, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You don’t need a degree in organizational leadership or in any other specific area to work in politics. You do, however, need skills in planning and organization, communication, collaboration and motivation. These are among the most important skills in organizational leadership roles, too, not to mention some of the primary skills you will work on cultivating as a graduate student in this subject.

Conferring and collaborating with colleagues, including those belonging to other political groups and holding very different views of the issues, are among the major tasks legislators must undertake, according to O*NET. Communicating with constituents, fellow legislators, politicians in other branches of service and their own staff is also critical to the work of creating policy and making change. Good legislators are able to understand the implications of the laws they write and pass to minimize problematic unintended consequences, which is where planning and organization come into play. Legislators and other politicians that get voted into office must be able to motivate voters to choose them.

For aspiring legislators at the national level, earning a master’s degree would put you in good company. In the 116^th United States Congress, which served from January 2019 to January 2021, 100 percent of Senators and nearly 95 percent of House Members had at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the Congressional Research Service. More than two-thirds of the House of Representatives and three-quarters of the Senate reported a degree beyond the bachelor’s level. The Congressional Research Service also noted that business and public service were among the most common professions, other than politics and law, for members of the 116^th United States Congress.

Besides your educational background, your experience matters, too. Many aspiring politicians and political advisors gain experience working in politics as interns or volunteers, according to the BLS.

Organizational Leadership Concentrations for Aspiring Politicians

If you want to use your organizational leadership degree to work in politics, you may want to choose a concentration track that fits your ambitions. A popular area of concentration for students interested in politics is public administration. The curriculum of a public administration concentration in an organizational leadership program might include specialized classes in public policy, local government planning, public finance and budgeting and ethics in public administration.

Some master’s degree programs in organizational leadership offer concentrations specific in government, military and public sector leadership. Classes in these concentrations might cover the cross-section of the leadership theories that are successful in private-sector businesses and the challenges unique to private-sector work. Students may also prepare for work in or with a government entity through coursework that emphasizes collaborative problem solving and the use of strategic management practices.

Even if you choose not to pursue an official concentration that would lead to a role in public administration or government agencies, you may have the option to take specific courses that are relevant to your political ambitions. For graduate students of an organizational leadership program, a class pertaining to issues in civil engagement might help you better understand voting patterns and the issue of non-voting. You would study political, social and personal factors that affect how and why individuals vote or choose not to vote.

Degree programs might also offer a course on non-profit and government leadership. Although there are differences in the challenges and practices of organizational leadership in government entities compared to non-profit charities and religious organizations, a course devoted to non-profit and government leadership would look beyond the practices of corporate leadership.

If you want to work in politics without serving as a politician yourself, a political staff leadership role at which you might excel is chief of staff in a politician’s office.

Additional Resources

What Are the Positives of Organizational Leadership?

What Are the Skills Necessary to Be Successful in Organizational Leadership?

Is Human Resources the Best Business Area to Get Into With a Degree in Organizational Leadership?

The post Is a Degree in Organizational Leadership a Good Precursor to a Career in Politics? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

 Taking a Multidisciplinary, Multi-Cultural Approach to Learning

You might have been drawn to studies in international relations due to your love of a specific country. However, being too specialized can actually be a disadvantage when working in international relations. If you focus too narrowly on one specific country or even continent, you might find yourself at a disadvantage if your work finds you assigned elsewhere. Learning about a greater variety of countries will better equip you to put in the work to help solve global issues no matter where in the world you end up.

Considering that there are nearly 200 countries in the world, it’s not feasible to become an expert on every nation. When choosing countries to study in greater depth, you might want to consider which ones are more involved with the biggest current global issues.

In addition to studying multiple countries, you will also be studying different global issues and how different countries view these problems. Some issues your education in international relations might address include global governance, national and ethnic identities, environmental, international security, terrorism, social movements, and more. Knowledge about these different topics has become more important than ever as the world had become more interconnected.

Students of international relations should also consider studying fields like public health and history to better understand how global issues affect the world. These subjects will give you context on how past events and current health concerns affect people around the globe.

Communicating to a Global Audience

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

When working in international relations, you will need to convey information to the people of numerous nations. Meanings of words and the intent behind them can sometimes get lost in translation, so it’s crucial when working in this field to carefully craft messages that won’t change when translated across language barriers.

Consider, too, that your audience is made up of people from very different backgrounds and that the language that is effective in reaching people can vary between cultures. When you are communicating to different cultures, you will want to make sure your message gets across and is appropriate. The language and phrases you use in one country may not work in another.

The more you know about different players in global events, the better you will be able to understand and connect with audiences from these different cultures by using that knowledge to shape your message to them.

People in different countries communicate in different languages. It’s not feasible for any one person to become fluent in all of the thousands of languages spoken around the world today. Still, learning a foreign language or two will also increase your skill set when it comes to communicating. Instead of relying on others (or on technology) to translate your message for you, you can work on your translations yourself and avoid incorrect messages from being sent out.

To gain the most from learning a foreign language, you might want to consider learning one of the top five most spoken languages. Mandarin Chinese is the most used language in the world, followed by Spanish, English, Hindi, and Arabic.

Writing Clearly and Concisely

All forms of communication matter, from public speaking to nonverbal cues, but your skills at expressing yourself through the written world are among the most important in international relations. Many times, when you are communicating to different populations, it will be through writing. What makes this task of writing for audiences of different countries and cultures particularly challenging is that, in today’s world, people don’t have time to read lengthy pages of text. The most effective way to get information across is through a message that is clear and concise, so that your audience can quickly read and understand it. Honing your writing skills to be able to do this will be useful when you enter the workforce.

Writing concisely often takes longer than writing pages upon pages of text. Many writers need to first get their thoughts out on paper and then revise their message to highlight what’s really important, rather than settling on the first draft and its extraneous details.

Planning Strategically in Addressing Global Issues

Global issues are particularly tricky to solve, not least because differences between cultures and hostility over historical events between nations can affect countries’ relationships with one another. It takes a great deal of strategy, sometimes in the midst of stressful situations, to come up with plans that diffuse tensions and offer the best and most peaceful resolutions to everyone involved.

When dealing with global issues, an international relations worker must come up with a concise but diplomatic plan that people around the world can understand and follow. The plan should have starting goals that are clear, along with reachable mid-term goals that build up to an end goal. None of these steps should be left to chance. A good plan for solving the issues that arise in international relations includes strategies for reaching each of those goals.

Other useful skills for entering international relations include technology and science skills and negotiation skills. Having experience working in an international affairs hub, even as an intern, is also valuable for this field.

Additional Resources

What Does Someone Who Studies International Relations Do After Graduation?

What Kind of Things Do I Learn in a Degree Program in International Relations?

Will a Degree in International Relations Be Helpful If I Want to Live Abroad?

The post What Skills Do You Need for International Relations? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Types of Master’s Degrees in Business

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

A non-MBA business master’s isn’t one degree but rather a collection of different degree options. There are specialized master’s programs like Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) and Master of Finance (MFin) degrees. Many non-MBA graduate degrees are Master of Science programs, often offered in business subject areas such as business analytics, supply chain management, finance, economics, marketing and sports management.

Master of Arts programs in business are less common but may be the best fit for topics like business communication. Business-related Master of Professional Studies programs are often highly specialized, including degree programs such as the business of art and design, the business of fashion and enterprise architecture and business transformation. Occasionally, graduate students will find a program with the title Master of Science in Business Administration, but these programs are generally very different from a traditional MBA program.

Some Master of Science in Business Administration programs are for current MBA holders, building on the studies they already completed with specialized coursework. Other Master of Science in Business Administration programs prepare students for doctoral study.

An Emphasis on Breadth Rather Than Depth

What mainly distinguishes MBA programs from other graduate-level business programs is the scope of the curriculum. A Master of Business Administration program typically includes coursework in all aspects of business administration, while non-MBA business master’s degrees are generally more specialized.

Most MBA programs include core coursework in strategic business management, operations management, organizational leadership, economics, finance, accounting and marketing. MBA students also build out expertise in one or more areas of concentration through additional coursework in chosen areas of specialization. Possible specializations may include any major area of business studies or, at certain business schools, niche areas of study like sports administration, fashion merchandizing and energy and sustainability.

A non-MBA master’s in business program will specialize in one subject area and focus on allowing the student to develop a depth of knowledge in that area. For example, in a Master of Accountancy program, you might take classes in advanced financial reporting, analysis of financial statements, advanced federal taxation, advanced auditing and assurance, data analytics in accounting and issues in accounting practice. Master of Finance students take core coursework in areas like corporate financial accounting, modern finance foundations, corporate finance, financial markets, investment management, investment banking and finance analytics.

Students of specialized business master’s degree programs can tailor their education through elective coursework. For example, Master of Finance students might study mergers and acquisitions, financial engineering, consumer finance and healthcare finance.

The Amount of Experience Required for Admission

Another important difference between an MBA and a business master’s degree is the required work experience. Each business school and degree program set their own admissions requirements and preferences. However, MBA programs generally expect applicants to have more work experience than other types of business master’s degree programs. For admission into most MBA programs, having between three and five years of work experience is ideal, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Students in non-MBA business master’s degree programs often have a less extensive work history. In many cases, you can get into other types of master’s degree programs in business with between one and three years of work experience, or even no full-time professional work experience at all. Of course, that doesn’t mean that only early-career professionals can apply to master’s degree programs in business. While the youngest business master’s students are as young as 21 years old, it’s not out of the question for students in the program to be in their mid-thirties or older.

In comparison, the average age of MBA students accepted into graduate school in 2020 was 26 and a half years old, according to U.S. News & World Report. Among students in top-ranked executive MBA (EMBA) programs, which are intended for working professionals who are further along in their careers, the average age was considerably higher, at 37 years old, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Some MBA programs accept early-career professionals, including those with no full-time work experience.

Additional Resources

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

What Is the Difference Between an MBA and a Master of Finance Degree?

What Is the Difference Between an MBA and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership Degree?

The post What Is the Difference Between an MBA and a Business Master’s? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Learning to Write through Self-Teaching

If you’re already a self-disciplined, motivated, and skilled in time management, congratulations! You’ve already mastered some of the most essential tools for success as a writer. You’re also in a good position to take advantage of self-directed learning for writing. Consuming books, guides, and tutorials on writing practices on your own is the lowest-cost and most flexible way to learn to write. In fact, you may be able to access these resources for free online or through your local library.

If you’re teaching yourself, you’ll want to look for books on the writing craft (such as style guides) and the practice of creative writing. Some of the most popular books on learning to write include:

• On Writing, by Stephen King
• Why I write, by George Orwell
• Style Guide, by The Economist
• The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White

Online resources like guides and tutorials are another easily accessible resource. These range from low-cost to free. Some of the most popular free online writing guides include:

• The ProWritingAid Blog
• Writing Forward
• The “Just Write” YouTube Channel
• Writing Training and Tutorials suite on Lynda

Self-learning Pros:

• low cost or free
• complete flexibility

Self-learning Cons:

• no accountability
• Powerful writing is more than a matter of putting words together.

Learning to Write through MOOCS

MOOCs are, without a doubt, the biggest movement to shake up higher education in recent years. MOOC stands for “massive online open enrollment course.” Just as the name suggests, these classes are open to anyone, without prerequisites, offered fully online, and have high enrollment numbers. The accessibility of MOOCs is the source of their appeal; students don’t need to enroll or apply, and can learn from their own home. The high enrollment and low overhead allows schools, including prestigious institutions, to offer classes with expert instructors at a very low cost. Some MOOCs are even free!

Some of the most popular sources for writing MOOCs include:

• Coursera
• The International Writing Program
• FutureLearn

Just how “massive” is a MOOC? Traditional education wisdom states that classes of over 60 simply can’t be taught effectively, and that learning to write requires even smaller class sizes in order to give the personal feedback this type of subject requires. By contrast, no less than 67,530 students recently learned to write in Duke University’s MOOC “Composition I: Achieving Expertise.” If you’re used to small class sizes, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. MOOCs, including those aimed at learning to write, have enrollment in the thousands.

Don’t come to a writing MOOC looking to workshop your short stories. Writing classrooms- even virtual classrooms for online programs- are usually based around discussions ands critique sessions, but MOOCs are a one-way flow of information from teacher to students. That means you will be learning writing rules, techniques, and strategies in a strictly didactic approach. Many learners will thrive on this approach to learning to write, especially in learning the basics, such as grammar and composition. MOOCs are also well-suited to learning to write in very structured fields, like business writing and technical writing. But many students, especially aspiring creative writers, will crave a more traditional classroom experience.

MOOCs Pros:

• modest cost
• some structure

MOOCs Cons:

• low or no feedback
• low or no personal attention

Learning to Write through Classes

When it comes to writing, you need moth knowledge and technique. There are rules and principles to be learned, and lots of advise to be gathered from sources like books, tutorials, and teachers. But learning to write is a lot like learning to play a new sport; to develop your craft, you’re going to also need lots of practice and coaching. If you’re learning to write through self-instruction or through MOOCs, you might benefit from forming your own peer workshop group. But this is one area where a traditional classroom setting can really help you learn to write like an expert.

In a writing class, you’ll read assigned texts as homework and discuss these in class. You’ll also write, edit, and revise your own writing, and read and critique writing by your classmates. Your instructor will give lessons, provide feedback, grade your work, and make personal recommendations, such as authors to read based on your interests. This personalized feedback and coaching can be essential to growing as a writer, especially in the creative writing field.

Some of the areas best suited for learning to write through classes are:

• fiction
• non-fiction
• screenwriting
• poetry
• playwriting

If you decide to take a writing class, you have several options. Colleges and universities offer both undergraduate and graduate level writing classes. Most also offer continuing education classes taught by university professors, which are aimed at working adults who want to expand their knowledge. These are usually offered on nights and weekends. Many schools also offer online writing classes. These are a convenient option for those who wish to learn to write from home, or who have busy schedules. There are also writing centers, such as the Gotham Writer’s Workshop, or The Writers’ Studio, which offer non-credit classes in writing taught by professional writers.

Writing Class Pros:

• feedback provided
• higher structure
• personal attention

Writing Class Cons:

• higher cost
• less prestige than degree

Learning to Write through Writing Degree Programs

If you can write like Ernest Hemingway or J.K. Rowling, you won’t need to show your writing degree to get a book deal. Writing is, first and foremost, a skill, and no credential is required for you to succeed if you have mastered the art of moving a reader with your words. That said, it can be very challenging to learn this craft outside of a formal writing degree program.

Many people interested in writing study English, Literature, or Journalism. Those who wish to write novels, memoirs, poetry, and short stories gravitate towards degrees in creative writing. You can earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or even PhD in creative writing, all of which are usually offered as fine arts degrees.

A high degree of structure is one of the main reasons to get a degree in writing. Whether you’re interested in working in strategic communications, novel writing, or journalism, the curriculum of writing degree programs can help you learn the craft systematically. You’ll start by developing foundational skills, build on your areas of interest and expertise, and benefit from the advise of a guidance counselor in your course selections. With a writing degree program, you’ll also benefit from school career services, an alumni network, and the resume boost that comes from graduating with a degree.

Of course, all this personal attention and intensive training comes at a cost. Full degrees in writing are not offered online as frequently as they are offered on campus at accredited universities. And whether your degree takes two years or four, you will be investing considerable time and money in earning a writing degree.

Writing Degree Pros:

• highest structure
• mentoring provided
• prestige of degree
• alumni network

Writing Degree Cons:

• highest cost
• large time investment

Learning Options

How will you learn to write? You’ll want to consider your resources. For instance, will your schedule allow you to take classes full-time on a campus, or is a weekly online writing class more realistic for you? Can you afford to enroll in a private college or does a free writing MOOC make the most sense? You’ll also need to think about your goals. Will your professional options be greater with a writing degree under your belt, or do you already have a settled career path? Are you looking to learn more technical skills, like composition, or develop creatively? Finally, you’ll want to know your learning style. Are a self-starter who can teach themselves using guides and tutorials, or do you thrive under the personal guidance of an expert? Do you need structure or do you need flexibility?

Writing is as much a vocation as it is a job, and it is as much a craft as it is a skill. However you decide to learn to write, you should give the greatest possible attention and effort to developing your voice and your talent. With the right training, and lots of practice, your words can be your truest expression of who you are.

Further Reading:

• What Can I Do With a Creative Writing Degree?
• How can you prepare for Professional Writing while earning your Degree?
• What is the difference between a Degree in Technical Writing and Journalism?
• What is the Difference in a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Writing and Technical Writing?
• What Degree Do I Need to Become an Editor?
• 10 Creative Careers That Won’t Require You to Be a Starving Artist
• What Can I Do With an English Degree?
• What can I do with a liberal arts degree?

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

Core Studies in Engineering

Engineering is the field that focuses on using mathematical and scientific principles to solve real-life problems. In the area of packaging engineering, solving problems often means designing and develop the packaging that does the best job containing and allowing for the use of a product. Because the retail world consists of such a wide variety of products – from food to pharmaceuticals, from cleaning supplies to personal care products, from children’s toys to office supplies – the needs a packaging engineer must meet and materials and design forms they turn to can vary widely.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay, public domain

Packaging engineers are responsible for developing design ideas backed by scientific and mathematical calculations, choosing the ideal packaging materials and figuring out the logistics of large-scale production of packaging. To do this, packaging engineers need a background in the foundations of disciplines like mechanical, chemical, industrial and materials engineering. Core engineering courses in a bachelor’s program in packaging engineering may cover topics like statics, dynamics, mechanics, innovation and design and the use of engineering software and computer-aided design tools.

Sustainability in packaging engineering is an important issue today, so many programs require or allow students to take classes on sustainable packaging engineering or sustainability in engineering more generally.

A Blend of Science and Math Coursework

If you don’t think of packaging science as a “real” science, one look at the curriculum is likely to change your mind. General chemistry, analytical chemistry, the chemistry of materials and organic chemistry are all common fields of study for aspiring packaging engineers. You should also be prepared to take a sequence of laboratory physics courses as well as a biology course, such as the study of microbiology. Don’t forget about mathematics, either. For this major, you’re likely to take numerous calculus courses and at least an introductory class in statistics. The reason you need such a strong background in math and science is because these fields form the underlying principles you use in engineering design.

There’s some overlap in science and engineering, so your precise course list may vary from school to school. A class like the chemistry of materials may be offered as a straight chemistry course at one institution but a chemical engineering course at another school.

Specialized Major Coursework in Packaging Science

A lot of what you need to know to work as a packaging engineer or packaging scientist is unique to this field of study. While your curriculum blends coursework from multiple established disciplines, it consists of a lot of classes unique to the major, as well.

An introductory course in packaging may give a high-level synopsis of the history, functions, processes, considerations and types of packaging. In packaging design courses, students develop the hands-on skills used to create product packaging designs, including creating technical sketches and using software for modeling and testing structure designs. There are courses devoted to studying different types of packaging materials, including metals, glass, paper and plastics.

Students learn about the different types of containers and practice designing their own containers. You might also learn about the packing regulations businesses must follow, the process of and considerations for developing protective packaging that prevents damage to the product and how to design packaging for distribution in different types of shipping and storage environments. Students often take courses in specific types of packaging, like food packaging, and in parts of the packaging process, such as packaging manufacturing.

Hands-on experience is important in packaging engineering. You should expect to gain experience using computer-aided design and modeling software, working in packaging laboratories and through industry experience gained in an internship or co-op program.

Where Business Fits Into Packaging Engineering

Majoring in packaging engineering doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop a broad background in business. While some of your packaging engineering and science courses cover the needs of businesses in their packaging designs, these courses are usually more technical in nature and focus on specific aspects of packaging in business.

You probably won’t touch on business topics like finance, accounting, human resources or general business administration in this program of study. However, you may take some business-related classes, operations management, microeconomics, the packaging supply chain and business and technical communications. Marketing and product packaging intersect, so you may also study marketing principles, the marketing of product packaging and product placement.

If you would like to have more of a business background, you might benefit from minoring in business administration, marketing or advertising. If the visual elements and signage printed on product packaging interest you, a minor in graphic design may be a good fit.

Additional Resources

Where Can I Work With a Degree in Industrial Design?

Which Degree Is More Beneficial-Product Design or Industrial Design?

The post How Much of Success in the Field of Packaging Science and Engineering Is Science and How Much of It Is Business? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Miscommunication is the number one cause of all problems; communication is your bridge to other people. Without it, there’s nothing. So when it’s damaged, you have to solve all these problems it creates. – Earl Sweatshirt

All organizations that deal with the public, or an audience or demographic they serve (the vast majority of them) need competent communications and media professionals. These comms and media workers help them convey their mission, the services they offer, and anything else that increases profits and helps them reach organizational goals.

In communications and media degree programs you’ll build significant verbal, written, and nonverbal communication skills that you can parlay into exciting, fulfilling employment. Perhaps the most fabulous bonus is applying these skills to your own life, improving your relationships, ability to network, and reach common ground with strangers and friends and family alike.

Communication is in many ways a study of human behavior. The more you can understand and empathize with others the better you’ll be at reaching them and getting them to see things from you or your organization’s perspective.

Communications and media studies deal with philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, cultural differences, and measuring the results of specific communications or overarching brand strategies and campaigns.

Are you someone that has always had a knack for getting your point across in a gentle, cooperative, yet firm way? Do people tend to understand what you mean, and accept your perspective, even when they initially disagreed with you? If this sounds like you, studying communications and media might be an excellent choice for your education and career.

The study of communication and persuasion goes back to ancient Greece and Rome. At the time there was a raging debate over whether one could convince others based on the content of their argument, or if the ability to persuade others and be correct came from the content of a speaker or writer’s character. Some of the most influential figures over communication at the time were Socrates, Cicero, and Plato. Many communications programs will cover them in detail.

In America, what we consider modern communication and media studies began in the early 20th century. As different forms of media were invented and popularized media, and communications studies evolved alongside them. A few of the most influential thinkers in this era included John Dewey, Walter Lippmann, and Charles Horton Cooley. Cooley, a sociologist, and son of a Michigan Supreme Court Judge wrote that communication is, “the mechanism through which human relations exist and develop—all the symbols of the mind, together with the means of conveying them through space and preserving them in time.”

Lippmann was a writer and political commentator who invented the concept of the Cold War. He also was one of the first to write about how new media technologies were used to manufacture consent and to create a conflict between our perceptions and the reality of the world we live in. Dewey saw things with a bit more hope, writing that through communicating, we had a chance to create a better world, and that, “of all affairs, communication is the most wonderful.”

All of these thinkers made their mark on the world in myriad ways. Today there are new opportunities to reach people and a desperate need for cooperation in the face of global crises that impact us all. By studying communications and media studies you’ll be prepared to work for many, many different organizations, and in wildly different environments to accomplish widespread, disparate goals on behalf of yourself and others.

In this guide we’ll explore what you’ll build in communications and media studies programs, look at the different degree levels available, and specializations in the field. We’ll share what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find the best degree for you, look at potential earnings in communications and media jobs, and more. Before we get into it, ask yourself and consider the following:

• What do you want to do in your education and career, and how can a particular media and communications degree program you’re looking at help you get where you want to be in both?
• What degrees have you thus far? What job would you like to work in? Most communications and media jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree, and in some cases, you’re more likely to get advanced, coveted positions with advanced degrees.
• There’s no need to know your entire future in communications and media right now. But having a general sense of where you’d like to work is helpful (think journalism, public relations, human resources, and organizations like private businesses, government agencies, media companies, etc.)
• How much would you be able to pay in tuition and other costs for your communication and media studies degree? How much would you have to borrow in loans to afford one? Could your friends or family help you pay for school? Different communications and media degrees have very different costs associated with them. Factors influencing price include scholarships you qualify for, the delivery format you choose, and the general expensiveness of a school offering the degree.
• Whenever you can try to select a program at a school you can afford. For many people, this isn’t realistic. If you need to borrow money to pay for school, make sure to get public loans over private ones whenever possible.

• Make sure you fully comprehend the terms of your loans and explore the possibilities of loan forgiveness. With public loans, certain occupations (like working for government agencies) can lead to loan forgiveness.
• Search for communications and media studies programs at schools that are affordable, accredited, and non-profit, and steer clear of expensive, for-profit schools with dubious credentials.
• Are you currently employed? Will you work full or part-time while attending school? How will you fit work, school, and other life responsibilities into a schedule you can keep up with?
• How much time do you have to spend on your communications and media studies degree each day, week, and overall before you earn your degree?
• What delivery format is the best match for you? Communications and media studies programs are extremely common, so you’ll be able to choose between part-time, full-time, traditional campus study, take your classes online, or in a mixture between in-person and online study.
• Where do you want to live and work? Communications and media professionals are everywhere, but there are markets like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York that have greater demands for these roles. Earning your degree at a school in a specific market can give you opportunities to network and intern with local employers.
• What is your educational background? How has your career gone thus far? In what areas of work and study are you most confident, and where do you need improvement? How might a specific communications or media studies program play to your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in communications and media studies programs? How can they help you reach your career goals?

These are some of the questions and considerations you should weigh while searching for a communications and media studies degree, or any degree for that matter. Do yourself a favor and write out any additional questions or concerns you may have, or anything else that is specific to your life that isn’t reflected here. Try to answer these questions and your own as you search for the best degree for you.

Now let’s explore what communications and media studies degrees will help you cultivate and build within:

Communications and Media Studies Degree Programs Develop Your:

• Ability to Listen: effective communication is a two-way street. In order to successfully argue and explain your perspective, you’ll need to make others feel comfortable and heard. There isn’t any one size fits all way to communicate. If what you communicate doesn’t come from an understanding of others’ wants and needs you won’t be very effective in this broad field.
• Versatility: communications and media make up a vast universe, and are evolving fields that require vastly different skill sets. You’ll need to build skills in areas like writing, video editing, networking, interviewing, and much more.
• Public Speaking: there are many ways to communicate, but the ability to speak to others naturally, with or without prepared remarks, and to make your audience feel comfortable and interested is indispensable within the field.
• Specific Interests: you’ll likely go into an area of communications. It might be marketing or strategic comms, or it could be journalism or healthcare. Think about what you’re most interested in. You’ll be a much more effective communicator on topics and areas of work that you’re naturally fascinated in and have a lot of knowledge, to begin with. In these programs, you’ll likely discover and develop your interests and be encouraged to do so, which can’t be said about every discipline.
• Research Skills: Communications and media studies aren’t all about what you already know. While you should play to your strengths, you’ll need to consistently grapple with new information, and recalibrate the things you say, write, and other content you produce to new audiences. That involves a lot of research, and you’ll learn how to do that effectively in these programs.

This is only a smattering of the skills and abilities media and communications studies programs will build in you. Throughout your studies, you’ll be helped by your peers, professors, school support staff, and with any luck the people already in your life. We’re also here to assist you. Let’s take a look at how:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Communications or Media Studies Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve done incredible work to help you search for a degree in media studies or communications, or any other degree you’re interested in. We’ve reviewed schools, jobs, written guides about trends in education, and much more. We’ve also answered common questions about many different aspects of higher education. Some of the work we’ve done on communications and media studies degree programs includes:

Rankings

• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Online Business Degrees
• Top 10 Library Science Graduate Schools
• Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Marketing?
• What Degree Do People With a Job in Market Research Have?
• What can I do with a Degree in Visual Communications?
• Why You Should Pick a Degree in Communications
• How Do You Become an Animator?
• What degree do I need to become a Social Media Director?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

This is just some of what we’ve done to make your life easier and help you find the best degree for you. If you find any schools or programs through our resources that you could see yourself attending, it’s very helpful to reach out to their support staffs directly to request more information. You’ll often find useful people eager to tell you anything you might need to know about applying, paying for school, or anything else that’s on your mind.

Now let’s look at the different degree levels in Communications and Media Studies:

What are the Different Levels of Communications and Media Studies Degrees?

There are so many different degree programs and eventual career paths that deal with and require advanced communications and media skills. Here’s a brief overview of the different levels of these degrees, just keep in mind the wide variety within the field as you peruse them:

Associates in Communications and Media Studies

In these programs you’ll generally spend two years studying the fundamentals of media and communications. This might include film, online media, broadcasting, and other disciplines. You can take these programs from a junior or community college to save time and money. Graduates will be prepared to work in very low-level positions, or continue their education at the next level.

Bachelors in Communications and Media Studies

These four-year programs lead to degrees that most communications and media positions will require. You’ll look at group dynamics, semantics, and all forms of communication in depth. Graduates will be prepared to work in advertising, public relations, journalism, marketing, sales, human resources, and more. They’ll also be ready to continue school at the graduate level.

Masters in Communications and Media Studies

These programs take one to two years to complete. They deeply explore political communications, media, non-profit and corporate communications, digital media, communication technologies, journalism, and much more. You’ll build significant writing and research skills in these programs, and be prepared to work in advanced positions across the broad world of media and communications.

Doctorates in Communications and Media Studies

Here you’ll need three to five years to complete a doctorate degree which will likely prepare you to work at the highest levels of academia, either teaching or doing significant scholarly research. You’ll also be extremely desirable to a wide range of businesses and other organizations (communications professionals that hold doctorates are definitely a rarity). These programs build towards a dissertation and its defense.

Now let’s take a look at the different specializations and focuses you can find in these degrees:

What are the Different Specializations and Focuses in Communications and Media Studies Degree Programs

Public Relations

Here you’ll focus on creating and maintaining a specific positive image of a brand, company, individual, or organization in the view of the public or particular audiences. You’ll use a host of communication strategies and media tools to accomplish these goals.

Digital Media

In these specializations you’ll focus on using the Internet and other digital communication tools to accomplish individual or organizational goals. You’ll most likely work in or with social media to boost engagement, get messages out to the right people, and make sure you do so at the best times to improve efficiency and profits.

Healthcare Communication

In these programs you’ll focus on using communications in healthcare settings. You might work for hospitals, government agencies, advocacy organizations and more to try to promote better understanding between healthcare providers and other health organizations and the people they serve.

Legal Communication

Here you’ll need an advanced understanding of the law, and you’ll work to appropriately and effectively convey legal issues to people who may not understand their complexities. You’ll likely work between laypeople and legal organizations, or within a company or organization.

Communication Education

These programs will prepare you to work in education and help future communicators and media studies students learn the skills they need to work in the field and achieve their dreams. You’ll join a long tradition of helping people express themselves efficiently that stretches back to ancient societies.

Organizational Communication

Organizations are dependent on their ability to cooperate and understand the individuals that make up their ranks. In these specializations, you’ll learn the intricacies of motivating, disciplining, and coordinating separate departments and people towards common goals.

Mediation

One of the most vital parts of communication is solving problems. Here you’ll learn to resolve conflicts in an amicable, mutually satisfying way that produces excellent results for all those involved.

Mass Communication

These interdisciplinary degrees deal with broadcasting, journalism, publishing, public relations, and more. Virtually anything that relies on reaching many different people through a range of avenues is under this purview.

Before we close out let’s look at what you can expect to earn in a communications or media studies career:

Communications and Media Studies Degrees in Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this guide profoundly beneficial in your search for a media studies or communications degree. Perhaps it’s helped you realize these degrees aren’t for you, in which case we invite you to explore the rest of our content on the rest of your degree options. However, if these programs are for you, let’s explore what you’ll get out of them.

The United States Bureau of Labor Studies has collected earning information on many of the roles you might fill after graduating from a communications or media studies degree. Remember, most of these positions require a Bachelor’s degree, but higher earnings can be expected for those with more experience, and who have completed a graduate program.

• Editors made a 2018 median annual wage of $59,480. There were 127,400 of these positions in 2016. BLS predicted a -1% decrease in these roles between 2016-26, leading to -1,800 jobs.
• Reporters, Correspondents and Broadcast Analysts made a median annual wage of $43,490 in 2018. There were 50,400 of these roles in 2016, which was expected to decrease by 9% between 2016-26, leading to -4,500 jobs.
• Public Relations Specialists earned a median annual wage of $60,000 in 2018. There were 259,600 of these roles in 2016, which was expected to increase by 9% between 2016-26, leading to 22,900 new jobs.
• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers made an annual median wage of $132,620 in 2018. There were 249,600 of these roles in 2016, expected to grow by 10% between 2016-26, leading to 23,800 new jobs.

This represents a small sample of the positions you could qualify for with a communications or media studies degree. A lot of the roles you’ll be prepared for haven’t been around for that long. The more your education includes digital media skills, the more you’ll be desirable in the field.

Remember, if you find any programs or schools through our content that you’re interested in, reach out to their support staff directly through email. On most school websites you’ll quickly find links to people you can chat with or email directly to inquire about anything you might wonder about their degree programs, and get help in your application process.

Good luck!

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