Online accredited degrees are now more popular than ever before for working adults who want to continue their education, but have a job and family obligations to maintain. Accredited online degree programs are good for people with busy schedules or those who can’t attend a traditional college due to geographic considerations. These distance learning programs are fast becoming the preferred method of study among many people all over the world because of the convenience and cost savings.

Online learning has come of age, in no time. A few of the benefits of online accredited degree programs include:

1. Tend to be less costly than traditional on campus programs.

2. Are available in nearly every subject you could imagine, including nursing, business, psychology, healthcare, and law.

3. Available to anyone who has access to a computer with an Internet connection.

4. May be finished quicker than traditional on campus degrees because most programs are self-paced, offer accelerated programs, or offer credit for life and work experience.

5. Offered by some of the best accredited universities and colleges. These schools generally utilize the same curricula for online courses as they do for classroom courses, so the quality of education is the same.

Obviously, the benefits of distance learning have expanded exponentially. Getting an online degree is convenient for students who cannot attend formal classes for various reasons including work, family, travel, geographic location, or ill health. Getting a degree online is equally as good as earning one in person, but only if it comes from an accredited university.

Online degrees are wonderful for anyone who wants to either jump-start or change their careers, and that’s no surprise.
About the Author:
Carrie Sommer is the creator of Classes24Seven.com a directory listing the most well respected online accredited degrees and online colleges, as well as career resources. If you are considering earning a college degree, make http://www.Classes24Seven.com your first smost well respected and do your research.

By: Professor Ash

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distancelearningadvisor.com/2009/05/enrollments-in-online-accredited-degree-programs-increasing/

With the current slowdown in world economies, higher education may not be easily attainable. Getting a degree in tough times becomes a real challenge, both financially and logistically. First of all, just saving the money for basic tuition and fees, or obtaining even a partial scholarship or student loan may be nearly impossible. For, higher education – getting a degree in tough times requires an ironclad determination to meet your goal combined with the unyielding desire to make your own way through the maze of scholarship, loan and grant applications, as well as completing all the necessary student application forms for each college or university to which you are applying. With your current student schedule as a junior in high school and that part-time after-school job, it’s a real juggling act just to get through each day, get to swim team practice or your piano lessons, and complete your homework assignments, with any time left over to complete those college applications, gather your grade transcripts, recommendations and any other related materials needed. To be sure, higher education – getting a degree in tough times takes a great deal of willpower, stamina and personal desire to succeed in life.

Then, there’s the dilemma of whether to choose colleges close by home, within easy commuting distance. This way, you can probably keep the same part-time job you have now and arrange your classes to suit your work schedule. Or, should you, instead, choose a distant college campus and move there to take up student dorm life—or, perhaps find an affordable apartment with a roommate within walking distance of the campus, classes, and, of course, a new part-time job? It’s true – higher education – getting a degree in tough times is more easily decided than done.

In certain instances, it may be best to apply to online college degree programs or professional certificate studies to save both time and money. This way, you can keep your part-time job and work any schedule you may need to, arranging your study time accordingly. It’s true that you’ll need to be at your computer for real-time online classroom forums and some interactive classroom sessions and workshop presentations. However, you can carry your laptop with wireless Net connection whenever you need to be at lectures or lessons. In this manner, higher education – getting a degree in tough times becomes somewhat easier, with fewer distractions and scheduling conflicts. Also, you can avoid the expense of paying on-campus tuition plus room and board in the form of dormitory living and campus food. And you won’t need to relocate, so your current living expenses should remain unchanged. In addition, most of your course materials will come to you in the form of computer downloads or on CD-rom, thus lowering your spending for course books and other study materials. Also, you won’t be in need of that total new collegiate make-over and wardrobe—that can come slowly, according to your fashion budget.

To be sure, acquiring higher education – getting a degree in tough times can be taxing on your bank account, your love of leisure, your physical health and your sanity. Yet, it’s the very best way to go to treat yourself to the certainty of a good life in the future formed by the pursuit of your well-educated and knowledge-based dreams.

Minority scholarships can be easier to come by than you might think. It is important to keep these scholarships in mind as you are searching for schools and applying for colleges. It is also important to make sure that you are aware of the various ways that you can apply for scholarships, because they will allow you to attend school for a much cheaper rate than otherwise. In fact, your college education could potentially be entirely free with college scholarships and college grants!

The cost of college is absolutely skyrocketing, as each college, public and private, is raising tuition and other costs on an almost yearly basis. This happens for a lot reasons. For instance, schools are paying more for rentals and utilities, and much more in taxes. Therefore, they need to charge more for tuition. Also, schools are offering more in the way of classes and more diverse majors and programs. This also leads to an increase in costs. Minority scholarships can help offset these costs, if you know where to find them and how to apply for them.

Minority scholarships are scholarships that are offered to minorities. There are lots of them out there, and there is a lot of good news for you when it comes to them. Although costs are getting higher by the year, it is surprising that lots of people don’t apply for scholarships. Actually, there are thousands of scholarships that are available each year – but many of them aren’t even awarded because there is no one to apply for them. When scholarships are offered, they are simply money that is given away to the students who qualify the best for them. When no one applies, or when someone applies who is not qualified, these scholarships, even minority scholarships, can go completely unawarded.

Another thing to remember about minority scholarships is that often today they are not just geared towards a financial need. There are still financial scholarships available, so if you are in a financial situation you should be able to find lots of scholarships that are available to you. However, there are also scholarships that are geared towards certain fields of study, certain heritages, or other types of qualifications that you might not have even thought about. Therefore, these scholarships can be available to you no matter where you are going or what you are into. There are lots of scholarships that are specially earmarked to be awarded to many minorities – and most of them are simply available for you to reach out and take.

When you are looking for minority scholarships, keep in mind that there are lots of places to find them. Be sure that you do as much research as you can to ensure that you have given yourself the best chance of finding the perfect minority scholarships for your needs. You can even be awarded multiple scholarships and/or grants, since there is no limit to the number you can have. Some might be smaller, like $300 which will not go a long ways towards offsetting your college education, but if you had 20 of those and/or also much larger scholarships to help you out, that could go a long way!

The bottom line is to just apply for as many as you can, because the only rule is that if you do not take the time and trouble to apply, it is guaranteed that it will not be awarded to you.

Pursuing a college education – a worthy investment – can almost double your lifetime income with just a Bachelor’s Degree. Keep going for a Master’s or Doctorate Degree and that potential will be multiplied. There is no arguing that going to college is a great investment. But, like anything else worthwhile, you get out what you put in.

College is an opportunity to explore your interests, to study new ones, and learn at the highest levels. You will mingle with professors and experts, and have an amazing opportunity to talk with them, ask questions, and work on projects under their supervision. It is totally different than high school, and you deserve a chance at this if at all possible.

Possible is yes, when you look into the ways you can achieve your college dream. College education – a worthy investment – yes, and your investment can pay off with a better lifestyle, more “toys”, and everything else that goes with being able to find a good paying job. Again, your success in life depends on you and your tenacity, your ability to learn and achieve. Show results in college, and you will open a door to your future career and income.

During college, you will meet lifelong friends, and redefine yourself on your own at college. You have a loose support structure through the academic institution, counselors, professors, and friends, but for the most part you are on your own, at last. Mom and Dad are miles or states away, and what you do and learn is entirely on your own initiative. Extracurricular activities at college offer more chances to find a career direction.

Your choice of college may depend on your interests, your financial backing, as well as career goals. Just going to an Ivy League college does not mean you will make more money than by going to the local Community College. As always, what you end up with depends on how well you use the opportunities presented to you. Where you attend college is not as important as what you learn there. You may want a change from city to country, or vice versa. You can visit different campuses before making a choice. And, you can change your mind later if needed.

This is the time to make that investment, in yourself, of your time and money. It is easier if done immediately following high school graduation, but a college degree can be obtained any time in life, while you raise a family, work another job, or even when you are much older.

Balance the thought, college education – a worthy investment. Consider choices, prices, and opportunities, because you are making an important investment in your future. Be a smart shopper, look for discounts, and bargains, just like making another purchase. Except this one can rule the rest of your life. The more you learn, the better your future. Become an expert on colleges first, then learn all you can about your chosen career. Four years, or more, to build your foundation, and then on with life!

Many people find it difficult to strive for higher education during these tough economic times. However, there are many ways to earn a degree in today’s educational marketplace if one knows where to look. Today’s choices for higher education- getting a degree in tough times include options such as online courses, videoconferencing, and trade schools for specific skill sets. Students can choose among these options based upon their learning styles, access to technology, and financial aid opportunities. A basic overview of these higher education choices will help students better understand their options.

Online courses are currently the most popular for a variety of reasons. Online courses allow students to earn a degree from home without having to travel to a secondary location. Students learn and complete assignments in the privacy of their own homes on their own time. With no set schedules for classes, students can still work their regular jobs and receive credits toward degrees. Students enrolled in online courses save money on gas and are able to stay employed while going to school. Online schools are becoming more and more popular in today’s fast-paced world. This is good news for students because online schools are offering more programs and degree selections than ever before and are competing against one another for students which keeps prices affordable for everyone.

Higher education- getting a degree in tough times is also possible through videoconferencing. Some colleges and universities choose to video certain courses and make those videos available at secondary locations for students who live far away from main campuses. This allows students from many different localities access to the same courses that are being offered at major colleges and universities everywhere. In these tough times, not all students are able to commute long distances or quit work to move to attend traditional higher education facilities. This is one way colleges and universities are trying to reach students in remote areas. Never before have students had such easy access to education. These videoconferenced courses are sometimes offered in the evenings and on weekends to accomodate students who work full-time during the week.

Trade schools offer a third option for people who are trying to earn degrees. These schools are typically set up to offer a specific skill set for students who want to learn a new skill or trade. These schools are often the most affordable and require students to earn fewer credits than major colleges and universities to graduate. Students can earn degrees quickly and inexpensively. Almost every locality has its own trade school, so everyone has access to these schools.

People who desire higher education- getting a degree in tough times should consider these three options: online courses, videoconferencing, and trade schools. They are affordable options and offer convenient ways for students to earn degrees without entering the traditional classroom setting. Furthermore, financial aid is available for students enrolled in these programs. A simple Internet search will show students the vast number of opportunities awaiting them in today’s educational world.

By: Roberto Bell

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is, quite simply, an aptitude test. Aptitude tests of various kinds use different means of measuring both raw intellectual ability and acquired knowledge. The GMAT uses tests of English, logic and math skills to make its determination of candidates’ aptitude for business school. Owned by the Graduate Management Admission Council and written with the aid of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the GMAT is used by almost 2000 business schools as part of the admissions process.

Unlike many standardized aptitude tests, the GMAT is not usually given in the old “pencil and paper” (P-P) format, although it can be. For the most part, you will take the GMAT as a computer-adaptive test (CAT) on computers. Although both the P-P and CAT format use the same kinds of questions, the medium through which they are presented can offer both advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest advantage of the CAT, certainly, is that you can take it at almost any time and is normally administered in a small group setting, whereas the P-P test typically takes place in large auditorium. However, in the CAT you cannot go back to reconsider previous questions, the computer screen is more susceptible to misreading than printed materials and it can be awkward to look up and down from the screen to one’s scratch paper. Preparing for the test setting is an essential part of preparing for the GMAT or any other test.

Is the GMAT predictive?

The GMAT’s success at predicting student performance is a subject of some controversy, as with the SAT. Some questions on the two tests are similar, despite being presented differently, although the GMAT includes two types of questions, ‘Arguments” and ‘Data Sufficiency,” that are absent from the SAT. These kinds of questions present real problems to students who are unfamiliar with them, having never seen similar material in school. Adequate test preparation, of course, should remedy this situation.

Still, the question remains concerning both the GMAT’s ability to predict scholastic success and the accuracy of its intelligence measurement. Clearly, no test has ever been devised that can measure every aspect of intelligence, since science is still discovering exactly what ‘intelligence” is. Still, admissions tests of some kind are necessary to add balance to a seriously unbalanced set of criteria. Grades, for example, can be quite misleading, as in the case of a student earning A’s in easy classes and another getting B’s in quite challenging ones. Reputations of schools or school districts are also vague and imprecise indicators. Until some better idea comes along, tests like the GMAT are going to remain a rite of passage.

Test format

The GMAT, as explained, will be administered as a CAT type of test most of the time, and takes three-and-a-half hours for four separate sections:

- Writing Section: Issue Essay (30 mins.)
- Writing Section: Argument Essay (30 mins.)
- Math Section: 37 Questions (75 mins.)
- Verbal Section: 41 Questions (75 mins.)

The GMAT begins with the writing sections, and you will use a very simple word processing program to type your essays. You have to answer each question before you can proceed to the next one, and you cannot return to any once you have moved ahead. The structure of the GMAT is inflexible and does not allow for deviation, since it is a standardized test.

Between (and behind) the lines

Every time it is given, the GMAT may present slightly different questions, but the difficulty level will be as close as it possibly can be to every other one. It is difficult to achieve this consistency, so the test designers use what are called ‘experimental” questions, which are unscored. Because people approach problem solving differently, questions that end up on an actual, scored GMAT are first tested in this way, essentially to assess the relative difficulty they present. If the answers to an experimental question do not fit the scoring and assessment formula, that question will not be used on an actual GMAT.

Somewhere around one-fourth of GMAT questions are of the experimental variety, and can any type, from math and data sufficiency to arguments, sentence corrections and reading comprehension. Of course, you are never supposed to know which questions are the unscored, experimental ones, but if a questions seems comparatively more difficult or confusing than others, that may be an indicator. Then again, you have no way of knowing if the question is difficult or confusing for the other test takers, and thus should treat every question as being important.

Pace yourself to score well

Testing time is limited, of course, but you are advised not to hurry, as this will most certainly not help your eventual score. Because some problems contain nuances and subtleties, you must read carefully and completely. Having gone through (usually) four years of undergraduate studies before taking the GMAT, you may have developed some ’speed reading” practices that help you get ‘the gist” of material without reading every word. This is not advisable in a testing situation of any kind, much less one that plays such an important part in your scholastic (and future) life.

The two major sections of the GMAT are scored separately, and you will get a verbal score from 0 to 60 as well as a math score in that same range. Your ‘total score” will range from 200 to 800 (the average is 500), and your writing score ranges from 0 to 6. You will also get a percentile ranking. Percentile rankings tell you the percentage of students that had scores below your own.

Cat Prep is dedicated to computer administered exam resources with a focus on Computer Adaptive Test preparation software and services. For gre practice test and practice exams, GMAT practice exams and Patent Bar visit us online at http://www.catprep.com/ today.

If you’re thinking of furthering your education, my best advice would be to stop thinking about and go do it!

I started my bachelors degree journey at the age of 36, yes I was one of those adult students you’ve heard about. The world was turning upside down for me and I needed a change, so I went back to school. I started out as a part time student only going nights and only taking six credits a semester. I did this for nearly two years, while raising my two young sons and working two jobs.

After a while I became impatient with my progress and finally jumped in with both feet and became a full time student. I commuted 35 miles to class daily.

Was it worth it? Absolutely! The days of getting a good paying job without having a college education are over! No employer in today’s market will even look at your resume if you don’t have at least a bachelors degree listed. Without a bachelors degree you’ll be competing against too many others with a degree.

So now that you’ve decided you need a bachelors degree, where do you go? Should you choose a Community College, the University or Online?

Each has it’s own benefits. If you go to your local Community College you wouldn’t have to spend the money on housing. You could live at home and commute to school. The costs are usually less at the Community College. The only drawback is that some Community Colleges don’t have a wide array of majors. So, you might get a degree in something you don’t necessarily want.

Perhaps you want to experience the entire college life and go to the University. Great! You’ll have your choice of majors, you’ll find new friends and you’ll come out with a quality education. The only drawback is the opportunity cost. If you go to the University be prepared to experience a new way of life and there will be bills, lots of bills. Of course there is also financial aid to help with all of those bills. You’ll also be able to get a loan to help and you will have to pay it back at some point, but most likely it will be deferred until you graduate. Going to the University is an awesome way to get your education if you can adjust to the lifestyle.

An Online degree allows you a bit more flexibility with your schedule. If you aren’t sure what you want to do there are lots of accredited universities that have “world campuses” where a student can take general education classes online. Take your math classes or your english classes online until you can determine what you want to do.

Shop around, look at what will suit your lifestyle the best. No matter what you choose, in the end you’ll have that diploma and a better job.

Have you ever encountered someone too smart for his or her own good? Well, I haven’t, and that does not describe me. I know enough to know that I’m not a know-it-all. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to know everything my mind can hold, any anything that can further my career. I believe you can never be too smart. If you’re living, you should be learning.

If there was adequate monetary compensation for being a career student, that would be my dream job. Knowledge is gratifying, but remuneration is of equal importance. You have to earn a living. So, when I had an opportunity that allowed me to balance studies and family life that would lead to contributing financially to the household, I did not hesitate to continue my education.

Completing my undergrad degree program took longer than expected due to taking time off to care for my family and working full time. Graduation day was tremendously rewarding as my husband and three children cheered along with other supporters. Finally, I had my degree coupled with my sales and marketing management experience, I would be a more valuable asset to any employer.

Proudly accepting my degree, I did not consider continuing my education beyond that level. Graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications was an accomplishment, but it wasn’t enough. As more time went by, and our family grew, I remained at home with the children. After a few years, my qualifications needed to be re-vamped to be competitive once re-emerging into the main stream of the workforce from which I had been absent for so long.

Obtaining my Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management was an even greater achievement that would prepare me for a more rewarding career path. The best choice for my lifestyle was a college or university with flexibility. Choosing an accelerated degree program from an online university was the perfect fit.

For someone interested in continuing his or her education, whether to become more marketable, brush-up on needed skills or to advance a career, attending a traditional brick and mortar establishment may not be ideal. By attending live seminars online, accessing the archives when convenient, and having a platform that consisted of frequent paper writing, I received my MBA from an accredited online university in eleven months.

In the past year, having written three graduate level papers weekly to obtain my MBA degree from AIU, has helped prepare me for the freelance positions I’ve taken. Additionally, it has boosted my confidence for positions I am eager to acquire after caring for my young children at home. Now I am equipped with the knowledge and a strong sense of what I want.

For the self-motivated who are actively involved in improving their career skills to better qualify for employment, you cannot fail with an MBA. Employers are seeking business professionals with acumen backed by credentials. Even less experienced recent graduates are in demand. Present your confidence along with your qualifications and land the career of your dreams, remembering always to keep learning.

As a young girl, my family never really talked about college or bachelors degrees. It was just assumed that when you became an adult you went to work. My father was from a large southern family with few college grads and my mother from a more educated family where her mother was an RN and all the children went to college and completed bachelor’s degrees. So, as a small town girl, who started her married family life young, college was a fantasy, a what-if, definitely not a need. Or, so I thought.

Then I hit the job market and it didn’t take long working various factory, food service and retail jobs to decide that college was a necessity and not a distant dream. My first step was to go to a few local colleges and see what was needed to enroll. Less painless than I had feared, the entrance exams quickly led to perusing course schedules and setting up meetings with advisors.

Money was an object, and unlike today, there were not as many financing options and programs available to working, non-traditional students. Out came the credit cards and I limited my classes to those that would provide immediate, job enhancing skills paying off each semester as I went. Taking one to three classes a semester was tough, especially with a husband, a son and a job, but I knew to better myself and my family, I had to do it.

Thankfully, semesters don’t last the entire year, and I quickly learned to manage my time with a family/assignment/work white board and a few late nights. Every year was scheduled around class schedules, and family vacations were so much more meaningful at the end of the semester. Within 4 short years of starting my bachelor’s degree, I had acquired the knowledge and skills to launch my career in accounting. Pursuing my degree greatly increased my income and my family’s standard of living.

Along the way, my classes, professors and other students exposed me to greater understanding of the world around. I knew that college would train me in my chosen field of accounting, what I didn’t realize was that getting a bachelor’s degree would also broaden my horizons and give me the opportunity to learn things in depth.

By the time I started the final push to complete my lifelong goal of a bachelor’s degree, accelerated and online university programs were readily available, as were many more financing options.

The road was not short, nor was it easy, but the day I graduated with my bachelor’s degree was one of the happiest, and was the most self-satisfying, days of my life.

The decision to return to school was not an easy one. My husband and I went back and forth over it for weeks. There were so many questions we had to answer — who will take care of the house? Will we have enough money to live on? Who will handle all of the day-to-day chores that need to be done?

But the most important questions we faced concerned our kids. How would they respond to having both parents out of the home all day? Is it right to let them come home to an empty house? How would we keep up with their lives: their schoolwork, their friendships, their extracurricular activities.

Deciding to Go Back to School with Kids
In the end, we decided to lay out all of the responsibilities that we’d have to start sharing if I was to return to University. And we didn’t merely divide them between my husband and myself: the kids would have to start taking more care of their rooms, helping to cook meals, and even doing their own laundry. My going back to school would require help from the whole family.

We reasoned that my going back to school would bring a lot of benefits to the family, and so everyone should pitch in to make the transition easier. First of all, I’ve always regretted not finishing college. But dropping out seemed like the right thing to do at the time, and I don’t blame myself for making the decision.

What I realized, though, is that with my husband’s career beginning to take shape and my kids in junior high, “housewife” wasn’t a full-time job anymore. With a degree, I’d have the freedom and flexibility to start a career of my own by the time the kids were in high school. That’s something I’ve always dreamed of, and it seemed silly to not take advantage of the timing.

The Challenges of Raising Kids While in College
I won’t lie: going to school full time with two children has not been easy. Every week presents a new set of challenges and compromises that have to be made — and I’m usually the one that has to make them. At the same time, though, returning to school has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I’m sure my children will appreciate the sacrifice they’re making when they’re go off to college.