Where to Get An Accredited Online Bachelor Degree

By: Matt Ream

For a long time now, the "traditional" institutions of higher learning have had unique approaches to teaching. They have also varied by size, student composition, and faculty specialties. Similar diversity is now found among institutions who offer accredited online bachelor degrees. The providers of virtual classrooms call themselves different things.

Sometimes institutions offering an accredited online bachelor degree program will call itself a university. For example, Liberty University and Kaplan University are online schools designated as universities. Other times, the educational institution will be labeled an "Institute." The ITT Technical Institute is one example.

ITT Technical Institute is one of several providers of online education that specialize in technical skills. De Vry is another one who also offers an accredited online bachelor degree. De Vry has two main divisions, one for students with residence in the United States, and one for students who live outside the USA.

ITT Technical Institute has a long and distinguished history of providing technical courses to students who would prefer getting their education online or at local educational centers, rather than attending a four year college and having to take a list of prescribed courses. ITT is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it has administrative offices, and from there it directs its accredited online bachelor degree program.

ITT is actually a "hybrid" institution, meaning students have the opportunity if they choose, to attend classes in person, as well as take online classes. Many students like that, because it gives them the chance to participate in campus life. ITT has student oriented clubs for people who are interested in technical areas like computers or radios. These can be great networking opportunities for the students in the future.

If you are looking into an accredited online bachelor degree program, be sure to do your homework. It is generally better to go with one of the big name institutions than to try an unknown school you found online. There are scams out there which will take your money and may even send you a paper certificate, but they are not licensed and registered, nor are they accredited with the appropriate institutions.

You don't have to go to "college" to get an accredited online bachelor degree. There are legitimate educational opportunities you can enroll in that will give you the same credentials as the best frat boys and girls. http://www.advancedonlinedegrees.com

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Are There Any Benefits of Online Courses?

In 2006, more than 3.2 million U.S. college and university students enrolled in at least one online course, an increase of 850,000 from the year before. For the last several years, enrollment in distance learning education has been increasing at a phenomenal rate each year, and there appears to be no let up in sight. With interest in distance learning education at an all-time high, one might wonder just what all the fuss is about. Are there any significant benefits of online courses and if so, what are they? To answer that question, here is a short list of benefits that are attractive to students seeking an e-learning solution for their educational goals.

• Many online schools offer year-round enrollment. There's no need to wait until the fall or spring semester, online students can begin class throughout the year.
• Online courses often feature condensed curricular modules that accelerate the learning process by removing extraneous material and focusing on core content.
• Online courses are convenient. Students can attend classes from practically anywhere, and at any time, 24/7, as long as there is an available computer and access to the internet. This flexibility allows students to continue their current lifestyle with minimal disruption, if any. Students can work full or part time, spend time with family and friends, participate in regular daily activities, and still be able to study at a convenient time and location that fits right into their schedule.
• Students can study at their own pace. Online courses don't usually have "scheduled" meetings, so students can work on assignments according to their own schedule and learning method. However, it's important that students remember that assignments and exams are regularly scheduled events. All due dates for course assignments must be adhered to, just as in traditional college classes.
• For many students, there is reduced expense, as e-learning courses can be less expensive overall than traditional campus-based courses. While the online class, textbooks, and other material may actually cost as much as in a traditional classroom, the savings come from a significant reduction of expenses in other areas. Students can save on such things as travel or automobile expense, on-campus housing costs, child-care, and loss of earnings if the student can't work or works less while attending school.
• E-learning programs provide equal learning environment for students, regardless of physical appearance, age, health, gender, personality traits, religious, social or economic status. Students that might otherwise feel intimidated or overwhelmed by more talkative students are on the same footing in an online classroom. With more time to formulate a response to the instructor’s lectures and questions, even the most word-shy student has an equal chance to be heard in the threaded classroom discussions. Furthermore, there is improved communication with classmates and the instructors through instant messaging, email, chat rooms, threaded discussions, phone or fax. The lines of communication are wide open in the online classroom.
• Accredited online programs qualify for financial aid. Eligible students may qualify for grants, scholarships, and student loans, just as traditional campus-based college students would.

Arguably, there are some compelling reasons for students considering online distance learning courses. If you are looking to continue your own education but you just don't see how you can do it with a traditional program, online courses may very well provide the right e-learning solution for you.

Jesse Whitehead earned his B.S. in Business Administration degree with honors from an online university in 2005. For more information on the benefits of online courses, and how online college classes can help you earn your degree, click here.

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Bachelor Degree - BA Vs. BS

By: Michael Russell

There are a lot of people who wonder why some bachelor degrees, when you get them, designate you as a bachelor of arts and other bachelor degrees designate you as a bachelor of science. Well, the answer is very simple.

A Bachelor of Arts degree goes to somebody who gets a bachelor degree in any non-technical, or science related field. A Bachelor of Science degree goes to somebody who does get a degree in a science related field. The designations are set up by the colleges themselves.

So, what's the difference? Does it really matter?

The answer to that question may shock you. It matters very much.

The reasons will not be immediately apparent to the student, but when he or she goes into the real world to get a job, they are going to be in for a rude awakening if they're looking for a specific type of job and don't have a bachelor of science degree.

If you're scratching your head wondering why this even matters, the answer is as follows. Most Bachelor of Science programs are a little more intense than a Bachelor of Arts program. In other words, in addition to the degree having to be in a science related field, the degree itself will contain more required courses than a Bachelor of Arts degree. Of course this varies from college to college, but within each school the bachelor of science program is always more intense than the bachelor of arts program. There may be one more required course per semester, or more science courses required. The bottom line translation is, the program is harder to get through; in some cases, a lot harder.

So why does this matter? Well, there are certain jobs, such as in the fields of engineering, chemistry and physics, just to name a few, where if you look in the classified ads in your local paper, it will clearly say, "bachelor of science degree required". So if you graduated college with a bachelor of arts degree, you won't be able to apply for that job. Oh, you can still send in your resumé, but don't expect to be called in for an interview.

Now, here is where this becomes very important. There are some colleges that will allow you to get a Bachelor of Arts degree in math, which is technically one of the sciences. The program doesn't have as many requirements. So when you graduate, while you technically have a degree in one of the sciences, because of the fact that you don't have a bachelor of science degree, you will not be eligible for that particular job that says "bachelor of science degree required".

It may seem like a nit picky thing, but these companies want to know that you can get through the tougher curriculum. They want to know that you have a good chance of being able to handle the job that you're applying for. Is there a really big difference between a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree? In an undergraduate program, probably not too much. But in the minds of the companies, where there is so much competition for jobs, it is a big deal.

Michael Russell Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

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Bachelor Degree: Multimedia Design

By: Michael Russell

It's important to understand that multimedia is not just an information and communications technology (ICT)-related initiative, but it is also a very creatively orientated field. Multimedia bachelor degree students are taught a very diverse academic curriculum spanning design theories, computer hardware and software applications to human behavioral sciences.

Besides theory and computer applications, it's equally important for students to be able to learn the developments of the industry to enable them to identify an area of expertise once they join the workforce.

Bachelor degree students are advised to choose a program, which is highly industry driven rather than one, which is highly academic in nature. Multimedia design is a very technology driven pathway and multimedia designers are required continuously to keep up with the pace of this highly challenging industry. Therefore, it's important that students who wish to pursue multimedia design have an inclination towards technology and are prepared to continuously learn and enhance their skills upon completion.

There are basically two broad divisions in multimedia studies, which are programming and multimedia design. The difference between programming and design is the emphasis. A multimedia programming course is more IT oriented while a multimedia design course is more aesthetically inclined.

Multimedia design studies have a two-pronged approach in theory and practice. Theoretical components are very important as multimedia design involves an understanding of the chosen media format, like websites, as each media format has unique limitations and abilities.

A multimedia course prepares bachelor degree students to understand the working processes of a multimedia application and provides them with the skills to do so. The fundamental concerns and expectations in multimedia are also taught to all students.

Multimedia by nature is a diverse and eclectic field of study. Bachelor degree students will share basic skills but will develop advanced abilities in key areas that they have personally identified, usually culminating in their final multimedia project.

Multimedia design is very challenging yet very technical in nature. Heavy workloads and short deadlines are a norm in the industry and bachelor degree graduates should expect to face many obstacles.

Technology plays an integral role in the creation of multimedia and computer technology changes rapidly. This creates a very steep learning curve for not only multimedia students but also multimedia professionals as they are expected to keep up with the changes and continue learning long after completing their formal education. Experience also makes a multimedia professional more valuable as the development of multimedia is a learning process where you improve as you gain more exposure.

Multimedia designers are employed to develop state-of-the-art websites, interactive kiosks or even video and animation effects for the movie industry. The need for multimedia exists from company websites for small organizations up to government initiatives for medical research.

This multi million industry will certainly need a huge supply of resources in the form of young bachelor degree graduates capable of expanding and enhancing it. Multimedia designers can be employed by an advertising agency, multimedia development agency or even with organizations with high demands for multimedia applications and development like banks and even manufacturers. However, greater opportunities exist for multimedia professionals who venture into development for the internet.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

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Bachelor Degree? So, What?

By: Michael Russell

Are you a high school student wondering if you need to go to college? Are you an adult wondering if a bachelor degree is worth the time? Are you a senior citizen considering a college education in your golden years? If any of these are true of you or if you are simply someone without a bachelor degree, even if you never thought about it, this just might change your mind.

Why get a bachelor degree? Follow the money. According to the University of North Texas website "Experts who have researched the performance and job success of college graduates have concluded that, nationwide, college graduates with a bachelor degree earn about 80 percent more per year than those who only complete high school. In fact, those whose education stops with a high school diploma may see their real wages decline over time". What that means is that if you don't get your bachelor degree, not only will you make 20% less than those who have one, the longer you work, the less you will make. As a senior citizen without a college degree, your chances of meaningful employment with competitive wages are very slim.

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report on Income in the United States in 2004, people with a high school education were earning $36,700 per year. (High school drop-outs made even less.) Those who had some college education but no degree were earning $43,275 per year. Those who had persevered and graduated with a bachelor degree were making $65,442 per year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over a 40 year professional career, a person with a bachelor degree will make almost a million dollars more than one without. What would you do with an extra million dollars?

Studies by the Institute for Higher Education Policy have shown that college graduates have more savings, experience more personal and professional growth and enjoy more hobbies, vacations and leisure time. They make more informed consumer decisions and their children have a higher quality of life. Basically, college graduates have more money, better jobs, more fun, happier, healthier children and get ripped off less often. They are also more likely to contribute to society, build more successful businesses and stimulate the economy and less likely to live on government aid.

Even though the cost of obtaining a bachelor degree in time and dollars is quite large, the obvious financial benefits far outweigh the expense and inconvenience. According to Ibid a college degree can "decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status". A report published by the Carnegie Foundation agrees. It states that people with bachelor degrees are more culturally aware, rational, open-minded, more consistent and less dictatorial. It is even shown that they pass these characteristics on to their children making our world a better place.

In general, those with a bachelor degree have a more optimistic outlook on life and with good reason. A person with a bachelor degree has more opportunity, a happier healthier family and a belief that they can make a difference in the world. Oh yeah and they make lots, lots more money.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Bachelor Degree guide.

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All About Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

You would like to earn a bachelor's degree, but do not have the time to commit to four years in residence at a brick and mortar college or university. You could always enroll in an online degree program - and here are a few things you might like to know about earning your undergraduate degree online.

What is a bachelor's degree?

A bachelor's degree, baccalaureate degree, or undergraduate degree is a degree usually consisting of 120 credits or semester hours. It prepares students for a particular occupation or enables them to go on to pursue higher education such as a master's degree.

What makes an online bachelor's degree different from a traditional bachelor's degree?

An online degree is something new to the field of academia, and has only attained prominence over the course of the last several years as internet use becomes widespread at all levels of society. Such a degree program enables students to 'attend' all of their classes from their own homes or places of business or even from a public access internet computer (such as is found in a public library) for students who do not themselves have access to the internet. This type of arrangement is especially convenient for students who are employed and/or have family commitments, as they are not required to live on or near a college campus. Another convenience is that most online classes tend to be scheduled during evening or weekend hours, as it is presumed that the majority of students will be working full-time.

What types of courses must I take to earn my online bachelor's degree?

Just like in a traditional bachelor's program at a brick and mortar college or university, the online bachelor's degree requires that a student complete a certain number of 'core' courses in general knowledge subjects such as:

• Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• Social Sciences

• Communications

• Humanities (includes literature, art, and music)

Coursework will also be required in a major subject area - the difference being that an online student typically selects a degree program before enrolling, whereas a student at a traditional college or university tends to enroll in the school first and may take a year or two before declaring a major.

What types of bachelor's degree programs will be available to me online?

There are a wide variety of programs available online these days, in most of the subjects you could study at a traditional college or university. There are, of course, exceptions, as certain subjects (studio art, theater, and music, amongst others) cannot be taught without hands-on experience. You can, however, find a number of online degree programs in such popular subject areas as as English, History, Sociology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice.

Applying to College - Tips for Choosing a College

Applying to college may feel overwhelming since there are many universities, colleges, and specialty colleges to choose from. This article lists questions that can be used to help you choose a college.

As you prepare for your senior year in high school, you will face the decision of choosing to which colleges you should apply. Choosing a college is an important decision that should be based on a variety of factors.
Things to consider when choosing a school and applying to college:

• What degree programs are offered? If you wanted to continue your higher education, do they offer a master's degree or doctorate degree program?
• What are the costs of tuition and housing?
• What is the cost of living in the area where the school is located?
• What kind of financial aid is available?
• What is the average class size?
• What is the university's ranking (compared to other universities)?
• What kind of extracurricular activities are available?
• What are the campus safety ratings?
• What is the graduation rate?
• What are the statistics of the freshmen admitted from the previous year?
• What is the composite of the student body (including diversity and gender ratios)?
• How large is the undergraduate student body?
• Which major programs is offered?

Many of the answers to these questions can be found on the school's website. You can also get more information through U.S. News by visiting www.usnews.com. If you still need more information, call the school's admissions office. They should be able to answer any questions that you have.