Accelerate Your Career By Acquiring An Online Education Degree

Do you long for a new or accelerated career, but don't want to commit to a four year degree program? Surprise, you don't need a bachelor's degree! Today's associate degree programs take only two years and you can acquire one through an online education college. Amazingly, there are 3.2 million higher education students in the United States who are taking courses online and you could be one. (Sloan Survey of Online Learning, Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States).

There are many exciting and well-paid careers that require only an associate degree. Consider graphic design, radiologic technology, licensed practical nursing, paralegal, and dental hygiene. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects these jobs to be among the fastest growing in 2006. Here are some facts about well-paid careers that require only an associate degree.

Graphic Design

Many people are unfamiliar with graphic design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that graphic designers have the most job opportunities in the field of design. There is a 9 to 17% projected increase in employment opportunities between 2007 and 2014.

"Success in this industry is based purely on creativity and skill so if you have natural artistic ability, there's a lot of potential," says Jason Rich, career expert and author of 202 High-Paying Jobs You Can Land Without a College Degree (Entrepreneur Press 2006).

A two year, associate program will help develop your artistic skills and either start a business or find a position in a corporation. A graphic designer earns $29,400 to $50,800 per year. If you love art, this is a great career for you.

Radiologic Technology

A radiologic technologist (RT) is part of a health care team, able to assist in the diagnosis of internal problems and illnesses. An radiologic technologist involves interactions with patients and, in some ways, is similar to being a nurse. The RT tales x-rays and injects non-radioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams to help diagnose illnesses. This area of study can also lead to further study in CT scanning, MRI technology, and radiation therapy. The earnings of an RT are $36,200 to $52,400 yearly.

Physical Therapist's Assistant

The need for physical therapists' assistants is expected to increase by 27% or more over the next eight years. This career can prepare you for moving into massage therapy or sports medicine also. The average yearly pay is $31,000 to $44,000. As the baby boomer population ages, there will be a huge need for physical therapists' assistants. If fitness and sports are your loves, consider this career as a gateway into those arenas.

Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist listens to and transcribes dictated recordings made by doctors and other health care workers. The information is turned into medical reports, letters, and other documents. The BLS expects this job to grow 18 to 26% in the next eight years. Hourly wages run from $11.50 to $16.30. The greatest fact about this career is that it can be done at home! If you have children to care for, this may be the career for you.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, doctor's offices, and outpatient care centers. They do many of the jobs registered nurses do. This job is expected to grow at an average rate for LPNs working in hospitals, but for those working in other venues, the job growth rate will be around 27%. The salary rate is $34,000 to $40,600 per year and is expected to rise.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Jobs for paralegals and legal assistants are also expected to increase by 27% or more in the next eight years. They earn from $39,000 to $50,000 per year, which is extremely well-paid for someone with an associate degree. Top paying jobs will be found in the federal government and large law firms, but are available in most cities.

When considering an online education, consider the opportunities the online associate degree can provide. Your career possibilities can include business, education, information technology, health, law, and many more. According to the National Science Foundation, more than a fifth of individuals employed in science and engineering fields hold less than a bachelor's degree, with 17% holding an associate degree. If you're not sure how much education you want to commit to, an online associate degree is a good, first step. Students often choose an online, associate degree in order to specialize in a field, or to acquire a well-paid career while considering further online education college degrees.

(Statistics Source: The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Different Career Paths for Online Education Degrees

It's the age old question, what do you want to be when you grow up? As kids we say things like ballerina, astronaut, and doctor. How many of us really became the things that we dreamed we would when we were kids? There is nothing wrong with changing you mind. As we grow up our taste changes and we learn to adapt to the world. More and more we see people putting off the pursuit of their dreams in order to pay the bills. What if there was a way that you could go to school and still explore your passions? When you attend an online school, this notion can actually happen. You have time to set your own schedule and work your school schedule around your busy everyday life. Now that you know you can get a degree and work...where do your passions lie? Online education offers many fields of study. Here are a few that you can choose from. Each school has their own programs so make sure you do your research if you are interested in these programs or want to explore others.

Can you take an ordinary object and transform it into something else? Many people who are creative and artistic thrive in these sorts of situations. There are many different degrees that you can obtain that tap into your artistic mind. Schools now offer degrees in: architecture technology, architecture, design (fashion, graphic or interior), and urban planning. For those who are interested check with the schools that you are interested in and find one that offers a program tailored for your dreams.

More and more we see our economy change and sometimes it moves very rapidly. This notion is probably what makes a business degree one of the most popular and the most practical degree available. With a business degree you lay the building blocks down for the corporate world and have a better understanding for what makes the world go round. If you decide to, you can focus on a concentration and get a degree in anything from Accounting to Human Resources.

Another area that is almost as popular as business is communications. Our world is constantly connected now to everything that surrounds us. With social media, news, internet, text messages, etc. You can be connected to the other side of the world by the click of a button. If you enjoy interacting with people and can keep up with fast paced and ever changing field, then communications may suit you.

Currently in the United States our education system is constantly under a microscope. For this reason, educators are extremely important. With an education degree you will be teaching the future of our country and play a role in shaping their lives. Careers in education are for those who do not seek personal gain. It is truly for the love of the subject matter and the children. There are many different forms also. You can specialize in general education or focus on working with individuals in special education that need a little extra attention. Maybe you don't like tiny children, then working in a high school or on a higher level may be your calling.

Online Education Degrees - Offering Convenience to Those Who Want to Pursue Their Studies

Online education degrees offer a lot to us. They offer us the opportunity to further our studies. These courses offer us the chance to become better and more knowledgeable in certain fields. They even allow us to be more qualified to the careers we have chosen. Online degree courses also give us the chance to learn and achieve more even with issues like being tied up with work or with family responsibilities. Most of all, online degrees give us a lot of convenience.

The high level of convenience we experience with online education degrees is much appreciated especially in the modern times when many of us are used to fast-paced busy lives. Nowadays, we no longer want to have idle time especially when we sort of measure our capabilities as humans to the number of commitments we take on each day. Of course, despite the busy lifestyles many of us lead, some of us remain to be open to studies and to continuous learning. With the existence of distance learning institutions which offer online education degrees, this goals is now easier to reach.

Now, almost anyone can sign up for online education degrees. If you are employed and work at regular eight-hour shifts, you can still find the time to study after work since you would not be required to drive to the nearest university. You can go straight at home, turn on the computer and study even for a few hours. You can continue doing so step by step until you accomplish each level of your education. You can finish online education degrees and even doctorate courses part-time. There is less pressure since you can study in the comforts of home (or office).

Anyone who wants to pursue his studies can sign up for online education degrees can do so. There are no strict age requirements. If you are bothered by the fact that you are old enough to attend the university, you can be happy to know that you can get the same quality education even without setting foot in the university and without the need to mingle with the younger generation.

Online education degrees allow you to study at your own pace. In fact, it is important to note that online education degrees tend to be longer since studies are taken part by part. You can take the usual four-year course up to six years so there is not unnecessary pressure for you. This can mean lighter loads so you can also attend to the other matters of your life. For this reason, online education degrees can work well for people who work full time jobs or for those who are already married.

Online Education Degree Choices

When it comes to online education degree choices, the good news is that there are some fantastic options available to you. Online education has opened the doors for many individuals who are looking for a way to further their education and to still remain active in their lives. If you do not have time to go back to school in the traditional method, you may have the time to do so while exploring online education degree choices.

What can you learn in these programs? You might be impressed that there are so many specialized as well as general options available to you in this form of education. Consider the following, which is only a very small list of choices that you may have.

•    Business management specializations in areas such as accounting, general business, strategy and innovation and organization and management •    Health care specialization including nursing education, general counselor education, information technology, social and community services, finance, marketing, evaluation, human services •    Higher education specializations such as educational leadership and management, instructional design, special education leadership, post secondary and adult education, curriculum and instruction •    Human Capital Management Specializations such as organization and management leaderships, leadership coaching, human resource management, management of nonprofit agencies •    Information technology specializations such as in  information assurance and security, project management, general information technology, software architecture, health informatics •    Education specialization K through 12 such as curriculum and instruction, leadership in educational administration, instructional design, early childhood education, sport psychology and educational psychology •    Mental health specializations such as general counselor education and supervision, training and performance improvement and professional studies in education

These are just some of the options you have in online education degree choices. Students can find online programs for virtually any type of educational goal they have through an online education degree.

What Can a Business Associate Degree Do For You?

Plenty! It does not really matter at what age you decide to attend; a college business degree has a lot of advantages. For many people, an associates degree can lead to a bachelor's degree. That can lead to a master's, and then on to a doctorate for a select few. Each step of the way opens up greater insight into the values an education can bestow.

For many, there may be that lingering question of where the financial aid will come from to attend college. The truth is, there's enough financial aid in the world to make it happen for anyone who truly wants to get ahead.

While earnings for any level of degree will vary across the board, it's generally accepted that an individual with only a high school diploma will earn less than a person with a two-year degree; a person with a two-year degree will earn less over the lifetime than a person with a four-year degree; and on up the educational scale until the doctorate is achieved.

It takes mustering up the drive and ambition to get the job done on the student's end. Even once you make the decision to pursue a business program, one might be asking What can I do with a business degree? Granted, there are always those who feel a college degree might be a waste of time, especially if they know more than their professors. The world is filled with success stories at both ends of the education spectrum.

While money is often the trigger for getting a college degree, the take-away can be for more than just a matter of earning a higher income. The pursuit of education can create great friendships among people across the world.

In the traditional or virtual classroom environment, you will not always agree with your peers or instructors, but the interaction will often force you to think differently, which can enhance an individual's own perspective. It can give the student a much larger picture of the world and one's potential place within it - perhaps insights gained through no other avenue.

A sound business associate degree program can provide a student with the foundation and skills to succeed in a myriad of facets in the business world. You can learn about many of the relevant aspects pertaining to management and administration; thus enabling you to become a highly effective professional in the business environment.

Course work will also require you to remain up-to-date on the latest business trends and developments in the business world. Your tools will be the Internet, financial newspapers, magazines and books. With the right business skills and talents, it will not be hard to make the necessary adjustments to compete in an ever-changing business environment. This could the perfect time in life to join the thousands who are pursuing higher education with a passion.

Online Business Administration Degree

In a modern business environment having a business degree guarantees a good reputation, working opportunities and (very important) an excellent salary. That is why more and more people every year decide to apply for online courses in the pursuit of an online business administration degree. Accredited online courses are valid, and have the same strength as the regular university degrees. The big difference is they give you more free time, since you have no classes and lectures to attend. However, in order to receive your online degree, you will have to study hard, learn, and pay attention.

Working on your education is what a modern business person must always keep in mind. Apart from having some practical knowledge and excellent working skills, you must also have excellent references and a high-end education. Why? Because, as a rule, that's the only way you will be considered for the high paying and responsible jobs. With a comprehensive resume pointing out your positive skills and working ethics, plus an outstanding education, you can become that perfect employee, for that perfect employer.

Online business degrees are a great choice for numerous reasons. The biggest reason probably being, they are such a practical solution. If you choose the online option, you can stick with your full time job and improve your educational record at the same time. Which means you will gain more chances for a promotion or higher paid job in the future. Keeping your job and receiving better education is the primary reason to go with the online education.

There are many additional bonuses to be gained by the pure and simple fact that you can study and improve your skills from home. Studying in private, without the need to commute to different lectures every day is a big plus for those with families, regular jobs or lack of time. All you need is a computer and you will be able to attend online classes without any trouble. Without doubt, this is a great opportunity.

Once you have made the decision to get an online business administration degree, be sure to double check the program details. Make sure it is certified and accredited, so that your degree is valid and proper. That way you will have a diploma which is recognized by institutions and schools throughout the US.

Find out about the teachers, programs, and professional background of your lecturers and mentors. If you find that their teaching qualifications and techniques match your needs and wishes, grab the opportunity and enter the course. Education will help your career, giving you a much needed boost. In which case, it won't be long before you are reaping the fruits of your labor.

What Specialties Are Available For Online Education Degrees?

While each core curriculum will differ from school to school, most education degree programs include courses in all relevant aspects of education. These courses are designed to give you the knowledge needed to be a successful teacher.

Some schools also give you the freedom to choose your own curriculum for your online degree. This means that you can decide which areas of the education field you want to gain expertise in. The ability to design your own curriculum gives you a unique background that allows you to stand out from the competition and attracts potential employers. Some concentrations for online education degrees include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Adult Education, Distance and Online Education, Educational Administration, and Special Education.

People who have their online education degrees in Elementary Education usually teach kindergarten through fifth grade. The major goals of this degree are to establish a foundation in reading, writing, math, science, history, and the social sciences for all children. The courses in this field are designed to prepare you to teach these major fields of study. Some course titles include Philosophy of Education, Psychology of Learning, and Teaching Methods. You may also be required to take courses in computer technology.

A degree in Secondary Education is for those who want to teach middle school and high school aged children. Many individuals who get their degree in secondary education focus their training on a particular subject, such as English, math, or science. The courses in this field will teach you about different teaching techniques, curriculum development, and other related topics.

An online degree in Adult Education will prepare you to teach and educate adults. This can include a teaching career in colleges, universities, and learning centers. People pursuing this degree generally specialize in a specific subject, or have work experience in a particular field. Courses in this field of study include Adult Growth and Development, Adult Psychology, and Program Planning and Development.

A degree in Distance and Online Education will prepare you to work in the field of distance learning. People with this degree generally work at colleges and universities teaching their courses online. Some of the courses in this degree include Foundations of Distance Education, Technology in Distance Education, and Teaching and Learning in Online Distance Education.

People who have their degrees in Educational Administration manage the activities in schools, day care centers, and colleges and universities. They can also be directors of educational programs in businesses, prisons, and museums. Many go on to be college presidents and school district superintendents. Courses in this field of study include Introduction to Educational Research and Evaluation, Policy Studies, Current Issues in Education, and Educational Leadership.

People who want to work with disabled children and/or adults generally have their online education degrees in Special Education. This degree will prepare you to work with people who have learning disabilities, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and other conditions. Courses in this field include Educational Psychology, Legal Issues of Special Education, Child Growth and Development, and Strategies for Teaching Students with Disabilities.

Along with coursework, many of these education degrees also require that you work in a classroom as an intern before graduation. That way, you will have the experience along with your online education degree to make a positive contribution to your students.

Continuing Business Education Considered

Is now a good time to upgrade your business education? Are you working in the military and you wish to move up in rank, if so then you'll need a degree. If you work in logistics services or you manage a military unit's financial affairs then it would sure help to have a business degree. In many companies and corporations if you have a business degree you have upward mobility, and if you already have the job, it makes sense to get the degree so that you stay with the company, and someone else the one that gets laid off, while you receive the promotion. This is where ongoing education comes in, and this might be a very good time to get a business degree. Let me explain.

It appears that there are seats available in some of the top business schools in the country right now, and they need to fill those seats, and therefore they may be offering deals. Does it matter where you get your business degree? It does, it matters on your resume, and not all business schools are the same. Some of the most popular ones may not be the best, so you'd still have to do some shopping around.

On September 17, 2012 there was an article in the Wall Street Journal titled; "B-School Applicants Decline for Fourth Year," by Melissa Korn. The article showed as much as a 20% drop in the last 2-years in some very well-known business schools. Even Yale's School of Management was nearly a 10% decline in the last two-years.

Now then, that might be a very good article for you to read, as you consider some of what I'm saying here. You see, if you are just entering college and thinking about getting a business degree you may not wish to spend the hundred thousand dollars in student loans obligating yourself for a decade or more of payments without guaranteed employment. But if you are already employed, all of a sudden it's a totally different ballgame, your education isn't your first degree rather, it is continuing education, up in beyond whatever you have already.

Companies, corporations, and government agencies must run their business units efficiently, with a Six Sigma style strategy. It's imperative. In the future there will be significant budget cuts in government, and they will have to have the best people possible to maintain efficiency, provide maximum services, and do it as inexpensively as possible. Obviously you can understand that reality is coming forth very quickly. My question to you is are you ready for it? If not you might consider some continuing business education for your future. Please think on it.

Working with all the functional areas of a business requires knowledge not only about the business world but also management abilities. Learning how to incorporate both into a successful career is what a degree program in business administration does. Students can expect to learn how to be a part of a business through a centralized education.

Training can be gained at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree level. Education focuses on teaching students about the business environment while stressing the managerial side of working with a business and its employees. Students should expect to learn how to oversee a businesses operation by making major decisions. Colleges offer a variety of concentrations allowing students to enter a degree program that matches their career goals and strengths.

Degree programs include:

Associate's Degree in Business Administration Degrees are designed to train students how to develop communication, math, and business skills. These basic areas are used with management, computer, accounting, and economic studies. Many programs offer students concentration in areas like small business or computer information systems. Curriculum involves courses like financial reporting and information technology. Programs prepare students to enter jobs where they work with a team as an insurance processor, assistant accountant, or store manager. Students can decide to continue education at the bachelor's level to increase their career possibilities by widening their knowledge base.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Education centers on the concentration chosen and also requires students to complete a certain amount of general education credit hours. The solid educational foundation gained trains students to coordinate big or small organizations. Programs examine accounting, finance, and quantitative reasoning to help students understand the role of an administrator in a business. Within an accounting course, students study how to make management decisions by exploring different business applications. Learning how to evaluate accounting information within areas like cost behavior and cost allocation prepares students for work. Students that finish schooling with a concentration in accounting for example learn to improve financial performance by working with employees and executives. This concentration and many more inside a bachelor's degree program train students to be successful.

Master's Degree in Business Administration Executive level employment is a major incentive for working professionals to go back and gain their masters. Advanced concepts are focused on to develop managerial skills that are used inside a continually changing business environment. The organizational wellbeing is the ultimate goal when working to gain complex understanding of the field. Students learn how to provide significant contribution in problem solving for management, business law, organizational leadership, accounting, strategic planning, and marketing. Numerous concentrations exist allowing students to work towards a specific career or enter a PhD where they learn how to contribute to the industry through research or teaching.

Working to improve operational function inside a business is a skill that can be used in many areas. Accredited degree programs are available across the country allowing students to enter a program from almost anywhere. Begin training in business administration and learn how to contribute to the success of a business.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Advantages Of A Business Online Degree Program

With a business online degree program, a student can enter what is called a virtual classroom at the time that is most convenient for him or her. With a business degree online program, a student does not have to plan his or her life around a class schedule. Instead the student can schedule his or her virtual classes for the time that best fits into the student's own busy schedule.

Let's face the real world. Going back to college is not easy for an adult. You are established and have a life. You go to work, pay your bills and buy your groceries. You may have responsibilities like a family to take care of, and other responsibilities as well. You are at your job when classes are offered and sometimes you're too busy to prepare assignments to meet the deadlines. You'd like to have a business degree, but it's just not practical in the situation you are in. You have another good reason to follow a business online degree program.

Online education - The Ultimate Way Of Studying For Working Adults

You are able take classes at your convenience and pace and you complete assignments on a schedule that works with your life.

Here's another good reason to follow a business online degree program: you don't need to live near a college or university. You can live in a village in the Arctic Circle or in the wild of the Rocky Mountains or anywhere else. If you need to move for some reason or other, your education can continue without interruptions whatsoever. You can even be in the military and deployed somewhere, but you can still carry on taking your online classes as if nothing has happened.

Online education is a teaching method designed for adult learners. It uses adult educational principles and takes peoples' whole life into consideration. It allows you as a student to control more of your education, it's has a portability that's almost unlimited and with the recent technological development, it is an interesting and varied way to learn.

As with most other things, there are some pitfalls to watch out for if you decide to join a business online degree program. You need to have access to a good enough computer. This education is not for free, so you still need to figure out how to pay for it. Check out if your employer can help you financially; courses that help you do your job better may be tax deductible. The biggest pitfall to be aware of is to make sure the school you choose is an accredited educational institution and not some fly-by-night rip-off. Search around, compare different schools, and check with the State Department of Higher Education to make sure the school have accreditations.

Following a business online degree program may be the key to career advancement and better salary. It could also get you more interesting projects and tasks that you deserve to be working on.

High Paying Jobs With MBA Degrees - The Right Business Education

Gone are the days when entrepreneurs used to learn business on the job. This was the most prevalent way of getting business education, though informal. There are numerous successful entrepreneurs who succeeded in business field without any formal business education.

One can learn business on the job as has been demonstrated by a large number of businessmen. That route takes longer and is fraught with uncertainties.

With the complexities of modern business, business education has now been formalized. In order to do business, it is necessary that one should be conversant with so many business practices. Any business is now interdependent on other national and international factors. Formal business learning is now necessary in order to understand business environment as a whole.

Without a business degree from a renowned business school, it is difficult to undertake a business career.

Basis of business education are business and economic practices and theories. These comprise of courses in fields like business accounting and bookkeeping, business strategy, business intelligence, business law, business writing, business consulting, financial management, organizational behavior, business marketing, business planning, international business, micro and macro economics etc.

Business education leads to important degrees like bachelors and masters (MBA). These two are the most important business degrees and are in high demand amongst companies and business establishments.

A university level business qualification leading to an MBA degree is the crown of a business course. MBA programs have been in high demand because of their clout in the market. While business concepts get clear at bachelor's level, master's education is a more specialized form of business education.

Generally an MBA program is spread over a two year period after bachelors. Most renowned MBA universities are in North America, UK and Australia. There are certain institutions like Indian Institutes of Management (IITs) in India which are equally reputed.

Some universities also have executive MBA programs which can be completed in one to two years. Executive MBAs are specific to working executives and managers who have been practicing in business field or at jobs for a number of years.

Executive MBA candidates have mostly bachelor level degrees and experience of a number of years. Essential qualifications for an executive MBA program are a combination of education and business experience. Executive MBA programs are generally employer supported and have a shorter duration than regular MBAs. It is estimated that MBA salaries are generally higher by about 35 per cent than regular graduates. They hold prestigious jobs. They position their businesses strategically and help in the growth of companies and economies.

MBA degrees can be obtained at a university campus, through distance learning MBA, MBA online and part time MBA. With the spread of internet, it has become easier to pursue an MBA degree. It is no longer necessary now to be a full time student at a campus, although this is most desirable.

Almost 43 per cent of MBA universities also have online MBA degree programs. About two thirds of MBA degrees get awarded through distance MBA programs and part time MBA education.

Though expensive, one can study an MBA course on part time basis or through distance learning MBA while on the job. An MBA course enables a person not only to have a successful MBA career, but also helps one to establish own business consulting or any other independent business.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, as of 2004 there was a 3.4 percent increase in doctorate degrees awarded in the United States. In June, 2004, a total of 41,155 research doctorate degrees were earned by postgraduate students. The recent increase in doctorate degrees awarded after a decade of decline can be partially attributed to the convenience of distance learning postgraduate online education degrees.

Postgraduate degree programs offer students an opportunity to explore a subject to attain the highest levels of proficiency in that area of study. Courses can be based upon a curriculum or independent study and research. A recent study released by both Penn State University Outreach Marketing and Communications and University Continuing Education Association revealed that distance learning is anticipated to grow ten times quicker than on-campus education over the next ten years. Further, about 45 percent of college enrollment are adult students who frequently prefer distance learning opportunities to classes on campus. Sun Chairman Scott McNealy states, "Technology has to play a huge role in education. (It's) changed commerce...publishing...banking. It's got to change education big time."

Distance learning postgraduate online education degrees afford busy students the opportunity to earn doctorate degrees at their convenience, without having travel to and attend traditional classes. By the time students intend to pursue distance learning postgraduate online education degrees, they are usually computer literate, self-motivated and able to manage their time properly. These are all essential elements to success in virtual classrooms. The two basic types of postgraduate degrees students may earn are professional doctorates or research doctorates.

Professional doctorates. The United States requires terminal professional doctorate degrees to perform in certain fields, such as dentistry, medicine, law, chiropractics, occupational therapy and psychology. Prior to entering these professional doctorate programs, students are required to complete a bachelors degree, preferably in a related field. Professional doctorate degrees, such as J.D. and M.D., usually do not require students to complete a thesis, although some do require an original research paper to be submitted. Doctorate degrees usually take three years to complete after postsecondary education, although distance learning postgraduate online education degrees may be earned more quickly. Because online education courses are often geared for the busy adult learner, students can progress at their own pace.

Research doctorates. The research doctorate that is most commonly earned is a Ph.D. The time is takes to complete research doctorate degree programs can vary quite a bit, depending on course pursued. It is common for students to take two to three years to complete coursework and three or more years to conduct pertinent research. The benefit of a Ph.D. is that a holder is qualified to pursue an academic career as an expert in their field. Distance learning research doctorate degrees are conveniently pursued online and can be easily worked around professional schedules.

Honorary doctorates. These degrees may be awarded for substantial contributions to a field and are not necessarily academic.

Financial Aid. Federal financial aid and loan programs may be applied to distance learning postgraduate online education degrees. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement for coursework. Private loans may also be secured to pay for higher education. Students have several options available that can help them finance their doctorates.

Thesis. Some postgraduate doctorate degrees require students to write a thesis. The learner defines their own area of research and takes years to write a detailed paper, which may be made available as pertinent information to other students in the field.

Coursework. Distance learning postgraduate online education degree programs offer students ongoing guidance through coursework, email, virtual lectures and online discussions. Students are, however, expected to work independently and use a variety of research resources to complete their course requirements.

Online Students. A recent national study entitled Degrees of Opportunity revealed some interesting facts about online students. Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed felt that the benefits derived from higher education are equal to or even greater than the money, time and effort involved. Lyungai Mbilinyi, Ph.D and author of this report, stated, "Eighty-one percent associated higher education with a sense of personal accomplishment and seventy-eight percent believed education would better develop their talents or pursue their interests. Despite the assortment of obstacles many adults face when considering a return to school, the overwhelming majority believe the resulting benefits have made it worthwhile." Finally, eighty-four percent of enrollments in higher education programs are non-traditional students such as distance learners and adults with jobs. Students who participate in distance learning postgraduate online degree programs are not only seeking better positions, but the increased knowledge and self-esteem that comes with an advanced education.

The study "Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United States, 2005" found that full distance learning postgraduate online education degree programs were offered by 38 percent of schools. The popularity of postgraduate online degree programs makes it clear they are a viable way to earn higher education and improve career options.

Pursuing an Accredited Business Education

The growing business market makes completing an education extremely important for interested students. Business education teaches students to understand the industry and prepares them to work in the growing global marketplace. Pursuing an education gives students the ability to work through many concentration areas.

The field is extremely broad making it possible for students to enter areas such as management, accounting, marketing, leadership and much more. Students can follow their passions into accredited programs that prepare them for a variety of careers upon graduation. Degree concentrations can also be pursued at all levels of training making an education in business very popular. Some concentration areas include:

• Business Administration
• Global Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive Leadership

Undergraduate degree programs give students a wide skill set. Basic areas are learned in every degree program that compliments the knowledge gained in a chosen specialization. Associates degree programs present fundamental skills in theory and technical areas such as computer technology, bookkeeping, and office administration. Some general courses inside a program may include marketing, business law, and management. Business management is a great associate's degree concentration that prepares students for several careers and continued education inside focused areas of business.

General business practices are developed further inside a bachelor's degree program. Students that haven't chosen an area of study often begin their education inside general business degree programs. The relationships between marketing, accounting, economy, quantitative theory, and human resource management are a major focal point inside education. Obtaining a bachelor's degree is vital to entering careers and continuing education. Students can take the time spent inside general business programs and choose a concentration that they can pursue at the master's degree level. Becoming a business manager is possible with the gained knowledge of theory, globalization, and decision-making.

Master of business administration degrees are the most completed programs. Students work through specializations that prepare them to step inside executive positions. Several major areas are explored providing students with an in depth understanding of business policy, advertising, and human resources. Students learn about management from the viewpoint of their concentrations. For example, a leadership specialization centers on creating, implementing, and managing a business and its employees. Education focuses on skills that include approaching employees as mentors in order to successfully develop a strong management strategy. Courses on conflict, coaching, planning, talent identification, and feedback prepare students to work as leaders in the job market.

Professionals that want to become professors go on to complete doctorates degree programs. Concentrations in statistics, operations, marketing structures, and more help students develop their own personal management strategies. The first two years of schooling are focused on general education courses that prepare students for dissertation and student teaching requirements. Microeconomics, statistics, and financial markets are some major topics of discussion inside training.

Pursuing an education in business teaches students to improve and manage today's fast growing industry. Through accredited training students can work with a plethora of businesses from health care to international corporations. Fully accredited program offer the best quality education available and are approved by agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (http://www.aacsb.edu/) Start working through an accredited degree program and become a vital member of the business industry.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

The World of Business Education - Available Degree Programs

If you find the world of business fascinating and inspiring, a degree in Business Administration might be just the thing for you. But what degrees are available? What is the best program for you? Here is a breakdown of all the business degrees currently available.

Business Diploma and Certificate Programs

A Business certificate is a six to twelve month program that provides training in business fundamentals. Earning this certificate may lead to promotional opportunities as well as entry-level employment in business, industry and non-profit organizations. Business students may choose to opt for general management courses or specialize in human resource management, finance, global leadership or marketing.

Business diploma and certificate programs offer aspiring business majors a chance to earn an undergraduate diploma or certificate in a short period of time. Coursework is often accelerated, allowing students to learn a great deal in a one or two semester time frame. Programs can usually be taken online or at an institution of higher learning, and can focus on anything from general business to accounting to some other specialization.

Associate's Degree in Business Administration

An associate degree is an academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, business colleges and some bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.

Associate degree programs are generally two-year programs offered by technical institutes or community colleges. They are designed to give students a general education in business, or to prepare university-bound students for the eventual completion of a bachelor's degree in business. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in business, the Associate of Business Administration (ABA), and the Associate of Arts in Business Administration (AABA) are typical degrees.

Bachelor of Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a bachelor's degree in business studies. In most universities, the degree is conferred upon a student after four years of full-time study (120 credit hours) in one or more areas of business concentrations. The BBA program usually includes general business courses and advanced courses for specific concentrations. BBA programs expose students to a variety of subjects: accounting, business law and ethics, economics, finance, management information systems, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior and management, statistics, and strategy.

Most Bachelor of Business Administration programs allow students to specialize or concentrate in a particular academic area as follows:

* Accounting

* Entrepreneurship

* Finance

* Management

* Management information system

* Marketing

* Operations management

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA is one of the most sought-after degree in business administration, and there are many different types of MBA programs. Here is an outline of the MBA programs currently available:

o Full-time MBA programs are the most common, normally lasting two years. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience and take classes during weekdays like other university students.

o Accelerated MBA programs are a variation of full time programs, lasting 18 months or less, involving a higher course load.

o Part-time MBA programs normally hold classes on weekday evenings, after normal working hours. Part-time programs normally last three years or more. The students in these programs typically consist of working professionals, who take a light course load for a longer period of time until the graduation requirements are met.

o Executive MBA (EMBA) programs developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to earn an MBA or another business-related graduate degree in two years or less while working full time. Participants come from every type and size of organization - profit, nonprofit, government -- representing a variety of industries. EMBA students typically have a higher level of work experience, often 10 years or more, compared to other MBA students. In response to the increasing number of EMBA programs offered, The Executive MBA Council was formed in 1981 to advance executive education.

o Distance learning MBA programs hold classes off-campus, usually online.

Doctorate of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is similar to a PhD. program, but unlike a traditional PhD., it is intended to equip you as a business executive with research tools, rather than train you as a professional researcher (there is also a more traditional PhD program available in business administration, but the focus on this degree is university research and teaching). With a DBA, you will acquire a combination of business and research skills for analyzing business and corporate operations. This unique perspective--as both a business manager and a business researcher--will make you invaluable in the corporate world.

Traditionally, the DBA program features a curriculum that focuses on practical business concepts and active research rather than a purely theoretical approach to research. The DBA is often referred to as a professional research doctorate. The DBA degree may have a specialization such as management science, technology management, organizational behavior, economics, or finance. Many business schools offer both DBA and Ph.D. programs in various fields. The DBA is sometimes virtually identical to the Ph.D. in Business Administration. However, a DBA tends to focus on contemporary and practical business issues as opposed to theoretical research, although some DBAs make significant contributions to both theory and practice.

This highly advanced business degree provides candidates with a mastery of business administration literature, and teaches how to apply this knowledge to current business environments. As the global information economy evolves, organizations are becoming increasingly complex, and innovative organizational models and practices have become crucial to successfully addressing this complexity. Consequently, leadership in this environment requires higher, more sophisticated levels of knowledge and skills. The DBA program is designed to serve this need by providing doctoral-level education to professional practitioners in business and management.