Looking for top online degrees for starting a new career? As most parts of the world have just started to recover from depression, jobs are scares and the fear of losing our jobs has become a grim reality for many. To make matters worse, it seems that advances in technology are helping to take jobs away from people at an alarming rate. All is not lost however, there are plenty of career trends that seem to be skyrocketing and will be pertinent for many years to come. Two career fields in particular are doing very well in this economy with no end in sight of slowing down. Here is a look at the top two career fields today and how you can study to become a part of them.

Law Enforcement

As we all know, the crime rate and substance abuse rises during tough times. While it makes for a sad situation, a rise in crime also means that there has to be a rise in the amount of security officers and behavioral counselors to handle the influx of need. Jobs in law enforcement, private security officers, drug and alcohol counselors and other security type positions will increase.

Many college online degrees in law enforcement, securities and counseling are available through community colleges and universities. Some technical classes may have to be taken in person at the particular college, but most of the schools offering online degrees offer most classes that can be taken solely online.

Computers and Technology

Technology is a field that will just keep growing through the years. If you want a career that is challenging, fun and won’t be obsolete in five years, you may want to consider something that includes computers.

Networks systems analyst careers are one of the fastest growing occupations right now and the trend shows that there is only room for growth in the field. Networks analysts are an imperative part of data communication systems. They work with computer programmers to analyze, test, design and assess the performance of computer programs and systems.

There are many top online programs available that certificate and degree programs for certified systems analysts. Many online colleges also offer associate online degrees as well as bachelor’s and MBA online degrees. Obtaining a degree in this field will definitely give potential employees a leg up over the competition.

Computer software engineers are very high in demand and will continue to be in demand as we continue through the technology age. As businesses embrace new technologies and learn to rely less on humans and more on computers to do tasks, computer software engineers will need to be there to step up to the plate and create new and innovative software and systems to accommodate business owner’s ever changing needs.

To become a computer software engineer, you will more than likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. Persons interested in this field should check with their local universities online degrees programs to see what is available for these types of programs.

Of course, there are other fields that will stand the test of time. So if you have been laid off from your current position, are undecided about your career path, or even want to start a new career path, you may want to consider checking out trade school online degrees or even looking in to college or university online degrees offered in your area.

Sources:
http://education.yahoo.net/articles/6_fast-growing_careers.htm
http://www.geteducated.com/career-center

For new high-school graduates and adults already in the job market alike, the question of furthering your education can weigh heavily on the mind. Should you enroll in a four-year university? Or should you consider a two-year associate’s degree at a community college instead?

Continuing your education either way will certainly enhance your value in the job market, but while both options have their benefits, enrolling in a community college may be the best choice for many people. Here are some reasons why:

Community college offers smoother transition for high school grads

High school seniors go from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a huge ocean, and this transition can be very difficult for some students. The smaller campuses and class sizes are a gentler introduction to college life, allowing younger students a better opportunity to adjust to greater independence and heavier workloads.

Greater individual instruction at a community college

Because universities are typically so much larger than two-year junior colleges, class sizes are much larger and personal instruction is less possible. This is especially true of most the pre-requisite courses taken during the first few years, which are typically held in large auditoriums. Smaller two-year colleges, on the other hand, offer the same courses in much smaller classes, with more opportunity for personal interaction with instructors and other students. Since oftentimes the instructors at community colleges are active in the workforce themselves, this one-on-one interaction with the professors gives you access to more real-world experience.

Community college prices are more affordable

Some recent sources indicate that the average annual cost of attending a community college can be as little as one third the cost of a year at a four-year university, placing a much lighter financial burden on families and your budget.

Easier access

If you do not live in a major metropolitan area, then attending a large university may involve a long commute. However, community colleges are just that: in your community! The convenience of a closer location not only saves time and money in commuting, but also helps those who already have a job and are looking for a career change. Many community colleges offer night and weekend classes, as well as online coursework for even greater flexibility.

Targeted preparation for specific jobs

Attending a four-year university usually involves about two years of taking preparatory pre-requisites for your major course of study. However, at a community college you can begin training in a specific field right away, with more targeted two-year degrees that will jump-start your career much more quickly.

Hot jobs available for community college degree holders

 There may be more well-paying jobs available to two-year Associate Degree holders than you think.  Did you know that a dental hygienist, for example, can make up to $58,000 a year? If you don’t already have a career in mind, talk to a Career Advisor on staff at your local community college for ideas.

For a list of the top 15 highest-paying jobs that are available with an Associate Degree, visit: 15 Hot Jobs for Two-Year Degree and Associate Degree

If you’re undecided about the field you want to enter

Many people, especially recent high-school graduates, may not be quite ready to declare a major course of study. Since in general the first two years of a four-year degree are spent taking general courses required in many fields of study, it makes sense to take these classes at the less expensive junior college.  After two years, if you have a better feel for the field you’d like to enter and decide to continue with a four-year degree, almost all universities will accept your coursework credits from an accredited community college.

An online degree program is an accredited degree or training program that allows students to attend school and earn a degree or certificate via the Internet. Some programs have additional requirements such as:
 

• Occasional meetings with faculty and students online or in person
• Lab work that must be completed at school or other authorized facility
• Volunteer work required for certain degrees

Why an online degree program?

Many busy professionals choose an online degree program as an alternative to the traditional campus setting because they want to advance their careers without interrupting their work schedule. Other people who choose online degree programs like the ease and flexibility that an online degree program offers. They can choose the pace, time and classes they want to take in order to obtain a degree. 

How do I find a reputable online degree program?

Finding an online degree program is as easy as surfing the web. In fact, with a little homework you can find several online degree programs that offer exactly what you are looking for. The next and most important step is to assure that the program is accredited. The accreditation will be listed on the website of the school. The next step is to visit the website of the accreditation board that granted that school accreditation. For example, in the United States the accreditation board for distance learning is Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). You can visit their website to find out if your school is in fact accredited. Make sure you know what accreditations are valid in your region. Without accreditation your degree is probably worthless.

What programs are available and how long does it take to graduate?

There are a variety of online degree programs available. Each program has a certain number of hours or coursework that is required to receive a degree. The length of the program varies by online degree program and the field of study. More specific information can be found on each school’s website.

How much does it cost?

Online degree programs tend to be more expensive than the average, traditional college. But it is easily affordable when weighed against having to reduce work hours if a degree was pursued at a traditional campus. Also, some employers will help with the online degree program fees because they want keep a good employee who is attending a degree program that will not interfere with work.

Avoid diploma mills or bogus degree programs

On a final note, be sure to avoid diploma mills or bogus degree programs. They pose as long distance learning institutions but in reality they are not accredited. These unethical institutions will offer a degree or certificate with little or no training. They usually operate out of their homes and have P.O. boxes as an address. 

Any institution that offers you a degree or certificate with no class work or training is bogus and most likely a diploma mill. These merchants only require a credit card to “graduate” you. Don’t be fooled into thinking that these degrees or certificates will benefit you in any manner. Many employers conduct pre-employment background screens. Therefore, a degree “earned” this way will be discovered and useless to you. 
The only person that will benefit in this deal is the crook who now has your money! Remember that if sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

More information about online degree programs available

If you are interested to know more about how to boost your career by further study, refer to our web section discussing further studies.

Project Management is quite often the responsibility of an individual manager. A project manager rarely participates directly in the duties that produce the end result. Rather he strives to maintain the progress and productive interaction of various participants in order  to reduce the overall risk of failure of a project.

Various types of product or services–building construction, electronics, pharmaceuticals, computer software, financial services, etc.–may have its implementation overseen by a project manager and its operations by a product manager.

The tools, knowledge and techniques for managing projects are often unique to a project manager. Typically they include work breakdown structures, critical path analysis and earned value management.

What are the benefits of management certification?

Understanding and applying the tools and techniques which are generally recognized as good practices are not sufficient alone for effective project management. It is advisable to obtain a project management certificate.

A strong project management certification program provides a well-respected curriculum for professionals currently working as project managers or interested in taking on project management responsibilities. It will also teach you multiple aspects of effective project management so you can plan and control projects and work effectively with project teams. With this type of training you can go forward with confidence, improve work performance, provide leadership and deliver projects on time and on budget.

Project management skills translate directly to business success for professionals in various fields from marketing, finance to and software development.  A project management certification is a great addition to your list of marketable skills for career advancement. 

A project management certificate gives you the tools to advance in your current position and academically. Reputable schools that offer the project management certification, such as UC Berkeley, allow the credits in the project management certification program to be applied towards an MBA program.

Where do I find reputable schools offering a project management certification program?

A quick search on the internet using the keywords “project management certification program” will direct you to various schools. Some schools offer a campus setting, an online program or both. There are some things to keep in mind when deciding on a project management certification program. It is ideal to pick a school that is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). For almost 40 years, PMI has advocated on behalf of project professionals around the world. From the PMI website, “With more than one million members, credential holders, volunteers and trained project professionals worldwide, PMI advocates project, program and portfolio management can enhance and accelerate organizational change–driving innovation, improving bottom line performance, and strengthening competitive advantage.”

Other important things to keep in mind are:

• Reputation of school: Is their project management certification program recognized for excellence?
• Flexibility of the program: Online or on campus–decide which is best for you.
• Financial plans available: Contact their financial aid office for plans or loans available.

A project management certification program is in high demand because it trains a business professional to speak with one common language, no matter their industry, geography, or whether they manage projects, programs or portfolios. Employers recognize this and are more likely to promote workers with project management training to management positions.

How do you know if the online Masters Degree program you are about to choose is dependable?

You can easily find out by consulting hiring managers or by seeking an audience from those who have obtained a similar Masters Degree online. Only then can you judge if the online school is a reputable one. Thorough scrutiny must be done lest you find your hard earned money siphoned off by unscrupulous individuals.

You should also be aware of online schools that offer worthless Masters Degrees, without the proper accreditation. Be especially wary of online entities that offer to let you “buy” a Masters Degree instantly, without taking any classes first. This is an unethical practice which should not be encouraged, so do make an effort to search for a quality, legitimate online Masters Degree program.

There are so many benefits attached to getting a Masters degree online. One of the most obvious advantages has got to do with the time that you save when taking up a course online. Conventional Masters Degrees are obtained between two to four years, but online Masters Degree programs allow students to get their degree faster so that they can advance in their careers without any delay.

There are also plenty of far-sighted employees who have taken steps to improve their careers by taking a part-time Masters Degree course, but they did not realize that signing up with an online Masters Degree program can save them even more time and money. They don’t have to travel to a nearby educational institution and, instead, all lessons will be conducted online in the comfort of their own abode.

Before registering yourself for your first Masters Degree online course, be sure to go shopping for suitable computer hardware and an Internet service provider, so that your studies will not be hindered in any way.

If you are thinking about entering the highly competitive IT job market, you should consider investing in CISCO Career Certifications whereby three varying levels of education are provided: Associate, Professional, and Expert. These three levels can be obtained accordingly as you see fit. And whatever your job requirements are, be sure to pick the right path. The six certification paths offered by CISCO include Design, Routing and Switching, Service Provider, Network Security, Voice and Storage Networking. Although you cannot take the exam from home (these exams are only offered by CISCO in a secure environment), you can study for it at home. You can also find a top online college that offers a similar certification program.

And for those who are thinking of building reputation in the field of accountancy, you may consider contacting the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation to take the Accredited Tax Advisor certification which will greatly boost your career as a tax advisor. A chartered tax advisor is viewed as the elite profession in accountancy whereby remuneration given is highly attractive even if a tax advisor is self employed. You may also be able to find a top online college that offers a similar certification program.

Being a registered nurse can be very rewarding for some individuals but they first need to acquire the Nurse Practitioner Certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner, which will be a testament of sorts when it comes to the nurse-to-be’s experience and expertise. A nurse will need to renew this certification once every five years and she can even opt to take up a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification course from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for career advancement purposes.

If you are keen to pursue a career in hospitality can reap untold benefits once they acquire certification such as the Certified Hospitality Trainer from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Individuals who do so have no regrets, as they will be better equipped with advanced skill set and the proper know-how when it comes to dealing with customers whether they choose to go into hotel, restaurant or entertainment industry. Extreme competition as well as rewarding perks did the job in motivating these individuals to take up extensive training in customer service. You may be able to find a comparable certification program available through a top online college.

Those with a penchant for vacancies in Human Resource might want to take advantage of the Human Resources Certification Institute which offers certifications such as PHR (Professional in Human Resource) as well as SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resource). Once they do, they will be able to increase their value as an employee who is well versed in the art of human resource development, strategic planning, employee rights and HR-related company policies.

Although the specific certification programs mentioned here are the top in each industry, plenty of certifications programs can be found by searching offerings from top online colleges. These certifications will be just as good at landing you a job in one of these industries, as the certifications listed above. This will allow you to study and get your certification on your own time, which will help you advance your career and give you the opportunity to move beyond your current position.

Upper Iowa University

Established in 1857, Upper Iowa University offers a variety of onlinedegrees, including 5 certification programs, 17 Undergraduate degrees,and 2 graduate degrees.

Certification Programs: Human Resources Management, Marketing,Organizational Communications, Organizational Leadership, andTechnology and Information Management.

Undergraduate Degrees: Accounting, Business Administration,Criminal Justice, Emergency and Disaster Management, Finance, HealthService Administration, Human Resources Management, Human Services,Interdisciplinary Studies, Management, Marketing, Psychology, PublicAdministration (General, Fire Science, and Law Enforcement), SocialScience, and Technology and Information Management.

Graduate Degrees: Accounting, General Business, Communications,Criminal Justice, Human Resources Management, Management, Marketing,Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, and Technology andInformation Management.

LeTourneau University

LeTourneau, a Texas-based university with campus sites in Longview,Houston, Austin, Bedford, Dallas and Tyler, offers a Bachelor’s ofBusiness Administration degree online, a Master of Business degreeonline, and a Master of Educational Leadership degree online, forteachers who want to earn additional certification on their own time.

Liberty University

Liberty University, the world’s largest Evangelical University, offers7 Associate online degree programs, 8 undergraduate online degreeprograms, and 4 graduate online degree programs.

Associate Degrees: Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Management Information Systems, Psychology, Religion.

Undergraduate Degrees: Accounting, Business Administration,Criminal Justice, Management Information Systems, MultidisciplinaryStudies, Nursing (RN to BSN), Psychology, and Religion.

Graduate Degrees: Christian Leadership, Pastorial Counseling, Theological Studies, and Nursing.

Nova Southern University

Nova Southern University, the largest independent university in thecountry, offers only graduate online degree programs – 10 in thecomputer & IT field and 6 in the education and teaching field.

Computer & IT: Information Security, Information SystemSecurity, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, InformationTechnology, and Management Information Systems.

Education & Teaching: Computing Technology in Education,Curriculum Instruction, Elementary Math, Elementary Reading, and K-12Technology Integration.

California University of Pennsylvania

Established in 1852, California University of Pennsylvania offers 7certification online programs, 2 undergraduate online degree programs,and 14 graduate online degree programs.

Certification Programs: Administration Program for Principals,Early Childhood Education, Performance Enhancement & InjuryPrevention, Rehabilitation Science, Sport Psychology, SuperintendentLetter of Eligibility, and Wellness & Fitness.

Undergraduate Degrees: Legal Studies and Wellness & Fitness

Graduate Degrees: Administrative Program for Principles,Advanced Studies in Secondary Education, Early Childhood Education,English as a Second Language, Legal Studies – Homeland Security, LegalStudies – Law & Public Policy, National Board Teacher CertificationPreparation, Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention,Rehabilitation Sciences, Sport Management Studies, Sport Psychology,Technology Education, Tourism Planning & Development, and Wellness& Fitness.

Are you ready to shoot for any one of them for your career advancement?

1. Healthcare practitioners can make up to $66,000 a year
2. Business analysts can make up to $58,000 a year
3. Electrical and electronic engineers can make up to $57,000 a year
4. Mechanical engineers can make up to $56,800 a year
5. General and operations managers can make up to $54,000 a year

If you want to know more about the career for two year degree people, visit Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate Degree

What’s more is that professions in healthcare and engineering are among some of the most rapidly growing career fields and are expected to continue along that path for the next several years. There are many top online colleges that offer 2-year degrees in industries related to these career fields. What attending a top online college means is that you get a good education, without having to show up for a class. Plus, it is easy to fit the classes into your schedule, because you can ‘attend’ them whenever you want. Whether that is 3 AM after your family is asleep, 7PM after work or 1PM on your lunch break. When you make it easier on yourself to go to college and get a degree, you are more likely to take this important step that can help advance your career to new heights. So take another look at these top paying careers that require only a 2-year degree and see if there is something there that interests you. And don’t forget you need the important interview technique to get a good job too. Visit A Better Job Hunting Package to learn the best interview techniques to land a great job!

Visit Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate Degree Now!

A 21^st century employee, no matter what position he is in, should know how to manage a business unit in numbers. You can outperform your co-workers in many situations, if you can “read” the numbers.

If you wanted to earn an online accounting degree after work 15 years ago, you had to deal with night school. That meant making it to class on time, going to class on the school’s schedule, and taking time away from your family. These days, you simply log on to your computer whenever you can, day or night, and do your work at that time.
You can ‘go to school’ after the kids are in bed, on your lunch break, or at 4AM. The possibilities are endless and the only requirement is that you do the work that is assigned and get the best grades that you can. Beyond that, you are in control.
Getting an online accounting degree may not be for everyone, but it does have many benefits for adults who are looking to advance their career.  
Let’s take a look at some of these advantages, so that you can judge for yourself whether or not getting an online accounting degree is the right decision for you.

• Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of taking courses on your own schedule. 
• Feel the excitement and intrigue of discovering readily available courses online. 
• A perfect solution if you need to work full time to make ends meet, but still desire a degree.
• Learning can be completed free of interruptions and at the time of your choosing.
• Courses are readily accessible, and you can ‘go to class’ whenever there is a computer with an Internet connection available. 
• There are no travel expenses to incur, as your only destination is your computer. 
• If you are an introverted or visual learner, you will appreciate the online environment, as course modules play to those traits. 

Finally, we come to the biggest advantage of getting an online accounting degree: online colleges bring the classroom to you! Even if you live in Tucson, USA and the course you need is offered at a college based in another city -  Boston, you can still take their courses, without uprooting your family.  You can go to any school you want, without having to leave your town. As long as the school offers an online accounting degree, it is a possibility for you.

Luckily, there are tips that you can use to help you block out everything else and focus on what you need to do.

Let's assume that you are trying to earn your distance education degree, so you not only have to study at home, you learn at home, too. However, you also have a 2-year old who wants your constant attention and a 7-year old who needs help with her own homework. In this type of situation it is best to get your spouse involved or to hire a "parent's helper" who can come over for a few hours each evening. These are people who can give your children what they need for a few hours, while you get your studies done.

Once your children are taken care of, you need to find a quiet place to study. It is important that you go into another room, where you can study without distractions. If you have a spare room, it is a good idea to turn it into an office space where you can close the door and not be bothered for a few hours, while you are studying for your distance education degree. If you don't have a room that you can use exclusively as a workspace, then it may be wise to buy or rent a cheap laptop, so that you can move into another room when it is time to focus on your school work.

If you are having trouble clearing your mind, you may want to take a few moments to do some breathing exercises or to meditate. Even a quick yoga session may help you clear your mind, so that you can focus fully on the task at hand. Make sure you have everything that you need for the next few hours, including a bottle of water, so that you don't have any excuses to distract yourself from your study time.

Although many people are tempted to wait until after their family is in bed to start studying for the evening, that can be risky because you may be too tired to really concentrate. Plus, if you study too late, you may find it difficult to get up for work the next morning. It is important to remember that getting a distance education degree can be tough, even tougher than taking classes on campus, but the rewards are great. Keep that in mind and finding the motivation you need to study after work may be easier than you think.