Category: Your Education (Page 14 of 22)

      Which Careers Require Continuing Education?

      May 12, 2011 /

      Continuing education is usually mandatory for jobs that require a license or certification. Continuing education  may consist of a few courses or an entire program which can be taught online, on-campus or other location. The different types of careers that require continuing education are in the medical field, education, real estate, law, engineering and construction, to name a few.

      Continuing education is not only important to keep up with changes in the law, it is also important to keep up with competition and modern developments. Many companies also require continuing education as a condition of employment. For example, many human resources professionals must attend continuing education classes to stay current with employment laws, salary trends, and other employment related issues.  

      Although many continuing education courses or programs are mandatory, some are 100 percent voluntary. Many of these programs are for personal development only, so they do not have to be accredited. Courses or programs that are required as a condition of employment or for maintaining licensure or certification must be accredited. Accreditation is a voluntary process. However, only an accredited program or course will meet the requirements of employers and licensing agencies.

      There are literally dozens of recognized accrediting agencies covering hundreds of specialized programs and courses. For example, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council Committee is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Before signing up with any given continuing education course or program, especially if it’s a requirement for an employer or licensure, please verify that it’s accredited and that the agency is recognized.

      To find out if an agency is recognized by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

      Your Career, Your Education, Your Workplace

      Why Major in Political Science?

      May 11, 2011 /

      A political science degree is a common degree of choice for aspiring attorneys, public administrators, public relations specialists, and journalists. Although political scientists can find work in these fields and many others, many work in education, research, and government. These areas require an advanced degree, but an undergraduate degree in political science is the first step to acquiring one.

      Having a variety of careers to choose from is only one benefit of a political science degree. Another is salary growth. The top paying industries for political scientists are:

      • -Federal Executive Branch, $114,040 per year
      • -Local Government $83,790
      • -Social Advocacy Organizations  $77,410
      • -Scientific Research and Development Services $77,160
      • -State Government $58,040

      Salaries vary, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists is $104,090 per year. The lowest paid political scientists average $46,520 per year and the highest earners average $151,360. Salaries for political scientists have increased every year since 1999. Increases are significant, with the largest jump occurring between 2004 and 2009.

      • -Year 1999: $74,280 per year
      • -Year 2004: $86,460
      • -Year 2009: $104,090

      Job growth in this field is promising for all degree levels, but an advanced degree can increase your options even more. Job growth for political scientists increased between 1999 and 2004 from 4,280 employees to 4,490. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of employees in the field decreased to 3,970. However, between now and 2018, overall employment of political scientists is expected to grow 21 percent. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Many other career fields for political scientists will continue to grow as well. For example, job growth for attorneys is 13 percent from 2008 to 2018. For public relations specialists, job growth is 24 percent during the same time period.

      If you choose a career as a political scientist, you can expect to perform the following duties:

      • -Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
      • -Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis.
      • -Study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology.
      • -Analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities.
      • -Conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

      If you’re interested in a career in political science, you can get started by earning your undergraduate degree. Political science degrees are offered at colleges and universities across the U.S., but some of the best programs are offered at: 

      • -Columbia University, New York, New York
      • -Cornell University 
      • -Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
      • -New York University 
      • -Northwestern University 
      • -Ohio State University 
      • -Princeton University 
      • -Stanford University  
      • -University of California
      • -University of California – San Diego 
      • -University of Chicago
      • -University of Michigan
      • -University of Minnesota
      • -University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
      • -University of Rochester
      • -University of Texas at Austin 
      • -University of Washington 
      • -University of Wisconsin
      • -Washington University in Saint Louis 
      • -Yale University 

      You can find other colleges and universities that offer a political science degree by visiting Princetonreview.com or Petersons.com. For more information about political science careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov.

      Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education

      What are the Different Types of Bachelor Degrees?

      May 6, 2011 /

       

      A bachelor’s degree is awarded after completing four to five years of full-time study at a college or university. A bachelor’s degree program can take several additional years to complete if you attend part-time. There are more than a dozen different bachelor’s degree programs, but the most common are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).

      As the name suggests, a Bachelor of Arts requires coursework in the arts. You can expect to take courses in areas such as music, fine arts, humanities, and social science. A Bachelor of Science degree requires coursework mainly in the sciences. You can expect to take courses in the areas of physical sciences, mathematical sciences, and life sciences. Other degrees are more specific and include:

      • -Bachelor of Architecture – BArch
      • -Bachelor of Applied Science – BASc
      • -Bachelor of Business Administration  – BBA
      • -BComm – Bachelor of Commerce – BComm
      • -BCompSc – Bachelor of Computer Science – BCompSc
      • -BD – Bachelor of Divinity  – BD
      • -BDes – Bachelor of Design – BDes
      • -Bachelor of Education – BEd
      • -Bachelor of Engineering – BEng or BE
      • -Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA
      • -Bachelor of Mathematics – BMath
      • -Bachelor of Music – BMus
      • -Bachelor of Pharmacy – Bpharm
      • -Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – BSEE
      • -Bachelor of Science in Forestry – BSF
      • -Bachelor of Technology – Btech
      • -Bachelor of Laws- LLB

      Some degrees such as the Bachelor of Mathematics and the Bachelor of Laws are also the names of a postgraduate degree in some colleges and universities.

      Bachelor’s Degree Earning Potential

      A bachelor’s degree offers nearly double the lifetime earning potential than a high school diploma. High school graduates can expect to average  $1.2 million during their lifetime. Bachelor’s degree holders can expect to earn an average of $2.1 million. For more information about how a degree can affect your earning potential, read The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings by the U.S. Census Bureau.

      Your Career, Your Education

      What can I do with an MBA Degree?

      April 26, 2011 /

      MBA degrees have become the gold standard of the business world. More than 62 percent of all CEOs hold a MBA or higher from an accredited program. Why? An MBA opens up more doors in the business world than any other type of degree. Not only this, but an MBA fetches higher salaries, excellent advancement opportunities, and a chance to become an entrepreneur. Its no wonder an MBA is one of the most attractive degrees in the world.

      An MBA (Master of Business Administration) can prepare you for a lucrative career in upper management, portfolio management, or consulting. You can also establish a career as a marketing director, human resources manager or CEO. In an average market, an MBA holder has the potential to earn $100,000+ per year working in just about any industry. At the highest levels, a Fortune 500 CEO earns an average of $800,000 per year, plus bonuses and other perks.

      Top executives are everywhere. In fact, there are more than 2,133,500 million in the business and management field today. This includes 400,400 chief executives and 1,733,100 general and operations managers.

      To become a member of the top executive club, it takes dedication and hard work. It takes a minimum of six years to earn an MBA, beginning as an undergraduate. A traditional MBA degree program requires successful completion of:

      • -Accounting
      • -Business Strategy
      • -Economics
      • -Finance
      • -Human Resources
      • -Marketing Management
      • -Manufacturing and Production
      • -Operations Management
      • -Statistics
      • -Technology and Information Systems

      The core curriculum accounts for 40 percent of the degree requirement. Specific course may include leadership development, global economic environment, social networks and social capital, managerial statistics, operations strategy, financial planning and analysis, strategy structure and incentives, financial accounting, marketing strategy, and managerial economics. 

      Most undergraduates interested in pursuing an MBA typically earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSBA), or a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS).

      An MBA program should include the classes listed above, along with an internship. Most MBA programs follow the traditional curriculum, while some programs, such as online programs, may differ slightly. The best thing to do when searching for a quality MBA program is to make sure the program is accredited by a recognized agency such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). You should also compare the curriculum to a top ten MBA program such as:

      1. 1. Harvard Business School 
      2. 2. INSEAD (France)
      3. 3. IMD (Switzerland.)
      4. 4. MIT: Sloan School of Management 
      5. 5. Stanford University Graduate School of Business  
      6. 6. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton Business School
      7. 7. University of Chicago Graduate School of Business  
      8. 8. Columbia University Graduate School of Business
      9. 9. London Business School   (UK)  
      10. 10. Northwestern University: Kellogg Business School   

      There are hundreds of quality MBA programs in the U.S. and abroad, so just because you didn’t graduate from a top ten program doesn’t mean your chances of making it are any less. Most MBA programs are challenging, competitive and rewarding, so give it your all and you’ll go far.

      To review a list of recognized accrediting agencies visit the U.S. Department of Education website at www.ed.gov for details.

      Your Business, Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education

      Leadership Development Degree Careers

      April 18, 2011 /

      Leadership Development Career

      A leadership development degree (MBA) can prepare you for a variety of management careers. The curriculum for this degree is designed to help you develop decision-making skills conflict and management skills, and of course, leadership skills. Common career paths include:

      • Project Management
      • Human Resources Management
      • Financial Management
      • Non-Profit Management
      • Management Consulting

      Project managers are responsible for assembling and managing teams assigned to a specific project. They also plan and organize projects.

      Human resource managers manage employee pay and benefits, development and training, hiring, and employee relations.

      Financial managers handle accounting, financial analysis, investment portfolios, and financial reports. They are also responsible for financial legislation and regulation, and cash management of companies.

      Non-profit managers manage the operations and development of non-profit organizations. They might work for an environmental agency, human rights organizations, health care facilities, and many others.

      Management consultants help companies by providing advice and expertise aimed at improving business performance, maximizing growth, and creating value. They work for human resource departments, information technology firms, marketing firms, supply-chain firms, and many others.

      In addition to a variety of job options, leadership development graduates can look forward to job growth and stability. Depending on the position, job growth is expected to average from 8-20 percent between now and 2018. Entry-level leadership development professionals earn around $50,000-$60,000 per year. MBA holders with experience can expect to earn from $92,390-$128,330+ per year.

      An MBA with a focus in leadership development is the way to go if you want to work at a top firm. Although it is not required for entry into the field, many employers prefer an MBA. Nearly 30 percent of all professionals in this field hold an MBA, while nearly 40 percent hold a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree holders usually start out it entry-level or assistant positions.

      Earning Your Leadership Development Degree

      To earn an MBA with a focus in leadership development, you will have to enroll in a program at an accredited college or university. The following accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:

      • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
      • The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
      • The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
      • The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

      The following recognized agencies offer regional accreditation:

      • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
      • New England Association of Schools and Colleges
      • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
      • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
      • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
      • Western Association of Schools and Colleges

      To find the best programs, try searching though college directories such as Petersons.com, Princetonreview.com or U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges.

      Your Career, Your Compensation, Your Education

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