On-Campus and Online Colleges Expand Offerings in Arts and Design

As the demand for graphic designers trained to use the latest software continues to grow, more universities are expanding and diversifying their offerings in art and design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job prospects for graphic designers is expected to grow by 10 percent over the next seven years. Employment opportunities for those who have website design and animation experience will be particularly promising.

Most employers require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in fine arts or graphic design. As a result, many colleges and institutions of higher learning are tailoring their art and design programs to help their students gain a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive job market.

Because graphic design involves the use of many different software platforms, the field is constantly evolving as the availability of new technology increases. Consequently, training programs for individuals wishing to enter this field have been forced to adapt to changes in the industry.

To meet the needs of students and working adults who require flexible degree programs, CollegeAmerica has announced the availability of an online degree program in graphic arts. In partnership with Stevens-Henager College, the institution has established a program that integrates online and classroom-based coursework tailored to students with busy schedules who wish to launch or accelerate a career in graphic arts.

Courses start at the beginning of every month, which allows students to pursue the degree whenever they are able. Classes include the animation and website design components that are currently critical to success in the field. Other class topics include graphic design, flash, typography, Javascript, Photoship, Adobe Illustrator, pre-press Operations, Front Page digital imaging, marketing, computer fundamentals and databases.

Brick-and-mortar schools are also addressing the need for improved training in the field. For example, High Point University recently announced the creation of its new School of Art and Design, Business News reports.

The Triad, North Carolina-based university created the school as an expansion of its arts program. Through it, degree programs in art, graphic design and interior design will be offered. This is the first year the college will offer a degree in graphic design.

When looking at scholarships and grants a Pell Grant can be helpful to many students. Dennis Carroll, the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the creation of the school is "an attempt to bring greater attention to these programs and to develop a specialized school that would have a special significance in High Point." Current and prospective graphic designers may consider enrolling in similar classroom-based or online degree programs that can help them stay abreast of industry trends.

How to Get Into an Online School

Today it is no more a big deal to acquire an online degree in any field you want. Moreover, an online education is getting huge attention from people who are lacking time due to their hectic working schedule. Undoubtedly, an online education has reduced the burden of people who are not ready to sacrifice their job for higher studies. Although, it has made getting education easy, but there are many things that have to be kept in mind before taking up online education, as taking a quick decision might leave you in undesired a situation. Take a quick look on how to get an appropriate online education from best online school:

1. It is highly suggested that while investigating online schools, look for ones that are accredited by the National Educational Association or any of their six regional counterparts. Accreditation means, the school is following a standard education quality. If a school is not accredited, then it might not comply with current educational standards.

2. Choose school that is specialized in your field of interest. Many online schools offer courses in multiple fields. For an example, schools offering medical program also offer technical programs which proves that the school is not committed to any particular field and trying to cash in on as many popular programs as possible.

3. Select an online school that has been providing a specialized program for the longer time. It has been noticed that many schools move with the flow of trend and offer courses which are currently in trend and also offer another additional programs following the changing trend. So, look for last few years of record of the school you are choosing to attend.

4. Go through all the degree programs and the curriculum. It should match the current requirement of market so that you can get good job opportunity with the skills you received while being in the course.

5.Reading testimonials of other students might help a lot. Although you may find positive remarks, but many of them might focus into actual learning process, their experiences while learning online and the types of courses.

Choosing right online school can be a reason for your successful career in the field you want. Starting with right online school is the building block of being skillful employee. This little research and tactful approach can help you find an appropriate online school. You just need to put your positive effort while studying and nothing can stop you from earning your online degree.

Looking for finding best distance learning universities? Find complete information about top online colleges of USA and best E-learning courses at DistanceLearningU.com. Choose the best online degree programs for you and earn online degree from your home.

How to Find an Investigation Course Online

There are many online institutions which offer investigation courses. If you want to know how to find a detective course online then you may look for any institutions which offer certifications or courses. It depends on you whether you want to go for a certification or just want to get a training kit. By knowing how to find an investigation course online, you would be able to complete your certification in investigation and may continue your career in this field of investigation.

If you want to be a professional investigator then it would be obligatory for you to know how to find an investigation course online. After getting your certification or training, you would be able to do your job or even you can start your own business by providing investigation services to other people. There are some resources on the Internet which offer videos for training how to investigate about someone on the Internet. You may get registered on any such resource and may get videos for learning how to perform an accurate research on the Internet.

Moreover by knowing how to find an investigation course online, you would be able to learn everything about online research. Some resources would only give a certificate of online investigator when you would pass their exam or test. The test or the exam would ensure that now you have enough skills to perform any online investigation. The investigation courses would let you know about the tools which you may use for performing an investigation. Some online resources even teach you, how to use these tools. Majority of the suggested tools would be paid. The online investigator courses recommend using the paid tools for your research because the paid resources are considered accurate.

You would find many types of investigator courses on the Internet. Some resources would offer basic courses, some would be advanced courses and some would be complete. It is recommended to you and anyone else who wants to know how to find a detective course online and what kind of course anyone should take that you should take a complete full length course in order to learn everything about investigation. Just taking any introductory investigator course would not make you a perfect and complete investigator. Moreover online investigation courses are not too costly; anyone can afford these courses because the cost is not more than $50.

This author John Hill has been writing to help know how to become a private investigator. He intends to make the people able to perform online investigation. For further information on this, visit his websites find about people and become a detective.

The Power of Getting an Online Degree

Too many times, life gets in the way of completing your post high school education. As the years pass, degree completion seems less and less of a reality. Even going to night-school may not be an option due to location, childcare, and other reasons. Lack of a completed diploma may keep you from getting the better paying jobs, especially in a tough economy, where there is vast competition for fewer positions.

You may be one of many people who either completed an associate's degree or took some number of undergraduate courses but never got your college diploma. Finances or lack thereof, are a large contributor to this. Also, becoming a parent and the responsibility of child-rearing is often a determinate of whether or not one completes a four year program.

Returning to the workforce with an incomplete degree is very common. Since you are an independent adult, living on your own and putting food on the table become your priorities. Paying rent and paying taxes are necessarily higher on the must-do list than continuing your education full-time.

Well, fortunately, times have changed! Programs now abound from hundreds of colleges and universities that offer online degree programs and certificates. These are real academic programs from well known accredited schools. And just as in attending a physical school, financial aid is also commonly available to help your budget.

These programs are generally more affordable than attending a physical school and are fully accredited. You won't be receiving phony documents, printed from a fictitious institution or fraudulently from a reputable university, that can be mail ordered without you doing any studies. These are all reputable, top notch schools.

You can take classes in a myriad of subjects at your own pace and on your own schedule. Online completion degrees are offered in many fields, such as teaching and education, business MBAs in accounting or marketing, and other popular subjects. There are also classes to improve your breadth of knowledge in a field that you are already in, such as for pharmacists learning about the latest drugs.

So explore your potential. Take a look at the opportunities and the possibilities of getting or completing an online degree. There are so many options available to help choose your future!

Copyright 2009 by Mindy Makuta. After being in the software business for 15+ years, Mindy and her husband own a small resort in Lyons, Colorado where they host outdoor weddings and family reunions. Yet they also stay involved in internet marketing of media products, educational services and gifts important to today's cost conscious consumers. See their educational offerings at WeGoForBooks.com/edu.

Why to Consider Online Masters Programs

While you may have already graduated from college, you may have not obtained your masters degree. For those of you who plan on pursuing an even higher level of education, there are many reasons why you take online masters programs. Not only will they save you valuable time and money, but they present a unique opportunity for those who are unable to go to a traditional university to obtain a masters degree to get one.

Why getting your degree online is easier

It's easier to receive your masters degree online than it is in person at a traditional college not because the course work and requirements are different, but because the manner in which you complete them are different. Classes at any traditional university are held at a specific day and time. You must be able to attend them. If you have a full time job, a family, or any personal life, being able to fit classes into your personal schedule is a hard feat to manage. When you take classes online, the work can be done at any time you desire, day or night.

You will not be stressed

Being able to do your work at any time that you desire will reduce your stress. You will not worry about having to get to your classes on time, or worry about missing a class. As long as you have half an hour a day to read and work on your studies, you will excel. If you are a parent, you will be able to stay at home with your children rather than having to worry about leaving them with another person.

Savings in time and money

If you choose to pursue your masters degree online you will also receive a savings in time and money. Online courses are generally cheaper than their physical counterparts. In addition to that savings in money, not having to drive to and from your classes will give you more free time. You can use that extra time to study and do your work from the comfort of your home!

Greater income

After you have obtained your masters degree you will then be able to make more money. Job opportunities will open up for you as you'll be able to apply for positions that require a masters degree. The difference in your yearly salary will be significant enough that in a few years you will have paid off the cost of getting your degree. From there the difference in earnings is extra spending money.

For information and tips on associate degree online visit Online Degree

Nationally Accredited Online Colleges - Secrets to Choosing One

Are you looking for nationally accredited online colleges? Consider this. Nationally accredited online colleges are those that have been approved by real legitimate agencies. These schools have to undergo a careful review process to determine the quality of their educational programs. If a school is certified by a national accrediting body, than you can feel comfortable that it's legit.

Some of the top accreditation bodies include key accreditation agencies such as

• the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
• The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
• The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)

Accredited online universities and schools offer a time of freedom and an education of high standards. Imagine it: no parents, no principals checking up on you, and fun student events to enjoy - even as you attend classes over the internet. That's right, online students also get to socialize with their fellow classmates during meet up events or private engagements students might plan. You get to have your cake and eat it to with fully approved and accredited online colleges of national respectability.

Everyone's situation is different, here are some factors to consider when you're searching for the right online college:

Will a college degree really help me in meeting my career goals? What kinds of degrees are offered by online universities? Do online college degree programs provide the same quality of education that is found in traditional college degree programs? How can I be sure that an online university is credible, and that the degrees they offer are legitimate? Are online university courses taught by real professors? Do online universities accept transfer credits? How fast can I earn an online degree? Do I have to earn my degree in 2-3 years from the most?

These are just some of the questions students evaluating a good nationally accredited online college may consider. There's more too and you should not wait to find out what else is important to your search for the perfect school!

B Von Ahlin is a former teacher with a Masters Degree in Education. Imagine if you could get ahead fast? Find the best nationally accredited online colleges today. Get tips and reviews of top degree programs such as popular best online psychology degrees or other high paying fields. Don't Wait - Read on to Find out More!

Open Universities Australia - The Pros and Cons of Completing an Online Degree With OUA

Open Universities Australia (OUA) has become an increasingly popular option for students wishing to complete their degree off-campus. There are many advantages of studying with OUA, however just like other universities, there are some things that should be considered before enrolling. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of completing your degree with OUA.

Advantages

- It is easy to enroll.

You can enroll quickly and easily over the phone or online. Just select your units, and enroll. If you are paying by FEE-HELP, you can arrange this online too.

- Fewer entry requirements.

For many of the degrees, OUA offers an easier entry pathway than other universities. While some programs do require a formal application, other degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts do not have any entry restrictions. This is great for people who have not studied in a while, or who did not finish their formal education.

- Flexibility.

If you begin your degree and then decide to take 6 months off, you can. If you want to study over the Christmas holidays, you can. OUA offers the chance to begin a degree part way through the year, without having to apply, wait to receive an offer, and then wait until the following year to begin studying.

- Your degree is awarded through a recognised university.

A lot of students worry that their certificate will have the OUA logo on it, or that their degree will not be a 'proper' degree. OUA students graduate through a recognised university and get the same certificate as on-campus, directly enrolled students.

- You can fast-track your degree.

For many of the programs offered by OUA, the study periods run back-to-back, all year round. This means that you can study without taking a break and finish your degree faster. For example, if you choose to study three subjects per study period without taking a break, you could potentially finish your degree in two years instead of three, or if you study four units per semester, you could finish a three-year degree in 18 months.

Disadvantages

- The cost.

While many of the units are competitively priced, some units (such as the science units) are much more expensive than those available to students who secure a Commonwealth-Supported Place, directly through a university. It is a good idea to work out a rough estimate as to how much your degree will cost altogether and then decide whether it is cheaper to apply for a Commonwealth-Supported Place instead. Another cost that needs to be considered is the cost of an exam invigilator. If you know someone who is suitably qualified, then they may be happy to do it for free, however professional exam supervision services can be quite expensive.

- Lack of course information.

OUA are reportedly trying to improve the quality and quantity of unit information available, but at the moment many of the unit descriptions, assessment details and book lists are quite brief. It is a good idea to contact the OUA representative at the provider university if you would like more information regarding a particular unit, they are usually quite helpful.

- Inconsistency.

Unless you are completing all of your units through the same provider university, this may be an issue. Each university has a different set-up, with some providing all of the course content online, whereas others send out a hard copy of all course materials, and there is no online interaction at all. Inconsistency amongst tutors and course coordinators can also be a problem, with some tutors offering online tutorials once a week and replying to queries within 24 hours, and others offering minimal assistance and feedback.

- Difficulties in planning ahead.

OUA is constantly evolving, which is reflected in the changing availability of units and courses. Unit availability for the following year is not known until around November, and if you have not registered your degree, course structure changes can occur, which may disrupt study plans. Register early to ensure that you can complete the degree that you have started!

Overall, OUA offers a great way to complete a degree, particularly if you require flexibility, would like to fast-track, or just want to try a few units for personal interest. Like all distance education providers, however, it is important to think about whether this type of study is the best choice for your lifestyle and goals.

You can read more about my experience studying with OUA here: http://www.xomba.com/open_universities_australia_my_experience_completing_degree_oua