Accelerated Online College Degree Program Requirements

Many individuals currently in the work force are seeking ways to gain a promotion or increase their pay. Some research online Universities as a solution to save money and time on commuting. The flexibility of online programs allows the working professional to complete assignments at their leisure. Accelerated programs are offered to assist the working professional in obtaining their degree in as little time as possible.

With an Accelerated degree, programs that typically take 2 years to complete can be completed in one year. The course work is more demanding within an accelerated program because more information is presented in a condensed time period. In full time programs, the participant may take several classes simultaneously per semester. In an accelerated program, the participant may take one to two classes at an accelerated rate. Scientific studies have shown that students are more apt to retain the information if the classes in accelerated programs are taught in this manner. Assignments within these courses are often project based in order to emulate the work environment.

Challenges of Online Programs

Obtaining a degree online can be a more convenient process. However, many problems still exist with this concept. The student considering an online degree should be certain to research several items before enrolling in a program.

The student must first verify the University’s Accreditation. If the online University is not certified, the student may find that he or she is unable to obtain a job with the credentials acquired. Employers will not recognize degrees from Universities that have not met the requirements for accreditation. Students with non-accredited degrees often find themselves enrolling in an accredited program after the non-accredited degree. Thus, they invest twice the amount of money on an education. This extra expenditure could have been avoided had the student researched and found an accredited University the first time.

The student should also research to determine the percentage of graduates that received job placement, salary increases, or leadership promotions. These factors are important when selecting an online University.

Cheating is also a problem with online degrees. Assignments and tests are administered online. Students are expected to uphold the Honor System of the University. However, the temptation often is greater than the student can bear, and they may violate the Honor System. Hybrid programs were developed in order to prevent the cheating problems. Assignments in a hybrid program are completed online. However, the major tests are conducted in a controlled environment. Students should be aware of the type of program he or she is enrolling beforehand.

Types of Accelerated Programs Offered

Associates Degree

A traditional Associates Degree requires 2 years of academic study to complete. A typical accelerated studies program takes 20 months.

Bachelors Degree

A traditional Bachelors Degree program takes 4 years to complete. Accelerated study programs will allow the participants to receive their Bachelors Degree in 2 years or more.

Masters Degree

A traditional Masters Degree program can range from 2 to 3 years. An accelerated program can be completed in one year to 18 months for a Masters or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Dual Masters Degree and Bachelors Degree

A dual Masters and Bachelors degree allows the participant to complete both degrees in 5 years, as opposed to the traditional 6 or more years required.

Doctoral Degree

A Doctoral Degree can be completed in three to four years with the accelerated program as opposed to the traditional five to six years.

Universities Offering Accelerated Online Degrees

University of Maryland

http://nursing.umaryland.edu/

The University of Maryland offers an accelerated nursing program. The student can begin as a Registered Nurse (RN) and progress to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree program offers nurses an opportunity to add more skills and knowledge to their current education. Critical thinking skills, communications skills, leadership and relationship building skills are essential for students pursuing a degree in this field. Research concepts are a major emphasis in this program.

The students are expected to complete 59 undergraduate credits in the natural, physical, social and behavioral sciences, as well as, the arts and humanities. The plan of study is completed online. The student is assigned a preceptor in their area to complete clinical requirements. The Southern Regional Electronic Board’s Electronic Campus provides accreditation for the program.

Responsibilities of Nurses

Nurses treat patients, perform diagnostic tests, analyze results, administer treatments, and educate patients. They teach diet, nutrition, exercise programs, and some physical therapy. Nurses observe patients, get blood samples, and start IV lines. They may be present in fields such as oncology, perioperative, pediatric, dermatology, and ambulatory care.
Nursing Job Prospects and Salary Potential

Nurses are in high demand due to a shortage in the industry. Many of the nurses are retiring at a rate faster than they are being replaced. Therefore, many incentives are currently being offered for individuals pursuing a nursing degree or entering the nursing work force. Some hospitals are offering signing bonuses, as well as, flexible schedules. Other incentives entice students into nursing, such as scholarships, fellowships and grants.

The average median salary for nurses was $62,450, according to studies in 2008. The highest 10 percent earned just over $92,000.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College

Accelerated BS in nursing

http://www.umassonline.net/degrees/Blended-Degree-Bachelor-Nursing-RN-BS.cfm

The University of Massachusetts’s Darmouth College of Nursing offers an accelerated program to registered nurses. The program of study is a blended baccalaureate program that is designed specifically to cater to each student’s needs. Introductory nursing courses are taught online, as well as, other vital skills. The students are supported by faculty and mentors as they progress through the program.

The blended format allows the students to have contact with faculty and classmates online and in person. The student may complete the courses within 4 semesters. Classes meet once per week.

The University of Massachusetts has a long standing reputation in the nursing industry. The program’s ability to customize the curriculum’s timeline for each student is unique to this program. Students also have the option of participating in the RN to BS to MS accelerated option, if they desire to continue their studies.

Refer to the previous article for details of a nurse’s responsibilities, job prospects, and salary potential.

Devry’s Keller School of Management

Masters Degree of Project Management

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Doctoral Degrees and Post Master Certificates Expected to Increase

Extreme Academics Going Online

Post-graduate, online degrees are limited, in contrast to undergraduate and graduate online programs. Indications are, though, that as the distance learning paradigm expands a larger number of advanced degrees will move into the online realm and perhaps become as popular as their undergraduate counterparts. There are a few particular fields of online specialty that remain predisposed to post-graduate programs, which include post-graduate or post-masters certificates and doctoral degrees.

Attainment of the Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) is the highest possible level of academic achievement. Doctorate Degree holders are expected to create new knowledge and share it with peers and the public through conferences, published works, and public presentations. One of the primary reasons for earning a Doctorate is the opportunity to be recognized as a global leader in a specialized field of study and the vast majority of students pursuing this degree continue in research and development or join the ‘academic world’ as professors or lecturers. Pursuit of a Doctorate is a rigorous process and not something that can be earned by taking short cuts. It is an expensive, challenging, and time consuming endeavor and the prospective student should choose a program only after equally rigorous research of the available programs and the institutions providing the degree.

Types of Post Graduate Distance Programs

Doctoral degrees often come to mind when the topic of post-graduate studies comes up. But online education has already proven itself to be an inventor of more granular programs. Professionals with graduate degrees to their credit already may not seek fully realized doctoral programs, but instead crave chunks of advanced curriculum that provide targeted career know-how, jettison for the job market. Online degree providers—savvy marketers that most are—have answered this growing online demographic with customized post-graduate or post-masters certificates. This newest layer of online higher education provides a hybridized bridge between a staid Masters degree and dynamic post-graduate expertise.

On the other hand, a few traditionalists continue to seek online Ph.D. programs, although in much fewer numbers than their on-campus counterparts. Why are online Ph.D. degrees so limited? The sheer academic demands of most doctoral degrees has, up until this point in time, seemed to make them unlikely products to be served online, lacking the necessary flexibility inherent in other types of degrees. If nothing else, plenty of doctoral candidates are off-put to the idea of an online doctorate, presuming the curriculum to be either too much to take on with family and jobs, or not legitimate enough to stack up alongside face-to-face campus programs. But candidates in some fields are actually asking distance providers for online doctoral options that are tailored to an online paradigm.

Doctoral Program Course of Study and Residency Requirements

For a student who has already attained a Master’s Degree in the field, obtaining a Doctorate Degree generally takes about 5 years and can be broken down into 3 phases; a course of study, original research, and writing a publishable dissertation (thesis).

Depending on the student’s previous education, the course of study usually takes about 2 years, or 3 – 4 semesters of full time study. Studies consist of advanced level courses conducted in graduate seminars or independent study. Upon completion of the course of study, students must pass a written and/or oral examination proving that they have gained sufficient knowledge to go on to the next phase of independent research. The exam is given by the Ph.D Candidate’s Committee which consists of 3 – 5 professors in the field who agree to supervise the candidate’s research.

Doctorate level research must explore some unique aspect within the student’s field of study. Although the topic is chosen by the student, it will have to pass a rigorous acceptance process conducted by a dissertation committee before the student can begin research. The research process must be conducted along strict professional guidelines and be backed up by valid, reliable statistical methods. The research alone may take a year or more depending on the subject and research methods chosen after which the candidate must be able to compile the findings into a book length dissertation.

Writing the dissertation can be quite a work in itself and it is not uncommon for candidates to be listed as ABD – all but dissertation – for several years. During this time the student must remain enrolled at the university and pay at least the cost of one 3 credit course each semester. At an average of $600 per credit, each year will cost the student a minimum of $3600. This gives incentive for the candidate to devote as much effort as possible to the completion of the dissertation in a timely manner.

Upon completion of the dissertation and its acceptance by the candidate’s supervising professor, the student must defend the research and its conclusions before the Candidate’s Committee which accepted the thesis proposal. By all accounts this can be a harrowing experience which does not always result in acceptance. In the case of non-acceptance, the candidate must rework the research and/or dissertation according to the recommendations of the Committee. But once the dissertation is accepted by the Committee, the title of Doctor has been earned.

Because of the prestige accorded the Doctorate Degree and the rigorous requirements of the program, almost all online degree programs require some length of time in residency (actual on campus attendance) at the granting institution. The residency requirements may stem from the stipulations of study fellowships or grant provisos but most result from the need for clinical practicum, seminars, and labs that cannot be conducted via electronic means. At many online schools where the residency requirements are minimal, the program will require that the student be already employed in the field of study so that practical applications can be studied in real life situations. If a student does choose a program that is completely online it would be of great benefit, if at all possible, to make personal, face-to-face contact at least once with the program director and dissertation committee as their commitment to the student’s success will be essential.

For accredited schools the residency requirements are non-negotiable, so students must be certain that they will be able to manage this requirement before enrolling. Thus if there are obligations that would prevent the candidate from relocating or spending extended periods away from work or family, it would be better to look for an online program where the supporting institution is close to home.

Although there are some online Doctorate programs that are offered without any residency requirement, any course of study which promises completion of the degree without any residency requirement should immediately draw suspicion. Likewise, any institution offering a quick and easy degree at the Doctorate level should immediately be discarded from the prospective student’s list.

University and Program Accreditation

Because much of the value of a Doctorate Degree stems from the prestige of the granting institution and the reputation of the program in the chosen field of study, accreditation is extremely important and the prospective student should seek out the most prestigious institution it is possible for him or her to attend. It is best to search for online programs that are associated with a traditional ‘brick and mortar’ institution that already has an established reputation within one’s field of study.

Accreditation is the process by which schools are evaluated against established standards to ensure the quality of the education they provide. And although accreditation is important when evaluating any degree program, the cost, length and difficulty of the Doctorate program demands a more rigorous investigation into the credentials of a proposed program of study. It is also important to research the accreditation agency listed by the school to ensure that it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A school’s accreditation will determine whether the degree will be recognized by potential employers and professional associations, and whether the program will qualify for financial assistance. To independently check on a school’s accreditation, check out the U.S. Department of Education website at ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website at chea.org.

In addition to accreditation of the institution by an agency recognized by the Department of Education, it is imperative that the prospective student make certain that the specific Doctorate program of study is recognized and approved by the professional organizations and licensing agencies governing practice in that particular field of study. Many degrees in the Health Studies, Psychology, Education, and Engineering fields require additional licensing before a graduate can practice in the field and a degree from an unapproved program may cause a loss of licensure.

Popular Online Doctorate Degrees

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When Did Graduate Degrees Become So Important?

Professionals that Value Higher Education Drive Online Masters Programs

Years ago, online degrees were looked upon with skepticism. Now, an online degree holds as much weight and credibility as a bricks-and-mortar school degree. Online degrees have achieved legitimacy in part due to schools of higher education creating distance learning programs with valid accreditations. Top name universities offer curriculums for online degrees that do not differ much from the school’s traditional degree coursework. This has added status to an online degree and eliminated the stigma of such a degree.

Online graduate degrees have become much more popular than many people may have thought. One of the myths associated with online degrees is that they are predominantly vocational in nature, deliverables for students that couldn’t find the time or academic wherewithal to attend college. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

There are plenty of professional certificates and workforce courses designed for working adults, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that online Masters degrees now generate big business.

Who Pursues an Online Degree?

It used to be that individuals who wanted to obtain a degree of higher education, but had to work to support themselves and/or their families had to find a local college or university and determine if they offered an evening program. That meant evening that schedules had to be arranged, time spent away from families, and travelling from home to another location to get the degree. Or it meant deferring the dream to improve themselves and their futures.

One of the reasons for the increase in demand for online degrees and distance learning is that a busy adult can fit learning into their schedules by having 24 hour access to coursework 7 days a week. Everyone is looking for convenience in their busy lives. Pursuing a degree in higher education no longer means sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture. Online degrees are self-paced and the technology exists to attend lectures, interact with classmates, and meet with learning advisers right from an individual’s home.

Just like the person who attends a bricks-and-mortar college or university must have dedication and drive, so must the person pursuing an online degree. Coursework is just as demanding, and attaining the degree in the program allotted time requires self-motivation and discipline. That being said, an online degree can substantially affect a person’s earning potential, career levels of achievement, and self-esteem and status. Any individual from any background and circumstance can obtain an online degree.

In order to pursue a Master’s level degree program, an individual must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of higher education. Colleges and Universities will require that the student score a relatively high grade on a Graduate Records Examination (GRE), or entry exam into a Master’s program based on the discipline of study. For example, law schools require that potential students take the LSAT examination. Graduate exams are similar to the SAT or ACT examinations required for entry into a Bachelor’s degree program, as they test general knowledge and thinking abilities.

Types of Degree Programs Available Online

There are many degree and certificate programs available for distance learning online. Degree programs range from Associates Degrees, to Bachelor Degrees and Master’s Degrees. These degrees are equivalent to the degree programs offered at colleges, universities, and local community colleges.

There are certificate degree programs in areas such as medical technology, nursing assistant, and phlebotomy. Certificate programs can last anywhere from nine months to two years.

Professional certificate programs are also offered online for the individual desiring additional credit educational units in their area of work or study.

There are three things anyone pursuing an online degree should do:

• Make sure the online degree program is licensed in the state where the person is residing.
• Make sure the online degree program is accredited by a recognized organization offering accreditation in that field of study.
• Contact the local Better Business Bureau to the determine status of school and to see if legitimate complaints have been filed.

Accreditation

It is important for the potential online degree program student to understand what accreditation of a school means. According to the U.S. federal government, accreditation is important to “…ensure that education provided…meets acceptable levels of quality.” There are local accrediting agencies, but for online schools the national accreditation agency is the Distance Education and Training Council. Regional accreditation agencies also exist, which some institutions feel is more rigorous than national accreditation. The reason to attend an accredited school is important is because an individual will want the degree and credits earned to be accepted by other institutions of higher learning.

Online Masters Degrees

The online Master’s Degree is a very popular and highly sought out degree program. According to Online Degrees, the Master’s program is the leading online degree program. The Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program still leads the pack, but education, nursing, and health services administration are among the top online degree programs.

The popularity of online Master degree programs is driven by the demand for more education in a career-related field of study and it is, in part, related to the economy. When the competition for jobs is greatest due to the lack of jobs in the marketplace, the more education the job applicant brings to the table could mean a higher degree of success in finding employment. Jobs that used to require Bachelor’s degrees are now stating that a Master’s degree is preferred. And the individual who is climbing the corporate ladder will find that an advanced degree will make her more competitive. Obtaining a Master’s degree in a particular field is also a respected way for an individual who is looking to change career directions to demonstrate knowledge in the new field.

A Master’s degree is for the person who has already completed the equivalent of four years study in his discipline. All the theoretical knowledge has been obtained, and internships and clinicals have been completed. A Master’s program will focus mainly on textbook learning along with peer interaction.

Professional Demands Drive Degrees

Consider the fact that one of the biggest advantages to distance learning is the convenience. No other group of individuals savvy to the value of higher education is more mindful of “convenience” than that of working, professional adults. This population of business and industry employees, healthcare specialists, and education and technical workers comprise the largest statistical chunk of the online degree pie chart. They are in mid-career, intrigued by upper-level administrative and leadership opportunities, excited by technical innovations, and hungry for fresh, career challenges.

Curriculum-wise, Masters degrees pose a more malleable medium within the constraints of distance learning paradigms. Bachelor and Associates degrees may require internships, clinicals, apprenticeships and otherwise tangible skills work. But grad degrees conform more readily to textbook and lecture learning—more theory and concept. This is not to say that online students do nothing but keep their heads buried in their books—not at all; in fact Masters level students are often required and encouraged to collaborate online with degree classmates. This type of learning promotes the kind of collaboration and communication necessary for professional, real world environments. Class members may comprise an interdisciplinary population, a perfect accompaniment to rigid curriculums.

Online Schools for Masters Degree

There are several top quality online schools that offer students the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree. These schools include:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Phoenix Online – cost $23,970
Applicants must have Bachelor’s degree and at least three years work history. Coursework includes Accounting, Global Management, Healthcare Management, Marketing, Technology Management.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Grand Canyon University Online – cost $20,090
Applicants must have Bachelor’s degree to apply. Coursework includes Distribution, Ethics, Financial Reporting, Communications, Strategy, Leadership, Analysis.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Kaplan University Online – cost $31,920
Degree programs designed for student to gain knowledge of leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility. Coursework includes Distribution of Goods and Services through Supply Chain, Business Knowledge in Diverse Situations, Leadership, Ethical and Social Implications of Business Decisions.

Master of Science, Education, Walden University - cost $14,976
Applicants must have Bachelor’s degree. Coursework includes Teacher Professionalism, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Supportive Learning Environments, Teacher Facilitation.

Master of Education / Administration and Supervision, University of Phoenix – cost $19,510
Applicants must have Bachelor’s degree, 3 years full-time work experience, minimum of 18 months instructional experience in P-12 setting. Coursework includes Education Finance, School Law, Roles and Responsibilities of a Principal, Community Relations, Supervision of Personnel.

Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University Online – cost $11,900
Coursework includes Classroom Engagement and Management, Current Classroom Methods and Strategies, Educational Action Research, Legal Issues in Education, Data-Informed Decision Making for School Improvement, Instructional Leadership, Collegial Coaching.

Master of Distance Education, University of Maryland Online – cost $13,636
Coursework includes Setting up Appropriate Technology Configurations, Selecting Tools, Managing the Technology Related Aspect of Media Integration, Course Design, Development.

Master of Art, History, University of Nebraska Online – cost $17,568
Applicants must submit undergraduate GPA, letter of intent, letters of recommendation, writing sample. Coursework includes Modern War, Film and Memory, Readings in U.S. Military History, Readings in Medieval Europe, Readings in American Indian History, Gilded Age, Sea Power, Environmental History, Great Plains Studies, War of Religion.

There are many areas of study for a Master’s degree program, with costs ranging from the low teens up to the mid-twenties for a complete program. Online Master’s degree programs’ costs are comparable to bricks-and-mortar schools, which is a testament to the rigorousness of the programs and studies.

Top Online Master's Degree Programs

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