Online Social Work Degrees

The United States faces an unprecedented demand for skilled social workers. While private companies and health maintenance organizations take on the challenge of preventing and treating mental illness, a variety of private and public organizations employ social work professionals to help citizens cope with a variety of problems. Social work is a profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the development of each individual, group, and community in society.

A Social Work Degree: Teaching You to Help Others

From unemployment to abuse, social workers try to stem the tide of a variety of social maladies. Accredited social work degree programs can provide students with the critical skills they need to help people overcome their challenges. Social work students learn how to cope with the potential stress of their careers, while solving problems in their specialty fields. Students traditionally explore the elements of social problems, their causes, their solutions, and their impact on human society. Career Opportunities in Social Work Social workers are typically individuals who care about people and society, and have a genuine desire to make a difference. Careers can be found in public agencies, private business, hospitals, schools, police departments, and other fascinating workplaces. Social workers can be managers, supervisors, political leaders, researchers, analysts, and more. Below are some common occupational fields of those who graduate with a social work degree may find employment:

•      Child, family, and school
•      Medical and public health
•      Mental health and substance abuse

Social Work Career Training: Learning the Necessary Skills

While a bachelor''s degree is typically sufficient to enter the social work field, a master''s degree is usually required for health care and clinical positions. Degree programs offer regular classroom studies, but applicable field experience can give you more knowledge and a better understanding of the field. Typical studies may include human behavior, research methods, policy analysis, social justice, general psychology, and more. Aside from the technical knowledge, social workers usually learn to deal with people on a daily basis and be comfortable in such interactive situations.

Social Work Salary and Earnings Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for social workers should continue to increase between 2006 and 2016. The most recent data notes there should be a 22 percent increase in job opportunities for social workers during that time. In addition to positive job growth, individuals with a degree in social work can also command solid annual earnings. In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that social work professionals earned a median annual salary of $45,800, depending on their specialty. The lowest 10 percent earned $26,380, and the top 10 percent earned more than $71,940. Some of the top employing states included New York, Delaware, and Alaska, while the top paying states included South Dakota, Mississippi, and New Jersey. Social work jobs should continue to increase, as agencies expand to handle more cases every day. According to the BLS, opportunities may be better in rural areas where it is tougher to attract and retain qualified staff. While cities and metropolitan areas may offer more training programs, this may result in much more competition when searching for jobs.

Online Detective Degrees

Detectives, also called criminal investigators, investigate and solve crimes for government agencies. Specific duties vary according to the detective''s department, which could be homicide, anti-terrorism, narcotics, robbery, juvenile crimes or fraud. To become a detective, in most cases, one must work up the ranks starting from police patrol officer. Many employers, including some local governments, require at least an associate degree, while state and federal governments require four-year degrees. Detectives must pass physical, medical, written and psychological tests. Acceptance into a police department is followed by training at an academy from 12 weeks to one year.

Degrees for Detectives

As more employers start requiring four-year degrees or the equivalent of work experience, earning a college degree is becoming more important. Moving up in the ranks with real-world experience takes time, but earning a college degree online while working full-time can also advance career promotion possibilities.

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor''s Degree
• Master's Degree

Detective Job Description

Detectives are officers in plain clothes who investigate and solve crimes in the following ways:

• Gather facts
• Collect evidence
• Conduct interviews
• Examine data and information
• Observe suspects and other persons of interest
• Participate in arrests and raids
• Testify in court against those charged with crimes

Detectives can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. In 2006, about 106,000 people were employed as detectives and criminal investigators.

Detective Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50 percent of detectives and criminal investigators earned between $43,920 and $76,350 in 2006, with a median salary of $58,260. Federal government employees earned the highest median income at $69,510, local government employees earned $52,520 and state government employees earned $49,370. Police and detective supervisors, meanwhile, earned a median income of $69,310. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts "about as fast as the average" growth in the employment of detectives in both the public and private security sectors, particularly because of the increased concern with public and private safety.

Online Vocational Degrees

Earning a vocational degree from an online university is a great way to turn your hobby into a challenging career. Vocational and trade industries are constantly courting qualified candidates with formal training in the field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that service-providing trade and vocational professions will show a steady increase in projected employment over the coming decade. If you''d like to get training but are worried about holding on to your current position, distance learning may be the answer. Working professionals, mid-career changers, and other nontraditional students love the flexibility. Coursework for online vocational degrees feature specific training in your desired field. Locksmithing, electronics, and creative design are just a few of your options. With respect to salary, your specialty and geographic locale will come into play. Most positions earn an hourly wage and can choose the type of projects and the number of hours in which they work. Electricians, for example, earned a median hourly wage of $21.53 in 2007.

Vocational Degrees

You would find lots of universities and colleges globally that offer vocational education online degrees in a variety of areas. And many of them have so far earned a top sited ranking on the basis of distinct quality based education. Every year many different types of students decide to pursue an online education for various reasons. Whether a student has recently graduated high school or college, there are vocational education online degree programs being offered at various top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges that will suit your continuing education needs. Some of the most common vocational education online degrees awarded through online education programs of top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges are Associate Degree, Bachelor''s Degree, Master''s Degree and Doctorate Degree.

Associate Degrees

An Associate Degree is often obtained at a community college or a vocational school in one to two years. Students normally receive this vocational education online degree to have a basic knowledge of the field they are interested in. To further enhance their skills and expertise they go on to attend vocational education online bachelor’s degree. A vocational education online associate degree is completed in a less timeframe than a bachelor''s degree because fewer required units. However, the coursework being offered, at top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges, is similar requiring general education, electives and major work.

Bachelor Degrees

A Bachelor’s Degree may be earned in arts or science discipline based on the line of interest one chooses. This vocational education online degree is often obtained at a four-year top accredited online college or top accredited online university and is completed in around four year time depending upon the major courses of study and requirements. Sometimes a specialized top accredited online school may also be attended to receive a bachelor''s degree.

Master Degrees

A Master''s Degree allows a student to concentrate on a specific field and subject of interest after the completion of bachelor’s degree program. A thesis is the major requirement in order to receive this vocational education online degree. A top accredited online college or a top accredited online university, where bachelor’s program is attended, will offer this degree. Students can receive this vocational education online degree from a different college too and it may last from one to two years depending upon the program''s requirements of your chosen top accredited online university or top accredited online college.

Doctorate

The Doctorate Degree is the highest degree awarded globally. Most students obtain this vocational education online degree after receiving master''s degrees. This program may last from five to eight years depending upon the amount of research that is required to complete a dissertation.

Online Leadership degrees

Degree programs in leadership can help rising executives cultivate the skills they need to succeed in today''s highly competitive business environment. Because most colleges and universities offer flexible leadership programs, professionals can often schedule their classes around work and family obligations. For working adults, a degree or a certificate in leadership can open up opportunities for promotion, advancement, or entrepreneurship.

What is a Leadership Degree?

A leadership degree is one of the most versatile degrees in that it can be utilized towards numerous fields and industries. Whether you are interested in education, healthcare, business, or arts, companies in those areas traditionally look for strong leaders that can bring success to the organization. A leadership degree can provide the career training you need to succeed in a top management position and will provide the foundation of leadership theories and styles used in business, government, and non-profit settings. Most leadership programs focus heavily on professional development, organizational dynamics, business trends, and long-range planning. Specialized leadership degree programs allow students to explore their creative abilities, while developing advanced technical skills. Students develop skills to be able to see the bigger picture and what is best for an organization. A leadership degree also caters towards entrepreneur-type business people. Graduates can use the skills to launch small businesses that sustain their families without overwhelming their schedules. Visionaries that help launch innovative companies can earn significant bonuses and stock option packages.

What Type of Career Training Does A Leadership Degree Provide?

The coursework in a leadership degree program can prepare you to understand the complex roles of being an executive. Managing a business or leading a team requires dedication and drive. Students may take standard coursework in subjects such as: psychology, finance, human relations, and computer science. Specific leadership courses may include:

• Management decision making
• Building and coaching teams
• Effective change management
• Strategic planning
• Transformative leadership
• Diversity in organization
• Leadership
• Communication

Through a leadership program, graduates can become equipped to take on the demands of upper level management roles, such as chief executive officer, vice president, as well as operational manager, and have the knowledge to succeed in the growing global economy.

The Future for Graduate with Leadership Degrees

Top executives are among the highest paid workers in the United States and their salaries vary greatly due to the responsibilities, the length of service, as well as the type, size and location of the firm.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general operations managers earned a median salary of $103,780 in 2007. Chief executive officers earned a median annual salary of $151,370 in 2007. Employment opportunities for top executive positions should remain competitive as job growth should only reach 2 percent through 2016. In a world where business is booming and becoming more global, there is a need for leaders to take the helm of these organizations and a leadership degree can help you advance you to the top.

Online Associate Degrees

Earning an Associate Degree is similar to earning an undergraduate degree but does not require as many semester hours. Associates degrees are usually obtained in preparation to for entry level career positions and in preparation for higher education opportunities. Programs consist of three general areas of focus: general education courses, courses oriented towards your major and elective courses. Generally, an Associate Degree can be completed in as little as 2 years by attending 4 semesters (two 15 semester credit hours per year). Traditionally community colleges, junior colleges and select technical colleges offer associate degree programs.

While associate degree are recognized as requiring a general education base many value an associates degree for the vocational and career specific training they provide. Associates degrees are awarded in both job-specific vocational areas such as business, technology and electronics or in liberal arts. Today many employers looking for employees with job-specific training now prefer graduates with an Associate Degree as these graduates are more likely to have the skill set necessary to excel in entry and mid-level occupational positions.

Associate Degree Programs include:

• Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) - This degree is a preparation or prerequisite degree four-year college or university.
• Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4 year college or university upon completion.
• Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students for entry level and career advancement opportunities. These degrees may also help student qualify for entry into a 4 year college or university program.
• Occupational Associates Degree - The goal of this degree is prepare graduates to fill entry level career positions immediately following graduation. The goal of this degree is be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

In the United States, an associate degree is a 2-year degree given by colleges upon completion of an associate degree program. Associate degrees are generally 2-year degrees, like those awarded at community colleges. Associate degrees are also available online - allowing students to study on a schedule that suits their busy lives. An Associate Degree is a type of undergraduate degree that requires at least 60 semester credit hours. With full-time study, it will take 2 years to complete - or 4 semesters with 15 credit hours. An associate degree program involves a general education requirement, major requirements, and electives.The two types of associate degrees offered are the A.A. or associate of arts degree, and the A.A.S., which is the associate of applied science degree.

You can earn and A.A. degree at a community or junior college, at a technical school, or even online. This degree designation indicates that you have completed a course of study with an extensive foundation in general education, as well as concentration in a particular area. Your degree is often in an occupational area, or in liberal arts. This degree is designed to transfer to a four-year college or university. Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) is intended for graduates that seek career entry or job advancement after 2 years of college study. AAS degrees will possibly transfer some or all credits to a four-year college.

Associate of Applied Science degrees are the preference of employers seeking people to fill various middle level technology positions. Once you get an associate degree, you typically need another 2 years or 60 credit hours to earn a bachelor degree. Earning an associates degree is a great away for a student to see what direction they want to take in their education. Either degree is a great option for those seeking to earn an associate degree.

Online Distance Learning Degrees

Ever wondered what is distance learning? distance learning is the process of knowledge transfer to learners(students) who are separated from the instructor(teacher) by time and/or physical distance and are making use of technology components such as the Internet, video, CD's, tapes and other forms of technology to accomplish learning.Distance learning is what should occur if special consideration has been taken to the course design, instructional techniques, communication mediums and organization and administrative issues associated with distance education. Knowledge transfer should transpire despite the fact that the instructor

and learner are geographically separated by time or distance.

Importance of Distance Learning:

The biggest driver of distance learning has been due to social changes. Over the years, individuals, institutions, businesses and the military have continuously sought for alternative means of access to higher education as they strive to cope with lifestyles and changing demands of the economies and societies they live in. "Today, higher education is a necessity for those who wish to work and prosper in an economy that is becoming dependant not on sheer muscle power, but on brain power. Today, the workforce is rewarded for how well and how fast problems are detected and solved".

Since the internet has become ubiquitous, we have seen an emergence of online distance learning colleges such as Capella University, Grand Canyon University, Walden University, University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Argosy University as well as traditional brick and mortar colleges who are now offering online programs to fill the demand for higher education. It is hard to keep up with the technology associated with distance learning. Presently distance learning uses emerging technologies to enhance traditional way of learning.

That is what is distance learning on the web, also referred to as online learning, online distance learning or e-learning is increasing becoming the logical way to learn. This has been made possible by the evolving information and communication technology. Telecommunication networks are providing learning opportunities for non-traditional populations of learners and individuals isolated by distance or geographical barriers. Using satellite, computers, telephone, the Internet, interactive video conferencing and audio, distance learners can participate and share many different types of experiences that would not ordinarily be made available to them.

Through distant learning technologies, students can interact with one another, interact with their instructors and easily consult experts at remote locations.

Online Chemistry Degrees

A chemistry degree can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in the field of natural and material sciences and chemist training provides both hands-on and classroom instruction for a comprehensive education. A chemistry education lays the groundwork for a variety of specializations in the field including organic chemistry, the study of plastics, macromolecular studies, and medicinal chemistry. Students who pursue a chemistry education must have strong mathematical, analytical, and research skills. They are often involved in both fieldwork explorations and in-lab studies where they examine and identify various elements and compounds. The field of chemistry is diverse, and many students choose to advance beyond an associate’s or bachelor’s to apply for research jobs and teaching within their field.

Job Description and Responsibilities with a Chemistry Degree

Chemistry degree programs afford students a chance to develop fundamental research and critical thinking skills, as well as a working knowledge of materials, compounds, and chemical reactions. Common job responsibilities of a chemist may include:

• Extracting and examining compounds
• Conducting field research
• Reporting and analyzing data
• Developing new materials as a material scientist
• Working on production and quality control in a chemical manufacturing plant
• Determining the structure and composition of various elements
• Synthesizing elements or compounds

Almost all fields of chemistry involve the life sciences and a deep understanding of the nature of materials and compounds. Many are also involved with research, development, and the improvement of existing materials and compounds with new combinations.

What Does Chemist Training Involve?

Chemist training allows students to explore a range of skills and procedures, and can take place in a lab setting to conduct experiments, or online where students walk through tutorials and presentations on each subject. Chemist training may lead to a variety of specializations such as:

• Polymer chemistry: the study of reactions, properties, and structure
• Inorganic chemistry: the study of molecule elements
• Biochemistry: the study of properties and structure
• Organic chemistry: the study of carbon-based molecules
• Analytical chemistry: qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Physical chemistry: the study of chemical kinetics and electrochemistry

Specializations are often the second portion of any chemistry degree program, and offer their own set of classes in each concentration. Many honors students and researchers go on to specialize even further within their field, and can then apply the scientific method, processes, and knowledge learned from basic chemist training in a variety of fields.

Types of Chemistry Careers and Job Options

After completing a chemistry degree program, students have many opportunities for a lifelong career in the study, research, and development of both organic and inorganic materials. Job options and rewarding chemistry careers include:

• Lab Assistant
• Quality Analyst
• Recruitment Consultant
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Chemical Analyst
• Product Technician or Product Support Analyst
• Research Chemist
• Chemistry Educator

Chemistry Education Training and Courses

A solid chemistry education begins with a background in science and mathematics. Students are encouraged to take advanced classes in physics, mathematics, biology, natural science and chemistry through high school and then move onto a 4-year college to pursue their chemistry education. Although associate’s chemistry degrees are also available, job options and career opportunities are often limited to assistant positions and teacher’s aides. Students who wish to grow in the field of research and study for a PhD will need to take advanced courses for a bachelor’s or master’s chemistry degree in their field.

Common chemistry courses available with a chemistry degree include:

• Biology and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Calculus
• Microbiology
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Principles of Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

A comprehensive chemist training program is a balance of in-lab instruction and written coursework. Students who choose to pursue a chemistry degree online may be required to perform lab experiments and other hands-on applications on their own time, and it is an invaluable opportunity to understand a real-work environment. With today’s advances in technology, chemistry courses taken over the internet are also becoming a popular way to supplement or complete a chemistry degree program.

Pursuing a Chemistry Degree Online

An online chemistry degree program offers students the convenience and flexibility to finish their studies at their own pace, and even from a distance. Some online chemistry degree programs do require lab attendance so that students can learn the skills, techniques, and applications needed for a lab environment. However, today’s technological advances with web-based learning allow students to take part in tutorials and simulations that can mimic lab training. This is an essential component of chemist training that provides students with in-depth studies and practice for their specialization. Online chemistry degree programs also allow students to work in a collaborative work environment throughout their chemistry courses and related classes. Discussion forums, website research, and online reporting are just a few elements of an online chemistry degree that are limited with a campus-based program. Students who complete their chemistry degree online work with their instructors and students from around the country on a variety of projects.

A chemistry course taken over the internet offers a few other benefits over campus-based courses. These include:

• In-depth research and analysis
• Communication on innovative platforms such as discussion groups and bulletin boards
• Collaborating with different students for each project
• Direct access to lectures, examinations, and related chemistry course materials

Chemistry Careers: Employment Prospects and Job Options

Job opportunities and chemistry careers focused in the pharmaceutical and medicinal areas look to be the most promising, as technology and research continues to advance at a rapid pace. Skilled and talented chemists are needed to continue researching, identifying, and analyzing new compounds and those with at least a bachelor’s degree in their specialization can look forward to long-term opportunities. Still, employment of chemists is expected to grow slower than average through 2014. The most attractive chemistry careers can be found in biotechnological research, pharmaceutical companies, and R&D service firms for product development. Median annual earnings of chemists were $56,060 in 2004, with higher salaries for those with advanced education and experience. Related occupations include:

• Medical scientists
• Biological scientists
• Science Technicians
• Agricultural and Food Scientists
• Physicists