Master Degree

A person can get a master’s degree online while continuing to work, saving both money and time. There are a large number of colleges that offer distance leaning options so that students don’t have to commute or reside on campus. The varieties of online degree subjects are available, you can choose of your interest. Getting a master’s online offers the student enormous flexibility in when classes are attended study planned and tests taken.

Review the Benefits of Getting Master’s Degree Online

One of the main benefits of getting a masters degree is that it increases a person’s earning potential. In fact, a recent College Board study reported that workers who had master’s degrees earned an average of $10,400 more per year than workers who had just bachelor’s degrees. Over a 40-year work life that totals $416,000 - quite bonus for earning a master’s degree.

Getting a master’s degree online allows a student to continue working full time. Attending classes at a college during the day would interfere with nearly all full time occupations. Being able to continue to work full time saves a great deal of money, known as the “opportunity cost” caused if a person ha to quit work to go back to school.

Choose an Online Master’s Degree Program

Use the U.S. Department of Education’s “College Navigator” website to help you choose the master’s degree programs and schools that fit your needs. Be aware that this site will include colleges that don’t yet offer master’s degree online, so you will have to do some home work to identity those that do in your field of interest. See the College Navigator link in the Resources section below.

Select Two or Three College to Thoroughly Investigate

The search for an online master’s degree program and school should be narrowed to two or three colleges and then these can be thoroughly investigated through contact online, by email and by phone. Compare courses, credit required, faculty credentials and ratios, and of course, costs, to make an informed decision.

Verify Certification of the College Chosen

Once a college is tentatively selected, its accreditation should be double checked. There are phony accreditations organizations that are established by diploma mill schools so the accreditation bodies them need to be verified. Fortunately, there is an organization available to help with this. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has a website section called Databases and Directories that lists valid accrediting bodies. See the link below in the Resource section.

Check on Financial Aid

A student may or may not qualify for financial aid, from scholarships and grants to low interest student loans. The school that accepts you will help you apply for federal and private aid sources. Be sure to ask about financial aid, but be aware that less assistance may be available if you still have undergraduate student loans, and that grants are harder to come by at the graduate level.

Get Started Earning Your Master’s Degree Online

Once all the financial issues are worked out get started as soon as you can while your motivation and excitement are high. A good start is very helpful and you may be able to earn a master’s degree online in less than two years. There are numerous online masters schools that are offering masters program. If it takes a little longer, that’s OK. Just, be sure that you are able to finish what you started because the return on investment of a master’s degree is pretty large.

Article source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/richard-philips/1139440

Have you ever thought that obtaining an accredited online masters degree will definitely change things for you for better? The Internet has made distance education very easy and at your finger tips, noetheless, ascertain that your school of intention is accredited by the relevant authority, you also have to make sure that your course is accredited too for the college.

It is a wise decision for you to acquire an online higher education from a recognized university to enable you compete favorably in the job market. If you study for  and obtain a degree, especially a Masters or doctorate, finding employment will come easier for you than those who have just first degrees.

However, before you enroll for an accredited online master degree program, you ought  to have an entry level bachelor degree or its equivalent in the same discipline. Where your entry level qualification degree is not the subject of the subject of your intending masters or post graduate, then you have to undergo a PGD or post graduate degree program on the subject of your masters degree program to become eligible for a masters degree program.

Lots of conveniences come with studying online for your masters degree. For example, you are at liberty to study in the comfort of your own home, office and just about anywhere you have a laptop an internet connection. The need to spend money going to school and returning everyday or even living on campus is not there. You schedule your  your study to suite your work and family responsibilities. Your work, if you are holding down a day job, will not be in the way. It is easy, therefore, for you to arrange your study times to blend with your other daily activities.

Finally, note that an online degree program, whether associates or Masters is not a push over thing. You will need to work hard to obtain an accredited online masters degree. Bear that in mind and also ensure that you research thoroughly the online institution you are about registering with for your accredited online masters degree program. Make sure that is an approved school and the course you are going for is also accredited for the school. Relevant authority or agency to run the program.
Articles source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/charles/63932

Thinking about earning  your master’s degree online? There are many benefits associated with having a graduate degree. Earning a masters of science, arts or one of the coveted master of business administration degrees could put you in a better place professionally and financially. If you are  a working professional or have a family, you have a lot to consider but an online masters degree may help ease the burden of a busy life. Let’s talk about the advantages of earning an online Master’s or MBA degree first.

Looking at figures and income projections for various masters degree credential worker:

• Individual with a master’s degree average $11,300 more  a year than bachelor’s degree holders.
• The net present value of master’s degree versus a bachelor’s degree is $216,000.
• The future value (over 40 years) of master’s degree versus a bachelor’s degree is $1,520,900.
  (Certain professional and MBA degrees will yield more)

If you choose to pursue an online masters degree program you will be building on the knowledge base you already have while adding skills, credentials and perhaps accomplishing a personal milestone.

Online Graduate Degrees

The availability of online masters degree programs are plentiful. Make sure the schools and programs are accredited! It is important to note  that:

• The quality of education from accredited online colleges is the same as their on-campus counterparts.
• Most colleges and universities do not indicate on graduate certificates or transcripts whether a course or program was earned on-campus or online.
• Online courses operate with the same syllabi and deliver the same end product as on campus courses.
• A survey of 2,500 online students and professors indicated that online courses were at least as rigorous as, and many times more rigorous than, traditional face-to-face courses.
• Preference for one setting over the other will depend on your life circumstances and whether or not you are able to move or find a graduate program nearby that offers exactly what you’re looking for.
• Diplomas from accredited online programs are honored by employers, licensing agencies and certification boards. Note: Make sure the schools you are interested in are accredited. There are many non-accredited master’s programs cropping up, particularly online MBA programs. Check with the U.S. Department of Education to make sure the school is accredited by recognized accredited agency).

Graduate studies are characteristically more specialized and intensive in focus than your typically undergraduate programs. It is very important to choose the program that most closely matches your personal goals and area desired expertise. Take some time to consider the types of graduate programs available.

Master’s Degree Programs -What’s available Online?

Master of Arts (M.A) and Master of Science (M.S):

Master’s degree programs are available onlne and in hundreds of subject ares. A master’s degree will give you continued depth and expertise in an area, and open up doors for higher paying jobs. Master’s level programs are usually 30 to 60 credit hours long, depending on the discipline or profession. Correspondingly, it will take from 1-4 years to complete. The work is more focused within a specialty area and research of some sort is ordinary involved. Sometimes a master’s level degree will be included within a doctoral program, but most times a master’s degree is completed independently of doctoral degree. Three popular types of master’s programs are listed here.

Master of Education (M.Ed.):

Online graduate degrees in education are becoming a popular option for teachers already n the profession seeking to further develop their skills and move to higher salary bracket. A M.Ed. or M.S. in education usually requires the completion of 36-48 credit hours. Some programs will accept a limited amount of transfer credits. Those graduating from 4 year colleges who go directly to master’s degree program enter the working world equipped with an advanced degree. Others may want to have a few years of on the job experience first. Every state has its own licensing and certification requirements for teachers, so be diligent and check with your state for specific course requirements.

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N):

An advanced nursing degree that allows a registered nurse to become certified in a clinical specialty or as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse midwife. The pay scale for this degree is substantially higher than the BSN, and prospects for advancement are very good.

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.):

An M.B.A. degree is an advanced degree in business management and is a highly valuable asset to the person who desires a leadership role in the business world, in higher education or in industry. M.B.A. programs do an excellent job of preparing professionals for the top paying jobs that will be available to them. Core topics in any type of M.B.A. program will include economics, accounting, marketing, quantitative analysis, and organizational management and psychology. It may be worthwhile to consider one of these specialized M.B.A. programs, as income and level of position will likely be higher than a generic business M.B.A.. Some options are: Executive MBA for those with substantial management experience who want to obtain higher, top paying positions.

MBA in IT Management designed for the experienced IT professional seeking mid-to upper-level position in various fields.

MBA in International Business for those interested in global issues and economy.

MBA in Project Management designed for mid-to upper-level management positions in industry and business.

MBA in Organizational Psychology prepares you for positions in business and higher education.

MBA in Health Care Management- an extremely valuable degree in health care with sub-specialties within this degree type.

MBA in Human Resource designed to prepare you for mid-to upper level human resource positions.

MBA in Marketing designed for those whose specialty is specific to sales, marketing advertising.

MBA in Accounting and Finance for those looking to advance in the world of banking, investing and finance, among other settings. You will need to do some research and thinking about your own background and goals to make sure you find the M.B.A. program that will get you where you want to go.

Cost & Financing

Cost of online master’s degree programs (MA and MS degrees) vary, but average about $22,000. An MBA varies more widely, but averages around $30,000. Financing options for accredited oline master’s programs are the same as accredited on-campus programs and include:

• Federal Financial Aid Programs
• Scholarships and private financing 
• Employer reimbursement

Request Information from online  schools you are interested in to obtain financial aid information specific to each school. You will need to fill out Graduate FAFSA from.

What’s next? You have some homework to do! If yo are serious about getting an online master’s degree, we can help. Good Luck!
Article source: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurie_Jerome-Pertilla

A master’s degree gives students training and education in a specialized field of expertise with greater depth than studying for a bachelor degree. Students pursuing a master’s degree traditionally need to hold a bachelors degree programs make it easier for working business professionals to complete their education attain advanced positions in their field.

Masters degrees definitely afford individuals an opportunity to increase their earning potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average weekly earnings for a masters degree holder are $1,102, which is $200 more than people holding a bachelors degree. These statistics further reveal that only 5.9 percent of adults in America hold masters degree.

Online education masters degree programs may consist of any combination of advanced study courses, internships and independent research, such as a thesis. Some master’s degree programs enable students to go directly into a career, others require internships or additional credentials and some prepare students to enter doctoral degree programs. To fulfill the requirements of a masters degree program, students must attend between 30 to 60 semester hours, which may be completed online between 15 and 36 months.

Masters degree are differentiated by post-nominal letters that indicated the level of academic achievement, honor or office a student has earned. The most common areas of online education masters degree study are:

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study determined that about one in five students seeking to earn a master’s degree pursue an M.B.A. The masters degree in business administration is research-oriented and involves independent study and achievement. Online education masters degree programs give business executives the ability to fit educational advancement into their schedules at their convenience. Further, according to “Taking the E-Train” by Douglas Bartholomew there are quite a few opportunities for business networking and making professional connections through online education.

Master of Education (MEd, MAT, MSEd). According to National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, about 28 percent of students study for masters degree with a focus on education. There are several specialization that students can choose, including e-learning, corporate training, teaching and administration. Graduates can pursue careers as teachers, in technology or as principals and administrators or pursue doctoral degrees to seek positions as education experts in their field. Online education masters degree programs provide educators with the opportunity to seek advanced education while maintaining their current positions and tenure in the field.

Master of Science (M.S.). A master of science can be earned in variety of research, education and health care fields. Pursuing an M.S. degree usually involves independent study as well field work. Graduates are employed in careers such as research, health care, education and more. Certain M.S. Programs prepare students to enter doctorate study to become employed in positions such as physicians and health care administrators. Online education masters degree programs give busy doctors, nurses and scientists the chance to practice in the field while attaining higher degrees.

Master of Arts (M.A.). A masters degree in the arts is often considered to be a terminal degree. This means that graduates are prepared to enter their chosen field and no further degree is needed to advance professionally. For example, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) enables graduates to enter directly into career such as a photographers, sculptor, creative writer and painter. An M.A. gives a greater level of distinction, expertise accomplishment to those working in the fine arts and can even qualify people to educate others on artistic pursuits.

Financial aid is readily available for all types of online education masters degree programs. Students can find out about tuition reimbursement from their employers, especially in fields such as health care that need more certified people in certain professions. Federal and state grants and loans may be available, such as Stafford Loans. There are also private students loans through entities such as Citibank. Certain online education programs offer payment plans to students who are unable to pay a lump sum at the beginning of the semester. Finally, there are a wealth of scholarships available to students who want to attend online education masters degree programs.

The increased availability of financial aid coupled with the convenience and flexibility of online education masters degree programs have made it easier for more people to earn advanced degrees. “Earned Degrees Conferred by Gender, 1870 to 2000“ revealed that between 1970 and 2000, the number of masters degrees earned by women increased over 220 percent. The number of masters degrees awarded to men increased 53 percent. According to the College Board 2006, these graduates are certain to benefits from obtaining an advanced degree as only 6% of the population have one.

Article source: http://www. EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Doughlas_Powell

If you want to continue your higher education, master’s degree can be a very viable option. Moreover, if you want to proceed with this without actually needing to go school, you can opt for an online master’s degree. In today’s fast paced world, people have less and less time. With the advancement of the Internet, there are solutions though. Getting an online degree from the comfort of your own home has never been easier.

If you are already a graduate, you may know that a master’s degree will take your knowledge base even further. You will be required to take advanced courses or even write your own thesis. This thesis will be based on your own research, which will be done independently.

Usually, a master degree will advance your career, giving you more possibilities and opening more doors for you. For instance, an M.A. that you might have acquired in Family Counseling will qualify you for a counseling position. Moreover, if you want to make a career in a university yourself, you will definitely need to go through the process of acquiring a master’s degree. This is the case of subject like History, Physics or any other academic studies you might want to teach.

Now let’s familiarize you with another term. Have you heard of terminal degrees? As the name clearly suggests, these are the king of Master’s degrees that require no further study. For instance, the majority of them will last 3 or 4 semesters (which is roughly 30 hours). But this is not a rule. There are certain Master’s degrees that can be acquired only in double the number of hours. Even so, they will not last more than 36 months.

And now let’s talk about some of the most important advantages of getting a Master’s degree online. First of all, the most obvious one: comfort. Having the ability to study from the comfort of your own home is not something that everyone can do. You will feel more relaxed, you will feel less pressure and more desire to learn overall.

Then, there is the time factor. Studying at home and taking the hours at their own pace is very important for people who already have a full time job. Having a full time job doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t continue your education, especially with so many very good universities offering comprehensive online programs.

Some of the best universities that have expanded their horizons and started giving classes online include: University of Phoenix (which also has a branch for international students), Walden University, Capella University, Florida’s St. University and many more others. Getting an online Master’s degree can be a very important option. Will it help your career? It definitely will. So if you are looking for alternative study options, you need to take this one into serious consideration.

Article source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jon-simms/77033