Tulsa Community College: A Leader in Online Education

Tulsa Community College is the largest two-year college in Oklahoma. It operates from four campuses and serves some 27,000 students every year in college credit courses and an additional 5,000 in corporate training and continuing education classes.

The college provides higher education to more students in northeastern Oklahoma than any other public higher education institution. It offers students individualized education in small classes, with an 18:1 student to faculty ratio. Its tuition and fees are almost half those of public universities.

Tulsa Community College has more than 7,000 enrolments in online and distance learning courses, making it the leader in online education in Oklahoma. Students can easily transfer credits for seamless baccalaureate degrees.

Collaboration and transfer agreements are in place with many institutions, including Oklahoma State University, The University of Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, The University of Tulsa and The Phoenix University.

Accreditation

Tulsa Community College is accredited by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission. It is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges and the North Central Council of Two-Year Colleges. It is approved by the federal government to offer education under the Veterans and Social Security laws.

Some of the programs offered by the college have accreditation approval from other agencies and organizations.

The distance learning courses are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance learning

Tulsa Community College offers about 30 degrees and certificates that are available entirely through the distance learning environment. Distance learning courses are ideal for non-traditional adult learners, who want to acquire a recognized qualification from an accredited institution. Distance learning allows them study at their convenience and to get a degree that adds value to their career portfolios.

Online courses are offered via the Internet by means of the Blackboard Course Management System (CMS). Instruction is provided through the Internet, CD-ROM (if applicable) and text book materials. To take a course, students need Internet access, a valid e-mail address and hardware and software that meet the minimum requirements.

Telecourses are video-based courses that are offered on Tulsa Cox Cable Channel 21 or via streaming video on the Web. Instructors communicate with students via e-mail, telephone and/or postal services. The videos are supplemented by study guides and text books. Students have to visit the Metro Campus to take exams.

Interactive Television courses (ITV) are campus-based courses that are offered through compressed two-way video. The student is required to be present in a particular location at a set time. The instructor may be present at that location or may teach from a remote location. The format is very similar to classroom instruction.

An accredited course from the Tulsa Community College can help you to add a recognized qualification to your career portfolio and you can choose from a wide range of on-campus and distance learning programs.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Visit us to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered as well as distance learning technology.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com

The Online College Degree Program - Increasingly Popular with Today’s Students

Pursuing an online college degree program is the most favored choice for those who have been unable to attend a traditional college due to various obligations. With the advent of the internet a whole lot of opportunities have opened up in the field of education and it is up to you to take advantage of this revolution.

Online degree programs

According to a survey on Online Education in the United States, 2006, conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, nearly 3.2 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2005 term, a substantial increase over the 2.3 million reported the previous year.

Also according to the survey about two-thirds of the very largest institutions have fully online programs, compared to only about one-sixth of the smallest institutions. The increase in the percentage just goes to show the growing popularity of online education.

One can pick an online college degree program based on a few points. First it is important to understand why you need to select a certain program. Whether your choice of a program is purely based on your interest in the subject or to further your career.

Once you have made that decision, look for the various options available within the subject. For instance if you are interested in pursuing a course in business management then review the variations offered within the purview of the subject and then select the one that is tailored to your needs. This way it will be easier to achieve your goals.

Universities offering courses

If you go through the websites of the universities offering an online college degree program, you will notice that there are options and details available for various types of students including international students, military students, and for prospective and current students as well. Various issues like tuition fees and financial aid are also addressed by most of the universities.

Live chat facilities are provided by some of the online universities as a way for students to discuss questions with an admissions counselor, and online application forms are provided which allow students to apply instantly. For additional details, students can even download a prospectus or ask to receive information by regular mail at their respective addresses.

So whether you are a busy working adult or a homemaker or a military student, an online college degree program is an ideal way of getting a higher education at your own pace and own schedule. It is also one of the most convenient ways to pursue an education that allows you to study virtually at anytime, anywhere.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Visit us to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered as well as distance learning technology.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com

Hillsborough Community College: an Open Door to Distance Learning

Hillsborough Community College is a two-year community college that ranks ninth in size among Florida’s 28 community colleges. It operates from four campuses and serves some 40,000 students.

The College offers an Associate in Arts degree (university transfer), Associate in Science degrees (technical), Associate in Applied Science degrees, College Credit Certificates, Career Certificates and a Continuing Education Program.

The College has an “open door” policy and welcomes all those who want to gain knowledge and enrich their lives. Students with diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged to enroll. Preparatory courses are offered to help students to reach a level of proficiency that will enable them to complete a post-secondary education.

Students can complete the first two years of a traditional four-year program leading to an Associate in Arts degree and may transfer as juniors to state four-year colleges and universities as well as to private institutions.

Associate in Science degrees are awarded to students, some of which are transferable to individual four-year institutions. Associate in Applied Science degrees are also awarded that are not transferable to four-year institutions.

Postsecondary Adult Vocational Certificate courses and College Credit Certificate courses are also offered. Students can take more than half the courses needed for an Associate in Arts degree through the eCampus program.

Accreditation

Accreditation is meant to ensure that the quality and integrity of the higher education institutions and programs are maintained. It is also meant to help these institutions to improve.

Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which is the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states and in Latin America, for institutions of higher learning that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees.

SACS is recognized by the United Stated Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Distance learning

Hillsborough Community College offers eLearning courses in a range of subjects. These courses are ideal for non-traditional adult learners, who have a packed schedule.

They offer much more flexibility and convenience than on-campus courses and allow non-traditional adult students to acquire a recognized qualification from an accredited institution, while meeting their professional and family responsibilities.

WebCourses are delivered via that Internet, though students may be required to attend one or more on-campus meetings. Students are required to actively participate in projects and course assignments on the Internet.

Media-based WebCourses incorporate video lessons to help learners. They contain the same content that is found in on-campus courses. Video lessons allow students to view demonstrations, which may not be possible in traditional classrooms.

MultiMedia courses combine different technologies with on-campus meetings. They use delivery methods like e-mail, Web pages, discussion boards, video tapes, interactive video conferencing, streaming media and chat.

These eLearning courses can help working adults to get a degree that will add value to their career portfolios.

Hillsborough Community College provides a high-quality learning environment for students of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. Its open door policy is designed to help students with diverse needs to meet their educational goals.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Visit us to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered as well as distance learning technology.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com

College Degree Master Online - Insurance Against Unemployment, a Passport to High Growth Careers

College degree master online is a need of the day, with the country focusing on generating more and more high-value jobs in service, consulting, and intellectual-property, while willing to relinquish low-value jobs in manufacturing and technology to the third world through outsourcing.

When this trend gathers further momentum in the coming years, one thing is sure - the current distribution of the US labor force, among high school diploma holders, associate degree holders, bachelor’s degree holders, master’s degree holders, professional degree holders, and doctorate holders, will be in for a major realignment, which will clearly be in favor of those having a master’s degree and above.

However, the increasing competition for regular graduate admissions, as well as the increasing financial burden when quitting work to enroll at a regular graduate school, has made college degree master online the way to go for many Americans aspiring for a master’s degree.

No wonder, the penetration of distance education is highest in graduate schools, compared with institutions offering predominantly associate, bachelor’s, professional, or doctoral degrees. In 2005, 44% of schools offering face-to-face master’s degree programs, had started offering them online too.

What It Involves:

College degree master online is about distance learning or online courses that lead to graduate degrees like Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and many more specialized master’s degrees.

For most subjects, the duration of studies needed for a master’s degree ranges between 1 to 2 years. The normal prerequisite is a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, while in some subjects and some colleges, a few years of professional work too will be needed. For example, online MBA programs from almost all prestigious institutions will need work experience for enrolling.

Also, some graduate subjects are usually not available through distance learning. Examples are Juris Doctor (JD) and Doctor of Medicine (MD). Though they require a 4-year Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, they are considered first as professional degrees rather than master’s degrees. However, real master’s degrees in these subjects, like, LLM and MS (Medicine) might be available with a significant online component.

Good scores in standardized tests like GRE and GMAT might be necessary for admission at some of the more prestigious Universities. College degree master online will be demanding, as a typical program will be a mixture of course-based and research-based learning.

Why College Degree?

The nation enjoys a literacy rate of 99.9, which is also a first rank it shares with 20 other developed countries. However, among the US adult population, only 27% have received a bachelor’s degree or above. The rest of the adult population either holds a high school diploma, an associate degree, or haven’t completed their education.

Such a scenario was fine with an economy dominated by manufacturing and farming. However, as the nation continually moved up the value rung, a college degree became an absolute necessity. The value with which industry regards degree holders is evident from the fact that their average salary exceeds the national average by more than $10,000.

Why College Degree Master?

Today only 8.9% of the American student community go for a master’s degree. But America is again moving up the value rung through outsourcing - shifting from leadership in the technology sectors, to leadership in intellectual property, consultancy, and services.

Today, it won’t be an exaggeration to state that a typical American white-collar job demands a master’s degree. The only exceptions are first professional degrees like Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Juris Doctor (JD), and other such professional degrees. Even in these fields, a master’s degree is more desirable today, than it was ten years back.

The most important factor favoring master’s degree holders is that many of tomorrow’s fastest growing occupations require a master’s degree. This makes a master’s degree the passport to high-growth careers.

These include physical therapists, occupational therapists, educational counselors, instructional coordinators, rehabilitation counselors, mental health counselors, operations managers, management analysts, financial managers, information system managers, and sales managers.

Interestingly, at least in some of these fastest growing occupations, a master’s degree has also become a prerequisite for professional licensing.

Master’s degree holders squarely beat bachelor’s degree holders in both earnings and employment rates. While they earn nearly $800 more per month than bachelor’s degree holders on an average, their unemployment rate is much better at 2.1, compared with the 2.6 among bachelor’s degree holders. Clearly, these two factors combine to provide a kind of insurance against unemployment.

Lastly, many academically bright people go for a master’s degree, since they plan to attain one day the terminal degree in their subject, a doctorate.

Why College Degree Master Online?

Due to factors like better salaries, entry to high-growth careers, and better protection against unemployment, there is no doubt a master’s degree is today most desirable. However, opting for a regular graduate school is not for everyone.

First of all, the avenues for attending regular graduate schools are rather limited. While USA has more than 4,000 accredited colleges offering bachelor’s or associate degrees, only less than 300 Universities offer master’s degrees. Clearly, the available seats in these institutions are limited, compared with the increasing demand, thereby taking the competition to get graduate admission to new levels.

To manage the situation, many institutions keep an arbitrary cutoff GPA, sometimes not taking into consideration even test scores like GRE or GMAT. Clearly, the way out from this tough situation is master’s degrees through distance education.

Secondly, the cost of attending regular graduate school is steadily increasing. Annual tuition will cost upwards of $15,000, while even modest boarding will set one back by at least $6000.

Add to this, the revenue loss from quitting one’s job, and it becomes clear that even stipends from being a research assistant or teaching assistant at the University, won’t be enough to meet the high cost-of-living of a regular graduate student. Again, the way out is a college degree master online.

Here, you keep your full time job, pay much less tuition fee, spend not an additional dollar on campus boarding, but still proceed to the much coveted master’s degree.

What to Expect From College Degree Master Online, in the Future?

As demand for college degree master online increases further, the deployment of distance education in graduate schools will increase further from the current level of approximately 50%. Almost every master’s degree will be available online soon.

When options and enrollments increase, costs for college degree master online will come down further. Also, it will be no surprise if college degree master online becomes the norm rather than the exception in graduate study, at least in some subjects.

Bandwidth getting faster and cheaper will result in course delivery through the Internet, especially via asynchronous video, which will become the delivery mode of choice for lectures.

Conclusion

College Degree Master Online solves many problems and provides many positives. It lowers unemployment risks, reduces graduate school expenses, provides admissions to a large percentage of contenders, equips one for high growth careers, and of course, helps maximize one’s earning potential.

This is why master’s degrees are the most widely deployed distance learning programs today, and why the situation will only get even better in the future with more options and more enrollments.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Visit us to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered as well as distance learning technology.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com

Why Online Continuing Education Programs Make Sense

The choice for online continuing education for adults is now easier to make than ever. The Internet has done a superb job of leveling the playing field for those looking to break into a new career or increase their earning potential without interrupting the schedule of already busy lives. The flexibility and versatility that online education allows ensures that this method of learning will be around for years to come.

Many adults already live full lives and the idea of re-entering a classroom environment after a long absence can be daunting. Yet at the same time, many find the need to have a career that is fulfilling or to open doors in their current vocation. The last thing a working adult who is already balancing home and family wants or needs is an extra schedule to try and fit onto their plate.

That is why online learning is the choice that allows even the busiest of persons to easily earn their degree without missing a single step in their own life. Moreover, the lessons not only come at a time that is more comfortable for the student but in a place they are most comfortable learning. With a comfortable learning environment, the student is able to better retain the material and curriculum.

Online continuing education programs allow students to forgo commute time and expenses while receiving the same courses and classes that they would at an onsite campus. Plus, the curriculum typically allows the student to stay on the fast track, learning material that is valuable and relevant to their current position. Right away, students can see the relevance of the material and put it to use in their current job situation.

With online learning there is no need to rearrange schedules or panic on sick days. The student often chooses how fast or how slow they need the curriculum to go. If there is one thing that a working adult needs a lot of, it’s flexibility.

Aside from time management, the financial aspect of furthering an education is one of the top concerns of working adults. While rising tuition costs and book fees often discourage many from returning to college, continuing education programs still offer the most cost effective way to earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. There are no surprise fees as students are often locked into one tuition price as long as they stay in school.

More often than not, financial aid is available to most students, which can do away with a large amount of the financial burden. One can work with a financial aid advisor to find out the necessary qualifications and just the right financial aid programs to make their online education a reality. Sometimes an employer will offer tuition reimbursement to their employees in these situations.

With so many choosing to further their education in this manner, current and potential employers have come to recognize and respect online learning as a reputable venue. It not only shows the employer that the necessary credentials have been received, but shows the tenacity of an individual willing to improve their situation despite a busy life. It is no secret that employers prefer an employee that is a go-getter.

For many, an online continuing education program is the only way to go. With a number of degree programs available, one can easily find a way to obtain the skills so many employers value in today’s job market. Even after one earns their degree, they can then take part in accredited certificate programs that will keep graduates up to date and certified in their field of choice.

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers online continuing education programs. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu to select the program that is right for you.

Master of Education Online - The Route Chosen by Aspiring Education Administrators

The Master of Education Online is among the best possible educational paths for those aspiring to be education administrators like Principals, Assistant Principals, School Administrators, College Provosts, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs, Directors of Admissions, Registrars, etc.

For individuals being considered for the post of an education administrator, both professional experience as an educator or school administrative assistant, and graduate level qualification in education are equally important.

Distance learning provides the perfect simultaneous solution for both, without affecting the other. No wonder that Master of Education Online courses are offered by more and more American Universities and Colleges, and are in high demand across the nation.

What It Involves:

Master of Education Online involves distance learning or online courses that culminate in graduate degrees like M.Ed., M.A.E., or Ed.M. Though these are just naming conventions followed by different Universities, other significant differences exist between different Master of Education programs.

Mainly, these differences are about program specializations. Common branches for Master of Education are Educational Administration, Guidance Counseling, Academic Enrichment, Preparation for Ed.D or Ph.D, and Higher Education / Student Affairs. These specializations correspond to the specific field in which an aspiring education administrator is planning to enter.

Apart from these, several subject-wise courses are available, like, Master of Science (M.S.) in Education, M.A. English Language Learning, M.A. Mathematics Education, etc, as well as specialized Master of Education courses in subjects like Learning and Technology, Measurement and Evaluation, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, e-Learning etc.

Why Education Administration?

Considering the immense responsibilities expected of a present-day education administrator, the field is clearly not for everyone. The demands from students, parents, governments, and the community, are indeed high.

Still, the competition to be a recognized education administrator is great even today. The reason is simple - education administrators get to work in such socially fulfilling and influential positions like Principals, School Administrators, Directors of Admissions, Registrars, etc.

Why Master of Education?

A Master of Education degree is an absolute prerequisite to enter the career of an Education Administrator. This is especially so in the public schools of most states. Today, whether a school is public or private, education administrators with only a bachelor’s degree, are generally only found in preschools.

On the other end of the spectrum, in Universities and Colleges, even a Master of Education degree is not considered enough, except for posts like College Provosts, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs, Directors of Admissions etc. More academically responsible posts in colleges, like Dean, Director, and Chairperson, definitely call for a doctoral degree in education, after a Master of Education program.

Lastly, Master of Education graduates also earn at least $10,000 per year more than their counterparts with only a bachelor’s degree.

Why Master of Education Online?

Today, almost everyone who succeeds at getting a start in education administration, are already employed in schools or colleges. They are predominantly teachers, but also include those working as school counselors, curriculum specialists, subject matter advisors, recruiters, librarians, residence hall directors, financial aid specialists, admissions counselors, etc.

The reason is rational enough - a good education administrator should first be a good educator. For example, only a proven teacher can hope to be an accepted Assistant Principal or Principal. In fact, this proven track-record is as much a prerequisite as a Master of Education degree.

On the other hand, most accredited Master of Education programs are tougher to complete than other graduate degrees, and it takes a longer time frame too. Clearly, this presents a problem for aspirants who can’t dream of losing their current position for further education’s sake. Master of Education Online becomes popular, as it addresses this problem elegantly.

What to Expect From Master of Education Online, in the Future?

New education administrators are expected to be in great demand for the next ten years, as a significant percentage of older professionals will retire within this period. This will result in greater demand for Master of Education Online courses, and more and more Universities and Colleges providing it.

While demand for primary and secondary school administrators will remain steady, demand for preschool and post-secondary administrators are expected to gather momentum, reflecting the greater student enrollments in these segments.

Conclusion

Motivated by the social fulfillment and better pay prospects possible for an education administrator, more and more teachers and other education professionals are opting to be an education administrator. Since this role calls for continuing professional experience and a Master of Education degree, there is great demand for Master of Education Online courses.

The growth prospects for roles in education administration, like, Principals, Assistant Principals etc, are excellent.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Visit us to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered as well as distance learning technology.
http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com

Earn a College Degree Online Today

There are more people every day that are choosing to go back to school. The big change is that a lot of them aren’t even leaving their houses to do so. A lot of people are realizing that they too can earn a college degree online.

Life seems to be getting more hectic for everyone. Therefore, it is not always possible to go back to school full-time. People have families and jobs that make it almost impossible to go back to school by attending a traditional college campus.

Thankfully, it has never been easier to get your college degree online. A lot of colleges are realizing that some people just can’t schedule the time to go into a class every day. Therefore, it is now possible to get almost any degree that you can get from a college without ever leaving your house.

This is a great option for people who have a busy schedule. If you earn a college degree online, you will be able to free up some much-needed time. This will give you more time with your family, for work and social commitments.

One thing that is important to consider when you earn a college degree online is that you must have a lot of self-motivation. Since you won’t have specific times that you will have to be at school, it is up to you to make your own schedule. For some people this can be good.

If you have a lot of determination then this can be a great option. You will have to make a schedule and adhere to that schedule. Some people like to do their schoolwork at night whereas others would prefer to do it during the day. The decision is entirely up to you and depends on your personal schedule.

There are many different varieties of college degrees that you can get. Some people choose to get a bachelor’s degree whereas others choose to get their master’s degree. So whether you are going to school for the first time or are seeking to extend your education you can do it if you earn a college degree online.

You may be wondering how you are going to afford to earn a college degree. Thankfully, most educational facilities offer help in this regard. They will be able to help you look for scholarships and many offer financial aid. A lot of people don’t think that they will be able to afford to go back to school. But after consulting with a college, they then learn that there are proven ways to finance your education.

You don’t have to go back to school full-time. There are many courses that can be done on a part-time basis. This allows you even more freedom in your finances by letting you choose your course load.
No matter what your education needs may be, you can earn a college degree online. There is a reason that this is becoming such a popular option for people. It is incredibly convenient and allows you to get the same tools that you would at a regular college. Get online and find the best college degree options for you.

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many programs that will allow you to earn a college degree online. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu to select the program that is right for you.


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