Diploma, Certificate, Associate Degree, Or Bachelor's Degree - What's the Difference?

You're a high school grad or a working adult and you want to continue your education. You know that there are many different types of programs that lead to a certificate or diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctorate. What do these terms mean? How do you choose what's right for you? Here's the lowdown on the different levels of study offered by career schools, colleges, and universities.

Continuing Education: These are individual courses that are typically offered to working adults. Classes are often held in the evening or on weekends to accommodate students' busy schedules. Programs run the gamut-from cooking or painting to traditional liberal arts courses such as writing or history, and technical programs in auto repair or computers. Classes may last only one night, or continue over several weeks.

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These classes do not lead to a degree or certificate. They are taken one at a time, for enjoyment, to acquire specific knowledge, or to help the student advance in the workplace. Sometimes, credits from continuing education courses can count towards a degree, if the institution is accredited.

Diploma, Certificate, Associate Degree, Or Bachelor's Degree - What's the Difference?

Certificates and Diplomas: The terms are roughly interchangeable. Programs usually last one year, if courses are taken full-time.

For example, a typical medical assisting program will require the completion of 30 course credits. A course may count for anywhere from one to five credits, depending upon the duration and difficulty of the course. Most classroom courses count for three credits. Medical assisting programs often require the completion of four or five core subjects, such as an introduction or overview course, basic anatomy, and medical terminology. These count for twelve credits. An additional twelve credits must be earned in an area of specialty, such as administrative or clinical medical assisting. In addition, students must earn credits in a laboratory or clinical workplace environment.

Associate Degree: Taken full-time, most associate degree programs last two years.

For example, an associate of applied science in electronics and computer technology might require 71 credit hours. Courses might include communication skills (seven credits), humanities (three credits), social sciences (three credits), professional development (five credits), math and science (eight credits), electronic circuits (14 credits), digital computer systems (15 credits), electronics and controls (eight credits), and computer networks (seven credits).

Many community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs. Upon graduation, students may choose to continue their education by applying to a four-year college and earning their bachelor's degree during the next two years.

Bachelor's Degree: Taken full-time, most bachelor's degree programs take four years to complete when commenced after high school graduation or earning a GED. Some programs (such as engineering) may take five years.

A typical bachelor of science in business administration degree will require a minimum of 124 credit hours. Courses might include communication skills (15 credits), humanities (nine credits), social sciences (nine credits), professional development (five credits), math and science (12 credits), business core (36 credits), and 39 credits in a concentration such as accounting or sales and marketing.

Generally, in liberal arts colleges, students are required to concentrate on a major (English, math, history, chemistry). Credits may be tallied as semester hours. For example, a program in political science may require 44 semester hours of classroom study for graduation. That's about five and one-half hours per semester. Courses vary in how often they meet-seminars may meet only once a week, or others may meet twice a week.

Master's Degree: The next step after a bachelor's degree is a master's degree in a specific academic discipline. Programs typically last eighteen months to two years, although some colleges offer combined bachelor's-and-master's-degree programs that you can complete in five years. Increasingly, adults are earning their master's degrees online, particularly in business (MBA), psychology, religion, and education. Most master's degree programs culminate with a thesis or "capstone" project.

Doctoral Degree: The top rung of the educational ladder is the Ph.D or doctorate. The time frame tends to be flexible, because most doctoral candidates are working adults. Programs generally require a major research thesis that may take several years to complete. Doctoral programs are available online.

Choosing the Program That's Right for You

How can you decide what's right for you? The best way is to do your research online. Log onto a reputable college directory website. Browse through the schools and programs. Check out online programs, too. See if the schools are accredited and if they offer financial aid. When you've narrowed down your choices to the top four or five, then request free information. Once you've done your research you can apply to as many schools as you want. In less time than you think you'll be ready to enroll!

Diploma, Certificate, Associate Degree, Or Bachelor's Degree - What's the Difference?

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Benefits Of The MBA Degree

MBA education is considered to be one of the best in the world of business and finance. This opinion was formed after years of hard work and numerous improvements into the MBA program in the best schools. Master of Business Administration graduates have high quality knowledge in the field finance, marketing, accounting and can contribute a lot to an organization. All employers are aware of the benefits that they can get from MBA graduates that is why people with the degree are in great demand. This is one of the advantages that you get from your investments of time and money pursuing MBA degree. In this hard time of financial crisis, when unemployment is high as never, you need something that will distinguish your resume among numerous others. And there is no better option as a booster for a career in the business world than the Master of Business Administration degree.

Apart from that you can expect increased salary comparing with other "common" employees which is essentially higher. For example, in 2010 a working professional with the degree earned approximately 6,000 per year that is 30% more than those without it. Whatever discipline you will choose for your future career, MBA can assist you in developing your skills and getting promotion at your job. There are many disciplines to pursue in the field like accounting, business management, economics, finance, global management, information system, marketing, strategic, technology management, and human resources. Each of them is important in the business world and you can become a high-class expert in any of them if you choose MBA as your second degree.

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However, the ideal knowledge of your subject is not the only key to success. Your personal skills, including social and communication, are very important as well. That is why most programs include special courses that help to obtain and develop these qualities.

Benefits Of The MBA Degree

Depending on the region of your living, program that you choose and some other factors, the price can vary from school to school. The top ranked MBA schools can charge as much as ,000 a year. However, you will see that this investment will pay back soon after you start working. Remember that this is an investment in your future and you should choose only the best options like Master of Business Administration course.

Benefits Of The MBA Degree

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Esthetician Online Schools

Online Esthetician Schools offer Internet distance learning courses in skin and nail care. If you are a working adult in pursuit of a new career or advancing a current career, you can begin the process of earning an online esthetician degree that will prepare you for work in spa centers or in a dermatological office.

The study of skin and nail care involves the study of science related to skin, nails, and hair. Esthetician students can expect to be taught the many ways of improving skin, nails and hair through increasing circulation, stimulating lymph systems, inducing nourishment, increasing firmness and elasticity of skin, and removing toxins from tissue. Some online esthetician schools may offer instruction in assisting in weight loss.

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Estheticians have become a crucial element in the salon and spa industry, where they may customize skin care treatments by deep cleansing, masking, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating. Estheticians may be instructed to analyze skin, perform relaxation and lymphatic massages, and give moisturizing and herbal body wraps.

Esthetician Online Schools

Online esthetician courses for working in spa centers include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, massage techniques, hair removal, ingredients of cosmetics, herbs used in skin care, manicures and pedicures, and the "how tos" of hydrotherapies and basic aromatherapy, as well as esthetic muds and algaes. You can also learn Chinese skin analysis techniques and how to develop spa treatments to suit your clients.

Another set of online esthetician courses teach the basics of managing a spa business. Basics of the industry, bookkeeping, marketing and advertising, choosing services to offer, and time management are important courses, as are courses in understanding equipment types and uses.

Students of online medical esthetician degree programs will find dermatology and plastic surgery skin care courses, as well as courses in anatomy and physiology, camouflage therapy, medical esthetics, consultant and communication training, and more.

Graduates of online esthetician programs might expect to receive professional counseling and assistance with placement in physician's offices, hospitals, medical spas and outpatient clinics. Consult with your online esthetician school of choice if this is a concern for you.

Good online esthetician schools are accredited. Student loans or grant programs are available in some schools. Please note, too, that online esthetician schools may require hands-on training under the supervision of trainers for completion of certification or degree programs. Be sure to inquire whether or not online esthetician programs will require specialized hands-on training for certification or a degree at your online school of choice.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Esthetician Schools and other types of schools, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

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Online Degrees - How To Find The Best Accredited Online Degree Program For You

Working on your online degree at home allows you to learn in your own way and will let you retain ownership of how quickly you want to earn your degree. Fully accredited online colleges have earned a widely recognized form of university accreditation from one of the six regional accreditation boards.

Only until recently, students enrolled in online degree programs were ineligible for federal student aid unless at least half of their program was campus based (a law established in 1992 and known as the 50-percent rule) but that has changed. And you want to make sure your online school choice does have accreditation, which means the institution has passed a certain level of standards through a recognized organization for upholding quality education.

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It is The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation that recognizes the Distance Education and Training Council as the accrediting organization for distance learning institutions and education programs that offer online degrees.

Online Degrees - How To Find The Best Accredited Online Degree Program For You

Many established colleges and universities are now offering online courses and online degree programs and they are usually accredited. One of the greatest benefits of online degree programs is that you can work at your own pace at any time of the day on any day at home. If you're already working and would like to earn a degree, then the opportunity is there more so today than ever before and with more credibility.

Make sure to ask the educational institutions you're considering for references. To determine whether or not you'd be a good candidate for an online student ask yourself if you're someone who gets things done ahead of time or tend to put them off until the very last minute.

Some of the types of online degrees available include: a business administration degree online, online computer degree, online marketing degree, online biology degree, online doctoral degree, online nursing degree, online education degree, online psychology degree, online IT degree, online criminal justice degree, electrical engineering degree online and online theology degree.

Ask the counselors or representatives who handle the accredited online degree programs or bachelor degree online programs what the job prospects are if you'll be seeking a job or better job after completion. Graduates of the online degree programs are a good source of recommendations. And ask them if there is anything they think you should be aware of. Important-- make sure that any online credits you earn are transferable; ask someone you trust at the institution that you plan to transfer to, because most schools vary from course to course and with the individual school policy. You might want to get it in writing.

Try to find online degree forums or chat rooms with students who are attending the school you have in mind. Its been reported that employers feel that an employee who receives an online education degree compare favorably, in terms of the knowledge learned, to someone with a resident degree. Make sure to find out if you have to go to a campus to take any of the exams or complete any of your online coursework. And would you have any difficulty getting to the campus in the evening or on weekends?

When you're doing your research, it's important to recognize and avoid diploma mills that churn out fake degrees at a high cost. Also there are online schools that are complete, stand-alone online universities with no campuses, no football teams or fraternities. Whether you want to earn an associate degree online, a bachelor's degree online or a masters or doctorate degree online, know that most online programs are fully accredited, but make sure to check it out before you enroll.

Online Degrees - How To Find The Best Accredited Online Degree Program For You

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Radians And Degrees In C#

Microsoft's .Net Framework comes with a light, useful Math class built in. One of the most common fuctions used are the Trigonometry functions: sin, cos, and trig. However, if you remember from math class, the trig functions are good for two kinds of numbers: radians and degrees.

First let's review radians and degrees. Both are traced out in what is called a unit circle, which is simply a circle with its center at the origin (0,0) and with a radius of 1. Degrees are more commonly used; they simply go from 0 to 360. Well in the unit circle there is a radian "degree" so to speak that matches each actual degree. The most important equality is 180 degrees equals pi. As a reference, degrees go from 0 to 360 and radians go from 0 to 2*pi.

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So which of the two does the .Net Framework use? In short, the answer is radians. The functions Math.Cos, Math.Sin, Math.Tan (and the other trig functions in the Math class) all take in a single double varible as parameter. The reason being radians are almost always dealt in decimal points.

Radians And Degrees In C#

In order to use degrees then, we must first convert the degree value to radians, and then input it into the Math function. Luckily radians and degrees have the same scale, thus we need only do simple cross multiplication to convert:

180/Pi = [degrees]/x

x will be the value in radians. After simplifying it comes out to

x = (Pi * [degrees])/180.0

To convert radians back to degrees for whatever reason, we can apply the same principle:

180/pi = x/[radians]

x = (180.0 / Pi) * [radians]

Remember to use doubles in your coding!

Radians And Degrees In C#

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Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth its Weight?

A degree in Criminal Justice is frequently a good option for those who've a strong passion for law enforcement and justice. If you've ever imagined your self at a crime scene, solving a situation by putting together all the crucial pieces, a Legal Justice degree can get your foot within the door. Those that are currently working in law enforcement can use a level to get promotions or for professional growth.

When choosing a university, consider on the internet course. Online Criminal Justice applications fit your schedule and permit you to compete the coursework at home. Brick and mortar schools, about the other hand, supply an chance to create local contacts. This could lead to employment at that local department.

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Consider your course choices when searching to get a college. Some choices consist of: Legal Justice Investigation and Statistics; Information Analysis for Social Scientists; Forensics; Crime Scene Investigation; and Applied Investigation Techniques. Electives should be chosen as well. Some of these include: the Supreme Court; Capital Punishment; White Collar Crime; Victimology; Sociology of Deviance; Drugs and Society; Sociology of Law; Juvenile Delinquency; Race and Ethnic Relations; and Computer Forensics.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth its Weight?

PC forensics involves the preservation, investigation, compilation, and presentation of evidence of PC crimes. Computer forensic investigators look for to explain the present condition of digital artifacts. These usually consist of computer systems, media storage, electronic documents, or packets that travel over a digital network.

Other required coursework might consist of: Legal Aspects of Legal Justice; Law Enforcement and Community; Public Administration and Policy Producing; Crime Scene Analysis; and American Legal Process. These programs assist you to prepare for a career as a correctional treatment specialist, police officer, detective, and even an FBI agent.

Beneath are a few of the colleges that provide the best Legal Justice degrees. A level from any of these will nearly guarantee a job.

Akron College offers small class sizes and individual attention. You are able to find flexible schedules and an education that's career-oriented.

Miami-Jacobs Job University focuses on offering probably the most up-to-date courses. They care about the success of each of their students.

Argosy University's degree in Criminal Justice provides a vast range of opportunities to individuals that are interested. It's an excellent option for all those with time constraints simply because of the flexibility of their programs. The degrees that are offered consist of: B.A. in Psychology-Criminal Justice; B.S. in Legal Justice; and M.B.A. in Public Administration. Individuals seeking a level having a bigger emphasis on administration in Legal Justice ought to consider a B.A. in Organizational Management having a concentration in Criminal Justice. This will prepare you to structure, handle, and direct public and private criminal justice companies.

Ashford University on the internet level programs are designed for working professionals. You can study at your personal pace and graduate in 12 to 24 months.

Everest College focuses on hands-on training. This kind of training enables graduates to obtain a head start in the work force.

Liberty University offers an Associate of Arts Bachelors of Science in Legal Justice. Like other colleges, they offer courses where you'll learn about trial proceedings, constitutional concepts, and criminal case law. Being a graduate of police training, you may be hired in advanced positions inside police departments or other law enforcement companies.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth its Weight?

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Can You Get a Law Degree Online?

Over the past few years the number of online degree programs has expanded exponentially and many people have taken the online Bachelor Degree and MBA programs that are available. More recently, a number of online Law Degree programs have also sprouted up leading many people to wonder...is it really possible to obtain your law degree online? More importantly, are these Juris Doctor degrees worth anything and can you really practice law with them?

The Straight Scoop About Online Law School

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Several online universities such as the University of Phoenix, Concord/Kaplan Law School and DeVry offer distance learning Law Degrees. These programs are comparable in cost to other online doctorate level degrees with fees ranging from -90,000 depending on the program. Typically students may take them either part or full-time with the full Juris Doctor degree being completed in 3-5 years.

Can You Get a Law Degree Online?

Classes for most of these programs are offered online with reading and other materials bought by the students. Some offer in-person classes as optional additions. Professors interact with students online and assignments are usually submitted via email. The courses required for online Juris Doctor programs are typical of full-time programs and include such subjects as Civil Procedure, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Property and Torts among others. Upper level classes include such subjects as Constitutional Law, Evidence, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, as well as other mandatory as well as recommended coursework.

The programs typically require the student to take the LSAT and to submit transcripts from undergraduate programs as well as write essays to gain acceptance. Overall the admissions criteria and standards are lower than major name Law Schools with students obtaining admission that might not qualify if applying to a nationally recognized bricks and mortar school.

Someone that is interested in studying law and going through all the major JD required courses can obtain a solid law school education by doing a degree online. The ability to make your own schedule, the flexibility of spreading the degree over time and the reduced cost when compared to bricks and mortar programs makes it an attractive alternative if you are simply seeking the Juris Doctor for your own benefit and for the educational experience it offers.

The Big Problem With Online Law School

There is however, a very important and fundamental downside to pursuing your Juris Doctor online. As of now, 49 states require a person to obtain their JD Degree from an accredited institution by the American Bar Association (ABA). Without this accreditation you cannot sit for their bar exam and become a practicing attorney in their state. The exception to this is the state of California which allows certain distance learning Juris Doctor students to sit for the bar exam if they've fulfilled certain requirements but only from certain specific Online Law Degree programs.

Can You Get a Law Degree Online?

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