Six Degrees for Busy Adults

Source: Yahoo

These degrees can be a great option for people on the go.

By Molly Marcot

You probably realize that a college degree could mean more job opportunities, but with obligations to work, family, and the community, you may not be able to attend classroom lectures on a set schedule.

If you're always on the go but looking to further your education, pursuing an online program may be a great choice.

"For most people, the benefits of studying for an online degree include convenience, flexibility, and choice in terms of class timing," says Curt Bonk, instructional systems technology professor at Indiana University and expert in online learning. "Perhaps the biggest plus with online learning is that you don't have to sacrifice being away from your current job."

Online education isn't for everyone, and there are tremendous benefits to on-campus learning, but if that just isn't an option for you, the online road can provide your path.

Here are several online degree programs busy adults could pursue from their personal computers on their own time.

Degree #1: Associate's in Dental Hygiene

Find Degree Programs With the right dental hygiene degree program, you can begin to explore the rich world of dentistry before you head out to pick the kids up from school or after you clock out of work for the day.
Why Online: While you might fear that learning skills that require direct contact with another human being isn't possible online, consider this: "Many schools are making procedural videos more available for students to view at their own convenience," says Bonk. "Not getting to meet face-to-face to learn how to deal with teeth issues could be problematic if there weren't instructional step-by-step classes taped for students to understand concepts better."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Dental Hygiene Program.
What You Can Expect: The field of dental hygiene challenges students to understand how to treat tooth decay and mouth injuries, according to the College Board. Plus, dental hygiene programs typically teach the basics of preventive dentistry.
Potential Career:* Dental hygienist

Degree #2: Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Find Degree Programs A paralegal studies program may entail a high workload, so if you have a lot going on, you might want to consider an online degree program, where you can work at your own pace.
Why Online:  "When you get into things where you have to learn about procedures, laws, rules - like [you do] with paralegal studies - those are things that can be embedded in online classes pretty readily," Bonk says.  "Paralegal courses are often text-heavy, which are easier to put up online and allows students to review on their own accord."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Paralegal Studies Program.
What You Can Expect: Paralegal studies students are often engaged in coursework that includes legal research and writing, law office administration, and criminal law and procedure, the College Board says. They prepare to assist attorneys with their cases loads in various specialties, such as intellectual property or real estate law.
Potential Career:* Paralegal

Degree #3: Bachelor's in Health Care Administration

Find Degree Programs Are you one of those busy adults who spend their days planning and coordinating various events, whether it's kids' after school activities or a local charity drive? Studying for a degree in health care administration may tie into skills you already have.
Why Online: "In health care administration, students take more theory-driven courses, which includes learning about procedures, operations, management, leadership skills, and ethics - all of which are easier to create online than a hands-on laboratory experiment," Bonk says. "Learning about real world cases and scenarios in [health care administration] such as the impact of HIPAA**, helps students understand materials quicker as well."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Health Care Administration Program.
What You Can Expect: Health services administration students learn to oversee health care facilities and services, says the College Board. Instruction in policy making, financial management, and human resources is likely.
Potential Career:* Medical or Health Services Manager

Degree #4: Bachelor's in Computer Science

Find Degree Programs The nice thing about your home computer is that it's usually ready when you are; you don't need to schedule time with a university to use it, and working on a computer science degree solely on a computer makes sense.
Why Online: "Studying things like computer science is great for online learning, because it includes objective skills that can be systematically tested and measured by a computer system itself," Bonk says. "Plus, students gain skills that are highly valued and immediately relevant in the workplace."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Computer Science Program.
What You Can Expect: The College Board states that computer science programs might include instruction in computer programming and software design. Understanding how humans interact with computer systems is also a part of this degree.
Potential Careers:* Software Developer, Computer Programmer

Degree #5: Master's in Business Administration

Find Degree Programs Understanding how to manage a business may sound daunting, but you may find that pairing online classes with your busy schedule is helpful for successful organization and time management.
Why Online: According to Alex Chisholm, the director of statistical analysis for the Graduate Management Admission Council, the online environment is a good fit for the direction business is heading. "As more companies expand and do business internationally, operations are increasingly being conducted digitally," Chisholm says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Business Administration Program.
What You Can Expect: In most business programs, students will take courses including finance, economics, management, and organizational behavior, in order to get an overview of the major business areas, according to the Princeton Review.
Potential Careers:* Securities, Commodities, or Financial Services Sales Agent; Financial Analyst

Degree #6: Master's in Educational Leadership

Find Degree Programs If education is your field of interest, moving into a supervisory role can be the perfect next step, and an online master's program can be just the way to prepare for this endeavor.
"Working full-time as a teacher or a counselor or as a school principal and getting retooled with these online opportunities is an extremely attractive option to furthering a career in education," Bonk says.
Why Online: Teachers looking to further their careers may enjoy the online education world as they maintain their jobs while learning about new concepts and philosophies that could help them within their own face-to-face classrooms.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Education Leadership Program.
What You Can Expect: The Princeton Review states that master's students studying educational leadership should be ready to learn about leadership theory, educational policy, and curriculum studies. They may also receive training in areas like educational technology and athletics administration.
Potential Career:* Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal

Degrees to keep baby boomers working

Source: Yahoo

Not ready for retirement yet? Here are six degrees that could prep you to stay in the workforce longer.

By Andrea Argueta

When you initially pictured your golden years, you may have imagined sipping a piña colada on a tropical cruise. But thanks to the effects of the recession, many baby boomers have seen those plans put on hold.

In recent years, job loss has been a huge problem for older workers, according to a 2012 study by the AARP Public Policy Institute. Nearly half (47 percent) of unemployed boomers said job loss was their main reason for not working, followed by an “inability to find work” (19 percent).

Losing your job as an older worker doesn't necessarily mean that you get to kick back, relax, and start your retirement early. In fact, as the baby boomer generation nears traditional retirement age, many are staying on the job as a necessity, not a choice, notes the American Association of Community Colleges.

If you need to continue working and making an income, consider hitting the books again. Going back to school could help you further your career or send you on a new career path, says Michele Messenger, professor and instructional design consultant at Rochester Institute of Technology. It could also show prospective employers that you're seriously invested in this next phase of your professional life, she adds.

Keep reading to find out which degrees could help you explore new career opportunities and extend your stay in the workforce.

Degree #1: Health Care Administration

Find Degree Programs Do you want to breathe some new life into your professional career? A master's degree in health care administration is a great way for baby boomers to learn how to run a health care facility and possibly make a career out of it.
As a master's student in health services administration, you could learn about the nation's health care system, medical technology, and the many challenges health care facilities are facing today, says the Princeton Review, an organization that offers test preparation services.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: For baby boomers currently working in the health care field, such as nursing, earning a master's degree in health care administration is a great way to stay in the workforce longer, says Pattie Rydlun, a career transition expert.
"This degree coupled with the baby boomer's previous experience in the field enhances their career opportunities," adds Rydlun.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Potential Career: Medical or Health Services Manager. With a master's degree in health care administration, you could pursue a career as a medical or health services manager, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Some facilities may hire candidates with specialized experience in a health care profession in addition to administrative experience, e.g. a nursing service administrator.

Degree #2: Business Administration

Find Degree Programs Do you want to earn a versatile degree that could help you steer clear of an early retirement? A master's degree in business administration could give you an edge when pursuing new opportunities in the business world.
In an MBA program, you will learn how to take academic theories and apply them to real-world problems, notes the Princeton Review. You may also develop your ability to navigate uncertainty, risk, and change in an organization.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: "Some business schools stress having work experience and will only consider applicants who have worked full-time," says the College Board, a nonprofit organization that promotes equity in education.
Even without strict management experience, many baby boomers have likely had years of experience working in teams or directing people, says Rydlun. So, you could use that experience, plus the knowledge you'd get from an MBA, to pursue management positions.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Master's in Business Administration Program.
Potential Career: Human Resources Manager. This degree could help prep you to pursue many careers in the business world. One possibility is a higher-level human resources manager position, which may require a master's degree such as an MBA, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. If you've got some related work experience, that's great. In addition to a bachelor's, some employers accept management experience in a range of fields, according to the Department of Labor.

Degree #3: Psychology

Find Degree Programs Are you interested in pursuing a second-act career filled with opportunities to give back to others? If so, consider earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.
As a psychology major, you will study the way human beings and animals think, feel, act, and learn, says the College Board. You may do research in the field, and perhaps even be part of a study yourself.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: A psychology degree is a good option for baby boomers, because it's transferable to so many fields, says Rydlun. It could either prepare you to explore new roles in your current workplace or to pursue a different career option in a new field.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Psychology Program.
Potential Career: Social Worker. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers might hire candidates that have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field for direct-service social worker positions.

Degree #4: Public Administration

Find Degree Programs Have you seen your fair share of change over the past few decades? Well, if you'd like to learn how you can make a difference in your community or government, check out a master's degree in public administration.
A master's program in public administration focuses heavily on politics and government, as well as human behavior, management, and methods of analysis, notes the Princeton Review. As a student, you will learn how laws and policies affect the communities you serve.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: This degree is great for baby boomers, because it prepares them for opportunities to give back, which is something they might be looking for in retirement, says Rydlun. From community development to green projects, a degree in public administration combined with past experience may help you pursue career opportunities in which you have a strong interest.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Master's Program.
Potential Career: Social and Community Service Manager. With a master's degree in public administration, you could pursue a career as a social and community service manager. Many employers prefer workers with a master's degree in public administration or a related field, reports the U.S. Department of Labor. Work experience is also often needed for these positions.

Degree #5: Education Administration

Find Degree Programs Do you feel your teaching years are coming to an end, but you still want to stay in the field? If so, earning a master's degree in education administration might be one way to stay in education.
As an education administration major, you could learn how to supervise teachers and manage schools and other types of education programs, says the College Board. You could also learn the ins and outs of what it takes to serve as a school principal.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: A master's degree in education administration is one option for baby boomers, looking to stay in the education field longer, says Rydlun. "You might be a teacher who feels management is one option to stay in the education field," she says, "and a master's degree in education administration could help you prepare to apply for positions as a school principal in elementary, middle, or even high schools."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Education Leadership Program.
Potential Career: Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal. A degree in education administration is one option to pursue a career as an elementary, middle, or high school principal. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most schools require this degree, especially public schools. Most principals have also worked as teachers.

Degree #6: Health Information Technology

Find Degree Programs Are you a quick learner who's not ready to  retire? Look into an associate's degree or certificate in health information technology to prep for your second-act career.
As a student of heath information technology, you could learn about patient confidentiality and the codes used on insurance forms, says the College Board. You might also learn how to prepare medical records.
Why It's Good for Baby Boomers: "For tech-savvy boomers, this is a great field. It doesn't matter how old you are if you can keep up with the constant changes," says Deb Peterson, guide to continuing education on About.com.
Rydlun agrees, stating that a certificate in health information technology could teach baby boomers the medical terms and codes to pursue career opportunities in a field that is booming.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
Potential Career: Medical Records or Health Information Technician. A degree in health information technology is one option to pursue a career as a medical records or health information technician. According to the Department of Labor, people pursuing these careers usually need a postsecondary certificate to qualify for entry-level positions. Keep in mind, that employers might also prefer to hire candidates who have professional certification, such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), adds the Department.

Five big-money jobs that are within reach

Source: Yahoo

Are you interested in jump-starting a well-paid career? These five positions could be within reach.

By Danielle Blundell

When payday comes, are you left feeling disappointed? Maybe you feel like you aren't making what you're worth in your current job or perhaps you're still figuring out which lucrative career to pursue. If bringing home a big paycheck is a priority for you, there are several big-money careers in various industries that you could choose to pursue.
The jobs listed below have salaries ranging from $50,000 to $90,000, but to earn that top dollar, you'll need the right combination of experience, expertise, and education. But no matter where you are in your career, you could pursue the high-earning careers below with the right preparation.

High-Pay Career #1:
Human Resources Manager

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Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$59,020

Median
Annual Salary

$99,720*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$173,140

Are you a business-savvy people-person with a keen attention to detail? Then a career as a human resources manager might be a good option for you. And because it's got that keyword "manager" in the title, you could be nicely compensated to deal with people and policies at a company.
High-Pay Potential: "HR managers, in a way, are in-house attorneys saving companies huge sums by avoiding harassment and similar lawsuits," says Bruce A. Hurwitz, career counselor and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing. In essence, he says, HR managers command high salaries because of their importance to a company's profit margins.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S Department of Labor, human resource managers may help their companies by overseeing and coordinating the processes of hiring, recruiting, and training staff at a company. They also advise managers on organizational policies, including equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment.
Education Options: The U.S. Department of Labor states that a bachelor's degree is usually needed in either human resources or business administration. Some higher-level jobs could require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or a master of business administration (MBA).

High-Pay Career #2:
Registered Nurse

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Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$45,040

Median
Annual Salary

$65,470*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$94,720

You're known in your circle of friends as the compassionate, caring one. And you're interested in medicine - but just not sure whether you want to toil away for years in medical school to become a doctor. Well, pursuing a nursing career could take much less time than an M.D. and pay pretty well for that matter, too.
High-Pay Potential: The health care field overall pays well because of need and the difficulty of work, says AnnMarie McIlwain, career coach and CEO of CareerFuel.net, a leading destination site for job seekers and entrepreneurs. In addition, nurses are compensated well, maybe even more than you'd think, because of "the importance nurses play in keeping health care costs down by assisting higher priced physicians with their work," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, RNs perform diagnostic tests and teach patients how to properly treat their ailments once leaving the hospital. They also record patients' symptoms and medical histories, administer medications, and set up plans for patient care.
Education Options: There are three common ways to prepping for a career as a registered nurse, says the U.S. Department of Labor: a bachelor's of science or associate's degree from a university in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

High-Pay Career #3:
Elementary School Teacher

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Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$35,630

Median
Annual Salary

$53,400*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$83,160

Love to get up and speak your mind to large groups? Enjoy spending time with young kids? Teaching could be a profession that's right up your alley. And guess what? The take-home pay for shaping future generations' minds could be higher than you think.
High-Pay Potential: There's a misconception that teachers don't make good money, Hurwitz says, because a lot of their salary has to do with behind-the-scenes negotiations. "Teachers make good money because of union contracts, not necessarily merit," says Hurwitz.
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Education Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a day in the classroom as a teacher could include tasks such as planning lessons, setting up classroom rules, and communicating with parents about their child's progress. A teacher's responsibilities may also include assessing students' abilities and working with individual students on overcoming their weaknesses.
Education Options: The U.S. Department of Labor says public schools require teachers to obtain a bachelor's degree, but specific requirements vary from state to state, with all states mandating a certification or license. Although private schools do not need to meet state requirements when hiring elementary school teachers, they typically seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

High-Pay Career #4: Art Director

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Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$43,870

Median
Annual Salary

$80,880*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$162,800

Do you find yourself doodling on everything from cocktail napkins to post-it notes? Then you should find a way to harness your creative energy and aspire to a lucrative career as an art director. It is by no means an entry-level job and may require years of experience to achieve this job title. But your hard work and time could pay off in a nice, steady paycheck, which sure beats being a starving artist.
High-Pay Potential: According to McIlwain, if you worked your way up to art director, you could make more than a fine artist, because your work could be directly tied to ticket sales or ad dollars. That said, whether you work for a nonprofit or for-profit company, such as an advertising agency, would have a material effect on salary, she says. McIlwain recommends the latter, since a job in advertising could pay off much more.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Common Tasks: Art directors may help create and design the visual style and images for magazines, product packaging, or movie and television productions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This career may also involve talking to clients to develop an artistic approach and supervising design staff.
Education Options: Art directors need at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design-related field, says the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor also states that some art directors may have worked in other art or design occupations previously.

High-Pay Career #5:
Public Relations Specialist

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Bottom 10 Percent Earnings

$51,630

Median
Annual Salary

$95,450*

Top 10 Percent Earnings

$180,480

If you have a way with words, both written and spoken, then public relations specialist may be the right job for you. In this position, you'd play a valuable role in handling a client's communication with the public and the media.
High-Pay Potential: According to Hurwitz, public relations managers can be paid quite handsomely because of the important role they play in crafting a company or individual's image, and controlling the dialogue about them in the public. "The ability to communicate well is a lost art," says Hurwitz. "Every business needs someone, either on staff or retainer, who can explain policies and decisions, especially in a crisis."
McIlwain agrees. "Public relations professionals can make a good salary, particularly at the senior levels, as their role becomes critical to the overall success of the company," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Common Tasks: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, public relations managers are responsible for helping organizations maintain and promote a favorable public image through cultivating relationships with the media. These PR professionals may also manage public relations programs and raise funds for their organizations.
Education Options: Public relations specialists usually need a bachelor's degree, and employers typically want applicants who have studied communications, public relations, journalism, business, or English.


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