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Student Participation In Online University Degree Programs Can Influence The Result Of Studies

Taking online college classes might not be for everyone, but more and more students are signing on for this means of bringing education into the home. The advantages include being able to study between work and family responsibilities and saving money and time on commuting. Some online college, university and technical school offerings might even be “accelerated,” so that students can earn a certificate or a degree more quickly than they otherwise would.

Many students have viewed online learning as a godsend by many students, according to a July 2010 report in Inside Higher Education. Adult learners, the article noted, especially find them appealing. These learners particularly might have responsibilities that would otherwise prevent them from boosting their credentials, the Inside Higher Education article suggested.

The quality of online college offerings has substantially improved over the past few years, the US Journal of Academics reports. Students also tend to do well in an online college setting, according to at least one study. The U.S. Department of Education in 2009 reported that students who took all or part of their program courses online performed better than those in classroom settings. Those who performed best combined online learning with on campus studies as part of what’s known as a blended setting, the study noted. Some schools, however, might struggle because of online classes and online degree programs, an Inside Higher Education report suggests.

Students these days have an array of online degree programs from which to choose, and enrollment has been growing substantially. Online enrollment over the past six years has actually grown faster than that of higher education overall, according to a Sloan Consortium study. The study, with results released in 2009, reported that more than 4.6 million students during the fall 2008 semester were taking at least one online college, university or technical school class.

The advantages of online school participation include the ability to receive individualized attention, an article on the web site for a Maryland college noted. Students communicate directly with their instructors through the Internet, the article suggested. Some students might find communicating through the computer easier than in person, according to reports. They might interact with instructors and fellow students through bulletin boards and chat programs and enhance their technical skills simply by participating in online studies, reports have suggested.

Online college studies might also be more “earth friendly,” in part as a result of reduced commuting. They provide opportunities to meet a diverse array of people. In addition to students with family and work responsibilities, those in remote areas or with restricted mobility might find online college classes and online degree programs more accessible.

Graduate students and industry partners might also benefit from online college, university and technical school offerings, an Arizona university report suggested. One of the university’s three online engineering degree programs allowed a graduate student to continue his education and, according to the student, allows opportunities for research that can benefit employers as well. Online master’s and doctoral degree programs were added to the institution’s mining and geological engineering department, since mining companies consistently need engineers, the report noted.

Online learning has been described as “student driven.” In order for students to succeed with online university degree program studies, they must make time for them, the US Journal of Academics article noted. Students who fared well with programs at online colleges and universities apparently reported spending two to three hours per credit per week to school work, according to the Journal of Academics article.

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    Online Degrees Programs – Engaging Careers Await Those Students Who Enter The Science Field

    With changing time come changes in occupations. A century ago there were no such things as car mechanics, TV repairmen or computer programmers. Now there isn’t a modern society that can exist without them. One such job with that kind of future is the energy engineer.

    An energy engineer’s responsibility is to audit how machines utilize power and get then figure out how to get the maximum use of it. Simple examples are the energy ratings on refrigerators and air conditioners, or when a utility company sends an expert to see how you can conserve energy in your house. Energy engineers also work on making cars more gas efficient, developing alternative sources of power and even the upcoming overhaul of this nation’s power grid.

    Anyone interested in this growing field should have done well in basic STEM (science, technology, energy, math) courses while in high school. From there, their undergraduate studies should include core mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering courses. Minors should include, believe it or not, some accounting/auditing and business management courses. From there, some sort of professional certification is advised.

    After getting one’s 4-year degree, the next step is for post-grad courses. Most young engineers usually do this while working a regular job and taking courses through an online college. Because of the worldwide need in the specialty, a number of colleges are now offering Masters Degrees in the field. Still, talking to a college career consultant and groups like the Association is advisable.

    Financial assistance for budding energy engineers is better than in many other engineering specialties thanks to the national agenda. As can be expected, there are the regular federal and state grants such as the Pell and SEOG. One can also apply to the National Science Foundation for S-TEM scholarships. If that isn’t enough, there are also a number of professional engineering societies and private corporations who are willing to help stock the labor pool ranging from the Association of Energy Engineers to Chevron.

    When all is said and done, the financial rewards will make the entire process feel worthwhile. The mean salary of an energy engineer salary is approximately $90,000 with full benefits. Top level engineers earn well over $100,000. Many established energy engineers often set up their own agencies, too.

    Until recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated growth in the field as slow, but that is making a major turnaround. A recently issued report moved the growth rate to excellent thanks to the raising costs of power effecting corporate bottom line.

    At the core of this issue though, is new times are creating new professions. The health of the world is hinged on developing new technology that makes better use of disposable energy resources and those participating in online college programs may just be at the forefront.. When we everything from the U.S. overhauling the national power grid to the Gulf Coast oil spill, we can see energy engineers and those who have Online Visual Communication Degrees will be having a very important role in the world’s future.

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      Courses Online: Biochemistry Can Be Career Course

      Opportunities have never been better for biochemists. Because the field covers a wide range of industries and applications, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, food studies, and genetics, there is a positive outlook for biochemistry careers. It is speculated that the demand for biochemists is expected to rise at a rapid pace. If you are contemplating a science career that combines your interests of biology and chemistry, look into becoming a biochemist.

      Biochemistry is the study and understanding of every aspect of the structure and function of living things at the molecular (cell) level. The biochemist is a research scientist who examines chemical compositions and study living processes. There are specific qualities that make up an effective biochemist. You should know them before making a decision to pursue this science discipline.

      “Will I enjoy working this field?” This may be the most important question you need to answer when contemplating your science discipline. For those interested in a biochemistry career, you should answer yes to the following: “Do I have a genuine interest in science? Is research painstaking, or do I enjoy discovery? Am I enthusiastic about conducting laboratory experiments? Do I welcome the opportunity to learn and operate lab equipment?” Natural traits are valuable too. They include being precise, observant, methodical, detail-oriented, and organized.

      Biochemistry research is carried out in two different ways: basic and application. Some biochemists do basic research that expands scientific knowledge about the chemistry of living things. Others do applied research, which entails creating new products or solving practical problems.

      Biochemists spend all of their time in the laboratory, as this field is a laboratory-based science. For example, a one could be charged with investigating the effects of hormones, drugs, or food on particular organisms. In regard to research, biochemists constantly work on finding cures for deadly illnesses such as cancer, heart disease as well as breakthroughs for aging and obesity.

      Do not be misled, pursing this profession is challenging, but it is also an engaging experience. You must devote several years to education and training, including obtaining a PhD in biochemistry. The tasks will be both rewarding and satisfying if you are sure this is the science discipline you want to pursue. While receiving your education, you will work in a real laboratory environment, learn about top-notch bioscience research, and use high-tech scientific equipment.

      High school students interested in biochemistry should take chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and English. An undergraduate degree should be in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry; specialized training should follow at the graduate level. A doctoral degree is usually required to teach or research at a university level or to accept management or administrative positions. Scientists who want to do certain kinds of research involving human beings need to become a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

      Career opportunities are plentiful in this profession. The education and expertise of the field are needed in a wide variety of industries, and the demand continues to increase. If you want to purse this challenging and rewarding science field, get a jump on your education agenda. Consult your high school science mentor and map out courses for the remainder of your secondary school term. The education trek may be long, but it is well worth your effort! You can earn your online bachelors with the help of online colleges information and implementation.

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