Tag Archives: distance education degree

Improve You Earning Potential By Getting Your Online College Degree!

As the economic downturn continues to make the job market increasingly competitive, many of today’s professionals are realizing the value of higher education. However, some individuals may be apprehensive about enrolling because they are not sure what they wish to study.  Those who wish to continue working while learning will find college distance learning meets their needs.

Several prospective students may worry that they will waste a great deal of time and money if they do not choose to earn a degree in a subject that will lead to a fascinating and high-paying career. In addition, some of these individuals may fear they will stunt their professional development if they choose to leave their jobs in order to pursue higher education. There are ways to test what fields interest you before you invest too much time or money.  You can even earn your degree without leaving your job.

Getting an associate’s degree through a brick-and-mortar college or an online school is one way to comfort these fears. Because these courses of study can fulfill some of the minimum requirements for higher degrees and entail a smaller financial and time commitment than other programs, they may serve as a good way for students to clarify their interests. Think of an associate’s degree as a way to dip your toe into a career field instead of diving in head first.

Associates degrees usually take two years to complete. The student takes general courses like math, science and writing. Some associates programs also give students introductory courses in a particular field.

For example, a student with an associate’s degree in technology will get a background in physics, computer drafting and programming. They will also take classes in English, math and engineering technology. If the student does not enjoy the course of study, they can choose not to continue on to get a bachelors in the field or change directions completely.

An associate’s degree is a good foundation for a college education. The class credit earned in an associate’s degree can be transferred if the student chooses to go on to get a bachelors degree. The bachelors program adds another two years of education. During that time the student gets into more detailed information about their major.

Let’s say a student gets an associate’s degree in general technology then decides to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The courses they completed in the first two years can be used toward a degree in alternative and renewable energy systems, industrial technology management or information technology. The student could choose to transfer these credits to an online college or a brick and mortar university and avoid taking the same fundamental courses again.

Individuals who enroll in college degree or two-year college degree programs can breathe new life into their professional pursuits. It’s one way to add new skills and make your resume more impressive whether you are one of the millions of people looking for work or not. Associates-level coursework can enable to students to figure out where their true interests lie and foster their professional development. Most masters degree programs are available online. Prospective students may want to consider enrolling in college distance learning classes because of the flexible scheduling.  Since student schedule their class time when it’s convenient, online college allows the student to get their associates degree without having to give up their current job. If you would like to get more information about associate degree online, check on the internet.

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    Improve Your Future With On Line Degrees!

    One thing that’s been slowly happening since Barack Obama became president is a steady overhauling of college financial aid. The most recent is the introduction of the American Opportunity Tax Credit. At the same time, educational tax credits are not new. They’ve been around for nearly a decade. That doesn’t mean Obama hasn’t worked them over. Those earning college degrees online and at a traditional college would do well to understand all these provisions.

    Actually, there already was something in place. It’s called the Lifetime Learning Credit, and it came into being back in 2001, when the original Hope credit was introduced. This credit may not offer as much bang for the dollar, but it does cover a wider field of candidates.

    The Lifetime Learning Credit is for students who are in their third year of college, taking post-graduate courses or even going part time with as little as one class. Another key difference is a household can have multiple Learning Credits due to having more than one child in college.

    As for the brass tacks of this credit, it gives a student (or the parents of) a 20% tax credit up to the first $10,000, i.e., up to $2,000, for educational expenses including tuition, text books, fees and other education-related items. The expense-related costs are much broader than with the Opportunity credit, and can even include travel if it’s for such things as field research.

    One important point is there’s what the IRS calls a “phase out” point. The Lifetime credit can only be applied by a single individual who earn less than $60,000 adjusted gross income or a pair filing a joint return who earn under $120,000. Remember this is the IRS, not the Board of Education, and the credit is obtained when filing one’s income taxes, not when you fill out a FASFA form for a Pell Grant.

    Other provisos include an individual can’t get both an Opportunity and a Lifetime credit; just one or the other. Yet, as said before, if a parent has more than one dependent in school, the parent can get credits for all of them if they meet the other criteria.

    What must absolutely be understood is the Lifetime is a credit, not a tax deduction. You apply the Lifetime after totaling your taxes, not subtract it from the expenses. The IRS doesn’t allow this kind of double dipping, and could reject the entire thing. There are a number of other peccadilloes the IRS has and some of them can be pretty detailed (such as advancing your education only to get a better job at another company). So one should have the entire tax form reviewed by an accountant before applying for it.

    On the plus side though, one could end up with $2,000 off the next taxes, even get money back, if done correctly. No matter how you look at it, that’s one quick way to make your education pay for you. These monies may facilitate further classes to get your degree on line for many students. While many are aware of monies available prior to starting school, such as financial aid, learning about money that can be refunded or credited is a smart way to handle your schooling. There is much more information about money for college on the internet.

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      Your Online Accounting Degrees Can Start You On A New Career!

      There are a number of different specialties inside the field of accounting. This leaves many students with deciding which way to specialize. One answer is to start as an Accredited Business Accountant. A student can get an online college degree while working to get experience in the field of accounting

      A Business Accountant specializes in the needs of small-to-mid-size businesses and in financial services to individuals and families. They are also called general accountants and Accredited Business Advisers. Whatever the title, these kinds of accountants can be seen everywhere, from doing income taxes to assisting in putting together business proposals for the general public.

      Even so, to earn any sort of accreditation, one must get the approval of the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation. They developed the eight-hour Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accounting. The test checks a graduate’s capability in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business consulting services, law and ethics. He must also have a minimum of three years experience in the field. Two years of education, i.e., an Associate’s degree, either online or on campus, can fill in for those two years of experience.

      From there it’s been noted that general accountants with a year’s experience earn between $31,500 and $48,250. Senior accountants earn between $43,250 and $79,250, managers between $51,250 and $101,500, and directors of accounting between $68,000 and $208,000. The disparity in salaries is due to the size of the firm, location, level of education and professional credentials the business accountant finds him or herself in.

      The Federal Government also hires a large number of accountants for its various departments. The annual salary for junior accountants was $28,862 in 2007. Those who get their Masters degree first with two years pro experience begin at $43,731. Salaries are slightly higher in selected geographic areas. Accountants employed by the Federal Government in supervisory and managerial positions averaged $78,665 a year in 2007.

      Wage and salary accountants and auditors usually receive standard benefits, including health and medical insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid annual leave. High-level senior accountants may receive additional benefits, such as a company car and an expense account.

      As with all forms of accounting, the best way to advance in the field is with a two part plan. The first is to gain experience on the job. The other is to continue one’s education, both in staying on top of the field for the latest rules and regulations. Go on for a Bachelor of Science or higher as far as degrees are concerned. It’s also not uncommon for ABAs to go on to become CPAs or even Certified Internal Auditors or Management Accountants.

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