Do you have a curiosity in the natural world and how it functions? A major in biology will fulfill your curiosity. An associate’s degree in biology will satisfy the first two years of coursework requirements for a bachelor’s degree in biology and usually allows for credits to transfer to a 4-year college or university if desired. Completing your associate’s degree program will provides you with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to obtain an entry-level position as an assistant in a scientific research facility or laboratory.

Online Associate’s Degrees in Biology

If you are considering pursuing an online associate’s degree in biology, you may consider a combined on campus and distance learning program as an alternative to an entirely online degree program because online courses may not be readily available. Most science classes will require hands-on laboratory work, so there may be a limited number of science classes offered online or some programs may use simulation software. There are a few online associate’s degree programs that may offer an introductory biology course that offers a broad overview of the principles of biology as part of the online curriculum as well.

Online Biology Coursework

Online labs will cover topics which will include a general education or liberal arts component, human biology, respiration, cells and membranes, genetics, organic electrophoresis and molecules in addition to learning how to make use of animations, quizzes, learning activities and diagrams within the lab format. So, if you have previous experience working with distance learning software and online courses, you will be best prepared to take advantage of online biology laboratory classes.

Alternative Online Courses

For Associate’s degree programs, you will have to complete a certain number of general education class credits for graduation. Courses such as general chemistry, calculus, analytical geometry, sociology, psychology and English are generally offered in an online format, allowing you to complete most of the courses online. You will then have to complete the required biology and other lab-based science classes on campus in order to earn your associate’s degree in biology.

Career Outlook for Biology Associate’s Degree Graduates

An associate’s degree in biology will not prepare you for a specific career, but will enable you to work in science and technology positions. If a biology associate degree is your goal and you do not wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can land entry-level science positions in state or national parks, medical office assistant, pest control specialist, lab technician, plant science technician and research associate.

Expected Salary for Biology Associate’s Degree Graduates

A biology associate degree holder can enjoy an average annual salary of $31,000. However, this can increase depending on the industry you are working in and your years of experience. According to Payscale.com, as of May 2010 a clinical lab technician with 1-4 years of experience earned median annual income of $26,956-$36,566.

Fulfill your curiosity and bring your dreams to life with an online associate biology degree.

Did you know that America needs more nurses now more than ever? As the need for health care continues to grow, one of the most in-demand fields for the next decade will be for nurses. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts there will be over 587,000 new jobs created in a field that already has over 2.5 million workers. Rapid employment opportunities has fueled an over-capacity of traditional education system for nurses and developed the need for more students to earn nursing degrees online.

Benefits of Studying for a Nursing Degree Online:

• Studying nursing online is much cheaper than studying at a traditional college or university. While tuition cost varies by school, it can still be as much as 30 to 50% cheaper than class-based programs.
• Today’s working nurses enjoy the ability to improve their credentials and career options through the convenience of accredited online nursing programs without sacrificing family time of taking time off work.
• No classroom attendance, no nursing school waiting lists, no traffic, or schedule conflicts to worry about!
• Study at your own pace from your own place anytime. Many students choose to continue working while studying and e-learning allows the flexibility to do this by offering studies that can be done 24/7.
• Coursework can be completed at your own pace, without disrupting work or family life. Students may download the coursework to read or watch a video lecture in the convenience of their own home or during their lunch hour at work.
• If the work is too difficult for the student, they may simply go over it again to understand it more thoroughly or fast forward through it if the work is too easy.
• Easier access to instructors and academic counselors than most campus-based students, who traditionally have to meet with professors at set office times during the week. Online students mainly interact by posting questions via email, texting, virtual chat rooms, bulletin boards, live chat, webinars and many other innovative support technologies evolving every day.

Popular Accredited Online Nursing Schools

• Kaplan University School of Nursing - When you enroll in Kaplan University School of Nursing online, you will enjoy the flexibility of pursuing your educational goals from the convenience of your own home or anywhere you have Internet access.
• Walden University - You understand the needs of your patients and your organization—but you see the opportunities for improvement in the nursing profession. With Walden University’s online degree programs in nursing, you can become an agent of change and a leader in your field.

Social work is a profession that is committed to social justice and the development of each individual in our society. Our nation today face an unprecedented challenge for skilled social workers; making the demand for qualified social workers that much greater. This is a profession you must look into if you have a strong desire to help improve people’s lives and want to make a difference in society. Getting an online degree in social work can give you the tools you need to get where you want to be in the social work field.

Social Work as a Profession – Nature of work

Social workers assist people by helping them deal with problems in their everyday lives, such as:

• Relationship problems
• Family issues
• Coping with disability
• Life-threatening disease
• Housing inadequacy problems
• Unemployment issues
• Substance abuse problems

Online Social Science Degrees in Social Work

There are a variety of online degrees to choose from such as bachelor degree, master’s degrees, Ph.D. degrees, and certificate programs in social work, social services administration, community service, and clinical social work.

A bachelor’s degree is enough to land a career in the field of social work. A master’s degree is usually required for health care and clinical positions. Studies may include human behavior, research methods, policy analysis, social justice, general psychology and more.

Types of Social Work you can look into

• Child, family, and school social workers
• Medical and public health social workers
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers
• Social work administrators , researchers, planners and policymakers

Career Opportunities in Social Work

Social workers can find employment in a variety of fields and settings, from academic research, to government entities; as managers, supervisors, political leaders, researchers, analysts and so much more.

Social Work Employment and Earnings

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers held about 642,000 jobs, in 2008 and employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.

Earnings

Median annual wages of child, family, and school social workers were $39,530 in May 2008. Median annual wages of medical and public health social workers were $46,650 in May 2008. Median annual wages of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $37,210 in May 2008. And median annual wages of social workers, all other were $46,220 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,420 and $60,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,400, and the top 10 percent earned more than $74,040.

Our society is in dire need of skilled social workers who are committed to improving the lives of others. If you are that individual, an online degree in social work can give you an opportunity of a lifetime.

Do you like to study the human mind and human behavior? Have you been curious as to how human think and operate on a day-to-day basis? Well, you need to consider an online degree in Psychology. An online degree can open the doors to many wonderful and rewarding career opportunities that give you the opportunity to finally see how the human mind works.

The list below is only a few reasons why you should consider a career in psychology:

1. High annual salary

The U.S Bureau and Labor Statistics reports that Psychologists in clinical, counseling or school-related roles make an average of $70,190 a year. However, psychologists in private practices can set their hourly fees as high as market demand allows.

2. Interest in human behavior

Psychologists must have a keen understanding of human nature. Psychologists can better understand human nature and what makes humans tick and behave the way they do by apply their training to events that occur in everyday life.

3. Flexible work hours

One major advantage of becoming a psychologist is that if you have your own private practice you can set your own work ours. However, Psychologists who work in hospitals, mental health offices or other organizations may not have a work schedules that allows flexibility and the ability to make their own work schedule as their self-employed counterparts. But nonetheless there are still plenty of wonderful opportunities available.

4. In demand field

Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology.

5. Versatility

A PhD in Psychology can be applied to a wide range of endeavors, including human services, education, law, health, research, teaching and sports. Most Psychologists specialize in different areas such as: Clinical psychologist, counseling, social psychologists, school psychologist, developmental Psychologists experimental or research psychologists and much more

6. Helping others

One of the best things about being a psychologist is being able to help others. If you enjoy working with a variety of people and want to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them reach their full potential, a career in psychology is a great choice.

7. Unemployment not likely

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists held about 166,000 jobs in 2006. Faster-than-average employment growth is expected for psychologists for years to come.

Earn Your Psychology Degree Online

There is absolutely no need to interrupt your usual life activities. Since the introduction of online degree programs, you can now earn your degree online without the need to take time off work or miss out on quality family time. There are many majors in online psychology which you can choose from, so get online and make your selection today.

Nutritionists play a very important role when it comes to weight management and overall health and wellness. With an online degree in nutrition, you will find many wonderful opportunities await you. As a nutritionist, you will be responsible for the prevention and treatment of illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications to suit each individual needs including your own.

What is a Nutritionist?

A Nutritionist is an individual who specializes in health with a focus on food and nutrition science, on diseases related to nutrition, preventive nutrition and clinical use of nutrients to improve patient lives and response to diseases. Nutritionists focus on an individual’s diet to create a nutritional supplement program that best suit each unique need. Their main goal is to improve health and wellness, prevent disease, enhance treatment of a disease, or treat specific disorders that respond to nutritional therapy.

Role of Nutritionist in Society

Good nutrition is very important, especially in a society where unhealthy eating habits are a part of our culture. The food we eat from day-to-day have a direct impact on how we feel and our overall energy level. Nutritionists help us make the right decisions about what we eat and drink on a daily basis and eating healthy foods can help us maintain a much healthier and longer life.

Serious Health Care Issues Due to Unhealthy Eating Habits:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart disease, just to name a few

Education and Training

Nutritionists need at least a bachelor’s degree in:

• Dietetics
• Food and nutrition
• Food service system management

or a related area to be successful in this field. Graduate degrees are also available and licensure, certification, or registration specific requirements vary by State. As a result, interested candidates should determine the requirements of the State in which they want to work before sitting for any exam. In States that require licensure, only people who are licensed can work as nutritionists.

Great Employment Opportunities with Online Training

Average employment growth is projected, and applicants with specialized training, an advanced degree, or certifications beyond the particular State’s minimum requirement should enjoy the best job opportunities as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Bureau also report that nutritionists held about 60,300 jobs in 2008 and is expected to increase 9 percent during the 2008-18 projection decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Most with more than half of all jobs were in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, or offices of physicians and other health practitioners.

Earning Potential as a Nutritionist

According to the American Dietetic Association, median annual wages for registered dietitians in 2007 varied by practice area as follows: $60,008 in consultation and business; $64,002 in food and nutrition management; $66,061 in education and research; $52,000 in clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $53,997 in clinical nutrition/long-term care; $48,006 in community nutrition; and $48,984 in clinical nutrition/acute care. Salaries also vary by years in practice, education level, and geographic region.

If a degree in Nutrition sounds good to you, you shouldn’t hesitate to enroll at an accredited online college or university as soon as possible. Also don’t forget to drop us a line to let us know how you’re doing with your new career .

Social media is now embedded into our psyche. Social media now affects how we talk, think and communicate with each other. Life as we know it will never be the same, as social media has accelerated the pace of life and now people are just considered to be wired or not. The extent of how deep social media has become a necessity in our daily lives is shown in the new thrust by several universities to offer online degree programs in social media. Universities are not only in the education business to educate individuals. They also exist to provide a profit to their shareholders. So we see, by them offering degree programs in social media only prove the point of how social media has become to our hi-tech society.

In addition, all the major media broadcasting houses have developed various TV programs based around social media. Examples of how social media has infiltrated TV programming is shown in the many eye witness reports that are uploaded to their respective Twitter, Facebook and MySpace pages within seconds of an event. This concept has provided many job opportunities for amateur journalists who are always on the lookout for breaking events.

Before we go any further, let us examine this concept of social media. Social media is an interaction of different individuals through means of technology and telecommunications. These tools provide individuals to share word, picture, audio and video content from locations all over the world. As a result, social media has developed into the main source of contact between individuals.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Media

Any course in marketing will tell you that where people congregate, there is an opportunity for business. The growth of social media has prompted several universities to devise degree programs that will teach individuals how to exploit the accessibility of social media. The bachelor’s degree in social media has been incorporated in the faculties of business, computing and information management of many universities. The degree is also becoming quite popular as many individuals are now viewing social media as a viable career option.

The bachelor degree in social media focuses of developing student’s skills of business, computing and communication through various mediums such as text messaging, internet, mobile phones, email and chat rooms.

Master’s Degree in Social Media

Recently one leading university launched a master’s degree that focused solely on teaching its students about the use of, effects, opportunities that social media offer to the greater community. This online course entails a scholarly study of how social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo can help both the marketing and communication sectors.

As in all accredited master’s degree program, the course had to meet various standards before it could be approved by the Department of Education.

They have reported significant interest in the course as many companies are now acknowledging the power of social media and want to be at the cutting edge of its manipulation. Hence, whether you are wired or not, social media is here to stay so it is for us to ask ourselves the question “are we ready for social media?”