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Associate Degrees – Get your Diploma and Join an Exciting Career
Apr 21st
An associates degree is generally awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. However, a few four-year colleges and universities also award the degree. You need about 60 credit hours to graduate from most associate programs.
Should you chose to take classes full time, your coursework will take you about two years to complete. However, as a part time student you can also enjoy some flexibility if you enroll in on line programs.
There are two options for associate degrees – those that are aimed at professional preparation in your field of choice, and those that offer you the opportunity to complete general education requirements. In these programs you take your required program requirements, electives, and some general education courses. If you enroll in full time courses, you will generally take about 15 credit hours or about four semester. In accelerated distance learning programs you have the option of being more flexible will meeting the rigorous requirements of campus programs,
Two-year virtual learning is available in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines. Many degrees online will accept transfer credits from two-year programs. Some areas of study within associate degrees online are: Accounting, Arts and Humanities Business & Management, Criminal Justice, Design, Early Childhood Development, Education, Engineering, Computers and Technology, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Paralegal, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Telecommunications to mention a few.
General education courses are an integral part of most associate degrees online and include coursework in Communication, Natural Sciences/Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Science. You can earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree program, an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs depending on whether you pursue arts or science track.
Both professional and occupational degree programs give their graduates the advantage of being qualified for entry-level positions in professions such as medical assisting, computer networking, computer programming, nursing, paralegal, and criminal justice. These programs offer graduate the advantage of expedited entry into their profession.
Generally, you will be required to have a high school diploma or GED. You also need a good GPA and some schools may want to see your SAT or ACT scores. Other colleges will accept relevant work experience in lieu of a diploma to qualify the student for entry. Confirm this with the college you are interested in.
As many working adults continue to enroll in college, there is a growing demand for online degree programs. You can research many of these schools online. Many have great programs and they give students the option to apply for financial aid and scholarships.
About the Author:
Sophia P. writes for a site that has information on Paralegal degree programs and law enforcement degrees. Get more information of legal and law programs.
The Truth About Student Loans
Apr 20th
Taking advantage of the right college loans can help students cover their higher education costs without going into major debt. And, both online degree and traditional college students may avail themselves of these loan programs.
It is critical that students understand that making poor student loan choices can be very costly. Here are a few of the things they should know to avoid financial problems.
Student loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans require students to have financial need as defined by a formula set by Congress. There is a ceiling on subsidized loans, but interest rates are very low because the government subsidizes the lenders. Typically, students begin repayment not later than six months after leaving college.
Unsubsidized loans, however, are available to all students, regardless of their financial standing. Overall, unsubsidized loans are available for larger amounts than are those which are subsidized, and unsubsidized interest rates are somewhat higher.
Generally, students who are eligible for for unsubsidized loans require the maximum they are allowed to borrow. If they require additional funds, they may also take out unsubsidized loans.
The Perkins Loan and the Stafford Loan are most popular. Students begin repaying these loans 6 months after leaving college. The “grace period” of 6 months is routinely extended to students, as a courtesy, by individual lenders.
Another option is the PLUS loan, or so called Parent Loan, which can be given to parents with appropriate credit. The PLUS loan, like most others, features a fairly low interest rate. Repayment begins sixty days after the loan award date.
It is important to understand that student loans must be repaid. Dropping out of college or declaring bankruptcy, for instance, does not materially impact the repayment obligation. However, lenders do work with borrowers who contact them if they are facing economic difficulty. Those who avoid contact with lenders and fail to meet their obligations, conversely, may have their income tax refunds withheld or their salaries garnished.
Traditional college students and online college, students alike can benefit from the wise use of student loans. In fact, most students find that student loans…investments in themselves…are among the the best investment they make. But borrowers must remember two things. The first is that borrowing should be limited to cover the costs of educational necessities (not for luxury items). The second is that there are likely to be serious consequences if they do not repay their loans as agreed.
About the Author:
Marti Bloom is a writer, editor, and adjunct instructor at a New York State community college. She particularly enjoys writing about issues of importance to online college, online degree, and traditional college students.