Homemade Degrees

Study Architecture Online

2010-06-15T11:19:00.000Z

There are several obstacles in becoming an architect through online or distance learning. First of all, it would be difficult to run a distance learning course for architecture, because of the importance of teaching design live in a studio environment. In addition, beyond the degree - even if you find some institutions (listed below) that would admit you, working as an architect requires, in most countries, to be a registered architect and the boards, in many cases, would be wary of a distance learning degree.

There are some accredited, reliable, bachelor degrees, which are in close fields. Thomas Edison State College offers a BSc in Architectural Design and we have a full list of schools offering online or distance learning degrees in Interior Design. However, both of these routes - while they might bring you closer to being an architect, will not be a direct path: the direct path in the United States is a degree accredited by the NAAB. Currently, the NAAB does not accredit any distance learning program of architecture. You may, however, collect credits, both from these degrees and from the Texas Tech University, a BS in architecture that is in mixed mode (some courses can be taken online), might shorten your way to an architecture degree once you can commit yourself to studies. A simialr course that can help you collect credits for the degree is Westwood University's Associate degree in Computer-Aided Design/Architectural Drafting. It might also lead you to a job (as a drafter) in an office, where you will find people supporting you with practical experience and even leading you to school.

***

There are, however, advanced degrees in architecture, that are available online from many reputable institutions. These are intended at people who already have an architecture degree (and are usually already architects) but would like to deepen their understanding or research of a certain aspect of architecture:
MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from UEL

MSc in International Construction Management from University of Bath

The Boston Architectural College offers the first distance M.Arch. The "degree program is designed specifically for individuals who have an educational background in architecture and have worked in the profession."

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In addition to all of that, if you want to get a taste of university-level architecture courses, you can take online courses for free from few of the best universities. More details here: Free Architecture Courses, Download free architecture courses from top universities by Jackie Craven

Civil Engineering Through Distance Learning

2009-05-09T12:08:00.003Z

Brick & Mortar ("real") universities offering also distance learning degree in civil engineering:

Auburn University offers a Master of Civil Engineering. Currently, only the program in Environmental Engineering is available through distance learning.

Colorado State University offers M.E in Civil Engineering

Columbia University offers two master's degrees:
M.S. in Civil Engineering- General and
M.S. in Civil Engineering- Construction Engineering and Management

Kansas State University also offers a masters degree in Civil Engineering

North Caroline State offers Engineering Online: Graduate Courses and Degree Programs

Southern Methodist University offers masters in several subfields of civil engineering

The University of Aberdeen (Scotland, UK) offers courses Project Management (Distance Learning) - MSc/PgDip/PgCert

The University of Bolton (England UK) offers the following post-graduate courses:
MPhil Built Environment specialisms (Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning)
PhD (via MPhil) Built Environment specialisms (Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning)
PhD Built Environment specialisms (Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning)

The University of Florida offers masters in Water Resources Planning and Management

The University of Louisville offers Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Specialization in Transportation Engineering

The University of Ohio offers a programme in Civil Engineering, M.Engr.

The University of Washington offers Master's in Construction Engineering

***

For lower degrees in diplomas, Premier School of Building (UK, recognised), offers individual courses, as well as
Diploma in Architectural Development
Diploma in Building Surveying
Diploma in Civil Engineering Surveying
Diploma In Quantity Surveying
Diploma in Quantity Surveying (M & E)
Diploma in Site Management
Diploma in Property Surveying

Learning Biology Online

2009-05-05T12:23:00.003Z

The following universities and colleges offer (accredited) degrees in biology.

The Open University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Biology .

Its Canadian counterpart, Athabasca University, is also offering an unidergraduate degree in Biology.

Thomas Edison State University, a US public university specilising in distance learning degrees only, offers two degree programmes in biology,
• Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics and
• a Bachelor of Arts

Another institution offering an associate degree (AS) in Biology through correspondence is the Community College of Denver

The University of Mississippi offers Master of Science in General Biology - Teachers in Biology degree

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers Biology - graduate programme

The University of Leeds offers several post-graduate degrees in Bioinformatics (Online Modular Programme) MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Staffordshire University offers a variety of post-graduate degrees in Molecular Biology

The University of Ulster offers

Applied Biosciences [BSc Hons]
and
Biomedical Science [MSc]
Biomedical Science [Graduate Certificate]
Biomedical Science (Cellular Pathology) [MSc]
Biomedical Science (Clinical Chemistry) [MSc]
Biomedical Science (Haematology and Transfusion Science) [MSc]
Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) [MSc]

Physics Courses

2008-09-01T13:07:00.002Z

The Open University (UK) offers an undergraduate degree in Physics and Astronomy , as well as an MSc in Medical Physics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Physics

The University of Virginia offer a distance learning Master of Arts in Physics Education
http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/outreach/MAPE/

University of Central Lancashire offers online and distance learning courses in Astronomy
http://www.studyastronomy.com/

North Carolina State University also offers physics courses for teachers per distance learning:
http://www.science-house.org/teacher/course.html

Also see:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/775940.html

Mathematics - First Degree

2008-07-31T18:54:00.002Z

The London School of Economics (LSE) offers, through the University of London Extrenal Programme, a BSc in Mathematics and Economics. This might be the best university listed here, but there are several more:

The Open University offers a degree in Mathematics.

Empire State University (part of the State University of New York system) offer bachelor degrees in "Science, Mathematics and Technology "

Chadron State College (public, non-profit) offers Mathematics as a major and minor as part of undergraduate (bachelor) degrees

Mercy College in New York offers a bachelor programme in

Saint Mary of the Woods College (private/Catholic, non-profit, women only) offers Mathematics both as minor and major of an online degree

Thomas Edison State University (completely distance learning, non-profit public) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Math, in addition to an Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics

University of Illinois, Springfield offers an undergraduate degree in Mathematics (B.A., as minor)

Hypnotherapy

2008-07-20T11:28:00.003Z

Hypnotherapy is usually practiced by members pf the therapeutic professions, although it is sometimes used as a form of entertainment. It is usually studied after, or as part of, a postgraduate and a graduate education in psychology, substrance abuse therapy, psychiatry and similar professions.

Because it is a form of complementary medicine that requires much dedication, it is not common to find a reliable distance learning courses teaching how to preform hypnosis. In addition, before even considering one of the following courses (which are listed with reservations and we do not vouch for them), check with your country and local licensing authorities, if the course is even worth the paper it is written on.

It can even do more damage than you have bargained for. It might be a stain in your biography to have a course from a place defined as a "degree mill". Bircham International University, for example, is an unaccredited university with a variety of controversies attached to it, offers such a course.

Or take the Hong Kong Institute of Clinical Hypnosis - it is "accredited by Pebble Hills University", in itself a non accredited institution.

Even "alternative" institutions (that are accredited) do not offer full training in hypnotherapy, but just few courses:

Atlantic University (DETC accreditation)
The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (Regionally Accredited)

Best Distance Learning MBA Programmes

2008-07-20T11:03:00.002Z

We have already published rankings of correspondence MBA programmes, trying to find out which are the top MBA through distance education.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has published, for the first time, its own ranking for distance learning programs in business in January 2008. Its top ten are:

(1) University of Florida, Warrington Business School Internet MBA
(2) IE University Business School, Global MBA Online (in English and in Spanish)
(3) Warwick Business School, distance learning MBA
(4) Curtin Business School, Master of Business Administration (MBA) (they also have a fully online Master of Accounting )
(5) Audencia Nantes Business School, Euro*MBA
(6) Henley Management College (University of Reading), The Distance Learning MBA and Diploma in Management and The International Stream
(7) Thunderbird - Global MBA On-Demand - Distance Learning (or Global MBA Latin America - Distance Learning)
(8) University of Manchester, Manchester Business School, Manchester Global MBA
(9) Open University Business School, MBA
(10) Bradford University School of Management, Distance learning MBA

Tables, methodology and full article, here.

Related articles:
Which Top Business Schools Offer Distance Leaning MBA?
MBA Ranking: Best is in Public Schools
Our MBA section

Medical Coding and Insurance Billing

2008-06-23T10:52:00.002Z

Here are some places where you can study medical insurance coding or medical billing with distance education. As usual, we have distiguished between private for-profit universities, that are in it for the money, and non-profit universities, which usually have better reputation and therefore better career prospectives. Naturally, we never include institutions that are considered dodgy, but feel free to correct us anytime.

The University of Cincinati (public) offers a certificate as Medical Biller/Coder

Darton College (public, part of the University of Georgia system) offers both an Associate in Health Information Technology and a Medical Coding Certificate

Weber State University (public) offers a Health Care Coding & Classification

Davenport University (private non-profit) offers diplomas in both Medical Billing and Medical Coding. It also offers an associate degree in Health Information Technology

Drexel University (private non-profit) offers a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

For Profit

Berkeley College (private, for-profit college) offers an Associate Degree in Health Services Administration - Medical Insurance, Billing, and Coding

Colorado Technical College (private, for profit college) offers an Associate of Science in Medical Billing and Coding (ASMBC)

Rasmussen College (private, for profit) offers an Online Medical Administration (Associate) degree

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) distance learning courses

2008-05-18T10:35:00.003Z

What is a Licensed practical nurse?

"Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas and as registered practical nurses (RPNs) in Ontario. They are called enrolled nurses (ENs) in Australia and state enrolled nurses (SENs) in the United Kingdom. LPNs generally have more training than certified nursing assistants, and less training than registered nurses." (Wikipedia)

Studying for LPN could break the ground for you for a nursing career.

However, licence requirements for nurses vary from one jurisdiction to another, and therefore, you should check if the LPN course would be acceptable for nursing training where you live or plan to work.

NorQuest College offers the following distance learning nursing programmes:

As well as several nursing degrees for nurses who are looking to "upgrade" their degree. The practical phase is in Edmonton or in other places.

Jefferson Community & Technical College in Kentucky (US, public) offers an a diploma/certificate programme in Nursing-Practical Nursing (to become an LPN) (as well as an associate degree Nursing-Associate Degree Nursing (to become an RN) )

Chamberlain College (the former Deaconess College for Nursing)
in St. Louis (US, for profit, owned by DeVry) offers an Associate level degree in nursing which is an entry level degree in nursing, no previous experience needed.

Please update us if you find more entry level nursing and practical nursing degrees our there.

Distance Learning Degrees in Linguistics

2008-04-13T11:47:00.003Z

There are several institutions offering degrees in linguistics through distance learning; most degrees are advanced degrees, but there are several options to learn linguistics for a first degree (BA or BSc) through distance learning modes.

The Open University (UK) does offer BA courses:
BA (Honours) Modern Language Studies
BA (Honours) Language Studies

With MA degrees, there is much more variety:
University of Massachusetts offers a Master's in Applied Linguistics

The University of Nottingham offers three MA courses in linguistics:
MA Applied Linguistics
MA Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching
MA Literary Linguistics

The University of Leicester also offers
Applied Linguistics and TESOL

Many of MacQuarie University (Australia)'s postgraduate programmes in linguistics are available online

Another Australian university, Monash, offers the following:

Also see:
English degrees online
Learn German through Distance Learning
Learn Welsh Online
Applied Linguistics: Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language - education and certification through distance learning

Also try searching the web

MBA Ranking: Best is in Public Schools

2008-03-05T13:19:00.002Z

If you're an avid reader of the Ranking and the MBA categories of this blog, you know that we sort institutions according to their reputation - the best ones, we claim, are usually brick-and-mortar programmes, that also cater traditional students.

A new press release from GetEducated.com confirms what we have written here:

"168 accredited colleges offer online or distance learning MBAs. Where can consumers find their best buys? According to a new survey by online education experts at GetEducated.com, the average cost for a regionally accredited distance MBA is $20,528. "But," warns educational analyst Vicky Phillips, consumers can pay as little as $7,000 or as much as $45,000." The best deals will go to consumers who choose public universities over a slew of pricey private alternatives. Premiering at the number one ranked "most affordable" spot this year is Chadron State College (Nebraska), a public institution with a modest cost of $7,065 for an online MBA degree regardless of the learner's state of residency."

Also see:

Which Top Business Schools Offer Distance Leaning MBA?

UNC Ashville: Distance Learning Licensing for Teachers

2008-03-05T13:17:00.003Z

[From the Citizen-Times]

UNC Asheville will host a distance-learning course this spring designed for lateral entry teachers.

The three-credit hour course, “Methods and Materials of Teaching in the 6-12 Classroom for Lateral Entry Teachers,” will be offered via teleconference and the Internet. Teleconference locations include UNC Asheville, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, McDowell Technical Community College in Marion and Murphy High Cyber Campus in Murphy.

For more information or to register, call UNCA’s Extension and Distance Education Office at 232-5122 or visit www.unca.edu/distedu/ce/lateral.html.

Fordham to Offer a Distance Learning Certificate

2008-03-05T13:13:00.001Z

[Press Release]

Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GRE) has launched the University’s first online course program, an 18-credit certificate in faith formation.

The distance-learning certificate, which will enable people from around the world to take classes with Fordham faculty via their computers, is a joint effort of the GRE, Fordham’s Department of Instructional Technology (IT) and the Jesuit Distance Education Network (JesuitNET), a Web-based clearinghouse for online courses offered by Jesuit universities across the country.

Graduate Certificate Program in Faith Formation

Film and Television Studies

2008-02-26T10:30:00.003Z

There are numerous providers offering courses in television or film online or through distance learning. However, please note, that this doesn't guarentee a career in these fields. There are several reasons for it. First of all, this field is usually over-crowded with people trying to find a job. Furthermore, many production companies would take people with hands-on experience, and they might be distrustful towards an online film degree or a distance learning course in television.

Perhaps the best degree progrmme comes from the prestigious New School University, which offers an Online MA in Media Studies

Another prestigious school offering courses in film and television is UCLA (the University of California in Los Angeles), which offers two online professional certificate courses in Screenwriting and in Producing (as well as several short courses).

Another US institution offering a film degree online is the Academy of Art University, offering associate, bachelor and master's degrees in their Motion Picture & Television programmes, specialising in directing, cinematography, editing, special affects, scriptwriting, producing and production design.

The University of Exeter offers an MA course in Film Studies. The university also offers some non-credit courses in film studies

Regent University offers a BA and an MA in communication online

The European Graduate School of Media offers Masters and Doctorate degrees in media

Despite the tempting title ("this is what I was looking for!"), the Film School Online is unaccredited, and if you decide to take it, you're risking not only not finding a job, but also not being able to use your accomplishments as a degree. On the other hand - you may want to check around if you already know people in the Industry: this course might give you enough practical experience they're looking for.

Finally, the Ames Media Institute also gives you courses in digital filmmaking, however, there is no credit or accreditation and the programmes would enrich you.

And if you like films, you might also want to consider the British Film Institute's Certificate in Film Journalism by Distance Learning

Wedding and Event Planning

2008-02-22T14:23:00.002Z

Want to become a wedding planner or an event organiser? The good news are that there is no control or regulation in this business, and you can theoretically start right away - you don't need any formal course like listed bellow; the bad news is that when there is no regulation, and "anybody" can do it, you will have to learn to do your business in order to succeed in it. You don't have to learn "wedding planning". As surprised as you may be to learn, this is the easy part of the business, and could be accomplished with a book on "How to be a wedding planner" or "Wedding planning for dummies". The hardest part will be to learn business practices, and the best thing you should do is to take some general business courses, not necessarily those regarding event management or wedding planning. Another good option is hand-on experience: working as a trainee for an already existing event agency.

However, many also prefer to have a certificate under their belt, something they can show their clients, and hopefully, somewhere where they will learn something new. Here is a list of few places offering online courses or distance learning in wedding planning, event management and similar professions.

Mount Wachusett Community College offers a program in Wedding Planning (see the last course for online program)

All of the following institutions offering such programmes are private and for-profit, so we cannot vouch for their total quality.

Penn Foster School (ICS) offers a professional course to become a Bridal Consultant

Ashworth University offers a course in Bridal Consulting

The Association of Certified Wedding Consultants (don't be impressed by the name, they certify themself) offers a home-based course in wedding planning.

Another such enterprise, The Institute of Professional Wedding Planners, offers an ASET Diploma (which sounds a little better concerning recognition of the degree)

The US Career Institute (private for profit, in case the name baffled you to think it is a public thing) offers Online Wedding Planning course

Further Links:
About.com - Be a wedding planner

BLS : Jobs in weddings and funerals (PDF)

Advertising: Distance Learning Programmes

2008-02-17T11:09:00.004Z

Advertising sounds like an interesting career to many, and there are several places offering online degrees or distance learning programmes in advertising. Like always, we recommend you'll do your own small research: if you're already in advertising, ask around if the degree is in fact required, recommended or redundant; and whether your current employers and colleagues might recommend a school or even finance it. If you want to break into the world of advertising, check first if distance learning is the best way, and if advertising programmes are what you need or any other programme, like marketing, communication, etc. You can do it by checking the requirements in job ads, by contacting people in the business and asking them (even if you don't know any - I have found that most people answer nicely to polite emails about their field), by reading books about advertising.

As usual, we divide our list to three or four parts: top school (that is, school that are quite famous), other schools that are "non-profit" and brick-and-mortar universities (because these tend to have better quality and better impact on the CV); "for profit" schools; and the last group - schools that advertise themselves, but one should check well before applying there, as they are either controversial, or have no legitimate accresitation, etc. Don't understand this division as ranking, although naturally, the more famous (for being good) the school, the better are your chances.

Non Profit/Brick and Mortar Schools

* Bellevue College offers BS in Advertising Management

* Ellis College (New York Institute of Technology) offers AAS in Communication Arts, BS in Advertising and MA - Communication Arts - Advertising & Public Relations

* University of Maryland University College offers an undergraduate certificate in Marketing Communications; and Bachelor and Masters programmes in Marketing

* The University of Missouri, Columbia offer an Master of Arts in Journalism - Strategic Communication and

For Profit and Online-Only Schools

* The Art Institute - Bachelor in Advertising

* ICS offer a LCCI IQ certificate in Advertising

Photography Courses Per Distance Learning

2007-12-04T10:02:00.000Z

Want a degree or a certificate in photography through distance education? We have picked the best of the crop for you!

The Savannah College of Art and Design

http://www.scadelearning.org/ - full accredited photography courses

Thomas Edison State College

http://www.tesc.edu/1935.php - offers a fully accredited BA in photography. TESC is a public university at the state of New Jersey.

ICS offers several City and Guild approved courses in photography

http://www.icslearn.co.uk/creative-skills-leisure-courses/photography/

Similar and identical courses are offered by the Learning Institute

http://www.learning-at-home.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=1883

http://www.learning-at-home.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=53

Open College of the Arts

http://www.oca-uk.com/courses/photography

The Academy of Art University also offers courses in Photography

3D Technologies - Where to Study Three Dimensional Technologies Online
Fashion Design
Graphic Design

QTS - Qualifying as a Teacher in the UK

2007-11-12T12:05:00.000Z

If you live in the UK but have no time to attend a full time course at university; or if you plan to immigrate to the UK and would like to become a teacher there, you might be interesting in obtaining a qualified teacher status (OTS) through distant education.

To obtain a QTS you need one of the following qualifications: BEd, PGCE or a bachelor degree with QTS. In Scotland you "only" need a PGDE.

The Graduate Students Training Registry provides a search tool for those interested in teaching - those interested in a distance learning course should choose a part time mode.

St. Martin's College
http://www.ucsm.ac.uk/courses/education/pgce/flexmod-primary.php
"he Flexible Modular Primary PGCE/QTS programme is based at the Ambleside and London Campuses. It is accessible to students living in the North of England and the London area.
The programme is designed to provide flexible training for graduates with a range of different personal circumstances. For example, you may have prior experience in primary education, you may prefer to study at home, or you may have circumstances which prohibit you from enrolling on a full time PGCE course (e.g. childcare responsibilities, or the need to work part time). "

University of Cumbria
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Courses/Coursesbylevel/Postgraduate/PGCEPrim/FlexModprim.aspx

University of Hertfordshire
http://perseus.herts.ac.uk/uhinfo/prospectus/faculty_he/dep_edu/mg_edu/c_pgce_primary.cfm

Holy Cross College
http://www.holycross.ac.uk/adult/pgce.asp

Hope University (Liverpool)
http://prospectus.hope.ac.uk/pgce-2008/stage2.php?Subjects=180

University of Sunderland
http://education.sunderland.ac.uk/courses/off-campus-degrees/pgce

Open University
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Chartered Teacher) and many other degrees in education

Further Information
* Becoming an ESL teacher through distance learning
* Home-Made Degrees' Education Section

MBA with Specialisation in Education

2007-11-07T13:01:00.000Z

Not many schools offer MBA with specialisation in educational systems, and most offer that as part of their departments of education. When looking for specialisation in education, also check departments of education for other forms of educational management master's courses they might have.

Traditional Universities and Reputable/Public Distance Learning Institutions:

University of Keele - MBA in Education

Further Articles:

Distance Education: Masters through Distance Learning - degrees in educational technology or distance learning

Home-Made Degrees' Education Portal
Home-Made Degrees' MBA portal

MBA in Healthcare Management

2007-10-28T09:56:00.000Z

Top Universities

George Washington University
Healthcare MBA

Rochester Institute of Technology
Health Systems Administration (MS)
Health Systems Administration (Cert)
Health Systems Finance (Adv Cert)

Seton Hall University
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) Web Site

Public and non-Profit Universities

A.M. Still University
Health Administration

Bellevue University
Master of Healthcare Administration

Brenau University
MBA - Healthcare Management

Davenport University
http://www.davenport.edu/davenport-university-online

University of Delaware

Marylhurst University
http://onlinedegrees.marylhurst.edu/MBA/

University of Missouri
Health administration

Park University
Master of Business Administration with health concentration

Pfeiffer University
Healthcare Management (HCM) - http://www.pfeiffer.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=202&Itemid=373

Regis University
http://www.mbaregis.com/degrees_mbahcm.asp

For Profit Universities
Capella
http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/business_technology/mba/health_care_management.aspx

Columbia Southern University
MBA with Concentration in Health Care Management

Ellis College
MBA - Health Care Administration Specialization

University of Phoenix
Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management

South University
Healthcare Administration

William Howard Tuft University
MBA With a concentration in Health Care Administration

Also see our sections on:
Online MBA
Health Professions
Public Health

Mechanical Engineering

2007-10-24T08:16:00.001Z

Here are some places where you can study mechanical engineering online or through distance learning

Colorado State University
Engineering ManagementM.S.,M.E. in Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering and Operations ResearchM.S., M.E., Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Materials EngineeringM.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Columbia University
MS in Mechanical Engineering

P.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Tech
Mechanical Engineering (ME)

Kansas State University
Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Kettering University
MS
Engineering - concentration in Mechanical Design
Engineering - concentration in Mechanical Cognate

Southern Methodist University
http://engr.smu.edu/

University of Florida: MS in
Solid Mechanics and Design
Thermal Fluids Transport

University of Portsmouth (UK)
BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (DL)

University of Northampton (UK)
Engineering (Lift and Escalator Technology) BTEC Professional Development Certificate
High Performance Engineering (Motorsport) FdSc
Lift Engineering MSc
Lift Engineering FdSc
Non-Destructive Testing FdSc

Geology and Earth Sciences

2007-10-17T08:18:00.000Z

If you want to study Geoscience, geology, Earth Science and related fields through distance learning, there are good news and bad new for you. Bad news first: not many universities offer degrees in these subjects. The good news: each of those who do is a great university.

Birbeck College, University of London

Mississippi State University (US, public)

Open University UK
Geosciences (Bachelor)

In Earth Science Education, Eastern Michigan University offers a Masters of Science in Earth Science Education

University of North Dakota offers
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Environmental Engineering
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Accounting and Accountancy

2007-10-15T09:39:00.002Z

Can you become an accountant through distance learning?

It depends on your country; and in the United States, also on the state you live in. It would be best to check with the appropriate licensing body before starting the course.

Ranking (of traditional/brick-and-mortar programmes)

There is a ranking of graduate accountancy traditional programs in the United States. This means that British institutions are absent even if they're good; and that the fact that these institutions are good with traditional students, doesn't mean that they're good with non-traditional students.

Still, the list reflects some prestige in the U.S.:

# University of Texas, Austin
# University of Illinois
# Brigham Young University
# University of Notre Dame
# University of Southern California
# University of Michigan
# Northern Illinois University
# Miami University, Ohio
# Michigan State University
# University of Pennsylvania
# University of Virginia
# Indiana University
# Ohio State University
# Texas A&M University
# University of Wisconsin
# University of Florida
# University of Georgia
# Arizona State University
# University of Alabama
# College of William & Mary
# Georgia State University

Other Institutions

Public & Non-Profit Private Ones

Athabasca University (a public Canadian distance education university) offers a Bachelor programme in Accounting

Brenau University offers a BBA - Accounting and a MBA - Accounting

City University (US) certificate in Accounting (graduate) and (undergraduate) as well as Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Darton College certificate in Accounting

Ellis College MBA - Accounting & Information Systems Specialization; MBA - Professional Accounting Specialization; BS - Business Administration - Managerial Accounting; BS - Accounting - Professional Accounting ; AAS - Accounting ; Graduate Certificate - Professional Accounting

Excelsior College BS, Accounting, General

University of Derby (UK) MSc Payroll Management ;; The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA); Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Franklin University Accounting

Liberty University

Associate of Arts in Accounting ; Bachelor of Science in Accounting ; Master of Science in Accounting (MSA

University of Portsmouth (UK) offers an MSc in Forensic Accounting (DL)

Private For-Profit Institutions

Ashworth University Accounting - Associate Degree

Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate degree in Accounting

Colorado Technical University Associate of Science in Accounting

DeVery Associate in Accounting; Bachelor in Business with Accounting;

Kaplan University BS in AccountingBSA/Public AccountancyBSA/Tax AccountancyBSA/Managerial AccountancyBSA/Auditing/Forensic AccountancyBSA/Governmental/Nonprofit Accountancy

Keiser University Accounting, BA; Professional Accounting, BA

Rasmussen College Offers several Online Accounting Programs, one of which is a degree programme:

Accounting (BS)

Banking

Financial Accounting

Financial Investigations

Suspicious Offerings

Famous Distance Learners: Charles M. Schulz

2007-10-14T09:03:00.000Z

How did Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, get his first knowledge in illustration? Natural talent has probably much to do with it, but also distance learning, as the New York Times reveals:

From early on he was always doodling and drawing; by the time he was a teenager, he was studying how-to-draw cartoons books and taking a correspondence course in illustration.

Interior Design

2007-10-12T13:16:00.000Z

There are plenty of offers out there for interior design degrees and certificates. In fact, it seems that since this field is hardly controlled, anyone can call themselves an "interior designer" and anyone can offer a course.

We'll concentrate then in some of the schools that seem to be slightly better than the others and will also explain why. However, before investing your funds in going to such a school, make sure you can actually find employment in interior design. Having a certificate from the college means nothing if you can't find clients who'd hire you to design for them, right? Since the market of already overloaded ,you'd better make the right choices. In the case that you'll need license (in 23 US states), you'd better check if the college of your choice is even valid for the license. Please note, that there is no distance learning programme in interior design accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Even regarding two of the finest programmes we've found, it states that the accreditation - for the Art Insitute and for the Academy of Art - does notextend to people taking more than a quarter of their interior design courses (or more than half of their general studies courses) through distance learning.

One of the best deals is nevertheless from the Art Academy, which offer regionally accredited degree programmes (associate, bachelor and masters) in Interior Architecture & Design

Rhodec International offers a regionally accredited Bachelor (BA Hons) degree in interior design , in collaboration with London Metropolitan University. Other Rhodec courses are nationally accredited (DETC).

KLC School of Design offers Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration. It has BAC accreditation (British)

The Art Institute Online is offering a Bachelor in Interior Design and a Diploma in Residential Planning (accreditation: national)

Penn Foster College - professional certificate in interior design (accreditation DETC/national)

Westwood College also offers a bachelor programme (nationally accredited) in Interior Design

Related Articles:

3D Technologies - Where to Study Three Dimensional Technologies Online

Fashion Design

Graphic Design

Top 10 Hottest Online Degrees

2007-10-08T06:27:00.001Z

Top 10 Hottest Online Degrees by Soapy

More than ever before, people are getting college degrees online. Whether it’s a professional already working in a particular field who wants to change careers, a young undergraduate pursuing their first degree, or a busy stay-at-home parent looking for greater opportunity—anyone living the hectic modern lifestyle can benefit from an online degree program. In fact, they’ve become so popular, most colleges and brick-and-mortar universities are offering the online option alongside their real-time class schedule.

If you’re considering furthering your education on the internet, you’ll want to know which degrees are hot right now. The following 10 degrees are heavily favored in today’s job market—and can be found online at a number of both traditional and online universities across the country.

• Accounting
• Computer Science
• Information Sciences and Systems
• Civil Engineering
• Economics and Finance
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business Administration and Management
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Marketing and Marketing Management

Pursuing your degree online involves more than just sitting and staring at a computer screen or sending in assignments electronically. Most degree programs are just as comprehensive and hands-on as real-time degree programs. The only real difference is the freedom.

When you’re pursuing one of these 10 hot degree programs—or any of the hundreds of others you can choose from—you have ultimate control over your time. For anyone who dreams of a bigger, better life but is already swamped with responsibilities, getting an education online is the way to go.

If you’re a busy professional who wants to move your career forward with a master’s degree, you can find what you’re looking for on the internet as well. As always, an M.B.A (master’s of business administration) is a great way to advance your career. Other master’s level degrees that are hot commodities right now include master’s in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Why Online Degrees?

There are a number of reasons you might choose to pursue your education online.

• Schedule flexibility.
• Access to distant universities from the comforts of home.
• Easier access to online resources and research materials provided specifically for your online degree program.
• The ability to contact classmates and teachers with the simple click of a button.

An internet-based educational program also teaches time-management and pushes you to be a go-getter. Because you’ve got almost complete control over every aspect of your time—you might read a lecture at midnight or a Saturday afternoon, turn in a quiz at 3 a.m. the morning it’s due, or take a test from a hot vacation spot—you have to take initiative and stay on top of things. Sound like a chore? It’s also going to be one of your greatest assets.

Your ability to use your time effectively might just be the asset that grabs you that great job or a big promotion. Employers love a go-getter who takes initiative.

Whatever your situation, consider an getting your degree online. It’s the wave of the future, and you can ride that wave all the way to the top.

Increasing Potential With An Online Business Administration Degree

2007-10-08T06:26:00.000Z

Increasing Potential With An Online Business Administration Degree by Andy West -

For those looking to advance their careers, an online business administration degree can be the best option available. Online learning has paved the way to success for many working adults. The time and money saved in conjunction with practicality has made online learning a legitimate method for improving one's station in life.

In today's world, management positions often require training and a degree in business administration on some level. Many know that increasing earning power, prestige and work satisfaction means getting the necessary skills and education. Even with a balancing act of work and family, online learning can become an easy addition to the flow of life.

With an online business administration degree, one can learn all they need to know about the various aspects of business. Business organization, management, communications, accounting and finance are only some of the specialties of this business degree. These skills can be used for either private or public companies and for profit or nonprofit businesses.

Those who choose to earn an Associates degree in business administration will learn the general aspects of business. A Bachelors degree helps ready an individual to assist in running the general functions of a business or company. An MBA program prepares individuals to control various business functions from production to logistics to accounting.

Although this method of learning is a great way to break into a career, many choose to use it as a way to further their current occupation. The career based curriculum focuses on giving the necessary skills that are considered most valuable in the business world. This makes for a most efficient learning process.

Getting the necessary training in an efficient matter is not only an attractive option; it is often the best option for the already busy lifestyle. Because of this, any intimidation about the curriculum of an online business administration degree immediately falls by the wayside. Many students actually begin to look forward to the learning process.

Another attractive feature about online learning is that students can take their classes at any time of the day or night. Many programs run courses off of a syllabus that allows a student to progress at a level that is comfortable to them. This is one of many bonuses that allow getting a degree in this manner to be so easy.

Because online courses are accredited, financial aid is often available to those who qualify. This can make the choice to continue an education in business much easier. By working with a financial aid specialist, it may be possible to finance tuitions and certain fees with student loans or grants.

Many prefer getting their degree in this manner as opposed to an on site campus simply for the fact there are no hidden costs. With an online business degree, the cost of a course includes all books and any other required items. The lack of traditional college extras such as room and board, parking or meals keeps online tuition and fees at a wonderfully manageable price.

Upon completing a degree, a number of programs are commonly offered with career placement programs. This can be a blessing for those just starting out their career. Learning to create a perfect business resume is a great skill that never goes out of style.

Even a multimillion-dollar corporation can fall apart without the right leadership. For this reason, an online business administration degree makes perfect sense for those looking to be an asset to their company. Prospective employers not only prefer but also require individuals with the right skills that can help keep a company in the forefront of competitive markets.

Virginia College Online offers an accredited Online Business Administration Degree program. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu/site/program.cfm?Program_ID=1 to select the program that is right for you.

Dubious Diplomas Boost Firefighters Pay

2007-10-08T06:23:00.000Z

From Firefighter News:

October 7, 2007

California - Sixteen Sacramento city firefighters together pocketed $50,000 in extra pay after using bachelor's degrees purchased from online diploma mills to obtain raises, a Bee investigation has found. Fire officials became suspicious only after a dozen more firefighters applied for the 5 percent education incentive raises using the mills' diplomas, said Deputy Fire Chief Leo Baustian. Eight of the 28 total were captains.

More here

Best Universities - LIst Continued

2007-10-07T08:18:00.000Z

After our last of the distance learning offering of top universities in the world, we decided to explore further to few more universities: Yale, UCSF, Oxford, Columbia, Princeton and Chicago.

Oxford university offers several short distance learning courses, and three degree/diploma courses:
Undergraduate Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Computing
Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Local History
Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law

Columbia University offers a variety of credit courses and postgraduate degrees and certificate programmes, through their Columbia Interactive scheme.

Yale University, Princeton, Chicago and UCSF don't seem to offer any distance learning programmes.

Journalism

2007-10-05T10:02:00.000Z

We have already reviewed some specific distance learning programmes in journalism, and here we are to give you some further details on institutions that offer journalism programmes through e-learning (and other distance learning) modes.

It should be noted that many (perhaps even most) journalists have degrees in more general subjects (sociology, political science, culture studies, economy etc.) and not in journalism. In addition, because "teaching journalism" is not legally defined as in the case of engineering/medicine/etc., course level vary and even if a course is accredited, you should research if it is suitable for you (by enquiring with prospective employers, etc.)

Aberdeen College (UK)
Freelance Journalism Diploma
Diploma awarded by ASET (Accredited Syndicate of Education & Training)

Charles Sturt University (Australia)
Bachelor of Marketing Communication
Graduate Certificate in Journalism
Graduate Diploma of Journalism [exit point only]
Master of Arts (Journalism)

East Carolina University
Communication - BS

The London College
degrees in media studies

The London School of Journalism
non degree/diploma/certificate courses

Maple Academy
(private UK academy, non-degree/diploma/certificate courses)
Freelance Journalism

(UK) National Union of Journalists training
http://www.nujtraining.org.uk/

The New School University (US non-profit)
MA in Media Studies
graduate certificate in Media Management

The Open University offers
MA in Cultural and Media Studies
diploma in Literature and Creative Writing

Regent University
B.A. in Communication
M.A. in Communication
M.A. in Journalism
Ph.D. in Communication

Rochester Institute of Technology (US non-profit)
Professional Writing Cert.

Saint Mary of the Woods College

Journalism

Syracuse University
M.S. Communications Management

Thomas Edison State College
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Communication

University of Leicester offers several media degrees through distance learning:
New Media and Society PGDip/MA
New Media, Governance and Democracy PGDip/MA
Communications, Media & Public Relations PGDip/MA
Mass Communications PGCert/PGDip/MA

UMass Amherst
Certificate in Journalism

University of Memphis
Master of Art in Journalism

University of Missouri (US, public)

University of Nebraska
Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications

University of Southern Queensland (Australia)
Bachelor of Mass Communication
Bachelor of Multimedia
Bachelor of Multimedia Studies
Graduate Diploma of Journalism

Webster University

Controversial Courses:
The following institutions have been accused of being unaccredited or worse - "degree mills". Their degrees may not be marketable or recognised for further studies.
* Breyer State University is a controversial institution offering an online degree in journalism

Further Reading:

Is online training right for you?, in journalism.co.uk

Graphic Design

2007-10-01T13:54:00.000Z

We continue today with our design trends, to tell you where you can learn graphic design online/ through distance learning.

Academy of Arts University (private non-profit US)
Graphic Design - certificate, associate, bachelor, masters

The Art Institute Online (private non profit, US)
Graphic Design - Bachelor
Graphic Design - Associate

Capella University
Graphics & Multimedia (Bachelor)

Charles Sturt University (Australian Public University)
Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)
Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) (Honours)

London College UCK
HND Graphic Design
Bachelor - Graphic Media Design (PDF)

Penn Foster College (private for profit)
Graphic Design - Associate

Rochester Institute of Technology
Digital Print and Publishing (Adv Cert)
Technical Information Design (Adv Cert)

Savannah College of Art and Design
Bachelor, Masters and Graduate Certificate Programmes

University of Phoenix (US private for profit)
Associate of Arts in Information Technology/Visual Communication
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Multimedia and Visual Communication

Sessions Online Design School (private for-profit design school; accredited in the US)
The Graphic Design Certificates

University of Exeter offers a variety of non-degree courses in web-design, although together they can be taken (with few other courses) for an undergraduate certificate in computing.

University of Leeds - Printing, Packaging and Graphics
2 years distance learning CertHE
4 years distance learning DipHE
5 years distance learning BSc (Hons)

Westwood College (US for profit)
Graphic Design & Multimedia (Associate Degree)

Controversial Courses:
The following institutions are controversial in that their degrees are not accepted by many institutions/employers; they may lack accreditation or be considered as "degree mills"

American InterContinental University

Related Articles:
Distance Learning Fashion Design
Learn 3D technology Courses through e-learning

Fashion Design

2007-09-30T08:26:00.000Z

There are many places where one can learn fashion design online, despite the fact that design is basically a "hands on" profession. Many of these places offer simple courses
with no academic credit; some offer professional guild courses; and some offer degree courses.

The Academy of Art University, a private (non profit, accredited) US university, offers Associate, Bachelor and Masters degrees in fashion degrees, fully online (as well as degree completion):
Program Description

Blackford Institute of Fashion Design
- professional non degree courses

The Fashion Institute of Technology (of the State University of New York, quite a good public insitution) offer several credit and non-credit courses in fashion:
CREDIT

Advertising and Marketing Com.
Business Enterprise
Business Law
Educational Skills
English and Speech
Fashion Merchandising Management
Graphic Design
History of Art and Civilization
International Trade and Marketing
Interior Design

Internship
Liberal Arts Divisional Studies
Mathematics
Patternmaking Technology
Production Management
Science
Social Sciences
Surface Design
Textile Science

NON CREDIT

Computer Training: Design
Creative Enterprise Ownership
Image Consulting

Fashion Styling
Product Development
Wardrobe Technician

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
(a private California based institute) offers Merchandise Marketing Professional Designation programme through e-learning

ICS offer three fashion courses from City and Guilds (a professional certificate):

Penn Foster Career School (private, for profit) offer a Career Diploma in Dressmaking and Design

The University of the Arts (London) offers a Foundation Degree Fashion Marketing and Promotion (Online Delivery)

Disputed Courses
The validity of the following courses has been disputed and in many cases, employers or colleges will not accept credits or certificates from these institutions.

Professional Career Development Institute (Ashworth University) - only DETC accreditation; They offer a course in Fashion Retailing

American Intercontinental University (AIU) also offers fashion design courses. However, it is not clear how marketable is this degree, given the fact that this college is highly controversial.

English Degrees Online

2007-09-29T07:58:00.000Z

Here are several places where you can earn a degree in English (language and/or literature) online/through distance learning.

American Military University (for US-Military)
English (Bachelor)

Athabasca University (Canada, public, open university)
English for BA (3 and 4 year programmes)
http://www.athabascau.ca/

Caldwell College (private non for profit US)
BA in English through their External Degree programme

Ellis College (US, for profit)
BA - English - Literature & Culture
BA - English - Professional Writing

Judson University - BA with English as a major
http://www.judson.edu/content.asp?id=84493

Open University (UK)
English Language and Literature (BA)
English Language Studies (Undergraduate diploma)
MA in Literature

National University (US, private non profit)
Bachelor of Arts English
Master of Arts English

Northeastern University
English (BA)

Saint Mary of the Woods College
English - as a Bachelor Major

Skidmore College (a liberal arts college in the US)
BA with majors/concentration in English
http://www.skidmore.edu/uww/home.htm

Thomas Edison State College (public distance learning in New Jersey)
Bachelor of Arts in English

University of Colorado (US, public)
Bachelor of Arts, English Writing (B.A.)

University of Illinois at Springfield
Bachelor of Arts in English

University of London
English (Goldsmith College, BA and Diploma)

University of Maryland University College
English (Bachelor - both as major and as minor)

Learning Visual Basic on Your Own

2007-09-22T10:15:00.000Z

There are numerous providers offering courses in Visual Basic. Naturally, you can also take a book and learn on your own, or a software. But if you prefer a distance learning course of Visual Basic,
see:

Colleges, Universities and other "Official" Providers:

Penn Foster College (US private)
Visual Basic® .NET Programmer

University of Exeter
Programming with Visual Basic.NET
and Advanced Programming with Visual Basic.NET

Private Providers - The Marketability of their Courses Varies

e-learning-centre
http://www.e-learningcenter.com/visualbasic.htm

ICS
Mastering Visual Basic 6.0

Killroy's College (ireland)
Visual Basic .NET

Mindleaders:
Visual Basic 2005

Free Tutorials

ProfSR Visual Basic 6.0 tutorial

Developer Fusion - http://www.developerfusion.co.uk/vb/

Free Computer Tutorials -

VB Helper - http://www.vb-helper.com/howtobeg.htm

VBnet Visual Basic Developers Resource Centre
http://vbnet.mvps.org

Professor Smiley
http://www.johnsmiley.com/visualbasic/vb.htm

2007-09-21T11:56:00.001Z

Master of Arts in Teaching (1)
Master of Education (MEd) (1)

Liberty: Christian Private

Phoenix

Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction - Computer Education Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction - English as a Second Language Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training Master of Arts in Education/Cross Categorical Special Education Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-English and Language Arts Education Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-Mathematics Education Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education

Brenau University – private Christian women

· M.Ed. - Early Childhood

· M.Ed. - Middle Grades

Colorado State University

Adult Education and Training (AET)
M.Ed. in Education and Human Resource Studies

DBU (Christian private)

Master of Education in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) more info >>

Master of Education in Higher Education (M.Ed.) more info >>
(Administration Track)

East Carolina University (public )

Art Education - MAEd

fact sheet

Business Education - MAEd

fact sheet

Health Education - MAEd

fact sheet

Instructional Technology - MAEd

fact sheet

Science Education - MAEd

fact sheet

Special Education - MAEd

fact sheet

Educational Specialist/Educational Leadership - EdS

fact sheet

University of Leeds

Deaf Education (Teacher of the Deaf Qualification) (Distance Learning option) MA/PGDip

Oregon State

Adult Education & Higher Ed. Leadership

Teacher & Counselor Education

Distance Education: Masters through Distance Learning

2007-09-21T09:29:00.000Z

Numerous institutions offer on-line degrees in Distance Education:

Non For Profit and "Traditional" Institutions

Athabesca University (Canada) offers Masters (and other) degrees in Distance Education

Azusa Pacific University (private Christian university) offers a Masters in Educational Technology

Boise State University (a public U.S. state-university) offers
Instructional and Performance Technology Online Master of Science Program
Educational Technology Online Master of Science and MET Programs

Cleveland State University
Master of Education in Educational Technology

Drexel University
Master of Science in Learning Technologies

East Carolina University (public US)
Instructional Technology - MAEd

Master of Science in Educational Technology
From Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Michigan University offers Masters in Education and Technology

Lesley University offers a masters in Technology in Education

New Mexico State Univesity - Master of Arts in Education with emphasis on educational technology

Northern Arizona University
M.Ed. Educational Technology

Northeastern University (Boston)
MED Instructional Technology

Northwestern State University (Louisiana)
Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership

Nova Southeastern University
M.S in Education in Educational Technology and Distance Education

Old Dominion University

Education - Secondary Education-Instructional Design & Technology (MS.Ed.)

Open University UK
Master of Arts in Online and Distance Education

Regis University offers an MEd in Instructional Technology

Texas Tech
Master of Education in Instructional Technology

Touro University offers a Master of Arts in Education degree with concentrations in: Teaching and Instruction, Educational Leadership, E-Learning Leadership and Higher Education.

University of British Columbia
Master of Educational Technologies

University of Central Florida

Instruction Technology/Media, M.A. or M.Ed.

University of Illinois
Master of Education with a concentration in E-Learning

University of Manchester

University of Maryland College
Masters in Distance Education:
http://www.umuc.edu/programs/grad/mde/

University of Missouri , Columbia

University of South Dakota:
MS in Technology for Education and Training

University of Texas System
M.Ed. in Educational Technology

University of West Florida
Instructional Technology, M.Ed.

University of Wyoming
Education: Specialization in Instructional Technology

Virginia Tech
Instructional Technology

Western Governors University offers two programmes:
Master of Education—Instructional Design
Master of Education—Learning and Technology

Western Michigan University - Masters of Arts in Educational Technology

For Profit Institutions

Ashford University offers a Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning with Technology

Capella University offers a masters in Instructional Design for Online Learning

DeVry University offers Masters degree in
Educational Technology

Ellis College

Jones International University offers three relevant M.Ed specialisations:
MEd in Adult Education
MEd in Corporate Training and Knowledge Management
MEd in e-Learning Technology and Design

National University offers a Master of Science Educational and Instructional Technology

Strayer University offers a master's programme in "Technology in Education"

Walden University offers several MS degrees in Education, one specialises in Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Controversial Institutions
It is claimed, that degrees from these institutions might be worthless or worse:
American Intercontinental University

Associate Degree in Computer Science

2007-09-19T09:31:00.000Z

There are several institutions providing an associate degree in computers. We have, as usual, divided them into groups: well known non-for-profit institutions, for-profit institutions and naturally also some warnings, colleges that might seem legit in other sites, but we tell them as they really are.

Non For Profit:

Baker College offers associate degrees in:
Computer Programming
Computer Programming - Java Option
Industrial Technology
Web Design

Bristol Community College:

Computer Programming (Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems)
Multimedia and Internet (Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems)

Central Texas College
Computer Science Information Technology

Cerro Coso Community College
Computer Information Systems - Associate of Science

Champlain College

Computer & Digital Forensics
Computer Information System
Professional Studies (AS & BS)
Software Development
Website Development & Design

Excelsior offers

AS, Computer Software

AS, Electronics Technology

AAS or AOS, Military Specialities

AS, Nuclear Technology

AS, Technology with Specialty

Ivy Tech

Computer Information Systems - AAS and AS

SUNY JCC
Associate in Science in Computer Science
Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology

Thomas Edison State College:
Associate in Science in Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Associate in Science in Applied Science and Technology
And several other degrees.

For Profit Institutions:
University of Phoenix

Associate of Arts in Information Technology
Associate of Arts in Information Technology/Networking
Associate of Arts in Information Technology/Visual Communication

ITT Tech, associate degrees titled:
Information Technology - Computer Network Systems
Information Technology - Software Applications & Programming
Information Technology - Web Development

Kaplan University:

AAS in Computer Information Systems

AASCIS/Java

AASCIS/Networking

AASCIS/Programming

AASCIS/Web Development

AASCIS/Wireless Networking

FMU:
Computer Information Science (AS)

Strayer offers AA in Information Systems
http://www.strayer.edu/

Herzing College offers an Associate degree in Computer Science
Computer Science (ASCS)

National University offers an Associate Degree
Information Technology

Bryant and Stratton offer an associate degree in nformation Technology

WEstwood College offer Associate Degrees in
Computer Network Engineering
Software Engineering

Degrees from St. John's University

2007-09-17T08:50:00.001Z

St. John's is a private Catholic university based in New York, which offers several online degree programmes:

Individual Courses
( BA) and
MA Individual Courses

New Degree Mill Scandal: LaSalle University

2007-09-17T08:37:00.000Z

A new "degree mill" scandal: a candidate for the Sheriff's office in a New York community claimed in his CV to have had a degree from LaSalle University, a degree mill. The PostStar also reports that:

“LaSalle University of Louisiana was an institution that did offer degrees for less than college level work required. They basically were a fraudulent or substandard institution. In fact, it was closed down by the federal government,” David Linkletter of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board said in an October 2006 interview with a Texas television station. A Texas school administrator’s Ph.D from LaSalle was under investigation at the time of that interview. “LaSalle University (of Louisiana) was a paradigmatic example of a degree mill. There is not a lot of debate,” said Barmak Nassirian, spokesman for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.

LaSalle’s founder, James Kirk, served more than four years in federal prison after a 1995 raid at the school resulted in an 18-count federal indictment against him.

More here

3D Technologies - Where to Study Three Dimensional Technologies Online

2007-09-14T06:18:00.000Z

3D technologies have to do with a variety of fields, so unlike many other offerings here, there are courses and degrees from different disciplines here:

First of all, free tutorial for 3D technologies could be found here:
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/

Another free resource could be found at the Open University site.

The Art Institute Online offers 3D courses in several levels.

University of West England (Bristol) offers an MA course in Spatial Planning

Another Engineering school, at the Hariot Watt university, offers a course (for Diploma or MSc) in Creative 3D Digital Technologies

And now for something completely different: Bruford University offers an MA/MFA in Theatre, with 3D as part of the degree:
http://www.bruford.ac.uk/courses_distance_t.aspx?BackTo=courses_distance.aspx&CourseID=16

The University of London (through Goldsmiths) offer a degree in creative computer design

Special Distance Leaning Opportunities for Military Spouses

2007-09-13T09:20:00.000Z

Press Release:
Coastline Community College extended its commitment to the military family by launching its one-of-a-kind Military Spouse Program. This unique program offers an affordable tuition rate of only $59 per unit, and textbooks are provided free of charge to military spouses. Additionally, the program features accelerated 8-week online courses, 5 Associate degree options to choose from and a mere 12 semester hours needed to meet residency requirements.

Many times military spouses have needed to delay or postpone their educational aspirations due to a pending move, lengthy and multiple deployments, the need to balance work and family or the lack of educational resources in their local area. Such hardships can have an effect on the military family’s sense of readiness, can erode retention and can deteriorate a family’s financial stability. Coastline college is setting out with a unique and affordable program to solve those hurdles and help the military spouse to directly attain their educational goals.

“A very appealing aspect of our Military Spouses Program is that textbooks are provided free to the military spouse. The cost of textbooks has become exorbitant. In a military family with two people taking two courses each, textbooks alone could exceed five or six hundred dollars. Coastline is covering that part of the expense by offering textbooks to military spouses at no cost to them,” said Ed McKenney, Dean of Military Education Programs for the college.

Along with the daily challenges of military life, military spouses shoulder many burdens and provide the stability that allows Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to perform their very critical missions. Military dependent spouses require and deserve the same types of educational support and opportunities enjoyed by Servicemembers: affordable tuition and books, self-paced “anytime-anywhere education” courses delivered online, and degree programs that are achievable in spite of frequent changes of duty stations.

Coastline’s distance learning courses allow students to login and access content at any time and any place right for them. The military spouse likely doesn’t have the time, after managing the home front, to attend a physical classroom at a traditional campus. Only distance learning can offer that flexibility. “I think it’s important that our military spouses feel they are an integral part of the Coastline Military Program, and not just an afterthought. We have support staff at the college to assist them with enrollment and accessing their courses. Also, every Coastline instructor in our military program is asked to respond to all student inquiries, whether by fax, phone, message board or e-mail within 48 hours. That’s the identical service we offer their uniformed classmates,” said Mr. McKenney.

Coastline has a long history of educational innovation. It was originally founded in 1975 as a college “without walls”, dedicated to distance learning. Drawing upon its vast experience producing Emmy award winning telecourse content and its extensive selection of internet and CD-ROM courses, Coastline began specifically serving the military audience in the very early eighties. Now, Coastline even offers courses in cutting edge technologies like handheld devices (PDAs) and Smart Phones. Coastline graduated over 1500 military graduates in 2007, from every branch of service and throughout the world-- as near as your local base and as far as Iraq or Afghanistan. They are a regionally accredited college based out of Fountain Valley, California. The school offers multiple MOS/AFSC/Rating related degrees, and can award up to 40 AARTS/SMART/CCAF/other military credits toward a degree.

The military family is a team. Recognizing this fact, Coastline is hoping to provide the same high quality distance learning opportunities to military spouses that they have offered to their uniformed counterpart.

Spouse enrollment for the Fall II session is open from September 4th through September 21st. For Spring I, 2008 enrollment is projected to begin November 19th. For more information about this unique program, visit the Coastline website at military.coastline.edu, and click on the Military Spouse Program link.

New Advanced Placement Courses

2007-09-12T11:38:00.001Z

Press Release:
Aventa Learning, (www.aventalearning.com) a leading provider of online learning content and services to K-12 educational institutions, announced today that the College Board, a nonprofit association that owns and administers the Advanced Placement Program®, has approved all 22 of Aventa Learning’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Advanced Placement courses have historically been offered in a traditional high school setting and are comparable to college-level courses. According to the College Journal, the number of schools offering AP classes has jumped 36% over the past decade to over 15,000, however the content and rigor of AP courses has varied widely from one high school to the next.

Starting with course offerings in the 2007-08 school year, the College Board is requiring authorization for the use of its AP label and is mandating schools to submit a syllabus for evaluation to ensure that all AP courses offer college-level curriculum. Colleges will also receive a list of high schools that have received College Board approval to teach AP courses. Aventa Learning is one of only two distance learning companies in the nation to provide high schools with more than 20 approved online AP courses ranging from science, social science, math, history, English and foreign language classes.

“We support the College Board’s efforts to maintain consistency and set a high standard for Advanced Placement courses,” said Steve Brown, CEO of KC Distance Learning, which operates Aventa Learning. “We believe the AP audit is a positive process that will enhance the AP curriculum as a whole. The College Board’s approval of all 22 of Aventa Learning’s AP courses demonstrates that our curriculum meets their high quality standards and provides high schools across the nation with the ability to offer students the opportunity to learn at a higher level as they prepare for the transition to college.”

“In the past few years, we have seen a growth in demand for AP courses throughout the State of Wisconsin. Aventa Learning provides high quality, flexible online curriculum that increases course options for districts and the students they serve. College Board approval of Aventa AP courses provides assurances to school districts that Aventa courses are of the highest quality,” said Dawn Nordine, Director Wisconsin Virtual School & CESA 9 Instructional Technology (www.wisconsinvirtualschool.org).

A recent Department of Education study reports that a secondary school curriculum of high academic intensity and quality – such as that found in AP courses – has a more significant effect on bachelor's degree completion than more traditional academic measures, such as grade point average or class rank. According to the College Board, in 2003, over one million students took AP Exams and over 3,000 colleges and universities accepted qualifying AP Exam grades from those students for credit and/or placement. “As demand for AP courses continue to grow, we will continue to provide schools with an expanded offering of accepted AP options for their students and, in turn, help students maximize their learning opportunities,” adds Brown.

Article: Amelia Turner, How to Pick the Best Online Health Care Degree

2007-09-11T08:44:00.001Z

Health care is a booming industry that continuously needs skills workers and professional workforces to fulfill the job positions. If you are in the health care industry, the high demand in the industry can create a good opportunity for you to move your health care career to a high level, what you need is a good health care degree that can meet your career goal. Pursuing your health care degree online is a good option that allowed you to continue your current job while study online to earn a health care degree for a brighter future. There are many online health care degree programs available, so how you are going to pick the best online health degree program out of the list?

Before you pick the best online health care degree, you need to know what you want with the degree. Health Care industry covers a wide range of fields and each health care degree is designed to serve the need of each field. Alternative medicine, emergency management, psychology and life care planning are different careers in health care industry; there are many other fields in health care, which one is your target career? You need to make clear on your career direction before you decide which online health care to consider.

Once you have made up your mind of your preference health care career, your next step is to select an appropriate online health care degree that can meet your career goal. Although searching your preference online degree program is easy and convenient using internet, but time and efforts are needed to find the best online degree program. Besides the need to beware about the potential diploma mills, you should also aware that the same degree program offered by different accredited online universities may carry difference courses. The best thing to get a further understanding about these degrees is requesting all the detail information from the related online universities. The good thing is information requests are free of charge; hence you should fully utilize the free service to get all information you need about your preference online health care degree and compare them against your career goal.

The best online health care degree program should be offered by a reputable accredited online university. You want your degree carry the most value and well know by most employers in the health care industry because you will need it to help you in your health care career movement. In term of accreditation, you can always check your preference online universities with the accreditation database provided by CHEA.org. For reputation, you can check it against any complaints filed about your short listed universities at BBB.org.

The best online health care degree should gives you the necessary hand on practical and other on job training that are needed for you to familiar with the necessary skills to implement your knowledge and apply it to your job. If the selected online health care degree required these lab and practical works, find out from the online university about their medical partners that near your location that will allow you to perform your practical training.

Some Statistics

2007-09-11T08:39:00.000Z

An article on Quad Cities Online provides some statistics on distance learning in the United States:

* Kaplan University has surpassed 27,000 students - "Kaplan started with 34 students in 2001 and today has more than 27,000. "

* "nearly three-quarters of Kaplan students are women, most in their 30s, pursuing associates, bachelors and masters degrees, or career-oriented certificates."

* "nearly 3.2 million students took at least one online course during the 2005 fall term compared with 2.3 million the previous year."

* "According to the Boston-based higher-education research and consulting firm Eduventures, about 1.2 million college and university students took all their courses online."

More here.

ESL: Thompson Direct to Offer Course

2007-09-11T08:31:00.000Z

(Press Release):

Thomson Education Direct Launches Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Program

Thomson Education Direct, Australia's leading provider of distance learning education, in conjunction with the Language Training Institute, today announced they had launched an innovative teaching English course designed for people wishing to work overseas. The comprehensive teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) course, which is an important preparatory step towards gaining Certificate IV accreditation, enables students to learn the theory of teaching English to speakers of other languages and to use the qualification overseas or within Australia.

Sydney, NSW (PRWEB) September 11, 2007 -- Thomson Education Direct, Australia's leading provider of distance learning education, in conjunction with the Language Training Institute, today announced they had launched an innovative teaching English course designed for people wishing to work overseas.

The comprehensive teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) course (http://www.thomsoneducationdirect.com.au/index.cfm?id=700), which is an important preparatory step towards gaining Certificate IV accreditation, enables students to learn the theory of teaching English to speakers of other languages and to use the qualification overseas or within Australia.

Unveiling the new program, Thomson Education Direct's General Manager, Malcolm Kinns, said the TESOL course had been designed to be completed by correspondence in 12 months or earlier and involves around 120 hours of study.

"This is a very innovative course and can be very useful for people seeking to work overseas," Mr Kinns said. "It is an important certification to have because many businesses will ask if an individual has a TESOL qualification, which enables them to teach English overseas."

Mr Kinns said the course structure catered for both experienced learners and those people returning to study to gain additional qualifications.

"The resources have been developed to provide a highly structured and supportive learning experience. A key advantage of the course is that students can do all the theory by correspondence so that they can then take the Certificate IV in TESOL in conjunction with practical teaching experience."

The TESOL course (http://www.thomsoneducationdirect.com.au/index.cfm?id=700) includes a study guide, a 200-page TESOL text book entitled TESOL Made Practical, and an easy to follow workbook which together to make a complete package.

Subjects include assessing English-speaking learners (http://www.thomsoneducationdirect.com.au/index.cfm?id=703), to find out the capabilities of the people who will be taught English; exploring the purposes and methods of assessment; designing valid and reliable assessment items; and evaluating standardised assessments. Students will also learn classroom logistics and management techniques, and to develop their own resource files around grammar, topics, levels and communicating functions.

Students need to complete 47 assignments as part of the program.

"We receive a significant number of enquiries every month about whether we provide this course, which has been an important part of our decision to make it available," Mr Kinns said.

"Feedback from students is that the course is a wonderful experience that provides the teaching tools for them to put into practice. We've never had a graduate come back saying they couldn't find a teaching position overseas. This is the best Australian produced TESOL learning program," said Paul Truasheim, Chief Executive Officer of the Language Training Institute.

Learn German Online/Through Distance Learning

2007-09-10T10:06:00.000Z

There are numerous ways you can learn German online or through distance learning.

The University of London:

German	BA	Royal Holloway
German and Italian	BA	Royal Holloway

University College Dublin - MA in German

Related Programmes:
University of Portsmouth - MA Translation Studies

Learn Welsh Online

2007-09-07T11:24:00.000Z

Welsh is only one of several languages that are available for distance learners, for free. It should be noted, of course, that these courses are usually non-credit non-degree courses.

A Welsh Course
http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/fun/welsh/

BBC - Learn Welsh
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learnwelsh/

For a fee:
University of Wales Lampeter - distance learning degree/courses in Welsh
http://www.e-addysg.com/english/

University of Wales Bangor - Welsh for Adults (beginners and advanced)
http://www.bangor.ac.uk/ll/wfa.php.en?menu=5&catid=2068&subid=0

Keystone Highschool

2007-09-07T11:23:00.000Z

(Press Release)

Keystone National High School Redefines Academic Excellence with New Comprehensive Program for Full-Time Students

Program Provides an Exclusive Suite of Services Including Coaching, Mentoring and Tutoring Together With Traditional Curriculum in an Online High School Environment

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keystone National High School, recognized as an innovator in home education and distance learning approaches, announced today a new comprehensive program for their full-time students to ensure they have access to the latest resources and support they need to be successful in a virtual education environment. The new “Full-Time Student Program” will offer additional services to qualified students and their parents at no added cost.

The Sloan Consortium’s March 2007 Survey of U.S. School District Administrators estimates that 700,000 students engaged in online high school courses during the 2005-06 academic year. It is estimated that the number of students completing their coursework online has grown 30% year over year. With the growth in online high school education, Keystone recognizes that students benefit from specific support services delivered in parallel with their course work.

Similar to a traditional school environment, the new Full-time Student Program provides the key components of access to and feedback from highly qualified and certified teachers, a detailed orientation, motivational activities and tutoring. Support for parents extends beyond what a parent would expect in a traditional school environment – with online access to observe their child’s work as well as monthly progress reports. Through this unique offering of services, Keystone redefines academic excellence in distance learning.

“We are in the unique position of having more than 30 years of experience in distance education to draw upon in determining what programs will help students succeed in a remote environment,” said Steve Brown, CEO of KC Distance Learning, which operates Keystone National High School. “Having served full time students for many years, we believe this new Full-time Student Program will enable our students to meet the academic challenges of our curriculum.”

Based on market research conducted with hundreds of Keystone students and families, Keystone’s new, comprehensive Full-time Student Program is designed to help students ramp up quickly and stay focused while providing parents with tools to observe their child’s progress. Services include:

Student Support Services

1. Access to Answers. Teachers respond within 24 hours via phone or email to curriculum questions. A Student Services Team is available toll-free to answer program questions. Technical Support is available 24/7.

2. Orientation Course. Students are guided on how to log-in, navigate through courses and turn in assignments.

3. Learning Coach. New students are contacted by a Learning Coach to review school logistics and make sure the student is familiar with how to participate in classes, and interact with teachers and peers.

4. Keystone STARS (Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success). Students are encouraged to start accessing courses immediately by completing a series of tasks within the first 30 days. Students who complete the tasks are entered in a drawing for an iPod Shuffle.

5. Tutoring. In addition to access to Keystone teachers who respond to student inquiries within 24 hours, students now have access to instant help through Tutor.com. Full-time students receive 75 minutes of free tutoring each school year.

Parent Support Services

1. Parent Observer Account. Parents may observe their student’s progress from any Internet enabled computer. Visibility includes student assignments, how much work the student has completed, and the coursework being studied.

2. Progress Reports. Parents may receive weekly progress reports via email. Reports show how many times a student has logged-in, number of assignments completed and test or exam grades.

The Full-Time Student program is available beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. For more information on Keystone National High School and the Full-Time Student program, visit our website at www.keystonehighschool.com, email at info@keystonehighschool.com or call 1-800-255-4937.

Careers After Online Degrees

2007-09-06T11:39:00.000Z

Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics' research reveals that some of the fastest growing and highest-paying careers include many of the traditional job fields. Career options such as accounting, bookkeeping, administrative services and healthcare promise steady work, stability, and above average salaries.

Earning a degree in these career areas has never been easier with the number of online course options available to mid-career workers. The career and online match in the healthcare filed is exemplary.

Online courses are available for degrees in Healthcare Reimbursement and Administrative Office Management. Though healthcare and administrative jobs are often seen as rather ordinary, the medical filed offers tremendous advancement opportunities for those wishing to earn more and take on greater responsibility.

In addition, there are numerous accounting type degree options available online where students can be trained for both public and private sector jobs. Accounting professionals are among the most stable of career pros and offer above average wage potential.

Adding to the appeal of these traditional career options is the possibility for part-time work for those who want to spend more time with family. Earning an online degree is the first step to developing the qualifications necessary to be considered for this type of work.

Masters in Computer Science via Distance Learning

2007-09-01T09:10:00.000Z

As noted in our article about distance learning bachelor degrees in computer science, there are many universities offering distance learning (usually online) degrees in computer scinece. The question is to find some of the best that actually do that. Please note, that this is not a ranking per-se: it is based upon ranking of brick and mortar (B&M) programmes, but these rankings usually involve (rightly so) an evaluation of classroom teaching and facilities usually not relevant for distance learning students. On the other hands, they might ignore the quality of a distance learning programme itself. Nevertheless, in the market, names and rankings count; and that it is difficult to assume that a good university with good staff would fail to deliver the material through distance learning.

We took the top 30 programmes from each country:

Harvard University, which we're sure some of you have heard of, offers an Master degree in Information Technology which could be done almost entirely through distance learning:

You can earn the degree through any combination of online and on-campus courses,
although there is a minimum residency
requirement of one 4-credit, on-campus-only course.

Stanford University offers a Masters in Computer Science, through SCPD

Carnegie Mellon (the top US university) offers a Masters in Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Information Technology.

Another top US university, the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, offers online degrees in computing:Master of Computer Science
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Another university at the UoI system, the UoI Springfield offers Master of Science in Computer Science

The University of Southern California offers several specialisations of Master of Science in Computer Science

Columbia University offers several masters degrees: MSc Computer Science- Foundations of Computer Science; M.S. in Computer Science- Computer Security; M.S. in Computer Science- Machine Learning; M.S. in Computer Science- Natural Language Processing; M.S. in Computer Science- Network Systems; M.S. in Computer Science- Software Systems; M.S. in Computer Science- Vision and Graphics; And P.D. in Computer Science- Computer Systems Engineer

Purdue offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Georgia Tech offers a Master Of Science Degree In Electrical And Computer Engineering

In the UK, the University of Edinburgh (UK's top) offers an MSc in System Level Integration in a distance learning mode

The University of Manchester offers two Computer Science MSc degrees:
Bioinformatics MSc (Distance Learning)
Low Power Systems Integration MSc

The University of Sheffield offers an MSc in Health Informatics

Queen Mary University offers MSc in:

MSc/ PgDip Telecommunications
Networks Pathway
Internet Computing Pathway
Applications Pathway
MSc/ PgDip Wireless Networks - Networks Pathway ONLY
MSc or PgDip in Digital Signal Processing (NEW for 2007/08) *
MSc or PgDip in Digital Music Processing (NEW for 2007/08) *
MSc or PgDip in Internet Signal Processing (NEW for 2007/08) *

Royal Holloway at the University of London offers an MSc in Information Security

Other Brick and Mortar or non-Profit Universities:

The programmes listed here might not come for the highest ranking universities, but at least these universities are known names; and in most cases are also brick-and-mortar universities (or at least, when distance learning only, well-regarded in that field):

Auburn University - Master of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (an Indian University) - MS in Computer Systems

Boston University - Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

Brandeis University: Master of Software Engineering
Master of Science in Information Technology Management

Colorado State University - M.C.S, Masters of Computer Science (online degree)

DePaul offers masters degrees in:Computer Science
Computer, Information and Network Security
E-Commerce Technology
Information Systems
Information Technology
Instructional Technology Systems
Software Engineering
Synchronous DL courses available (more information below**)
Telecommunication Systems

Edith Cowan University- Master of Computer Security ;

Kakatiya University (India) - http://www.sdlceku.ac.in/SQPapers.asp?Sub=MCom

Kettering University - MS in Information Technology

Kennesaw State University: Master of Science in Applied Computer Science

Marist University - Master of Science in Information Systems ; Master of Science in Technology Management

North Carolina State University - Master of Computer Science (Distance Education)

Nova Southeastern University offers numerous CS DL degrees: http://www.scis.nova.edu/masters.html

Pace University - Master of Science in Internet Technologies for e-Commerce

Regis University - Master of Science in Computer Information Technology

Rensselaer University offers degrees in
MEng in Computer and Systems Engineering
MEng in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Microelectronics
MS and MEng in Electric Power Engineering
MEng in Industrial and Management Engineering
MS in Human-Computer Interaction
MS in Information Technology
MS in Computer Science

Stevens Institute of Technology - Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Science with a Concentration in CyberSecurity
Computer Science/ Telecom Management with a Concentration in Security Management and Forensics
Engineering Management
Information Systems

University of Bridgeport - M.S. in Computer Science

University of California, Fullerton - Online Master’s in Information Technology

University of Hertfordshire - Online MSc in Computer Science

University of Houston Victoria - http://www.uhv.edu/asa/MSCIS/default.asp

University of Minnesota Rochester - Master's Degree in Computer Science and MS in Computer Science

The Open University (UK) is naturally a distance learning based institution, but as such it has a very good reputation and experience (and it is non-profit):

MSc in Computing for Commerce and Industry (F05)
MSc in Information Systems (F37)
MSc in Management of Software Projects (F43)
MSc in Networks and Distributed Systems (F42)
MSc in Software Development (F26)

Polytechnic : MS Bioinformatics MS Electrical Engineering Master of Engineering in interdicipilinary studies in engineering MS Telecommunication Networks

University of Southern Queensland - Master of Computing ; Master of Information Technology (Professional)

Virtual Global University and Viadrina University - Masters of Business Informatics

Other for-profit/distance learning only Universities

The following universities are for-profit universities, which usually offer professionals the opportunity to carry on with their career while completing an online/distance learning degree:

American Sentinel University (US, for profit, only DETC accredited): MS in Computer Science ;
MS in Information Systems

Capella University (US, for-profit):

Information Technology - Information Security
Information Technology - General Information Technology
Information Technology - Health Information Management

Information Technology - Network Architecture and Design

Information Technology - Project Management and Leadership
Information Technology - System Design and Development

Ellis College - MS - Computer Science

Phoenix University (US, for profit): Master of Information Systems

Strayer - Masters in Information Systems

Walden University - M.S. in Computer Engineering
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Electrical Engineering
M.S. in Software Engineering
M.S. in Systems Engineering

Controversial Institutes:

It has been alleged that degrees from the following institutes are "worthless" (or worse). They offer DL computer science degrees:

International University for Professional Studies - is not accredited by any agency

Warren National University, formerly known as Kennedy-Western University

Warnborough College/University

Computer Science - Bachelor Degree

2007-08-27T09:51:00.000Z

MBA with Concentration in IT

2007-08-26T09:16:00.000Z

American Sentinel University (private for profit) - MBA with Information Systems, Information Management, etc. http://www.americansentinel.edu/Programs/MBA/index.php

Aspen University - Master of Business Administration - Specialization in Information Management

Bellevue University (private for profit US) - MBA with Management Information Systems Concentration

Chiefly Business School (Australia) - http://www.mba-distance-learning.com/mbatech.asp

Columbia Southern University (private for profit, US) - MBA Concentration in E-Business and Technology

Concordia University Wisconsin (private non profit US) - MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Ellis College (private for profit US) - Masters in Business Administration - E-Commerce ; Masters in Business Administration - Management of Information Systems ; Masters in Business Administration - Management of Technology

Grand Canyon University - http://my.gcu.edu/programs/pos/business/MBA_MIS_POS.pdf

Northcentral (private for profit,US) - MBA with concentrations in Applied Computer Science; Computer and Information Security; Electronic Commerce; Management Information Systems; and Management of Engineering and Technology (among others, only IT-related MBAs are listed here)

Norwich University (private non profit US) - MBA with ecommerce concentration - http://www.graduate.norwich.edu/mba/

Park College - public non profit- MBA Computer and Network Security Concentration ;p Management Information Systems Concentration

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs - MBA Information Systems; MBA Technology Management

University of Dallas Business School (private non profit) - The Dallas MBA Concentration in Information Technology

Walden (private for profit, US) - MBA with Technology http://www.waldenu.edu/c/Schools/Schools_6740.htm

Western Governors University (public U.S.) - Master of Business Administration—Information Technology Management Emphasis

Western International University (private for profit, US) -
Master of Business Administration in Information Technology

Operations Research in Distance Learning

2007-08-25T08:25:00.000Z

Bachelor Programmes:
UNISA (DL public institute in South Africa) - Honours Bachelor of Science in Operations Research

Graduate Certificate:
Southern New Hampshire University - Operations Management Graduate Certificate

Masters Programmes:

Columbia University - Master of Science in Operations Research via Columbia Video Network
Colorado State University - Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (M.S., M.E., Ph.D.)
Florida Institute of Technology - M.S. Operations Research (opens a PDF file)
Georgia Tech - Master of Science in Operations Research (MSOR)
Kettering University - Master of Science in Operations Management
The University of Alabama in Huntsville - MSOR (Master of Science in Operations Research) Options (PDF)
The Department of Management Science at the University of Strathclyde - MSc in Operational Research
UNISA - Master of Science in Operations Research

Doctoral Programmes:

Colorado State University - Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (M.S., M.E., Ph.D.)
UNISA - Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research (08591)
Walden University (for profit DL institute) - Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences with a Specialization in Engineering Management

Non-Accredited and Dubios Institutions:
Beware of institutes that are not accerdited by any recognised body. "American Global University", for example, offers degrees in Operations Research, but the degree could be used as a nice wallpaper, nothing more than that.

What does these mean?
1. B&M - Brick and Mortar - "regular" university offering also distance learning degrees
2. For Profit Distance Learning - just what it sounds like - an company which offers degree programmes (we're listing only accredited ones, or note when we're not); e.g. University of Pheonix; Walden University. Be aware that some employers stigmatise these in comparison with B&Ms which also offer distance learning degrees or non-profit DL institutions.

Medine Online?

2007-08-24T10:19:00.001Z

Can you study medicine online? Can you become a doctor with a distance learning degree? Sounds ridiculous!

Before understanding what distance learning medical education is all about, a clarification of the different names of medical degrees might be in order. In the UK and most of the "Commonwealth" academy, one can attend a medical school straight after high school and finish after several years (usually 5-6) with an MD. In Europe, one receives a "Diploma", but the schools also admit high-school graduates. In the United States one goes to mediacl school only after having obtained a degree in another subject. In most countries, including the United States, one must also pass an entrance exam to the school (in the United States: the MCAT). In all countries, medical education is usually divided between theoretical education in medicine and clinical education, where the student is in fact learning in a hospital/clinic environment, practically. This vital part of MD education cannot be studied from a distance...

However, the field of Osteopathic medicine (Wikipedia) is "different": according to this field, which is more accepted as a form and a route of becoming a physician in the United States as in other countries, one has to look at the whole body to help people. Graduates of Osteopathic medicine schools are not MD but have a degree called DO, but can practice medicine, although they are closer to "alternative" medicine than regular, allopathic medicine.

Having graduated from medical school doesn't guarentee becoming an MD. First of all, in many countries, there are exams for gradutaes that would give them license to practice medicine. In addition, one has to be a graduate of a school, which has proven to fulfill certain stadards in medical education. A school in another country has to be recognised by the authorities of the country the graduate wants to practice in. This is especially important when considering distance education - even if a university claims to have been credited in its own country, it doesn't mean that your Ministry of Health accepts it as a medical school. Money will be then flushed down the toilets.

However, there are several online medical and health-related programmes. We have already discussed distance learning Podiatry programmes. There are many health-related professions, and some are obtainable through distance learning degrees.

In addition, there are numerous distance learning degrees for those who have already obtained their first professional degree in medicine (or sometimes related health subjects, microbilogy, etc.), that is, they are already MD, and would like to further their education. It should be noted, that even if graduates of non-medical subjects will be admitted, this is not a "short-cut" into becoming a physician:

* The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) offers the following:

- Epidemiology (MSc and Postgraduate Diploma)

- Clinical Trials (MSc and Postgraduate Diploma)

- Infectious Diseases (MSc and Postgraduate Diploma)

- Public Health (MSc and Postgraduate Diploma)

* The University of Dundee offers:

- Master/Diploma/Certificate in Medical Education

- MSc in Primary Care

- Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

-An array of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care programmes

* Edith Cowan University offers a long list of distance learning degrees for professional development or specialisation of members of the health-care and the research community:

Postgraduate Certificate in Aviation Medicine
Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing
Post Graduate Certificate in Community Mental Health Nursing
Graduate Certificate of Science (Critical Care Paramedicine)
Graduate Diploma of Science (Critical Care Paramedicine)
Graduate Certificate in Dementia Studies
Graduate Diploma in Dementia Studies
Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies
Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Harm Minimisation
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health
Graduate Certificate of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning)
Master of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning)
Post Graduate Diploma of Family Medicine
Master of Family Medicine
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing
Post Graduate Diploma of Geriatric Medicine
Master of Geriatric Medicine
Graduate Certificate in Health and Ecology
Graduate Diploma of Health and Ecology
Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion
Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management
Master of Health Services Management
Post Graduate Diploma of Men's Health and Andrology
Master of Men's Health and Andrology
Graduate Certificate in Nurse Led Telephone Triage and Consultation
Master of Nursing (by research)
Master of Nursing (by coursework)
Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) **
Graduate Diploma of Psychology **
Post Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Mental Health)
Master of Science (Midwifery)
Master of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health
Doctor of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health
Graduate Diploma in Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology
Doctor of Philosophy (Occupational Health & Safety) **
Master of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology
Post Graduate Diploma of Occupational Medicine, Health and Safety
Master of Occupational Medicine, Health and Safety
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health
Graduate Diploma of Occupational Safety and Health
Post Graduate Diploma of Palliative Care
Master of Palliative Care
Post Graduate Diploma of Preventive Medicine
Master of Preventive Medicine
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Graduate Diploma of Public Health
Master of Public Health (by research)
Master of Public Health (by coursework)
Graduate Certificate in Women's Health
University Certificate in Women's Health **

* AM Still University offers online degree programmes in :

Advanced Occupational Therapy
Advanced Physician Assistant
Geriatric Health
Health Administration
Health Education
Human Movement
Public Health
Transitional Audiology
Transitional Physical Therapy

* University of Ulster offers degree programmes in:

PGDip/MSc Forensic Medicine (F655PJ/F656PJ)
PGDip/MSc Health and Social Care (Primary Care and General Practice and Medical Revalidation Framework - Primary and Secondary Care) Pathways (G953PJ/G954PJ)
PGDip/MSc Dementia Studies (G828PJ/G559PJ)
PGCert/PGDip/MSc European Food Regulatory Affairs (F992PC/F993PC/F994PC)
PGDip/MSc Forensic Medicine (F655PJ/F656PJ)
MSc Biomedical Science (F991PC)
BSc Hons Applied Biosciences (F600UC)
Graduate Certificate Biomedical Science (F985UC)

Masters in History Courses

2007-08-23T08:52:00.000Z

Which universities offer postgraduate distance learning degrees in history?

*Sheffield Hallam (UK, B&M) offers a programme leading to MA/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate in "History: Imperialism and Culture"

* Staffodshire University (UK, B&M) offers an MA in International History (Distance Learning)

* Sam Houston University, an American public university, offers a completely online MA in History with several speciality fields.

* Norwich University, an American public university and "cradle of ROTC" offers a distance learning MA in Military History
* The Australian Monash University offers a distance learning degree in Public History
* The American Military University offers several distance learning degrees in history

Closer fields:
* MA in Social Sciences by the University of Syracuse
* The Institue of Education at the University London offers a distance learning MA course in History Education
* University of Birmingham - Heritage Management by distance learning MA or Certificate
* Union Institute in Vermont offers Masters programme with a "concentration" in history and culture
* Charles Sturt University - offers MA in Australian History

As usual there are some universities that might not be recommended. Warnborough University offers an MA in History. It is, however, not accredited by any recognised body; and is considered by some to be a degree mill.

Podiatry by Distance Learning

2007-08-21T08:41:00.000Z

It is possible to learn podiatry (foot) medicine by distance learning, which means that if you dream of a medical profession but cannot afford going to school full time, this could be a great solution.

The Society of Podiatrists says on its FAQ:

Q9. Do the Schools of Podiatry run any part-time courses?
There are three Schools of Podiatry that offer part-time courses Salford (0161 295 2207), Huddersfield (01484 472561) 2 days per week over 4 1/2 years and Southampton offer a flexi-route (023 8059 5260) 3 days per week over 3 years (longer term times)

Q10. Do the Schools of Podiatry run any distance learning courses?
No, unfortunately the Schools of Podiatry do not offer distance learning for the undergraduate degree programme. (Please see question 9 for part-time courses).

The UK degrees are usually available to podiatrists who have already been registered with the HPC (Health Professions Council):
* Queen Margaret University
* New College Durham
* MMU Cheshire - PG certificate in Sports Podiatry http://www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk/home/courses/courseDetail4.php?id=96

And we cannot finish without talking about those institutes to beware of:
* Adam Smith University offers a Podiatry course, the university is often referred to as a degree mill.

Which Top Business Schools Offer Distance Leaning MBA?

2007-08-20T11:21:00.000Z

First of all, the usual disclaimer: this is not a ranking of distane learning degrees. As already explained, this is near impossible to do. However, when choosing a business school, names count. So which top business schools offer distance learning programmes? We took the Financial Times' rating of business schools and checked, which ones offer an online/distance learning MBA.

From the top business schools listed by Business Week, the Kelly School of Business at the University of Illinois (ranked 18 in the U.S.) offers an online MBA programme.

Another top business school, which offers many off-campus and distance learning programmes is the Manchester Business School. See MBSW and http://www.mbs.ac.uk/

The Warrick Business School also offers a distance learning MBA

Carnegie Mellon: Tepper Business School offers the Fleximode MBA, a distance learning MBA

The Tanaka Business School at Imperial College (UoL) offer a distance learning MBA.

Thunderbird school of management offers three distance learning business graduate degree programmes:
Global MBA On-Demand - an online MBA
Web-based Post-MBA
Web-based Dual Degree with an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley Direct and an MIM from Thunderbird in just 28 months for the complete package.

W.P. Carey, also on the Financial Times list (57) offers an online MBA

The Moore Businss School at the University of South Carolina offers two MBAs through distance learning: the Professional MBA Banking Option and an MSN/MBA

Another top-100 business school offering an online MBA programme is Durham Business School MBA, in addition to a distance learning MA in Management

EADA in Spain, the last school on FT's list of top business school, offers a combined distance learning MBA programme (with few residential seminars, every four months, in Europe).

In Other Top Business Schools:

Wharton, which tops the Financial Times list for 2007, hasn't got an MBA programme, but has non-MBA programs for working professionals: Wharton Executive Education and Wharton Programs for Working Professionals

The Spanish Instituto de Empresa, ranked 11th on the Financial Times list, offers their "Global MBA", which could be done almost entirely online, with a few meetings. The IE Global MBA is probably the highest ranking online MBA programme via distance learning. They also offer an online Executive MBA in Spanish, which is also probably the highest ranking institution offering an online EMBA.

The Swiss-based IMD also offers an online EMBA (it is ranked just after IE, on the 13th place).

MIT doesn't offer an online/distance learning MBA programmes. However, it does offer the MIT's System Design and Management Program, which is in cooperation between Sloan and the School of Engineering and could be completed online.

Northwestern Kellog School of Business also doesn't offer a distance learning MBA, but it does offer an MSc programme (which could be done through distance learning) in Communication Systems Strategy and Management Program

Purdue University also offers EMBA by distance learning.

Boston University doesn't offer a distance learning MBA but offers an online graduate degree in Business (MSc in Business):
Master of Science in Management: with six specialisations - Banking and Financial Services Management- Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management - Human Resources Management- Insurance Management- International Marketing Management- Project Management

George Washington University doesn't offer an online MBA but offers the following graduate business programmes through distance learning:
MS in Project Management
MTA in Tourism Administration
Healthcare MBA

A Final Word About Choosing a School:

This list of schools is not the only list of schools offering MBA online (or through distance learning, see more information here). Although they are all respectable schools, one should always consider if choosing a school with more experience with distance learning, like the Open University Business School, will not benefit them more.

Masters in Philosophy Courses

2007-08-20T10:38:00.000Z

In our series of Master's degrees we will this week deal with a field not frequently sought after in distance learning, although there is no real problem to study it through a correposndence course: philosophy. The good thing about pursuing a degree in a less-sought-after subject, is that the chances of tripping into a degree mill descrease; and that at least some for-profit institutions do not offer it, so you're usually left with a very good selection (one institute that should be mentioned, though, is Warnborough College - sometimes also called Warnborough University; it is a listed company in Ireland, not an accredited college there; nor is it accredited by the Ministry of Education in the UK or by any of the recognised bodies for accreditation in the USA).

In this case, some of the recommended programmes are:
* The British Open University - MA in Philosophy
* University of Illinois in Springfield - Individualised MA in Philosophy, online degree
* The Philosophy department at the tiny (but charming) University of Wales, Lampeter offer several MA programmes in Philosophy, by field of spciality.

Slightly related:
* The Faculty of Law at the Univesity of Manchester offers a masters programme in Health Care Ethics and Law. It is an MA, not an LLM (you can find out more about distance learning or online Law Degrees here)
* Deakin University (Australia) offer a Master's Degree in Psychoanalytic Studies (you can find out more about distance learning psychology programmes here)

West Coast University - Another Example of the Seedy Methods of Degree Mills

2007-08-19T07:48:00.000Z

The name "West Coast University" should be of interest to anyone looking for a classic example of how degree mills work. It could be also a nice lesson in how to recognise a degree mill stealing the name of an accredited institution, as there is also a "legitimate" institute in Orange County/ Los Angeles, CA area, which calls itself "West Coast University".

Confused? That's the point. There are two insitutions, not connected, which call themselves "West Coast University". The first one, is a tiny nursing school in California. It offers only three programmes, LVN to RN, RN to BSc in Nursing and Health Management. They are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The West Coast University is a private institute and according to their site, offer only on-site training as a nurse, not distance learning programmes. However, it is always recommended to contact the state board of nurses before registering with a nursing school; and to shop around if this is the best nursing school for you.

The other, bogus, "West Coast University", has nothing to do with this nursing college. It is a company registered in Panama, which offers "degrees" in a variety of subjects (engineering, business, etc.). There are several signs that shout "diploma mill" in this case:
* using a name that sounds like a name of a "real" university (in this case, it is the name of a real university)
* accreditation claimed from all kinds of shoddy organisations, nobody has heard from
* site doesn't have an .edu suffix, but uses a -edu as part of the site name
* site itself looks dodgy

New Capella Programmes: Educational Specialist and Masters of Public Health

2007-08-16T17:30:00.001Z

Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited,* online university based in Minneapolis, today introduced a new Education Specialist (EdS) online degree program, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health. Twelve new graduate and undergraduate specializations are also being launched in such fields as emergency management, retail management, school counseling, educational leadership, health information management, human resource management, information security, and project management. Enrollment is now open, with classes beginning fall quarter 2007.

"With the addition of the EdS degree, Capella can offer teachers and administrators an intermediate degree between our master's and PhD degree programs," said Harry McLenighan, dean of Capella's School of Education. "We think it's important to provide an EdS option for people who want education beyond their master's degree, but currently don't want to pursue a doctoral degree." Specializations available within the EdS program include Curriculum and Instruction, and Leadership in Educational Administration. Capella is one of the few online universities to offer a state-approved specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration.

Capella's new MS in Public Health is designed to meet the growing need for public health workers, a field in danger of losing a substantial percentage of its work force to retirement. A 2004 report by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Council of State Governments (CSG) predicted public health retirement rates as high as 45 percent over the succeeding five years and noted public health vacancy rates of up to 20 percent in some states. New specializations offered as part of the MS in Public Health degree include Health Management and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The MS in Public Health program is part of Capella's School of Human Services, which is also launching a new School Counseling specialization within its MS in Human Services program.

Tips for Older/Non Traditional Students

2007-08-14T09:11:00.000Z

CNN Money has several tips for older/non traditional students:

1. Get to know what you really want to do through http://careervoyages.gov/

2. Take distance learning courses

3. Make sure before taking them that they are accredited, and not degree mills.

4. Get funding - unfortunately, on this very important issue of grants, CNN doesn't say much.

Congress Attempts to Take on Degree Mills

2007-08-14T09:06:00.000Z

The problem of federal employees opting for the easy but fishy way, and obtaining false or bogus degrees rises concern for some time now. It has been now reported, that

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., has introduced a bill in the U.S. House that would "reduce and prevent the sale and use of fraudulent degrees in order to protect the integrity of valid higher education degrees that are used for federal purposes."

The bill, which is still in committee, was written in response to an investigation that found thousands of bogus degrees were sold to federal employees on congressional staffs and with NASA, U.S. Customs and the Pentagon.

If it becomes law, the likelihood of imprisonment could increase for federal employees who resort to desperate means to impress their colleagues or gain an unfair advantage in the workplace.

More here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07225/809036-84.stm

Learn Web Design Online

2007-08-13T08:12:00.000Z

There are literally thousands of places offering web design or Internet design courses, and it is also a skill you can learn on your own. Why, then, should you learn it in a certificate/degree programme? A good degree programme would enahce your workplace chances, and web site design or web design is exactly one of those fields where distance learning would be ideal.

Here are only few places, and if anyone has valid recommendations, they can leave them in the comments section - I promise to check them. It should be noted, that I dont and would not list degrees that are not "accredited" in one form or another.

* University of Exeter (England) - fully accredited modules

* The University of London (leading college: Goldsmiths) offer a degree (BSc) and a diploma in "Creative Computing". Needless to say, that the UoL is highly regarded.

* The Art Institute Online offers a diploma in web design and an associate or bachelor degrees in Interactive Media Design.

* Baker College - a non-profit private American professional college (all distance learning), offers certificate and associate programmes in Web Design

* The International Academy of Design and Technology, a for-profit institute active in the US and Canada.

* Another private arts college, The Savannah College of Art and Design, offers a programme in Interactive Design and Game Development

* DeVry, a for-profit private distance learning only institute, offers an associate degree in Web Graphic Design

* Another such well known for-profit institute is the University of Phoenix, which offers an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor in Information Technology/Visual Communication; a Bachelor also in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Multimedia and Visual Communication.

* Capella University also offers a Bachelor in Graphics and Multimedia

* Westwood College of Technology - a for-profit American college offers a bachelor degree in web design

* Brown College - a small private career college, offers a degree in Visual Communication

* ITT (private for profit) offers an associate degree in Multimedia design

* Collins College - another for-profit private college, offers a programme in Visual Communication

* New England Tech (private, non for profit), offers an Associate degree in Multimedia and Web Design Technology

* Chapman College, which, according to Wikipedia, was ranked as the best college in the North (US) for comprehensive studies, offers a certificate in Multimedia & Graphic Design: Interactive & Web and a Bachelor/Associate programmes in Web Site Development and Design

* Bellvue University offers a Bachelor of Fina Arts in Computer Graphic Design

Psychology - Can You Get a Degree Online?

2007-08-12T08:42:00.000Z

At first it might sound ridiculous. A degree in psychology requires some clinical experience or field work, right?

However, while becoming a clinical therapist might prove difficult, there are several institutions offering other psychological degrees online. First of all, traditional for-profit distance learning providers, like Capella University, University of Phoenix or Walden all offer courses in psychology.

However, here are some psychology programmes offered by traditional brick and mortar colleges, which are available through distance learning.

The University of London offers an MSc and a Postgraduate Certificate in Organisational Psychology; The leading college is Birkbeck.

UMass (University of Massachusetts) offers several distance learning degrees in psychology:
# Master of Education in School Counseling
# Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
# Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
# Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

City University in Seattle (not to confuse with the more famous City University in London) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology

The University of Leicester in England offer an MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology by distance learning and an Msc in Forensic and Legal Psychology by Distance Learning; it also offers an MSc in Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders (this programme is also available as a PG certificate) and an MSc in Occupational Psychology and in Psychology of Work

Another English university, the University of Portsmouth, offers an MSc in Criminology And Criminal Psychology.

The University of North Dakota offers numerous distance learning degrees and certificate programmes in psychology:
* Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
* Master of Arts in Counseling
* Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

Fielding Graduate University offers an APA approved PhD Program in Clinical Psychology, most of which can be studied through distance learning, and could lead to licensing as a clinical psychologist in "most" states.

Saybrook: "Saybrook graduates are licensed psychologists in various states and Canadian provinces. Students who wish to pursue licensure are advised to contact the licensing board in the state/province in which they plan to practice in order to obtain the detailed requirements. Licensure regulations differ from state to state. Students should follow the specific requirements (i.e., courses, faculty contact hours, internship) in planning and completing their degree program curriculum. Saybrook does not have an on-site internship program. Students locate appropriate internships and supervision in their geographic area, working in conjunction with Saybrook’s Internship Coordinator."
Offers various online and flexible learning options for psychology.

The Australian Charles Sturt University offers several distance learning based psychology degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy [through the Faculty of Arts]

Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology

Unaccredited Institutions
* Ryokan - not accredited, approved by the State of California, and graduates of their programme can practice there (see the site for further constraints):
http://www.ryokan.edu/online.html (PhD and MSc in counselling/therapy/clinical psychology)

* Walden - Walden's programmes are generally accredited, but for licensure as a clinical psychologist one also needs APA accreditation: "The Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology specializations are designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. These specializations are designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state psychology boards. Walden University licensure specializations in psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association, which is a requirement for licensure in some states. Because no graduate psychology program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements."

* Capella University: http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/profession/mental_health.aspx

Distance Learning Courses Attracting the University's Own Students

2007-08-10T11:55:00.001Z

According to an article on "Inside Higher Ed", distance education courses offered by universities also attract the universities' own students. In fact, some universities encourage students to take at least one online course, as it will develop indepenent study.

The comments on the article are also very interesting.

New Regulations for Non-Bar DL Law Schools in California

2007-08-10T10:31:00.000Z

The State Bar of California recently approved some rules that will regulate unaccredited law schools.

One of the ways to become a lawyer in the State of California has been through a correspondence degree. There are 29 schools in California, with varying levels of teaching, which offer law degrees. The National Law Journal reports that

The rules, which go into effect on Jan. 1, 2008, include requirements that unaccredited schools maintain adequate records, pay oversight fees and meet minimum library standards.

Distance learners in California are required to pass the "Baby Bar", an exam of the first year's law degree, in their first three trials, in order to be able to sit the bar exam.

More:
Getting a Law Degree Online

You Can Learn How to Can

2007-08-09T11:35:00.000Z

You can canningly learn how to can, and through a correspondence course! The canning course at Michigan State University Extension, Oakland County offers a distance learning course on canning.

Read more here
Courses in Home and Gardening here

Child and Youth Development Program at Charter Oaks

2007-08-09T11:32:00.000Z

An innovative, online degree completion program, designed for after school and youth work professionals, will be introduced this fall by Charter Oak State College, New England's premier distance learning college for adults. The program, to launch Aug. 27 with an Aug. 17 registration deadline, was designed by Charter Oak faculty working with state and national experts including representatives from the Connecticut After School Network, Connecticut Charts-A-Course, the Youth Development Training and Resource Center and the state's Health and Social Services departments.

Charter Oak's concentration in Child and Youth Development builds on the core courses of the College's successful Credential in After School Education. It is based on a set of outcomes and established competencies that shape the professional's approach to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment and advancing the physical and intellectual competence of children and youth. The curriculum additionally addresses the areas of guidance and support for social and emotional development and productive family relationships and outlines purposeful programs that respond to the needs of children and their families.

Carole Weisberg, Charter Oak's Coordinator of Programs for Early Childhood and Youth Educators, notes that there are few colleges or universities, nationwide, that offer programs designed to allow professionals in the field to pursue their educational goals as they continue to respond to the unique needs of the children and youth they serve. “Charter Oak's new Child and Youth Development concentration provides that personal opportunity,” she says.

The concentration offers convenient, 8-week courses and eliminates work schedule conflicts because it is provided entirely online. “Charter Oak,” says Weisberg, “has a history of developing collaboration and partnerships that help fulfill unmet needs for professional workforce training. The new concentration does exactly that for those working in the field of Child and Youth Development.”

Steven Kelleher, a recent Charter Oak graduate, in referencing Charter Oak's specialty concentrations and online programs, observed that while researching other accredited distance learning institutions, he found many to be outdated and inflexible in their degree requirements and credits earning policies. Says Kelleher, “I've also found Charter Oak to be less expensive than the others.”

Charter Oak State College, which was established in 1973 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, has earned national recognition as the college that offers “degrees without boundaries.”

Capella to Offer an Intermediate PG degree in education

2007-08-08T11:33:00.000Z

-Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited,* online university based in Minneapolis, has announced a new Education Specialist (EdS) degree program in its School of Education. Within this online degree program, two specializations are being offered, Leadership in Educational Administration, and Curriculum and Instruction. Capella also announced a new education-focused specialization, School Counseling, as part of its Master of Science in Human Services program.

“With the addition of the EdS degree, Capella can offer teachers and administrators an intermediate degree between our master’s and PhD degree programs,” said Harry McLenighan, dean of Capella’s School of Education. “According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ most recent Schools and Staffing Survey, more than 30 percent of the nation’s public school principals have an EdS or other intermediate degree. We think it’s important to provide an EdS option for people who want education beyond their master’s degree, but currently don’t want to pursue a PhD.”

Within its new EdS degree program, Capella is offering a state-approved specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration. State approval is required for principal or superintendent licensure in some states, and Capella is one of very few online universities to offer a state-approved Leadership in Educational Administration within an EdS program. The other new EdS specialization, Curriculum and Instruction, was developed to help meet the demand for curriculum specialists, a field that has been growing in response to increased calls for educational quality and accountability. Capella also offers master’s degree and doctoral degree specializations in Leadership in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction.

Capella’s new School Counseling specialization, within its MS in Human Services program, is also designed to meet a growing educational need. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, increased school enrollments, more state counseling mandates, and expanded counseling responsibilities will increase employment opportunities for school counselors. The curriculum for Capella’s new specialization was based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these new specializations. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu.

Review of the EdS, Leadership in Educational Administration, and Curriculum and Instruction specializations is pending in AZ, FL, GA, KY, SC, and WA. Review of the MS in Human Services, School Counseling specialization is pending in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, OH, SC, and WA.

State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the appropriate school representative. Capella University does not, and cannot, guarantee licensure. These programs are intended to prepare learners for the state's licensure exam. Attainment of state license is the learner's responsibility. Each learner must determine the requirements of each state in which the learner seeks to be licensed and is responsible for compliance with those requirements.

Prospective Washington state learners are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360-725-6320 or profed@ospi.wednet.edu to determine whether this education program is approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

In Minnesota, learners who wish to add endorsements to an existing license must complete additional field work. To expand an elementary or secondary license to K-12, learners must complete a second 200-hour internship. To add a principal endorsement to a superintendent endorsement in Minnesota (or vice versa), the internship is 320 hours (MR, 3512.0200, Subp.3.).

Learners seeking licensure in Arizona after August 2006 must secure a Structured English Immersion endorsement (SEI). Capella University has entered into an alliance with Rio Salado College regarding course work for the SEI endorsement. Learners who need this endorsement are encouraged to contact academicadvisement@mail.riosalado.edu to discuss the necessary courses and the application process at Rio Salado College.

Graduates of the MS in Human Services, School Counseling specialization are not eligible for licensure in South Carolina. Learners residing in South Carolina should check with the state licensing agency for specific requirements for professional licensure.

New Name for ICS

2007-08-08T11:31:00.000Z

Press Release - For more than 100 years it was known as International Correspondence School, or more commonly as ICS. Then starting in the mid 1990s ICS was sold twice to new owners who each time re-branded the institution with a corporate name.

Starting in 2003, the company re-invented itself into one of the world's largest online providers of distance learning. Just two years ago the management team decided the institution needed a new permanent academic name to better reflect its mission and commitment to student achievement. After months of research it was announced the institution would be called 'Penn Foster' as a tribute to its founder, Thomas Foster, and the school's 117 years of continuous operation in Scranton, PA.

Today Penn Foster College (actually based in Scottsdale, Arizona), Penn Foster Career School, and Penn Foster High School have 500 employees and serve more than 200,000 active students worldwide. In the U.S. alone, one out of every 1,410 Americans is enrolled in a Penn Foster program.

A New Mission

Throughout its history, Penn Foster has been dedicated to vocational training and high school diploma completion. In the 1970s the organization began offering associate degree programs. Today more than 25,000 students are enrolled in one of its 22 associate of science degree programs.

Going forward, the institution sees the need to further expand its offerings to include bachelor and master programs. However, Stuart Udell, the new CEO of Penn Foster doesn't expect to develop these new programs through Penn Foster College.

"We have reviewed our options and are most interested in acquiring or merging with a campus-based institution offering bachelor degree programs," said Mr. Udell, adding, "Our goal is to strengthen a regionally-accredited institution's traditional campus operation while adding a national and international distance learning component that would position the college or university as a nationally recognized provider of quality education."

Dr. Richard Ferrin, President of Penn Foster College sees this as a unique opportunity for a traditional campus-based institution with the right mix of boldness and vision. "Capitalizing on our financial resources and marketing expertise," said Dr. Ferrin, "an institution will be in a position to provide campus-based and online students with a broader range of programs, flexible learning modes and accelerated study options. All students will be able to acquire learning skills that will serve them throughout their professional life."

A New Owner

In March of 2007 The Wicks Group, a New York-based private equity firm, acquired the school's parent company, Penn Foster Inc.

The Wicks Group manages private equity funds that invest in education, publishing, medical information services, newspapers, and radio broadcasting, among others. Daniel Black, Partner of the Wicks Group, said, "We are very excited about this acquisition and the programs and people that are in place to fuel future growth. We believe that very favorable opportunities are present in the multiple markets that Penn Foster serves, and we could not be more pleased with the foundation upon which we plan to build."

Penn Foster's strategy is to build upon the institution's ability to successfully enroll students looking for affordable, accredited, independent study programs.

About Penn Foster

Penn Foster College, Penn Foster Career School, and Penn Foster High School are part of Penn Foster Inc., a global leader in distance education. For more than 117 years, Penn Foster has been providing career-focused training programs in the fields of healthcare, business, technology, automotive technology, and select trades. Each year more than 140,000 national and international students enroll in a Penn Foster degree or vocational program. Nationally and regionally accredited Penn Foster High School serves more than 40,000 online students seeking individual courses or a complete diploma program. Penn Foster College ( http://www.pennfostercollege.edu/ ) is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Penn Foster Career School ( http://www.pennfoster.edu/ ) and Penn Foster High School ( http://www.pennfosterhighschool.com/ ) are headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania with regional offices in Montreal, Canada.

It's Back to School - Distance Education as an Industry

2007-08-06T12:16:00.000Z

Investor's Business Journal has published a very interesting article, which discusses the merits of DL, especially from private education providers, for the investors. Writer Brian Deagon claims first and foremost that the business is in sharp increase in the past several years; the market (of working adults who would like to have a degree); and soem challenges: the government regulations, the technological requirements, and the fact that enrollment is expected to grow by 13% percent by 2015.

Summary:

Upside: Trends in education look good. Enrollment is growing, and an
increasing number of working adults are finding that accommodations and programs
offered by for-profit schools fit their needs.

Downside: Growth will slow if for-profit schools fail to identify,
establish and open new institutes. And competition continues to grow from
nonprofit universities and taxpayer-supported public colleges, which are adding
off-site campuses and online courses.

More here:
It's Back-To-School Season
http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=23&issue=20070803

Top San Diego Attorney di Correspondence Degree

2007-08-06T12:09:00.000Z

David Gettis is a top attorney at a San Diego, CA law firm, who was recently chosen Legislative Advocate of the Year for the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce.

But Gettis has a very interesting history behind him, because Gettis managed to become a lawyer in a non-traditional way: through a correspondence course at the Oak Brook College of Law (from which he graduated magna cum laude in 2000).

Yes, a DLer and a lawyer. He is not the only one, and it is possible to get a law degree or to become a lawyer through distance learning. See:

Getting a Law Degree Online
http://homemadedegrees.blogspot.com/2007/01/getting-law-degree-online.html

More about David Gettis, here:
http://www.sdbj.com/industry_article.asp?aID=79797871.9744381.1509677.5277776.4433818.407&aID2=116120

Fellowship to Research/Develop DL

2007-08-06T12:04:00.000Z

Researcher, students and developers of distance learning programs from all over the world can apply for a six month funded research opportunity at the Open University, UK. The fellowship can deal with any subject related to distance education, and the applicants can be civil servants, NGO workers, and researchers; from all countries.

For more details:
The International Fellowship Programme
http://www.open.ac.uk/international-fellowships/

Capella University Launches Online PhD Specializations in Project Management and Information Security

2007-08-04T17:47:00.000Z

A Capella University Press Release:

Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited,* online university based in Minneapolis, announced that it has added Project Management specializations to both its PhD in Organization and Management (OM), and its PhD in Information Technology (IT) online degree programs. The online university also announced a new Information Security specialization within its PhD in Information Technology program. The new specializations are designed to meet the growing need for expertise in project management and information security, both of which were identified among the top five “hottest skills” sought by IT executives in a survey conducted by Computerworld.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), which maintains a database of project management degree programs, there are only 12 doctoral programs in project management worldwide. PMI published the data in its December 2006 supplement to PMI Today. In contrast, PMI’s database includes 261 master’s degree programs in project management worldwide.

“Since the mid-90s, the number of project management degree programs has grown exponentially -- from 11 programs in 1994 to 284 in 2006, according to PMI. But the number of PhD specializations has not kept pace,” said Kurt Linberg, PhD, dean of Capella’s School of Business and Technology. “As the strategic importance of project management continues to grow, we believe it is critical to expand opportunities for project management professionals to contribute knowledge to the field through doctoral level research. Our two new PhD-level specializations in Project Management are designed to help fill that need.” Capella now offers six Project Management specializations, allowing students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels to choose either a business or IT project management focus.

Capella also offers a career ladder in the growing field of information security, including a doctoral degree in IT, Information Security specialization; a master’s degree in IT, Information Security specialization; and a bachelor’s degree in IT, Information Assurance and Security specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data and system security have become critical concerns in nearly every industry and government sector, which has created a demand for high-level information security expertise.

Capella recently has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According to the CAEIAE Web site, an educational institution that applies for and receives the designation “must pass a rigorous review demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence in information assurance education.”

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these new specializations. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu.

Review of the PhD in IT, Information Security and Project Management specializations is pending in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, SC, and WA. Review of the PhD in OM, Project Management specialization is pending in AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, KY, SC, and WA.

Online College Credits Could Leave Transfer Students Short

2007-08-04T17:45:00.000Z

From a Virginia Online College Press Release:

Many students today are surprised when the credits they've earned at one school won't transfer along with them when they decide to enroll in another accredited school. Darrell Hanbury, Vice President of Admissions at Virginia College Online, acknowledges the problem, saying, “Many of today's schools, whether offering online degrees or those with traditional campuses, are instating new rules and regulations that make it more difficult for class credits to transfer from other institutions. It can add significantly to the cost of an education.”

Some colleges, however, are working with students to make sure this isn't likely to happen. Rather than a cursory review of the course listings, these schools, many of which offer online degrees, offer individualized appraisals of all classes a student wants to transfer. Said Hanbury, “If the coursework was done at a legitimate, accredited school, and if the scope of the course is reasonably close to our required curriculum, we are happy to apply the credit toward an online degree at Virginia College Online.”

One stumbling block for students is the increase in schools with “regional accreditation.” These schools usually offer courses that are on par with those offered by nationally accredited schools, but are often rejected for transfer to other schools. The maze of educational institution accreditors can make it difficult for students to know until it is too late whether their credits will transfer. For this reason, students shouldn't commit to a traditional or online degree program without confirming which credits will transfer from their previous college or university.

Hanbury notes, “We don't want to get into a situation where our students lose transfer credits simply because they went to a school that belongs to a different accrediting institution than ours or is a proprietary school. There are many accrediting bodies today that are legitimate and guarantee solid coursework, so we are willing in most cases to take these transfer credits and apply them toward our students' pursuit of their next degree. Many of our students are surprised to learn that they are closer to a degree than they thought.”

Virginia College Online
300 River Hills Business Park
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-329-7911
http://www.vconline.edu

Shamschool.com: cheating in Army's DL system

2007-08-04T17:35:00.000Z

A site called shamschool.com has been used by army personnel, in order to cheat in the Army's own correspondence courses program.

The Boston Globe repots that:

Authorities warned the Army on numerous occasions that portions of its
online learning system are vulnerable to cheating -- in direct violation of
regulations and possible military law, according to official military documents
and reports.

The correspondence courses are designed to help soldiers expand their
military knowledge in a host of areas, such as battlefield tactics and weaponry.
They are also used by noncommissioned officers, the sergeants considered the
backbone of the enlisted ranks, to gain points needed for promotion; up to 20
percent of the points they need to earn higher rank come from ACCP courses. In
some cases, the coursework is also accepted as college credit.

Soldiers claim that the material was out for a long time. More here.

Saint Regis University (and the regular Regis)

2007-06-13T14:46:00.000Z

St. Regis University is one of the insitutions most frequently accused of being a diploma mill. Indeed, it checks with all of our parameters into checking a degree mill.

Wikipedia reports:

Saint Regis University is a now-defunct diploma mill operation with
several other connected institutions. The Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization has stated that Saint Regis University was a diploma mill linked to 18 other front "schools".[1] The school issued degrees based on "life experience" instead of requiring the taking of actual academic classes or a formal course of study. It sold both college degrees and high school diplomas.
The Associated Press reported "at least 135 federal employees" hold bogus degrees from the Saint Regis operation.[2] This includes a White House staffer, a State Department employee in Kuwait, and a Department of Justice employee in Spokane.

Other names this university has been known for:

* Al Qasim University (Pakistan)
* All Saints American University (Liberia)
* Bangalore Inst of Science, Tech. and Mgt (India)
* Blackstone University
* Capital American University (Liberia)
* Center College of Executive & Professional Development (India)
* Colony University (Liberia)
* InTech University (Liberia)
* James Monroe University (Liberia, operated from Washington, Idaho and Arizona)
* Miranda International University (Tennessee, Washington, and Seborga, Italy)
* Nation State University
* North United University
* Panama Canal University
* Port Rhode University
* Robertstown University (Liberia, operated from Washington state, Idaho and Arizona.)
* St. Lourdes University
* St. Renoir University
* Trinity Christian School
* Synergystics (ODA notes it "may" be connected)
* University College for Advanced Studies (India)
* Van Ives University
* West Coast University (Panama, Western Australia, UK)

The government of Liberia denies their status as a university in the country (if you thought otherwise)

This whole operation is worthwhile to the scammers because online education is today a huge industry, and they could get money from employers (e.g., from Crysler) just for having those students. Having, naturally, not "teaching", because none of that happens in these institutions.

This network of fraudsters have used - in many cases - names that are similar enough to "normal" institutions. For example, there is in fact a Regis University (ironically, the one that doesn't have "Saint" in its name is the saintly one, as far as it concerns NOT being a degree mill). Regis University is in fact a respectable "brick and mortar" (regular) university, which offers courses online as well (see our culumn: Shoot Your MBA in Iraq).

Engineering degree available entirely online

2007-06-04T16:34:00.000Z

The University of Buffalo offers now an MEng degree in production management entirely online.

The MEng online degree requires 30 graduate credits in management and
engineering, including a six-credit engineering project that provides hands-on
work experience in a real-world engineering environment. "Since the unique
element in the MEng degree program is the projects, there are no other similar
degree programs that are being offered online,"

More information here:
http://www.ie.buffalo.edu/EngiNetLink.html

Other MEng distance learning degrees:

UIC, Chicago
http://www.uic.edu/eng/meng/

The Tri-University Master of Engineering Program (in
* Electrical Engineering
* Systems Engineering
* Mechanical Engineering
* Embedded Systems
* Quality and Reliability
* Water Resources
* Technical Engineering Management
* Transportation
* Construction Engineering Management):
http://triuniv.engr.arizona.edu/

Colorado University - MEng GIS
http://www.cuonline.edu/acad_htm/programs/_m_eng_gis.shtml

A Majority of K-12 Schoold have distance learning options

2007-04-29T19:28:00.000Z

A survey conducted by the market research company Sloan Consortium found that 63% of k-12 schools have one or more students enrolled in either a fully online course, or a hybrid course that combines classroom learning with distance learning. In addition, out of the districts surveyed, they expect that the K-12 enrollments in online schools will increase by approximately 23% over the next 2 years.

Learn How to Play the Piano Online

2007-04-27T19:34:00.000Z

Sounds a bit imaginary, isn't it? Learning how to play the piano through a distance learning course online...

This is what Jazz Piano World offers.

Could it get any better than that?

As a matter of fact, they offer some promotional piano lessons for free!

Now, all you have to do is get a piano...

MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology - online degree

2007-04-27T19:28:00.000Z

The University of Leicester (UK) is a reputable English university, offering a variety of online degrees. Three of of them in Forensic Psychology:

MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology - This unique distance learning course allows students who are already working to achieve the BPS accredited MSc over a two year period. Due to the professional experience of our students a large number of their dissertations result in publication. Closing date for applications is 31 May for the October 2007 intake.

MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic and Legal Psychology - This course runs parallel to the MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology and is for those not seeking Chartered Forensic Psychologist status with the BPS. Students on this course have the option of following specialised named routes which include an Investigation route, a Judicial route and a Forensic Linguistics route. Closing date for applications is 31 May for the October 2007 intake.

MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate - Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders - These courses are concerned with the application of psychological principles to the treatment of those who have committed sexual offences. It covers cognitive-behavioural theory and its application to the assessment, treatment and management of offending behaviour. Closing date for applications is 21 September for the October 2007 intake and 30 November for the January 2008 intake.

More here

Adam Pieniazek: Education on iPod

2007-04-26T19:48:00.000Z

In one of the recent posts in his blog, Adam Pieniazek writes that

A growing trend, and one which will bring further validation to online degree programs, is to combine these online programs with the traditional on-campus experience. The University of Massachusetts has already taken the first steps and is offering hybrid courses for several of their degree programs, (“UMass online program offering real face time”). The next step is to tape, via video or audio depending on the course, lectures and post them online, either internally to students and faculty, or externally to the entire online community. The podcasts of UC Berkley lectures posted to the Berkley iTunes store is a good start, but needs to be integrated with more of Berkley’s classes and other universities to really make a difference. Princeton University hosts a random assortment of video lectures on their WebMedia site which is cool, but not substantial. There’s also the OpenCourseWare site hosted by MIT, with a video & audio section, which is a noble idea but needs to be expanded much more.

On his blog, he also refers to Open Culture's directory of educational podcasts. Yes, you can learn from your iPod.

Online Degrees in the Philippines

2007-04-20T11:36:00.000Z

There are several distance learning opportunities from Filippino universities. The first of all, is of course the University of the Philippines Open University, which offers an Associate in Arts Undergraduate program; Diploma programmes in Social Work, Computer Science, Research and Development Management, Environment and Natural Resources Management, Science Teaching, Math Teaching, Language Studies for Teachers and in Social Studies Education; Master's programs in Social Work, Master of Development Communication, Master of Distance Education, Master of Public Health, Master in Hospital Administration, Master of Arts in Nursing, Master of Public Management, Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management, Master of Arts in Education (Language Studies), Master of Arts in Education (Social Studies) and a Master in Information Systems; and even doctoral programmes towards a PhD in Education. It also offers a variety of courses.

There are several other programmes as well. Ateneo de Manilla for example offers an online MA in journalism.

Indiana Tech to Extend Online Offering

2007-04-20T11:28:00.000Z

Indiana Tech announced that they are planning to extend the courses and degrees available through distance learning.

See more, including a student's testimonial, here.

Is Pursuing an Online Degree Right for Me?

2007-04-20T11:26:00.000Z

By Karen Lewis
"Is an online degree right for me?" This is a question you may be asking yourself, especially if there is something you have always been fascinated about, or you have always wanted the chance to go back to school. There are many advantages to entering an online distance learning program in order to receive your associates, bachelor's or even master's degree. Not only do you get to work and learn at your own pace, in your own time, you can do so from the comfort of your own home. There will still be assignments and deadlines, but there usually is not a set time for classes, meaning you can log on and continue your education whenever you have the opportunity.

Another wonderful benefit is that you are given the chance to learn again, in whatever subject or degree you choose to pursue. A large number of people in this country are stuck in low-paying, unsatisfactory jobs, jobs that are holding them back from the great things they can accomplish. Other people simply want to pursue an interest they have held forever, or go back to school to complete what they had started. With hundreds of schools, universities, and colleges offering accredited online degree programs that opportunity and those benefits are available to anyone.

Even though most of your online learning is done in the solitude of your own home there are many resources available to you as a student. There are virtual classrooms with virtual chats, message boards and of course teachers, advisors and counselors are always available through email. So fear not, should you choose to embark upon this endeavor, you will not be alone.

Another question you may ask yourself is, "How can I afford to get my degree online?" Fortunately there are a lot of options available for anyone who is looking to further their education. Firstly, there are federal grants, state grants and sometimes community or statewide scholarships to help with funding for school. Online search engines can also be helpful when one is looking for scholarships. Another advantage of pursuing your degree online is that most classes and degrees are less expensive than a traditional four year university, and quicker as well. Most online colleges or universities also will offer student loans for people who do not qualify for grants or scholarships, so there is always a way to get funding for school.

Another important statistic to remember is that people with college degrees make higher salaries then those who do not have them. It is also a good way to qualify for better quality jobs, a job that you want or even love. The benefits of receiving a college degree are endless, and pursuing a college degree online is ideal for most people as the school is for the students and therefore works around their schedules. There are no hoops to jump through, no silly classes to take you will never use, it is plain and simple a way to further your education and advance your career and is something every person should research and think about trying.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/pop_print.shtml?content_type=article&content_type_id=206855

LLM in Elder Law through distance learning

2007-04-20T11:10:00.000Z

Stetson University School of Law offers now an LLM through distance learning in Elder Law.

The Elder Law LL.M. program is designed as a three-semester course of study through distance learning that leads to an advanced legal degree in Elder Law. Candidates for the LL.M. degree must satisfactorily complete at least 24 credit hours.

For further online information on law degrees through distance learning and correspondence course, see our:

Getting a Law Degree Online

Or browse through our LLM tag.

Veterinary Technician Associate Degree

2007-04-18T11:41:00.000Z

The St. Petersburg College offers a distance-learning-based Associate degree program in veterinary technology.

The graduates, who will have an associate degree as Veterinary Technicians, will work with animals and their owners in veterinary practices.

about.com has conducted an interview with the programme administrator.

The programme is available here.

Employment Prospects with an online MBA

2007-04-18T11:39:00.000Z

From a CNN article:

"not only is an Internet degree more convenient to get, but a recent survey by employment site Vault.com says 81% of hiring managers look more favorably on job candidates with virtual sheepskins than they did five years ago, and 41% now think an online degree is just as good as a "real" one."

I am not sure about the first part (more convinient?), but given the fact that non-traditional degrees also give you the opportunity to work and get hands-on experience, distance learning should be seen as an advantage!

Choosing an Online High School

2007-04-18T11:37:00.001Z

Jamie Littlerfield from About.com has this advice:

Whether you choose a private school or a public school, do a little investigating before you enroll your teenager. Interviewing the school of your choice can be a great way to make sure that you’ll get the resources you need and checking with the correct regional accreditation board can ensure that your school is properly accredited. Finally, make sure your child is emotionally and academically prepared to learn through the internet. Many students struggle being away from social events and friends, and have difficulty avoiding the many distractions in the home.

More here.

Differences Between "Conventional" and DL Students

2007-04-18T11:12:00.000Z

According to a study, there are some interesting demographic differences between distance learners and traditional students.

The typical student enrolled in distance education courses was a female between the ages of 18 and 40. Online students are more likely to be older and more committed to various responsibilities, including work and children, and more likely to be intrinsically motivated and autonomous.

Stevens, Tara, PHD. Switzer, Carrie. “Running head: Online and Traditional Student Differences.” Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. April, 2006. Volume 7, No. 2, Article 8.

Does this promote gender equality or further marginalises women?

MBA at the University of Leicester

2007-04-18T11:05:00.000Z

The University of Leicester is one of the highly ranked brick-and-mortar institutions in the United Kingdom for business. The university offers MBA distance learning degrees. The Leicester DL MBA is one of a few MBA programs to have attained accreditation for its full-time and distance learning programs by the Association of MBAs.

University of Leicester’s correspondence course towards an MBA is AMBA accredited and is the most competitively priced AMBA accredited MBA of which you can find.

There are several specialisations you can choose from:
* MBA (Marketing)
* MBA (Finance)
* MBA (Total Quality Management, TQM)
* MBA(Employee Relations)
* MBA (IT Management)

Blog: Online Universities Weblog

2007-04-18T10:44:00.000Z

The Online Universities Weblog has just published a well-recommended article on "Choosing a Distance Learning Program Based on Your Learning Style". The conclude their story by writing that:

Clearly, not every student can be successful in every class. When selecting online classes, it's essential that virtual learners choose programs that meet their personal learning styles. Different strokes for different folks.

Distance learning on food security information

2007-04-18T10:41:00.000Z

IAALD report in AgrInfo on distance learning courses on " Distance learning on food security information reporting and analysis".

The blog report could be found here; the actual correspondence course, in the EC_FAO site.

Journalism: Distance Learning Courses in the UK

2007-04-18T10:30:00.000Z

The National Council for the Training of Journalists in the UK offers several distance learning courses in journalism, which are well-regarded in the market. It should be noted, however, that they are not considered for the faint hearted. You can read a testimonial by a graduate/journalist at Hold the Front Page.

Ohio: Online Learning Mandatory

2007-04-18T10:25:00.000Z

Starting this fall, all students at Northwest State Community College (Archbold, Ohio), will be required to take at least one online course to graduate. This is because the college wants "all students to be well versed in independent research and discovery — skills that employers demand, they say — and feel that online education is one way to accomplish that." (Inside Higher ED).

DL Scholarships from Ellis College of NYIT

2007-04-18T10:18:00.000Z

From a Press Release:
Ellis College of NYIT, a fully-accredited online college offering career-based distance learning to working professionals, is launching two additional scholarship opportunities. Designed to recognize academic achievement and to help students in need, the new scholarships will be available to both active undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least nine credits at Ellis College. The annual value of the scholarships, based on current graduate tuition rates and eight terms annually, is nearly $32,000.

South Africa initiates distance learning projects

2007-04-18T10:01:00.000Z

From a press release:
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has embarked on a five- year capacity building project in distance education. The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) project is aimed at addressing educational challenges faced by the region.
The SADC Secretariat noted that the project will develop and harmonise open and distance learning across the region, allowing member countries to use ODL effectively. The project will also focus on strategically developing four educational areas namely Primary, Secondary, Technical/Vocational and Tertiary Education.

The country's largest distance learning institution, the University of South Africa (UNISA) opened its first premises outside the country's borders in Ethiopia in January, 2007.

Reporter Gets a PhD from Ashwood within a week

2007-04-17T13:51:00.000Z

Apropos the story of the Tacoma school administrator caught with a bogus degree, a journalist from the Tacoma News Tribune managed to get a PhD in engineering without having any previous credentials, and within a year, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

South African Beauty to Study Law in Correspondence Course

2007-04-17T13:40:00.000Z

Claudia Berghahn was recently crowned as "Miss Port Elizabeth" in South Africa. Claudia is a distance learner - she studies towards a degree in Law from Unisa, while working at her step father's law firm.

Construction Management per Distance Learning

2007-04-17T11:23:00.000Z

Foundation and Associate Degrees
* San Joaquin Valley College
* Ashworth College

Bachelor Programs
* Heriot Watt University (UK - Scotland)
* Institute of Construction Management and Technology
*

Graduate Certificate
* University of Missouri Rolla
* Napier University, UK

Masters Degrees
* University of Bath, UK
* University of Loughborough, UK
* Heriot Watt University (UK - Scotland)
* Purdue University, US (PDF document)
* University of Florida
* Institute of Construction Management and Technology
* University of Greenwich, UK
* University of Washington
* Napier University, UK
* University of Aberdeen in Cooperation with University of Dundee, UK

Please note, that the American Council for Construction Education holds a list of U.S. associate and bachelor programmes that are accredited by it. This doesn't include Masters' degrees, as well as British or otherwise "foreign" universities.