Earn Your Veterinary Degree Online

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), there are 88 million cats, 74 million dogs, and 142 million freshwater fish owned by individuals in the U.S. The APPMA estimated in 2007 that nearly $9.8 billion were spent on veterinary care for household pets.

This being the case, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that career opportunities in veterinary science will grow by approximately 41% from 2006 – 2010. Though competition remains high for jobs in aquariums and zoos, the demand for veterinarians and technicians in the field exceeds the number of graduates each year.

Because the duties of a veterinary technologist and technician are so similar that the terms are essentially interchangeable; the primary difference comes from the training they receive. Technicians typically earn associate’s degrees from the American Veterinary Medical Association accredited community college, while technologists will usually earn bachelor’s degrees in veterinarian technology. When preparing for either degree, students should take classes in math, science, and biology. When students have completed the coursework for their degrees, they must pass a state exam.

If you become a veterinary technician, your job responsibilities will likely include the following:

• Blood samples
• Dental work
• Urinalysis
• Preparing tissue samples
• Assisting the veterinarian with medical and diagnostic equipment
• Vaccinations
• X-rays
• Obtaining medical histories from pet owners

Working in a veterinarian’s office can be difficult and demanding, particularly when dealing with euthanizing injured, ill, or unwanted animals.

Online degree programs give you the opportunity to study veterinary science from home; traditional classes include those in zoology, systemic physiology, animal biology, animal nutrition, and the like. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in this field will qualify you to work as either of technician or laboratory assistant.

School admission can be fairly competitive, but once you have earned your degree, job opportunities are fairly abundant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006, there were approximately 71,000 technician and technologist jobs; in 2007, both earned a median annual salary of approximately $29,000. If you have a passion for working with animals, you, too, may like to pursue your online degree in veterinary science.

Earning Your Online Degree

Businesses, various industry sectors, and government all require statistical analysis; this means a wealth of career opportunities are available to those who double major in statistics and mathematics. Individuals who possess this joint degree can not only find jobs in finance, accounting and banking, but are invaluable in psychology, biological science and computer software engineering as well.

Those who have been formally trained in mathematics use techniques and innovative computer technology to tackle various issues – anything from exploring the safety of new prescription drugs to deciphering encryption systems for all branches of the military.

Likewise, statisticians are likely to enjoy many career opportunities. A statistician’s general job description is relatively simple; it involves analyzing, interpreting and summarizing data; however, their day-to-day tasks are actually quite a bit more complex with far-reaching effects that influence a wide variety of sectors of the economy such as psychology, sports, and engineering. Using their unique mastery of numbers, statisticians conduct surveys and experiments, then present the tabulated data in a manner that addresses practical issues.

With the proper education, those who have a natural give for mathematical comprehension will be well prepared to work in many different types of careers.

If you want to expand your options, but don’t have the time necessary to attend a campus-based university, there are a variety of excellent online degree programs to choose from.

Online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of mathematics and statistics are available. Some of your coursework will include the following:

• Calculus and matrix algebra
• Statistical design
• Statistical data analysis and databases
• Bio-statistical methods
• Computational mathematics
• Mathematical modeling
• Mathematics and management science

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% or more growth during the 2006 – 2010 decade. Particularly in demand will be bio-statisticians due to the pharmaceutical boom. The annual mean salary for statisticians, according to the BLS, is approximately $66,000. As informational technology continues to make advances, the demand for mathematicians and statisticians will remain consistent.

Biotechnology

Do you have a decidedly scientific mind and the desire to apply that knowledge to practical problems? If so, you’ll likely be very interested in pursuing a career in the field of biotechnology. This field combines science with real-world issues allowing biotechnologists to discover and implement important advances in technology.

Biotechnology is one of the most active in the scientific fields, attracting a fourth of development funding according to the National Science Board. This exciting field combines the study of applied technology and biology to solve the pressing issues of today’s study of science and society. Researchers have developed new vaccines and drugs, better ways of handling hazardous waste as well as disease-resistant crops. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the focus of biotechnological research should continue to drive employment growth and generate an average yearly salary of approximately $66,000 for researchers; income is predicted to grow further with the extent of money being given to biotechnological research.

A degree in biotechnology focuses on practical applications of biotechnological science; biology degrees focus on the science itself. If you study for either, your coursework will likely include:

· Manufacturing practices

· Drug design

· Food biotechnology

· Basic concepts of biotechnology

· Biological computation

Certificate programs in biotechnology are also offered as a broad introduction to the field and will often lead to a position as a research or laboratory technician. Associate’s degrees are more in-depth and have a greater focus on technical skills and research; this degree may lead to a job as a research specialist. Bachelor’s degree programs usually concentrate on one area of biotechnology, while earning your master’s degree will require you to do independent research; this will often lead to doing more advanced research at a PhD level. The further advanced your degree, of course, the higher your salary will likely be.

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is the type of engineering in which one is specifically trained in service industry production or manufacturing procedures; industrial engineers, more specifically, investigate ways to integrate materials, machines, people, energy, and information in more efficient and productive ways. Professionals in the field often enroll in college course online at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level for training in systems engineering or operations. Many with experience move into management positions.

As an undergraduate student, you can begin your training through classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry, systems design, statistics, ergonomics, and supply chain management. When studying for a master’s or doctoral degree, you will take more advanced courses in technology, manufacturing, and process analysis.

With its heavy emphasis on business, information technology, and theory, industrial engineering is well suited for online studies, though more hands-on and practical aspects are also essential to learning industrial engineering; it is, therefore, important to include real world experience through internships during and after your online training.

Job opportunities in the field of industrial engineering should grow quite rapidly as service and manufacturing businesses attempt to streamline their processes, cut material and labor costs, and reduce waste. Industrial engineers, therefore, should continue to enjoy remarkable demand as globalization further refines the conduct of modern business.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this industry could be as high as 20% from 2006 to 2016 (nearly twice the national average for other fields). The bulk of positions will be in both private and public of transportation, design, and manufacturing. Median annual salaries for industrial engineers were approximately $70,000 in 2006.

Degree in Philosophy

Philosophers – from Aristotle and Plato to Michel Foucault and John Dewey – analyze how we live and question the world in which we exist. A degree in this field offers career training by giving students the tools they need to construct sound arguments, practice logic, and think outside the box. Closely tied to a number of other disciplines, such as religion, science, history, and politics, studying philosophy will help students develop their analytic skills, something employers value greatly.

There are two branches into which philosophy is generally classified – analytic philosophy, which focuses on logic, math, and theoretical physics, and continental philosophy, which is based on the traditions of European and Greek philosophers.

Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy will typically touch on both branches and provide students with an introduction to the principles of aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics. Master’s degree programs allow you to specialize in an area of philosophy that interests you most; commonly students will focus on modern social philosophy, existentialism, philosophy of language, political philosophy, ethics, or medical ethics, though there are other areas. A PhD can also be acquired within these specialized fields of philosophy.

Earning your philosophy degree online allows you to pursue your education without sacrificing your current income or daily commitments to your family.

While very few individuals hold the title ‘philosopher,’ the critical thinking skills that are associated with a degree in this field are an integral part of careers in law, education, business, politics, and public policy. Like all degrees in liberal arts and humanities, a degree in philosophy will teach you how to think analytically and will lay the groundwork for a job in a broad range of fields.

Degrees in Child Development

Earning a degree in child development will allow you to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career helping young children build crucial life skills. Working with children, whether as a social worker, child advocate, or school counselor will offer daily challenges, but a lifetime of rewards.

With a degree in the field of child development, you will be prepared to advocate for public policy reform, address the special needs of children with physical, mental, or developmental challenges, develop early childhood education programs, and advise educators and parents on child cognitive development.

Training for a career in child development will involve specialized courses that are geared toward children of all ages. Your coursework will include social work, child behavior and development, values and ethics, adolescent psychology, and the like.

The following are some examples of the classes you may take:

• Social Policy Issues in American Childhood
• Social and Emotional Development
• Cognitive and Language Development
• Classroom Management
• Multicultural Issues in Child Development
• Child Health and Nutrition

A graduate program will usually offer students the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of interest and/or a particular age; specializations include: preschool, elementary, and adolescent education; gifted; school social work; early intervention assessment; and special needs.

A bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum education requirement for an entry-level position in health education and social work, while a master’s would be necessary to become a family therapist or counselor; a master’s degree would also be required for administrative and supervisory positions. Research and teaching careers will necessitate earning a PhD.

Fortunately, opportunities for child development specialists continue to grow; career opportunities include the following:

• School psychologist
• School social worker
• Public policy advisor
• Elementary school teacher
• Curriculum developer
• Child policy researcher
• Family counselor
• Educational program evaluator

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, in 2007, the hourly mean wage for school social workers was $20.15, while social and community service managers earned an average of $28.40 an hour.

What Will You Do With Your Psychology Degree?

If you are considering earning an Online Psychology Degree, but are not yet sure it is right for you, you might consider the fact that those with a firm grasp of human behavior and thought are often in high demand in a variety of professional fields outside of clinical institutions – corporate training, marketing research, management, human resources, and political consulting are just a few. Earning a psychology degree also qualifies you to work as a psychological researcher, therapist, or other mental healthcare professional.

You can earn anywhere from an associate’s degree to a doctorate in psychology. In each, your core coursework will be done in social sciences, biology, statistics, clinical science, cognition and behavioral psychology, developmental and social psychology, and research methods. Specialized areas of psychology include school, child, sport, organizational, or clinical. Many of the top universities offer these degree programs online.

While you can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology, in order to actually become a clinical psychologist, you must earn a master’s or doctoral degree. A doctorate alone, however, is not sufficient to establish an independent practice. To become licensed, you will need to do a significant amount of hands-on work; each state’s requirement is different, but you should expect to have to complete an internship that will last from 3 months to 1 year, obtain a year or two of professional experience, and pass a state licensing exam before you will be able to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the demand for individuals holding degrees in psychology will increase through 2014. Among the reasons for this expected growth are: increased emphasis on psychology in schools, the expansion of healthcare, and the public demand for clinical services. The median earnings for school psychologists is approximately $55,000 annually, while organizational psychologists earn an average of $72,000 per year.

Earn Your Degree Online

Those who are seeking to earn an educational leadership online degree will find themselves fully immersed in the literal and theoretical teaching of curriculum development, public leadership, and financial management. To integrate yourself into a community as a leader in education, you must develop the skills to do so by earning a degree in the field. This is, by nature, a self-reliant type of work, so many of the curricula are offered online.

The need for academic researchers has become greater as government regulations seek to quantify the needs and growth of students in their educational settings. When you’ve earned your degree, you will find yourself on a pathway to higher levels of educational administrative research and responsibility.

Education:

Those wishing to earn a doctorate degree in the field of educational leadership will be thoroughly reviewed by the department’s highest official board members. As a student, you will need to present an objective statement that defines your hopes for doctoral life. The life of a doctoral student generally entails three semesters of classes, research into and development of a dissertation question, and presentation of the results.

Your coursework will likely include the following:

• Education Policy and Politics
• Learning Theories
• Analytical Methods
• Ethical and Philosophical Issues in Leadership
• Research Methodology
• Educational Psychological Issues

When you graduate, you will have developed the necessary academic skills to demonstrate excellence in this lucrative field. The skills you will have learned include:

• Evaluation and assessment
• Organizational, public and educational leadership
• Research
• Techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Interpersonal (responding and listening)

Job:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that jobs for educational leaders are growing at a rate that is equivalent to that of student enrollment (about 12% over the next 10 years). If you are looking to become an upper-level administrator – perhaps a college dean or superintendent – it is best to earn a doctoral degree in this area. Because both the average growth rate of this field - and therefore the competition - are relatively low, graduates who have earned an educational leadership degree online will find plenty of job opportunities.

Salary:

As a post-secondary educational administrator, an individual can earn a median salary of $74,000. Academic deans will make a bit more – an average of about $100,000 annually. Salaries vary, of course, according to the enrollment of the district and the strength of the economy in which the school is located.

Become a Physical Therapist

If you have a strong desire to help others get back into physical shape, you may be an excellent candidate for a degree as a physical therapist. To become a practicing physical therapist, you will need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree.

As a physical therapist, you will likely work with a team of therapists – speech, occupational, and recreational – to give patients a complete scope of care. There are a variety of settings in which you can provide physical therapy services: hospitals, outpatient clinics, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics, homes, special needs classrooms, adult daycare centers, universities, and more.

Education

Four primary methods can be used to earn a Physical Therapy degree:

Transitional Master’s in Physical Therapy:  those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy prior to the changes made to the continuing education requirements (2000) can continue studying to meet the current requirements.

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy: those who have earned their bachelor’s and master’s degrees can go on to earn their doctorate in physical therapy degree.

Direct Entry Master’s in Physical Therapy: those who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field who wish to become physical therapists can attend a two-year program to become a licensed physical therapist. The program will focus on learning physical therapy concepts in a classroom setting in the first year, and will be spent working at an intern or externship setting in the second.

Direct Entry Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree: typically a year longer than a direct master’s degree, a direct entry doctorate in physical therapy degree allows individuals to earn their Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT); this degree will usually offer graduates the opportunity to earn higher salaries.

Specialties

Neurological: specializing in this area gives individuals the opportunity to work with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, etc.

Geriatric: if you specialize in this area of physical therapy, you will focus most of your work on older adults who have cancer, hip and joint replacements, arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, etc.

Orthopedic: this type of physical therapist diagnoses, manages, and treats patients who have sustained musculoskeletal injuries and provide services to those who have had orthopedic surgery; they specialize in joint, acute sports injuries, amputations, arthritis, and more.

Pediatric: if you love working with children, specializing in pediatric physical therapy will allow you to treat infants, kids, and teens with developmental, skeletal, congenital, neuromuscular, and other types of disorders.