For Students: Note-Taking Skills during Lectures

If you want to gain maximum of you lecture, you must have good note-taking skills so that each and every point being said in the class room become yours. Here are some tips of note-taking i am giving to you. You may find it useful. So have a look.

Before the class room

1. Before going to the class, do have a look on the previous lecture and point out what you have not understood and try to clarify it in the forthcoming lecture.

During the class room

2. Concentrate on what is being said in the class. Don’t dither to ask any thing if you are not getting properly or if you have any doubt.

3. Start each new lecture on a new page and specify the date of the lecture properly.

4. Leave blank space within your notes so that you may insert your comments or any reference within there.

5. Make your notes as brief as you can. Don’t write full sentences. Just write few words which you can understand later. If you go for writing whole sentence, you will miss the many more information what your lecturer is saying and soon you will found yourself out of flow.

6. Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols you can use wherever possible.

7. Note all unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts you don’t understand. This reminds you to look them up later.

8. Don’t try to write down everything the educator says

9. Concentrate on picking out the relevant points only

10. Write notes in point form with separate sub headings

11. Develop your own shorthand

12. Write down any references given in class to read later

13. Underline key phrases in red, or with a highlighter pen

14. Use titles, subtitles and bullet points

15. Produce a summary list/table at the end of a section

After the class room

16. It is extremely important to review your notes within 24 hours. If you will not do so, you might forget your symbols or shortcuts which you inserted in your notes in the class room.

17. Edit for words and phrases that are illegible or don’t make sense. Write out abbreviated words that might be unclear later.

18. Edit with a different colored pen to distinguish between what you wrote in class and what you filled in later.

19. Fill in key words and questions in the left-hand column.

20. Note anything you don’t understand by underlining or highlighting to remind you to ask the instructor.

21. Compare your notes with the textbook reading and fill in important details in the blank spaces you left.

22.Consider rewriting or typing up your notes.

34 Simple and Useful Ubuntu Shortcuts You Must Know

1. Ctrl + W: Close the current Nautilus Window

2. Ctrl+T: Open a new tab in Nautilus

3. Ctrl + H: Toggle Display of hidden files and folders

4. Ctrl+E:  Send the current document to an email recipient

5. Ctrl+Q: Quit the application

6. Ctrl + 1/2: Change folder view to icon/list.

7. Ctrl + Shift + W: Close all open Nautilus Windows

8. Ctrl + Shift + N: Create New Folder, Very useful shortcut

9. Ctrl + Alt + L: Quick shortcut to Lock Screen if you need to be away from your desktop for few moments and don’t want others to see your desktop.

10. Ctrl + Alt + D: Show Desktop/ Restore open windows if show desktop used earlier

11. Ctrl + Alt + Backspace: Kill X server

12. Ctrl + Alt + F1: Switch to the first virtual terminal

13. Ctrl + Alt + F2(F3)(F4)(F5)(F6): Select the different virtual terminals
14. Ctrl + Alt + F7: Switch to current terminal session with X

15. Ctrl+Alt++: Switch to next X resolution (Depends of your X configuration)

16. Ctrl+Alt+-: Switch to previous X resolution (Depends of your X configuration)

17. Alt+Tab: Switch between open programs

18. Alt + F: Open Applications Menu

19. Alt + F2: Open the Run Application Dialog Box

20. Alt + F5: UnMaximizes Current Window

21. Alt + F7: This shortcut activates the move window option that lets you move current window using arrow keys. You can even move window to other workspace, try moving it to extreme right.

22. Alt + F8: Resize current window with arrow keys

23. Alt + F9/F10: Minimize/ Maximize current window

24. Alt + Up/Down Arrow: Move to Parent Folder/ Selected folder

25. Alt + Left/Right Arrow: Move Back/forward in Nautilus

26. Alt + Enter: Show properties of a selected file/folder without requiring to right click on it and select Properties.

27. Alt + Home: Move directly to your Home Folder

28. Alt + Shift + Tab: Switch Windows in Reverse Direction as done using Alt+Tab

29. Alt + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Move to Workspace on Left/Right

30. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Move current window to another workspace

31. Alt + Shift + Up Arrow: This initiates a cool looking window switcher interface with which you can switch between windows using Arrow keys while holding Alt + Shift

32. Win+E: Shows all workspaces in a nifty way and lets you switch between workspaces easily.

33. Win + Mousewheel: Zoom in / Zoom out Desktop. This one’s pretty useful if  you are having a wireless keyboard/mouse.

34. F9: Toggle display of Nautilus Sidepane

Top 25 Online Degree Colleges of the World

If you are in the hunt of top online degree colleges of the world, you have landed on the perfect place. I am going to list top 25 online degree colleges from where you can earn your online degree. Here goes the list.

1. DeVry University

Devry University is one of the premier online colleges. The school boasts a 90% job placement with their graduates in a six month time frame. Degree programs are available in accounting, business fields, computer and web design, medical administration, engineering, computer forensics, and many more. Students attending Devry can receive scholarships from the school and the school also helps students find lenders. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

2. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers associate to doctoral degree programs for working adults. The school helps students earn degrees quicker than they would be able to with many other institutions of higher learning. The instructors are professionals with advanced degrees and experience. The school offers over 30 different degree programs. Federal financial aid is available. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Capella University

Capella University endeavors to provide a quality education while maintaining a personal relationship with their students. The school tailors the courses to the standards and techniques required in the professional fields. Capella has five schools of education; business and technology, human services, education, psychology, and undergraduate studies. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

4. Kaplan University

Kaplan University has schools for the arts and sciences, business, business and finance sector, criminal justice, nursing, education, health sciences, legal studies, and information and technology. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher learning commission of the north central association of colleges and schools.

5. Westwood College

Westwood College provides a professional focused education to their students. The school offers fast track degrees and continuing education for their alumni. Degree programs include paralegal, graphic design and multimedia, computer network engineering, accounting, marketing, game art and design, fashion merchandising and many more. Westwood online is associated with Westwood College of Technology and is accredited through this school by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

6. Boston University

Boston University is a well established and respected university ranked among the top schools in the country. The university offers graduate degree programs via distance learning. Students can earn masters degrees in criminal justice, banking, occupational therapy, international marketing, business continuity, as well as doctorates in occupational therapy and physical therapy. The school offers man continuing education courses online to continue educating to help working professionals keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

7. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University provides a challenging curriculum. Working adult students with families, stay at home mothers, and military students attending the school praised the curriculum and the professors as tough but helpful. The school provides a career oriented education. Degree programs are available in business and management, criminal justice and public administration, health sciences, and information systems and technology. CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

8. American InterContinental University (AIU) Online

AIU seeks to provide a quality career focused education to their students. The instructors are all professionals in the fields they teach. Students can pursue associate degrees in business and medical fields, bachelor degrees in business, IT, and health fields and master’s degrees in many of the same fields. The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Seton Hall Worldwide

Seton Hall worldwide is part of the Seton Hall University. The distance learning program began in 1998 and has provided a high quality education to the online community of students. The school offers mainly graduate degrees in healthcare and education. The school also offers an undergraduate program for students pursuing an RN or BSN degree. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

10. Baker College

Baker College offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can pursue associate degrees in applied sciences and business, bachelor degrees in business, computer sciences, general studies, and health service fields. Graduate degree programs can be obtained in business, IT, and occupational therapy. The school is accredited by the Higher learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Financial aid is available through federal programs.

11. Bowling Green State University

BGSU is a traditional University with a reputable distance learning program. BGSU offers various certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Students can obtain undergraduate degrees in Advanced Technological Education, liberal studies, or RN/BSN completion. Graduate degrees in organization development and business administration are also available. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

12. University of London External System

The University of London External System allows students to earn a degree from the highly regarded University of London. The school boasts 57 Nobel Prize winners and is ranked among the top 20 world class colleges. The school has offered distance learning programs for over a 100 years, though current technology makes the process much simpler. The degree programs are based on the curriculum devised for the University’s colleges.

13. Walden University

Walden University offers advanced degrees in fields which provide some type of service to the community as a whole; education, business, human services, and engineering. The school is accredited by the North Central association of Schools and Colleges. Federal financial aid is available.

14. Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology

Ellis College of New York IOT offers a quality education focused on practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The school offers more than 50 online degree programs from associate to graduate. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

15. University of Maryland University College

The University of Maryland University College is part of the University of Maryland System. The school is part of a well established, highly regarded and respected higher education system. Degrees earned via distance learning at this school will be accepted in high esteem. The University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Financial aid is available through federal programs.

16. Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University is a traditional school which also offers complete degrees online. Students can also obtain professional certificates to help with career advancement. Bachelor degrees in Arts in management, business administration, accounting, and Information Technology are available to be completed online. The school also offers 20 Master degree programs. GGU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

17. Stanford University Center for Professional Development

The Stanford University Center for PD offers working professionals the advantages and resources of a Stanford University education through online learning. The school offers 23 Masters programs which can be completed via distance learning. 35 graduate or professional certificate programs are also offered.

18. Argosy University

Argosy University is a traditional college which offers complete degree programs in business, education, and psychology online. Students can obtain Bachelor’s Master’s or even Doctoral degrees. The school is geared towards working adults seeking to advance their careers in their fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. UT TeleCampus

UT TeleCampus is an extension of the University of Texas System which offers online education opportunities. The school draws from the universities vast resources to provide a high quality, student centered distance learning degree programs. The school offers a large number of diverse program opportunities to select from with a strong concentration in health and education. Certificate programs, bachelor completion programs, and master’s degree programs are available completely on line.

20. Globe University & Minnesota School of Business

Globe University & Minnesota School of Business is a traditional college which has offered degrees earned completely through distance learning since 2000. Bachelor Degree programs are available in business admin, business management, health care management, information technology, paralegal, criminal justice, accounting, sales and marketing, transportation business, and cosmetology business. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges.

21. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University has received glowing reviews from their students and alumni. Columbia Southern was created with the idea of providing education possibilities with convenient scheduling for working adults with inconvenient schedules. The College offers degree programs from associates to doctorates in a wide range of fields. The school has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council which is recognized by the US Dept of Education and is a member of ACE. Federal financial aid is available.

22. Herzing College Online

Herzing College offers a variety of diploma and degree programs. Students can earn diplomas in medical assisting, billing & payroll, billing and insurance coding, or office administration. Associate degree programs are available in the same programs as the diploma curriculum as well as in computer science, business, paralegal and graphic design. The college also offers programs for bachelor and master degrees. Herzing College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Concord Law School

Concord Law School is a private for profit school. It is the first to offer students the opportunity to obtain a law degree completely online. The same curriculum is taught online as would be taught in a traditional program on campus. The same resources are also available to those who pursue their law degree completely online. The school is affiliated with Kaplan University and applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree. The school is accredited by the Distance Education Training Council.

24. Champlain College

Champlain College strives to educate using the most current and relevant techniques and information. Champlain confers with the top leaders in business and industry to develop a curriculum which will prepare their students for application in their present or future careers. Programs offered by this college include associate degrees in science in software development and business management. Bachelor degrees can be obtained in business management, science in computer and information systems, and science in software development. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Federal financial aid is available.

25. Cumberland University

Cumberland University has been around since 1842 and is a private nonprofit liberal arts school. Individuals already possessing a bachelor’s degree in any field can earn a Masters of Arts in Education degree online. This is a 36 hour program and teaches the latest techniques. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Federal financial aid is available.

Top 10 Engineering Institutes of United Kingdom

Here is the list of top 10 engineering institutes of United Kingdom. The list shows their world wide engineering rank and score. This list include University of CAMBRIDGE, IMPERIAL College London, University of OXFORD, University of MANCHESTER etc.

1. University of CAMBRIDGE

Engineering Rank : 5
Engineering Score : 76.2

2. IMPERIAL College London

Engineering Rank : 7
Engineering Score : 70.9

3. University of OXFORD

Engineering Rank : 14
Engineering Score : 61.6

4. University of MANCHESTER

Engineering Rank : 45
Engineering Score : 44.8

5. University of EDINBURGH

Engineering Rank : 60
Engineering Score : 40.2

6. University of SOUTHAMPTON

Engineering Rank : 96
Engineering Score : 32.8

7. UCL (University College London)

Engineering Rank : 96
Engineering Score : 32.8

8. University of BIRMINGHAM

Engineering Rank : 98
Engineering Score : 32.7

9. University of SHEFFIELD

Engineering Rank : 122
Engineering Score : 29.6

10. University of SHEFFIELD

Engineering Rank : 129
Engineering Score : 29.0

Online Environmental Engineering Degrees

Environmental engineers apply the principles of biology, chemistry, and computer science to directly address the world''s most pressing environmental concerns, from water erosion to waste disposal. With worsening climate conditions and more frequent natural disasters, the work that environmental engineers perform is becoming increasingly important. They manage hazardous waste, design more fuel-efficient cars, develop alternative sources of energy, and manufacture safer packaging materials. In essence, they spearhead a host of important initiatives with the aim of combating climate change in an increasingly overpopulated world.

Environmental Engineering Degrees

If you are interested in becoming an environmental engineer, a bachelor''s degree is usually the minimum education you need. Certain jobs and research positions actually require graduate training in the field. And if you plan on working at the local, state, or federal levels, you might need licensure and certification before you can begin practicing professionally. You should check with your local government to see what types of exams and requirements apply. Coursework typically includes the traditional biology, earth science, and chemistry fields you might expect. But given the environment''s growing importance in the political arena, you might consider adding courses in public policy, political activism, urban planning, and political science to your degree. And for long-term career growth, consider the benefits of graduate training in the field. The extra hours you put in today could prove extremely beneficial both to your career and to the world.

Online Career Training

While it is possible to complete the bulk of your training via online learning, much of your coursework focuses on laboratory testing and hands-on experience. So if you explore online degrees as an option, be prepared to supplement your theoretical career training with apprenticeships and on-site seminars.

Career Outlook in Environmental Engineering

In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on 54,000 environmental engineers in the field. But through 2016, this number is expected to increase by 25 percent, which makes it the fastest growing engineering subcategory. And these predictions exist in the absence of global catastrophes. If the world''s oil supply plummets suddenly or if a series of natural disasters arrive simultaneously, demand for those with environmental engineering degrees could exceed even the current estimates.

If that happens, then the current median salary of $70,000 a year might climb substantially. But even without dizzying demand and attractive salaries, many environmental engineers enjoy a level of fulfillment that other careers may not. Environmental engineers focus on urgent matters of security, safety, and health. Equally enticing, they spend much of their time outdoors in a variety of locations.

Online Software Engineering Degrees

Online software engineering degree programs provide the training and education to manage the vast and ever growing world of computer software that we continue see expand through time. Just think, less than thirty years ago the term ''software engineer'' would fetch nothing but confusion and blank faces. When uttered in today''s world, this term applies to many of today''s workers in what is considered one of the fastest growing industries worldwide.

Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills in conjunction with the rapid changes that are occurring in computer technology. Browse the best software engineering schools on the Internet below, and please feel free to request information at no cost to you by completing the online request form over our secure servers.

Most online computer and software engineering programs feature a comprehensive focus on math and science classes like calculus and physics. There is also a heavy concentration on computer sciences like networking, programming, digital logic design, processor interfacing and technology.

Computer and software engineers design the complex integration system required for computer hardware and software to effectively work together. If a problem arises somewhere within the system, it is the responsibility of the computer and software engineer to find and resolve the situation.

Enrollment in online degree programs affords the students certain advantages that four-year college classes do not. For instance, the student can continue to work a full-time job and attend online classes at convenient times. Imagine being able to take college and university programs from the comfort of your own home. No traveling to school after a long day of work. No loud dorm rooms that can prevent you from studying.

Everything is under your control and can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and schedule. Enroll in a distance learning program and get the education you desire in a format that fits your life.

Online Industrial Engineering Degrees

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that specializes in manufacturing or service industry production procedures. More specifically, they investigate more productive and efficient ways to integrate machines, materials, energy, people, and information. Professionals with an engineering background often enroll in online college courses at the bachelor''s, master''s, and doctoral levels for career training in operations or systems engineering. Many experienced industrial engineering professionals move into management roles.

Industrial Engineering Degrees:

Undergraduate engineering students can begin their career training through coursework in chemistry, mathematics, physics, supply chain management, systems design, ergonomics, and statistics. Graduate programs leading to master''s and doctoral degrees offer advanced courses in manufacturing, technology, and process analysis.

Online Degrees in the Field:

Due to the heavy emphasis on theory, business, and information technology, industrial engineering is well suited for online study. You can tackle a large percentage of your academic requirements from the comfort of a home or office PC as you create workflow models and cost analyses for your various classes. However, more practical and hands-on aspects are also essential to industrial engineering. Career training that includes real-world experience through apprenticeships and internships is important both during and after your formal training.

Career Prospects in Industrial Engineering:

Job opportunities in industrial engineering are expected to grow quite rapidly through the end of the decade, as manufacturing and service businesses seek to streamline their processes, reduce waste, and cut costs in materials and labor. Global competition puts tremendous pressure on companies to maximize production and minimize drag using creative cost-cutting techniques. As a result, industrial engineers could continue to enjoy tremendous demand as globalization further refines the modern business landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth could be as much as 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is nearly twice the national average for most other industries.

The bulk of these positions are in manufacturing, transportation, and design, both in the private and public sectors. Contact your local, state, or federal governments for licensing and certification requirements.

Salary and Outlook for Industrial Engineering:

Equally encouraging are the salary figures that potentially await you after graduation. In 2006, the median salary for industrial engineers was nearly $70,000. If demand continues on its 20 percent trajectory, it is reasonable to expect that median salaries could continue to keep pace as well. It is possible that the highest 10 percent of current industrial engineer salaries ($110,000 a year) could eventually present the new median.

Online Chemical Engineering Degrees

Chemical engineers enjoy careers in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and energy to biotechnology, product design, and pharmaceuticals. Career training for chemical engineering professionals typically begins with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or general engineering, followed by a rigorous graduate program in a particular specialty. Today''s online education programs offer bachelor''s, master''s and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering.

Chemical Engineering Jobs:

Chemical engineering professionals work on research and development projects to discover cost-effective manufacturing processes for materials used in aerospace, food, health care (medicines and devices), electronics, clothing, the military, and cosmetics. In addition to holding degrees from formal online chemical engineering programs, many chemical engineers seek professional engineer (PE) licenses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports annual average wages for chemical engineers ranging from $53,813 to $79,591 based on degree and experience.

Online Bachelor's Degrees and Chemical Engineering Coursework:

Online programs offer a comprehensive curriculum comprised of classes in mathematics, physics, chemical dynamics, heat and mass theory, thermodynamics, kinetics, polymer science, and process control. Advanced online work at the master''s degree level offers studies in chemical engineering and thermodynamics processes along with significant research opportunities.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

One of the broadest disciplines in engineering, mechanical engineering focuses on the design, development, research, testing, and manufacturing of tools, engines, and mechanical devices. Their work is crucial to most of the machines that have come to define modern society, from internal combustion engines to power drills to robots.

Mechanical Engineering Degrees:

Like most engineering disciplines, mechanical engineers usually require a bachelor''s degree for entry into the field. If you are interested in research or teaching, you might even explore the possibility of securing a master''s degree or higher to be more competitive in the job market. For engineers working on public projects, local, state, or federal licensing tests are required.

Mechanical Engineering Coursework:

Coursework focuses on mathematics, statistics, physics, solid mechanics, instrumentation and measurement, thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion, fluid mechanics and dynamics, hydraulics and pneumatics, and drafting (CAD/CAM). And given mechanical engineering''s close relationship with the manufacturing industry, your career training should also encompass production, business management, and design as well. Thereafter, you can specialize in additional subcategories. Aerospace engineering, for example, has many ties with mechanical engineering, and you could have extensive overlap if flight design is something that interests you career-wise. Other specialty fields include robotics, logistics, cryogenics, optics, biomechanics, fuel technology, and automotive engineering.

Online Mechanical Engineering Career Training:

Because so much of mechanical engineering requires hands-on experience with moving parts and engines, online degrees aren''t always well suited for this particular discipline. If you do decide to purse distance learning, be sure to supplement your career training with sufficient internship experience or apprenticeships to bolster your theoretical knowledge with real-world practical knowledge. Doing so can make you a better employment prospect down the road. You might also consider the benefits of extensive IT training. As nanotechnology continues to make inroads within the larger manufacturing industry, an understanding of computer systems and micro-technology could prove beneficial.

Careers in Mechanical Engineering:

Mechanical engineers work in industries like aeronautics, bioengineering, cryogenics, heat transfer, medicine, manufacturing, and defense. Typically, a mechanical engineer works with machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, turbines, and boilers. Of the fifteen most popular engineering fields, mechanical engineering is second only to civil engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 227,000 mechanical engineers reported in 2006 (out of 1.5 million total engineering jobs).

Salary and Career Outlooks for Mechanical Engineering:

Job prospects in mechanical engineering are expected to grow more slowly than the national average due to globalization and international competition. This trend only highlights the importance of advanced education. With career training at the graduate level, you can better insulate yourself from slowed industry growth. Salary potential, on the other hand, is quite encouraging. In 2006, the median income for mechanical engineers was $70,000, with the upper ten percent earning almost $105,000.

Online Civil Engineering Degrees

You've never seen the water as high or flowing as fast. Your responsibility as a project manager is to close a breach that occurred during a recent storm on a city canal. Your team of engineers has already investigated and reported the situation to you. Urgently, you make a few calls to temporarily close other waterways to the canal. You sign a stack of contracts for materials and modes of transportation like barges and helicopters to close the gap and stop the flow of water from a nearby lake into the city. After reporting to your supervisor, you head out of the office to meet with the water pump operators and assess the flood damage yourself. Variety is one reason for choosing a civil engineering career. You might be in the office, working on designs at a computer or reporting progress to a client. You could be on site, leading teams, solving problems and literally being "hands-on." A 2004 survey by a U.K. civil engineering institution reported a high degree of job satisfaction among civil engineers--71 percent reported being satisfied with their employer and 75 percent indicated that they were satisfied with their present role.

Civil Engineering Degree Programs:

A degree in civil engineering offers an education focused on creating, improving, and protecting the environment in which we live. A four-year bachelor''s degree is the standard qualification for an entry-level civil engineering job.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering:

The B.S. in Civil Engineering begins with core liberal arts and sciences courses, which build analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. In the final two years of the program, students focus on civil engineering career training. Courses include management, technology, construction in commercial and personal transportation infrastructures, and heavy construction. Civil engineering degrees are also available at the master''s and PhD degree levels. These graduate programs allow civil engineers to hone their design skills and develop their own independent research projects. The Master of Science in Civil Engineering serves as a continuing education qualification for many practicing engineers, affording exposure to the latest advances in the field. The master''s degree may also be required for advancement to supervisory or higher-level research roles. The PhD in Civil Engineering is designed for engineers who want to become research scholars, teaching at the college level and performing cutting-edge research.

Career Outlook for Civil Engineers:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor''s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 256,000 jobs in civil engineering, with 18 percent more expected by 2016. Median annual earnings of civil engineers were $75,230 in 2007. The highest 10 percent earned more than $109,100 annually. If you have a real sense adventure and a commitment to help those in the greatest need, civil engineering might be the career for you. Civil engineers literally build their communities from the ground up; with a civil engineering degree, you''ll gain the technical training to take on this important role and build a strong career future.

Online Electrical Engineering Degrees

Electrical engineering, also known as electronics engineering, is the application and study of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers play a crucial role in everything from power management and digital electronics to telecommunications and artificial intelligence. Because professionals in this field design, create, test, and manage the production of electrical equipment, very few disciplines within IT and manufacturing escape their input. Electrical engineers are vital to the long-term stability of modern society because they oversee the generation and supply of power and their accompanying systems.

Career Training for Electrical Engineering:

A bachelor''s degree in the field is usually the minimum employers expect for entry-level electrical engineer jobs. It is possible to enter the field from math and natural science programs, but given how rapidly the industry evolves, you may need to supplement your training with specialized coursework. Some programs offer two-year degrees, but again, four-years of intensive study represent the norm. Bachelor''s degrees are especially important if you plan on offering your services to the public. All 50 states require licensing and certification for engineers employed by local, state, and federal government agencies.

Coursework for Electrical Engineering:

The bulk of your coursework focuses on math, science, engineering, information technology, and computer science. Depending on your intended career field, however, you might also be expected to include classes from the social sciences, humanities, and public policy. If you pursue an online degree in electrical engineering, you might consider supplementing your education with an apprenticeship or internship. By its very nature, electrical engineering is a field full of potential hazards. Bolstering your theoretical knowledge with hands-on training can give you a more thorough grounding in the safety guidelines required for this field. Your online program should be able to direct you to firms in your area that have temporary openings. If not, consider contacting relevant government agencies that oversee public engineering projects in your city.

Career Opportunities in Electrical Engineering:

The bulk of electrical engineering opportunities are in architecture and manufacturing. Growing demand for electronic appliances and alternative energy management could help create more jobs in the future, but international competition might put added pressure on the industry as a whole. As a result, electrical engineering could enjoy slower than average growth from 2006 to 2016, highlighting the need for advanced education to be competitive. Those who work for firms that provide design services and engineering expertise to manufacturers should enjoy the best prospects. On a more positive note, salary potential for electrical engineers is very encouraging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for electrical engineers was approximately $75,000 in 2006. The highest 10 percent earned a median income of $115,000 during the same time period.

Online Social Work Degrees

The United States faces an unprecedented demand for skilled social workers. While private companies and health maintenance organizations take on the challenge of preventing and treating mental illness, a variety of private and public organizations employ social work professionals to help citizens cope with a variety of problems. Social work is a profession committed to the pursuit of social justice, to the development of each individual, group, and community in society.

A Social Work Degree: Teaching You to Help Others

From unemployment to abuse, social workers try to stem the tide of a variety of social maladies. Accredited social work degree programs can provide students with the critical skills they need to help people overcome their challenges. Social work students learn how to cope with the potential stress of their careers, while solving problems in their specialty fields. Students traditionally explore the elements of social problems, their causes, their solutions, and their impact on human society. Career Opportunities in Social Work Social workers are typically individuals who care about people and society, and have a genuine desire to make a difference. Careers can be found in public agencies, private business, hospitals, schools, police departments, and other fascinating workplaces. Social workers can be managers, supervisors, political leaders, researchers, analysts, and more. Below are some common occupational fields of those who graduate with a social work degree may find employment:

•      Child, family, and school
•      Medical and public health
•      Mental health and substance abuse

Social Work Career Training: Learning the Necessary Skills

While a bachelor''s degree is typically sufficient to enter the social work field, a master''s degree is usually required for health care and clinical positions. Degree programs offer regular classroom studies, but applicable field experience can give you more knowledge and a better understanding of the field. Typical studies may include human behavior, research methods, policy analysis, social justice, general psychology, and more. Aside from the technical knowledge, social workers usually learn to deal with people on a daily basis and be comfortable in such interactive situations.

Social Work Salary and Earnings Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for social workers should continue to increase between 2006 and 2016. The most recent data notes there should be a 22 percent increase in job opportunities for social workers during that time. In addition to positive job growth, individuals with a degree in social work can also command solid annual earnings. In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that social work professionals earned a median annual salary of $45,800, depending on their specialty. The lowest 10 percent earned $26,380, and the top 10 percent earned more than $71,940. Some of the top employing states included New York, Delaware, and Alaska, while the top paying states included South Dakota, Mississippi, and New Jersey. Social work jobs should continue to increase, as agencies expand to handle more cases every day. According to the BLS, opportunities may be better in rural areas where it is tougher to attract and retain qualified staff. While cities and metropolitan areas may offer more training programs, this may result in much more competition when searching for jobs.

Online Detective Degrees

Detectives, also called criminal investigators, investigate and solve crimes for government agencies. Specific duties vary according to the detective''s department, which could be homicide, anti-terrorism, narcotics, robbery, juvenile crimes or fraud. To become a detective, in most cases, one must work up the ranks starting from police patrol officer. Many employers, including some local governments, require at least an associate degree, while state and federal governments require four-year degrees. Detectives must pass physical, medical, written and psychological tests. Acceptance into a police department is followed by training at an academy from 12 weeks to one year.

Degrees for Detectives

As more employers start requiring four-year degrees or the equivalent of work experience, earning a college degree is becoming more important. Moving up in the ranks with real-world experience takes time, but earning a college degree online while working full-time can also advance career promotion possibilities.

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor''s Degree
• Master's Degree

Detective Job Description

Detectives are officers in plain clothes who investigate and solve crimes in the following ways:

• Gather facts
• Collect evidence
• Conduct interviews
• Examine data and information
• Observe suspects and other persons of interest
• Participate in arrests and raids
• Testify in court against those charged with crimes

Detectives can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. In 2006, about 106,000 people were employed as detectives and criminal investigators.

Detective Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50 percent of detectives and criminal investigators earned between $43,920 and $76,350 in 2006, with a median salary of $58,260. Federal government employees earned the highest median income at $69,510, local government employees earned $52,520 and state government employees earned $49,370. Police and detective supervisors, meanwhile, earned a median income of $69,310. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts "about as fast as the average" growth in the employment of detectives in both the public and private security sectors, particularly because of the increased concern with public and private safety.

Online Vocational Degrees

Earning a vocational degree from an online university is a great way to turn your hobby into a challenging career. Vocational and trade industries are constantly courting qualified candidates with formal training in the field. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that service-providing trade and vocational professions will show a steady increase in projected employment over the coming decade. If you''d like to get training but are worried about holding on to your current position, distance learning may be the answer. Working professionals, mid-career changers, and other nontraditional students love the flexibility. Coursework for online vocational degrees feature specific training in your desired field. Locksmithing, electronics, and creative design are just a few of your options. With respect to salary, your specialty and geographic locale will come into play. Most positions earn an hourly wage and can choose the type of projects and the number of hours in which they work. Electricians, for example, earned a median hourly wage of $21.53 in 2007.

Vocational Degrees

You would find lots of universities and colleges globally that offer vocational education online degrees in a variety of areas. And many of them have so far earned a top sited ranking on the basis of distinct quality based education. Every year many different types of students decide to pursue an online education for various reasons. Whether a student has recently graduated high school or college, there are vocational education online degree programs being offered at various top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges that will suit your continuing education needs. Some of the most common vocational education online degrees awarded through online education programs of top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges are Associate Degree, Bachelor''s Degree, Master''s Degree and Doctorate Degree.

Associate Degrees

An Associate Degree is often obtained at a community college or a vocational school in one to two years. Students normally receive this vocational education online degree to have a basic knowledge of the field they are interested in. To further enhance their skills and expertise they go on to attend vocational education online bachelor’s degree. A vocational education online associate degree is completed in a less timeframe than a bachelor''s degree because fewer required units. However, the coursework being offered, at top accredited online universities and top accredited online colleges, is similar requiring general education, electives and major work.

Bachelor Degrees

A Bachelor’s Degree may be earned in arts or science discipline based on the line of interest one chooses. This vocational education online degree is often obtained at a four-year top accredited online college or top accredited online university and is completed in around four year time depending upon the major courses of study and requirements. Sometimes a specialized top accredited online school may also be attended to receive a bachelor''s degree.

Master Degrees

A Master''s Degree allows a student to concentrate on a specific field and subject of interest after the completion of bachelor’s degree program. A thesis is the major requirement in order to receive this vocational education online degree. A top accredited online college or a top accredited online university, where bachelor’s program is attended, will offer this degree. Students can receive this vocational education online degree from a different college too and it may last from one to two years depending upon the program''s requirements of your chosen top accredited online university or top accredited online college.

Doctorate

The Doctorate Degree is the highest degree awarded globally. Most students obtain this vocational education online degree after receiving master''s degrees. This program may last from five to eight years depending upon the amount of research that is required to complete a dissertation.

Online Leadership degrees

Degree programs in leadership can help rising executives cultivate the skills they need to succeed in today''s highly competitive business environment. Because most colleges and universities offer flexible leadership programs, professionals can often schedule their classes around work and family obligations. For working adults, a degree or a certificate in leadership can open up opportunities for promotion, advancement, or entrepreneurship.

What is a Leadership Degree?

A leadership degree is one of the most versatile degrees in that it can be utilized towards numerous fields and industries. Whether you are interested in education, healthcare, business, or arts, companies in those areas traditionally look for strong leaders that can bring success to the organization. A leadership degree can provide the career training you need to succeed in a top management position and will provide the foundation of leadership theories and styles used in business, government, and non-profit settings. Most leadership programs focus heavily on professional development, organizational dynamics, business trends, and long-range planning. Specialized leadership degree programs allow students to explore their creative abilities, while developing advanced technical skills. Students develop skills to be able to see the bigger picture and what is best for an organization. A leadership degree also caters towards entrepreneur-type business people. Graduates can use the skills to launch small businesses that sustain their families without overwhelming their schedules. Visionaries that help launch innovative companies can earn significant bonuses and stock option packages.

What Type of Career Training Does A Leadership Degree Provide?

The coursework in a leadership degree program can prepare you to understand the complex roles of being an executive. Managing a business or leading a team requires dedication and drive. Students may take standard coursework in subjects such as: psychology, finance, human relations, and computer science. Specific leadership courses may include:

• Management decision making
• Building and coaching teams
• Effective change management
• Strategic planning
• Transformative leadership
• Diversity in organization
• Leadership
• Communication

Through a leadership program, graduates can become equipped to take on the demands of upper level management roles, such as chief executive officer, vice president, as well as operational manager, and have the knowledge to succeed in the growing global economy.

The Future for Graduate with Leadership Degrees

Top executives are among the highest paid workers in the United States and their salaries vary greatly due to the responsibilities, the length of service, as well as the type, size and location of the firm.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general operations managers earned a median salary of $103,780 in 2007. Chief executive officers earned a median annual salary of $151,370 in 2007. Employment opportunities for top executive positions should remain competitive as job growth should only reach 2 percent through 2016. In a world where business is booming and becoming more global, there is a need for leaders to take the helm of these organizations and a leadership degree can help you advance you to the top.

Online Associate Degrees

Earning an Associate Degree is similar to earning an undergraduate degree but does not require as many semester hours. Associates degrees are usually obtained in preparation to for entry level career positions and in preparation for higher education opportunities. Programs consist of three general areas of focus: general education courses, courses oriented towards your major and elective courses. Generally, an Associate Degree can be completed in as little as 2 years by attending 4 semesters (two 15 semester credit hours per year). Traditionally community colleges, junior colleges and select technical colleges offer associate degree programs.

While associate degree are recognized as requiring a general education base many value an associates degree for the vocational and career specific training they provide. Associates degrees are awarded in both job-specific vocational areas such as business, technology and electronics or in liberal arts. Today many employers looking for employees with job-specific training now prefer graduates with an Associate Degree as these graduates are more likely to have the skill set necessary to excel in entry and mid-level occupational positions.

Associate Degree Programs include:

• Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) - This degree is a preparation or prerequisite degree four-year college or university.
• Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4 year college or university upon completion.
• Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students for entry level and career advancement opportunities. These degrees may also help student qualify for entry into a 4 year college or university program.
• Occupational Associates Degree - The goal of this degree is prepare graduates to fill entry level career positions immediately following graduation. The goal of this degree is be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

In the United States, an associate degree is a 2-year degree given by colleges upon completion of an associate degree program. Associate degrees are generally 2-year degrees, like those awarded at community colleges. Associate degrees are also available online - allowing students to study on a schedule that suits their busy lives. An Associate Degree is a type of undergraduate degree that requires at least 60 semester credit hours. With full-time study, it will take 2 years to complete - or 4 semesters with 15 credit hours. An associate degree program involves a general education requirement, major requirements, and electives.The two types of associate degrees offered are the A.A. or associate of arts degree, and the A.A.S., which is the associate of applied science degree.

You can earn and A.A. degree at a community or junior college, at a technical school, or even online. This degree designation indicates that you have completed a course of study with an extensive foundation in general education, as well as concentration in a particular area. Your degree is often in an occupational area, or in liberal arts. This degree is designed to transfer to a four-year college or university. Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) is intended for graduates that seek career entry or job advancement after 2 years of college study. AAS degrees will possibly transfer some or all credits to a four-year college.

Associate of Applied Science degrees are the preference of employers seeking people to fill various middle level technology positions. Once you get an associate degree, you typically need another 2 years or 60 credit hours to earn a bachelor degree. Earning an associates degree is a great away for a student to see what direction they want to take in their education. Either degree is a great option for those seeking to earn an associate degree.

Online Distance Learning Degrees

Ever wondered what is distance learning? distance learning is the process of knowledge transfer to learners(students) who are separated from the instructor(teacher) by time and/or physical distance and are making use of technology components such as the Internet, video, CD's, tapes and other forms of technology to accomplish learning.Distance learning is what should occur if special consideration has been taken to the course design, instructional techniques, communication mediums and organization and administrative issues associated with distance education. Knowledge transfer should transpire despite the fact that the instructor

and learner are geographically separated by time or distance.

Importance of Distance Learning:

The biggest driver of distance learning has been due to social changes. Over the years, individuals, institutions, businesses and the military have continuously sought for alternative means of access to higher education as they strive to cope with lifestyles and changing demands of the economies and societies they live in. "Today, higher education is a necessity for those who wish to work and prosper in an economy that is becoming dependant not on sheer muscle power, but on brain power. Today, the workforce is rewarded for how well and how fast problems are detected and solved".

Since the internet has become ubiquitous, we have seen an emergence of online distance learning colleges such as Capella University, Grand Canyon University, Walden University, University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Argosy University as well as traditional brick and mortar colleges who are now offering online programs to fill the demand for higher education. It is hard to keep up with the technology associated with distance learning. Presently distance learning uses emerging technologies to enhance traditional way of learning.

That is what is distance learning on the web, also referred to as online learning, online distance learning or e-learning is increasing becoming the logical way to learn. This has been made possible by the evolving information and communication technology. Telecommunication networks are providing learning opportunities for non-traditional populations of learners and individuals isolated by distance or geographical barriers. Using satellite, computers, telephone, the Internet, interactive video conferencing and audio, distance learners can participate and share many different types of experiences that would not ordinarily be made available to them.

Through distant learning technologies, students can interact with one another, interact with their instructors and easily consult experts at remote locations.

Online Chemistry Degrees

A chemistry degree can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in the field of natural and material sciences and chemist training provides both hands-on and classroom instruction for a comprehensive education. A chemistry education lays the groundwork for a variety of specializations in the field including organic chemistry, the study of plastics, macromolecular studies, and medicinal chemistry. Students who pursue a chemistry education must have strong mathematical, analytical, and research skills. They are often involved in both fieldwork explorations and in-lab studies where they examine and identify various elements and compounds. The field of chemistry is diverse, and many students choose to advance beyond an associate’s or bachelor’s to apply for research jobs and teaching within their field.

Job Description and Responsibilities with a Chemistry Degree

Chemistry degree programs afford students a chance to develop fundamental research and critical thinking skills, as well as a working knowledge of materials, compounds, and chemical reactions. Common job responsibilities of a chemist may include:

• Extracting and examining compounds
• Conducting field research
• Reporting and analyzing data
• Developing new materials as a material scientist
• Working on production and quality control in a chemical manufacturing plant
• Determining the structure and composition of various elements
• Synthesizing elements or compounds

Almost all fields of chemistry involve the life sciences and a deep understanding of the nature of materials and compounds. Many are also involved with research, development, and the improvement of existing materials and compounds with new combinations.

What Does Chemist Training Involve?

Chemist training allows students to explore a range of skills and procedures, and can take place in a lab setting to conduct experiments, or online where students walk through tutorials and presentations on each subject. Chemist training may lead to a variety of specializations such as:

• Polymer chemistry: the study of reactions, properties, and structure
• Inorganic chemistry: the study of molecule elements
• Biochemistry: the study of properties and structure
• Organic chemistry: the study of carbon-based molecules
• Analytical chemistry: qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Physical chemistry: the study of chemical kinetics and electrochemistry

Specializations are often the second portion of any chemistry degree program, and offer their own set of classes in each concentration. Many honors students and researchers go on to specialize even further within their field, and can then apply the scientific method, processes, and knowledge learned from basic chemist training in a variety of fields.

Types of Chemistry Careers and Job Options

After completing a chemistry degree program, students have many opportunities for a lifelong career in the study, research, and development of both organic and inorganic materials. Job options and rewarding chemistry careers include:

• Lab Assistant
• Quality Analyst
• Recruitment Consultant
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Chemical Analyst
• Product Technician or Product Support Analyst
• Research Chemist
• Chemistry Educator

Chemistry Education Training and Courses

A solid chemistry education begins with a background in science and mathematics. Students are encouraged to take advanced classes in physics, mathematics, biology, natural science and chemistry through high school and then move onto a 4-year college to pursue their chemistry education. Although associate’s chemistry degrees are also available, job options and career opportunities are often limited to assistant positions and teacher’s aides. Students who wish to grow in the field of research and study for a PhD will need to take advanced courses for a bachelor’s or master’s chemistry degree in their field.

Common chemistry courses available with a chemistry degree include:

• Biology and Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Calculus
• Microbiology
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Principles of Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

A comprehensive chemist training program is a balance of in-lab instruction and written coursework. Students who choose to pursue a chemistry degree online may be required to perform lab experiments and other hands-on applications on their own time, and it is an invaluable opportunity to understand a real-work environment. With today’s advances in technology, chemistry courses taken over the internet are also becoming a popular way to supplement or complete a chemistry degree program.

Pursuing a Chemistry Degree Online

An online chemistry degree program offers students the convenience and flexibility to finish their studies at their own pace, and even from a distance. Some online chemistry degree programs do require lab attendance so that students can learn the skills, techniques, and applications needed for a lab environment. However, today’s technological advances with web-based learning allow students to take part in tutorials and simulations that can mimic lab training. This is an essential component of chemist training that provides students with in-depth studies and practice for their specialization. Online chemistry degree programs also allow students to work in a collaborative work environment throughout their chemistry courses and related classes. Discussion forums, website research, and online reporting are just a few elements of an online chemistry degree that are limited with a campus-based program. Students who complete their chemistry degree online work with their instructors and students from around the country on a variety of projects.

A chemistry course taken over the internet offers a few other benefits over campus-based courses. These include:

• In-depth research and analysis
• Communication on innovative platforms such as discussion groups and bulletin boards
• Collaborating with different students for each project
• Direct access to lectures, examinations, and related chemistry course materials

Chemistry Careers: Employment Prospects and Job Options

Job opportunities and chemistry careers focused in the pharmaceutical and medicinal areas look to be the most promising, as technology and research continues to advance at a rapid pace. Skilled and talented chemists are needed to continue researching, identifying, and analyzing new compounds and those with at least a bachelor’s degree in their specialization can look forward to long-term opportunities. Still, employment of chemists is expected to grow slower than average through 2014. The most attractive chemistry careers can be found in biotechnological research, pharmaceutical companies, and R&D service firms for product development. Median annual earnings of chemists were $56,060 in 2004, with higher salaries for those with advanced education and experience. Related occupations include:

• Medical scientists
• Biological scientists
• Science Technicians
• Agricultural and Food Scientists
• Physicists