Archive for January, 2011

Most Affordable Online MBA Degrees

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

An online Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) is an ideal foundation for management positions in almost any company or organization. The core courses are designed to introduce students to the various areas of business, including accounting, marketing, human resources, and operations management. If you’re interested in pursuing an MBA to further your business knowledge or advance your career but don’t have the time to attend class, then an online business university may be the best choice for you.

As the most popular type of master’s degree available, most online universities offer an MBA degree program. While many MBA programs are similar, each university has their own requirements, curriculums and concentrations from which to choose. It may be beneficial to take a look at a few universities before making the decision on which you want to register with. You’ll also want to consider the cost of an MBA, and if your company will help pay for furthering your education. Below is a list of ten of the most affordable online MBA programs to help narrow your search.

10 Most Affordable Online MBA Degrees

1. Western Governors University – According to the school’s website, the MBA online business program at Western Governors University is designed for “experienced business professionals seeking upward career mobility, as well as individuals with “real world” experience who are interested in attaining additional knowledge and skills in business management and strategy.” An MBA degree at Western Governors University will cost you $3,250 per 6-month term, and you will need to complete 12 courses. The total cost depends on how many courses you choose to complete during each term.

2. Upper Iowa University – MBA courses at Upper Iowa University focus on applying theoretical principles and practical experience to business situations and problems. The average cost for an MBA at Upper Iowa University is $15,561.

3. Ashford University – Ashford University touts their online MBA program as one of the most accelerated available. You are required to only take 33 credits (with the typical amount needed being 60-120), though you can choose to personalize your MBA degree with a specialization. The average cost of an MBA at Ashford University is $17,853.

4. Liberty University – At Liberty University an emphasis is placed on high ethical standards throughout all online business program courses. MBA students have the option of choosing one of four concentrations in addition to their regular coursework. An MBA degree at Liberty University will cost an average of $19,125.

5. LeTourneau University Online – LeTourneau University’s online MBA program is designed for busy professionals. Their courses are structured to fit into any schedule and costs, on average, $21,700.

6. Keiser University Online – Keiser University uses a “one class at a time” approach which allows students to fully concentrate on each course before moving on to another. It is also easier to complete an online business degree at Keiser because new classes begin each month allowing you to take off some time without missing out on an entire semester. The average cost for an MBA at Keiser University Online is $23,226. Keep in mind, however, that because they offer one class at a time, it might take longer to receive your degree.

7. University of Phoenix – The MBA online business degree from the University of Phoenix allows you to fully absorb course material by letting you take one class at a time. Each course lasts for six weeks, so you are still able to finish at a faster rate than many other online business programs. An MBA at University of Phoenix starts at $24,660; however, you can choose up to two concentrations for an additional $10,275.

8. Walden University – An MBA at Walden University’s online business program provides expertise from industry scholars, networking, and the opportunity to pursue field study or study abroad. Receiving your MBA from Walden University will cost $27,900.

9. American InterContinental University – Coursework at American InterContinental University’s online business program is structured to help students develop their goals while attaining a comprehensive core of business knowledge. The average cost for an MBA at American InterContinental University is $29,474.

10. Colorado Technical University – The MBA Degree Program at CTU includes academic certificates in Business Administration and Business Management. These are resume-enhancing credentials built into course content, so that you can progressively add marketable skills as you study. The total cost to receive an online MBA from CTU is $30,448.

When researching the cost of an MBA online, it is important to note that each school will list their tuition and fees differently. Some charge per credit hour or per course while others make you pay tuition per semester or year. Some even charge a flat rate for as many classes as you can handle. Be sure to do the math so that you know you are comparing all the tuition and fees correctly. If you are unsure as to how many credits/courses constitute an MBA degree, go to our online degree section and click on MBA degree.

Get an online degrees mba to better your career

By Kristianna Del Grande

Move Over Kids: Online Learning Is for Adults, Too

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

Online learning is not just for high school students or recent high school graduates. In fact, it is becoming more common for adults to seek online degrees to advance their careers. Many of these new applicants have jobs already and are looking to advance their careers. Others may be looking to change careers, or to make the leap from simply having a job, to having a job that is more rewarding. Many employers actually encourage this amongst their employees, since a more educated work force equates to better job performance and better performance overall for the company. In fact, a lot of companies actually offer full to partial tuition reimbursement to employees seeking those routes.

The types of degrees being sought vary widely. Education and business top the list as degrees that most adults seek. A master’s degree in education or a doctorate degree in education is usually sought by teachers who already have an education degree but are looking to continue their advancement through an online graduate school. Within that group of educators taking online courses, are those that are specializing in different educational fields. From Assessment Evaluation, to ESL, to Special Education for different age groups, the options are vast. So, for any teacher looking to continue their education within work and financial restraints, online graduate schools are viable options. Options for business degrees range just as much as education degrees and can encompass a wide variety of professions and workplaces. In fact, having first-hand experience might even increase the teacher’s ability to use and teach his or her own students using online education tools.

From entrepreneurial to established companies, the options for those wishing to pursue an online business degree open up many doors of opportunity. It seems to be the nature of business to take an idea to the next level. Take a look back at how this century alone we as a nation, and as human beings, have progressed in ways of doing business and innovating and revolutionizing ideas. Technology is evolving at an exponential pace, and those in the business world are evolving at the same pace. It is detrimental not only to a company, but also professionally, to lag behind the tech revolution. Degree programs online offer quicker, more affordable solutions to getting an education that will keep pace with these changes. And the added benefit is that you can fit the courses in during your lunch break and after hours, so you never have to sacrifice work time for study time.

While online education for high school students is getting increasingly popular, those already in the work force have always been the main audience. Hybrid courses which combine online and face-to-face learning, are popular amongst high school age students, and have been attended by adult students as well.

By Sarah E Peduzzi

Obtaining an Online Education in HVAC

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

When looking to gain an accredited education in HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) you can do so through a number of accredited online schools and colleges. Not all training in this field can be completed with online studies so you should look into the hands-on training requirements prior to enrollment. You can choose to pursue a career as an HVAC professional by completing an accredited certificate or degree training program online. Studies for obtaining an online education in HVAC will cover various topics related to the specialized area of study and level of education you choose to obtain.

You can become an HVAC Technician by completing an accredited online learning program. Training is available at various levels of education including:

* Certificates
* Associate Degrees
* Bachelor Degrees

You can gain the education you desire by enrolling in an online program that fits your individual needs and goals. Training will help to prepare you for the career of your dreams by covering all necessary topics. You will be able to seek employment in commercial offices, industrial complexes, private homes, and more.

Certificates – Gaining an accredited online education at the certificate level can take you around six months. Career opportunities can include working as an HVAC Technician installing and repairing various heating and cooling systems. Training may include subjects like electromechanical systems, commercial systems, energy alternatives, duct design, residential systems, installation process, and much more. Training at this level will allow you to seek the employment you desire or pursue an undergraduate degree.

Associate Degrees – Online career training at the associate degree level will require you to complete two years of accredited studies. Training for an education at this level will allow you to pursue the career you long for. Studies may consist of courses like air distribution, pneumatic HVAC systems, HVAC and refrigeration systems, thermal controls, and other relevant topics. Training for an accredited online degree at this level will help you to prepare for the career you desire.

Bachelor Degrees – Pursuing accredited bachelor degrees in this field can be done through online HVAC schools and colleges. Training will last four years and will allow you to become an HVAC or Refrigeration Technician. Coursework will cover various topics for training in engineering, refrigeration, heating and cooling systems. You may also study electronics systems technology, mechanical systems, design theory, repair procedures, installation, and many other subjects. By enrolling in an online educational training program for a bachelor degree in this field you can enter the workforce prepared for a successful career.

By Renata McGee