My Colleges and Careers

Liberty University Online

Brandon Buttars — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:36:29 +0000

Liberty University Online is the largest private, non-profit, online educator in the country, with more than 50,000 students. Currently, Liberty Online ranks No. 1 among accredited online schools in the nation and has the highest retention and graduation rates of any leading online university.

Supported by a residential campus

Liberty Online is an extension of Liberty University, the World’s Largest Christian University. Liberty has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971 and is poised for a new era of academic excellence, technological innovation, and Christian commitment.

Career-ready degrees

With more than 45 fully-accredited degrees and 100 specializations at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, Liberty Online offers degrees in the areas the market demands the most.

Christian Foundation

Every course through Liberty Online is taught from a Christian worldview, by professors who treat teaching as a ministry.

More affordable

Liberty Online offers the lowest tuition rates among top online universities. Currently 97 percent of Liberty students receive some form of financial aid.

Flexible learning format

More and more working adults are making online education work for them — earning their degree while balancing family, work, ministry and life’s other demands. Liberty’s flexible program allows you to choose when and where you study.

Generous military benefits

With more than 18,000 military students, Liberty Online is proud to honor the men and women who serve our country. Service members, veterans and their spouses enjoy generous benefits: tuition discounts, free book vouchers, fee waivers and credit for military training.

Trusted support network

When you study through Liberty University Online, you aren’t alone — you are surrounded by Liberty’s exceptional support system and valuable student resources.

Devoted professors grade assignments weekly and respond to queries daily.
Invested Academic Advisors care about your success and are available to assist you throughout the pursuit of your degree.
Help is here — for technology, registration, library resources and most anything else. Liberty
offers services such as chat support, student advocates and an online writing center.
Take advantage of 24/7 access to your coursework on Blackboard, our student-friendly
interface, and your Degree Completion Plan, which continually tracks your overall progress.
Liberty offers an online pastor and staff who pray for each student by name through Liberty Online Ministries.

What if success was within your reach?

With a degree from Liberty University Online, it is. Request information today!

Student Credit Card vs. Student Loan – Which One Is Right for You?

Adam Boulton — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:50:24 +0000

This may come as a shock to you, but college students need money. I know, I know. Crazy concept. Nevertheless, it’s the truth. Most of them have a hard time paying for their expenses with the money earned from a minimum wage job, so they have to seek out student loans to get through school. If you don’t want to do that, you may consider the alternative – getting a student credit card. There are pros and cons to each option, so you need to think carefully before settling into one. Here is a quick comparison of student loans and student credit cards so you can determine which one is right for you.

Monthly Payments

With a student credit card, you will have to make monthly payments on whatever money you spend on the card. These may be as low as $15 a month, but you will have to keep up with them if you want to maintain your credit. With student loans, you can defer your payments until after graduation. Once that happens though, you will have to pay significantly more than you would on a credit card to keep your balance current. If you look at the overall picture, you will probably spend less in monthly payments with a credit card than you will with a student loan.

Credit Limits

You can get a lot more money in student loans than you can in credit card balances. A single loan may be worth $5,000, while a student credit card may only be worth $500. With this in mind, it is a lot easier to rack up high debt with loans because the values are tremendously higher. This leaves you with more money to pay back when you get out of school. In order to start your professional life debt-free, a credit card may be a better alternative.

Spending Options

In theory, you’re supposed to only use your student loans for school expenses, like books, tuition, and class fees. Nevertheless, there are plenty of students that end up taking their refund checks and buying cars or furniture they probably don’t need. If the school finds out about the frivolous purchases you’re making with your loan money, you could get in serious trouble. With a credit card though, you can buy whatever you want, whenever you want.

Interest Rates

Student loans and student credit cards both have low interest rates, so you may not have to worry about this either way. The government regulates student loans to make sure they do not cost more than a student could logically handle. Card issuers also keep their interest rates low because they know that students don’t have a lot of money. As long as you avoid cards with high variable APRs, you should be good to go.

Credit Building

You can build your credit with a student credit card or a student loan, but the second option may only help you later on. Since you’ll most likely defer the payments on your loan for after graduation, all you’ll be doing at this point is racking up debt on your credit. With a credit card though, you’ll be showing the bureau that you manage your money responsibly. This assumes you make your payments on time and try to pay your balance off quickly. If the credit card sits like a loan would, you’ll be in the same mess no matter what.

Student loans work well in certain situations, but credit cards provide smaller alternatives that are easier to pay back. The key here is to find the best student credit cards around and compare them to the different loans available. Think about all of the information above the next time you need money, and you should be able to select the right option for you.

About the Author: Heaven Stubblefield is the content director for CompareCards.com, a site allowing students and other visitors to compare multiple credit cards side by side. To see more of her tips and tricks, check out the articles linked here.

Bryan University

Adam Boulton — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:16:25 +0000

At Bryan University, we believe in challenging the boundaries of traditional education and liberating the innate greatness in people. We have a proven track record of successfully preparing graduates for more than 70 years.

Through hands-on, student-centered learning experiences, coupled with individualized support and mentoring, our students graduate with practical, productive skills that lead directly to successful professional careers where they are immediately productive. We offer job placement assistance and lifetime refresher courses to ensure our graduates remain competitive for years to come and maintain career relevancy.

At Bryan University, all of our programs are tightly focused and targeted. We are not generalists with hundreds of programs to attract any and all. We have assembled Boards of Advisors comprised of some of the preeminent experts and thought-leaders from industry. As a student at Bryan University, you will gain access to these renowned experts, but also be taught and mentored by others of the same caliber.

Bryan University is accredited by ACICS and financial aid is available for those who qualify

The Bryan University Difference

Bryan University has a proven track record of successfully preparing graduates for over 70 years. Through hands-on, student-centered learning experiences, coupled with individualized support, Bryan students graduate with practical, productive skills that lead directly to high-demand professional careers. Unlike traditional institutions, Bryan also offers job placement assistance and lifetime refresher courses to ensure its graduates remain competitive for many years to come. Bryan enjoys a position within the higher education spectrum that is unique, respected, enviable and worthy of emulation.

Learn faster in cutting-edge online classrooms

We believe that online learning should meet your unique needs… instead of expecting you to conform to ours. And with our student-centric learning technologies, delivered through real-time, multimedia coaching environments, we will help you learn faster and retain more. And that means you can build the knowledge you need not only to succeed in school, but also to be immediately productive in the workplace.

Get Career-Oriented, Practical Training

Because our programs are designed, developed and delivered by preeminent experts and practitioners in your field, you get a truly useful educational experience that takes you deep inside the industry issues that matter most. And with our focus on hands-on training, including online simulation labs and real-time coaching, you get the practical preparation that the employers of today demand.

Study at a Proven, Accredited University

With accreditation by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools, Bryan University is dedicated to the highest standards in education. We provide federal and state financial aid for students who qualify, and we are also approved for veterans with GI Bill benefits. So you can get the highest quality education that is available… along with the financial assistance you need to fund your dreams.

For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit http://bryanuniversity.edu/w_disclosures.aspx

Concordia University

Adam Boulton — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:04:21 +0000

Online Learning at Concordia University

Concordia University offers one year Master of Education programs that can help you take the next step in your career. Our accelerated online classes are five weeks in length and are designed to help you develop new strategies for your classroom in addition to expanding your knowledge as an educator. Through our program format, you will not only study and grow with student piers just like yourself, but you will be able to do so in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. Concordia is dedicated to providing its students with the tools necessary to enhance individual teaching and leadership skills, as well as promote an inclusive learning environment that fosters discussion and stimulates intellectual rigor. Scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid may also be available to help students with their tuition. To find out if you qualify and to learn more about our programs, simply submit your information now.

Why choose Concordia University?

Concordia University’s Online Programs Can Help You:

Get your master’s degree in one year
Further your education on your schedule, from the comfort of your home
A master’s degree could mean an automatic salary increase in your school district
Use research-based best practices to have a more powerful impact on education
Further your education through affordable financial aid and competitive tuition

Accreditation:

Concordia University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and is a member of the Concordia University System.

University of Mary

Adam Boulton — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:50:52 +0000

Online Learning at the University of Mary

Founded in 1959 to prepare leaders in the service of truth, the University of Mary is distinctive in its education and formation of servant leaders with moral courage, global understanding, and commitment to the common good.

There is a real demand today for nursing leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of providing compassionate health care in an ever-changing environment. At the University of Mary, our graduate students develop expertise in advanced practice, education, and management. Our online curriculum provides learning opportunities in high-quality clinical services, cutting edge education pedagogy, and magnet-status nursing institutions.

The goal of our programs is to help our students become leaders who are competent, independent practitioners, and ethical decision makers. This is achieved by a University of Mary faculty that fosters reflective thinking and critical inquiry.

University of Mary offers four specialty MSN tracks online:

Nurse Administrator: RN to MSN
Nurse Administrator: BSN to MSN
Nurse Administrator: MSN / MBA Dual Degree
Nurse Educator: BSN to MSN

University of Mary offers 1 specialty BSN track online:

Registered Nurse: RN to BSN

Why choose the University of Mary?

We recognize that nursing is more than just a job to you. It’s a dedication to helping others in need. This selfless devotion is something we truly respect. In fact, our training is grounded in kindness, generosity, wisdom, and faith. Our online Master of Science in Nursing degree programs will provide you with the skills you need to make a bigger impact.

Through a “cohort” format, you will earn your degree with a group of adult student peers. You will continue studying with these peers until graduation. This results in strong support, work teams, and friendships across the country, and even around the world.

U-Mary shares its story with a brave band of Benedictine Sisters who, in 1878, arrived in Dakota Territory to bring ministries of healing and learning, founding hospitals and schools for the people they had come to serve
Develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to excel in a wide variety of settings
Benefit from an online curriculum that enables students to study when and where it’s most convenient

Accreditation

Our programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education;
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 887-6791

Request Free Information

With a University of Mary degree, your training is grounded in kindness, generosity, wisdom, and faith. Our goal is to educate nurses that lead with keen minds and serve with open hearts. For more information, simply complete our Request Info form.

Ross Medical Education Center

Brandon Buttars — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:26:48 +0000

Medical Assistant

Are you interested in learning the practical skills needed to keep a medical office running smoothly? If so, becoming a Medical Assistant might be a great decision for you! Medical Assisting is projected to be among America’s fastest-growing occupations through the year 2020 with an expected national job growth of 31%.* Your investment in Medical Assistant classes provides career opportunities for today and the future.

Dental Assistant

Have you thought about working in a professional dental practice, helping dentists enhance patient care? As a Dental Assistant, you’ll have the key clinical and administrative skills to do just that! Dental Assisting employment rates are projected to increase nationally by 31% through 2020, so people with Dental Assistant training are expected to be in high demand.* Making this investment in training could be a great decision for you.

Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration

Have you always wanted to work in the medical community but don’t want to perform clinical duties or draw blood? Then developing medical insurance billing skills might just be for you! Medical Records and Health Information Technicians are expected to increase nationally by 21% though the year 2020, and Ross Medical Education Center can prepare you for these opportunities!*

Pharmacy Technician

Does playing a critical role on a pharmacy team and working with pharmacists to provide the best care and medication possible appeal to you? Then becoming a Pharmacy Technician is an excellent decision for your future. The need for Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow by 32 percent through the year 2020.* People with Pharmacy Technician training are expected to be in high demand.

Veterinary Assistant

Few jobs out there are as gratifying and personally fulfilling as those where you get to improve the lives and health of animals. As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll do just that, while also enjoying the benefits of an exciting career field that offers a wealth of opportunities and is expected to grow by 14% through the year 2020.*

* Please be advised, programs vary by location.

* For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who
completed the program and other important information, visit RossEducationDisclosures.com.

* United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

5 Ways to Write a Better History Paper

Brandon Buttars — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:34:37 +0000

One of the best ways to earn a good grade in any history class is to write captivating and intriguing history papers. Teachers need to grade lots of term papers that are usually in the same tone and about the same thing. Here are five ways that you can write a better history paper and stand out to get the teachers attention and at the same time, get yourself an A.

5. Find a topic that most students will avoid.

There are admittedly boring topics throughout history that most students will not write about. Most history teachers will provide the class with a broad scope of a topic for the research papers and then have the students pick a subcategory that the paper is done on. Instead of doing your paper on a topic that most of the other students will likely choose, pick something that is on the level of boring but that you can make fun.

4. Making the Topic Fun

You want to choose a boring topic that nobody else wants to write about and then find a way to make the paper entertaining and fun. While research papers tend to be bland and plain, add some oomph to the topic. There is nothing wrong with adding a little color as long as it is suited for your class. For instance, you can add in a few fun facts that others may not add to the paper, like some kind of trivia answer or find out if there was some kind of scandal and focus part of your paper on this, this will keep the teachers attention while they are grading your paper.

3. Spell Checkers and More

Every student knows that the spell checker is their best friend but there are more tools than just the spell check. Grammar check is a tool that checks the grammar of the paper for run on sentences, fragment sentences and things that just don’t make sense. As the tool checks, it will provide you with options to fix the sentences and make the paper flow better. Additionally, there are some websites that offer free grammar checkers if you are using a word processor that does not offer this tool such as Apple’s word processor Pages.

2. Research to the Max

When it comes to a term paper, there is no such thing as too much research. When you are conducting internet research you want to have at least three websites that say the same thing so you know that it is reputable. The last thing you want is to have a website confuse the revolutionary war with the civil war; you want information that is truthful and reliable, not fluff and full of inconsistencies. Sites like Wikepedia tend to have a reputation that has some of their information lacking facts or being false. When you are tasked with writing a term paper, the most important thing to remember is that all of the information needs to be true and accurate. The only way to ensure the accuracy is to find as many places as you can to get the most accurate information possible.

1. Proof Read, Proof Read and then Proof Read Again.

There is only so much that a spell checker and grammar check can do for your writing style. Some words are so similar to other words that neither tool will pick up on. The human eye is the best defense for simple errors. Every time you read your paper, you will notice something else you need to change to make it sound better. It is good practice to read through your paper at least three times and make revisions as necessary, this way, you have made the revisions, made the paper perfect but you are not letting it drive you insane by reading it numerous times. This practice may take some time but in the end it will bring you a better score on the paper.

6 Safety Tips for College Students

Adam Boulton — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:46:53 +0000

Welcome to college life! Where the parents are gone, the parties are crazy, and a good time is had by all. Often, college students get stuck in the mentality that they are invincible. While many may argue college is not the time to be one that is a “stickler” for the rules, it is a time to learn about responsibility. For most students, going to college is the first time that they are going to live on their own. Parents are not there to hold their hands, and for many students it’s a time to learn skills that they are going to use for the rest of their lives. Many college students stock up when it comes to buying stuff for college, but what about keeping your dorm room safe?

Common Sense. This may be one of the most obvious things when it comes to college safety, but alas, as students get freedom, common sense goes out the window. Think about what your parents would think about where you keep your valuables. If you don’t think that your dad would leave his dorm room wide open with his laptop on his bed, you probably shouldn’t keep your laptop there.
Entry Way is Secure. You want to make sure that entry to your dorm room is always secured. You never want someone unwelcome, especially if you are trying to keep your valuables safe.
Never Make Copies of Your Keys. While at most schools, making a copy of a key to your dorm is a no-no, you might think it’s a good idea to make copies that you can hand out to your friends. Refrain from the temptation. Especially if you are really good friends with your roommate, it might seem lik
Always Lock Your Doors. Even though you might see everyone keep their doors unlocked?don’t follow the crowd! It might be more convenient to always leave your doors open, but thieves will take notice of your habits, and they’ll take advantage of your carelessness.
Keep Your Schedule to Yourself. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t tell your study partners when you will be free, but be sure not to broadcast where you will be at all times. Clever thieves will listen in on you blabbing about how you are going to be at an awesome concert all weekend with your friends and your dorm will be all lonely.
Keep Your Valuables in a Safe. While you might be thinking, “there’s no way I’m lugging a safe to college”, hear me out. Instead of actually taking a safe with you, turn your unused suitcase into a safe. Get a combination lock, store your suitcase out of the way, and no one will ever know about your safe?except for you!

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, don’t think that college is a place where all your stuff will get stolen, you just have to keep yourself alert, and don’t leave your common sense at freshman orientation?you’ll need it.

Tara C. is a writer for Keylessbox.com. If keeping your stuff safe in college (or anywhere you might be) is a priority for you, visit this site to help you keep your things safe and secure.

10 Ways to Avoid the Dreaded Freshman 15

Adam Boulton — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:20:00 +0000

Your brain isn’t the only thing that is expanding in college, look down, it might also be your waistline. Are you a college student that has experienced the dreaded freshman 15? You’ve heard all about it, or maybe you’ve seen people experience it, but you never knew that it could happen to you. Right? Well, for those that are experiencing the pain of the freshmen 15, or if you are looking for quick and easy ways to actually prevent the dreaded freshmen 15, here are 10 quick (and relatively painless ways) to stop the wealth of knowledge you’ve gained to spread to your thighs.

Be your own waiter. Know how it always takes forever for your waiter to get back to you after you received your order? Practice being your own waiter. Wait at least 20 minutes after your first course, then you can decide if you really are hungry or not.
Minimize your stress. College is probably one of the most stressful times of your life. But if you can learn to manage your stress, you will be able to conquer just about anything. Don’t let college get the best of you. Don’t stress eat, take a walk to get rid of the stress.
Don’t drink your calories. As tempting as it is, energy drinks pose a difficult problem for college students. Do you drink 500 (or more) calories of a drink that will help you stay up all night, or risk falling asleep? For many, the answer is easy: energy drink. Avoid the buzz and calories by staying up with low-cal treats.
Avoid late night treats. College students often stay up late, which is to say, duh. Avoid the temptation of a “4th meal”, instead, snack on veggies and fruits.
Plan meals. Running around may be what college students are known for. There are many benefits to planning your meals: you can save money, plan healthier, and feel better about your food choices.
Go on a detox. Feeling especially bloated? Get your roommates to join you for a nutritional cleansing. It’s always more fun if you get your roommates in on the fun. Plus, with a detox, you will shed extra weight, feel better, and even have more energy.
Sneak in your fitness. Instead of hopping in your car to grab something at the bookstore, why not take a walk? Try to walk everywhere. You will be able to enjoy your campus, and you’ll burn extra calories.
Make time for yourself. Take 30 to 45 minutes a day where you can do things just for yourself. You can go to the gym, unwind, watch your favorite show, do something that relaxes you. You will feel much more at peace if you do so.
Know the 2/3 rule? If you frequent the college cafeteria, it can be easy to load up on unhealthy choices. While you may not know what everything has in it, a good rule of thumb is to fill two thirds of your plate with fruits, veggies, and whole grains. And then you can feel good about your meal choice.
Dinner groups with friends. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid the freshman 15. Get a bunch of your friends, and assign days of the week to each person. That way, you’ll get a great home cooked meal, and you will cut down on grocery costs, and you’ll have people to eat with every day.

The freshman 15 is something that can sneak up on college students quickly. However, if you are armed with this knowledge, you will be able to stay trim and healthy. Good luck in college!

Annie C. is a writer for CleansingMatters.com. If you are interested in shedding extra weight, and feeling better about yourself, consider the isogenics cleansing diet. With countless benefits, this diet can help you on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Getting Back to Work after a Car Accident

Adam Boulton — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:36:12 +0000

College students and career professionals alike typically don’t want to miss work unless they’re on vacation. A serious car accident can leave a person out of the loop for months at a time, making it hard for said person to get back to a normal life. If you have recently been in a car accident, there are some simple things you can do to transition back into your work load. Here are some tips to help you in your recovery.

Check Your Health

Before you even think about getting back to work, you need to make sure that you are fully healed from the accident. You’re going to be moving around a lot, and all that activity is liable to bring back forgotten pains. You might even have problems that you don’t currently know about, like whiplash or even post-traumatic stress. Check out this list of whiplash symptoms, just to confirm that you’re okay.

Take Things Slow

Don’t dive into hours and hours of work right when you get better. If you’re in college, just take one or two courses for your first semester back. If you have a job, try to work part time until you get more acclimated with life post-accident. You’re going to be able to adjust easily if you take baby steps, rather than trying to overexert yourself from the start. Keep that in mind as you start piecing together a schedule.

Rest a Lot

Rest is a healing body’s best friend. If you can take time off to just sleep and relax, you will feel stronger and more energized to do your job. College students can use this time to study because sleeping improves a person’s ability to remember information. Do what you can throughout the day, and then sleep well at night. This will help your body in the long run.

Visit the Doctor

Check in with your doctor after you have been “back to norm” for a bit and see if everything is still play. Your increased activity levels may actually improve your injuries, depending on where they are and what they have resulted from. If your doctor thinks you are doing too much, you will need to find some way to create a better sense of balance in your life. Over time, you’ll be able to do all that you want to do.

Think Positively

Before you jump the gun and start a whiplash claim against the other motorist, think positive thoughts. It sounds a little too simple, but it positive thinking works on multiple levels. The more motivated you are to get better, the more your body will strive to heal your wounds. Don’t assume that you won’t be able to do anything for X amount of time because that is what the doctor predicts. Instead, defy his or her expectations and heal in half the time. It’s amazing what the mind can do for the body as a whole. You just have to keep your head up, and you’ll soon be able to restore your life.

Use the tips above to get back to work after a car accident, and you will be on your way to happiness in no time.