Online Christian Colleges Help Students Keep the Faith
Students who want to further their education with a quality curriculum and faculty that affirm their faith aren't limited to traditional, campus-based colleges. There are many online Christian colleges affiliated with various denominations that integrate faith and academics.
From schools with Catholic backgrounds to schools with evangelical or Protestant denominational backgrounds, numerous colleges offer distance learning courses and even entire degree programs fully web-based, meaning students rarely, if ever, need to set foot on a college campus while working toward a Christ-centered degree. Christian Evangelical universities such as Liberty University Online and Catholic universities such as St. Leo University both offer undergraduate and graduate degrees fully through the Internet, and those are only two out of hundreds of such colleges.
It's important to note that online Christian colleges aren't only for seminary students, or students who want to formally enter the ministry, although that is certainly an important component of many of such colleges. A large number of e-learning Christian colleges equip students for careers outside ministry, in areas such as business, health care, education, information technology and social work. For those who do want to focus exclusively on ministry, there are online seminary programs in areas such as Christian Leadership, Discipleship, Church Planting, Pastoral Counseling, Theological Studies and Worship Studies. Many Christian colleges offer Master of Divinity programs in areas such as Chaplaincy and Pastoral Ministries.
So what should you look for in a quality online Christian college? For starters, make sure the college is accredited by a national or regional accreditation agency. Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted type of accreditation in academia. Secondly, look at the university's core values to make sure they line up with your own. You wouldn't want to find yourself at a university that doesn't match up with your personal religious beliefs. Third, contact the school and make sure that the degree program you're pursuing is offered completely online and that no campus visits are required. You will want a program that is flexible enough to fit in with your work and family responsibilities. Finally, look for a university that offers 24/7 tech support and small class sizes so that you aren't stuck in no man's land if you need help.
If you live near one of the physical campuses of a Christian college that offers distance degree programs, try to pay the campus a visit or schedule a tour. This will give you a feel for the attitude of the school and give you a taste of what you can expect in the virtual environment.
From schools with Catholic backgrounds to schools with evangelical or Protestant denominational backgrounds, numerous colleges offer distance learning courses and even entire degree programs fully web-based, meaning students rarely, if ever, need to set foot on a college campus while working toward a Christ-centered degree. Christian Evangelical universities such as Liberty University Online and Catholic universities such as St. Leo University both offer undergraduate and graduate degrees fully through the Internet, and those are only two out of hundreds of such colleges.
It's important to note that online Christian colleges aren't only for seminary students, or students who want to formally enter the ministry, although that is certainly an important component of many of such colleges. A large number of e-learning Christian colleges equip students for careers outside ministry, in areas such as business, health care, education, information technology and social work. For those who do want to focus exclusively on ministry, there are online seminary programs in areas such as Christian Leadership, Discipleship, Church Planting, Pastoral Counseling, Theological Studies and Worship Studies. Many Christian colleges offer Master of Divinity programs in areas such as Chaplaincy and Pastoral Ministries.
So what should you look for in a quality online Christian college? For starters, make sure the college is accredited by a national or regional accreditation agency. Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted type of accreditation in academia. Secondly, look at the university's core values to make sure they line up with your own. You wouldn't want to find yourself at a university that doesn't match up with your personal religious beliefs. Third, contact the school and make sure that the degree program you're pursuing is offered completely online and that no campus visits are required. You will want a program that is flexible enough to fit in with your work and family responsibilities. Finally, look for a university that offers 24/7 tech support and small class sizes so that you aren't stuck in no man's land if you need help.
If you live near one of the physical campuses of a Christian college that offers distance degree programs, try to pay the campus a visit or schedule a tour. This will give you a feel for the attitude of the school and give you a taste of what you can expect in the virtual environment.
About the Author:
This guest contribution was submitted by Pamelia Brown, who specializes in writing about associates degree. Questions and comments can be sent to: pamelia.brown@gmail.com.
Read more articles:- Can a post-graduate degree improve career?
Is a Master’s Degree Right for You?
Many students nearing the end of their undergraduate work, as well as many professionals, think about pursuing a master’s degree. While there are a lot of advantages to having an advanced degree, there are some big costs to consider; namely your time and tuition. While some online colleges can offer benefits like reduced tuition and the ability to work around your schedule, graduate school is still a big commitment. If you are deciding whether to pursue post graduate college, there are three big considerations to think about.
Is a Post Graduate Required for the Job You Want?
Is a Post Graduate Required for the Job You Want?
photo © 2010 opensource.com | more info (via: Wylio)While many jobs only require a bachelor’s certificate, there are some jobs that you just can’t get with an undergraduate program. If you are interested in being a clinical psychologist or a college lecturer, a post-graduate level is required; similarly for most statistician and public health jobs you will need a master’s degree. If the job that you really want is going to require higher education, then you better hit the books and start studying for the admissions test.
It also important to consider that while many jobs say they only require an undergraduate study, in reality, you need a master qualification to get the job. If you are studying architectural engineering, you can get a job with an undergrad education; but if you want to work on skyscrapers and large bridges, typically you will need to have a top level accredited degree. Even if it isn’t technically a requirement for the job, employers want to see a master’s in structural engineering on your resume.
Will it significantly advance your Career?
If you are looking to increase your income, evening starting right out of school, getting a post graduate can be one of the quickest ways to accomplish this. If you don’t think the tradeoff is worth it for salary reasons, you might want to get a post-graduate in order to move up and get a better job. Some companies have very rigid requirements that need to be met in order to receive a promotion; depending on the industry and the job you are trying to get, a master’s degree might be one of those requirements.
This isn’t to say that hard work can’t get you there, but in some organizations you really need to have an advanced level of education to move up. Look at your career options based on your field of study and ask yourself what job do you want to have in five years? Once you have determined what you want to be doing, look at many companies in your field and investigate what the job requirements are.
Will Higher Education Help You Accomplish Your Long Term Goals?
What are your long term goals? I think this is the most important consideration. Do you want to be running your own company or would you rather be in upper management at a big company (not to say these can’t be one in the same)? It is important to evaluate if a postgraduate will help you accomplish your long term goals.
If you want to be running your own small business, many times it is better to focus on gaining as much practical experience rather than expanding your classroom experience. There are exceptions to this, such as if advanced education is a standard that is sought after by clients or customers. This is likely to pertain significantly more to people working in a service or consulting capacity.
While education is never a bad thing and there are many valuable benefits to be reaped from getting an advanced degree, it is important to evaluate whether or not an advanced studies program is right for you. Your situation is unique, you have different short term and long term goals than everyone else that you need to consider.
About Author:-This is a guest article written by Mark from Postgrad.com. Postgrad.com offers information on master’s degrees and funding for master’s degrees.
Read More:- Nursing Education Programs Online
Climbing the Nursing Ladder with Online Programs
There is no denying that nurses are very important in our society. What's more, it is incredibly easy to get started in this field of work! After you graduated high school, you may have chosen to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) because of the ease with which you could get started in your career. Just about a year of training is required before you can become certified as a licensed practical or vocational nurse, and let's face it, this is a very appealing prospect to the impatient (or just plain lazy!) ones amongst us.
However, there is more to the world of nursing beyond this initial step. As you may well know, LPNs and LVNs face the grunt work of the nursing world. It is these workers who are stuck with the none-too-pleasant jobs that are required in patient care. But with an LPN to BSN program, you can break free from the bottom of the nursing pyramid and move on to jobs that are a little less grueling.
What Is Involved in an LPN to RN Program?
What Is Involved in an LPN to RN Program?
The program that you will have to complete in order to receive higher nursing certification consists primarily of extended education. You will learn about more complex nursing theories, additional treatments for a wide variety of conditions and administrative nursing tasks.
After you have completed the coursework for your program, you will be faced with (cue groans here) a mandatory exam before you can become a true registered nurse. However, after you pass this exam, you will have a whole new world opened up to you in terms of better opportunities in the workplace.
Transition Programs: Well Worth the Work
If you became an LPN or an LVN due to the limited amount of prerequisite training that was required, the idea of extra school may not sound too great to you. However, the work that you will have to accomplish in an LVN to RN online program is well worth it. Registered nurses have more esteem in the work place. This means that they get to do more enjoyable jobs, delegate tasks to subordinate nurses and best of all, receive higher pay!
Are These Programs for You?
The choice to become an RN is pretty clear to most LPNs and LVNs. You never know: you might be the one exception who does not like the idea of a more enjoyable work experience and higher pay, but this seems to be rather unlikely for most people! A transition nursing program will help you to improve your overall working conditions, helping you to achieve better skills and ultimately, a happier life.
Collegiate Ethics:- National Center for Responsible Gaming(NCRG)
Tips: How to Pay for College without Parents Help
Many students struggle to pay for their college education either due to the current recession or simply because their parents are not financially stable. It's an unfortunate situation, but parents are not always around to help out their kids when it comes to money or any other matter. This kind of circumstance cannot be solved easily, but fortunately students have several choices to overcome this financial problem. Learn how to come up with the money you need to attend college without getting any kind of help from mom or dad. I will guide you through the tricks and tips to acquire the financial freedom you have been searching for! Being independent or being on your own is quite an appealing thought for most of the college kids today.
1. Obviously the first few ways that come to my mind are grants, scholarships, and student financial aid. These are certainly the most common ways for students to get the money they need for schooling. Don't get me wrong here, but they cannot be easily acquired if you happen to be an average student. Another important factor to realize is that it takes a lot of time, effort, research and persistence to take advantage of one of these options. In terms of free tuition money, these three alternatives are available for every student but it comes with stiff competition and requires top notch academic excellence.
From young scholars to adult working students from all walks of life, scholarship and grants opportunity is available for everyone. For example, if you are pursuing a military career then enrolling with ROTC presents an excellent opportunity to earn the best grant aid possible. This kind of scholarship pays out a lump sum for covering the cost of college education. On top of it, you might also get a weekly stipend! There is no guarantee to receive student financial aid or grants- you may or may not qualify depending on various factors. For further investigation, you can read more at fafsa.
Student financial aid is a great option to explore if you are being raised by a single parent. The income level of your mother or father is a critical component in order to determine the eligibility of your application. None of the above methods require the students to pay back the money! Something I am sure everyone will appreciate...
2. Private student loans- This particular method to obtain education money can be a bit stressful after completing college. You will have the pressure to pay back the money with interest. If you apply for the right ones, there is a way to make the government pay the interest rate until your graduation. It can provide you with some relief & extra cushion before having to come up with the payments yourself.
Another advantage is the fact that the interest rate is on the lower end of the stick (approximately less than 6.5%), it is quite appealing for students who struggle financially. Student loans looks like a good choice in the beginning but bear in mind that you could already be in a big hole (debt) before starting out your career.
3. How about getting a part time job or doing your own business?
I know its sounds like a drag but it does help you come up with extra money that you never thought possible. This option is not meant for every student cuz it requires a lot of hard work & time management. If you are able to synchronize your college time and job hours then it can be a very lucrative deal. Most students hate working odd hours but trust me it will be paying dividends by the time you get out of college! Whatever you missed out in college (parties, hangouts...), can be attained later because you will not only get to party but also have the money to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
1. Obviously the first few ways that come to my mind are grants, scholarships, and student financial aid. These are certainly the most common ways for students to get the money they need for schooling. Don't get me wrong here, but they cannot be easily acquired if you happen to be an average student. Another important factor to realize is that it takes a lot of time, effort, research and persistence to take advantage of one of these options. In terms of free tuition money, these three alternatives are available for every student but it comes with stiff competition and requires top notch academic excellence. From young scholars to adult working students from all walks of life, scholarship and grants opportunity is available for everyone. For example, if you are pursuing a military career then enrolling with ROTC presents an excellent opportunity to earn the best grant aid possible. This kind of scholarship pays out a lump sum for covering the cost of college education. On top of it, you might also get a weekly stipend! There is no guarantee to receive student financial aid or grants- you may or may not qualify depending on various factors. For further investigation, you can read more at fafsa.
Student financial aid is a great option to explore if you are being raised by a single parent. The income level of your mother or father is a critical component in order to determine the eligibility of your application. None of the above methods require the students to pay back the money! Something I am sure everyone will appreciate...
2. Private student loans- This particular method to obtain education money can be a bit stressful after completing college. You will have the pressure to pay back the money with interest. If you apply for the right ones, there is a way to make the government pay the interest rate until your graduation. It can provide you with some relief & extra cushion before having to come up with the payments yourself.
Another advantage is the fact that the interest rate is on the lower end of the stick (approximately less than 6.5%), it is quite appealing for students who struggle financially. Student loans looks like a good choice in the beginning but bear in mind that you could already be in a big hole (debt) before starting out your career.
3. How about getting a part time job or doing your own business?
I know its sounds like a drag but it does help you come up with extra money that you never thought possible. This option is not meant for every student cuz it requires a lot of hard work & time management. If you are able to synchronize your college time and job hours then it can be a very lucrative deal. Most students hate working odd hours but trust me it will be paying dividends by the time you get out of college! Whatever you missed out in college (parties, hangouts...), can be attained later because you will not only get to party but also have the money to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Some ideas for part-time work for college students:-
Restaurants, campus events jobs, babysitting, retail business, online freelance writer, tutoring, etc. There are numerous job alternatives available online those are not only flexible but rewarding at the same time.
4. Find a paid internship with a monthly stipend. It can be great opportunity if you can land an internship that will not only provide you financial relief but also build your career profile in the right direction. Searching for internships is not that difficult at all for students nowadays. There are so many online internship portals providing up to date information on employers hiring interns.
So that does it but remember that education is an asset that can never be taken away from you. Students can definitely learn how to pay for college without parents help or from any other family members. It is simply your desire that will help you pay for college education. So go out there & achieve your dreams…. Best of my wishes!
Responsible Gaming Information for College Students
The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) has launched a new website, www.CollegeGambling.org, to help colleges and universities address gambling and gambling-related harms on campus. The first site of its kind, CollegeGambling.org brings together the latest research and best practices in responsible gaming and the field of addiction awareness and prevention to provide a substantive and versatile resource that will help schools and their students address this issue in the way best suited to each school.
CollegeGambling.org is a comprehensive resource for students, campus administrators, campus health professionals and parents. In addition to providing those who are concerned about a gambling problem with resources to find help, the website includes separate sections for each of these audiences, and content is tailored to address the needs, questions and concerns of each of these groups. Additionally, CollegeGambling.org offers collateral materials, such as brochures about college gambling and responsible gambling, fact sheets, posters, and stickers, that can be downloaded for free to help raise awareness about gambling and gambling disorders on campus.
Checkout an animated interactive quiz that captures the spirit of sporting events like the recently completed NCAA Tournament. At same time, the quiz raises awareness & provides useful information about the risks involved with gambling.
CollegeGambling.org is a comprehensive resource for students, campus administrators, campus health professionals and parents. In addition to providing those who are concerned about a gambling problem with resources to find help, the website includes separate sections for each of these audiences, and content is tailored to address the needs, questions and concerns of each of these groups. Additionally, CollegeGambling.org offers collateral materials, such as brochures about college gambling and responsible gambling, fact sheets, posters, and stickers, that can be downloaded for free to help raise awareness about gambling and gambling disorders on campus.
Checkout an animated interactive quiz that captures the spirit of sporting events like the recently completed NCAA Tournament. At same time, the quiz raises awareness & provides useful information about the risks involved with gambling.
More Info:- College Degree for Working Adults
How to Maintain a Busy Lifestyle and Earn a College Degree
If you are a busy adult, you probably have a lot of responsibilities on your hands. Maybe you are a full time parent, or maybe you have a 40-hour per week job—or both. Even so, it is possible to obtain a college degree. Although it may seem stressful or silly to return to school as an adult, there is no better time to get additional schooling for at least 3 reasons.
1.) Higher Education = Working Superstar
2.) A Padded Wallet
Even if you are getting paid reasonably now, those with a college degree typically get paid a higher salary. Obtaining a degree that relates to your field can get you promoted and can be used for leverage to get that raise you’ve been wanting, or a host of other job perks. Employers see that you are dedicated to gaining as much knowledge as possible for the sake of your career, and this will make you valuable to them. Many companies even offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for those earning a degree in the same field. Not only can you earn more, but also you may not even have to shell out to attend school—your employer may cover the majority of the cost.
3.) Non-Traditional Schedules Promote Flexibility
You may be thinking, This all sounds well and good, but when am I going to have time to fit college into my crazy days? If you’re extremely busy, distance learning is the answer to your academic prayers. Distance learning is all online, so you can do coursework when and where it is most convenient for you. All you need is access to an Internet-enabled computer, and you can do assignments, participate in discussion forums, and more. With all of your assignments listed on the college’s site with due dates, you can plan college around your life, rather than the other way around.
Author Info:- Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics. She especially enjoys writing about education. You can learn more about college degrees at www.universities.com
More Articles:- Find Internships for current year
Internships in 2012: What You Can Expect to Gain
Internships have traditionally been a core requirement for college students, which allow them to gain real world experience, often in unpaid positions, that complements their classroom studies. A successful internship might land the student a job offer after graduation and, at the very least, will add some punch to his or her resume.
Today’s students have far more options than interning at the local weekly newspaper or a small town business. Many small and large businesses – in the United States and beyond – welcome interns, with some companies even paying a modest stipend. Students can spend their summers interning abroad or in some of America’s biggest and liveliest cities, exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, both important components of an internship experience in 2011.
What students today can expect to get out of their internship really depends on how much they put into it. A student who is enthusiastic, dedicated, and willing to do what is asked while remaining positive is much more likely to be delegated responsibilities and to experience his internship to the fullest than a student who is interning only for the class credit and has no real interest in learning.
You gain experience.
Don’t expect to walk into an internship and be given big responsibilities like you would in a job. You’re probably going to have to do some grunt work, so be prepared for it. Don’t complain – everyone has had do the grunt work before – and you’ll be much more likely to impress your coworkers and your supervisor. You’ll also have a better chance of getting more responsibility by demonstrating that you can do what you’re asked and do it well.
Many universities offer internship opportunities abroad. While such an internship might come at a price – think of how much you’ll have to spend on travel and accommodation for the duration of the internship – you could gain far more than you spend. International experience can really help you stand out when you apply for jobs after graduation.
You enjoy advantages in the job market.
Getting a job after graduating from college often presents a catch 22 problem. Employers want to hire someone who is experienced, but how can you gain that experience if no one will take a chance and hire you? An internship gives you the opportunity to gain experience and to show employers that you have initiative.
You build references.
Even if you aren’t extended a job offer when your internship ends, you can gain great references, which is important in your job hunt after graduation. You might also be the first person your supervisor thinks of when a position opens, so ensure you make a great impression on those with whom you work.
You are exposed to networking opportunities.
Networking is essential, and it starts well before you ever start your career. Get to know your coworkers and start networking with them. You may be looking for another internship after your current one ends, and they may be able to lead you in the right direction.
You develop a better understanding of your career choice.
Internships give you an inside look at how an industry works, and they allow you to experience the career you’ve chosen without committing to it for the long haul. You could end up with the reassurance that you’ve chosen the right career, or you might find you hate it and need to consider alternatives.
An internship can be a pivotal part of your college experience, if you go into it with the right attitude. You’re there to learn and to help your supervisor and coworkers and, in return, you will gain invaluable experience.
About Author:- Frankie Eybsen is a career and education blogger. He currently works with ResumeBucket and their collection of sample resumes.
Read More:- Importance of Degree for Startups
