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By on July 6, 2016 in Programs
Image by NEC Corporation of America, Flickr

Image by NEC Corporation of America, Flickr

More millennials have finished college than any generation before them, and they are seeing economic payoffs as a result. While most millennials finish their educations with four-year degrees, they are increasingly choosing to attend graduate school. By pursuing a master’s degree in one of the following fields, millennials have the potential to increase their earnings even more and obtain a greater sense of job security in the future.

Mathematics

Advanced degrees in mathematics allow millennials to pursue careers in nearly any industry to find solutions to real-world problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for people with advanced degrees in this field will rise over 20% before 2022.

Occupational Therapy

Millennials with a passion for helping others can help the aging population lead more active lives while finding good job prospects in this field. In 2013, occupational therapists earned a mean annual wage of nearly $78,000, and the aging population of the United States means millennials with an advanced degree in occupational therapy will not struggle to find work.

Industrial Organizational Psychology

Corporations and businesses are increasingly turning to professionals with this advanced degree to solve issues in their workplaces. Employment in this field is projected to increase over 50% by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Political Science

Millennials may use this advanced degree to study and analyze political ideas, trends and ideologies, and the demand for professionals with political science degrees is expected to grow by over 20% by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Electrical Engineering

Pursuing master’s of science in electrical engineering gives millennials the skills they need to thrive in a world of rapidly changing technologies. Millennials with this degree may pursue work in industrial, academic, entrepreneurial or governmental sectors and do anything from designing antenna networks to creating optical communications or advanced computer networks.

Public Health

Like Master’s degrees in occupational therapy, those in public health are in high demand due to the country’s aging population. Millennials with this degree can expect to earn a median salary of $84,000 per year following graduation.

Finance

The fast-paced world of finance is an ideal environment for millennials looking for an adrenaline rush. With a median yearly salary of $119,000 for graduates, this field is one of the most lucrative for millennials.

The key to making a master’s degree pay off for millennials is to choose a field that opens the doors to high-paying, secure careers. If millennials choose one of the aforementioned degrees, the investment will pay off long into the future.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on June 27, 2016 in Programs
Image by UNE Photos, Flickr

Image by UNE Photos, Flickr

With a profound passion for the past and the people who made it happen, the history buff loves to read, speculate on the causes of events, and apply the lessons of the past to current affairs. Here are four degree paths that are particularly appropriate if you’re one of those people who has a real flair for studying the past.

Bachelor’s Degree in History with Teaching Credentials

Like many degrees in the humanities, the bachelor’s degree doesn’t always come with specific career opportunities attached. But if you enjoy sharing your passion for the past with others, teaching may be the route for you. Many universities offer degree programs that allow you to major in a given area of history, such as contemporary America or the European Middle Ages, and at the same time earn a certificate for public-school teaching.

If you’d rather teach at a college or university, a master’s degree or doctorate will be necessary; a number of academic institutions have developed online programs leading to an MA or PhD in specific historical areas, such as the online master’s degree in American history at Norwich University.

Master’s Degree in Museum Studies

Museologists are trained to create museum displays, handle artifacts, and promote exhibits to the public at large; some are also involved in art restoration. If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in history, then further education in museum studies will open the door to a career in which you’ll make your history passion come alive for others.

Associate’s Degree in Journalism

History buffs love to analyze events and draw conclusions about cause and effect. These are skills taught in journalism programs, making a degree in this field particularly appealing to the history aficionado. Journalists research and write the stories you read in the newspaper and hear on radio and television. An AA degree can get you into an entry-level position, one that allows access to the very heart of the events that make history.

Master’s in Library and Information Science

Without the ancient Assyrian king Ashurbanipal’s library, we wouldn’t have the epic of Gilgamesh. And without librarians trained in techniques of information and archive management, we’d have a lot less access to crucial data today. A commitment to preserving information and making it accessible to others, the basic focus of library science degree programs, goes hand in hand with a love of history.

A passion for history can guide you in a number of directions. The four degree programs listed here will give you some areas to consider.

This article was contributed by guest author Anica Oaks.

By on June 13, 2016 in Programs
Image by PALNI Libraries, Flickr

Image by PALNI Libraries, Flickr

It makes sense to choose a degree that makes you employable, repays your school debts, gets a good salary, and also has unlimited chances for securing a job. Keeping this in mind, it’s good to note that every company will need a PR representative. Getting a degree in public relations enables you to construct public images, respond to public inquiries, influence the public, develop product information, and has the following benefits:

Many Job Options

PR graduates can find employment in many sectors, such as media, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. With a degree in public relations, you can work as a media planner, press secretary, public relations specialist, lobbyist, marketing assistant, speech writer, or event coordinator. Graduates with a master’s degree in public relations may fill managerial positions including public relations managers, marketing managers, or marketing communications directors.

Promising Job Outlook

The job opportunities for PR graduates will grow by 6 percent annually until 2024, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS estimates that job opportunities for fundraising managers and public relations managers will grow by 7 percent. Graduates with a master’s degree in PR may also continue to have an advantage in the job market.

An Exciting Career Path

PR professionals have an exciting daily schedule interacting with clients, analyzing target events, communicating, writing, or managing public opinion. Each day is different, and you can expect not to be bored or stuck in a routine as a PR professional.

Career Flexibility

PR professionals can choose not to stick to one job and may switch careers easily. PR graduates can find work in industries such as healthcare, sales, education, television, radio, social media, or even become a freelance PR consultant.

Become a Communication Expert

Whether you are doctor, lawyer, business person or politician, an MA in public relations improves your research, verbal communication, and presentation skills. Lawyers can particularly gain useful techniques that can help to defend court claims orally.

Perfect communication is helpful in all forms of business and human relations. After completing a degree at the undergraduate level, you can expand your knowledge and skills in a year-long MA Public Relations course. Getting a degree in public relations can help you to write and speak more effectively to different audiences.

This article was contributed by guest author Anita Ginsburg.

By on May 20, 2016 in Programs
Image by Evonne, Flickr

Image by Evonne, Flickr

Journalists and authors covering the world of tech startups love to point to famous entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and other daring founders who dropped out of college to pursue their business. This has led many to believe that skipping college is the ticket to startup success.

Unfortunately, there is an element of what is known as survivorship bias, in which you only notice the individuals who succeeded while missing all of the failures. In reality, completing college can give you a big advantage when building a startup. Below, we’ll look at three college degrees that could give you an edge in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.

Engineering

Any good business is designed to work as a system, and engineering is the art of building elegant and robust systems. In addition, every startup needs an awesome product, which also requires engineering. So it should come as no surprise to learn that many successful startups are built by people with engineering backgrounds. The most popular and in-demand fields are computer science and electrical engineering, either one of which will help you build the next generation of disruptive new products.

An MBA or MPA

The startup community has a tendency to ignore the importance of an MBA and the closely related MPA, but in reality, both can offer a number of advantages for startup founders. The MBA and MPA cover a wide range of business skills that will be a powerful advantage over competitors who lack such a skill set. In addition, you can get a master’s of business administration or a master’s of public administration online, making them ideal for a busy person with dreams of launching their own startup.

Psychology

It might be surprising to learn that most of the great products you use every day are built with psychology in mind. The human brain has a variety of cognitive biases and mental shortcuts that are often leveraged to build addictive and appealing products. In addition, every startup needs marketing, and marketing is all about reaching the forefront of people’s decision making process. A degree in psychology will provide powerful insights into how people make crucial decisions.

A great startup requires a great founder, and being a great founder requires a diverse skill set and broad knowledge. Before you pass up on a college education, consider the powerful advantages offered by any of these three college degrees.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on May 26, 2015 in Programs
Image by Michael Kumm on Flickr

Image by Michael Kumm on Flickr

Pursuing a master’s degree can be a very rewarding experience. The challenge of earning your master’s degree not only makes you a better-rounded individual, but opens the door to higher earning potential and better job offers. If you’re planning on getting your Master’s degree and are considering the different courses of study available to you, check out our seven reason to get a Master’s degree in American History:

1: Versatility

A master’s degree in American history can be applied to a wide array of professional fields. Whether you want to go into research, writing, government, publishing, banking, or teaching, this degree will help you get there.

2: Competitive Advantage

The careers listed above are just a few of the many careers you can pursue with a master’s in American history. Regardless of your chosen field, earning this degree will give you a significant leg up on your competition in the applicant pool. Many hiring decisions are made by very slim margins, and showing your ability to think critically while working diligently is your opportunity to separate yourself from the competition.

3: Wide Knowledge Base

A master’s in American history will give you a legitimately wider knowledge base that will prove useful in daily occurrences. Being able to draw from factual information and events in America’s history will enhance your performance at work. For instance, the degree can make a lawyer more persuasive, or a broadcaster more accurate.

4: Pay Increase

Not only will you be a more attractive job candidate, but you’ll be better compensated as well. Studies have shown that completing a master’s degree in American history will earn you a higher salary than other humanities degrees.

5: Specialization

A master’s in American history offers various areas of specific study that allow you to explore your intense interests, whether that be a specific period in American history, studying presidential history, or any other segment of the country’s past.

6: Skill Development

Your coursework will challenge you, but it will help you develop and sharpen your skill set, from critical and analytical thinking to writing and comprehensive skills. You will grow both personally and intellectually.

7: Reduced or Free Tuition

Master’s programs usually offer stipends for students that cover most of if not all tuition fees. So, not only will your degree earn you a higher paycheck, but many times you can earn the pay bump for little to no cost.

For those interested in furthering their education, earning your master’s American history offers a plethora of benefits, and is a truly rewarding experience.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on May 19, 2015 in Programs
Image by USAJFKSWCS on Flickr

Image by USAJFKSWCS on Flickr

At a time when fresh questions about the value of a bachelor’s degree seem to come up daily, master’s degrees are growing more attractive. If you’re on the fence about going further in education, consider these ways a master’s degree can make you a more attractive job candidate.

It Shows You’re Committed to Excellence

Only about 10 percent of people in the United States hold a master’s degree in any field. Most professionals simply do not make the commitment to achieve one. Stepping into that category shows you have tenacity and a focus on growth that many others do not have.

It Signals You Have “Fresh” Skills

Master’s degrees don’t typically take as long to complete as bachelor’s degrees. In fact, many of these advanced degrees can be completed in about two years. Once you graduate, you will be able to bank on your cutting-edge view of your field as a compelling reason to hire you.

It Means You Won’t Switch Fields

If you get a master’s degree in the field you’re already practicing in, it shows you are not planning to change direction any time soon. For example, enrolling in a LL.M. program online shows that you are dedicated to the field of law. This tells potential employers you are low-risk, so they can invest more in training you and incorporating your skills into a team on the long term.

It Gives You Valuable Specialization

Master’s degrees tend to be highly specialized, giving you the knowledge you need to fill an important niche. For example, cyber-security is an increasingly indispensable niche skill in IT, but a truly deep view of the field requires a master’s degree. No matter the industry, these specialized roles tend to be vital and difficult to fill. That could make you a hot commodity.

It Creates a Leadership Trajectory

Candidates who have the potential to train and lead others are more attractive than those whose perspective is narrow. By obtaining a master’s degree, you not only gain skills and knowledge as a solo contributor, but also cultivate the perspective to enlighten others on your area of expertise.

Getting a master’s degree is one of the most powerful ways to upgrade your skills in a tough economy. Master’s degree graduates are eligible for some of the best jobs and easily find themselves on the preferred list when a master’s degree is not a strict requirement.

This article was contributed by guest author Anita Ginsburg.

By on May 6, 2015 in Programs
Image by Will Taylor, Flickr

Image by Will Taylor, Flickr

Especially in this modern era, getting into a master’s in diplomacy program has never been more rewarding. Not only does it open up many opportunities, but you are able to make a difference in the lives of others, travel and see different cultures, gain a useful skill set and get paid handsomely.

Variety

Especially in recent years, diplomats have used their expertise in several areas. Some of them get together with other important officials and try to solve problems like climate change. They also delve into areas like technology, science, human trafficking, global healthcare and the maintenance of cultures across the world, trying to figure out ways to improve conditions in all aspects of human society.

Making a Difference

Diplomats can make a difference in people’s lives every single day. Not only do they try to counter terrorism, but they also work to make businesses more successful. They try to find ways of improving the lives of citizens, including fighting for the rights of women, children and minorities.

Travel and Culture

As people who participate in delicate matters with foreigners, diplomats must become experts in any given nation’s culture, language and traditions. They meet fascinating and new people on a daily basis, including government officials, journalists, scientists, artists, musicians, and countless other people.

Useful Skills

As stated, diplomats are very well-versed in communication and cultures of all kinds. Over the course of their careers, they become top-notch professionals in areas such as public speaking, religion, human rights, compromise, social media and writing.

High Salaries

Considering that being a diplomat is such a prestigious and important career, it comes as no surprise that it is accompanied with a very handsome salary. Although it can vary between individuals, they generally earn about $150,000 per year.

If we are to have a more peaceful world, diplomacy is essential. Fortunately, there are many good reasons to consider getting a master’s degree in this area. Not only do you get a very good salary, but you will be able to use your skills elsewhere in life, journey to other countries and see new perspectives, truly make an impact, and there are many different jobs to choose from. The good news is that there are many opportunities to become a diplomat, with dozens of master’s in diplomacy programs in North America.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.