9/6/07

Associate Degree Programs


  • Associate in Accounting
  • Associate in Business
  • Associate in Criminal Justice
  • Associate in Engineering
  • Associate in IT/CS
  • Associate in Paralegal
  • Associate in Psychology
  • Associate in Religion
  • Healthcare Management (Associate)

Social Work Degree Online

Social Work Degree prepares students for beginning and advanced practice in clinical social work and organization and community practice. According to Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Social Workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all professions through 2010 due to rapid increase in elderly population & baby boomer generation.

  • From child services, to nursing home support, social work encompasses the support services given to many different populations of people.
  • A social worker can either work with people directly, as a clinical counselor, or indirectly, as a managerial human services worker.
  • Social workers are greatly needed by the populations they serve and by the society in general.

What do social work professionals do?

Social workers are a specific type of human service professional, trained to specifically work with certain populations in order to help people find an improved lifestyle for themselves. Social workers sometimes only intervene in private lives when they are asked, but sometimes they intervene when the law says it is necessary. Social workers can be employed in schools, hospitals, non-profit agencies, and government human services offices. Some counsel people who are mentally ill, while others advise people how to spend their money or parent their kids. Social workers, in a sense, are the caretakers and advisers who dedicate their careers toward providing support and upholding social justice.

What are the career opportunities in the field of social work?

Foster care case workers, rape crisis center employees, probation officers, suicide hot-line counselors, and substance abuse counselors are just a few of the many different hats worn by social workers. If it sounds like there is no difference between counselors and social workers, you�re not far off track. While these two professions are not the same, they do overlap quite a bit and they are both in high demand. Many social workers are certified to do counseling, while many counselors are licensed to do social work. The major difference between these two professions is that counselors are usually more specialized in talking and working through tough issues with individual patients, while social workers often work with populations, in more community-based situations.

Some of the major categories of social work include human service, health care, education, and social program planning. Professionals who have a big heart and are interested in making a difference by helping people climb out of sometimes desolate situations are usually a good match for this field.

What are the qualifications needed to work in the field of social work?

Social workers are usually highly educated. While there are a very few number of jobs out there that are filled by high school graduates, most jobs in this field require a bachelor�s degree or, more commonly, a master�s degree. Those with a degree in social work, counseling, or psychology usually qualify for positions in social work as long as their degree is earned through a college deemed acceptable by the Council on Social Work Education. Most states also require social workers to be certified by specific state standards. It may sound strange to have such high credentials to gain professional status in the field of helping people, but social work is a field that can easily burn out even the strongest passion. Social work programs aim to give students the training needed to cope and deal with the populations they�ll serve.

How much money do professionals in social work make?

Social workers give their professional lives to help lift up other people, but the numbers on their paychecks would never show it. Most social workers make somewhere between $25,000 and $42,500 a year, with some sub-specialties, such as health or substance abuse social workers, making up to $52,000 a year. Professionals in management can also have a higher earning potential.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Social Work?

  • University of Phoenix - Human Services : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private University in the U.S. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Services get a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of working in the fields of counseling, social work, and psychology. Students in this line of study take 60 credits in courses ranging from human behavior, to managing and financing human services program. Most students can complete their degree within two to three years.
  • Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity.
  • Capella University : Capella University is an accredited online university designed to provide a quality education that fits the life of busy professionals like you. With a strong learner community built around motivated adult learners, real world faculty and a staff dedicated to your success, Capella helps you make an immediate impact on your life and career.
  • University of Denver University College : University of Denver University College was established in 1864 and is ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the United States. Programs offered include bachelor degree completion, as well as Bachelors and Masters Programs in fields ranging from Business to Environmental Studies.

Early Childhood Ed Degree Online

A degree in early childhood education trains professionals for work with children below the typical school age, usually children between 3 and 5. The curriculum in this educational track includes child psychology, parenting, and early learning strategies. Most professionals in this field work in elementary or pre-schools.

Early Childhood Ed


  • Early childhood education includes those kids who are between the ages of 3 and 5.
  • Regulations for early childhood education vary; some places require a specialized degree, while others require only a high school diploma.
  • Many early childhood education programs work with interchangeably with parents and their children.

What is considered early childhood education?

The field of childhood education is generally split into two different approaches: the child-focused and the family-focused. These approaches may vary in theory, but both are centered on providing the best start for preschool and pre-kindergarten children. Child-focused programs include preschool programs designed to promote child development and improve a child�s chances of being successful in school. Child care or day care programs also fit into this category of early childhood education and are usually limited to children between the ages of 3 and 5. Family-focused approaches to early childhood education include parent training programs and family support programs. Also within this category are two-generation programs, which are designed to help young children get the best possible start in life and, to help their parents become economically responsible.

What kinds of degrees are needed to work in early childhood education?

Not all schools offer an early childhood education programs and not all early childhood education programs are in schools. Therefore, the regulations for teachers vary. Early childhood education is an avenue of the education field that officially requires very little as far as degrees and certification for teachers. An early education teacher is expected to be a high school graduate, and it helps to have some formal training, such as an associate�s in early childhood education. The options for educational degrees within early childhood education go from the basics of an associate�s degree, to as far as a Ph.D degree. Those with a master�s or Ph.D. degree usually work in the research field or work to train other teachers in the field.

What career opportunities are opened with a degree in early childhood education?

Typically those that go into early childhood education with an associate�s or bachelor�s degree work as teachers in public or private early education programs. These positions are needed in great numbers, especially as the population grows. Early education professionals with a master�s degree or PhD will most likely work in higher education, training teachers and doing research in early childhood education.

How much money does an early childhood education professional make?

A teacher going into early childhood education makes an average of $22,000 a year, with a range between $18,000 and $28,000. The training for such positions is not very extensive, therefore, the salary is minimal. As individuals get more education and specialization within the field, however, salary is likely to increase. Working in higher education offers more chance for a higher salary. College professors in early childhood education make an average salary of $52,000 a year, with a range between $37,000 and $99,000.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Early Childhood Ed?

  • University of Phoenix - Education : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix Online is the largest private university in the United States offering Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Education. The University of Phoenix also meets individual requirements set by state education departments which means a degree earned at the University of Phoenix is guaranteed to be honored in all states in the U.S.
  • Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity.
  • Ellis College - Undergraduate : With more than 20 accredited degree programs designed to fit the needs of working adults, Ellis College is a premium choice for the career-minded individual. A division of the New York Institute of Technology, Ellis offers online bachelor degrees in popular fields of study such as business, finance, marketing, technology, information systems and more.
  • Argosy University (Education & Psych) : Argosy University (Education & Psych), with 18 campus locations throughout U.S., offers Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D. and postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Curriculum Instruction, Education, Forensic Psychology, Marriage & Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling and School Psychology.
  • Penn Foster College : Penn Foster College is one of the largest and most respected Distance Learning Institutions offering Associate degree programs. Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
  • Kaplan University - Education Programs : Kaplan University Online offers accelerated online career training through master's degree education. Graduate students choose from a variety of education degrees to advance and build on existing teaching skills or work toward a new teaching career.
  • ICS Canada : ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning.
  • California University of Pennsylvania : California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules.
  • Fisher College : Established in 1903, Fisher College is a career education institution dedicated to providing online learning to those students who might otherwise be unable to attain a higher education degree. Students can earn an certificate, associate, or bachelor degree in Business, Information Technology, Education, or Healthcare without ever entering a classroom.
  • Penn Foster Career School - Business : Penn Foster Career School (formerly Thomson Education Direct), the world's largest and most respected distance learning institution offers Career Diploma programs in the fields of Business, Bookkeeping, Court Reporting, Education, and Paralegal.


Psychology Degree Online

  • Professionals in the field of psychology study human behavior and the reasons behind why people do what they do.
  • Psychologists are usually required to have a PhD to practice.
  • Some of the sub-specialties in the field of psychology include health psychology, child psychology, and counseling psychology.

What is the field of psychology?

Psychology is the field of science that studies human behavior � basically, why people do what they do. Psychologists today can work in settings such as university laboratories, hospitals, counseling centers, and even large companies. The different settings account for the different types of psychologists, such as clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, health psychologists, and industrial psychologists. All psychologists, no matter what their specialization, have the same mission: to improve people�s lives by analyzing behaviors.

What kinds of degrees are there in the field of psychology?

A psychology student can come out of school with many different levels of degrees, depending on how long they want to stay in school. The first degree earned is a Bachelor of Arts in psychology (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science in psychology (B.S.). These degrees take between four to five years to complete. The B.A. and B.S. differ only in the number of science courses required; a Bachelor of Science in psychology requires more science coursework than the Bachelor of Arts degree. The next step on the road of psychology is a master�s degree. This is usually another year or two of work after a bachelor�s degree. Students can choose to enter a terminal master�s program, one that offers only a master�s degree, or enroll in a program that allows a student to earn a master�s degree in conjunction with a PhD. These extended programs last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on a student�s ability and specialization. A master�s or PhD. degree allows a psychology student to specialize in a particular piece of the psychology field, such as child psychology, health psychology or sports psychology. Usually students with a master�s or PhD will work in a research facility at a university or go into practicing as a counseling psychologist. A PsyD. degree is another psychology degree that is specifically designed for those who only want to be a practicing doctor of psychology. A person with a PsyD can open their own practice, or work within a mental health institution, but they aren't qualified to work in the research field.

What career opportunities are available for someone with a degree in psychology?

There are is a broad array of psychology careers in hospitals, universities, and private practices. The fields that are likely to have the best opportunities are school psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. Health psychology is also becoming a popular field because a psychologist's emphasis on the �whole person� has shown to be helpful in treating disease. The American Psychological Association claims that psychology is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree. Many psychologists find work in university research facilities, hospitals, businesses or private counseling centers.

How much money can someone make in the field of psychology?

To say the average salary within the entire field of psychology is not giving respect to each separate specialty within psychology. The field could include college professors, counselors, business leaders, psychologists, and many, many other professions. In the specified field of psychology, however, an average counselor makes between $40,000 and $64,000 dollars a year, and a psychologist can make anywhere between $64,600 and $85,200 a year. These salary estimates are very limited because there are so many different paths to follow with a psychology background.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Psychology?

§ University of Phoenix - Human Services : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private University in the U.S. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Services get a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of working in the fields of counseling, social work, and psychology. Students in this line of study take 60 credits in courses ranging from human behavior, to managing and financing human services program. Most students can complete their degree within two to three years.

§ Walden University : Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity.

§ Ellis College - Undergraduate : With more than 20 accredited degree programs designed to fit the needs of working adults, Ellis College is a premium choice for the career-minded individual. A division of the New York Institute of Technology, Ellis offers online bachelor degrees in popular fields of study such as business, finance, marketing, technology, information systems and more.

§ California Coast University : Established in 1973, California Coast University has enabled working adults without the time or access to a physical school with the opportunity to complete degree training programs that can open new career doors. Flexible distance-learning classes ensure that students will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Business Administration, Management, Psychology, and Health Care Administration in as much or as little time as they have available.

§ Capella University : Capella University is an accredited online university designed to provide a quality education that fits the life of busy professionals like you. With a strong learner community built around motivated adult learners, real world faculty and a staff dedicated to your success, Capella helps you make an immediate impact on your life and career.

§ Argosy University (Education & Psych) : Argosy University (Education & Psych), with 18 campus locations throughout U.S., offers Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D. and postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Curriculum Instruction, Education, Forensic Psychology, Marriage & Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling and School Psychology.

§ University of Maryland University College : Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility.

§ Liberty University : With thirty online degrees offered, Liberty University Distance Learning Program is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective.

§ ICS Canada : ICS Canada offers career training in Business, Design, Education, Vocational, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Information Technology fields through flexible distance learning.

§ Upper Iowa University : Upper Iowa University serves over 6500 students around the world. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Upper Iowa University offers Bachelor Degrees as well as Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration Degrees through the schools nationally regarded Online Program.