Online Economics Degrees

Economists research and analyze economics, or the way people choose to use their resources to produce goods and services. Economists typically work in diverse sectors, from finance to government, industry to academia. Their research may cover a variety of issues including:

• Business cycles
• Employment levels
• Energy costs
• Exchange rates
• Inflation
• Interest rates
• Taxes

Most people choose to specialize in a certain area of economics:

• Financial economists study changing interest rates
• Industrial economists study the economics of specific industries, looking at the number of competitors, monopolies, and market decisions that firms make
• International economists look at exchange rates, tariffs, and international markets
• Labor economists study the determination of wages along with the supply and demand for labor
• Macroeconomists look at historical trends in order to forecast the future in terms of unemployment, inflation, and other economic trends
• Microeconomists focus on supply and demand for individuals and firms
• Public finance economists look at how the government affects the economy, particularly in terms of tax cuts, budget deficits, and welfare policies

Degrees in Economics

A degree in economics can provide the knowledge and training necessary to succeed in a variety of related fields. Unlike finance degree programs, which focus primarily on monetary resources, economics degree programs traditionally address more diverse resources, such as labor, land, machinery, and raw materials. Graduate degrees narrow down the coursework into a specific area of economics, such as the specialties mentioned above. Bachelor''s degrees can open up opportunities in a few entry-level positions, such as research assistant, administrative, and sales positions in government, research organizations, or consulting firms. Those who complete a master''s degree in economics may qualify for research and administrative positions with more responsibility. Top economics positions often require a PhD.

Career training usually involves:

• Computer science
• Econometrics
• History of economic thought
• Macroeconomics
• Mathematics and statistics
• Microeconomics
• Sampling theory
• Statistics
• Survey design

Career Prospects in Economics

While no degree can guarantee a particular job or salary, job seekers with a background in economics are likely to have good opportunities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of 2007, economists had a mean annual wage of $86,700. Of course wages vary per employer, degree held, and experience level. The federal government employs the most economists. Those with bachelor''s degrees averaged starting salaries of $35,752, those with master''s degrees averaged beginning salaries of $43,731, and those with PhDs averaged $52,912. Economists held around 15,000 jobs in 2006, according to the BLS, and it''s predicted to grow 7 percent by 2016. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services should most likely require the most economists and have the highest job growth rate. But many people with degrees in economics may end up having a job title other than economist, such as market analyst, financial analyst, public policy consultant, or purchasing manager. Those with specialized knowledge in a secondary area most likely should have the best career opportunities.

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Online Project Management Degrees

As organizations face greater pressures to control costs, ensure quality and meet timelines, qualified project managers are in greater demand than ever. Project managers are highly sought-after by large corporations, entrepreneurial companies and government agencies to standardize processes, optimize teamwork and streamline the tasks necessary to complete a project in the most effective and efficient manner. Specialties include engineering, information technology, business and human resources.

Youll find project management Certificate, Bachelors, Masters and MBA programs that provide a solid understanding and working knowledge of the latest principles, tactics and tools being deployed this dynamic field. Students apply analytical, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills to the challenge of planning, managing and completing complex projects on time and on budget. Typical courses include topics in time management, risk analysis, and project development. Several programs are designed to help prepare students for the nationally-recognized Project Manager Professional (PMP) certifying examination granted by the Project Management Institute.

• Kaplan University Online
• University of Phoenix
• American InterContinental University Online
• New England College
• Capella University
• Boston University
• Ashford University
• DeVry
• Walden University Online
• Grand Canyon University
• Jones International University
• CTU Institute for Advanced Studies
• ITT Tech
• City University Online
• SJU Professional
• Colorado Technical University Online
• Villanova University
• University of Mary
• Malone University
• University of California, Irvine
• Columbia Southern University
• Lehigh University

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Online Photography Degrees

For those crave autonomy, flexibility, and, above all, creativity, a career in photography may seem ideal. If you have an artistic eye, technical skills, and the ability to tell a story visually, you might be naturally drawn to photography. In these days of affordable digital cameras and editing equipment, formal career training may not always be necessary for you to get started. However, in this rapidly changing field in which business and marketing skills, as well as the ability to work in a multimedia environment, are all becoming increasingly important, photography degrees provide excellent career training that could give you an edge in this competitive field.

Photography Careers: Behind the Lens

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of those working in photography today are self employed--that''s a much higher proportion than in most other industries. That number is also expected to grow, as most media outlets are scaling back their employment of salaried photographers, and instead are hiring freelancers to provide still photography and video. Photojournalism, also called news photography, is just one way in which photographers may earn a living. Many work as portrait photographers, using studio tools to craft the ideal shot. Some photographers capture special events, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, or graduation photos.

Fine art photographers create artwork with their photography and sell their pieces. Still other photographers work in various scientific or commercial industries, recording data for analysis. According to the National Press Photographers Association, a professional organization for photojournalists, the photography profession is changing rapidly, which is why formal career training may be a practical way to begin. As print media outlets gradually decline in circulation, most are moving their efforts to the Internet, which requires a much more rapid updating process and a variety of media including streaming video. Photojournalism applicants will be required to have a larger set of skills and will need to be able to tell a story visually in multiple ways, with a more rapid production time.

The Value of Photography Degrees

Because photography is an ever-evolving field that requires practitioners to constantly update their skills and equipment, formal degrees may be advantageous. Photography courses progressively challenge students, not only artistically by also technically. Meanwhile, exposure to instructors and peers in the field provides valuable insights and important connections. If self-employment interests you, online degrees might just provide the right mix of formal career training and autonomy. You can explore ideas while constantly improving your skills at a pace that makes you comfortable.

In addition to formal photography career training, which covers aspects of visual design and technical skills, courses in business and marketing can be very useful. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that photography jobs will grow by 10 percent through 2016--about as fast as average. Median annual earnings for salaried photographers in 2006 were $26,170. More than financial compensation, however, photography careers provide a creative outlet and freedom that may be invaluable.

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Online Pharmacy Degrees

Filling prescriptions is only one job that pharmacists perform each day. Taking inventory, making sure people are taking the right medications, talking with health insurance companies and doctor’s offices, and suggesting alternative medications are other tasks that pharmacists complete during the day. In order to become a pharmacist, students will have to complete a degree program which includes taking classes in computer database management, medications and their uses, psychology, history of pharmaceutical drugs, and courses in dispensing medications.

These courses will prepare students for employment in drug stores, hospital dispensaries, and government agencies. Because of the abuse of medications that are available in doctors and dentists offices over the past few years, the food and drug administration conducts inspections of medicine storage areas from time to time. Making sure that people are taking the right medication is a huge responsibility.

There are people who will try to obtain medication under false pretenses and it is up to the pharmacists to discover the truth about rescriptions by verifying them with doctors and other health officials. Pharmacists will also catch mistakes before they lead to serious medical emergencies by calling doctors offices to verify that patients can take certain medications even if they have had prior allergic reactions or if they can take it along with other medications they may be taking.

Pharmacists have to keep detailed records of patient’s medications and call doctors whenever they suspect something is wrong. Students who want to go into this career should have an attention to detail, enjoy working with the public, and have extensive knowledge of medications. They may have to answer questions, find alternative medications that are less expensive, and be able to catch mistakes before they happen. This is a fast paced field, but the knowledge of how to use computer databases will make the job easier and will help save more lives in case mistakes have been made.

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Online Radiology Degrees

In many cases of illness or injury, before a physician can make a diagnosis, he or she needs to take a look at what's happening inside the patient. Once upon a time not so long ago, that meant ordering an x-ray. And while an x-ray is often still a doctor's first imaging option, it is no longer the only one. If x-rays aren''t conclusive, doctors now have a variety of options offering a much a higher level of detail, such as fluoroscopies, computed tomography or CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All of these options require a radiological professional to take images of the affected areas. From x-ray technology to internal organ imaging, radiological science is a key component of medical practice, one that is only growing in importance, and not only as a diagnostic tool. New and improved imaging technology can also allow surgeons to map out a course of action prior to an operation, making surgery less invasive. Radiological professionals work in a variety of medical and health facilities, but if you think radiologists just take pictures, think again. The work can be physically exhausting. You can expect to be on your feet for long periods, and you might need to physically lift and turn disabled patients.

Degrees in Radiological Science

Whether you're a working professional or full-time student, online degrees in radiological science offer practical professional training. These programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, and computers. Most radiology programs offer two-year degrees. Some offer one-year certification programs for nurses and other experienced health care professionals who want to switch fields. Some programs also offer bachelor's and master''s degrees in radiological technologies. These higher degrees open additional opportunities, including supervisory or administrative roles, as well as teaching positions. If you want a medical position in the burgeoning healthcare industry, online degrees in radiological science--from certification through the four-year bachelor's--can be the perfect avenue for your career advancement.

Career Outlook for Radiological Technicians

The current demand for radiological professionals continues to grow. Recent advances in medical resonance and a shortage of qualified radiology workers have made radiological science a solid career choice. The aging U.S. population is expected to increase the demand for imaging, and as the technology continues to improve the quality of images, the applications for imaging will increase, further increasing demand. The result is an industry that will remain strong well into the future.

Salaries in Radiological Technology

According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor (from May, 2006), the median annual earnings of radiological technologists and technicians was between $45,000 and $51,000, depending on whether they worked in a physicians office, hospital, or a diagnostic laboratory. While no program or degree can guarantee a position or competitive salary upon completion, the need for qualified radiological professionals means that this is a smart profession to be in for employment growth in the coming decade.

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Online Nutrition Degrees

Increased emphasis on diet and its effect on health has led to a growing interest in nutrition. Career training as a nutritionist can help you benefit from this interest, while helping people improve their health. From communities banning trans fats to new requirements for calorie information in restaurants, individuals and governments are taking action to better acknowledge the link between what people put into their bodies and the physical and medical impact of nutrition. Nutritionists are essential to advancing this understanding.

Critical Role for Nutritionists

Good nutrition is like maintaining a car correctly: you can head off a host of more serious problems just by doing the right thing on a day-to-day basis. Nutritionists help people make the right decisions about what they eat and drink, and this can help address a number of serious health care issues:

• Obesity. Out-of-control calorie counts and reduced levels of physical activity have led to an epidemic of obesity in the United States. Most distressingly, this is increasingly affecting children. Often, obesity is driven by long-term bad habits that a nutritionist can help correct.
• Diabetes. Like obesity, diabetes is on the rise. People''s diets are often too heavily weighted toward sugar, or things that break down into sugars in the body. This can result in, or exacerbate, diabetes.
• Heart disease. As with diabetes, heart disease can be affected not only by how much we put into our bodies, but what we choose to put in. Again as with diabetes, it is not always obvious which foods have hidden dangers. In the case of heart disease, it is cholesterol counts that are crucial, and this is the type of information nutritionists analyze and pass along to their patients.

Career Training in Nutrition Can Benefit You as Well as Others

Becoming a nutritionist generally involves earning a bachelor''s degree in one or more of a variety of disciplines. These disciplines include dietetics, foods and nutrition, or food service management. Most states also have specific licensing requirements, so it is wise to check out your state''s qualification and accreditation standards before proceeding with a degree program. Nutritionists may help people one-on-one, as health care counselors. Alternatively, they may help groups of people, by helping design institutional nutrition programs, or by guiding food companies in the creation of healthier product lines.

Perhaps the primary beneficiary of your career training in nutrition will be you. Knowledge is power, and having a detailed knowledge of nutrition will give you an inside track on developing eating habits that could allow you to live a longer and healthier life.

Employment for Nutritionists

Employment growth for nutritionists is expected to be about average in the years to come, but nutritionists do earn above-average incomes. In 2007, the median annual income for nutritionists was $50,030. Most were employed by various health care services, but management or education and research roles can be especially lucrative. Diet-related health issues are not going to go away easily, so it is likely that nutritionists will play a valuable role in the health care system for many years to come.

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Online Mathematics Degrees

A degree with a concentration in science or math provides a solid foundation for a wide variety of career options. A science or math degree may be right for you if you want to:

• Work in scientific research in natural sciences such as biology, physics or chemistry
• Teach science or math at the K-12 or post-secondary levels
• Consider going on to further training in fields such as engineering
• Enhance your business qualifications in science-related industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, telecommunications and information technology.

Besides strong demand for math and science graduates in private industry and education, there are a wide variety of opportunities in local, state and federal agencies in areas such as public health and safety, environmental regulation, transportation and criminal justice. These online Bachelor''s degree programs with concentrations in math and science are ideal for working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility and want to complete their degree in less time than is usually required for on-campus programs. Explore the online degree programs below and request more information today. The respective college or university will help you make sure that a particular program is the best choice for your academic and career objectives.

Earning a degree in mathematics can open many career doors. From engineering, economics and accounting to education, biological science, and computer technology, mathematics is an essential skill. Individuals who are knowledgeable in mathematics are critical thinkers and are able to solve problems effectively and efficiently. As mathematics continues to be utilized in many fields, there always will be a consistent demand for individuals who are knowledgeable in mathematics. Because statistical analysis is required in government, business, and industry sectors, a joint degree in mathematics and statistics can provide you with a wealth of career options. You might expect to find employment in banking, accounting, or finance, but prospective employees with a degree in mathematics and statistics are also valuable in biological science, psychology, and even computer software engineering. Applied mathematicians reduce practical problems to their most basic, mathematical units. Using mathematical techniques and innovative computer technology, those with formal training in mathematics may tackle any number of issues, from exploring the safety of new drugs to deciphering encryption systems for the military.

Statisticians likewise enjoy a multitude of career opportunities. While a statistician''s basic job description--analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing data--sounds relatively simple, their day-to-day tasks are extremely complex and their effects far-reaching, influencing sectors of the economy as varied as engineering, psychology, and sports. Statisticians use their unique mastery of numbers to conduct experiments and surveys, later presenting the tabulated data in a way that addresses practical issues. Irrespective of which discipline most interests you, one fact is clear. Those endowed with a natural gift for mathematical comprehension will, with the proper formal education, find themselves well-prepared to walk several different career paths.

Online Degrees and Career Training

If you''re interested in expanding your career options but don''t wish to attend a campus-based university, you can choose from many excellent online mathematics and statistics degree programs. Online mathematics and statistics degree programs are available at the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and doctorate degree levels. The curriculum differs depending on the degree program, but there will be some overlap. Common courses may include:

• Calculus and matrix algebra
• Computational mathematics
• Statistical data analysis and databases,
• Mathematical modeling
• Biostatistical methods
• Statistical design
• Mathematics and management science.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that a solid background in computer science will prove extremely advantageous to aspiring mathematicians and statisticians. Courses in biology, chemistry, health science, economics, and business may also be helpful, depending upon the specific profession you pursue.

Job Outlook for Mathematicians and Statisticians

As informational technology advances, there will be consistent demand for individuals educated in mathematics and statistics. In fact, the BLS predicts at least a 9 percent growth in employment over the 2006-2016 decade, with biostatisticians experiencing particular demand in the wake of the pharmaceutical boom. Though no degree can guarantee a particular salary, as of May 2006, the annual mean income for a statistician was $65,720. The wide range of jobs for an individual with an education in mathematics and statistics makes a college degree invaluable.

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