[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in communications]

The bachelor’s degree in communications has been growing steadily in popularity since it was first introduced in the mid 20th century. It is one of the most practical, applicable, and engaging majors available to college students.

Communications studies has its roots in the classical Greek study of rhetoric, which focused on teaching students the proper way to speak publically in a persuasive manner. But unlike rhetoric, which was a very specific, focused, and unwavering battery of study, modern communications degrees cover a broad and varied range of subjects.

Anything from learning about effective writing, to developing an understanding of public relations, to taking a deeper look at new media is all fair game in the academic communications world. After you complete your degree, you should have the skills to communicate relevant messages across media channels.

Job: Technical Writer

Technical writers help readers understand technical subjects by explaining them in easy-to-understand language. For example, they define jargon and provide step-by-step instructions for operating computer programs. They often work in information technology, engineering, healthcare, and science. Their products include how-to manuals, online help, white papers, assembly instructions, and user guides.

Technical writers primarily use computers to do their work. They use publishing software to create written and online content. They may also work with graphic design and page layout software to format their content in an attractive manner. For online content, multimedia is increasingly being used because images, sound files, and video complement the text.

Job prospects should be good if you have strong writing skills and expertise in popular technical subjects.

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[Click to request more information for online associate's degrees in health information technology]

The curriculum of an associate’s degree program in health information technology includes courses that teach you quantitative skills. Also, the degree gives you a solid footing in the relevant technology. You learn about topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, data management, math, biology, business and health management, and data and technology security.

Upon graduation, you should be able to manage medical records and perform medical billing and coding tasks. The courses cover coding requirements and systems, clinical classifications, and reimbursement methods. As health care information becomes more digitized, the skills you learn will be valuable to health care organizations.

You can increase your chances of admission into a program by taking high school classes in math, computers, health, chemistry, and biology. Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) because accreditation is needed to obtain the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credential.

Job: Medical Records and Health Information Technician

An entry level position as a medical records or health information technician usually requires an associate’s degree in health information technology. Medical records and health information technicians maintain medical records of patients including insurance policies, medications, surgeries, appointments, and diagnoses.

They must know how to use electronic health records (EHR) software. They communicate with medical practitioners as well as insurance companies to ensure payments are made and records are tracked and registered.

Medical records and health information technicians should be detail-oriented and have a knack for catching recording mistakes made by other employees. They act as the organizer and bridge between medical professionals, patients, and insurance companies.

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[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice]

An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides you with knowledge about the criminal justice system including information about law, ethics, criminology, security, social science, police administration, corrections, and juvenile justice.

You can learn skills in crime prevention, court administration, security management, and law enforcement to qualify you for various jobs. Some programs give you the opportunity to work on real cases and gain practical experience.

Certain online schools have areas of emphasis to choose from. For example, if you’re interested in forensics and crime scenes, you can earn a degree with a concentration in crime scene investigation (CSI). If you want to help reduce cyberspace crime, you can enroll in a program that offers an emphasis in computer crime.

Jobs: Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist

Probation officers are in charge of monitoring individuals on probation. This occupation involves legal work including writing reports, making suggestions for potential sentences, testifying in court, and attending court hearings. Probation officers typically also spend time interacting with the family and friends of offenders.

Correctional treatment specialists help individuals who have been recently released from prison. They counsel recent inmates and coordinate the rehabilitation process. They also write case reports and handle the plans for prisoner release and parole. They handle up to 100 cases at once. Their work takes place in prisons and parole agencies.

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[Click to request more information for online degrees in special education]

An online program to obtain a bachelor’s degree in special education qualifies you to teach preschool and K-12 students with special needs. Often these programs require you to teach in classrooms, so the coursework may not take place exclusively online. The bachelor’s degree usually take four years to complete but more schools are now requiring five years or four years plus some graduate classes.

The curriculum for this degree includes classes on evaluation practices and the foundations of teaching and special education. It also covers the current research concerning learning disabilities and handicaps.

You learn about child development, special education methods, and learning disabilities as well as how to assess and evaluate the progress of students. Some programs offer specializations in areas like autism, hearing and vision issues, and behavior disorders.

Job: Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work primarily with children with mild to moderate disabilities. The disabilities can be cognitive issues, as well as emotional or physical ailments. The teachers specialize in using techniques that help students with special needs learn and develop. Each of their students receives a unique Individualized Education Plan (or IEP) that is created to meet specific needs.

In addition to working directly with students, special education teachers also spend time making suggestions to parents, designing curricula, and grading student work. Most of them work in educational institutions. Others work in hospitals, residential facilities, and social assistance agencies.

Job growth for these education professionals from 2008-2018 is anticipated to be 17%.

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[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in public health]

An online master’s degree in epidemiology is a public health program about the scientific, social, economic, and political ramifications of disease outbreaks within communities. You learn about different methods of disease prevention and gain an understanding of risk factors that may cause disease to spread.

Coursework for this degree includes classes on health promotion, statistics for public health research, and management of health systems. You can choose from electives on topics such as informatics, social policy, and international disaster management.

A bachelor’s degree in biology, public health, math, or health science is an ideal undergraduate degree for admissions. The master’s program can typically be completed in 3 years. Some online schools require one or more on-campus visits.

Job: Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist is responsible for researching diseases and figuring out ways to prevent or minimize them. People in this profession examine issues like disease patterns, the spread of disease in specific people groups, and the role of location in disease outbreaks.

There are two types of epidemiologists. Applied epidemiologists work for state health agencies and respond to direct threats that take place. On the other hand, research epidemiologists work in laboratories. Instead of examining current disease outbreaks, they work on developing ways to prevent outbreaks in the future.

In 2008, approximately 4800 epidemiologists were employed. By 2018, a 15% growth in jobs is anticipated. Statistics show that there are many career opportunities for epidemiologists, as many states have a shortage of qualified professionals.

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[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in nursing]

An online bachelor’s degree in nursing, or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), allows registered nurses to further their education without disrupting their work schedule. They can take classes over the internet and complete them during their free time. Clinical work is typically assigned as part of the graduation requirements, but you can fulfill those obligations locally at a health care setting. Some online programs do not even require clinicals.

The classes in a bachelor’s nursing program cover health care topics such as patient safety, technology, and health care systems and policies. Also, you learn about relevant science subjects like anatomy, biology, physiology, and chemistry. Upon graduation, you should be qualified to move into leadership and management positions in the nursing field.

Job: Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses (or RNs) treat and advise patients about medical issues. Day to day work includes taking notes of medical histories and patient issues, performing tests to diagnose medical problems, and giving out treatments and medications.

There are a variety of specializations for RNs. Some RNs deal with issues involving rehabilitation and recovery from ailments while other nurses care for babies. RNs with advanced education can perform diagnostic work and write prescriptions.

Of all the healthcare professions, nursing is the largest with around 2.6 million jobs in 2008. The majority of RNs (about 60%) work in a hospital. Job prospects for RNs should be excellent because the nursing workforce is getting older and there is a lack of younger nurses.

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[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in computer networks]

The goal of a bachelor’s degree in computer networking is to give you the skills to develop, maintain, and install organizational networks. Specific topics in the coursework include communication among computer networks and proper administration, how to design computer networks, programming operating systems, and how to troubleshoot internet, intranet, and extranet connections. Database creation and project management are also typically included in the curriculum.

The computer networking major teaches you how to think critically and solve networking problems. Upon graduation, you should be able to manage computer networks including technical aspects such as operating systems, databases, hardware, and microprocessors. It helps to choose a program that offers training on the popular technologies to improve your qualifications in the job market.

Job: Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Network and computer systems administrators are in charge of setting up and maintaining computer networks for businesses and other organizations. Day to day tasks include troubleshooting, handling security issues, and recommending applicable upgrades for the future.

The work typically takes place in a corporate office with a 40 hour weekly schedule. In some cases, network and computer systems administrators also work from remote locations. There is opportunity for advancement in this field because these workers can attain senior-level positions.

This occupation is expected to grow quickly with a growth rate of 23% by 2018, as companies continue to integrate new technologies into their offices.

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[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in operations management]

An online master’s degree in operations research teaches you how to improve the efficiency of operations within organizations. You learn how to apply mathematical principles to analyze information and discover optimal solutions. You also learn how to improve system performance. Complex simulation models are examined throughout the curriculum.

Instead of focusing on a narrow subject area, the coursework offers a broad education in applied mathematics, which you can use in a variety of industries. Classes for this degree cover subjects such as deterministic optimization, probabilistic models, data mining, linear and nonlinear programming, and statistics.

Typically, a GMAT or GRE is not required for enrollment. However, a bachelor’s degree in a related field like math or statistics is often required. A good foundation in math and engineering is highly recommended.

Job: Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts analyze and interpret information using a variety of disciplines including mathematical modeling, science, and engineering. Their data and observations are gathered and used by management to make high-level decisions and improve efficiency.

Often these workers are hired by the military to make crucial decisions during wartime and handle planning and analysis during peacetime. Operations research analysts also work in other industries including computer design firms, insurance agencies, telecommunications companies, and technical consulting services firms.

It is typical for them to work in teams. Once the analysis takes place, the recommendations are presented to managers and the team may work closely with other employees to handle implementation as well.

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[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in databases]

A bachelor’s degree in databases gives you the education to manage computer databases using programming and networking tools. Required courses typically include material on computer programming, database architecture, algorithm design, and information security. Technical communications is also a common core subject, as many employers want to hire database experts who know how to write and communicate with other departments in the company.

You gain experience working with popular database administration software like Oracle and SQL Server. Advanced coursework (depending on your choice of specialization or electives) might include classes in information systems and optimization, database planning, and database security.

This degree is ideal for people with meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a passion for organizing information.

Job: Database Administrator

Database administrators can expect excellent job prospects, with job growth forecasted at 30% between 2008 and 2018. Companies hire these workers to implement innovative methods of storing, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data.

Database administrators work closely with managers and individual end users to identify their needs and create new databases that suit those needs. Database administrators often supervise the transition between old and new database systems by integrating data and implementing new solutions. They also perform testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to make ongoing improvements and fixes to existing database systems. Information security is a growing area of concern as more databases are going online.

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[Click to request more information for online bachelor's degrees in computer science and engineering]

A bachelor’s degree in computer science gives you an education in a variety of computer fundamentals. Coursework typically includes programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. Required mathematics courses may cover calculus, probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, and linear algebra. Along with the core courses, you can choose from elective courses in areas such as software engineering, databases, operating systems, and artificial intelligence.

As a computer science major, you go beyond learning specific programs and technologies. You also learn the math and theory behind computers to help you think broadly about the field. You gain a deeper understanding in computers than other computer majors like web development and information systems management because those majors must cover information specific to their field along with the computer concepts.

Job: Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts are seeing strong demand for their skills, with job growth expected to increase 20% between 2008 and 2018. These workers are employed in many industries, with some of the biggest concentration of jobs found in the fields of systems design, insurance, financial services, and government.

Computer systems analysts help companies improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their IT systems by choosing the right hardware and software and developing and fine-tuning existing systems. In addition to computer skills, systems analysts should have solid relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills. They often consult with company managers and individual users to determine IT goals.

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