GMAT Prep Resource Guide
Posted on October 24th, 2019
Best Paying Careers With a 4 Year Degree
If you are considering going to college to attain a bachelor’s degree, you might be wondering which careers offer the best bang for your buck when it’s time to get a job. While a degree in underwater basket weaving might sound like a hoot, it’s probably not going to pay all that well. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that also provides an excellent salary, here are some options.
Table of Contents
What Goes Into Getting a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is also referred to as a four-year degree because it typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Some students do finish their four-year degrees in less time, while others need more than four years to complete their education if they’re working a job or going to school part-time. Another reason it could take longer is that the student might change majors. When this happens, a student is required to take more classes.
Most bachelor degree programs require a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete. That averages out to roughly 40 different classes. Some courses are general courses that almost all college students take such as bio, freshman English, and a physical education class. Most students take these classes during the first two years of school. After that, students delve into their major classes, begin internships and other major requirements outside of the classroom.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A bachelor of arts degree is a four-year degree that focuses on the liberal arts and humanities. Examples include a BA in English, a foreign language, or sociology. The program includes courses in language arts, foreign language, sociology, and major coursework.
Bachelor of Science (BS)
A bachelor of science degree is focused on studying some aspect of math or sciences. Degree examples include accounting, business administration, psychology, and math.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Students seeking a bachelor of fine arts are studying a specific aspect of arts such as dance or art history. Students will be trained in a specific field and gain a specific skill set to help them pursue a career in their major.
Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
A bachelor of applied arts degree combines practical experience with critical thinking and logic training. Commercial art is an example of a BAA. It combines learning the craft of art or marketing and advertising purposes with critical and analytical studies.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
The bachelor of applies science degree readies a person to work in a specific profession in the scientific realm. Statistics, chemistry, and other majors with a scientific background that also requires hands-on experience can be BAS degrees.
The Importance of Experience
For some careers, an advanced degree, such as a master’s or MBA, is required. However, in some cases, experience in the field is sufficient and will be accepted instead of an advanced degree. Although the additional education might be appreciated, there’s a good chance that an applicant has gained that knowledge through working in the field. Unless it is a licensing or insurance issue, a person with a bachelor’s degree and five years’ experience working in a field should feel comfortable applying for positions that usually require an advanced degree. If given a choice, many employers would choose a worker with a degree and years of experience over an applicant with an advanced degree and no work experience.
Highest Paying Jobs
Chief Executive Officer
Average Income: $158,900
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in a related field plus experience
Projected Growth: Varies by Industry Chief Executive Officers oversee the entire operation of an organization. In collaboration with the board, the CEO makes the decisions regarding the path the business is going to take.
Computer Network Architect
Average Income: $119,400
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Projected Growth: 6% average growth by 2026.Network architects build and design data communication systems and networks such as LANs, WANs, and Intranets. Along with a BS in Computer Science, training and experience in network and information systems is desired.
Engineering Program Manager
Average Income: $112,500
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Projected Growth: 6% average growth by 2026.Engineering program managers plan, coordinate, and direct activities for engineering companies. They usually work with a team of engineers and complete a variety of projects as needed.
Program Manager, Aviation
Average Income: $109,400
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Aviation
Projected Growth: Unknown Aviation program managers run the operations at airports. They could be in charge of the pilot training program or handle the day-to-day operations of the airport. They are often trained pilots themselves with current, valid certifications from the FAA.
Senior Database Administrator
Average Income: $105,200
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Network/Technology
Projected Growth: 11% growth by 2026 - faster than average growth.Database administrators build and maintain databases for customers. They ensure that the information a business needs is accurate and available but secure from those who should not access to the information.
Senior Software Engineer/Software Developer
Average Income: $102,200
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Projected Growth: 24% growth by 2026. Much faster than the national average according to the BLS.Software engineers develop and design computer software. The software could be programmed for an end-user such as word processing or accounting software, or it could be the software used to run the computer system itself such as Windows.
Petroleum Engineer
Average Income: $101,600
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Projected Growth: 15% growth by 2026. This is faster than the national average.Petroleum engineers develop and design methods to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. They are also tasked with finding new and innovative ways of getting oil and gas out of older existing wells. The job often requires travel since much of the work and consultations with other engineers and workers must be done onsite.
Airline Pilot
Average Income: $101,500
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Aviation. Airline pilots also must hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate which is issued by the FAA
Projected Growth: 4% by 2026. This is slower than the national average for job growth, according to the BLS.Airline pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. They work for airlines of companies which own their own aircraft. Many pilots get their career started in the military, then go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree later.
Senior Electrical Engineer
Average Income: $101,300
Degree Needed: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Projected Growth: 7% by 2026. This is average job growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 21,000 new electrical engineer positions will be created by 2026.Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment, usually in a manufacturing setting. Electrical engineers build items such as engines, GPS systems, and power generation equipment.
The Runners Up
Compensation and Benefits Manager: $88,400
This position works with human resources to administer and manage benefit packages such as vacation pay, insurance benefits, and other forms of compensation outside of hourly pay and salaries. A bachelor’s degree in business or accounting is the typical educational background needed for this position.
Physicist: $91,000
A physicist is a scientist that is focused on the study of physics and the universe. There are many types of physics that a scientist could focus on, such as theoretical, astrophysics, or quantum. A bachelor’s degree is the base degree, but more education is often required.
Physician Assistant: $93,900
A physician assistant or PA is a healthcare provider who practices medicine under the direct supervision of a physician. They are licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and illnesses and can prescribe medicine. Laws vary, but at a minimum, a bachelor's degree is required.
R&D Manager: $96,700
Research and development occurs in a variety of industries. The manager of an R&D team supervises the other workers while they conduct experiments and do testing. A bachelor’s degree in the field in which the R&D is being conducted is required, as well as experience working in the specific field.
Which Sectors Promise the Best ROI (Return on Investment)?
Although a high salary is possible in a variety of industries, some seem to be more promising than others. The field of engineering in all its forms is a profitable career option, whether you choose to study petroleum, chemical,, mechanical, or civil engineering. The job prospects for all the engineering fields are positive, with predictions for job growth ranging from average to much faster than average according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have an aptitude in math and science, this could lead to a viable and profitable career option.
Another option is computer programming and information technology. Whether you want to design software, build computer or GPS systems, or build databases to help with managing and securing data, this is another good opportunity for someone who wants a high-paying career. Job growth projections for this sector remain high, so there’s a good chance that once you attain your bachelor’s degree, there will be work available.
Another profitable degree type is in business. Every industry needs a CEO. Many CEOs started as rank and file employees and worked their way up the corporate ladder. Although CEOs who hold only a bachelor’s degree are rare, it is possible if the person has the right skill set and business acumen to make solid business decisions.
Salary and career information provided by PayScale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following article Best Paying Careers With a 4 Year Degree is republished from UniversityHQ near me
Posted on October 10th, 2019
Best Paying Jobs With an Associates Diploma
Are you considering enrolling in an associate degree program? While many prospective students seek undergraduate educations, associate degrees are becoming more and more popular. These programs are a viable alternative because they provide a basic understanding of a specific field at a fraction of the cost of a traditional education.
Types of Associate's Available
Specific associate degree program titles vary from institution to institution, but most colleges and universities offer one of the following associate types: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Arts (AAA), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). While all options prepare graduates for successful careers, there are some important differences applicants should be aware of before applying.
Associate of Arts (AA)
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree usually appeals to individuals interested in continuing their education after graduation. Academic requirements typically include general education coursework with an emphasis on topics in humanities. In most cases, an AA is considered equivalent to completing the first two years of an undergraduate degree.
Associate of Science (AS)
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is also ideal for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in the future. Like the AA degree, academic requirements typically include general education coursework, but with an emphasis on math and science instead of humanities. An AS is considered equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree.
Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
An Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree is better suited for students who may want to pursue further education or seek employment immediately. These programs offer classes that are more technical or can be "applied" in the workplace. Academic requirements typically include general education coursework with a humanities emphasis, as well as classes that are practical and focus on a specific career or vocational field.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for individuals who plan to seek employment immediately after graduation. They tend to be career-oriented and do not always provide coursework that aligns with undergraduate degree requirements. Common AAS degrees include paralegal studies, human services, entrepreneurship, web design, and customer relationship management.
What Goes into Getting an Associates?
An associate degree is often preferred by individuals interested in joining the workforce as soon as possible. While students seeking an undergraduate degree can expect the process to take approximately four years to complete, earning an associate degree rarely requires more than two years. Other benefits include more scheduling flexibility, lower tuition costs, numerous career opportunities, higher earnings, lower risk of unemployment, and the opportunity for additional education options. Many colleges and universities also offer associate degree programs online, making them especially appealing to potential students already working full-time or those who have personal obligations that prevent them from leaving home.
In most cases, an associate degree program will consist of about 60 credit hours of coursework or approximately 20 college courses. Students will be expected to take general education classes, as well as receive instruction within their specified field of interest. Full-time students typically complete these requirements in two years, but some programs can take as little as one to one and a half years to finish. Individuals who take advanced placement classes in high school, or who have already passed one or more college courses, will need less time. Conversely, those attending class on a part-time basis may require three to five years to graduate.
Graduates are generally qualified to apply for entry-level positions but may require additional education and certification for mid-to-high-level management employment. Students may also choose to transfer their credits to a four-year institution to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Highest Paying Jobs
Air Traffic Controller
Average Income: $87,400
Degree Needed: Associate Degree from an AT-CTI Program
Projected Growth: Slower than average. Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement. Responsibilities include monitoring aircraft on the ground and in the air, directing movements, controlling all ground traffic in airports and on taxiways, issuing landing and takeoff instructions, transferring control of departing flights to other controllers, informing pilots about the weather, and alerting airport response staff during aircraft emergencies.
Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment
Average Income: $70,900
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Biomedical Technology or Engineering
Projected Growth: Slower than average. Field service engineers for medical equipment install, maintain, and repair equipment used for patient care. Responsibilities generally include testing and calibrating equipment, repairing and replacing parts, performing preventative maintenance, keeping repair records, reviewing technical manuals, attending training, explaining how to operate medical equipment, and managing equipment replacement.
Radiation Therapist
Average Income: $70,700
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Radiation Therapy
Projected Growth: Faster than average. Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to combat cancer and other diseases in patients. Responsibilities generally include explaining treatment plans, answering patient questions, protecting patients from improper radiation exposure, determining exact treatment locations, calibrating and operating machinery, monitoring patient treatment responses, and keeping detailed medical records. Certification is required in most states.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Average Income: $67,700
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Projected Growth: Faster than average. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients for imaging and therapeutic purposes. Responsibilities generally include explaining medical procedures, answering patient questions, following safety procedures, protecting patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, monitoring patient reactions, operating imaging equipment, keeping detailed procedure records, and following radiation disposal protocols. Certification is not required, but most technologists become certified.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
Average Income: $64,900
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
Projected Growth: As fast as average. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment that develops, tests, produces, and sustains aircraft and spacecraft. Responsibilities generally include meeting with aerospace engineers to discuss procedures, building test facilities, maintaining aircraft systems, making and installing parts, operating computer systems, ensuring compliance with manufacturer requirements, performing test procedures, recording data, installing instruments, and monitoring the systems that go into aircraft and spacecraft.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Average Income: $64,900
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Radiology
Projected Growth: Faster than average. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists perform imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients for diagnostic purposes. Responsibilities generally include adjusting and maintaining imaging equipment, following physician orders, preparing patients for procedures, recording medical histories, answering procedural questions, protecting patients, operating computerized equipment, working with physicians to evaluate images, and keeping detailed records. Licensing or certification is required in most states.
Geological and Petroleum Technician
Average Income: $62,800
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Geoscience, Petroleum, Mining, or a related technology field
Projected Growth: Much faster than average. Geological and petroleum technicians support scientists and engineers as they explore and extract natural resources. Responsibilities generally include installing and maintaining laboratory and field equipment, gathering samples, conducting scientific tests on samples, recording data from tests, compiling information for reports, and preparing maps that can identify geological characteristics in areas with valuable resources.
Registered Nurse
Average Income: $62,600
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Nursing
Projected Growth: Much faster than average. Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, as well as provide education to patients about health conditions. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families. Responsibilities generally include assessing patient conditions, recording medical histories, observing patient symptoms, administering treatments, establishing patient care plans, consulting with doctors, operating medical equipment, performing diagnostic tests, teaching patients and family members about illness management, and explaining discharge instructions. Licensing is required in all states.
Nuclear Technician
Average Income: $61,800
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Nuclear Science, Nuclear Technology, or a related field
Projected Growth: Little to no change. Nuclear technicians work in the nuclear energy production industry operating special equipment or assisting physicists, engineers, and other research professionals. Responsibilities generally include monitoring the performance of equipment used in nuclear power generation, measuring radiation levels and types, instructing personnel on radiation safety procedures, maintaining radiation monitoring equipment, and collecting air, water, and soil samples.
Web Developer
Average Income: $59,000
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Web Design or a related field
Projected Growth: Much faster than average. Web developers design and create websites. This process includes managing website performance and capacity, as well as generating all necessary site content. Responsibilities generally include meeting with clients to discuss needs, creating and testing applications, writing code, utilizing HTML or XML languages, determining what information the site will contain, working with graphic designers to create a viable layout, integrating website aspects, and monitoring traffic.
Dental Hygienist
Average Income: $57,900
Degree Needed: Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene
Projected Growth: Much faster than average. Dental hygienists clean and examine patients’ teeth, as well as provide education about proper oral healthcare. Responsibilities generally include removing tartar and plaque from teeth, applying protective sealants and fluorides, taking dental x-rays, assessing patient health, developing patient treatment plans, documenting care, and providing people with helpful oral hygiene techniques.
The Runners Up
There are a wide variety of additional high-paying employment opportunities available to associate degree graduates. While the following jobs did not make it onto the initial list, they are still extremely viable career options.
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Mechanical engineering technicians help to design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, such as tools, engines, and machines. Responsibilities include evaluating design drawings, preparing layouts using three-dimensional software, discussing changes with coworkers, reviewing instructions, ensuring test specifications and procedures are followed, producing mechanical parts for products, coordinating unit tests, comparing results, and estimating labor costs. The average yearly salary for a mechanical engineering technician is $50,500. Growth in this field is expected to be as fast as average.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists care for medical patients who have trouble breathing. Responsibilities include examining new patients, consulting with physicians, developing patient treatment plans, performing diagnostic tests, treating patients, monitoring patient progress, recording medical results, and teaching patients how to take medications and use equipment. The average yearly salary for a respiratory therapist is $54,000. Growth in this field is expected to be much faster than average.
Diagnostic Technologist or Technician
Diagnostic technologists or technicians operate special imaging equipment that create images, as well as conduct necessary testing. Responsibilities generally include preparing patients for procedures, maintaining proper medical histories, answering procedural questions, maintaining diagnostic imaging equipment, obtaining diagnostic images, reviewing results, recognizing abnormalities in images, analyzing information, providing patient summaries, and recording findings. The average yearly salary for a diagnostic technologist or technician is $55,800. Growth in this field is expected to be much faster than average.
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
Cardiovascular technologists or technicians conduct tests on patients with possible pulmonary or cardiovascular system conditions for diagnostic purposes. These professionals often assist during electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, and pulmonary function and lung capacity testing. The average yearly salary for a cardiovascular technologist or technician is $56,800. Growth in this field is expected to be faster than average.
Which Sectors Promise the Best ROI (Return on Investment?)
While an associate degree of any kind will prepare graduates for a more successful career and will likely result in a higher earning potential, some fields offer a better return on investment (ROI) than others. ROI is a measurement that evaluates the efficiency of a particular investment. In this case, the potential return is a consistent and well-paying job; the investment refers both to the financial cost of the degree and the time it takes to complete it.
Sectors that promise particularly high ROI include engineering, medicine, and information and computer technology.
Engineering
The field of engineering is ideal for individuals who enjoy figuring out how things work and creating mechanical designs. While advanced positions will require an undergraduate degree, there are numerous employment opportunities available to graduates with an associate degree. This sector is comprised of some of the highest-paying jobs available to associate degree holders. Career options include mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering.
Healthcare and Medicine
The field of healthcare is perfect for people who enjoy helping others overcome and manage various medical conditions. While advanced positions in medicine require higher levels of education, an associate degree will qualify graduates for a wide variety of employment opportunities. Career options include medical assistant, surgical technologist, occupational therapy assistant, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, dental hygienist, and registered nurse.
Information and Computer Technology
The field of information and computer technology is a good choice for those who enjoy working to repair, troubleshoot, program, and design computer hardware and software. While advanced employment opportunities will require further education, associate degree graduates will qualify for numerous positions. Career options include computer support specialist, network systems administrator, computer systems analyst, computer network architect, database administrator, and web developer.
sources:
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Posted on September 16th, 2019
University HQ: Helping You Find The Best Ranked Online Colleges, Degrees & Scholarships
Posted on September 16th, 2019
Is Getting A College Degree Really Worth It?
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Here's a detailed look from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at education levels in regard to median weekly earnings and unemployment statistics to give you a broad idea of how a degree can affect your income on the big whole. Keep in mind, these numbers cover all degree subjects and all areas of the U.S.; details on those two subjects will be covered later.
Here are the national median weekly earnings by education attained:
Education | Weekly Earnings |
---|---|
No high school diploma | $493 |
High school diploma | $678 |
Some college, no degree | $738 |
Associates degree | $798 |
Bachelor degree | $1,137 |
Masters degree | $1,341 |
Doctorate degree | $1,623 |
Here are the unemployment percentages by education attained:
Education | Unemployment Percentages |
---|---|
No high school diploma | 5.6% |
High school diploma | 4.1% |
Some college, no degree | 3.7% |
Associates degree | 2.8% |
Bachelor degree | 2.2% |
Masters degree | 2.1% |
Doctorate degree | 1.6% |
As you can see, the median income with a bachelor’s degree is almost double the income with only a high school diploma. Also, note the large difference between an associate degree and a bachelor’s; this is the primary reason a four-year degree is recommended over a two-year degree. The same trend continues with unemployment. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, your chance of being unemployed is almost half of that of a high school graduate.
The Opinions
There are a lot of news articles and polls about college degrees and cost; it's easy to get confused when you're making a major financial decision. While the majority (77%) of college graduates agree that their education was worth the cost, that still leaves almost a quarter of Americans who disagree. Why?
For the most part, those who feel their degree wasn't worth it fall into one of two categories: they are either in debt over $50,000, or they chose a degree that isn't very marketable. There's also a discrepancy between recent graduates and those who have been working in their field of choice for several years, most likely because many new graduates expect to be immediately hired into a high paying position, only to find they need to gain experience to qualify for higher-paying positions.
A college degree has substantial financial value, both on average and for the vast majority of graduates. This is true even after making several "adjustments" to lifetime earnings which provide a much more accurate view of the value afforded by attending college. Attending college is not without risk, however. The financial and time investments will not pay off for everyone, especially if we continue to see about half of those who enroll at the average 4-year college not holding a degree 6 years later.
You can read the entire article, which was first seen on University HQ at https://universityhq.org/degrees/bachelors/getting-college-degree-worth-it/
Posted on September 16th, 2019
Differences Between Pediatric & Neonatal Nurses
Nurse Practitioners Options and Specialties
As a nurse practitioner, you fall into a specialized nursing category, known as the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Professionals in this category hold advanced degrees, usually a master’s or even a doctorate in the nursing field.
In contrast to earning your ASN, which takes up to 24 months, earning a doctorate in nursing can take up to nine years, with three years being the minimum.
A nurse practitioner is a specialized nurse who has earned their advanced (master’s or doctorate) nursing degree. If you plan to become an NP, you will be a licensed healthcare provider. In this profession, you must hold a license from your state to practice nursing in your chosen specialization.
You will work in a stressful, fast-paced environment, often in hospital settings. You may spend time working in an urgent care center to provide care to emergency patients. You will have to express compassion and empathy to your patients, as they are hurting, feeling ill, and likely to be scared.
Pediatric Nurse Specialists
Pediatric nurse specialists, as their title suggests, are specialists in delivering pediatric health care. The age range of the child receiving care goes from two up to their 18th birthday. In their work, these nurses may receive supervision from a pediatric physician, however, this is not mandatory.
If you work in a doctor’s private practice, you may be providing primary healthcare to your pediatric patients. Working in this specialty, you may work in an emergency room, surgical theater, general hospital, pediatric oncology unit, neonatal unit, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), or a pediatric oncology unit.
Neonatal Nurse Specialists
As a neonatal nurse specialist, you work with the sickest and smallest infants in the hospital. These infants may be very premature, or they may have a health condition that requires specialized treatment. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP) are specialists in delivering neonatal healthcare to very small and sick babies. Your degree will be at least at the master’s level and your professional focus is on the management and care of premature and full-term infants who are either critically ill or convalescent.
In your daily job, you will work side-by-side with neonatologists (medical doctors who specialize in working with this population). You should expect to work in one of several acute and non-acute settings.
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Posted on April 26th, 2019