Can you answer Jess’s question about Degrees?:

If you’re working on a graduate degree (MA), can you do a Continuing Education degree program, at a different university, on the side? I’ve taken some classes during my summers off, and I learned that I only need 6 more classes to actually graduate. Even though it’s a completely different degree, and I’m not planning on using it for anything, will this help or hurt my chances when applying to a PhD program? The PhD will be in the field that my MA is in.

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Can you answer bradley w’s question about Degrees?:

Im in the process of becoming a personal trainer, but my main issue is that there are too many certifications to choose from. I need to know how to sift through them to find the most creditable certification available.

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Can you answer Confused about life’s question about Degrees?:

I am wanting to find a low-cost graduate program that can be completed online/distance education. I can do biology or any type of engineering except civil engineering.

I am particularly interested in aquaculture, industrial microbiology, anaerobic digestion, embedded systems (hardware and software), and renewable energy. I would love to find a good low-cost program to at least touch on these topics and possibly provide a master’s degree.

Thank you for your help.
I speak of graduate school, not undergraduate. It is my understanding that graduate courses mostly do not require the laboratory sessions that undergraduate courses do, since I completed undergraduate courses in biology and electrical and computer engineering, as I was completing my bachelor’s degree spanning these fields.

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Almost every profession requires continuing education to keep a license or certificate up to date on current trends and information. Why do employers want employees to update their knowledge? Client satisfaction and confidence! With the unpredictable economy today, clients and customers want to be assured that they are doing business with professional and educated business personnel.

Selecting courses which are approved by your employer and your wallet is what keeps everyone pleased. Almost every accredited two-year college and four-year university dedicate an office and knowledgeable staff to assist with professional continuing education courses or non-credit classes.

The benefits of attending these courses and classes with instructors who offer both real-world experiences and necessary credentials ensure that professional adults receive quality learning. Other benefits from an accredited college or university are:

• The importance of incorporating theory and practical applications to ensure practical and  direct application of learning to meet your companies’ program.

• To provide large range of educational programs including non-credit classes, academic credit courses, degree and certificate programs and online courses.

• To employ a wide range of resources including on campus faculty and associates, as well as with industry vendors and trainers.

Nearly $50 billion was spent on offering work related workshops, outside speakers and other events to employees to improve their professional knowledge. It is worthwhile to invest in a quality professional continuing education program to not only benefit your employer, but also the clients your profession serves everyday.

Professions which generally require additional continuing education credits are:

• Architect

• Contractor

• Engineers

• Landscape Architect

• Geologist

• Land Surveyor

• Building Inspector

• Well Drilling

• Certified Interior Designer

• Electrician

• Medical and healthcare fields

• Public and Private school teachers

• And many more

The most accessible professional continuing education program is offered through online courses, provided the person has access to a computer and the internet. Many libraries offer internet access free to library patrons and may even be a satellite location for such online courses. Online courses should have the same credentials as on site classes – accreditation, financial aid, knowledgeable staff, extended office hours and accessible instructors. Always check what financial aid is available through the college as well as outside sources. It is better to finance additional classes than to pay out of pocket all at once. Many colleges also offer a payment plan including paying for registration fees and books, if needed.

Online courses may require an initial “meet and greet” at the start of the course, if it is held through a local university. The course may also require one or two other in person meetings to finalize projects or grade assessments. Ensure you check the course requirements as this might not be convenient for you.

Professional continuing education courses also enable you to network with other people in your profession, which often leads to other opportunities. Online posts and blogs serve as class participation and also provide an opportunity to respond to others’ comments and experiences within your profession. Above all keep an open mind as opportunity both in your continuing education and your professional field will be enhanced through networking.



Thanks to Kathy Shattler for contributing this article to our Degrees blog:

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Can you answer good guy’s question about Degrees?:

I work in software industry and in order to enhance my computer science skills want to do a distance learning masters in comupter science ? My bachelors was not in Computer science though. Are there any good universities providing such courses? And am I eligible for such courses?Any help/web link will be helpful. Thanks.

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