Tag Archives: Education

Choosing a Major and Getting on the Right Career Path at University of Phoenix

Choosing a degree program begins with understanding your strengths, interests and career aspirations. University of Phoenix helps prospective students, or anyone interested in answering these questions for themselves, with an online Career Interest Assessment tool. The tool walks users through 60 statements with answer selections to indicate how strongly they agree or disagree with the statements. At the end, the tool indicates a users’ leading strengths such as creative, social and investigative skills and indicates which career and degree programs are a strong fit for those traits.

Those interested in discovering more about the best degree program for their interests can also use University of Phoenix’s online Career Hub to look at the top 10 careers aligned to University of Phoenix degree programs. This also includes crucial information like salary range, projected growth and estimated job postings.

At University of Phoenix, prospective students can rest assured that they are learning career-relevant skills in every degree program. This way, they can turn their focus to exploring what they enjoy doing andthe type of role they see themselves in. Job Markets with the Best Growth and Earning Potential

Some of the top careers are in IT and healthcare based on growth and earning potential. A fact sheet from the Pew Research Center confirms that workers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers earn more than their counterparts in other industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.” Relevant jobs include information security analysts, software developers and web developers.

And the BLS has reported that jobs in the physical, engineering, and life sciences are projected to more than double from original projections, leading to 55,600 new jobs by 2029. They note that similar job growth is projected in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industries to accommodate vaccine manufacture and production. With increased healthcare needs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, retiring nurses and an aging population, the American Nurses Association reports that by 2022, there is projected to be more available registered nurse jobs available than any other occupation.

Skills-Aligned Degree Programs at University of Phoenix

Once prospective students have reached an understanding about their own strengths and the landscape of the current job market, they can begin an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program at University of Phoenix that best aligns with their goals. Those interested in a career as an Information Security Analyst, for example, can pursue one of several degree programs in Cybersecurity at the University. Those interested in nursing can pursue an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing, among other degree programs.

University of Phoenix offers both generous transfer credit options and Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs) that help reduce the time and cost of reaching a degree. With transfer credit options, students can cover up to 75 percent of the credits needed to complete their bachelor degree program. Using the University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits, students can earn nontraditional credits for skills developed through professional roles such as IT certifications, military service, police academy training and real estate licenses. There are also options for students to receive PLA credits for life experiences, submitted via journal-style essays, for skills such as stress management, parenting and communicating in a virtual workplace. Some 65 percent of undergraduates at University of Phoenix are eligible for PLA credits, helping them to save on college costs and graduate faster.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and provides maximum support for transfer students to reach their goals affordably. The University makes transferring credits easy and offers Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs) to provide credit for a number of employer-based trainings and life skills including IT skills, police and military work, retail experience, parenting, horticulture, arts, sports and other non-traditional skill sets, helping to reduce time and money toward a degree program.

In addition, University of Phoenix supports working adults and nontraditional learners with numerous scholarship opportunities, flexible schedules, online learning, career-guided degree programs. The University’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

 

Cheapest Options for Getting a Degree Online

In many countries of the world, getting a university education is a notoriously expensive and time-consuming undertaking. The rise of internet technology has, however, made it possible to acquire valuable knowledge in a structured setting without spending so much time and money. This article examines some of the most affordable online schooling options on offer today. 

University of the People 

A dream come true for cash-strapped people wishing to obtain a degree, not only is University of the People tuition-free, but course materials are also provided at no cost. The yearly cost for running a degree program at this institution is less than $1000, being payment for application and assessment for each completed course. 

This fully accredited American university is completely online, having no physical structures. The institution offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs and provides scholarship options for the indigent. 

Great Basin College 

Based in the US state of Nevada, Great Basin College is among the cheapest online colleges around. Besides the affordable tuition, this public higher institution has been ranked among the best and most liberal in the United States. The $3000 tuition provides access to associate degrees and certificate programs across a wide range of educational fields, from science and technology to arts and humanities. What’s more, many of these programs are fully online and Great Basin college boasts a 100% acceptance rate. 

BYU-Idaho

Brigham Young University is a non-profit college owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While the renowned University has physical structures in the US, more than 15,000 of its 50,000 strong student population run online programs. BYU-Idaho’s Pathway WorldWide offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs to students across the world. Taking advantage of BYU-Idaho’s Pathway WorldWide is advisable for other reasons beyond the affordable tuition of $4000. The University was recently named first among the most innovative schools in America and is popular with employers.

Western Governors University 

A private non-profit educational institution, Western Governors University is an accredited school with over 70,000 students. While the school’s academic activities are fully online, there is a physical headquarter located in the US state of Utah. Western Governors University offers 60 degree programs in collaboration with six other schools. Tuition costs roughly $6000 and the institution records an admission rate of 100%. While there are several courses on offer, studying nursing at Western Governors University is particularly beneficial as the institution is ranked third best for nursing in Utah and 69th in the United States. What’s more, a majority of students testify to the positive influence a degree from the university had on their careers. 

Due to a wide range of reasons, online schooling is the practical, and sometimes the only choice for many people. Deciding which particular option to pursue depends on many factors, most of which are personal. Take advantage of tools like Straighterline to find the option best suited to your needs. 

How to Prepare For Your End of Year Exams

It isn’t long before Melbourne uni students and other students from around the country begin preparing for their end of year exams. With this in mind we have got some great tips here which will be able to help you to get focussed and ensure that you have revised sufficiently for those all important tests. The main thing here is to take this seriously and to follow basic tips which can help you to get the absolute most out of your studies. Let’s take a look at what you need to do, in order to get those study sessions right.

Preparation is Key

The main thing to avoid when you are studying is distractions, or anything which may tempt you to down tools. This is why before you begin studying you should ensure that you have everything that you are going to need. Pens, paper, pencils, sharpeners, measuring devices, calculators, as well as your study resources should all be in place and ready before you begin.

Timing Strategy

Putting in a 4 or 5 hour shift of studying will probably result in you getting an hour or so of actual benefit regarding the knowledge which you retain. This is why it makes much better sense to follow a timed strategy. The best option for students is to use pomodoro, which will see you study for 25 minutes at a time with 5 minute breaks in-between. Use those breaks to stretch and get some fresh air before going back again. This will seriously increase the efficiency of your studying.

Safe Space

Studying with others rarely works and it is also important to remove yourself from temptations like phones and the internet. This is exactly why many who live-ins student accommodation struggle. Take yourself away from this kind of situation and find a safe space such as a library where you can study.

Sleep Well

There is often a certain romance that people attribute to staying up all night cramming, but this actually won’t help you to learn better. The key is being in the best frame of mind for this and that is why you have to make sure that you are getting enough sleep each and every night. This may seem to you as though you are sleeping when you should be studying but bear in mind that you are greatly helping with these 7 or 8 hours of sleep.

Hydration and Food Risks

Your brain needs to be in the best shape it can be which is why you have to ensure that you are keeping yourself hydrated and that you are not eating greasy foods which can leave you without energy. A healthy diet means a healthy mind and that is just what you will need in order to study to the best of your abilities. Avoid the risks associated with snacking on sweets or chocolates, as this can eventually sap you of the energy which you need to study well.

These are simple tips but they will have a big impact on how well you study and how prepared you feel for your upcoming exams.

How To Stay Motivated With Uni Work During Lockdown

On the face of it being stuck at home under lockdown circumstances may appear to give you the ideal time to get your head down and focus on you uni work. With this being said however feeling motivated to keep working hard is far more difficult than it seems. Melbourne uni students in particular have been discussing recently the challenges which they have found in keeping their motivation levels high during lockdown. 

Whilst many students were able to go back home, a lot of international students were unable to do this. In terms of student accommodation Melbourne has seen a great number remain here, and that is down to the challenges for international students. With this being said, there are some hints and tips which may help you to keep your motivation levels high, so that you can focus on your work. 

Dedicated Study Area

Our homes are usually where we go to relax after a tough day of studying, and trying to relax and work in the same space can blur the lines. This is certainly something which negatively impacts motivation. With this in mind it makes a great deal of sense to try and separate the space in the home where you would relax and where you would study. This will help with focus and ensure that you don’t get sick of the same four walls. 

Minimizing Distractions 

Another factor which can affect motivation is the number of distractions which we have in our homes. It is simply too easy to grab our phones or to switch on the television when we should be studying. For this reason ensure that your study area is as free from distractions as you can make it. In reality you should be looking to strip out everything but your study resources, so that you can stay motivated and focused. 

Using Timers

A timer can sometimes be a great way for you to stay on track with your studying, and the Pomodoro technique is a proven approach to increasing motivation. This timer runs in 25 minutes segments with a 5 minute break in-between. There are 8 of these 25 minute segments in total, before having a 30 minute break and starting again. Studying in bursts of 25 minutes is excellent for motivation and you’ll find that the clock almost becomes your authority to keep pushing you to study. 

Setting Times

Another great idea is to set the times within which you will study. No matter if this is 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, or 9 at night until 5 in the morning. You have absolute flexibility in terms of when you study, but the key will be that you structure your time within the day. If you don’t do this then you can easily lose the discipline which you need, as well as the motivation to study what you need to. The more days that you do this, the easier it will become and the more motivated you will be. 

These are challenging times but with some discipline and some hard work, you will be able to find that motivation again.

Winter Uni Student Guide in Melbourne

For Melbourne uni students the benefit of living in this city in particular is one that they can enjoy all year round. The temperature can in fact drop quite a bit in the winter months but this is a city which can adapt very quickly and present those living here with plenty of opportunities to have fun.

When it comes to student accommodation Melbourne has plenty of off-campus locations which are close to the university grounds but also close to the action. This provides students with the perfect place to stay and still enjoy themselves during the winter months.

Take it To The Hot Springs

Melbourne uni students will find a great deal of pleasure in heading off to Fingal and enjoying the hot springs which they will find there. This is around a 2 hour trip from Melbourne and students can buddy up and share the load in terms of transport. Here you will find water which is bubbling away at 60 degrees celsius, which can be enjoyed whilst taking in an incredible view.

Watching The AFL

Melbourne is mecca for a number of activities, the first being food, the second being music and the third being sport. The Aussie Rules season takes place primarily throughout the winter and this is a great sport to watch at the MCG. The sport is fast and ferocious and always entertaining. Because of the size of the ground, there are always tickets available and there are special prices for some matches which students can take advantage of.

Heading to The Docklands

During the winter months, on every Friday night, the Docklands is alive with a fireworks display which never gets boring. Not far from UC student accommodation the Docklands offer fireworks displays, pop-up markets, open air restaurants and many bars and terraces all open where you can enjoy the very best of the display. This event runs from June through to August and the fireworks officially get started at 18:30. Usually you will find that the actual display starts closer to 19:30.

Go Adventurous

Melbourne uni students don’t have to head far from the city to enjoy some winter sporting activities, and in Mount Buller and Falls Creek you will have the chance to get some skiing and snowboarding fun. This is a great way to spend the weekend with friends, and there are plenty of off-piste activities as well. The scenic views are impressive, the activities are fun and this makes for the perfect short-term winter break from the city, the perfect way to get away from your studies for a while.

And finally students should be identifying the right pubs to enjoy during these months, which feature a roaring fire to warm them up. There are a number of pubs which place the fire front and center, and have many seating areas around it where you can really enjoy the experience of watching the fire blaze.

The temperature may drop in winter, but that doesn’t mean that there is any less to do than during the summer in Melbourne.