Online College Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Accelerated Bachelors Degree online program?
   I have never been to college. I am 34 yrs old. I work for a hospital and have for almost 8 years now. I have been looking in to getting a degree and most importantly in Healthcare Administration. I have looked in to several schools but found a couple of accelerated programs for this specific field. Has anyone else done an online accelerated program and if so, did you like it and was it worth it. If do do this...it will take me about 2 1/2 yrs to get the bachelors and then I qualify for next in line to take my managers job which will pay me almost ,000/year. I need advice and help. This online school is nationally accredited and recognized...

   • ANSWER:
     Nancy, a lot of professionals get their degrees online for career advancement. It’s not a bad idea at all for you to consider getting an online BS degree in healthcare management. Here’s a program you can take a look at and see if it meets your requirements:

     http://www.independence.edu/healthcare/bachelors/health-services-management

     You can earn this degree in a little over three years. Accelerated degree programs are great to hasten the process of graduation, but you should know that the coursework of such programs will be quite intensive and you may end up getting fewer breaks.

2. QUESTION:
   Where can I complete a bachelors degree online in one year?
   I know you can do a 2 year program online and complete a online degree but is there a accelerated program online that will allow e to complete a business administration degree online in one year

   • ANSWER:
     You can probably do a two year program in one provided you work very hard, Not recommended but possible.

3. QUESTION:
   Are online degrees as good as a traditional degree?
   I have completed my first 2 years and I was thinking about getting into an online accelerated degree program so I finish my bachelor's degree in less time. This program is offered from Bellevue University.
   I am referring to this program here:
   http://www.bellevue.edu/community-college/index.aspx

   • ANSWER:
     Many employers toss job applications listing an online degree directly into the trash. This is why online students are so paranoid about the dreaded word "online" showing up on their transcript or sheepskin.

     Your choice of Bellevue illustrates one of the pitfalls of online education. Bellevue has a poor reputation to start with. Bellevue is a low-quality "completion" school that is not ranked by USN&WR. The school's Business degrees do not have AACSB accreditation (Bellevue carries the much less prestigious IACBE accreditation).

     A degree from Bellevue would embarrass you your entire career, like a bad smell.

4. QUESTION:
   Good Online accelerated school?
   I will have my associates in a semester or so and i have a daughter and work a full time job so i don't really have time to attend a traditional 2 year class based school. I need an accelerated online college bachelors degree program, I know the University of phoenix has one online but i have a hard time thinking that's the only program available. If i could get a list of some colleges and maybe some sites that would be great. Thanks

   • ANSWER:
     Employers have been known to toss all job applications listing U of Phoenix degrees directly into the trash.

     Consider the following decent non-profit (public 100% online schools:

     Athabasca U
     Excelsior College
     Western Governors U

5. QUESTION:
   Are teacher Accelerated classes online reputable? Is the Accelerated degree the same as a traditional one?
   I plan to take a accelerated program through Quincy university. You can finish your bachelors in elementary education certification in as little as 19 months. Is the degree less competitive than a regular traditional one?

   • ANSWER:

6. QUESTION:
   Where can I find an accredited accelerated bachelor's degree program? Not interested in online degree program.
   I'm interested in a recognized college/university to attend. I'll even consider the option of "testing out" of college; how can I obtain information to test out of college?

   • ANSWER:
     Many colleges offer the opportunity for you to test out of specific classes, but testing out of college entirely? I'd be wary of any school that offered that.

     There are accelerated degree programs. For example, here in NY, there are several. Where are you based, or are you willing to move?

7. QUESTION:
   What Online University is good to get a Bachelor Degree from in Teaching for the State of Texas?
   I want to become a teacher, but it is really hard for me to just quit working and go to school full time, so I was looking into Online Colleges (Ashford, U of Phoenix, DeVry, etc) for their Accelerated Bachelor Degrees, but I am not sure if the state of Texas would accept them as a credited college. Does/Has anyone gone to any of these schools and then become a teacher?

   • ANSWER:
     All the schools you have mentioned are good schools that offer not only accelerated but they also provide quality education online. Some of these colleges are nationally accredited and some are regionally. So do check out which one is suits you most. You may get to know more about these colleges at http://www.thedegreeexperts.com/online-college.aspx . Here is in-detail about every good online college that are accredited and also known for the education they provide online.

     It would surely help.

8. QUESTION:
   What are schools in Florida that offer accelerated bachelor degree? 2 to 3 year bachelor degrees?
   Links would be helpful. I want on campus and online schools. On campus schools in Florida, online anywhere. Also any links that give bachelor degree salaries, thanks.

   • ANSWER:
     You can go through almost any university in two years and nine months by taking a full load during each of the two intervening summers and taking an extra class during each of two regular semesters.

     For salaries, see payscale.com. Most top bachelor degree starting salaries go to engineers and nurses.

9. QUESTION:
   How can i earn a bachelors degree in 3 years?
   Hi everyone im thinking about going back to school to get a bachelors degree( nt sure yet what field of study) but i wanted to know if it is possible to get a degree in 3 years instead of 4? im a mom and i work full time so i do want to work at an accelerated pace, but im just not sure how to do about it. Id have to take classes online because of my schedule. Any advice or suggestions? has anyone gotten a bachelors degree in 3 years?

   • ANSWER:
     Anyone can earn a BA in 3 years, but that means taking a lot of credit hours per semester including in the summer. Since you don't want to work at an accelerated pace, I'm not sure if that can be done. But you might want to see if you can test-out of the gen-ed requirements instead of taking classes.

10. QUESTION:
    How do employers view bachelors degrees earned online by working adults?
    I ask this some time ago and I have searched through the previously answered questions but have yet to find what I am looking for. I am in my 30's and a veteran. I have an Airframe and Power plant Certification. I have an A.A.S. in Information Technology and an A.A.S. in Airframe and Power plant Management. I would love to go back to get a bachelor degree. Now here is my dilemma. I am currently employed full-time. I have a wife and children. I live in an area with out a major college. My only option seems to be online training. I would like to think that employers would see my previous work experience and motivation to attend college while working full time and be impressed. I am afraid that will not be the case and I don't want to feel like I have wasted time and money. I have contacted Park University, and Embry-Riddle and they seem to be viable options given they offer courses both traditionally and online, plus they offer accelerated semesters. Any help would be appreciated and would love to hear from someone this has worked for or a Hiring Manager or HR personnel would be great. Thank you much.

    • ANSWER:
      Depends a lot on the reputation of the school which offers the degree.

      Your best bet would be to get a degree in Industrial Technology (BSIT), sometimes called Technology Management (BSTM). These degrees are accredited by ATMAE, and a half-dozen can be found on-line. See the list below.

      Consider also DeVry's BSTM, which is NOT ATMAE-accredited, but nevertheless is decent and articulates well with AAS degrees.

11. QUESTION:
    Where would be the best online school to get a undergrad and grad degree in business?
    I want to go back to school online. I would like to find a good school, not a degree mill that offers bachelors with an accelerated masters program. Any help?

    • ANSWER:
      Dear ,

      May be this site can help you
      http://www.sgpak.com

      Best of luck.

12. QUESTION:
    I have an associates degree, but I want my bachelors, but i don't want to go to school part-time?
    for the next 4 years. What are the best ways to do this, i.e. online schools, accelerated degrees, etc.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi
      If you can have a reliable intenet connection try taking on line classes. This way your life will not be interuppted and it won't seem like you are in school; and at the end you will have your bachelors degree.

      The link given talks more about the subject "Math" but the entire content is helpful in understanding the tips in taking an online course.

      Hope this helps
      Good luck in your future endeavors

13. QUESTION:
    Are Accelerated; Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees Viewed the Same as Regular Degrees, by Employers?
    I was wondering because most of the regionally accredited online colleges i look into list that they have these "accelerated" degree programs......and i'm thinking/worried that a future employer would much more accept and lend credence to the typical four-year bachelor degree vs. someone who got it in 2 and a half years, ya know?

    Thanks for any opinions on this!!

    xoxox Violet xoxox
    <(^_-*)>

    • ANSWER:
      accelerated courses are widely used at typical 2 and 4 year schools. i personally dont think that the online schools that are out there really teach you much. if you want to earn a college degree faster there are tests that are offered through college board and the ones governing the SAT. you take a test and you pass most schools will accept the credit. I think that if you went to an accredited school instead of an online school it looks better for the employers.names pop out to employers, if its a online school they may not give you the credit for your grade or degree as one from a community college or state school. you can finish a 4 year school by physically going in about 2 and a half by taking winter classes and summer classes.

14. QUESTION:
    Online Computer Science/Security Bachelor's Degree: Will I learn enough?
    I am looking to acquire a Bachelor's Degree online through either South University or American Intercontinental University (AIU). Since I already have my Associate's Degree, I'm told that the Bachelor program (for Computer Science/IT) will only take another 13 months. I know it is an accelerated program, but I am REALLY afraid that after 13 months of cramming, I won't know nearly enough to actually GET and KEEP a job in computers networking. Is this a valid fear?

    • ANSWER:
      Any online degree earned from an accredited and reputed institute will always proved to beneficial. Computer Science is still the hottest field even in recession phase. I suggest you visit the following link

      http://www.computersciencedegree.ws

      This link will provide you complete information about the online computer science degrees.

15. QUESTION:
    Bachelor's Degree in IT Security or the 3 levels of Certifications (A+, Network+, Security+)?
    I have 2 options now. I can do a 13-month accelerated online course to get my Bachelor's Degree in IT Security or I can do the 3 levels of certs (mentioned above) at the local Community College. Which of these would be the most beneficial in acquiring/maintaining a job? South University and AIU Online are the online schools I am looking at. Any help is greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      All of those certifications (with the exception of the Security +) are pretty much newby certs. No offense but I thought when I received mine, I'd be gold to an employer. Turns out they weren't worth much. I'd rather have a college education ONTOP of the certifications to demonstrate my knowledge and experience (which I actually do have hehe).

      Security is a huge field and growing in IT security. I would start with an actual degree and then focus on certs.

      Edit: It's also helpful to look at it in this manner. IT Managers look at you as an asset. Would you rather invest your money in an individual with 300$ invested in crammed exams or several thousand dollars invested in a dedicated college education? The education reflects your determination while exams are generally crammed and rarely if ever studied in depth with knowledge. This is why it's a misconception to many people that certifications are worth more than degrees.

      Having both though is what makes you the $$

16. QUESTION:
    How to get my undergrad degree quickly.....?
    I am currently a junior. I have about 60 more credits to complete my bachelors. How fast can I complete this. the college offereing this degree offers accelerated programs and online ones as well as on campus..

    how do i go about this...?

    • ANSWER:
      take 12 credits this summer (full-time) and 21 in the fall and 21 more in the spring. finally, take 6 more next summer. You can be graduated by late-August 2011.

17. QUESTION:
    Can i become an RN with a bachelor's degree from a non-science field?
    I have a bachelor degree in liberal arts. Until recently I realized I do not want to work in this field. I want to go to nursing school. I have tried doing my own research and have run into dead ends, everyone I ask has no idea what I am trying to do. I need help! Online colleges are NOT an option, neither is leaving Texas, nor getting ANOTHER bachelor's because I do not have the money. I looked into getting a license the problem is I would not be paid as though I have a bachelors and most accelerated bachelor of nursing programs have really odd requirements, like I need 20+ hrs of science courses with a high GPA. How am I supposed to make this work??!? Has anyone been in a similar situation?
    BTW all you that have responded negatively are VERY close minded. There are non traditional to paths to every profession! Excuse me for not knowing what career I wanted when I was 18. I do not need your input. I do not have to have a degree in nursing to be humane and because I don't does not mean I am not capable of learning new things!
    Yes this is a real question and because I have a degree means that I am capable of hard work. Are you jealous tiger lilly? do you even have a degree? I got my major in something I loved and it jaded me, I don't think I am the only person that has done this.

    Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'm going to apply for a BSN at a list of schools, there are several that I meet the criteria for.

    I was looking for an opinion either I get a license or get a BSN not that I do not want to do anything and expect to have credentials.

    I don't know why everyone on here thinks I want to become an RN without going to school its actually starting to make me laugh. I didn't post to be criticized and I understand its easy to criticize someone in my position, maybe because it makes you feel better about yourselves, but that is not useful to anyone.

    • ANSWER:
      If you're not in a position to get a BSN in nursing, have you considered getting an associates in nursing, taking the state test and becoming an RN that way then work as a nurse and finish up a BSN?

      No, actually there are NOT non-traditional paths to every profession, although there are to many.

18. QUESTION:
    What is the easiest online college to attend?
    I know it may be hard to define "easy" but which online degree programs are easier from one another? I am interested in computers and psychology. Right now I am taking an accelerated online class at Park University. I am in the Air Force, and I want to get a Bachelor's as quick as I can with the littlest effort (lazy aren't I) before it's time for me to get out... I am about 9 hours away from my Associates, and most of them will transfer into a Bachelors (some are CLEPS)... Someone told me about an online school that is fairly easy. They said that for discussions and such they just needed to merely type "anything" and they got credit. I can't remember what that school is though... Anyone have any good suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      I have an online degree program where you call my phone every night and listen to a pre-recorded message of a lecture. Whats cool about it is that it's like listening to a real live teacher and it's way less, plus if its boring you don't really have to pay attention. I havnt got it accrredited yet because i have to have the phone hooked up but its really cool when its working.

19. QUESTION:
    Are there grants for women over 50 who want to pursue a bachelor's degree? If so, how do I find them?
    Specifically looking for grants for an accelerated bachelor's program; could be online; probably business

    • ANSWER:
      I beleave That it's does not matter of your age As Long As you do not have the money to pay for your degree yourself Although I say you should Give this A Try Go to the link below & fill out the form follow every thing out to the end,
      And just see what happen,What do you have to lose,& you have A Degree on your side if you do get it,Although you Need to have A Collage in mind before you do that Because it will be asking you for the collage name in the form, A Collage online could be the best if can find one that is in the data Base of fafsa

20. QUESTION:
    Is there a good comprehensive college search site for adult students?
    I don't care about school location, size, dorms, etc.

    I am looking for an online college that ...
    -participates in the AU-ABC program
    -has accelerated degree program (5-6 week courses)
    -offers a Bachelor degree in something close to Information Systems Technology

    Please Help!

    • ANSWER:
      The most I can tell you is to stay away from for-profit proprietary schools such as University of Phoenix.

      Their classes are overpriced and their credits and degrees carry no respect.

21. QUESTION:
    Who knows anything about accelerated RN programs in NYC??? ?
    I need to find an accelerated program for RN in NYC, not online. I have a bachelor degree in business. I took physics among all science courses. I know I would have to take some prerequisites before entering the nursing program. Does anyone experienced the same urge to change career for nursing from business? Has anyone went thought a career change overall? Please share any thoughts, feelings with me.

    • ANSWER:
      The following school is about 3 hours outside of NYC:

      www.desales.edu

      Check it out.

      Merry Christmas!

22. QUESTION:
    Single mother works full time, wanting to earn Bachelors degree?
    I'm a single mother of a 2 1/2 year old. I'm a few classes away from my associates degree. I would like to go full-time but I have a child to support. I currently work for the state and its a great job, only I commute 4 hours per day and I can't transfer to a closer location to home for another year. I would really like to hold on to my job while I'm at the univeristy but the UC doesn't have too many online classes and my schedule won't allow night classes because the nearest univeristy is a 45 min drive from my home with no traffic. I don't want to go to a for profit school and take out a bunch of expensive loans. What should I do? continue working full-time for another year or so and save money then live off a on campusjob and scholorships? Or keep my job and take years to graduate taking one class a semester? any one know of accelerated programs at a reasonable cost?

    • ANSWER:
      The answer seems rather obvious, but maybe I don't have all the facts. First of all, if you are commuting 4 hours each day, you are spending a lot of money (cost of travel, either gas or tickets for public transport) and a lot of time just going back and forth.

      By getting rid of your commute you will save both time and money. You can use the time to go to school and be with your kid. Since you say that you can't change your job location, you must move closer to your work on the one hand, and find a school closer to your work on the other. Doing that will integrate your two objectives - work and school. That would be ideal

      I suspect that you have a relative taking care of your kid at your present location and that this is the piece of information you did not mention in your post. If that is the case then you still have the same challenge.... either get another job closer to where you are and where your school is, or move closer to work and get other means of child care. In any case, your big problem is all that wasted time commuting. Face it, and solve it.

      The fact that you like your job is secondary consideration to all that wasted time commuting. And delaying your effort to go to school just delays your ability to move forward.

23. QUESTION:
    Nursing Options for someone who already has a bachelor's degree?
    I have a bachelor's degree, but would like to pursue a nursing career. I have found that there are accelerated nursing programs but the pre requisites would be a step backwards in order to gain acceptance in the program. I have also seen that there are online nursing programs. Are these any good? My goal is to get a bachelor's degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. What would be the most efficient way to complete this goal?

    • ANSWER:
      I'm sorry, but nursing programs are very particular and you will have to follow their guidelines. They are also very competitive, so your best bet is to do whatever they say. You will most likely not have to worry about electives outside the major, but you will need all thier prequisities. You may have to take a lot of if you weren't a science major. It will take time, but if you are serious about becoming a nurse it will be worth it. Try shadowing an RN to get an idea of what the job is if you are unsure. You can also look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook's pagge on RNs for lots of valuble information: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm .

      BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT ONLINE NURSING COURSES. Nursing involves a lot of lab sciences and hands on nursing classes and clinicals. You may be able to take some classes online, but don't go for anything that lets you take your important classes online. If they don't require any time in the field, walk away!!!

24. QUESTION:
    Changing college major?
    I have my Associates in Elementary Education (62 hrs). I am wanting to change my major to Bachelors in Accounting. Is there any accelerated online colleges that I could get my bachelors pretty quick? Any colleges that will accept all of my previous credits? I just need about 60 credits to complete my bachelors degree. I am wanting to do this online as, I have a family and work. Thanks!
    If they are accredited, then they are not a fraud!

    • ANSWER:
      I would not trust any online colleges. There is too much chance of fraud. There may be schools that will accept all your credits. You may want to find out if you can work as a substitute teacher with your current credentials. That would give you a reasonable part-time job which would support you, modestly, while you pursue your bachelor's in accounting.

25. QUESTION:
    if you have a bachelor's degree in another field,what is the best way to acquire your RN (new hampshire)?
    have a bachelor's in communications..changing career paths and i am interested in getting my RN. where to start? online? unh? are there accelerated programs?? ahhhh! help!

    • ANSWER:
      Hi Dee p,

      You will need to speak with the university that you are interested in attending. Programs such as upward mobility are designed for those who hold an associates degree in nursing. Since you degree is in communications, not a health related field, I suspect you will have to take any pre-nursing courses you may be missing and then do the nursing course.

      With that said, my advice to you is to avoid online programs because many of them are not accredited and when it comes to nursing you need to have graduated from an accredited program so that you can take your licensing exams. Without being able to take the licensing exams you will not be able to work as an RN and all of the money you spend will be wasted.

      Finally it is my feeling since you are changing careers your starting point would be the university nearest to you with a nursing program and my advice would be to contact their nursing program. From there you can ask your questions about how your credits and work experience would transfer into a nursing program. Also you can ask about options available to you in order to complete the work in the shortest amount of time.

26. QUESTION:
    Any Accelerated Medical/EKG/Dialysis Tech Training Programs Out There?
    I've recently been laid off a job and think it would be a great time to go back to school. I am very interested in the medical field and would like to become some sort of technician (dialysis tech, cardiovascular tech, lab tech, medical tech, respiratory tech, etc). All of those jobs would interest me.

    I am looking for a school that might have one of those programs in accelerated form. I am unemployed, so I would rather go to school every single day, for the majority of the day (rather than once or twice a week). Does anyone know a program out there for any of these jobs that is accelerated? I'm thinking one year or less---anywhere in the country. I already have a bachelors degree. Also, I would rather not do anything online.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      I'm sorry that you've recently been laid off. Hopefully, 2010 will be a lot better for all of us With any type of training program, I would only consider ones that are accredited within the industry. If the program is not accredited, the person may not be able to find work in that particular field anyway.

      Regardless of which program that you consider, please forgo those private $$ tech schools and instead look into the county vo-tech school or community college as long as the program has the accreditation thus having credibility within the industry.

      For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

      When considering which field to enter, just a word to the wise that there aren't supposed to be too many jobs for the medical assistant (or medical biller or coder), and I'm not sure of the need for dialysis techs as there may only be a couple per hospital, if at all.

      If considering medical transcription, please beware of those online/'work-at-home' job ads since most of them are a scam especially if asking for money upfront or for personal info which may put one at risk for identity theft: http://www.ftc.gov and can click 'identity theft' or such.

      For general career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'respiratory therapy technicians' (and/or 'therapists'), 'clinical laboratory technologists and technicians', cardiovascular technologists and technicians' or such.

      If interested in medical or lab tech, here is a website for accredited programs in the laboratory science field: http://www.naacls.org and can click 'programs' or such.

      Please steer clear of those online, for-profit schools (may have 'bricks and mortar' buildings and may be 'accredited') such as penn foster, strayer, university of phoenix, kaplan, ITT tech, sanford brown, devry, ashworth, everest, colorado tech, argosy, walden, anthem, stratford career, ashford, remington, US career and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit' (and course credits may not transfer): http://www.ripoffreport.com and can type into search.

27. QUESTION:
    Nursing program for foreign medical graduates?
    If a foreign medical graduate decides to shift into a nursing career, how should one go about it? It seems as if there's a number of nursing programs out there that it's so confusing. From where I'm from, after you graduate from high school and want to be a nurse all you do is enroll in a 4yr bachelors degree in nursing. Been in US for almost 2 yrs now and I've tried looking into online nursing programs since I do work right now however the answers i've gotten are too vague and confusing. Is an accelerated nursing program the same as BSN?

    • ANSWER:
      IN the US there are 2 basic types of nurses:
      1. the LPN or LVN--this is a vocational or practical nurse. The program is about 1 year long and its through a vocational college. They have less training than an RN

      2. The RN (or registered nurse). This can be obtained through a community college's associates program (ADN) (2 year core) or a 4 year bachelors program (BSRN). AFter you graduate either one you take the NCLEX exam to get the "registered " part.

      An accelerated nursing program is for someone with either a ADN already wishing to get a bachelors or some one with a bachelors in another subject wishing to get a BSRN (depends on which program you are looking at).

      There are no online nursing programs for the initial nurse education. On-lines are some one in the above paragraph--already a nurse moving up.

      Good luck

28. QUESTION:
    2 year bachelor degree in indiana?
    i am a freshman at a college in indiana at the school i am at i like it but i am over the whole "college experience". i just want to get my degree, graduate and start my life.i don't want to have to take 20 classes over the next four years that will in no way help me with my chosen profession. i just wondered if there where any accelerated programs in Indiana for earning a teaching degree(i want to teach elementary school). i cant do an online program. i would prefer a school that accepts transfer students and where credits transfer

    • ANSWER:

29. QUESTION:
    What do you think of Centers College life experience degrees ?
    I have read a lot about Life Experience Degrees online over the past several weeks. It seems though more and more folks are getting these degrees as an added benefit to gaining employment in today’s tough job market.

    I understand that if you have years of experience in your work, military experience and /or training or college credit, you are qualified to earn a Life Experience Degree online without studying for it for just a fee.

    One such online college I have reviewed is www.centerscollege.org, where they offer accelerated, accredited, life experience degrees in Associate, Bachelors and even Masters Degree programs.
    There, you can earn your preferred degree by selecting a major from many Degree programs in your area of specific knowledge. A dropdown list is provided for you to select the degree and specific major of interest. These degrees only cost 9! This is the best price I found with a college that does employer verification.

    Centers College has no admissions fees or other charges. All you have to do is provide your experience with your order. If you are approved by the evaluation committee, you will get your degree Life Experience Degree in days! If you are not, you will not have to pay anything.

    I did it and got my Master in Business Administration in 5 days for 9. Centers College also verified my degree with my current employer and, as a result, I got moved to a new tier in pay. Now, this degree pays for itself ever week.

    What do you think of Centerscollege.org ?

    • ANSWER:
      It's a scam, and claiming you have a real degree from them on your resume is illegal.

30. QUESTION:
    considering online college, but not sure about everything.?
    so been looking to be qualified for better jobs.. considering real estate training and licensing, paralegal cert. or associates degree, office administration cert. possible associates in accounting.. ultimately would look into bachelors of finance, business admin., business, marketing.. but can i get grants/financial aid for online schools.. do companies actually respect/ recognize the online schools? is there any accelerated programs? any suggested schools? ideas..? ..never thought i'd go back to school, but feel it could make my life alot better if i earned more money.

    • ANSWER:
      First, your best bet in online education is your community colleges and state universities. These degrees are respected. The for-profit schools that advertise heavily are not respected and you are wasting your time (and a lot of money). Almost all community colleges have online programs so start there.

      Second, the majors you suggest are not transferable majors. You need to be in an AS program which is probably called business administration. The courses in this majors will all transfer to your four year degree. Do not worry about your four year business major, all of them have a very similar first two years. Make sure you take enough math. You are going to need calculus and statistics at the four year level.

31. QUESTION:
    Is a degree in Petroleum Engineering advisable for an oil and gas equity analyst?
    I am currently working as an equity research analyst in an asset management company in Pakistan. I have over 3 years of experience in covering the Oil & Gas industry (Upstream; mainly Exploration and Production companies) and have completed my MBA (Finance) and am enrolled to give my CFA Level III exam in June 2012.

    Through my coverage of the Oil & Gas industry, I come across a lot of technical jargon/data which needs to be understood properly in order for me to incorporate it effectively into my analysis and finally my financial valuation models of that specific company. Initially, I read a lot of literature on oil and gas exploration and also studied online lectures/videos posted by professors relevant to this field of study. However, I believe that my skill set on this front is severely lacking as I still find it difficult to assess whether the guidance given by an exploration manager of a E&P company is correct or not.

    Correct analysis is the name of the game in the industry that I work in, as the hard-earned income of our investors is on the line; not to mention my own credibility as a financial analyst and my firm’s reputation.

    In this regard I wanted to ask you the following:

    1) Whether enrolling in a Bachelors program for Petroleum Engineering would help me in upgrading my skill set so that my analysis of the company becomes much more effective.
    a) Please keep in mind that I want to continue my career as an equity analyst, however I wanted to get an opinion on whether doing a degree program will help in accelerating my career progress as a financial analyst, and/or open up opportunities in the E&P sector itself as an analyst.
    b) I would appreciate it if you could cite some examples of people who have done just this and have successfully managed to enrich their careers.
    c) Just so that I get a fair idea, do MBA students generally find it difficult to adjust to an Engineering program?
    d) Is this even a good idea?
    > I am 30 years old and as am likely to be promoted to a group head (Upper management level) by the end of this year. I would appreciate your guidance in gauging whether leaving this position (assuming I enroll in 2013) to pursue a degree program in Petroleum Engineering?
    > Just so that I get a fair idea, do MBA students on average find it difficult to adjust to an Engineering program?
    2) What other alternatives are available to the Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering (BPE) program which can add the same value (that is if you even believe that a BPE program will add value to my career)?

    • ANSWER:
      In my opinion you do not have to be a Petroleum Engineer to be an equity analyst in the oil and gas industry. Course like
      MSc in Oil & Gas Management
      Oil and Gas accounting
      They are courses that will put into consideration all the technical jargons, because they are tailored to the Oil and Gas Industries.

      I hope i have been able to help

      Cheers

32. QUESTION:
    Can you list some open-enrollment colleges in/around/near Nashville/Franklin Tennessee areas?
    So I'm planning on relocating to TN, south of Nashville, bout 30 min or less outside of it (Franklin is the one I'm leaning more towards). I was looking online for different colleges in the area and am having a hard time differentiating which ones are open enrollment. There are just so many so thought it might be easier to ask this on here, lol. I want to move there so I can play music, but my backup plan is going to college to be a dentist. To be a dentist I will have to get my bachelors degree in either chemistry or biology, then attend dental school. Any good reputable colleges near this area that fit my criteria? I'm going back to college as an adult btw, not right out of high school, if that makes any difference. Are there any that do an accelerated program, so I can go in the summer possibly? Good websites to look at, etc.
    open enrollment means it's not an exclusive college, like Harvard, for example. At least that is what the student adviser told me. Some colleges are really hard to get into and some are open for anyone to go. There are community colleges, open enrollment, liberal arts, etc. types of colleges. Kinda confusing, lol.

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know what you mean by "open enrollment". However, for a pre-dental major you should probably look at:
      Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro - www.mtsu.edu
      Vanderbilt University - www.vanderbilt.edu - a private university
      Tennessee State University - www.tnstate.edu
      All would be a relatively short commute from Franklin. Vanderbilt is THE university everyone wants to go to, but it is also expensive. You need to look at the admissions policy to see when you would qualify for in-state tuition. It depends on your age. Best of luck to you.

33. QUESTION:
    How to overcome my loneliness?
    I really need someone to help me on this. I am 20 years old and I feel very lonely. I have felt like this for the past 4 or 5 years and I don't know what to do about it. Let me tell you my story.

    I just graduated from with my bachelors, and I currently work full time as a marketing research analyst from monday - friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. I really like the job and It pays well.

    After work I practice Martial Arts from M-F from 7pm - 8 pm.

    I Live in Miami.
    _______________________________________

    I consider myself to be a very sociable person. I am not shy, I'm confident and easy to get along with. In college, I joined several student organizations and participated in all kinds of group projects, events, etc. But I really didn't get to bond with anyone because of a huge age difference between me and everyone else. Let me explain:

    I graduated from high school when I was 16. After that I went to a two year college and got my AA degree. When I was there, the average person was 21 +. I couldn't go out to many places because I was under 18 and it was very complicated to bond with people. However, I participated in everything that would keep myself busy, so that I wouldn't stay alone and freak out. When I turned 18 I got my AA.

    I transferred then to a 4 year university, to continue with my upper division classes. And I made a derision, which I totally regret to this day. I enrolled in an academic program that was designed to complete your upper division classes in 18 months. It was a hybrid accelerated program (Half online/half in class) where I would take classes 3 days a week from 7 am to 8:30 am. Then my group projects were online and I didn't commute that much to school. The program was designed for people who pretty much didn't have a lot of time in their hands because they had a family to support and worked full time. So the average student was someone between 35 and 50 years old, and would go to these classes before going to work. This program was designed to take all of the classes with the same students in a classroom from the beginning of the program all the way to graduation; something that really limited my options to meet new people. The reason I didn't withdrew from it to take regular classes, was because I was scared to take such a risk and find myself in a worst situation. So while I was in college with 18 years old, I started to participate in internships and worked full time. Thanks to God, that I received lots of relevant experience in these past two years which has brought me to the position I work today. But I feel that work is not everything to me.

    I haven't had a girlfriend since my junior year in high school (15). I did elementary, middle school and high school in a foreign country, so when I came here I haven't been able to make friends that really fit my age range. Since I was always surrounded at work and college with people 30+, then it has been difficult for me to make sustainable relationships. For example, all the people I know here, have a profile of someone who is married and has kids; which is something I don't feel myself identified with.

    I got into martial arts 5 months ago because I was just working and I don't do much on the weekends other than be with my parents. I am able to move out, but I feel that doing such thing would be a waste for me right now because the only thing something like that would do to me, would be to completely isolate myself and I feel that something like that would make me fall into a depression, which I totally trying to avoid, at all times. I am thinking to next week buy a dog and start to take it for a walk in the park everyday to see if that could help me with meeting new people. I really try hard, and I feel to be stuck in a huge loophole without escape. I also feel that I'm living in such way, that I'm keeping myself from experiences that are essential like sex, sharing happy moments, etc. There has to be a way out. I really need affection and would love to fall in love with someone for example, the only people I hear to say "I love you" are my parents. I've never met someone that has told me "I really need you" or "You are the person who shines my life everyday and the one I most love"... I would love to have a group of friends to go out clubbing, watch movies, play pool, etc. I don't want to go to a movie theater, bowling or clubbing by myself. I feel that's a little weird to do. I would really appreciate it if you could help me and give me some advise for this. I thank you for taking your time in reading this and helping me out to overcome my loneliness.

    • ANSWER:
      I am so sorry that you are lonely.

      Just take a trip to the Philippines, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.

      I can guarantee you that you will no longer be lonely. Good Luck.

34. QUESTION:
    Found out I am pregnant, right now I'm a full time student. Should I stay in school or go back to work? Help!?
    I will graduate with my Associates in Business Administration next month... honestly I had aspired to go on and get my Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting after receiving my AA degree, but now that I am pregnant my whole world has shifted. I am so so SO excited to be pregnant and cannot await meeting my baby in April.

    My dilemma is what can I do for work once the baby is here?? An associates degree isn't going to open up too many doors for me.. My husband said he FULLY supports me if I decide to stay in school and continue to take classes online while pregnant and then after the baby comes. I am taking classes at an accelerated pace, which I may have to slow down once the baby comes...

    I am just wondering would I be better off getting certified to do at-home day care?? That way I could watch other children but also watch my own? Honestly the thought of leaving my baby in day care or with someone else just does not appeal to me. I would love to even work from home if possible but I am honestly not sure what to do?!

    Should I just continue my schooling? I will be in k debt if I continue schooling, right now I am in about k debt.. so it'd only be a little bit more money and it'd be deferred.... I dont know what to do!!

    PLEASE HELP!

    • ANSWER:
      Get your degree and finish school!!! You can do it. You will regret it otherwise. You will do great and your baby isn't due until April! I had a daughter in high school and I am ready to start college and I am pregnant ad due in February! I want to Start college next spring I know I can do it. Stay in school, you can always babysit on the side for extra cash. If you are in the US there are sites like care.com and sitter-city.com
      There is always away to get your schooling in.

35. QUESTION:
    Can someone please advise me on this? I am really having a difficult time making this life changing decision.?
    When I was 20 my wife(g/f at the time) and I foudn out we were having a baby. We quickly jumped into an accelerated college program (i went for business and she went for accounting) to make sure we would be able to provide for our son and be very wealthy. During the last 3 years I was working a job m-f 7:00 am- 2:30p.m and also work 4 hours saturday and 4 hours sunday. I would go to school two days a week from 5-9:30 at night and either take a saturday class or an online class. Well I got really used to the schedule and having time. I would get home on days I didn't have school spend a few hours with my son then go to the gym with my friends and my brother for 2 hours and then come home most days to spend time with my family and other times go to my friends house and just hang out a little. A perfect balance right? Well I graduated in December and a friend from school who like my work at school was actually pretty high up in a fortune 300 company and he was able to get me a supervisor job that I started early February. Since I have started the job I have been miserable. My thoughts are very depressed. I can not help but to think how short life is and how life is going to fly by. I don't think in days I only think in years. Things I used to enjoy doing I do not get the same enjoyment or I feel I don't have the time to balance those things. The hours are 3:30 in the morning till about 4:40 or sometimes to 6:00 at night. Other hours I work are 4:45 to 3:30(which isn't that horrible) and currently I am working 3:00p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m. I will be 24 years old at the end of next month and I feel so trapped. I have been thinking about going back to school to get a Secondary Education Degree in Matematics( which is what I went to college for when i was 18 but dropped out because I was still dealing with issues from my moms deatht he past year). My wife wants to go to school to teach younger kids as well. Since we both already have bachelor's degrees it will take only 2 years maximum to get the education degrees. I am scared to take this chance because I do get paid pretty well( just under 50k) fresh out of college and I will get two nice raises int he first year and I am not sure if the economy will have any teaching jobs open for me when I graduate. I would work while going to school but teaching programs do not have night school. I feel that I may be also too old to make this change. One benefit I might have is that the Department Head of math, the vice principal, and a teacher of over 18 years in the math department at my old highs chool all said they would put their names on the line to get me a job and that math teachers are always needed. I am sure I would have the balance of time and decent pay again when i get a math teaching job. Where I am from in Illinois , math teachers start out about 45k. I really want to be happy again and enjoy life but also be able to enjoy what I do and provide for my son. By the way we live with my wifes parents. So my bills are cell phone(0/month), car insurance on two cars(0/month), which I would bring down to one car if we went to school, rent ( 0/month), cable t.v. which I cna cancel and a gym membership I can cancel. All other bills are just food and gas and entertainment. Please give me some advice. All I hear all the time is how lucky i am to have a job and that gets really frustrating being how miserable I am. I do not have insurance yet for another month so I can't see a therapist yet either.
    For the comment about walking in poor people shoes. Since my parents split when I was 14 and mom died at 17 I have lived in my car for months and slept in tents during the summer even while working and going to school full time which makes this decision even tougher now that I actually have money.

    • ANSWER:
      Holy crap. You are working fifteen hour days. Not worth it. I think a higher education degree is a good option, but are you sure you are not fleeing to school to get out of some responsibility or to avoid growing up? If not, than go for it. But if one of those reasons is true (although you seem responsible and grown up to me) there are plenty of jobs that pay fairly well and have eight or nine hour days. You should look into one of those. Fifteen hours is grueling and just crazy, so even if you have to take a significant pay cut, it is worth the time you can spend with your wife and kids.

36. QUESTION:
    Help!!! Please give me your opinion or advice!?
    When I was 20 my wife(g/f at the time) and I foudn out we were having a baby. We quickly jumped into an accelerated college program (i went for business and she went for accounting) to make sure we would be able to provide for our son and be very wealthy. During the last 3 years I was working a job m-f 7:00 am- 2:30p.m and also work 4 hours saturday and 4 hours sunday. I would go to school two days a week from 5-9:30 at night and either take a saturday class or an online class. Well I got really used to the schedule and having time. I would get home on days I didn't have school spend a few hours with my son then go to the gym with my friends and my brother for 2 hours and then come home most days to spend time with my family and other times go to my friends house and just hang out a little. A perfect balance right? Well I graduated in December and a friend from school who liked my work at school was actually pretty high up in a fortune 300 company and he was able to get me a supervisor job that I started early February. Since I have started the job I have been miserable. My thoughts are very depressed. I can not help but to think how short life is and how life is going to fly by. I don't think in days I only think in years. Things I used to enjoy doing I do not get the same enjoyment or I feel I don't have the time to balance those things. The hours are 3:30 in the morning till about 4:40 or sometimes to 6:00 at night. Other hours I work are 4:45 to 3:30(which isn't that horrible) and currently I am working 3:00p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m. I will be 24 years old at the end of next month and I feel so trapped. I have been thinking about going back to school to get a Secondary Education Degree in Matematics( which is what I went to college for when i was 18 but dropped out because I was still dealing with issues from my moms death the past year). My wife wants to go to school to teach younger kids as well. Since we both already have bachelor's degrees it will take only 2 years maximum to get the education degrees. I am scared to take this chance because I do get paid pretty well( just under 50k) fresh out of college and I will get two nice raises in the first year and I am not sure if the economy will have any teaching jobs open for me when I graduate. I would work while going to school but teaching programs do not have night school. I feel that I may be also too old to make this change. One benefit I might have is that the Department Head of math, the vice principal, and a teacher of over 18 years in the math department at my old high school all said they would put their names on the line to get me a job and that math teachers are always needed. I am sure I would have the balance of time and decent pay again when i get a math teaching job. Where I am from in Illinois , math teachers start out about 45k. I really want to be happy again and enjoy life but also be able to enjoy what I do and provide for my son. By the way we live with my wifes parents. So my bills are cell phone(0/month), car insurance on two cars(0/month), which I would bring down to one car if we went to school, rent ( 0/month), cable t.v. which I cna cancel and a gym membership I can cancel. All other bills are just food and gas and entertainment. Please give me some advice. All I hear all the time is how lucky i am to have a job and that gets really frustrating being how miserable I am. I do not have insurance yet for another month so I can't see a therapist yet either.

    • ANSWER:
      You said a teaching career is 45k per year so you really are not going to lose that much money, if you change careers.. Here are some things to think about:
      You will be doing this [career] for approx. 30 yrs.--------you will either love going to a job you love for 30 yrs. or HATE going to a job you hate for 30 yrs.
      Of course you want to make great money this makes it easier to provide for your family BUT there is nothing worse than spending 30 years doing something that makes you miserable. If you're already miserable imagine how sickening it will feel doing this 5 or 10 yrs. from now....
      There will always be a demand for teachers..People will always require learning. There may be a freeze in your area, but there will always be a job somewhere for teachers..A teaching career is along the lines as nursing, in nursing there will always be sick people needing care and in teaching there will always be people who will need to be taught.
      My advice is, while you are motivated, while you can, make a career decision that is going to be fulfilling inside of you. Your wife and child will be thankful to have a husband and father around who is happy and content, they will be happy that he is able to provide financially and emotionally...
      Best to you and your family...:)

37. QUESTION:
    ADVICE PLEASE: Which bachelor program should I do?
    Accelerated program at NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management.
    *This program is an 18 month accelerated program for working professionals.

    HARVARD UNIVERSITY (Extension School): Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Economics (Minor in Accounting)
    * This program may take up to 4 years to complete.
    * This is Harvard's school for working professionals. Although you do have to apply for the undergrad program, it's not even close to as competitive as the other degree granting schools at Harvard.

    I would be attending on campus for whichever I choose at Harvard or Northeastern. No online classes. The prices are also quite close to each other too so that isn't a factor. If any of you have maybe recruiting experience or just want to put in your two cents it'd be MUCH appreciated.

    Also, facts about my education and professional career. I'm 20 years old, have a year under my belt from Norwich University (military college), and am the Director of Search Engine Marketing at an environmental company in NH (I live in MA outside of Boston).

    • ANSWER:
      If you're in a position where you'd like to complete your degree quickly and get on with life, then pick the one that is the accelerated program, but FIRST make sure you have all the prerequisits and you know you can actually finish in the estimated timeframe.

      If you don't mind a longer time frame, shoot for Harvard. It doesn't matter that you're in a less competitive field than say, their law department. Once you have a degree from Harvard, you will ALWAYS be a Harvard graduate. You'd be better off finishing last in your class with the easiest degree Harvard offers vs being best in your class with a degree from some college I've never even heard of.

      Think about all the times you've heard a politician or a prominent business person mention the fact that they graduated from Harvard or Yale or some other highly respected college. They never mention their GPA or class rank and they rarely even mention what degree they hold. If you have the chance to get a diploma from Harvard, jump on that chance, you won't regret it.

38. QUESTION:
    Help!! Career switch into nursing?
    I have a college degree in sociology but have decided that I want to switch careers and become a nurse instead.

    What is the fastest route to get my RN? I would like to get a master's and specialize in something, although I'm not sure which area yet. Any specialty suggestions that don't involve too much gore.

    Should I apply to an undergradraduate nursing program that is accelerated and then go into a master's? Are there dual programs for second degree students?

    In order to apply to BSN (Bachelor's of nursing) I have to take Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 and microbiology. Do you think that online classes with a lab component will be acceptable, or would college administrators frown upon this?

    Please give your suggestions!! Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      You need your BSN and RN license before you can move on to a masters. My daughter has exactly the degree that you have (BA in Sociology) when she went back to school for nursing. She had to take a year of prerequisites in order to apply for the nursing program and then it took another 2.7 years to complete the BSN degree.

      It was worth it - she is making 0,000 a year as an E.R. nurse. Good luck.

39. QUESTION:
    I am about to freak out!?
    Okay, I need some advice!
    Right now I am taking 3 accelerated courses at the community college and I have to take 5 more classes in the fall in order to transfer to a university in the spring. I am working MWF 930-630 and trying to workout to lose weight. My dad just got diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and my relationships are starting to crumble. I can't even get the teacher to my online class to reply to my emails so I have no clue how I am doing in that class.

    I am also worried that I will not find a job when I graduated. Hopefully all of my experiences help.

    I am going to school to teach English at the middle/high school level and getting my masters degree in education administration.

    I have interned for two years:
    - Elementary School
    - Middle School Math

    I currently work at a child care learning center and will probably work there until I get my Bachelor's.

    I have worked for the board of education in my county and I worked for the after school programs to help out a child with special needs. I also have worked at a kid's gym.

    I don't know why I am freaking out, but I am not really good at anything, there isn't anything else that I want to do in life but be a teacher and I am terrified my money will be going to waste.
    fail for me. I meant " I am also worried that I will not find a job when I graduate****"

    • ANSWER:
      Oh that`s a real downer, about your Dad .All i can suggest is to write 3 lists
      1. Current absolute priorities
      2, long-term priorities
      3
      5things I can accomplish NOW to get me/keep me on track . Do that and do the third every day for the next 7 so`s to stay focussed and use some pent-up anxiety.

40. QUESTION:
    What Online University is good to get a Bachelor Degree from in Teaching for the State of Texas?
    I want to become a teacher, but it is really hard for me to just quit working and go to school full time, so I was looking into Online Colleges (Ashford, U of Phoenix, DeVry, etc) for their Accelerated Bachelor Degrees, but I am not sure if the state of Texas would accept them as a credited college. Does/Has anyone gone to any of these schools and then become a teacher?

    • ANSWER:
      There are ten online colleges that offer teacher education programs. Several limit the areas that a graduate may teach. A teacher who holds an appropriate Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate certification examination(s) for the area(s) sought. Certification by examination is not available for:

      initial certification; career and technology certification based on skill and work experience;
      a class of certificate other than classroom teacher (e.g. School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, Learning Resources/School Librarian, Educational Diagnostician);
      a certificate for which no certification examination has been developed.In Texas, to get a teacher's license, one has to pass.

      Ten top online colleges for teacher education programs

      1. Dixie State College (usu.edu)
      Multicultural Education & ESL Education Course
      Methods in Science Course
      Professional Portfolio Development Seminar
      Dixie State College of Utah offers several free elementary education courses for teachers. The Methods in Science course is specifically designed for pre-service teachers, but the Professional Portfolio Development Seminar is perfect for any teacher who wants to build a portfolio that supports his or her teaching methods.

      2. Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (paec.org)
      English and Language Arts Courses
      Math and Science Courses
      Miscellaneous Courses
      The Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC) has made a vide variety of U. S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops available to the general public. The workshops are delivered in a streaming-video format and last about two hours each.

      3. United Star Distance Learning Consortium (ncpublicschools.org)
      Professional Development Courses
      The United Star Distance Learning Consortium (USDLC) allows educators in any school system to access professional development courses and resources. Online courses, on-demand videos and eField trips are just a few of the things teachers can check out free of charge.

      4. Concept to Classroom (thirteen.org)
      Teaching to Academic Standards
      Assessment, Evaluation and Curriculum Redesign
      After School Programs: From Vision to Reality
      Concept to Classroom is a series of award-winning development workshops designed specifically for teachers and other educators. The comprehensive online workshops are self-paced and completely free to the general public. Professional development credits are also available if your school's administrator approves the workshops.

      5. Utah State University (usu.edu)
      Research for the Classroom Teacher
      The free teacher education course offered through Utah State University focuses on designing and carrying out research according to a popular model for teaching known as 'Guilded Design.' The course contains 10 units split into 35 self-study modules. (Note: Free versions of Adobe Flash Player 9 and Adobe Reader 8 are required to view course materials.)

      6. The Open University (open.ak.uk)
      Involving the Family in Pupils' Literacy Learning
      A Global Dimension to Science Education in Schools
      Language as a Medium for Teaching and Learning
      Britain's Open University offers an entire collection of free education courses for teachers. Courses are mainly text-based, but include occasional graphics and other multimedia elements.

      7. University of Utah (utah.edu)
      Reading in Elementary School
      The University of Utah only offers one free course for teachers, but it is excellent. The course focuses on phonics instruction and reading motivation in elementary education. Research principles and various methods are considered, as are strategies that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

      8. Purdue University (purdue.edu)
      Keeping Information Safe: Practices for K-12 Schools
      The Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security at Purdue University offers an interesting digital workshop for teachers and other educators who want to learn more about online threats and the importance of keeping information safe. Basic computer and Internet skills are required to complete the multimedia training.

      9. University of Southern Queensland (usq.edu)
      Teaching Students with Special Needs: Behavior Management Course
      The free education course at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia focuses on teaching strategies and effective behavior management. The course is broken down into several modules for easy study and includes assignments and quizzes.

      10. PBS (pbs.org)
      Teaching Evolution
      The free online course for teachers offered through PBS focuses on teaching evolution. Split into eight sessions, the course examines evolutionary concepts, methods of teaching and reactions to controversy. Interactive applications and links to additional resources round out this course nicely.