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If you have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and want to go on to managerial roles in the field, or perhaps pursue a focus in a specialized area of mechanical engineering, then an advanced, graduate-level degree is in your future. This is a really smart decision—according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to advance in the field means a significant increase in salary. An even smarter decision would be to pursue the Master of Mechanical Engineering degree online. Consider this: achieving the degree means a lucrative change in your future, and achieving that degree without having to uproot from your current job and home means a lucrative change with all the flexibility and convenience that an online master’s program promises. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

You can see the advantages of an online master of mechanical engineering degree, but what about the potential employers you may face after graduation? Is there an element of doubt that hiring managers in the mechanical engineering field may harbor? Do you wonder if they will question whether or not your online program was on par with the on-campus program and if you were able to gain the experience you needed to excel in the field? Well, we are able to reassure you that online master of mechanical engineering programs offer the same high-quality coursework, the same experienced faculty, and the same reputable history that resident programs offer. The degree you will receive through an online program is identical to the one you would receive if you were an on-campus student, and we can help ease whatever doubts you may have that your online mechanical engineering degree will be any less well-received than a degree that you had to move across country to pursue.

When online degree programs were first introduced as an option for prospective graduate engineering students, there may have been a question as to the quality of the degree simply because of the novelty of it. But now we are well into the 21^st century, and employers have no doubt come into contact with many graduates of online programs. Additionally, a good number of respected brick and mortar institutions that are well-known for their engineering programs are offering the degree online, and the diplomas from these reputable programs do not state that the degree was earned online. And as a plus, according to a U.S. News and World Report article on online engineering master’s degrees, the online master of mechanical engineering degree actually offers some benefits that the on-campus degree does not, such as being able to continue working while earning the degree and the ability to immediately apply what is being learned.

The point to take home from this article is that a good online master of mechanical engineering degree is a good master of mechanical engineering degree. Institutions offering online master’s programs in mechanical engineering utilizing the same experienced faculty, providing the same curriculum, and imparting the same degree give you the opportunity to advance in your field while maintaining your current employment and commitments. So, follow your passion and get that advanced degree! To get you started on your search for the perfect online master of mechanical engineering program, check out our list of the 50 Best Online Master of Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs.

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Mechanical engineering can be traced back to the first time humankind dug out a tree to use as a canoe, well before the Common Era (or A.D.). When the Industrial Revolution exploded onto the scene in the mid-1700s, the transition from human-dominated labor to machinery and manufacturing would forever change the landscape of production. Born out of this widespread transition, mechanical engineering as a professional field is devoted to the study, design, crafting and perfecting of manufacturing pretty much everything–from the smallest parts to the most complex systems. Mechanical Engineers require at the very least a bachelor’s degree, but for individuals who desire a more specialized focus on a specific area, a leadership role, or a higher salary, an advanced degree is necessary. Currently one of the most popular online master’s degree programs, the Online Master of Mechanical Engineering degree can generally be completed in about two years with no on-campus requirements. Programs range widely in cost per credit hour, with costs of around $500 per credit hour on the lower end and up to $2,000 per credit hour on the higher end.

The industrialization of manufacturing and construction defines what “mechanical engineering” entails. In essence, a mechanical engineer needs the skills to imagine, create, and manufacture the parts a product requires to function, as well as knowledge of the environment, the heat and/or cold, moisture levels and all other thermal and elemental effects that the product will be subjected to, in order to assure its continued functionality. Inventions as common as cash registers (invented in 1879 by James Ritty, a saloon owner, and his brother John, a mechanic) to machines as intricate and amazing as the artificial heart (patented in 1956) are the outcomes of mechanical engineering. From the first boats found on rock paintings circa 6000 BCE (before common era) to cultured, synthetic meat that is being engineered currently, the field is diverse and far-reaching.

This fascinating, historical, and necessary field can have starting salaries that average near six figures. But for professionals who earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering however, the average salary jumps by more than 60% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Popular as an online degree for this reason and more, the online master of mechanical engineering offers convenience, flexibility and accessibility, and prospective students have their choice of online programs nearly as diverse as the discipline itself. Common core coursework includes a focus on advanced mathematics, thermodynamics and heat transfer, design and materials, mechanics and manufacturing, and robotics, just to name a very few. In order to help jump-start the search for a school that will fit all your academic and professional needs, we’ve compiled a list that will enable you (as long as you are a current mechanical engineer or have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field) to find the program that will help you further your career. We’ve done the research to provide a comprehensive ranking of the 50 Best Online Master of Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs–check it out!

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Civil Engineering is a broad field with room for a myriad of professional interests. The “E” in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), engineering is the branch that centers on the drafting, building, and implementation of things that make the world go ‘round. Civil engineering in particular hones in on the creation of elements that build a civilization’s infrastructure (such as buildings for shelter, roads for transportation, bridges and tunnels, etc.). Within this broad discipline, there are many subsets that can be focused upon for a variety of professions. As we are becoming a much more technology-centric society, professionals who desire to pursue a civil engineering master’s degree to specialize in one of these sub-disciplines of civil engineering are truly in luck—the Online Master of Civil Engineering is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs, and there are a host of exceptional online programs from which to choose. Read on to learn some of the common subsets, as well as some of the newer and more specialized possibilities within civil engineering.

At the forefront of civil engineering subsets are the fields of environmental engineering and construction engineering, so closely connected are the three that many academic departments within university schools of engineering are called the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) or Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department (CCEE). So if civil engineering is all about the construction of projects to assist in helping society function, than environmental engineering deals with the water and air needs of constructing communities. This could be in the form of water treatment plant construction, air pollution regulation or wind harnessing projects, hazardous waste disposal methods–anything having to do with the engineering of environmental elements as they relate to human interaction and in general improving (and sometimes restoring) the natural environment. Construction engineering is pretty straightforward–this sub-discipline focuses on the planning and implementation of the designs created. And while technically not a subset of civil engineering, construction management professionals are found right along beside the civil engineers on site. They work together to make sure a project is designed well and will be functional, is completed according to the design, and that the construction of the project meets any time deadlines.

Some of the more specialized fields include earthquake engineering, off-shore engineering, and urban engineering. Actually a subset of the sub-discipline within civil engineering known as structural engineering, earthquake engineering has the distinct purpose of learning how structures react to movement within the earth and designing structures to withstand earthquakes and meet building codes. Off-shore engineering relates to any human-designed structures in the ocean. And urban engineering chiefly assures that urban areas are designed well enough to keep communities nearly self-contained and positively functioning.

Obviously our list is not exhaustive. There are plenty of other civil engineering subset avenues to take, and if you find yourself desiring to pursue the civil engineering master’s degree, there are many programs available online today. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best programs, making note of specialization opportunities and programs that focus on the particular disciplines that work most prominently in collaboration with civil engineering (such as environmental engineering and construction management), so start your search today by examining the 50 best online master of civil engineering degree programs. You are sure to find a program that stimulates your interest and meets your needs!

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Women have made their mark in the engineering profession. Long playing a role in the design and building of the infrastructures of civilizations, women have created machines to make life within those civilizations easier, designed systems that improve upon old ways of doing things, and produced elements of functionality that are still being used today–women have been a part of it all. It is true that there are not as many women represented in the profession as there are men, and often recognition for their engineering achievements is not as evident, but women are there nonetheless. Let’s examine the history of women in engineering, looking at some famous female engineers and current statistics on women in the profession, and let’s also look into the future of women in the field, glancing at the educational and professional opportunities that are unique to the sex. And since engineering is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs available, we’ll let you know how to find a good online program to pursue the degree.

Women making contributions to the field of engineering began before the term “engineering” was even coined to describe the profession as we know it today. Often described as inventors, female engineers in history date back to Egypt in the 3rd century with Hypatia, who invented the hydrometer. Bringing it up to more recent times, did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge (which began construction in 1869 and was opened in the spring of 1883 and is one of the most recognizable bridges in the U.S.) was engineered under the watchful eye of a woman? Emily Warren Roebling’s husband was the civil engineer in charge of construction of the famous bridge, but when Washington Roebling became gravely ill and could not continue, Emily took over duties as the day-to-day manager and engineer. She was highly intelligent and very accomplished in her own right, and is considered the first female field engineer.

These two women join many others in history, but despite the rich history of women making contributions to the field, currently only 13% of engineers are women according to the Society of Women Engineers. Because of this shocking statistic, engineering schools are recruiting female students and providing them with specific resources. Offering Women in Engineering (WIE) programs, progressive institutions are not just seeking talented women to join their programs, but also assuring high retention rates. These programs offer tailored support and positive, rigorous learning environments that cater to women in the engineering discipline. Once they graduate, there are targeted professional organizations that offer membership exclusively to women in the field. These membership organizations offer mentorship, professional connections, and leadership opportunities.

So what is the future for women in engineering? Well, that depends on a lot of factors, but we would encourage you to pursue your master’s in engineering and make your mark in the profession. Interested? Check out some of the institutions that offer online degrees–we’ve compiled lists of the 50 best online master of mechanical engineering, top 50 online master’s in electrical engineering, and the 50 best online master of civil engineering degree programs to help you start your search.

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Can disasters be averted? That’s a hard question, but because there is the field of Emergency Management, the answer is a little closer to being a straight up “yes” than what you might think. Emergency Management professionals are proactive as opposed to reactionary–even though we see them jump into action when a disaster occurs. These superheroes-without-capes are the ones that respond when both human-made and natural disasters strike, but the planning and preparation that they put in behind the scenes before the disaster occurs is where they really shine. How do these professionals know what to do in situations that would propel most of us to run the other way as fast as we can? Chances are, they have studied and trained through an advanced degree program in Emergency Management, Security Management, Disaster Preparedness, or other such gradate-level degree program. And because this type of degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs that individuals are currently pursuing, the range of choices in programs is really rich with possibilities. But what do these programs present in terms of curriculum, and how can it help train individuals to become emergency management professionals? Read on to learn some of the courses taught and the program objectives that shape the emergency management worker.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security. FEMA states that there are four phases of disaster management: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. At any point in time, a community (from a small town to an entire nation or something on a global level) is in one of these phases. The Emergency Management professional makes plans that encompass all of the phases’ active points. Mitigation, for instance, could be viewed as the research stage that emphasizes assessing and determining measures that could reduce the chances of a hazard happening, or a least minimizing the damage if the disaster is one that cannot be avoided. Coursework that address the Mitigation phase include classes such as “Global Perspectives,” “Domestic Terrorism and Extremist Groups,” and “Risk Perception Awareness,” because it helps to be aware of and understand cultures and situations that could lead to conflict and produce planned violence. Elements of change that would help mitigate the potential disaster would be born out of awareness and understanding, which would lead into the Preparedness phase. The Response phase demands an emergency plan of action that has been rehearsed before an actual disaster strikes. Professionals respond before, during and right after the emergency has occurred.  Recovery happens after the disaster has ceased, and the goal is to restore the community back to normal and focuses on the decision making after the immediate needs have been met. The Recovery phase then flows back into the Mitigation phase, and thus the cycle is continuous and connected.

For the special individuals who want to mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover in the wake of disaster, an Emergency Management degree will impart the skills and knowledge that is needed. If this seems like your line of work, check out this list of the 50 Best Online Master of Emergency Management Degree Programs to find a school that fits your goals.

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Some pictures haunt us. The photo of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers. A young girl drenched in napalm. The image of an oil-soaked pelican. Tsunami waves, hurricane damage, wildfires raging . . . the list could go on. Some of us see the pictures, perhaps say a quick prayer or shed a tear, and then get back to our daily lives. But what about the individuals who see the destruction and harm and say, “not on my watch.” Those special people are drawn to the emergency management field, and they are the professionals who plan, prepare, respond, and lead recovery when disaster strikes. A field that has been growing as disasters become more prevalent and devastating, the online master of emergency management degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs currently. The Master of Emergency Management degree will impart the skills and knowledge that are needed not just in times of crisis, but also in the times that are peacefully waiting for crisis to strike.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes a disaster as an “occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community.” How does having a degree in emergency management prepare you then to attend to that definition in a real-world situation?  You’ll learn strategies for how to assess the risks and vulnerabilities and plan a course of action. Coursework covers every aspect of the four phases of emergency management set forth by FEMA: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Some online programs require a residency in which students participate in a simulated emergency situation in order to apply what they have learned. Many programs require internships with agencies in or near a student’s place of residence. Having a Master in Emergency Management degree means you are well-versed in the four phases of emergency management and you run to, instead of away from, danger. It means you plan for the worst that could happen, and when it does, you learn from it so that the next time it will not be as bad. Concretely, a small sampling of classes that emergency management students may take include topics like communication and public speaking, hazardous materials management, global perspectives, environmental regulations and laws, societal behavior, map reading, and disaster preparedness.

Unlike the old school superhero, The Shadow, we cannot know the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. We also cannot know with great certainty exactly how a hurricane, a wildfire, or an earthquake will behave. What emergency management professionals can do is understand and prepare for these situations. If this sounds like the path you wish to take, you are in luck. As one of the most popular advanced degrees that can be earned online, the selection of programs being offered online is truly stellar. Reputable schools and renowned programs make the degree easily accessible, and students have many from which to choose. For a jump start on your research, examine this list of the 50 Best Online Master of Emergency Management Degree Programs.

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Best Online Masters of Emergency Management Degree Programs

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Emergency Management is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs for good reason. Many programs can be completed in as little as a year, and the expertise of the faculty (very often the same professors as any on-campus offering) is impressive and extensive–and many times the online faculty members are still actively participating in Emergency Management on a statewide, national, or global level. So if the question for you is not whether or not you should pursue the emergency management degree, but rather which kind of emergency management degree, read on to learn some of the ways you can study emergency management and the degrees you can be awarded.

Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is ideal for individuals who desire to go into politics, lead organizations that serve the public, or provide executive leadership. Students gain the skills to become leaders in many settings–non-profit, public organizations, and many levels of government. In general, students take classes in relevant subjects like leadership ethics, budgeting and finance for the public sector, human resource management, research methods, data analytics, and organizational behavior. Adding the emergency management component means that, in addition to learning the skills to manage and lead within a public setting, professionals are gaining further skills to be able to lead when something goes horribly wrong. Coursework often includes topics in homeland security policies and procedures, disaster communications, mitigation and continuity management, community and vulnerability assessing, biostatistics and communicable diseases, public health disaster preparedness, and geographic information systems. This marriage of public administration skills and experience with disaster and emergency management translates into a professional who can seamlessly guide the public through natural hazards, environmental events, and human-designed violence. The MPA can be particularly useful in understanding organizational structures and lines of communication within local communities, large organizations, statewide government, or even occurrences on a national level.

Master of Arts or Master of Science in Emergency Management

Many emergency management programs are offered as Master of Science (MS) degrees or Master of Arts (MA) degrees. The MS degree tends to focus more on scientific applications and practical experience, often requiring an internship or practicum in order to practice the skills learned. An MA degree is generally more broad-based and examines theory, with an emphasis on research and written work. Both, however, are focused entirely on emergency management, with coursework such as risk assessment, survey of terrorism, crisis communications, advanced toxicology, hazardous materials, global perspectives and international emergencies, homeland security, and interagency disaster response. (For a more thorough examination of the differences between a Master of Arts degree and a Master or Science degree, check out this article that provides more detail).

What kind of degree you choose to pursue might direct the focus of your commitment to emergency management, but ultimately, whichever degree you obtain means you are helping to save and protect society when disaster strikes. For a collection of different degree options, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 Best Online Master of Emergency Management Degree Programs to point you in the right direction.

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Careers in the field of information technology and information systems are booming, much like the industry itself. This growth makes perfect sense–as technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives and becomes even more specialized and advanced, society will need to keep up. That’s where the IT specialists come in, making sure that the work chain doesn’t break down when there are little glitches in the matrix. Because of the necessity of keeping things running smoothly technologically, this is a field of employment that is often unaffected by dips in the job market, and salaries can run attractively quite high. Understandably, these reasons and more make careers in IT very appealing, and to get the edge over others entering the field, a master’s degree gives professionals a strong advantage over their peers. For those of you who don’t have an advanced degree in IT, have no fear–there’s good reason that the Master of Information Technology is one of the most popular online master’s degrees available. Rigorous and up-to-the-minute coursework and experienced faculty with the added benefits of flexibility and convenience make this degree both cutting edge and accessible.

For the technologically-challenged (full disclosure, I am not a tech-savvy human being), information technology could be a catch-all phrase for anything having to do with computers, information systems, or technology. But the nuances abound and the particular careers can be quite different based on the education you receive. Jobs that are opening up now may not have even been conceived of a decade ago. And the jobs that are available now are seeing tremendous job growth (much faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and require a master’s degree. Read on to learn what the different avenues in information can mean for you.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is all about maintaining the system. Professionals in this particular field have learned to design and implement computer-based information systems in order to keep the hardware, software, databases, and networks running smoothly. Additionally, IT professionals learn how to communicate effectively to workers the best ways to utilize their computer and keep it functioning.

Information Systems

Information Systems focuses not just on the technology of information, but the entire information set. A term that includes IT under its umbrella, Information Systems contains not just computer-based technology, but any manner of information system. It is true that for most people an “information system” means a computer-based system, but that does not always have to be the case.

These very simplistic definitions of IT and Information Systems may help to guide you in your quest for an advanced degree. Depending on whether you want a broader-based degree that allows you to function within an umbrella of information, or a degree that focuses on the technology subset of exclusively computer-based systems, the choice is yours. Either degree will lead to a career in a rapidly growing field, and you really can’t go wrong with that. To help you do you research, here’s a list of the 35 Best Online Master of Information Technology Degree Programs.

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Did you know that the field of mathematics is a fast-growing industry in terms of job outlook over the next decade? In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected 33% growth through 2026 is much faster than the national average of 7%. But, also according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to get in on this job opportunity action, you really need to have a Master of Mathematics. But no need to worry, the Master of Mathematics degree is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs available. Rigorous coursework available entirely online offers convenience, flexibility, and respectability to the degree.

The field of Mathematics is so much more complex than just addition and subtraction. Options range widely in terms of career possibilities in this broad field. Analytical types will find a wealth of data and research possibilities. Of course, academia is an option for those who are more educationally-minded–all the way from elementary school to university halls. There’s the whole world of finance for those who are captivated by dollars and cents, savings and investments. Then there’s the element of adding in an interdisciplinary approach for even more opportunities–the point is, you don’t have a narrow, set path with mathematics. Individuals who decide to pursue a Master of Mathematics degree are finding many specialization possibilities that enable them to tailor their degree to their particular career goals, and as the Master of Mathematics really lends itself to distance education, most programs can be completed entirely online and utilize the same faculty as any on-campus programs, so students do not miss out on any of the rigorous academics–they just gain the benefit of flexibility and convenience.

Some careers with a Master of Mathematics degree seem obvious, such as math professor, investment officer, or statistician. But how about some of the lesser known careers that recipients of an advanced mathematics degree can pursue? How about becoming an Actuarial Scientist? This profession analyzes statistical evidence to propose the certainty of a projected event occurring. They often work for insurance companies to determine potential risks (accidents, disease, etc.). There’s also the Cryptology profession. Cryptographers are cyber security safety regulators—functioning to make sure ATM machines and computer passwords are safe from hackers by utilizing their training in applied mathematics. For those who have a truly analytical mind and want to use it to wield good, Fraud Investigators review information to discover identity theft and insurance fraud, as well as credit card scams and other forms of financial deceit. Two mathematics/science hybrid jobs for those with advanced degrees include Meteorologists and Geodesists. Meteorologists use calculus and physics to predict weather and atmospheric changes, and Geodesists use applied mathematics to study and measure distance between planets and understand changes in the gravitational pull of the earth.

But why pursue a master’s of mathematics? The real reason boils down to a love of math. An undergraduate degree will provide a solid foundation in mathematics, but an advanced degree can allow for a deeper understanding of mathematics or delving into a specialization in one area. So if you are ready to deepen your knowledge and expertise of mathematics, check out these 35 Best Online Master of Mathematics Degree Programs to get started!

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If you are interested in pursuing a graduate-level law degree online, which happens to be one of the most popular online degree programs in which students currently enroll, you have options based on two key factors: your past, and your future. If that comes across as vague, let’s unpack it just a bit.

From Whence You Came

When we list your past as one of the elements that dictates the options available to you as an online master’s degree student in any kind of law program, what we mean is your educational and academic history. Say you are a currently practicing attorney who has received a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited school in the United States. If this is the case, you can look into a number of reputable online Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree programs. Additionally, any student who has earned a Juris Doctor from a law school outside of the United States should pursue a LL.M. degree online. Now, what if you aren’t an attorney at all, and really don’t think you need or want to be, but you would benefit from some advanced legal study? You would pursue an online degree such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), the Master of Science of Law or Master of Studies in Law (MSL), the Masters of Jurisprudence (M.Jur. or MJ) or the Juris Master (JM).

Oh, The Places You Will/Can Go

So now that we’ve cleared up the history part of your law degree options, let’s look into the future. If you are an attorney, either educated in the United States or internationally trained, why would you need or want further education? The LL.M. degree is a specialization degree for lawyers to focus on a particular area of law, such as taxation, real estate, food law, or human rights. Sometimes a particular area of law really appeals to a practicing attorney, and furthering their schooling in a very specific legal field can help them advance or enhance their career. For the lawyer who studied outside of the U.S. but desires to pass the Bar Exam and practice in the States, the LL.M. is the way to make that happen. Many online programs cater in particular to international attorneys, sometimes offering their U.S.-based attorney LL.M. program with just the addition of a few courses on law in America. Professionals who work alongside of attorneys or whose job may require a thorough understanding of laws and legal proceedings, but who do not actually need to be attorneys, are the ones for which the online MSL, MLS, JM and MJ degrees become useful. Advocates, individuals who work on policy construction, and non-profit based professionals often engage in these degree programs.

Just the Facts

Both the LL.M. degree and any of the non-attorney law degree programs take only about a year to complete. Even though the two programs are for professionals with potentially very different academic backgrounds, there are many shared and similar courses between them. If either of these two online master’s in law degree programs look like a good fit for you, examine our list of the 50 Best Online Master of Laws and Master of Legal Studies Degree Programs to find the right school for you.

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What do you envision when you think of being a practicing attorney? If you are an attorney, are you stuck in a rut? Practicing law does not mean a black-and-white career of either defending or prosecuting offenders, navigating divorces for unhappy couples, or ambulance-chasing injury claim opportunities. Contrary to what you might think, there are near limitless possibilities in the field of law. As wide and varied as the personality of the professional, practicing law can take you many places you might not have thought possible.

There are of course the commonly known law careers based in criminal law, in which attorneys serve in a district attorney’s office to prosecute offenders or offer deals or probation, or are employed locally or through the state as pro bono attorneys or as self-employed defense attorneys. Divorce attorneys or personal injury lawyers are well-represented through advertising and the media, but we’re thinking of more unique and specialized career possibilities. For instance, professionals who are broadly interested in health law have the potential to focus on very distinct areas like medical device compliance law, corporate and health regulation law, or health care law and policy. All specialization areas lead to very different and fulfilling careers. If a different kind of exciting appeals to you, how about a focus in entertainment and sports law? Just as it sounds, these attorneys get to work for and with production and sports companies or with individual athletes or entertainers. For a more down-to-earth approach, there is a wide range of environmental protection and sustainability law programs, as well agricultural and food law or global food law, in which students study such areas as animal welfare, biotechnology, food security and federal regulation, corporate agriculture responsibility and ethics, alternative energies and natural resources, and climate change and extinction. For the humanitarian, there are law programs in international human rights law or indigenous peoples law to help right wrongs and protect people’s welfare. There are aging and estate planning concentrations, compliance of education, human resources and employment law, real property, cybersecurity, and taxation possibilities–we are barely even scratching the surface!

If you were not able to specialize in a particular focus area while earning your Juris Doctor (JD) in law school, you don’t have to settle for a broad career in law practice if you would prefer a much more specialized career. Just look into the many respected online Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree programs for the opportunity to focus on the area of law that most appeals to you. As one of the most popular online degree programs, you are sure to find a program that meets your academic needs and career goals–in any one of many different program offerings. To help in your search for the right school, here is a list of the 50 Best Online Master of Laws and Master of Legal Studies Degree Programs to get you started. We are confident that you will find not only the best school to help you further your education but also the best program to help you enhance your career!

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When you received your Juris Doctor degree, you might have thought you were through with academia. But now that you are a practicing attorney, do you find that there is a particular area of the law that you find most intriguing and wish you could specialize in? Or perhaps you are an attorney who received your education outside of the United States but would like to become a U.S.-based practicing attorney. How do you participate in the education you need to take the bar exam and gain your credentials without having to pursue another JD? Good news for both scenarios: the online Master of Laws degree program (LL.M.). The LL.M. is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs for good reason. If you are an already practicing attorney in the United States or if you are internationally based but desire to practice in the U.S., it is probably not the easiest course of action to pick up and move to go to your law school of choice. Uprooting is unnecessary–many respected and reputable brick-and-mortar law schools are now offering their renowned LL.M. programs online, and even better–most of them can be completed through distance education in just a year or even less. These online degrees are just as accepted as their on-campus counterparts thanks to rigorous online coursework provided by the same faculty members, as well as the popularity of online degrees bringing more exposure to the concept of distance education. So look into the possibility of gaining further specialized legal knowledge or realizing your dream of practicing law in America by reading further, and if you are ready to begin your search of some of the best law programs online, glance through this ranking of the 50 Best Online Master of Laws and Master of Legal Studies Degree Programs.

For U.S. attorneys, the LL.M. degree provides many specialization opportunities that were not present for most students earning their JD in law school. There really is an immense variety of options, ranging from agriculture and food law, to taxation or real property law, to indigenous peoples law, to sports, media and entertainment law, just to name a few. Coursework is very detailed and distinct focusing very finitely on the particular area. For international attorneys, most LL.M. programs focus on an American law track. Often mirroring the general studies track of the LL.M. program for U.S.-trained attorneys, these LL.M. programs usually require one or two additional courses specifically on American law and legal proceedings. Either way, the LL.M. helps working professionals achieve an educational goal that will directly affect their career path.

So, we are not telling you that you absolutely have to pursue the LL.M. degree, but if you desire to follow a more specialized career path or be able to provide your clients with a more nuanced approach to law practice, or if you want to practice in the United States but received your JD from a law school outside of the nation, then the LL.M. is your best move.

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So you have an interest in law and policy issues, but you really don’t want to go to law school. Is there any way around it? Actually, yes–there are several master’s degree options for professionals who need to better understand the law and legal proceedings but who don’t want or need to practice law. Welcome to the world of the Master of Legal Studies degree! Often taking some of the same courses that already-practicing attorneys would take if they were enrolled in the specialty Master of Laws degree program, Master of Legal Studies programs are open to any qualified applicant who wants to study law but has no desire to practice it. In fact, due to the immense possibilities with this type of degree, it has become one of the most popular online degree programs that students currently pursue. In addition to being convenient and relevant, the online Master of Legal Studies degree can often be completed in under a year–a huge benefit for those who need their master’s degree quickly to enhance their professional life or advance their career. In addition to a general Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree that will help students get a solid, basic sense of legal issues, there are many ways to intricately specialize the degree. Read on for information on this enticing degree.

There are many different degree options and specialization opportunities for the student who desires to learn about law and legal proceedings, but does not wish to be an attorney. For any student with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, the list of graduate level law possibilities include degrees such as the aforementioned MLS degree, as well as the Master of Science of Law or Master of Studies in Law (MSL), the Masters of Jurisprudence (M.Jur. or MJ) or the Juris Master (JM), just to name a few. Picking the particular degree to pursue is just the iceberg, as there are a myriad of areas in which a student can choose to focus.

Professionals who are advocates and interested in health care can pursue concentrations like medical device compliance, corporate and health regulation, or health care policy. For a broader focus on advocacy and the spirit of humanitarianism, professionals could examine programs specializing in international human rights law or indigenous peoples law to help them advance the cause of marginalized individuals and communities through policy change and services. Professionals who choose a focus in media, entertainment and/or sports law get to work for and with production companies and sports organizations, and sometimes even with individual athletes or entertainers, in a fast-paced world that’s sure to be exciting. A wide range of agricultural and food law programs and environmental protection and sustainability law programs provide students with the opportunity to work on protecting the environment, animal welfare, food safety and security, and human rights issues.

We have just touched on a very few of the possibilities. To find out more, check out our ranking of the 50 Best Online Master of Laws and Master of Legal Studies Degree Programs.

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If you have determined that a better understanding of the legal system and laws would benefit your current employment, but you don’t desire to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and become an attorney, are you out of luck? Short answer—no. There is a myriad of law degree possibilities open to the professional who needs to better understand the legal proceedings and how the law works in the United States, but without the requirement of being a practicing attorney or becoming one. The Master of Legal Studies degree is a degree program open to qualified applicants who want to study law in order to help them in their career, whether they work with attorneys on a daily basis and need to understand the complexities of legal policies and laws, or if they need to be able to navigate the world of advocacy and policy change in a constantly changing and updating arena. There are of course many programs that offer general tracks within the degree, but there are also many unique and timely specializations to truly enhance any career path. And one really promising aspect of the degree—many programs can be completed in less than a year. For this reason and many others, the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree is one of the most popular online degree programs available currently. Continue reading to discover some of the ways this degree can help you advance or benefit your career without requiring a JD degree.

Professionals who need to understand the law to better perform their jobs have a selection of degree options from which to choose. With degree titles such as the MLS degree, the Master of Science of Law or Master of Studies in Law (MSL), the Masters of Jurisprudence (M.Jur. or MJ) or the Juris Master (JM) degree, students may become overwhelmed. There’s no need to be—what all of these degrees have in common is that they allow students who do not possess a JD degree to study a general approach to legal proceedings or some aspect of the law. In essence, they are the equivalent to the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, which is a specialty degree for already practicing attorneys.

So what focus areas are available for the non-lawyer to pursue in legal studies? Many! Concentrations in medical device compliance, corporate and health regulation, or health care policy provide an avenue for the professional working within the healthcare system. Humanitarian professionals have programs that allow for specializations in international human rights law or indigenous peoples law. These programs provide the skills and resources that non-lawyers need to work with individuals and communities who are often marginalized and sometimes directly and intentionally harmed. A focus in media, entertainment and/or sports law provides the exciting opportunity to work for entertainment production companies and famous sports organizations, as well as with individual athletes or entertainers. If the earth’s sustainability and production is your calling, a wide range of agricultural and food law programs and environmental protection and sustainability law programs give students the know-how to protect and regulate laws that affect the planet and the people, animals, and plants on it.

These examples don’t even begin to cover all of the possibilities, but if you have determined you want to pursue the degree but need a jump-start on picking the best school for you, check out this list of the 50 Best Online Master of Laws and Master of Legal Studies Degree Programs.

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When a major credit reporting agency discovers a cyber-attack has breached its safeguards and stolen the social security numbers and birthdates of millions and millions of people, the need for cybersecurity is no less than evident. The Equifax data breach of 2017 exposed the sensitive information of nearly 150 million people. That’s a frighteningly high number, but it would still have been just as unnerving if it had only been a handful of people. The severity of the cyber-crime issue cannot be understated—this crime trend is the wave of the future, and it can bring whole nations to a halt. Just ask Ukraine—it is believed that Russian hackers caused a massive power grid outage there in 2016, and as of the writing of this article in the summer of 2018, there are claims by the Ukrainian government that Russia is planning another major cyber-attack.

Cybersecurity is, in short, the defense against cyber-crime. It is the practice of protecting against criminal hacking, malware, phishing and other cyber-attacks on individuals, companies, countries, and even international entities. Cybersecurity professionals work towards providing information security and the freedom to operate online without fear of harm. They work for organizations such as small businesses, major corporations, and national intelligence. And the field is growing at a much, much higher rate than the national average according to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that over the next few years the job outlook will increase for these cybersecurity professionals at a rate of 28%. This exponential growth also means a potential labor shortage over the next few years–there is speculation that over three million cybersecurity jobs will be unfilled by 2021, causing the possibility for major cybersecurity breaches to be undetected and pervasive. There’s no doubt that cyber-crime is pushing this need for more cybersecurity professionals, but the cyber criminals are currently outpacing the good guys.

This may be one of the leading reasons that the master of cybersecurity degree is one of the most popular online degrees students can pursue. It is not hard to understand the desire to pursue the degree, to protect people from cyber-attacks and to protect the world from cyber-crime, but it also should come as no shock that pursuing the degree online is such a popular avenue for students. Online degrees offer the same coursework as their on-campus counterparts, just with all the flexibility and convenience that comes with being able to study from one’s own home. These degrees achieved online are no less rigorous or respected either, and many highly recognized and reputable universities are offering their cybersecurity master’s programs through an online delivery method to appeal to a wider audience of qualified students.

So if you find yourself desiring to combat cyber criminals by joining the ranks of cybersecurity professional, consider pursuing your master’s degree online. If you are not sure where to start in your search for the right online program, consider our list of the 50 Best Online Master of Cybersecurity Degree Programs as a way to begin your journey to making the internet safer for all.

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If you need yet one more thing to keep you up at night, consider the cyber crime epidemic. It’s like something out of a science fiction horror novel–sinister, hidden adversaries worming their way in to the very structures in place to keep societies running and secure. What are these cyber criminals really capable of? How big is the threat? And, most importantly, how can it actually affect you?

In 2017 credit reporting agency Equifax had a major cybersecurity breach when hackers attacked the company and stole social security numbers and birth dates. This was wide-reaching and potentially damaging to many. Researchers think this kind of attack on privacy was just the tip of the iceberg. Current projections indicate that cyber criminals are looking for ways to hack into other major corporations that hold people’s sensitive information, such as not just utilizing stolen social security numbers for financial mayhem, but also concocting plots to take advantage of the ways that individuals browse the web, their online spending habits, their political leanings and more. Another big threat is the use of ransomware–hackers break into major companies to shut down their systems with malware through encryption. Demanding payment as a form of information ransom, whole cities can be shut down by cyber criminals. If that doesn’t give you pause, keep reading.

As of the summer of 2018, citizens of the United States have been made well aware of the interference in the 2016 presidential election. All fingers are pointing to Russian hacking–well, almost all fingers–and the thought is (should be) shocking that a country with such adversarial relations with the United States could have infiltrated and influenced the outcome of one of the most important elements of its democracy. And if that’s not chilling enough, consider that artificial intelligence is the wave of the future–and very prone to both being damaged by cyber threats and instigating cyber attacks. Hackers learn quickly. The AI systems that are created to predict and prevent cyber crime also gives hackers the tools and information they need to create their own AI to serve their purposes.

So what is the concerned citizen to do? For starters, some innovative individuals with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, or mathematics are beginning the pursuit of a Master of Cybersecurity degree through one of many reputable online degree programs. Currently, the Master of Cybersecurity is one of the most popular online master’s degrees because of the increased threat of cyber crime and the increased demand for professionals to combat it. Because of the unprecedented growth of cybersecurity attacks, there is an estimation that nearly four million job vacancies will create a problem by the year 2021. This also means that the potential for career growth and advancement in this field is high. If you are one of those innovators with the appropriate undergraduate or work experience background (or even if you aren’t–there are programs that can meet your needs academically), check out our list of the 50 Best Online Master of Cybersecurity Degree Programs and find a school that can help you combat any cyber threat!

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The field of cybersecurity has exploded in recent years. It seems that cyber crime and cyber threats abound on both the national and international stage, and even individuals and small businesses are not immune. One glance at the news and you are inundated with information on hacking, election tampering, scams and worse–the list goes on and on. From major information heists, such as the Equifax breach of 2017, to whole countries being targeted, such as the hacked United States 2016 presidential election campaign or Ukraine’s power grid shutdown in both 2015 and 2015, it’s no wonder then that the cybersecurity field as a profession is rapidly growing. In fact, the online Master of Cybersecurity is one of the most popular online master’s degrees currently. Cybersecurity Ventures, a leading researcher in cybersecurity, forecasts that there will be an excessive shortage in the near future of cybersecurity professionals to meet the demands of the ever-increasing cyber threat. Their prediction claims over three million jobs will be unfilled by 2021–a startling and stark picture of the future.

But with this rapid growth in the field, many academic programs have cropped up to meet the demand of educating the future cybersecurity professional. There is a current stamp of approval in the form of special designation for schools offering cybersecurity education. Developed jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) or CAE in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) programs are a way of acknowledging when schools have met high standards in their cybersecurity degree programs. These CAE designated schools and programs meet exacting criteria in order to be officially recognized by the United States government.

Additionally, a new way of accrediting cybersecurity degree programs, departments, and centers is in the works. The non-governmental Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) has been seeking feedback in recent years on a way of accrediting cybersecurity programs. Citing the need to respond to the “rapid, but unfocused, expansion in cybersecurity educational programs – without broad, universal expectations for graduates,” ABET has put the development of cybersecurity accrediting in motion. This specific programmatic accreditation is relevant as it provides an unbiased and universal way of assessing each school’s cybersecurity curriculum, faculty and program standards. Completely voluntarily, schools will seek accreditation as a way of being officially recognized and gaining an air of authority.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed with looking at the potential harm that is possible with this rapid increase in technology and the corresponding growth in cybercrime threats and attacks, many individuals are determining to pursue an advanced degree in cybersecurity to join the ranks of digital protectors and safe-guarders. If you are considering this path as a career option as well, explore this list of the 50 Best Online Master of Cybersecurity Degree Programs to become familiar with many of the reputable schools from which you can achieve this degree. Many are designated as Centers of Academic Excellence, and many will soon be pursuing accreditation once new cybersecurity accrediting is in operation.

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