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Psychology is a fascinating field for many reasons. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, psychology is the “science of the mind and behavior.” Observing human behavior to understand how the brain works is an important function of improving society, but it doesn’t just stop there–according to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are fifteen specialized areas and proficiencies and more than 50 subsets or divisions within the field of psychology. For psychologists who want to help within the criminal justice system, there’s forensic psychology. Like sports? Sports psychologists are often hired by sports teams or schools to help athletes perform at optimum levels. A big fan of media and the ways it can be used for persuasion? Media psychologists examine how society is influenced by all things media and often work for marketing firms or broadcasting companies. Industrial and organizational psychology is the scientific study of workers and their environment. These I-O psychologists observe behaviors to assure employee satisfaction and peak productivity. School or educational psychology places professionals in the school system or working with educators and children and their families to assist with the positive development of young individuals. This, obviously, is just a few examples of the possibilities.

What an amazing field to reach into so many broad categories of study and industry! It makes sense–everyone has a mind and uses it to reason (to some degree), so to be placed in a position to scientifically observe how that works and apply it in so many various ways and industries is pretty remarkable indeed. Beyond the knowledge of the “cool factor” of psychology (and let’s be honest, who didn’t love their Psych 101 course freshman year? Learning that hypnosis is another form of consciousnesses, animals use language, and facial expressions that designate emotion are universal–pretty interesting stuff!), the field of psychology is very lucrative as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the field of psychology are increasing at a rate of 14%–higher than the job growth national average. This means more jobs and better opportunities for advancement. It also means, however, that to be competitive one must be a cut above the rest. Also according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the very least a master’s degree is required in order to work in most psychology settings.

Don’t worry if you don’t currently have a Master’s in Psychology–it’s one of the most popular online degrees for good reason. There are many solid, high-quality online programs offered by reputable colleges and universities, so it should not be difficult to find a program that fits your needs. Online learning is the smartest, most affordable option when pursuing a master’s degree, and you will join good company if you join the ranks of distance education online student. Here’s a convenient list of the 50 Best Online Master of Psychology Degree Programs to help get you started on your journey. Whatever form of psychology you determine to go into, there’s a great online program out there for you!

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Competency-based degree programs are becoming more and more common. Focusing on a student’s competency in any given subject area as opposed to strictly adhering to a predetermined classroom time requirement, competency-based programs can usually be completed much more quickly than traditional programs. The general idea of competency-based education is that academic work should be self-paced to allow students to move very quickly through the subject matter they are already competent in so they can focus more time and energy on the subject areas with which they are less knowledgeable and need to work on more. It’s a personalized rather than a prescribed and predetermined approach to any given subject. This self-paced progression can also be more affordable for students since they can move through the program at a faster rate, not having to engage in classes for which they have already demonstrated understanding and experience.

In addition to some recognized and established universities developing these competency-based programs, there are several online-only universities that have pioneered a move towards exclusively competency-based academics. But how are these programs viewed? In other words, are theses degree programs and the graduates they produce just as accepted by employers as graduates of other online programs? According to the U.S. News and World Report, the trend is that online degrees are definitely becoming more widely accepted. Competency-based degrees could be on that upward trend as well, but hiring managers and employers are not yet as familiar with them as they have become with traditional online degrees. Some things to consider when choosing a competency-based program: Being a motivated individual lends itself well to this type of learning format, but if that is not your particular gift, then it could prove for difficult times ahead. Also, since the programs are self-paced and students pay by the time it takes to prove their competency, if a student is a procrastinator the cost could end up being more than a traditional program. Individuals who have a previous college degree and some work experience tend to have the tools that will help them be successful in this type of degree program, so if that sounds like you, and you know yourself to be motivated and good at self-guided instruction, then learning more about competency-based degrees should be in your future as you think about obtaining an advanced degree.

What it really boils down to in gaining employment is a candidate’s experience, skill, and talents as opposed to the sort of degree or the format in which they studied. A field that seems to really lend itself to competency-based learning is the area of psychology. Since psychology is the scientific study of the mind, it is no wonder that many programs focus on allowing a student’s competency guide the way in this area. There are a wealth of online degree programs available to help a student achieve a Master of Psychology degree–and a master’s degree is a necessity when going into this field. Peruse the 50 Best Online Master of Psychology Degree Programs for a list of some of the best programs out there that are offered online.

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If you’ve decided to pursue a master’s degree online, you’re in good company. There are many exceptional programs available entirely online, and a lot of students are finding that the online route is a convenient way to achieve a high-quality degree. But if you want to pursue an online master’s, does that mean you are destined to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam)? Although some schools still list scores from either the GMAT or the GRE as part of their admissions requirements, there is a whole host of reputable and well-known schools that no longer require those exam scores from their applicants.

This shift is good news for those prospective online graduate students who don’t want to devote time, energy, and money to preparing for an exam but would rather get started on the program that is going to propel them into advanced positions in the career of their dreams. For the schools that don’t require the GRE or GMAT, what sort of criteria do they use to assess the potential of an applicant for their program, and how does the prospective applicant know what to look for in a program that does not require those traditional exam scores as a benchmark for preparedness for the rigors of a graduate degree program? We’ve compiled a brief list below of some of the things to be on the lookout when examining a program that doesn’t require the GRE or GMAT. For those who were ready yesterday to get started on the hunt for a school, check out our 50 Best Online Master’s Programs That Do Not Require the GRE.

#1. Regional Accreditation

School-wide accreditation for a college or university comes from one of six approved regional accrediting agencies. The agencies responsible are determined by the region of the country in which the school is located, and this is one of the most surefire ways to assess the reputation of your school at a glance. Being regionally accredited means that the university meets a determined standard both academically and institutionally. And since accreditation is renewed on a continual basis, if the criteria or standards by which a school is assessed changes, the school is required to keep up with the new standards.

#2. Same Degree as On-campus?

Does the school make the assurance that the same faculty teach both the online and the on-campus versions of the program? Is it the same curriculum? Is there the guarantee that the diploma will simply state the degree earned as opposed to noting it was an online degree?

#3. Accessibility and Flexibility

Some programs may require on-campus residencies or may be hybrid programs. There’s nothing adverse about these programs–it’s just a matter of student’s preference for an entirely online program versus a program that requires travel once or twice, or even several times each semester.

#4. Online Support

Just because a student is a distance learner doesn’t mean they have to exist in a lonely bubble. Many programs have program-specific services and resources to help provide a sense of community for the online student. Additionally, in a quality program, a student should be able to interact with faculty and fellow students–either on a message board, a synchronous lecture, or in some other fashion or format. And beyond just a specific program, most universities have online support teams to bolster the success of their enrolled online students (and in some cases, even prospective students).

So an online degree without a GRE requirement for admission is a possibility. It’s just a matter of finding the best school for you! And if you know the program you want, look over these lists of the Top 40 No-GRE Online Master of Education Degree Programs, Top 40 Online MBA Degree Programs That Do Not Require the GMAT or GRE, or Top 25 No-GRE Online Master of Public Health Degree Programs to see what schools are out there for you.

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As business becomes more complex and global in scale, problem-solving and risk management are two attributes that remain a critical part of maintaining a healthy organizational bottom line. What has changed over the years, however, is the emergence of a strong professional front line to both predict potential problems before they become company-wide nightmares and also to assure the completion of projects (both small and major) in time and within budget. The Project Management field has really taken off as businesses recognize the value of hiring an individual or team that has the goal of keeping all things running smoothly. According to Federal Times magazine, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provides statistics on countless professions, is proposing to add Project Manager as its own independent category within the next year. This is a significant independent recognition, meaning that statisticians and those interested in joining the profession will be able to assess educational requirements, job outlook, and salary potential specifically for Project Management soon. For now, we look to management categories for a periphery understanding of Project Management to understand how one can enter into it initially and advance, or we look towards the leading professional project management organization, the Project Management Institute (PMI^®) for specific research-based information.

One common thread through many of these management professions is that a master’s degree, though not required for many entry level jobs, is often beneficial in order to get an edge up on others and into joining the profession. And if the professional desires to actually be the management lead for large companies or complex projects, a master’s degree is more than just a good idea because it can help students prepare to sit for the Project Management Institute PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP^®) certification exam to earn the PMP credential. Project Management Professionals^® are the gold standard in the field, and companies know they are getting an employee who has had the hands-on, relevant training they need to be the best at managing and executing projects. This credential is evidence of the highest level a project management professional can achieve, and with it professionals could be eligible for a significant increase in salary—up to a 25% increase according to the Project Management Institute Project Management Salary Survey, 10th Edition.

It might be daunting to consider that you need a master’s degree to enter into such a promising profession. Uprooting from your home, leaving your current job—how will you find the time to make it happen? The easy answer is to pursue the degree online. Online education has become one of the most convenient and accessible ways of getting a degree. Any stigma that may have been attached to it in the earliest years is no more. In reality, there are many excellent online degree program options to help you achieve the degree and work towards the PMP credentials—start with this list of the best online master’s in project management degree programs as a guide to examine your options

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You have paid attention to the ever-growing profession of Project Management, and you have made the wise decision to pursue your Master’s in Project Management in order to join the field. Because you are already on the right track, you’ve made the even wiser decision to pursue your degree online. It makes perfect sense—you can get a quality degree from any number of the best online Master’s in Project Management degree programs on your time, at your own pace, and from your own home. An online degree has all the benefits of an on-campus degree, with the added advantages of convenience and flexibility. There really is no downside to the online degree—online programs are just as rigorous and respected, and as more and more professionals are emerging with online master’s degrees under their belts, employers are finding it evident that the quality of the education is just as valid as on-campus programs.

So, all of these positives confirm your decision, but there is one more question to consider: should you pursue a Master of Project Management (or, as some schools offer, a Master of Science) degree, or should you pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Project Management? Obviously, there will be differences in the two approaches to gaining Project Management knowledge and experience, but what’s the best way to go? Does it ultimately matter? It comes down to what, exactly, it is you will want to do with your degree. Understandably it will depend on specifically what you want to learn to get you the job that best fits your skill set and talent—and that will make you the happiest—but we are here to help you explore the different approaches of the two degree types. It’s important to know what both the big departures are and what the nuances may be between the MBA and the Master of Science in Project Management/Master of Project Management (MSPM/MPM) degree.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, MBA degrees often focus on the larger technical picture of financial analysis, accounting, critical and global thinking, and a grounding in information technology. Specializations in Project Management will certainly address the specific goals of working in project management, but students must first move through the MBA core courses before getting into the concentration. Typical MBA program core courses include such topics as applied managerial finance, accounting methods, ethical decision-making, and analytical and quantitative tools. These subjects are certainly beneficial to any professional, but if a student wants to focus more on coursework that will bolster a career in project management without focusing on the business industry, then a MSPM or MPM degree be more worthwhile. Project management classes typically promote team management, leadership strategies, risk management, and organizational behavior. If a focus on the technical understanding of numbers, financials, and analytics speaks to you—go for an MBA with a Project Management concentration or emphasis area. But if you want to really delve into the psychology of leading teams, guiding projects through to completion, and managing in industries other than just business, then a MSPM or MPM seems like your goal. Whichever you choose, best of luck!

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To be perfectly blunt, business is good! This profession, particularly in recent years, is growing and in demand, and according to reliable sources like the U.S. News and World Report, that upward trend should continue through the foreseeable future. As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this faster-than-average growth should continue at least through the next decade. As finances today continue to be more complex and involved, individuals need knowledgeable accountants to inform them and provide advisement, advice and guidance. Organizations and businesses employ whole departments of accountants and managers to keep their books, manage payroll, create budgets, and handle every other aspect of financial matters to keep the financial wheels rolling. Those professionals who go into the accounting profession have their choice of specializations and focus areas–taxation, auditing, fraud and forensic accounting, just to name a few–so there’s no need to think that it’s a one-size-fits all field. You can even choose the kind of organization you work for–from the expected accounting firms and business organizations to the entertainment industry and major sport companies, government agencies and law enforcement, and many others.

Not only are the job prospects good for professionals with their master of accountancy degree, but also the salary potential–both initial starting salaries and salary increases. So you can start off with a strong income and rely on nice raises over time. Consider this, over the last few years, accounting salaries at all levels have grown at impressive rates between 2.9% and 4%, with most increasing around 3.5%. Starting salaries for professionals who have a few years range from upper $40s to mid $70s, and those digits increase dramatically with more  years of experience–easily well into the triple digits. The really good news is that all job levels for accountancy seem to be experiencing this positive financial trend.

Possible career variety, confirmed job growth, and promising salaries are all the positive guarantees in this field–and these are just the obvious few. With all those pluses (and more!), individuals who have a knack for numbers know there really is no downside to pursuing a career in accountancy. So what are the next steps for benefiting from this positive financial growth? If you don’t already have an advance degree in accountancy, a master’s degree should be your next step. For those of you who still need your master’s degree, consider pursuing it online–you’ll get all the benefits of a good program with the added plus of convenience and flexibility. Online programs are as respected and rigorous as their on-campus counterparts, but with the added bonuses of convenience and flexibility. A good place to start your search would be with this list of the best online master of accounting degree programs. Good luck pursuing that degree and crunching those numbers–the world is yours!

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You have made the decision to pursue your passion for accountancy and turn it into a lucrative career–really smart choice. You are combing through all the information and looking at all the exceptional Master of Accounting degree programs–even smarter. But you realize that leaving your current job, moving to a new location, and letting your family obligations fall by the wayside are not the smartest ways to accomplish your goals. So what can you do? Look into the best online master of accounting degree programs, of course! But wait–do hiring managers and accounting firms really think that a degree from an online program matches the on-campus program? Can an online program give you the hands-on experience you need, teach you the basics in accounting, and help you to network with fellow accountants as well as the on-campus accountancy programs? We are here to assure you that, yes, an online program can give you everything you need to advance in the field of accounting. If you have any concerns that online programs are not as academically rigorous or as honorably perceived as on-campus programs, read on, and we will help allay your fears.

Perhaps years ago there was more of a stigma placed on online programs, but most hiring managers these days have seen their fair share of candidates with online degrees–and, according to U.S. News and World Report, they are undaunted by them. The key is, of course, finding a good program. Accreditation can help assure the program meets the industry standards, so that is one thing to look for in any online program. In particular, prospective accounting students who desire a specialization can find many options online that they wouldn’t be able to pursue otherwise–this translates into highly marketable specialized training that can be really appealing to employers. These are some of the reasons that may influence a student’s choice to pursue the degree online, and with the reassurance that this positive human resource trend is continuing, and that these degrees are accepted to the same extent that on-campus degrees are accepted, then online students should have nothing to worry about.

The moral of the story is, a degree from a good school is a good degree, regardless of how you go about achieving it. Schools that are reputably accredited, offering good programs with a credible curriculum taught by the same experienced faculty members–how can that be a bad thing? And even if that weren’t the case, your degree-in-hand will never indicate that it was achieved through online courses. So feel free to follow your interests from the ease of your own home (or the library, local coffee shop, or wherever you choose!), knowing that there is no barrier between you and that perfect accounting job–best of luck!

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If you are interested in public health as a profession and looking for a good, reputable online Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree program, what are some of the key elements of a solid program? Obviously, you would want a program with knowledgeable and accessible faculty members, a rigorous curriculum, the convenience of online coursework, and comprehensive student support services–beyond that, what else should you look for in a program? Program accreditation should be a consideration on your list–but what does accreditation mean exactly? Agencies that provide program accreditation for colleges and universities are unbiased, independent organizations that look for specific criteria in determining the initial or renewed accreditation for the program. For public health programs, the accrediting body is the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Who is the CEPH, and why does their accreditation matter? The definition for the word “accredited” (as derived from several dictionary sources) is “to be officially recognized, authorized, or approved.” Therefore, accrediting agencies simply give a stamp of approval and an air of authority to programs that have followed standardized field guidelines and implemented required curricular and experiential measures. Industry standards change, and it helps to have one agency to keep track of programs that are following these standards and incorporating them into their curriculum. CEPH is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors, and a non-profit agency with recognition by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit public health schools and programs. They have a mission to assure “quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research and service, through collaboration with organizational and community partners.” This mission helps achieve the vision of a “healthier world” for all, which is especially important when you consider the scope of public health–focusing on the collective human race to understand and prevent disease outbreaks, as well as examining the patterns of accidents and pathogens to stave off injury and illness.

If public health is your passion, it makes sense to find a high-caliber MPH program to help you enter or advance in the field. And pursuing the degree online also makes good sense–working towards your degree while you remain in your current location attending to your obligations and responsibilities. To determine the best online MPH program for you, a good place to begin is with accreditation by CEPH. We’ve done the research, so feel free to check out our 2018 ranking of the 50 best online master in public health degree programs to start your search for that high-caliber MPH program (either currently accredited or seeking accreditation by CEPH) that will advance you in the public health profession. You can be assured that whichever program you choose, when authorized by the guidelines of CEPH and continually renewed to provide public health education, you are sure to gain the academic experience you need to become a competent Public Health professional.

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Before Millennials were old enough to stay up for Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon was not a late-night host, he was “Nick Burns, Your Company’s Computer Guy.” This ever-suffering, recurring SNL character fit all the IT professional clichés and stereotypes and inevitably fixed the simple computer problem that served to baffle the employee unlucky enough to have to call for his assistance. His exasperated catch-phrases, “move!” and “you’re welcome!” served to show his disdain at the (perceived by him) idiocy of the person who couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the computer. Being an SNL skit, this was of course a grossly exaggerated depiction of an IT professional, but have you ever wondered how many times an IT specialist has “fixed” a computer by instructing the computer’s owner to simply turn it off and then back on again? Or have you pondered recently just how advanced computer science has become?

The online information technology magazine InfoWorld supplies both technology news and user tips to the IT and business world. It also supplies a content-load of articles on IT professional blunders, weird Computer Science information, and some of the most outrageous IT stories. For instance, did you know that human skin can now power machines? Or that infrared tracking lights can follow the tiniest eye movements to create graphic art? Some of the stories that bewildered and perplexed IT techs include the instance of a client declaring hysterically that there was a bouncing ball on his computer screen that was exploding–turns out it was his screen saver. Or the one in which a client called to ask how to remove the sharpie marks from her laptop screen (she had made notes on the project she was working on her computer on with the permanent marker, and, sadly, there was nothing that could be done for her).

What is crystal clear from these stories and news reports is that computers, and the people who help keep them running for us, are not going away–in fact, they are becoming more and more integrated in our lives. With that knowledge, it should be no surprise that many professionals are seeking out a master’s degree in computer science to advance themselves in the field. With an expanding job market offering job security, larger salaries, and interesting opportunities, getting an advanced degree just makes sense–and what makes even more sense is pursuing the degree online. Getting your degree on your own time and from the comfort of your current location–that’s the world in which we live today. There are a plethora of excellent schools now offering online master’s degrees in the computer science and technology fields. For even more information or to start your search for the perfect school, take a look at our list of some of the best online master’s in computer science degree programs.

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Master’s degrees in Library Science (MLS or Master of Science in Library Science) are offered at many schools, and there are a wide selection of programs available. The choices are so vast that it can be overwhelming. What are the factors that really matter? Where should your focus lie? What elements constitute a solid program? The good news is, it doesn’t have to stress you out to find a good program. Knowing what you want to do with the degree should be your driving force, and once you find the right program to help you meet your specific professional goals, everything should fall into place from there. One thing to consider, pursuing the degree online can offer many benefits and few drawbacks, and since many of the best schools offer their MLS programs online, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Program accreditation is one way to narrow your search down. Accrediting agencies give official, unbiased recognition and authorization to programs that meet a determined set of criteria of excellence. In addition, curriculum requirements must be met in order for accreditation to be renewed. There are several different accreditation agencies that library science programs may use, but the American Library Association (ALA) is the one particularly devoted to library science and librarianship. Some schools, especially those whose program focuses more on school librarianship, may be also or only accredited by education accrediting bodies, such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). These accreditation distinctions could be important if your goal is to work in a public or private library versus a school, so make sure to check that the school you choose is accredited appropriately for your career trajectory.

Several other things to consider–certification. Some schools have a school media-only focus, which would only allow graduates to be certified for employment in media centers in K-12 schools (this often goes hand-in-hand with the accreditation consideration). Other schools may offer a broader scope that includes concentrations in school media and other areas for more options both academically and career-wise. And pay attention too to the reach of your program–even with schools offering an online program, some only lead toward certification in the state in which the school’s physical address resides. It’s true that there are a lot of things to consider when looking at a master’s degree in library science, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. A good place to start your search is by looking over this list of some of the best online master of library science degree programs. Wherever you go, rest assured you are entering an exciting and well-established profession–you can, among other things, help mold young minds to become book-lovers, help college students find the research materials they need to complete their big project, or help companies and government entities organize their collections. With the right education, the choice is yours!

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The fields of computer science and information technology are ever-changing. Computers are doing far more for us then ever before–and there’s no reason to think that more jobs will not be transferred to computers as the technology becomes more and more state-of-the-art. As technology advances, more jobs and specializations are also created for the people who create programs and keep them running. If this is your preferred career path, which way should you go? Should you go into Computer Science? Or Information Technology (IT)? Are they the same? For those who aren’t technologically-inclined, the two might seem synonymous, but for those in the field, the differences between the two–and the different people who go into each field–can be very telling.

Related and interdependent, computer science and IT both have a distinctive focus. Very simply, there’s a reason the word “science” is included in the phrase “computer science.” These professionals are, in fact, scientists. Concerned with the “why” of computers, computer science professionals use advanced mathematics and algorithms to create, design, and develop software, systems, programs, and applications. IT professionals are the ones who understand these things that computer science professionals have created, and utilize the created product to implement and/or improve. IT folks also usually interact with clients and the public on applying the programs and systems and making sure that everything is running smoothly.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals need a master’s in computer science or similar degree to even consider entering the field of computer science. But with that comes really good news: at a growth rate of 19%, the job outlook for professions in the field of computer science is growing at a much faster than average rate. Average salaries are impressive for the computer science professional at well into six figures–good news as well. The IT professional does not necessarily need an advanced degree according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (although an advanced degree can always help give you that professional edge and a wider network of potential connections), but the outlook is also really positive, at just slightly less than the computer science professional at 12%. This anticipated 12% job growth is still faster than average, so the outlook is definitely beneficial. And like their computer science counterparts, the IT professional can demand a six-figure paycheck on average.

So if you are considering furthering your education to take advantage of this boom in the field of computer science (and if you want that extra selling point with future IT employers), pursuing an advanced degree should be your next step. Here’s a list of the best online master’s in computer science degree programs to get your search started. In the most basic of terms, you can go on to create and design, or you can choose to be more of an implement and produce kind of professional. Whichever path you choose, you are have the good fortune of a thriving career field with potential security and nice pay–good luck!

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When you think of an accountant, what do you visualize? There have been some pretty unfair depictions of the humble accountant. Do you see the stereotypical “bean counter” off in their own little corner, not socializing with anyone? Or how about the view of a person who is great at math, but lives a pretty uneventful life? Needless to say, these stereotypes are just that–stereotypes. The accountant of today has a lot more going for them, both in terms of job outlook and creative career possibilities. There are many more opportunities for today’s accountant, and within those opportunities are some that I bet are complete surprises. Read below to uncover some of these exciting careers possible, and if you still need you master of accounting degree, check out this list of the best online master of accounting degree programs.

Want to crunch numbers for the rich and famous? Look for accounting jobs in the entertainment industry! Film and theatrical production companies, the music industry, have many, many moving parts. Budgets, licensing issues, sales tax, payroll, royalties–just as with any profession, these are some of the issues that each individual film, play, TV show or song will need help with. On a large scale, the entertainment industry needs experienced accountants to advise and implement the necessary accountancy elements. In addition, actors, musicians, fashion designers–these individuals often need personal accountants and financial advisors to help them make best business decisions. So not only would you get to hobnob with some Hollywood royalty, but more than likely you’d get to attend some pretty cool events.

If sports is more your thing, focus on a career in sports accounting! Negotiating salaries, drawing up budgets, calculating payroll, and following merchandising profitability are just some of the aspects of sports accountancy for the sports team franchise accountant. Sports apparel and merchandise companies also often have very large finance departments to plug into. The perks here are pretty obvious–tickets to games and supporting your team!

Want to feel like you are making the world a safer place? Take your accounting expertise to the FBI or CIA by becoming a Forensic Accountant! You are a detective of numbers in this exciting job–looking through financial reports for clues on embezzlement, fraud, and other red flags. As part of the criminal investigation team, you would help stop individuals and organizations that prey on people through unethical or blatantly harmful financial practices. And as part of the team, the information you uncover would require you to testify at the trial–how’s that for unique and exciting?

This is just a sampling of some of the outside-the-box thinking that can lead to refreshingly different jobs in accounting. Where will your accounting passion take you? Hobnobbing with the Hollywood elite? Celebrating that big win with the owner of some beloved sports team? Taking down perpetrators of fraudulent financial activity with the cool-as-ice federal agents? Or something even more unusual and unconventional? Point is–you have options beyond just the recognized (and sometimes unfairly stereotyped) accountancy jobs.

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Alternative learning opportunities are very important for non-traditional students, as well as meeting the greater expectations of traditional students in the fast, nimble pace of a mobile world. Online master’s programs provide busy students with greater access to complete their degrees with the flexibility of time and location afforded by online classes. But what does learning look like in these online degree programs? How is learning supported and by whom? What structures are typically in place to orient students to these online master’s programs?

[See our ranking of the most affordable online graduate schools here]

Though coursework in online college classes is typically the same as in traditional classes, the structure of learning is very different. Online students typically interact with their instructors and fellow students through discussion boards, email, and multimedia learning activities, as opposed to in face-to-face class meetings. These interactions are at the core of the learning process and are usually facilitated by an advanced online learning management system such as “Blackboard,” “Canvas,” or “Desire2Learn.” There, students access course content and interact with instructors and classmates using a variety of tools such as email, discussion boards, web pages, web conferencing systems, and multimedia technologies. Instructors may post video of weekly lectures or links to other web content to support weekly learning modules. Most learning management systems are very user friendly and anyone with basic computer skills should be able to dive into course content with little to no orientation to the learning platform. However, in the event that student do need assistance with the technological aspects of the learning platform, IT staff are widely available by phone to assist with any question students may have.

Typically, coursework is organized around traditional start and end dates each semester though a few programs may utilize an even more flexible model where students complete their coursework at their own pace with no deadlines. When organized around traditional start and end dates, courses are administered either through synchronous or asynchronous online learning. Most common is asynchronous which has no required meeting times. Students log in to the learning system and participate as their schedule permits. Instructors will typically set deadlines each week for participation in class discussion through discussion boards and for turning in weekly assignments. Asynchronous learning provides the most flexibility for student participation, but features no direct communication between students and their instructor. In the synchronous format, students are required to log on at fixed meeting times to participate in the course. This is usually through some kind of video conferencing technology which facilitates interactions between students and their instructor in as close to a live environment as the technology can make possible. Synchronous learning is far less common, but may be used in some programs in combination with asynchronous learning. In both types of online courses, at the Master’s level some face-to-face meetings may be required on campus.  In some cases a weekend intensive may be required on campus each semester which functions to build stronger relationships between students and program faculty.

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Online students typically learn from a distance at which they cannot easily reach the resources of the college or university at which they are studying. Thus, an essential aspect to any online degree program is the provision of student services from career advising to library resources. The various resources available to support online students are critical in determining whether these students can be successful or not. Services offered will differ from college to college, but two of the most important services that should be provided by all online master’s degree programs in our opinion are faculty advisors and library services.

[See our ranking of the most affordable online graduate schools here]

Faculty Advisment

Upon enrolling in an online master’s degree program, students should be assigned a faculty advisor. This is a faculty  member who will serve as your point of contact throughout the course of your studies and will help you stay on track with program requirements assuring that you enroll in the appropriate courses at the appropriate time. Your faculty advisor will also serve as a resource throughout your studies as someone whose knowledge can bolster your own research pursuits. Your advisor will ultimately consult with you as you select a thesis or capstone paper project, provide insight and recommendation into existing literature on your research interests, and along with one or two other faculty members read and approve your final thesis or capstone paper. Your faculty advisor will serve as a point of contact for any and all questions you may have throughout your program and should be able to easily put you in contact with the appropriate parties to answer these in those cases where they are not able to answer themselves. This is, perhaps, the most important resource that you will draw on throughout all of your studies. Every respectable online program should assign students a faculty advisor upon enrollment.

Library Services

College libraries are hosts to a vast array of resources beyond their simple catalogue of books. Librarians teach students how to access library resources including digital journals, and can also perform detailed searches for students. Students accessing their college libraries resources from a distance should have access to these same resources through an online channel. Essentially every major college and university today has the resources of their libraries accessible through easy to navigate virtual interfaces online. The libraries full catalogue should be searchable through this virtual interface and many of the libraries resources will also be accessible as e-texts directly from your own computer. Librarian assistance should be available over the phone and in many cases will also be available through the same virtual interface that you use to search the libraries resources. University libraries will also often help online students find books and resources through colleges within their proximity, or ship them directly to online students and even cover shipping. Online library services will vary from university to university, but essentially, a solid online program of study will make available all resources that are available to students at the physical location of the university library through easy to navigate online platforms.

Other Services

In addition to these other important student services for online master’s students might include academic support such as free online tutoring and writing center support, technical support, career services to support students in their search for work as they near graduation, networking programs to connect online students as they pursue their studies and on into life post graduation, and more. Students at the master’s level know what kinds of support systems they require to be successful, so because services differ from college to college, it is important as always that you research any individual program to ensure the services you need most are available before enrolling.

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In professional fields such as education, public health, social work and others that especially involve the application of knowledge and skills in a social setting to develop well-being of individuals and groups, supervised practical experience is a major component of the education necessary to enter the field as a competent practitioner. Field practicums, internships, and clinical experiences (depending on the field) consist of the student taking what they have learned in the classroom setting and applying it directly in real world scenarios with students or patients so that when they enter their careers as licensed practitioners of their field, they are as well equipped as possible to begin practice. Students work under the close supervision of a field instructor and a licensed practitioner of their field at schools, hospitals, health service agencies, or other sites of professional practice. Practical experience requires a significant time commitment for students (typically requiring work during normal business hours). In traditional programs of study, colleges and universities build relationships and work closely with sites of practice throughout the region where students are regularly placed for their practicum experiences. But what of online degree programs where students are studying from disparate locations across the nation?

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Generally speaking, it is possible for students to complete all field experience requirements near their home. Setting these arrangements up may require more work on behalf of the student as the university will not have pre-established relationships with clinical and practicum sites in your region. However, online programs in which practicum experience is required will provide students the necessary resources to establish a practicum site fairly easily. Since master’s degree students in online programs are often already working in their field of study, it is often possible to set up practicum placements at their current workplace as long as they are able to demonstrate that they are learning something new through this arrangement.

For online students studying in rural areas of the U.S., finding a field placement can be more difficult especially in the type or role they hope to pursue. These students may need to travel farther to find a practicum site that matches their interests or accept that their practicum may not perfectly match their interests. Even in these cases, the fact that the practical work does not exactly match their program’s specialization is not terribly detrimental as long as students find a setting to hone their skills and apply them in real-world situations. It is this application of learning that makes master’s of any discipline and as long as classroom learning is directly applied in any setting, graduates will go on to have the skill to apply that learning in any setting.

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While online master’s degree programs are undeniably excellent options to advance one’s education, especially for working adults, there are a number of challenges that go along with online learning that potential students ought to be aware of prior to enrolling in an online program. Having an awareness of these challenges will prepare potential students all the more to excel in an online program if and when they do enroll in one. The following three challenges are the most common that students in online programs face.

[See our ranking of the most affordable online graduate schools here]

Social Challenges of Online Learning

In traditional classrooms as much, or more, learning occurs through interaction and mutual sharing of ideas with peers as it does through written texts and professor lectures. These interactions form important bonds between students that  form a foundation of shared learning within the classroom. While online learning environments attempt to re-create the dialogue and mutual learning that occurs within traditional classrooms through discussion forms, video and teleconferencing, and other technological solutions, many students in online programs report feeling isolated in their learning and that reading and responding to other students comments on a discussion board simply does not provide the same depth of interaction as occurs within classrooms. This is perhaps the single most difficult challenge to overcome with online learning, but as technology advances, there will hopefully be increasingly better ways to facilitate the social aspects of learning across virtual environments.

Self-Discipline and Online Learning

In traditional master’s degree programs, students are immersed in a physical environment that helps to keep students tuned into the demands of their studies. Specifically, in traditional programs students are influenced by their peers with whom they are in regular contact and who (as a whole) comprise a culture of learning that serves to motivate each part of that whole to maintain focus on their studies. In the absence of this physical culture, students of online programs must be incredibly self-disciplined to stay on top of coursework and assignments. Students must be well organized and be able to meet deadlines without necessarily receiving reminders on a week to week basis. This difference between online and traditional learning can be a serious challenge for some students.

Environmental Distractions of Online Learning

The university is an environment tailored for scholarly pursuits and features countless locations in which students can hunker down for hours on end for quiet and focused study time. Students in online programs do not necessarily benefit from these environments. While working from home does have its advantages, the home can be difficult to clear of environmental distraction. Whether those distractions are children playing noisily throughout the house, or simply the limitations of space when trying to craft a work area in your apartment conducive to study, attempting to study in your home can be extremely challenging especially as you learn to adapt to your new life as a student.

Online degree programs are an incredibly valuable route to further ones education while maintaining the flexibility of schedule that working life demands. These programs provide opportunities to advance ones education and open up new career possibilities while maintaining ones prior commitments to work and family. At the same time, online education poses significant challenges, especially for students who have been enculturated in traditional modes of education. Having an awareness of some of these challenges can help you be better prepared to enter the world of online education and to have a greater chance at success in undertaking the next step in your educational journey.

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So if you want job that is relevant, significant and worthwhile, public health may be ideal for you. This work can change and better not just the lives of individuals, but also whole populations. If this sounds like the kind of endeavor that is meaningful and important to you, check out the best online master of public health degree programs to find the best school to help you achieve your goals.

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Here’s a chilling thought: many modern, infectious diseases can be traced back to direct contact with an animal. The term “zoonoses” as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) refers to any disease that can be transmitted from an animal to a human or human to animal without artificial intervention. The deadly plague pandemics of the middle ages come to mind as an extreme example, but milder infections (such as ringworm or lyme disease) are also possibilities. If you are determined to study infectious diseases and how to prevent zoonotic epidemics, start by obtaining an MPH degree from one of the best online master of public health degree programs.

Public health as a field is commonly defined in a variety of ways. Key points in most general definitions include the study of diseases, how disease is transmitted, researching the pathogens to prevent outbreaks, and educating the public on ways to stay healthy and avoid potential threats. As it relates to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of zoonotic outbreaks, public health in particular looks at the communicable nature of disease that can spread between species. Why does this matter? When over half the U.S. population owns a pet of some kind, it is important to know what our beloved Spot and Mittens can bring home to us. In addition, as more varieties of exotic and unusual pets are becoming more commonplace, more strains of bacteria, viruses, and parasitic infections can become possible. Reptiles and outdoor birds are seen more and more–not just in cages and coops, but in selfies and blog posts with adoring owners. Salmonella has had a resurgence from this new backyard farm movement–poor hygiene is often the culprit, but also being overly-affectionate with your chicken-pet (you can love your hen and think she is adorable, but it’s not in your best interest to kiss her). The recent Zika virus scare may have abated in its frenzy, but the virus still remains and can present many problems–this was a disease first discovered in monkeys in the 1940s and spreads through the bite of mosquitoes. Mad Cow Disease (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans) is terrifyingly fatal, and comes from eating beef from cows that were infected.

Recent North American studies have estimated that around three-quarters of all “emerging” infectious diseases are zoonotic. This is where public health professionals can make a difference–studying how pathogens are transmitted, how they can be combated, and how best to get that information to the public. Even though young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most affected, it is critical for all of us that the dangers are known and solutions are researched and promoted. As stated by former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, “health care is vital to all of us some of the time, but public health is vital to all of us all of the time.”

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