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Expert Advice >
Careers
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By Vicky Phillips, Chief Education Analyst
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@boetter/Flickr
 Question:
I want to earn an online PhD or a counseling master’s and change my career from a sales manager to a mental health counselor or therapist. What are the best online psychology schools for this goal? I want an online counseling psych program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Can you give me a list of online psychology degrees accredited by the APA? —Jamie in California
Answer:
I understand your concern. Many psychologists consider approval by the American Psychological Association (APA) the gold standard for accredited professional psychology degrees. This is especially true in the areas of clinical, counseling and educational psychology, all areas that interest you. Most professionals would agree that the best online psychology degrees—at least for career reasons in clinical and educational psych—should have full APA approval.
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Expert Advice >
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By Vicky Phillips, Online Education Analyst
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 Question:
I’m worried about whether my online degree will be respected. I just completed my bachelor's online and am ready to send out my resume. Should I use my cover letter to reveal to potential employers that I earned my degree online? Do employers respect online degrees?
—Holly in Nashville, Tenn.
Answer:
These days, earning degrees or taking post-secondary courses online is not an oddity. In 2012, an estimated 86 percent of traditional residential colleges offered college courses through online learning. More than one-third offered entire degrees online.
Online education is no longer the future. It’s right now. Employers are embracing online education in record numbers. Unlike a decade ago, employers no longer automatically perceive online degrees or distance education as inferior or second class.
As a result, there is no need to reveal in a cover letter or resume that you “earned your degree online.” Details about why you chose any particular type of school—such as a private school versus a public school or a Christian college versus a secular college—are best left to discussion during an actual interview.
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Learn which online schools MAY carry stigmas and how to discuss your online degree with a prospective employer
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Expert Advice >
Careers
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By David Handlos
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Travis Isaacs/Flickr
 These days there are almost TOO many choices for online Computer Science and IT degrees. Which tech-savvy degree should you choose? What’s the difference between a Computer Information Systems vs Computer Science major? IS there really any difference? If so, which one is best for which career paths?
If you’re having trouble choosing an IT degree path, start by asking yourself which of the following three career questions interests you most:
1. Why does the technology work?
2. How does the technology work?
3. What technology would work the best?
The question you find yourself most drawn to is a clue to which type of online degree you’d prefer when it comes to Computer Information Systems vs Computer Science.
Many of the online IT degrees offered today are related to Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Information Systems. Each major shares much in common, but each also tends to focus on answering slightly different questions. These approaches translate, in turn, into different career paths.
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Expert Advice >
Careers
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By Vicky Phillips, Online Education Analyst
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Question: 
I've been an RN for 10 years and earned my RN to BSN on campus. To advance to a management position at my hospital and leave direct care, I need a master's degree. I am familiar with the MSN. What other types of master's in nursing online are available, and how do I choose? One interest I have is in geriatrics or care for the elderly.
—Kim in Wisconsin
Answer: There are several types of master's of nursing online that a seasoned RN like you might consider. All of them can help you move from direct patient care into nursing management.
Online Nursing Master's Degrees
The most common online nursing master's program for you to consider would be the master's of science in nursing (MSN). This is the traditional capstone nursing degree. Because there remains such a severe shortage of nurses, many colleges—indeed, even hospitals—are sponsoring online learning nursing master's.
You can earn a general MSN, but many online MSN degree programs offer majors that are keyed to management. Two of the most popular of these would be the MSN in leadership or health systems management.
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Learn about other types of online masters degrees related to nursing
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Expert Advice >
Careers
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By Lorna Collier
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koalazymonkey/Flickr
 You’re interested in becoming a project manager – a career that’s held up well during the recession, with six-figure average salaries.
To enter this field, should you pursue a master’s in project management online? What about an MBA with an emphasis in project management or just a plain online management master’s?
Bill Haskins, director of the online master’s in project management programs at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, believes a degree in project management can really help an applicant grab an employer’s eye.
“There are many, many hundreds of online MBA programs out there – degrees recognized in the business community, almost to the point where it doesn’t really get the employer’s attention any more,” he says.
“The project management degree sets the applicant apart from the rest of the pack. That’s important…You need something that will bring you to the top.”
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