Online Doctoral Degree Programs

Technological innovations have undoubtedly contributed much to our way in making our life better and easier in general. Online education, in particular, is made possible by the Internet. A lot of people are participating to pursue a better and higher education with this form of distance learning programs. You can find many schools with online doctoral programs.

Online Doctoral Degrees at a glance

In all cases, it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to complete a doctorate of any kind. Doctoral programs are the last stop for many in higher education. People around the world are turning to pursue doctoral programs online as a means for their professional development. Before starting the application process, you need some time to study and think deeply about whether the program would be a good form to spend.

You did this for all your other degrees, but doctoral programs are way stricter then master and bachelor programs.

Online Degrees are almost identical to traditional campus college degrees

Many of the benefits of pursuing an online doctorate degree is not different than the benefits you can get from conventional on-campus doctorate degrees. Doctorate degrees help students to obtain the highest level of training over several years of research services, study and scholarly services. While in return, doctorate degree holders are recognized as experts in the academic study of their choice.

Time of completion

A doctoral degree can take between four to eight years to complete, while a master degree can take between one to three years to complete depending on the program. A master’s program is similar to a bachelor’s degree in that there is prescribed coursework and evaluations by teachers which also requires that the students should possess a valuable work experience through internships or other related experience in their desired field. The completion of this course is usually a thesis, or the type of program you can choose between a test and review.

Save on Doctoral Degree Programs

There is little difference between the Internet and programs in place when it comes to the cost of having an online doctorate degree. But you can minimize the cost in many ways. With online training, you will not have to travel or pay for their travel and parking. This particular configuration also eliminates the need for students to transfer to a new city and rent a place to live.

The outcome of getting an online degree

Although it appears that much work and money is required to get a doctorate degree, the benefits far outweigh the first victims. Most PhD's to earn at least $ 15,000 more than those who only have a master's degree. Most likely you would be in a highly specialized field, you always have something to do. If you are already in a field you love, or looking for more specialized or switch to another career option in the same area, you are probably very busy. In today's economy, under the exemption from work pursuing doctoral studies up to 8 years may not be the best option. In a typical unit of the family, most families need two incomes for adults to keep costs as alive. Therefore online doctoral degree programs is a good option to consider.

PTC expands parking lot

Pine Technical College's parking lot is under construction and will be expanded to accommodate the college's record growth in student enrollment. The expanded parking area is replacing the tennis courts currently located on the campus’ north end.

"We have experienced record-breaking growth over the last few years, and one unfortunate side effect of that growth is that our students have had some frustration with finding adequate parking," explains President Robert Musgrove. "While it’s hard to say goodbye to our beloved tennis courts, we must take full advantage of our resources and property to provide the best experience for our students," Musgrove adds.

Construction is underway, and the tennis courts are no longer available for use. Construction will continue through mid-June, and the project is scheduled for completion by July 5.



Photos: Workers remove the tennis courts to make way for additional student parking.

Attain a psychology degree online with distance learning education programs

The concept of distance learning is not very new. Just the mode of education has changed. In the past, distance learning courses were in the form of correspondence courses. Study materials were sent to the students via postal mail. Students also had to go to an examination center to appear for the examination. On clearing the examination successfully, students were given a degree. There were many problems in these correspondence courses. Many complaints were filed that the study materials did not reach the students, they got lost and many a times even admit cards for examinations got misplaced. Keeping these problems in mind, online courses came into being. With the advent of distance learning online courses many of these problems got sorted. Various kinds of courses and degree programs can be followed through the distance learning online courses.

Out of the many courses that are pursued through distance learning, psychology courses have gained immense popularity.

You can now easily earn a psychology degree online from the various online universities and institutes that offer courses in psychology. All the online universities do not offer psychology courses. There are very few that provide psychology degree online. There is a conflict regarding pursuing psychology degree courses through distance learning programs. Many experts opine that since psychology involves the study of the human mind, behavior and nature, it cannot be studied in the distance learning mode. There need to be interactive and communicative sessions for the study of psychology courses. But with advanced online collaborative tools and technologies, this problem has also been taken care of. The sessions and that are needed for psychology degree online can now easily be done via these tools.

Psychology degree online can be obtained at various levels. While there is associate psychology degree online, there is also bachelors and master’s degree that can be completed online through the various distance learning courses. One can also do a PhD in psychology via distance learning education. This course is a very interesting one and helps in knowing the human mind very well. It helps you to learn about the various behavioral changes and patterns in a human being. It is preferable that for pursuing a course in psychology, one should have a little background of biology. This helps in better understanding of the subject as one comes to know about the functioning of the various parts of the brain. Therefore gaining a psychology degree online is quite easy with the help of distance learning courses.

The Next Educational Frontier: Online Distance Learning and Online Distance Learning Programs

In the early 90’s, it was predicted that online distance learning programs would grow tremendously in the coming years. By the late 90’s, up to 80 percent of US community colleges have some form of distance learning in place.

There are many technologies that are required with having an online distance learning system in place. The communication form between student and teacher is basically distinguished by two categories: the synchronous and asynchronous. In the former, students and teachers participate in real time. In both cases, telecommunication such as videos, audio files, and electronic messaging are important to create effective online distance learning programs.

With the improvement of internet technologies, the learning process has evolved to include audio conferencing as well as livestreaming of lectures. This trend is expected to continue and institutions that offer online distance learning programs will tend to rely on a combination of recorded as well as live sessions with the instructor.

According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the profile of those who take up online distance learning are usually in their mid-20’s and highly motivated to pursue their studies. They are also unable to attend more traditional educational settings because of work or geographical considerations. They tend to take online distance learning programs because of convenience and the flexibility offered by the schedules. It is also a way to cut down on costs from transportation and even relocation.

For institutions that are planning to start offering online distance learning programs, there are many investments that need to be made in terms of finances. New courses would have to be developed and equipment such as computers and software would have to be purchased. Investing in such programs, however, does create substantial savings for schools in the long run. Teachers can conduct multiple classes at the same time from remote locations. To fund educational institutions, private and public funds as well as grants are usually used.

According to studies, students that participate in online distance learning programs show no significant differences in terms of average GPA when compared to students from traditional classroom settings. This indicates that it can work just as well as more popular forms of education. However, it is important to maintain access to technology so the educational process is not interrupted. Individuals from remote locations or low-income situations are among those who are most affected by this problem.

For more information on the topic of distance learning, please visit ici.net.au.

 

 

New staff members join PTC's Strategic Initiatives department

PTC extends a hearty "welcome" to four staff members, new to the Strategic Initiatives Department -- a department created after the college won a $4.2M healthcare grant from the Department of Labor in Feb. 2010. The money is being used in expanding existing degree programs and acquiring new degree programs in healthcare.

"I am very excited and pleased to have such a strong team," says Stefanie Schroeder, Director of Strategic Initiatives. "This department, grant and programming will bring so much opportunity to the region -- opportunity for students and opportunity for healthcare employers. It's just simply very important," Schroeder adds.


Photo (L to R): Stefanie Schroeder, Kerry Fridstrom, Alison Holland, Jessica Ayub, Mari Ringness.

Kerry Fridstrom,
Education and Employment Administrative Specialist
Fridstrom, a PTC alumnus,earned the Public Welfare Financial Worker A.A.S. in May, 2006. Since 2003, Fridstrom worked in the insurance industry and has been licensed as an Insurance Producer for Life, Accident/Health, Property, Casualty and Variable Annuities. As a former CNA, Health Unit Coordinator/Clinical Assistant and Staffing Coordinator, Fridstrom also has previous work experience in the medical field.

Jessica Ayub, Education and Employment Counselor
Ayub formerly worked in Pine Technical College's Employment and Training Center as an employment counselor serving Chisago County. Prior to joining PTC, Ayub provided vocational rehabilitation case management to injured workers within the State of Minnesota Workers’ Compensation system. Ayub's background includes experience in recruitment and career services with the Talent Acquisition team at Fairview Health Services and a host of volunteer work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and is looking forward to gaining her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology -- both degrees from Bethel University.

Mari Ringness, Education and Employment Counselor
Since 2006, Ringness served as a College and Career Advisor at Cambridge-Isanti High School and worked with students and their parents, advising them regarding college admissions, financial aid, scholarships and more. Ringness also taught career units in classrooms and coordinated special events including a college fair and Senior Scholarship Night. Ringness, also a freelance writer, has a background in business and previously owned a conference planning company and has experience in marketing.

Alison Holland, Outreach Coordinator
Holland has served as the Executive Assistant to the President at Pine Technical College since July, 2009. In that role, Holland worked with the Healthcare Alliance and now looks forward to serving as the Outreach Coordinator for the Alliance’s HOPES grant. Prior to coming to PTC, Holland cultivated her skills in a variety of education and communication organizations including Mora High School, the University of Minnesota Extension, The Rake magazine, and The Sportsman’s Guide. Holland holds a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree from Hamline University.

PTC supports local LGBT community

Each year since 2005, hundreds of LGBT community members and their allies from around Minnesota's East Central area meet to network, learn and celebrate with pride at the East Central Pride in the Park event. This Sunday, it was Pine Technical College's first year attending the event, and members of PTC's Diversity Committee staffed a booth to showcase its support.

"Our booth got so much positive feedback; it was wonderful," said Theresa Fish, Sociology Instructor and Diversity Committee member. "We had the chance to connect with prospective and current students, alumni, community members, politicians and other MnSCU employees and demonstrate the school's commitment to being inclusive," Fish added.

Other vendors/booths at the event included Anoka-Ramsey Community College, East Central Minnesota Men's Circle, PFLAG, Rural Action Aids Network and more. Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and desserts were served along with a lineup of entertainment including a comedy act and live music.


Photo: Members of PTC's Diversity Committee staff the booth at the 2010 Pride in the Park event.

Online Educational College Degree

The increasing demand of online education makes many colleges arrange online programs to meet. Their customers are people lacking of time due to schedules, taking care of children or distant problems. These programs are showing their convenience and flexibility for almost every attendants.

 

An education degree is the best option for individuals who want to specialize in the learning and teaching field. Specific programs are offered, so you can choose based on your goals and career direction. There are programs for degrees in literacy, secondary education, and instructional leadership.

 

Go through each program, its objectives, and request information or more details to help you decide. Another option is to consult with a counselor to help you find a good program and fit it into your schedule.

They can give you advice in both choosing the program and the online college as well.

 

Online degrees are offered by reputable colleges that are known for their standards and quality of education. Factors that you should consider when choosing an online college include background of the college and instructors, available courses and subjects, registration and course fees. Before signing up, you should also find out more details about a college's online educational system. How do they deliver lectures and coursework materials? How are homework and projects assigned? How are evaluations and grading systems conducted? How do they monitor the performance of their students? Keep in mind that you are investing in your future.

 

Online colleges that offer education degrees are not a trend, but rather, they are a good option which provides the same quality of education as in the traditional school setting.

They give a chance to those who are limited by time constraints, those who live far from the school, or those who are looking for a more affordable education.

 

There are individuals who can study and learn by themselves, without constant face to face interaction with instructors and other students. They prefer a more flexible program that can fit in their schedule. If you are confident and motivated to pursue a degree, consider earning it online. You can work and be at home, without compromising your learning process.

 

PTC students to help define Pine City's brand

As part of the City of Pine City's Comprehensive Plan, a committee of local citizens has come together to discover, define and brand Pine City. The results will be reflected in the city's logo, tagline, signage, communications materials and more.

To help define the city's brand, the committee's first step is to gain input from Pine Citians and visitors to Pine City -- a move that gives PTC students the chance to tell Pine City leaders their thoughts on what makes Pine City.

Watch the City of Pine City website or the Pine City Chamber of Commerce website between June 15 and July 1. Click the survey link, and let your voice be heard!