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The Truth about Online Engineering Degree Programs

October 16, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Online engineering degree programs make it possible for many engineering students to realize their dreams. Some engineer hopefuls might be discouraged about the long educational career ahead of them. After all, becoming an engineer is no small feat. Engineers are required to hold at least a bachelors degree in engineering and many acquire masters and even doctorate degrees. This requires a minimum four years of study and as many as seven years for graduate degrees.

Engineering requires the use of some very complex subjects. Engineers must be proficient in mathematics, design, project management, and physics, just to name a few. Many of these disciplines are overwhelming to even the most diligent student. And, the pace of a classroom setting full of other students can be intimidating.

However, a traditional engineering program is just one way to become an engineer. Believe it or not, there are many online engineering degree programs that allow you to get your degree from the comfort of your own home.

Online engineering colleges are ideal for students pursuing their degree later in life. When you have a family, a job, and an established home, going back to school can seem almost impossible. But distance engineering degrees might be just the answer you’re looking for. You can complete your course work in your free time. And, there’s no need to uproot your family as you can complete your degree from your home computer.

Online engineering colleges are often more affordable than traditional colleges as well. A college education can cost thousands every year, especially when you include books and living expenses. But online colleges are much more affordable and they allow you to continue with your current life.

Some engineering students are skeptical of online engineering degree programs because they think they aren’t’ as good as traditional colleges and universities. However, by choosing accredited engineering schools, you can receive the same engineering education at an online school as you would at a traditional college.

Online colleges are very creative in their use of technology to ensure you get the best education possible. You interact with you professors and fellow students. You complete projects and lessons. And, you’re graded on your work with the same level of expectation.

However, many online engineering colleges allow you to move at your own pace. You can take the time you need to become comfortable with the material, as opposed to the classroom setting your pace.

With all these benefits, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get your engineering education online. It’s affordable, convenient, and practical. But online colleges aren’t just for more established students. They’re also great for first-time students, right out of high school. Traditional colleges aren’t right for everyone. But with an online engineering school, you can still get a college education without the cost or commitment of a traditional school.

You can work and complete your college degree, which allows you to get a head start in life.

Online Engineering PhD Programs

The decision to begin looking at engineering Ph.D. programs is a big step. A doctorate degree is a big commitment and it shows your passion for your career. But for many professionals, the task of getting their Ph.D. is a dream in itself. Everyone wants to have those special initials after their name.

But for many people, this dream never happens. Why? Life happens instead. People acquire jobs, bills, houses, and families instead of graduate degrees. And as life fills up with other things, there’s no more room for a long Ph.D. program. It’s even more challenging for engineers, who usually have demanding jobs and can work long hours.

However, technology makes it possible for more people to get their Ph.D. in engineering. Online engineering Ph.D. programs are becoming more popular for obvious reasons. They’re more convenient, more affordable, and more practical for the busy, working adult.

First of all, engineering Ph.D. programs can take years. But online Ph.D. engineering programs allow you to complete your degree at your own pace. If you have a lot of other commitments and you don’t want your doctorate degree program to interfere with your life, you can take as long as you need, working on it when you can. If you want to complete your degree as soon as possible, you can work hard to get it done quickly.

This is perhaps the best thing about distance Ph.D. programs. You can work when it’s convenient for you, instead of rearranging your life and your schedule. You don’t have to relocate to attend classes on a college campus.

Instead, you can do your work right from you home computer. Also, you can plan your degree schedule around your work and family schedule. Many campus classes are during standard work hours, making it difficult to hold and job and complete a doctorate program. With online programs, you can do your work during nights and weekends.

Online engineering Ph.D. programs are also more affordable. When you have lots of other financial commitments, it’s hard to imagine paying for another degree. After all, education can be very expensive, especially at the graduate level. However, online programs are more budget friendly.

If you’re concerned that your online Ph.D. program isn’t as good as the traditional approach, think again. Earning your Ph.D. is hard work, whether it’s done online or on a college campus. Accredited Ph.D. programs can be completed online, some of which are affiliated with traditional university campuses. But researching online programs, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget, your disciplinary interests, and your needs.

When you know you’re ready to complete your Ph.D., it can seem like a million obstacles are standing in the way. The internet makes everything more affordable and convenient, even when it comes to your graduate education. With online engineering programs, you dreams of becoming a doctor of engineering can become a reality. Earn your doctorate degree with the help of online engineering Ph.D. programs.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

October 16, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Mechanical engineering is a subset of general engineering. Engineers use science and mathematical principles to solve technical problems. Since they often create new products to solve these problems, they are in high demand.

Engineers are essentially inventors. By dreaming up ideas and turning them into a reality they push technology to its limits. Therefore, there is a great deal of prestige to be gained by becoming an engineer.

Mechanical engineers are specialized engineers who work with mechanical devices. These may include elevators, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, robots, electric generators. Mechanical engineers design tools used in other engineering disciplines.

As you can imagine, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering specialities.

Mechanical Engineer Salaries

Like most careers, the range in pay for mechanical engineers varies widely. Your pay will be determined by your level of education and experience. But other factors will also play a role. These include location and the type of employment you seek. Typically, mechanical engineers in government or private sectors earn the most.

The average salary for an engineer was reported at $88,190 in 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of all engineers earned more than $128,000.

Remember, these are just estimates. Your salary will depend on a number of factors as well as the current state of the economy.

What Type of Person Makes a Good Mechanical Engineer?

The best mechanical engineers truly enjoy complex problem solving. They are innovators at heart. If you choose engineering as a career, you will turn ideas into reality and solve problems that better society. You will be right on the cutting edge of technology.

Since most mechanical engineers work together, you should be a team player and have excellent communication skills; both written and oral. This will be important when you are planning and creating new projects.

You should also be curious, creative, innovative, and practical about how things work and the world around you. You should have the desire to help people and improve the world around you. At the very least, you should enjoy learning how to make things work more efficiently.

Mechanical engineers are typically very good at math and science. You should especially enjoy working complex math problems.

If you can tackle the math and science hurdles and graduate with your degree in mechanical engineering, you will be positioned to make a very nice salary. Mechanical engineering is thought to be a very prestigious career. Just imagine, you will be working on solving the problems of tomorrow.

What Education is Necessary for a Career as a Mechanical Engineer?

You will at least need a bachelor’s degree from a university engineering program to qualify for a position as a mechanical engineer. The degree must be from a college or university accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

As an alternative to a degree in mechanical engineering (or general engineering), you may also work toward a degree in physics, math (or applied math or physics), or computer science. Regardless of the exact degree you obtain, your course load will be very heavy in math and physics.

So just how much math is involved with most mechanical engineering programs? Well, there’s a heavy course load in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. There is also a great deal of science to master, including; biology, chemistry and physics. You may also need possible computer programming or computer applications coursework as well.

To get into most mechanical engineering programs, a student is expected to have completed two years of high school algebra and one year of trigonometry. They should have also completed one year of both chemistry and physics.

It is possible to start at a community college and transfer to a 4-year college later. You can also join a co-op program where you will both attend classes and work in an engineering-related job. This allows you to graduate with valuable experience. Otherwise, you may include gain experience at a traditional internship during your college years.

If you are interested in gaining an advanced degree (i.e. a Master’s or Ph.D) in Mechanical Engineering, you will need to take the GRE Test. The GRE is the admissions exam required by most graduate schools.

What is a Career as a Mechanical Engineer Like?

Engineers solve complex problems for society. Mechanical engineers create and build mechanical devices. They apply the fundamentals of science and math to create practical, useful solutions that the rest of us can use.

Mechanical engineers research and develop machines, tools and various mechanical devices and components. A mechanical engineer is concerned with the design, planning and development of machines and equipment ranging from jet engines to minute instruments used in medicine and surgery.

Engineering is a challenging job with decent pay (an engineer’s pay is higher than most with just a bachelor’s degree). Of course, an engineer’s salary ultimately depends on location and specialty.

With a career in mechanical engineering, diversity is the key. You can wind up working in a laboratory or an outdoor construction site. Remember, nearly every mechanical device was created by a mechanical engineer so the possibilities for employment are virtually endless!

Areas of Specialization for Mechanical Engineering

There are many areas of specialization for mechanical engineering. In fact, two mechanical engineers can actually have very different jobs and very different areas of expertise. Choosing an area of specialization for your mechanical engineering career can be as conflicting as choosing a career in general. It’s important to understand the different areas before selecting a specialization.

Mechanical engineering overlaps with several other engineering fields, such as civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, and even petroleum engineering. The field uses concepts from many different disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, and thermodynamics, just to name a few.

Mechanical engineers are called upon to work on a variety of projects. But the type of project you wish to devote your career to may be determined by your area of specialization. Mechanical engineering is such a broad area of study that most engineering students choose one area in which to focus their education.

Areas of specialization allow students to become very knowledgeable and capable in one specific area of mechanical engineering. Then, they can apply their expertise in their work. Otherwise, general mechanical engineering is too broad to study the entire field.

A few areas of specialization include mechanics, kinematics, robotics, structural analysis, and thermodynamics. Students can also choose areas of specialization based on how they wish to apply their knowledge, whether they wish to design vehicles and air craft, medical technology, energy systems, or others.

When choosing a college for your mechanical engineering education, you may want to choose your area of specialization before you choose your school. At the livery least, you may want to have narrowed your choices to a few options. Otherwise, you may find yourself enrolled in a program that does not offer your desired area of specialization.

Also, some colleges have better curriculums for specific areas of specialization than others. One college may be the leader in biomedical engineering but weak in environmental studies. It’s important to research where each school’s strengths and weaknesses lie.

How do you choose an area of specialization for mechanical engineering? First, make a list of all the different possibilities for specialization. Next, make a shorter list of all the areas that interest you. You can start this process by crossing out those that you know are not a fit.
Finally, look into each area of specialization. Research the type of training involved with each area. Also, research the career opportunities associated with each one. Some areas may provide better employment opportunities than others. Not to mention, so areas may promise better salaries than others.

Areas of specialization will be even more important if you attend graduate school. Master’s and doctorate programs in mechanical engineering often require students to identify their areas of specialization in very specific terms.

It’s important to know the market for your desired career before you begin your education. However, it’s just as important to choose a career you can enjoy. In the end, choose the area of specialization that excites you. Choose one that you can feel passionate about. Otherwise, the education process could be a long one. But the career path could be even longer.

Where Do Mechanical Engineers Gain Employment?

Mechanical engineers can find employment at virtually any institute where innovation takes place. They commonly work in the government, research, industry, military, teaching, management or consulting sectors.

More than half the mechanical engineers employed in the U.S. are employed in manufacturing.

Some of the businesses that hire mechanical engineers include: hotels, banks, hospitals, construction firms, consulting firms, electronics manufacturers, textile industries, the aerospace industry, the auto industry, the petroleum industry, and the industrial machinery industry. This list could go on much longer. There are dozens and dozens of jobs within the mechanical engineering field in the private sector.

There are also many jobs in government that can be secured. A few of these jobs are Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. All of these are very important jobs working for very well-known government agencies.

From developing toys to prosthetic legs, the types of projects you can be a part of are as vast as your imagination.

What is Engineering?

October 16, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Engineering is the field of applying science and mathematics to develop solutions that have a practical end. Engineers design and manufacture machines, processes, systems and even economical structures.

In a sense, engineers are inventors. They dream up ideas and make them a reality for the rest of us. By utilizing science and math, they improve the quality of life for society.

Engineering is a highly rewarding career for creative and innovative individuals around the world. And as you can imagine, there is a great deal of prestige involved with being an engineer.

Since engineers are often responsible for directly creating a new product or service, they are in high demand in the corporate world and command fairly high salaries.

This site is dedicated to providing you with current information related to a career in engineering. Please review our many resources and get on the path to a rewarding career as an engineer today!

Education Requirements for Engineers

The minimum requirements for becoming an engineer consist of a bachelor’s degree from a university accredited engineering program. A degree in engineering might go a long way, but it is also possible to become an engineer with a degree in math, physics, or even computer science.

Keep in mind that there is quite a bit of math involved with most engineering programs or similar degrees. You can expect to take the following courses; algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. You will also be expected to take a large variety of science coursework. Typical science courses for engineering majors include; biology, chemistry and physics. Depending on your area of emphasis, you may also need to take some computer programming or computer applications coursework.

With the heavy coursload involved in an engineering program, you should come prepared. Most university engineering programs require students to complete two years of high school algebra and one year of trigonometry for admissions. Engineering programs commonly require one year of both chemistry and physics for admissions as well.

After college, many engineering graduates choose to pursue a job. It is possible to graduate and start earning $40,000 a year right out of college. A smaller subset of engineering graduates pursue in advanced degree in engineering (i.e. a Master’s or Ph.D) in Engineering. If you are considering a graduate degree in engineering, you will need a high score on the GRE Test. The GRE test is the graduate level admissions exam required by most all graduate schools.

Who Makes a Good Engineer?

So what type of person really does make the best engineer? Well, the best engineers really like to solve complex problems (you’ll be doing that a lot at your engineering job). They are also typically true inventors.

Math and science is an engineer’s playground. So if you struggled through your algebra 101 course, this career may not be the right fit for you.

Most engineers work as a team, therefore you should be a team player and possess great skills communicating with others. This will be highly important when planning and creating new projects (which engineers often do).

Engineers are also often practical, innovative, creative and curious about how things work. So many innovative technologies created by engineers help make the world safer and healthier, therefore, the desire to help people and improve the environment is a plus.

If you can tackle math and science quite easily (or at least stick with it) and you graduate with a degree in engineering, you can expect to earn a fairly high salary. You will also enter into a very prestigious career and can expect to be right on the cutting edge of technology. You will turn ideas into reality and solve problems that better society.

Where Do Engineers Work?

Engineers work at any organization where innovation occurs. This means they commonly wind up working in the government, research, industry, military, teaching, management or consulting sectors (which is practically everywhere).

Since engineering is a highly diverse field, engineers are found in many different industries. These include the petroleum industry, electronics, construction, environmental, hospitals, research facilities, nuclear plants, transportation and public utility companies. Engineers may also be found working on energy and automotive solutions, aerospace and pharmaceutical technologies, piping, and architectural designs.

Education Requirements for Engineers

The minimum requirements for becoming an engineer consist of a bachelor’s degree from a university accredited engineering program.

A degree in engineering might go a long way, but it is also possible to become an engineer with a degree in math, physics, or even computer science.

With the heavy course load involved in an engineering program, you should come prepared. Most university engineering programs require students to complete two years of high school algebra and one year of trigonometry for admissions. Engineering programs commonly require one year of both chemistry and physics for admissions as well.

Featured Engineering Careers: The field of engineering has a wide range of career specialties, many of which require their own degree. Here are a few engineering careers:

Aerospace Engineering Career
Architectural Engineering Career
Biomedical Engineering Career
Chemical Engineering Careers
Civil Engineering Career
Computer Engineering Career
Electrical Engineering Careers
Environmental Engineering Career
Forensic Engineering Career
Materials Science Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Career
Structural Engineering Career

Online Computer Animation Schools: A New Future

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Sci-fi and action movies have awesome special effects that are fabricated by graphic designers and computer animators. With a quick Internet search, you can find various PC games, videos, and websites that have all been created by these same professionals.

As Internet and video games, as well as many other media sources, continue to grow and advance, graphic designers and computer animators are becoming more and more in demand. These highly valued professionals are able to create the fantasies many people can only dream about. Entering online computer animation school can give you the opportunity to join these professionals in creating new worlds in every sequence you complete.

Animation Industry

There is a lot more to the animation industry than you may know. There are several fields, positions, and responsibilities within this industry. Attending an accredited animation college online provides you with the knowledge that is needed to enter the world of computer animation and graphics design, becoming an essential part of a team that creates several different forms of animation, including:

Video games
Television
Movies
Commercials
Websites

Whether you’re interested in creating cartoons or building upon live action footage, there is a place for you within the computer animation career field.

Online Animation College

If you’re interested in getting a certificate or technical degree, or even your associate’s or bachelor’s degree, online, there are several different schools to choose from. A few schools include:

Westwood College
DeVry University
ITT Technical University

There are also several other campus universities that offer online animation programs that can be completed in as little as nine months or as long as two years. The choice is yours, but it depends upon how far you wish to go in your career, as each degree can lead to a different level within the industry.

Job Outlook

When entering the field of computer animation, there are several directions you may take. For instance, many computer animators choose to work as independent contractors, obtaining freelance positions at various levels. This position will require a great deal of credentials and experience to land higher paying work. There are also positions within animation and graphics design firms, as well as various other companies in numerous industries. You can work your way up to various job titles, including chief designer or creative director within a high profile firm or industry.

Now is a great time to pursue a career in computer animation, as there is a projected career growth of about 6 percent through 2024. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2015 figures, the median pay for multimedia artists and animators is $63,970 per year. Depending upon the field in which you work—and your experience and location—you have the potential to make over $113,000.

The Various Elements of Online Animation Classes

The animation industry offers a multitude of opportunities, but you need to get your education before stepping into this field. A bachelor’s degree or higher is generally the most desired education for this profession, which is why it is a good idea to take a look at the various online animation classes that provide great convenience and a cost-efficient method of obtaining your degree.

The first thing to know about attending an animation course online is that there are several different degrees to pursue:

Certificate
Diploma
Associate’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree

A bachelor’s degree program is the most sought out, offering many opportunities and the most skill advancement within the profession. Common courses required for bachelor’s degree programs include:

Animation fundamentals
Data structuring
2D animation
Graphic movement
Storyboard and script creation
3D animation
Software and hardware applications
Drawing
Painting
Analysis and development of solutions in design
Creation and manipulation of integrated 2D, 3D, and live action

What to Expect from Your Career

If you’re ready to make the move toward tomorrow’s most exciting career, you can take advantage of the many benefits online computer animation schools provide. The courses may not have the hands-on instruction campus-based animation schools have, but they still offer the necessary instruction and curriculum you need.

Animation School: Your Path to Success

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Computer animation is a growing field that has many career possibilities. If you are wondering how to become an animator, there are now many ways to get the training you need to succeed in this profession. An animation degree can give you the background necessary to work in this rapidly expanding industry.

The computer animator career possibilities are diverse and exciting. Movies, television, advertising, and video games all utilize computer animation. The demand for new and creative animation is growing with the advance of innovative technologies.

Popular Specialty Fields

Choosing a specialty will allow you to concentrate on one field of animation. The field you choose will determine the nature of your work—and in many cases the salary you can earn.

Game or Simulation Programming: This is a very popular field. There are many aspects to designing games, each requiring very specialized skills.
Animation for Movies and Television: This is a very exciting, though highly competitive, field, as the quality of animation is continually improving as new technologies emerge. This includes not only the production of animated films, but also special effects that are used in many movies and television shows.
Digital Media and Digital Arts: These programs are more general and can give you a solid background in the animation skills that are necessary for a variety of careers.

How do you decide on the right school or program?

You should first do some general research to find out what is being offered. It also depends on whether you want to attend school full time, part time, or online.

An online animation degree has the advantage of catering to your schedule, while it has the drawback of not having face-to-face contact with other students and faculty. If you want to attend a traditional school, you have to consider the location and reputation of the school.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree

Animation school can help you prepare for a corporate job or even a freelance career. There is so much being done with computer animation today that many people are making a good living by working for themselves. Of course, everything you create for your clients can become part of your resume, in case you want to apply for a job sometime in the future.

An animation degree can give you a foothold in a desirable and creative field. As people become used to watching video on their computers, cell phones, and mp3 players, the demand for new material will never stop. And for every type of content, whether film, TV show, or website, there is the need for advertising. In all of these areas, animation skills can play an important role.

Arguably most important is the fact that a bachelor’s degree provides you with a better starting salary than an associate’s degree or other certificate. Additionally, the curriculum associated with a bachelor’s degree develops a well-rounded skill set that will help you excel in many aspects of your career, not just the actual animation.

Today, animation programs are offered both online and in traditional educational settings. Additionally, you may be able to find an entry-level job that will train you in the more complex animation skills you need to develop.

Computer Animation Programs

If you desire to enter the exciting and quickly growing world of animation, there are several types of computer animation college programs to choose from. Depending on the computer animation college, there are numerous programs you can complete, such as:

Animation Art and Design
2D and 3D Animation Applications and Sequences
Media Arts and Animation
Entertainment Design
Digital Media and Animation
Integration of Live Footage with 2D and 3D Animation
Design Solution Development
Use of Multi-Media, Software, and Hardware

Examples of Classes

There are several classes typically found within a computer animation program, with computer animation colleges generally designing the curriculum based on the degree program and the available resources within the school. Classes may include:

Animation Theory and Techniques
Writing for Film
Storyboard and Script Development
2D and 3D Animation Production
Drawing and Design for Animation
Graphic Design and Art
General Computer Animation
Data Structuring
Movement through Graphic Images

Each class provides the skills necessary to enter the field with the appropriate knowledge of the various tools and resources to be used, as well as accepted processes and procedures.

Skills Learned

All colleges of graphic design and computer animation will provide you with the basic skills needed to perform the work you will take on within the profession. Whether you are attending a 3D animation school or a school that offers various other programs, there are several skills you will take with you upon graduation, including:

Computer drawing
Web design
3D graphic design
Media production
Computer animation

All programs, even the most advanced 3D animation programs, will start with teaching you the paper and pencil aspect of beginning your work, leading to the compilation of animation and live action to create masterpieces within media outlets.

Computer animation is a wonderful industry—one that can provide a steady job despite a down economy. With the right education and a bit of talent, you can start your new animation career!

Now Is a Great Time to Become an Animation Professional

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

If you’re considering a career in animation, then your timing is great. Technology is constantly evolving, and people always want the latest gadgets and applications—as well as the latest movies, television shows, advertisements, and videos created with them. For this reason, careers in computer animation are likely to be among the fastest growing.

The Many Applications of Computer Animation

The potential ways to use computer animation are almost endless. Two of the most popular are animated features and television programs. An animation career with a film studio or television network is many people’s idea of a dream job! However, you needn’t limit your thinking to these glamorous careers. Consider all the other ways that animation is being used today. Advertising, online videos, computer games, and even education are some prime examples.

As video becomes increasingly accessible, the demand for creative material, as well as advertising, geared toward viewers of video is rising. These viewers, keep in mind, include web surfers watching Youtube and people downloading material on their mp3 players and cell phones.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Animation Professional?

What do you have to learn to get started in an animation career? Well, it depends on the kind of work you want to do. No matter what field of animation you choose, you have to start with basic artistic skills. Even in today’s high tech world, animation is something that starts in the mind and is then drawn, whether on a piece of paper or on a computer screen. When your artistic capabilities are developed, you can dive into the specialty of your choice!

You could learn the necessary skills on your own, but it is recommended that you earn a college degree in the animation field of your choice if you plan on working for a company.

This field is highly competitive, so a degree may assist you in getting the job you want. With more and more colleges offering animation programs, choosing the right school is a bit easier now than, say, ten years ago. There are also online programs that allow you to study at your own pace. However you decide to prepare for your animation career, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can so you can start earning money in the near future.

Graphics and Animation Careers

Video game design and Internet advertising are two of the fastest growing fields within the industry of animation.

Video game design is a huge industry.

It’s also the kind of industry that is likely to remain immune to economic ups and downs. This is because many people are, simply put, addicted to video games.

Millions of people around the world have an insatiable appetite for new and flashy games, with exotic creatures, landscapes, and special effects.

This career offers a flexible work environment, as you can work either independently or as a member of a team. If you love to play computer games yourself, and have a sense of what they should look like, this might be a good direction for you to take.

Internet advertisements are posted all over the World Wide Web. As more and more ads go online, there is an ever-increasing need to stand out from the crowd. Clever, original animation is one way to do this.

You could get a job working for a company, large or small, or you could be a freelancer. Internet advertising is only going to get bigger, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone with the right artistic and technological skills.

Starting your career in animation is a step toward a fun, exciting future. If you love using your creativity in the workplace, and are a talented artist, then becoming an animation professional may be the perfect move!

Pursuing Your Online Accounting Degree

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

In the past, universities typically offered only broad degrees in accounting or finance. Today, many have created specialized degree tracks for students in this field. For example, some colleges have made it possible to earn accounting degrees with a focus in tax preparation or auditing.

These specialized degrees are designed to prepare students to go straight into the workforce with little employment history. Most accounting courses also offer internships that give students the opportunity to work in an actual office while earning course credit for their experiences.

As with all careers today, technology is playing a more important role in the accounting world than ever before. No longer do accountants use ledgers filled with handwritten columns; most accounting professionals use spreadsheets full of complex calculations.

You’ll need to understand more than just the basics of using these programs; accountants today have to know the ins and outs of software like Quicken and QuickBooks. Those who work in large businesses will also have to quickly learn and adapt to the specific, often customized software that the business uses to track all of its income and expenditures.

Earning your degree in accounting is the first step toward landing the job of your dreams. Thanks to innovative online courses, obtaining this degree may be more convenient than you think.

Online Accounting School: Making Life Easier

How many people are not attending business school only because they can’t quit their jobs or don’t have access to a local university or college that offers their degree of choice? Plenty! Yet technology offers easy access to accredited online universities with excellent business schools.

No matter where you live, if you have Internet access then you have access to colleges that offer online classes in accounting. Online colleges and universities offer rigorous courses of study that prepare you for a successful career in accounting. These courses are as thorough and challenging as their traditional counterparts.

An online accounting education is designed to help you develop the same skills and knowledge base you would by attending a brick and mortar educational facility. These web-based classes are taught in a variety of instructional methods, including:

Pre-recorded online video lectures
Webinars
Podcasts
Online workshops

You are given access to an online “blackboard,” where you can find assignments or ask questions of the instructor. The syllabus for the class is posted online, as are reading assignments and additional materials. Through this website, you can also interact with other students in your class. As in a traditional classroom setting, the interaction you have with classmates and your teacher help build your understanding of the course material.

The Benefits of Distance Learning for Your Accounting Degree

An Impressive Salary

What does all this lead up to? It leads to you earning an accounting degree online, which can result in a challenging career that pays quite well. All salary information, unless otherwise noted, is based on May 2015 figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Accountants make an average annual wage of $67,190.
The bottom ten percent of accountants makes an estimated $41,400 per year.
The top 90 percent of accountants makes approximately $118,930 per year.
Professionals who handle basic accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll make an average annual salary of $67,440 per year.

Learning at Your Convenience

The availability of online accounting degrees makes it simple for individuals to attend school. Online classes are easier to fit into a busy schedule. As a result, distance learning offers a flexibility that appeals to many students. This flexibility is due to more than just the opportunity to study online:

Remain employed and earn an accounting degree online at your own pace.
Get an education no matter what limitations you face in terms of transportation or family commitments.
Pursue the degree of choice without limiting your options to local degree offerings.
Advance your career when you get an accounting degree online.
Prepare to earn certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

A Standard Education

Online accounting classes are the same as the ones you would register for if you were attending a physical campus. Here is a list of typical online accounting classes:

Principles of Accounting
Management
Finance
Business Communication
Business Statistics
Business Law
Marketing
Economics
Intermediate Accounting
Cost Accounting
Auditing
Government Accounting
Finance for Business
Business Information Systems

If you want to specialize in a particular area of accounting, you can choose electives that cover topics of interest. For example, you might want to take online courses in tax accounting, forensic accounting, or international accounting.

When you decide to take an online accounting class, you must be prepared to put in the time and effort needed to master the material. You can get a quality education through an online university or college, but you get out of it what you put into it. Online schools have used the full force of technology to bring you an academically challenging program that prepares you for a satisfying career, but your success depends on you!

CPA Training

Becoming a CPA can really boost your career. You can earn an online CPA degree, which means your coursework will provide the information you need to pass the relatively difficult CPA exam. The online school will even help you with the process of taking the CPA exam through access to career counselors who work exclusively to help students succeed.

No Borders or Boundaries

Online accounting programs are offered by various universities in both the United States and Canada. In fact, partnerships have been developed to allow universities to offer degrees in these two countries. For example, DeVry University can serve students from both countries.

This just goes to prove once again how convenient online degree programs can be to students of all kinds! Whether you work full time or travel often, your online courses will be available to you anytime, anywhere. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can access your course materials.

Virtual Classrooms for a Real World Education

The virtual classroom offers a full educational experience. If you have put off returning to school because of the inconvenience of attending classes, then you should consider an online degree in accounting. You can earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or work toward your CPA.

All online programs are not equal, though. Here are some factors to look for when choosing which online program to take:

Accreditation
Affordability
Course availability
Elective courses of interest

The No-Excuse Degree

How quickly you earn the accounting degree depends on the number of classes you take each semester. There are also general education requirements that must be met to earn a four year bachelor’s degree. With an online program, you can work on your degree at your own pace. In fact, many online courses are offered continuously, meaning you don’t have to wait for a class to be offered like you do in the traditional setting. You can earn your degree at a faster pace if you so choose.

The online accounting degree really is a no-excuse degree. No matter what your circumstances may be, if you have Internet access then you can earn a degree. It really is that simple!

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Accounting Online

An advanced degree proves that you have the knowledge to succeed in a higher level position, as well as the drive and ambition required to achieve goals.

When pursing a master’s degree in accounting online, you are not required to have an undergraduate business degree. All that is required is that you take some core undergraduate accounting courses in addition to the coursework included in the graduate program.

People from all kinds of non-business disciplines pursue the master’s degree in accounting. The coursework of this program teaches essential business strategy and decision making needed by managers in all industries. Check out the registrants in any master’s in accounting program and you might find nurses and liberal arts graduates, in addition to students who hold bachelor’s degrees in business.

Making the Right Decisions

If you do not have your CPA designation, you can pursue an online master’s degree in accounting while also taking required core courses for CPA certification. The accounting MBA prepares you for a successful career as a manager. Unlike the core accounting and business courses required for an undergraduate degree in accounting, graduate level classes are more focused on decision making and strategic management. The typical course titles you can expect to find when considering an MBA program include:

Auditing and Attestation
Business Environment and Concepts
Advanced Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Information Systems and Accounting
Business Valuation
Ethics for Managers
Accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions
Strategic Business Control Systems
Tax Planning and Business Strategy
Economics for the Global Manager
Business Research for Decision Making

In some cases, and depending on the school chosen, you can also earn credits for work experience. You can continue working while acquiring the advanced knowledge needed to pursue higher level management positions.

Online master of accounting classes teach the skills needed for recording and analyzing economic activities. But they also provide classes in decision making using the information traditionally collected by accountants. These graduate level courses teach:

How to turn data into useable information
Using information services to create useful management information
Communicating complex accounting information to people outside the organization, i.e. shareholders, community groups, etc.
Accounting research needed for effective decision making
Evaluating organizational performance
Organizational social responsibility
Determining information reliability
Applying theories to practical accounting matters
Legal aspects of accounting
Analyzing financial statements

Open the Door to Opportunity

With an MBA in accounting, you can secure positions that go far beyond maintaining financial records. You can strive for positions with job titles like Vice President of Financial Affairs, Director of Global Business Affairs, or Director of Budgeting. In fact, many people who earn their master’s degrees with an emphasis in accounting go on to become company presidents, business owners, or senior executives.

A master’s degree can also lead to a quite lucrative senior level position. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for a Vice President of Accounting is $156,581. An Accountant IV earns a median salary of $67,978. Since it is recommended that junior accountants gain work experience before earning an MBA, they are faced with juggling work and school in order to earn an advanced degree. If that describes you, then it’s time to consider pursuing an online master’s degree in accounting.

Ph.D. Positions

There are two primary reasons why people decide to pursue an accounting Ph.D. online. The first reason is a desire to work in an academic setting for the purpose of either teaching graduate level courses to students or obtaining an administrative position. The second reason is to pursue a career in a private industry or in a government agency as a top level manager.

The Ph.D. in business with an accounting concentration requires taking classes that advance knowledge in areas like accounting research, statistical analysis, and large scale management of an organization. The curriculum focuses on practical research methods using real world experiences and standards while also covering theories and concepts.

Research, Learn, and Advance

A Ph.D. in accounting requires you to complete coursework, an exam, and a dissertation. Typical courses include the following:

Accounting Theory
Strategic Application of Accounting Concepts
Business Leadership and Decision Making
Managing a Global Organization
Educational Organization Administration
Quantitative Methods
Research Seminars
Business and Financial Management
Current Problems of Professional Practice
Macroeconomics Analysis

Normally, the coursework is completed first. After completion of the coursework, the student takes a comprehensive examination that reviews all the information learned in the classes. The final phase of the program is the dissertation. Because of the advanced research that a dissertation involves, it can take up to five years to complete this degree in its entirety.

Taking the Next Step

Earning a degree in accounting online can take your career to new heights. If you are ready to take the next step toward your future, start comparing the various online programs available today! Enrolling in an online accounting program may prove to be the best professional decision you ever made.

What Is Forensic Accounting?

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

For many people, the term “forensic” conjures up images of dead bodies and crime scene investigations. The world of forensic accounting is much cleaner, although it serves an equally important purpose in the field of financial reporting. Forensic accountants act like financial detectives and may be involved in a number of different activities, including defining insurance payments, computing settlements, or calculating royalty benefits.

Forensic Accounting: What Does it Entail?

Typically, forensic accountants are involved in financial disputes that have been taken to the legal system. Their goal is to go through existing financial records to provide support for parties involved in legal cases. Forensic accountants work, primarily, in one of two areas.

Litigation support, which involves doing investigative work to determine realistic economic damages or to uncover other information needed to support a legal case.
Investigative accounting, which focuses on uncovering illegal activities.

Investigate, Interpret, and Catch!

If you had to define forensic accounting in a few words, those words would be investigate, interpret, and catch. Forensic accountants investigate accounting records and documents to look for signs of illegal activity or hidden assets. They then interpret the information to determine if, indeed, a white collar crime has been committed. If not, they try to find where the assets in question have been hidden. The final step is to prosecute the criminal using financial facts.

Forensic accountants investigate a number of situations or events, including:

Securities fraud
Money laundering
Embezzlement
Theft
Organized crime
Insurance fraud
Kickbacks
Pyramid schemes
Contract fraud
Hidden assets

In fact, when you become a forensic accountant, you will spend a lot of your time looking beneath the surface of transactions to track the flow of information, entries, data, and calculations that indicates which hidden records need to be uncovered. In addition, the job requires interviewing people at all levels of an organization, witnesses, and even possible victims.

Education Comes First

In order to work as a forensic accountant, you’ll typically need to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, as well as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

Larger accounting firms or law offices may hire accountants to work specifically as forensics accountants, while accountants employed by smaller firms may be required to handle these situations as part of a larger workload. Governmental organizations, like the FBI and CIA, also hire forensic accountants to work on cases.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a forensic accountant, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting and obtain your CPA designation.

This isn’t an easy process.

Typically, only 10-20 percent of test takers pass the exam on their first try. Once you pass your exam and gain a few years of experience in the field, you may want to pursue additional certification as either a Certified Forensic Accountant (CrFA) or a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Both of these certifications will help you earn a higher salary and advance in the field of forensic accounting. The American College of Forensic Examiners International (ACFEI) offers online courses to make earning these certifications more convenient.

Each year you will be required to attend approved workshops and seminars covering topics on fraud examination, fraud prevention, fraud detection, and new technologies as related to computer forensics.

Characteristics of a Great Forensic Accountant

When you become a certified forensic accountant, you will probably complete audits for law enforcement, bankruptcy or criminal attorneys, government agencies, financial or insurance organizations, and CPAs. You need to be the type of person who thinks logically and can organize information and evidence in a way that others can understand. You also need to have natural curiosity, patience, and tenacity.

Successful forensic accountants must be extremely detail-oriented, adept at discerning complicated financial statements, and knowledgeable about both legal and accounting practices. Although reading through financial statements can be tedious and time consuming, accuracy is imperative for forensic accountants.

Since forensic accountants may be required to testify as witnesses in legal trials, they must also be composed and able to simplify complicated financial matters for the judge and members of the jury.

Forensic accountants must also be good communicators. It is often necessary to interview anyone who can offer important information concerning an investigation. During your course of study, you will learn accounting, auditing, and methods of obtaining expert testimony.

Follow the Money: Forensic Accounting Salaries

Forensic accountants often spend time tracing money back to its source. But when it comes to earnings, you can follow the money right back to a great salary. Here are the average salaries of forensic accountants, based on the average number of years of experience, per Payscale.com:

One to four years: $50,995
Five to nine years: $66,460
10 to 19 years: $84,331
20 years or more: $83,497

You will notice that the people working more than 20 years have hit the top of the scale, but remember those older workers who have worked in the industry for 30 or 40 years began their careers at much lower salaries than are paid today. With the rapid growth in technology, the demand for forensic accountants is accelerating, and that is just one reason why salaries are propelling forward also.

If you want to earn an excellent salary and enjoy accounting work, then you can follow the money by pursuing a career as a forensic accountant!

Location Does Matter

Like most jobs, the state in which you work does matter in terms of earning the maximum salary. For example, Payscale.com reports that forensic accountants in California earn $95,000 annually, while in Florida they earn an average salary of $50,849. New York is paying average salaries of $72,093 and Texas is paying $71,899.

The type of work you do also impacts the salary level. Senior forensic accountants earn an average of $57,808 while internal audit managers are earning $85,935, which is a significant difference.

However, no matter how you look at the salary picture, the forensic accountant is paid well. So you can earn good money, enjoy a challenging career, and have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing important work.

Investigating Success

The job prospects for forensic accountants are excellent. One of the reasons for this is that the sophistication of technology has led to more sophisticated white collar crimes. It takes an expert forensic accountant to ferret out the web of transactions. Forensic accountants may investigate divorces, organized crime offenses, or corporate embezzlement using complex money transfers.

Not just anyone can handle this type of work, and that’s why the industry pays such an excellent salary!

Comparing Accounting and Finance Degrees

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

If there’s one topic that frequently confuses people it’s the difference between accounting and finance. However, when you compare accounting and finance degrees you can easily see that one is concerned with historical financial data and its use in decision making while the other is focused on money and investing.

You can think of accounting and finance as the yin and yang of business! One looks back and one looks forward. In certain areas, they overlap and complement one another.

The Difference Between History and Forecasting

The disparity between accounting and finance can be summed up in the following way:

Accounting is the organization, systemization, and analysis of existing financial information.
Finance is the management and investment of money.

Accounting is concerned with recording and managing financial information related to business operations. For example, an accountant might work with accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledgers, financial statements, and payroll.

Accounting looks backward at what has taken place and reports it using accepted accounting principles. Those reports and statements are then used for decision making, guiding leaders when deciding how many new employees to hire, whether or not to cut back on production, etc.

Finance, on the other hand, is concerned with current money management. Finance professionals are involved in managing cash and cash equivalents to ensure that businesses have enough operating capital. Additionally, finance managers see to the productivity of investments. The focus is on macroeconomics and a number of mathematical formulas, like present value and future value.

The Common Denominator: How Much?

Both accounting and finance professionals ask “how much?” on a daily basis. The difference between them lies in what they are referring to.

Accountants ask questions like, “How much did we spend last quarter on marketing?” or “How much is the equipment inventory worth?”
Finance managers will ask, “How much will it cost in interest and fees to pay for a loan needed for a planned capital expansion?” or “How much should be invested in equities versus money market funds given current market rates?”

The difference lies in perspective. While accountants are looking backward, determining how history can improve a company’s past, finance professionals are living in the moment.

Meeting in the Middle

Accounting and finance are not entirely separate disciplines. Accountants use historical data to establish future budgets and make informed decisions concerning upcoming financial management. Additionally, accountants use financial formulas to make entries reflecting future activities, like interest accruals. They may also use historical information to make future financial decisions.

Finance managers must rely on historical accounting data to determine how much is available to invest without treading on the capital necessary to cover operational expenses. Because the two disciplines are interrelated, some people choose to earn a double major, resulting in an accounting and finance degree. This allows them to take a variety of courses during their educational experience.

Accounting courses cover topics like financial statements and microeconomics.
Finance courses cover topics such as banking and investments.

An undergraduate degree in accounting or finance means that you are prepared to begin a great career. Both degrees offer many job options. Consider the following:

Accounting majors may choose to focus on cost accounting, financial accounting, forensic accounting, public accounting, auditing, or government accounting, to name just a few available jobs.
Finance majors can choose careers in personal financial planning, corporate finance, banking, securities trading, and investment management, among many more.

No matter which relevant job you pursue, accounting and finance degrees will prepare you for a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding career.

How Do You Become a Tax Accountant?

September 15, 2016/in Blog /by Lisa Parmley

Getting a job in the field of accounting depends on your education and work experience. In most cases, this means holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related business field. Some advanced positions require a master’s degree in accounting for consideration. Many jobs also require additional certifications, especially if you want to work as a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA.

While obtaining these degrees, you can work as a junior accountant if you hold an associate’s degree. Sometimes, simply having experience as a bookkeeper or holding a similar position developing accounting skills is enough to get your foot in the door. However, advancing within the accounting field is virtually impossible without at least a bachelor’s degree. For this reason, pursuing your degree is a worthwhile endeavor.

An Accountant’s Education

Accountants must possess a variety of qualifications. First and foremost, they must have a degree. Additionally, they must have at a few of the natural characteristics that make for a great accounting professional.

The first of these is a love for math—or at least a natural understanding of how numbers work. In the accounting world, you’ll need to be able to interpret figures and their meanings very quickly.
You’ll also need to be able to share what these figures mean with others. Therefore, strong communication skills are a must.
A meticulous attention to detail is also a plus, since leaving off one little number in a spreadsheet can cause huge problems.
Finally, accountants must be computer literate, especially in today’s world. Nearly all financial records are kept on computers now, and you’ll be expected to know the ins and outs of many of the different accounting software programs available today.

Accounting Schools

Anyone who pays their taxes or works for a company of any kind knows what accounting is all about. We know, for instance, that it involves juggling a lot of numbers. And we know that it involves keeping track of money.

There is, of course, more to it than that.

Accounting is actually a business practice, one in which an accountant or a group of accountants monitor and record the financial transactions of a given entity. This involves not just a bottom-line sum but the ins and outs of assets, earnings, expenses, and any other information that might affect a financial situation.

Accounting is an important field—every business needs an accountant, and many individuals enlist their services, as well—so it’s always a viable career option, even in a lousy economy. But it does require some formal training. Selecting an accredited accounting program will help you secure a stable position in the workforce, and will also enable you to perform your job with confidence and skill.

Is It Easy to Obtain an Accounting Degree?

To answer that question, you need to understand the characteristics successful accountants possess and the classes you must take. Accounting work requires certain aptitudes and traits, but if you put forth the required effort you will be rewarded with an outstanding degree that puts you on the path to a successful and lucrative career.

Details, Details, Details

Certain people naturally make excellent accountants. They possess traits that adapt well to the rigorous educational requirements of an accounting degree. The same traits required to succeed in school are needed to succeed in the accounting field. Your college classes teach you how to turn your natural traits into a profitable career by helping you develop industry-specific skills. These traits and skills include:

• Honesty and strong ethical beliefs	• Patience
• Analytical skills	• Goal-oriented and determined work ethic
• Methodical problem solving	• Self-motivation
• Time management	• Strong mathematical skills
• Natural curiosity	• Computer literacy
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Getting a degree in accounting requires the ability to master complex subject matter. For example, you will be required to perform many mathematical and statistical calculations. Some of the material, like management theory or general accounting, may come naturally to you; however, some subjects may prove to be more difficult, like tax accounting or statistics.

Anyone pursuing an accounting degree must be able to effectively manage time—and you certainly must be willing to complete detailed work. Accuracy and thoroughness are of utmost importance in the accounting field!

What Does It Take to Become a Certified Public Accountant?

Becoming a CPA is a kind of specialization that requires additional coursework. To become a CPA, you must pass a rigorous national test and meet specific state requirements.

Usually, you must have your bachelor’s degree to become a CPA, although a few states recognize work experience in place of a degree. Many states, in fact, actually require CPAs to take an additional 30 course hours on top of their bachelor’s degree. Because of this, many universities have designed their accounting programs with a fifth year option. Completing this fifth year not only qualifies students to become CPAs, it earns them a master’s degree in accounting.

But even if you take this fifth year and earn a master’s degree, do not expect the CPA exam to be a mere formality. In fact, less than half of those who take the test pass all four parts during their first try.

Fortunately for many students, you aren’t required to pass the four sections at once. Most of the time, you’ll have at least 18 months to successfully pass the entire CPA examination. Of course, it’s in your best interest to thoroughly prepare for the exam, and you’ll find that many professional accounting organizations offer study programs or practice tests to help you with your preparations.

Accounting Coursework

Earning your accounting degree will take hard work, but it is worth it. Though the specific courses in a program may vary, you will have to pass classes like the following:

• Database Management
• Microeconomics
• Statistical Analysis
• Managerial Accounting
• Information Systems
• Financial Accounting
• Business Law

• Cost Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Tax Accounting
• Auditing
• Management
• Business Law

In addition to these core accounting courses, you may also take specialized courses. For example, someone who wants to become a forensic accountant may take a class in investigative accounting or accounting research. Or you could choose to take a class in compensation management or international accounting, depending on your interests.

Start Accounting School in Three Easy Steps

A degree in accounting is a key that opens the door of opportunity. As an accountant with the right qualifications, you can work with virtually anyone, anywhere in the world. To do so, you must find the right university or college. Picking the right school may seem overwhelming, but these three easy steps will have you enrolling in classes in no time.

1. What Kind of Accounting Work Interests You?

The first step to choosing an accounting school is deciding what type of accounting work you would like to do. Your career path may impact your choice of schools. For example, if you intend to become a CPA, you will want to attend a school that offers a bachelor’s degree program that includes CPA preparation courses. Likewise, if you want to be a tax accountant, you should consider schools that let you major or minor in tax accounting.

Perhaps you want to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the same school. In that case, you should choose a school that has a graduate program in business. Maybe you want to blend an accounting major with another field, like criminal justice or pre-law. You will need to look at schools that offer both programs.

2. Narrow Your List of Schools

The second step to choosing the right accounting school is to narrow your list of schools down to those that meet your criteria. These criteria will include program offerings, location, cost, reputation, and accreditation. There are several agencies that grant accreditation to higher education programs, including:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

You may find that a business school is accredited and accounting is just one of the business disciplines offered. In this case, accreditation attests to the quality of all the business programs. Accreditation should be your first criterion. After making a list of accredited schools in which you are interested, apply the rest of your criteria to narrow your search.

3. Apply to a School and Get Started on Your Career

The third step is to apply to the schools on your list. After enrolling, you will initially work on core curriculum courses, like English, foreign language, beginning business, etc. As your education progresses, you will add upper level courses in accounting, economics, information systems, and marketing.

Many colleges and universities offer degrees in accounting. If you discover that your first school of choice has a waiting list, consider your other options. Do not forget that online schools, if accredited, are a wonderful alternative to traditional colleges. The message is this: There is no reason to let obstacles stop you from pursuing a career in accounting.