Lead An Effective Classroom Discussion

Using class discussions can help engage students in their lessons.

Lectures can bore students and leave them zoning out during a lesson. Having a variety of approaches and teaching methods under your belt will keep students engaged and interested in their learning. One great teaching tool is the class discussion. It allows students to think about a subject themselves and teach each other, rather than the teacher just spewing out information. Discussions not only help teach students; they allow them to be teachers, as well. They learn learn rather than just learning about the subject at hand. Discussions can also be an eye-opener for the teacher, as different students will bring different perspectives on a subject. Leading a discussion requires the teacher to let go a bit, which can be scary as teachers often feel the need to maintain constant control---but there are ways to maintain control without turning a discussion into a lecture.

Instructions

Before the Discussion

1. Do an icebreaker with the class. Let everyone get to know each other before beginning class discussions. Encourage students to learn each other's names and about each other. Students will be more comfortable participating in a discussion if they are comfortable with the people they're speaking with.

2. Arrange desks so that everyone can be heard clearly, and in a way that is inviting to the students. If possible, a circle or semicircle works well for conversations, or arrange desks in groups of four to six. When students face each other, it is more encouraging to speakers rather than having students sit in rows staring at the backs of each other's heads.

3. Speak with the class about the purpose of class discussion. Ask students what they can gain from participating in class discussions, what they believe is appropriate during a discussion, and about what is polite and what is rude during discussion time. Also discuss any system you have in place, such as if students are awarded points for participation in the discussion, or if the students are expected to raise their hand and be called upon before giving their input. Having students think about this beforehand will prevent trouble later.

4. Do a warm-up before each discussion. Get the students' minds going before beginning the discussion. This can be an icebreaker game. If students are already familiar with each other, games or activities that review past content work well and keep students thinking about past material. The warm-up doesn't need to be more than five minutes long and it can be as simple as talking about everyone's weekend.

5. Prepare a list of conversation questions that are relevant to the lesson material ahead of time. It is always a good idea to prepare more questions than you think you have time for. Use these questions to keep the conversation on track and to fill in silent gaps. Plan where you expect the conversation to go---it won't go according to plan, but the more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel.

During the Discussion

6. Announce the topic subject and ask the opening question for discussion. Make sure the topic is clear and specific. Allow students to express ideas. As the leader, act as the mediator, who keeps the discussion moving forward by presenting new questions that pertain to the given topic.

7. Call upon a variety of people to make sure different perspectives of a topic are heard before moving on to another question. You can do this by randomly drawing out name cards, or call on people in a pattern such as, girl, boy, girl, boy, etc.

8. Make sure people are being heard in an organized manner, but don't jump in with too many comments or the discussion will turn into a lecture. Jump in when a comment is inappropriate, a student isn't speaking enough, a student is speaking too much or if the conversation is going too far off track.

9. Use your intuition. When a particular question is sparking good conversation, let it roll on, even if it means you won't have time to get to the rest of the questions. If a conversation question is going downhill or beginning a big argument instead of a discussion, move on before it gets out of hand or before the discussion dies out.

10. Paraphrase only when you feel it is necessary. If a student explains something in a confusing manner, it's okay to paraphrase in a way that helps others to understand the comment. Don't repeat everything the students are saying---make the students have to listen to each other rather than to the teacher recapping everything.

After the Discussion

11. Consolidate at the end. Before time is up, have students summarize the discussion and the different points of view that were brought forth during the discussion.

12. Bring the conversation into perspective of the big picture---ask how the conversation was relevant to what the students were studying and how what they learned could be used in the future. Meta-cognition aids student learning.

13. Ask students to reflect on what made the discussion a good one. Ask what types of comments were the most insightful and what it was that made the comment a good one. This will help students to see where they can improve on their own participation in the future.

Tags: each other, rather than, class discussions, discussion students, during discussion, what they, about subject

Decorate A Kindergarten Classroom

A kindergarten classroom can be a lot of fun to decorate because the possibilities are endless. You can put your creativity to work and decorate a classroom that your students will be talking about for days. With a few basic materials, you can create a masterpiece. Here are some suggestions on how you can decorate your kindergarten classroom to make it fun to look at, but even making it educational in the process.

Instructions

1. Cover the areas to be decorated with craft paper. This will give you a background to work on and it will make it easier to remove and change at a later time. You can attach it with tape or pins if it's on a bulletin board. You can find rolls of craft paper at your local teacher supply store.

2. Create a theme of your kindergarten room. You want to use bright colors and simple shapes, and incorporate education with fun in your wall. Sketch out a design or theme, such as a jungle with animals, on a sheet of paper so you can use it as a guide.

3. Trace out animals and other shapes onto construction paper. Use a variety of colors to liven up the room. You can get your children involved by putting their names on the shapes. Cut out animals, trees, grass and other landscape items out of construction paper.

4. Write the names of your children in your classroom on shapes or animals. Add other fun and educational things like letters of the alphabet and numbers. You can even make a good behavior or other chart and incorporate your jungle theme. This is sure to be something to get you classroom talking.

5. Lay out the shapes and attach them to the craft paper on the wall. You can attach them to the paper with glue or double-stick tape, depending if you want to move them at a later time or start from scratch. Use markers to add the final touches to your wall.

Tags: craft paper, animals other, attach them, construction paper, kindergarten classroom, later time

Apply For An Educational Loan To Study Abroad

Both federal and private loans can help students pay for study abroad.

There are many private and public loans for study abroad. The application process will differ depending on what organization or agency is extending the loan. But all lenders will want students to have basic information including name, address, Social Security number, school they attend, international program they want to attend and financial information. Academic information such as grade point averages might also be important to many lenders. Apply for federal loan programs first because they tend to have the lowest interest rates and most liberal repayment terms.

Instructions

1. Log on to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (see Resources). Many federal loan programs can be approved through this website that will fund studies not only domestically but also abroad. This site will guide you through an application, asking about personal and family finances as well as where you intend to study.

2. A few days after filling out the application, you should receive your Student Aid Report, which will tell you how much aid you are eligible for. Send this to your school. The school may want additional paperwork, such as a promissory note.

3. Find a co-signer if you intend to seek a private loan for study abroad. Most private loan programs require another person with a solid credit rating to co-sign for the loan. Some prefer it be a parent, grandparent or guardian. Look for study abroad loan programs on websites such as Diversity Abroad, Study Abroad and International Student Loan (see Resources).

4. Fill out the online applications, which may ask questions about your personal information, personal and family finances, cost of attending the study abroad program, other financial aid received, loan amount, loan period (how long you will need the money for), expected graduation date and the name and contact information for your co-signer.

Tags: loan programs, study abroad, family finances, federal loan, federal loan programs

Top Radiation Oncology Residency Programs

A young female radiologist holding up x-rays.

Radiation oncologists specialize in the treatment of malignant cancer cells through ionizing radiation therapies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for radiation oncologists in 2010 and 2011 is "projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations," while "good job opportunities are expected." As such, there are currently a number of quality radiation oncology residency programs offered throughout the country, many of which have won awards from the National Institutes of Health.

Harvard Radiation Oncology Residency Program

The Harvard Radiation Oncology Residency Program is a result of a merger between Harvard Medical School's residency program with Massachusetts General Hospital and the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy in the Longwood area. Competition for the program is extremely fierce, with most applicants not only possessing doctoral degrees, but also having received academic research grants from top tier organizations in the past. In 2008, only seven applicants were accepted from a pool of over 200. The program typically lasts for about four years. During years one and two, residents rotate through the core clinical services under the expert tutelage of highly experienced faculty. The resident can choose to work from one of four local area medical facilities during this time: Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Year three is dedicated to a broad range of research opportunities while year four allows residents to focus on clinical rotations in specialty sub-areas.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Department of Radiation Oncology

100 Blossom St., COX 3

Boston, MA 02114

617-724-1160

harvardradonc.org

Johns Hopkins University Residency Program in Radiation Oncology

The four year residency offered through the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine provides use of first rate facilities at the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as the Johns Hopkins Radiation Oncology Center at Green Spring Station in Lutherville. The first three years of the program are spent in clinical rotations while the fourth year is meant for laboratory work, clinical research or rotations in related specialty areas such as diagnostic imaging or oncologic pathology. Under the supervision of attending staff, residents will focus on gathering the appropriate information from patients, performing physical examinations, reviewing test results and presenting cases to the faculty supervisor. In addition, each resident is expected to be involved with at least one research project during their residency, with travel to regional and national medical societies fully paid for so the resident can present their findings.

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer at Johns Hopkins

Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences

401 N. Broadway, Suite 1440

Baltimore, MD 21231

410-955-6980

radonc.jhmi.edu

University of Rochester Radiation Oncology Residency Program

The Radiation Oncology Residency Program offered through the University of Rochester provides hands-on clinical training under the supervision of both nationally and internationally renowned physicians, all of whom participate in the development and implementation of the program's curriculum. Each resident will be based at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, a 163,000 square foot, comprehensive medical care center that combines patient services, research facilities and educational resources. Over the course of four years, residents will rotate through a number of clinical services that include head and neck, breast, gynecologic, thoracic, pediatric and gastrointestinal oncology, among others. The last year of the program is also reserved for students who wish to engage in elective opportunities, like learning a new type of treatment, performing clinical research or focusing on the treatment of a specific type of cancer. Residents can also choose to further their knowledge in specialty areas such as bone marrow transplantation oncology or stereotactic radiosurgery.

University of Rochester Medical Center

Radiation Oncology Residency Program

601 Elmwood Ave., Box 647

Rochester, NY 14642

585-275-5575

urmc.rochester.edu

Tags: Radiation Oncology, Residency Program, Oncology Residency, Oncology Residency Program, Radiation Oncology Residency, Johns Hopkins

What Kind Of Degree Get In History

Students can pursue history degrees at differing levels in varied fields.

History majors study the past, recent and distant, about everything from Eastern Europe during World War II to the accomplishments of America's founding fathers. University degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, leading to positions ranging from teaching to research and writing.

Bachelor's Degrees

An undergraduate degree in history can open many doors for students in both the professional and academic worlds. Degrees are offered at many colleges and universities in America and abroad. Students may opt to be a general history major and study different countries and societies, or they can opt for a specialization, such as Farleigh Dickinson University's bachelor's degree in European history. The program features courses concerning the continent from ancient to modern times, giving students a firm understanding of Europe's past and development through the ages.

Master's Degrees

A master's degree in history prepares scholars for higher levels of study as well as careers in areas such as research, teaching and museum work. Most master's degrees in history are specific to a certain subject, period or place, and some degrees combine multiple levels of specificity for a highly concentrated program. For instance, the University of Toronto offers a master's degree in Italian studies with a heavy focus on medieval Italian history where students learn about topics like Renaissance theater, humanistic thought and the city of Florence during the medieval period.

Doctorates

Students wanting to engage in intensive study and research and perhaps teach history at the university level can consider obtaining a Ph.D., which can take several years to complete. Doctorate students may also teach undergraduate classes, submit papers to academic publications and conduct independent research, sometimes abroad. The University of Washington, for instance, requires doctoral students to study four select areas of history to prepare them for a career in teaching.

Certificates, Diplomas and Other Types of Degrees

Certificate programs can help older learners strengthen their resumes.

In addition to standard degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, many schools offer certifications for specialized history programs, such as the public history certificate at Texas State University. The program requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA and prepares them for careers in managing historical sites and overseeing archives with courses such as Local and Community History, and Oral History.

Tags: graduate levels, master degree, undergraduate graduate, undergraduate graduate levels

Get Credit Cards For Students With Bad Credit

You can get a credit card even if your credit score is less than favorable.

Having a credit card offers convenience, particularly for shopping online, and students often need a credit card to pay for textbooks and school supplies, rental cars, hotel rooms and other expenses. If you have bad credit, you are certainly not alone and, as reported by MSNBC, bad credit has topped terrorism as the greatest risk to America's economy. Even with a bad credit rating, you can still get approved for a credit card.

Instructions

1. Obtain a copy of your credit rating. Before you do anything you need to find out where you stand, and credit ratings can change on a daily basis, so you want to obtain an up-to-date credit report. In the United States, there are three major reporting credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A report from each different company may present different debts, so obtain a separate copy from each. Review the reports to confirm how much money you owe to debtors and see your current credit score.

2. Pay off smaller debts to start clearing your name. Rather than paying small amounts to various debtors, it is much more effective to take that money and put it towards paying off an entire bill to clear it off your record. Some creditors may be willing to settle, but it looks best on your record if you pay the outstanding amount in full. Every debt you get rid of is going to help bring your credit back to a better standing.

3. Browse around and compare your options. Talk to banks and other financial institutions, do your research and compare different rates and policies. Depending on when you look and the state of the economy this information can vary, as rates can fluctuate significantly even just from one day to the next, and this is the only way to successfully determine where you are going to have the best chances of getting approved.

4. Look for bad-credit lenders. If you find you are having trouble getting approved by standard financial institutions, you should start looking for bad-credit lenders, which are lending institutions that cater specifically to persons with less-than-perfect credit. Although the interest rates tend to be higher, these lenders are much more likely to approve you, with or without collateral.

Tags: credit card, your credit, bad-credit lenders, credit rating, credit score, financial institutions

Apply For A Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a need-based federal financial aid program for college students. Grant amounts vary according to need, but can be as high as $3,000, and better yet, they don't have to be repaid.

Instructions

1. Make sure you're eligible for consideration. You are if you're enrolled in college and have not yet received a bachelor's degree. (You'll only get a Pell Grant if you meet the needed criteria; grades don't matter.)

2. Apply early. The deadline isn't until spring of the year for which you seek funding, but money is only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3. Gather key financial documents: tax returns and W2s from the previous tax year (or your parents' forms, if you're their dependent), driver's license, recent bank statements.

4. Get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor's office or your financial aid office. Fill it out and send it in.

5. Carefully review the Student Aid Report (SAR) that you'll receive in response to your FAFSA. The SAR will tell you if you're eligible for a Pell Grant, and if so, for how much money.

6. Follow the instructions on the SAR for claiming your Pell Grant money.

Tags: Pell Grant

Write A Paper On Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, the famous British writer, wrote numerous plays and sonnets, all of which are vigorously studied in the high school and college classroom. Often, students find Shakespeare's work difficult and writing about Shakespeare an almost unapproachable task. But it's really not that bad. Shakespeare's work can be a source of entertainment and enlightenment and most definitely worth writing about. Below are guidelines to writing about Shakespeare's work.

Instructions

1. Understand what you have read. Lost in the dated language and rigid poetic structure, students often lose track of the plot in Shakespeare's work. Read twice if you have to and watch a movie version of the work to really solidify the story in your mind.

2. Know where you stand. Whether or not you like or dislike, or agree or disagree with the opinions of the characters, they are central to your ability to write about the characters. Be sure it is your opinion you are formulating and not simply remembering your teacher's opinion.

3. Brainstorm adjectives or descriptive phrases relating to the characters. Consider words appropriate to your literary level and ensure they are appropriate to the tone of the work. You may be thinking "Hamlet seems sad" but you should be writing "Hamlet's consistent sense of isolation."

4. Answer the questions asked. There is a tendency among beginning students of Shakespeare to simply regurgitate the plot line of a play in the paper to display their comprehension. Be sure your paper is actually answering the question assigned and not simply retelling the story.

5. Use quotes to make your points. Express an opinion on a character or an important plot twist and then substantiate your argument using the text. If you just string quotes together, the paper becomes an exercise in futility and the source of an unsatisfactory grade.

6. Generalize, generalize, and generalize. Summarize background information or insignificant plot devices, allowing you to concentrate on emotional expression and characterization, which is the true core of Shakespeare's work. Too much time spent describing the tree-line in Macbeth or the color of Ophelia's hair in Hamlet, will detract from what you really want to write.

7. Make conclusions. If you think Romeo and Juliet were pretty stupid and too young to get married then say so and back it up with quotes. Professors want to see what insight you have gained from reading Shakespeare, which is probably more than you would have ever thought.

Tags: Shakespeare work, writing about, about Shakespeare, sure your, writing about Shakespeare

Will A Loan Affect My Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are paid out for a few reasons. The amount of benefits an individual receives each month depends on his income and resources. Income from a source of employment, bank accounts, stocks, land, vehicles, personal property and any other source that could be converted into cash are all considered resources. But in most cases, a loan is not considered a resource, so it won't reduce your Social Security benefits.

Loan Effects

Social Security clearly states that a loan will not affect your SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. You can borrow cash, food, shelter items or any other item that you fully intend to pay for at a later date. The funds or item you receive in a valid loan agreement are not considered income and thus not reduce your Social Security benefits.

However, it is important to make sure that any funds you borrow are spent in the same month that you enter the loan agreement. If the funds are not spent, they will count toward the SSI resource limit of $2,000 (or $3,000 if you are a married couple), and that difference will be deducted from the following month's benefit payment.

Lending Money

Social Security states that if you lend money to another individual, the money that they owe you can be considered a countable resource and as a result may affect your eligibility for benefits. If a loan agreement is in fact considered a resource, the principle balance owed to you will be used in determining eligibility. However, any interest you receive will not be counted as income.

Student Loans

If you have defaulted on a federal student loan, your Social Security benefits may be garnished to pay off the debt. Defaulted student loans can be forwarded to the Department of Treasury, which in turn may offset your monthly benefits, depending on the type of benefits you receive. Fortunately, the government will not deduct more than 15 percent from every monthly check until the debt is satisfied.

Tags: Social Security, Security benefits, Social Security benefits, loan agreement, your Social

Why To Receive Scholarship Money

For many students, scholarship money can be the difference between access to higher education or a lifelong stint at a minimum-wage gig. There are numerous benefits to receiving scholarship money, all of which contribute to the overall success of a higher education student. While the process to obtaining a scholarship is tough, the end result is well worth it as you set yourself up with the educational credentials to pursue your professional goals.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit to receiving scholarship money is to help pay the cost of tuition for taking classes at a higher education institution. Moreover, scholarship money may also help to cover the cost of books, supplies and other college-related expenses. For some students, scholarship money can even help to pay for living expenses while in school, particularly for those students staying in on-campus housing.

Process

The process to landing a scholarship is fairly lengthy. In addition to an application, scholarships generally require an essay stating why you deserve the award as well as letters of reference and impeccable transcripts. Some students can also get an athletic scholarship, where monies are awarded based on grades and athletic performance.

Misconceptions

A scholarship award does not mean an automatic full ride through school. Some scholarships are only partial, meaning they don't even cover the full cost of tuition; others are only for the first year. Depending on the type of scholarship you receive, you may still need to take advantage of student loans, grants or other types of financial assistance.

Considerations

Make sure you understand all details of the scholarship when you apply and accept one. Depending on the scholarship type, you may be restricted in terms of your eligibility for other forms of financial assistance while attending school under the guidelines of your existing award.

When you apply, take your time and make sure you submit all paperwork, or your application may be denied. Allow someone else to proofread your essay to ensure that it is error-free before submitting.

Tags: higher education, scholarship money, cost tuition, financial assistance, receiving scholarship

Tell If A High School Diploma Is Fake

Fake high school diplomas may look legitimate upon first glance and close inspection.

Faking a high school diploma is punishable by law. Nonetheless, people will forge this document in order to qualify for a job or to be admitted to an institution of higher learning. If you doubt the authenticity of a high school diploma, request the candidate to provide official transcripts to verify his attendance, but be beware that he may forge these too.

Instructions

1. Look for spelling errors on the diploma. Chances are, the person who has forged the document will be very careful not to misspell any words or make any typographical errors, but make the review anyway, as this kind of mistake would easily identify a fake diploma.

2. Feel the texture of the paper of the diploma. Place the diploma between your thumb and index finger to feel how heavy the paper is, as legitimate diplomas are printed on heavyweight paper. The paper should also feel slightly glossy, which is necessary for the document to be preserved over time.

3. Examine the diploma carefully for any toner or printer ink marks or blotches. Since authentic diplomas are not printed on commercial printers (they are stamped and pressed by a professional company), they will not have ink marks.

4. Examine the diploma carefully to see if the text is perfectly centered and aligned. Forged diplomas are normally made from commercial printers, which are more likely to distort or shift paper while pulling it through, as indicated by misaligned text.

5. Check whether the claimed high school exists, as the person may have created a fictitious institution. If the school is legitimate and nearby, visit the school to examine archived diplomas and confirm that the diploma conforms to the diplomas issued by the school for the year in which it has allegedly been issued.

Tags: high school, commercial printers, diploma carefully, diplomas printed, Examine diploma, Examine diploma carefully

College Scholarships For Older Adults

Apply for federal aid online.

There are many students age 30 and older attending colleges and universities, with many pursuing a second bachelor's degree in order to change careers, according to finaid.org. Older students, often referred to as non-traditional students, may apply for Federal Student Aid as there is no age restriction for applying. Many scholarships have no age limit or requirement. Some scholarships for which the minimum age for applicants is 25 or 30 are available.

Federal Student Aid

All students are eligible to apply for federal student aid regardless of age. The free application for federal student aid, or FAFSA, is available at the fafsa.ed.gov website. Applicants will find a clear checklist of steps for applying. First, they assemble required documents and financial information. Next, applicants fill out the actual application and create an online PIN with FAFSA. Then, they may log in to review the status of their application and the results.

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition

The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition scholarship program (ASIST) provides scholarships to non-traditional students, including older students and those returning to school for retraining. Consideration is given for those in financial need and persons responsible for small children. The ASIST scholarships are sponsored by chapters of Executive Women International. Applications may be found at www.executivewomen.org/pdf/fm25.pdf

State Level Funding

Older students may apply for college scholarships and financial aid at the state level as well as the federal level. The United States Department of Education compiles information online at The Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD). Included on the EROD website is a complete listing of state education funding authorities and their contact information, including U.S. Territories. See scholarships by state link below.

Women in Transition Scholarship (WIT)

This scholarship is available to women who have worked as homemakers and who have no college degree. Awards are up to $16,000 over a four-year period in order to pursue a bachelor degree in accounting. Applicants should be entering school as freshman. Application information is available at www.efwa.org.

Federal Advice for Non-Traditional Students

The Federal Student Aid program provides advice for non-traditional students on the web. A chronological guide is provided to help students assess themselves and consider their options for education and funding at www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/returning.jsp

Tags: Federal Student, Adult Students, Adult Students Scholastic, bachelor degree, education funding, federal student, non-traditional students

Get A Trp In Illinois

If you've ever noticed the garish red and yellow cardboard license plates on some vehicles in Illinois, then you are already familiar with temporary registration permits. These permits are issued to new vehicle buyers who have not yet received a valid license plate. The TRP allows the new vehicle owner to drive his car for up to 90 days while waiting for the new registration to arrive.

Instructions

1. Complete the registration and titling application process. If you are the new buyer of a vehicle in Illinois who has filled in and submitted a registration application, but you do not have new license plates yet, then you will need a temporary registration permit. Your first step is to ensure that a valid registration application has been submitted. When buying a new car, your dealer generally takes care of registration and titling process.

2. Obtain your temporary registration permit. Obtain a TRP from any of the Illinois Secretary of State facilities, licensed vehicle dealers, remittance agents and currency exchanges, according to the state's website. They are valid for 90 days.

3. Fix your TRP in place. A temporary registration permit must be affixed to the plate bracket at the rear of your vehicle. It should be replaced with your new license plate as soon as you receive it.

Tags: temporary registration, registration permit, temporary registration permit, license plate, license plates, registration application

Take College Courses In High School

Succeeding is high school can often set the stage for success in life. One perk of achieving such early success is that you may be presented with the option of taking a college course while still in high school. You want to go after this opportunity in order to continue your success and impress those college admissions officers!

Instructions

1. Go to the websites of all your local colleges and look for any link to pre-college courses. Many universities are set up with a program for this, while others may at least have a list of available classes. Look under the department that you think you will study in for more information if nothing is listed from the main page.

2. Email the college to inquire about enrolling in their pre-college courses. Let the school know your personal information in advance. Things you should include in the email should be your phone number, grade point average, future major (if known) and any standardized test scores from college admission tests you may have taken.

3. Consider colleges that are far from home if you are thinking of taking a lot of courses in advance. Some universities offer a summer residency program for eleventh graders that are going into twelfth grade in the fall. This can be a fantastic way of finding out if the school of your choice is really how you imagine it to be, and it can get some of your college work done before you even step in the door as a freshman.

4. Apply to the program of your choice. Make sure you have trusted teachers and perhaps your parents read the essays that you write for your college. It can be a make it or break it part of the application process. The university needs to be assured that you are intelligent and capable of work well above your level of studies. While this application process will not be as detailed and important as the one you will do soon when applying for universities, it will be important to pay close attention. Follow all directions, and include as much of the required materials in one envelope to insure faster processing of your application.

5. Show up early for your first day of class. Participate in class and get to know your professors. This is the start to your college career, and you are in for an exciting journey in your education.

Tags: your college, application process, high school, know your, pre-college courses, your choice

Why Get A Phd In Education

Possibly the best reason to pursue a Ph.D. in Education is for the love of learning.

Earning the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph. D.) requires dedication and commitment to graduate studies, but in exchange the degree expands career options and often increases earning potential.

Facts

The Ph.D. is the highest level of academic degree awarded. According to the National Science Foundation, slightly more than 6,500 candidates were awarded Ph. D. degrees in 2008.

Specializations

Among the many specializations offered when studying for a Ph.D. in Education are elementary, secondary and higher education, special education, curriculum and instruction and educational technology.

Career Opportunities

Those who are awarded the Ph.D. in Education will find jobs as instructors at all levels of teaching in both private and public institutions. In addition, jobs are available as administrators for schools and school districts. Jobs with consulting firms are also options.

Earning Potential

The U.S. Census reports that in 2007 the mean salary for those who hold advanced degrees was $80,977 compared to $57,181 for bachelor's degrees.

Expert Insight

Possibly the best reasons to pursue a Ph.D. in Education is for the love of learning and for the intellectual challenges involved with study and research.

Tags: Education love, Education love learning, love learning, Possibly best, pursue Education, pursue Education love

Explanation Of A Bachelor'S Degree In English

Earning a bachelor's degree in English can be rewarding.

A bachelor's degree in English is a versatile education. Acquiring a liberal arts degree will give you a broad intellectual background in a variety of subjects. You will gain valuable reading, writing and communications skills that can be applied to nearly every aspect of your life. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to work in many different fields, but you might have to spend a little extra time marketing yourself.

Requirements of a Bachelor's Degree in English

The degree will involve around 130 hours of coursework, approximately 36 of which will be specifically English courses. English departments are part of colleges of arts and science, which will require broad coursework across multiple areas including natural and physical sciences, social sciences and the arts.

There usually is a foreign language requirement of four semesters. A large number of electives also will be included in the degree. Most English degrees will also require a minor. This gives students an opportunity to select and focus on a sub-field that can be related to English or not.

The English portion of coursework will have further requirements in specific areas such as historical literature, culture, gender studies, rhetoric and writing. Students select a concentration within English from areas such as creative writing, literature studies or composition and rhetoric. Often students, in conjunction with faculty, can create their own specialization.

Professional Value of an English Degree

A bachelor's degree in English will prepare you for advanced studies in a variety of fields. It will also open doors to employment in writing, editing and reporting. Most jobs require communication of some type. Companies and organizations need written material produced and edited. They need people to do this work, and an English major is an excellent candidate. With a little extra effort, you can obtain a teaching certification, which will allow you to teach in elementary and secondary schools.

Intellectual Value of an English Degree

You will gain a broad understanding of the history and current state of human thought and inquiry with an English degree. You will learn to think logically, interpret complex information in a variety of subjects, evaluate ideas and form your own. In a sense, you will learn learn, acquiring the foundation to form your own opinions rather than deferring to the opinions of others.

Personal Value of an English Degree

In addition to professional and intellectual development, pursuing a bachelor's degree in English can be a personally rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to interact regularly with other students and faculty who share a passion for literature and written words. You will cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation of literature. You will be exposed to a variety of different viewpoints and lenses through which to view the great works of literature.

These different viewpoints, even the ones you disagree with, inevitably will increase the sophistication of your own thinking and understanding. You will become much better at expressing yourself--an ability that can be applied to every aspect of life.

Potential Difficulties of an English Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writing and editing positions are expected to grow about as fast as most occupations from 2008 to 2018. Approximately 54,000 writing jobs will become available during that time period because of growth and replacement. In 2008 the annual median salary for writers was $53,070. Competition is expected to remain keen because many people are attracted to writing and editing positions, yet many employers are downsizing.

An English degree offers hundreds of additional potential career paths. That versatility can make job hunting difficult. You will need to know market yourself, and you might have a harder time finding entry level positions. You will need to take the initiative. The good news is that the independent thinking and research abilities you have acquired in pursuit of the degree will be of assistance in finding a career that suits you.

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Use An Engineering Associate Of Science Degree

Use an Engineering Associate of Science Degree

Many aspiring engineers begin their college education by earning an Associate of Science degree in engineering. This is an ideal way for students to fulfill the basic requirements for an engineering degree before transferring to a four-year university. By earning their Associate of Science in engineering at a community college, students can also save a significant amount of tuition expenses. While completing their degree, students can choose to specialize in a specific engineering field, such as computer, mechanical, electrical or chemical.

Instructions

Completing Your Degree

1. Enroll in a Associate of Science in engineering program. These degree programs are commonly offered at community colleges or vocational schools.

2. Sign up for classes that apply to the engineering field in which you are interested, whether that is computers, mechanics or chemical. These may or may not be offered at the Associate degree level, depending on the program.

3. Take several general education courses in addition to your engineering classes. This will lessen the number of courses you'll need to take when you transfer to a four-year university.

4. Begin working with an academic advisor from the four-year university you plan to attend as you approach your graduation from the Associate degree program. Ask the counselor which of your credits will transfer over to your new school. Many graduates of an Associate of Science in engineering program are able to enter a four-year university as a junior based on the credits they have already completed.

5. Declare what field of engineering you plan to pursue. Most colleges will have separate majors for chemical engineering, computer engineering and electrical engineering. An advisor will be able to tell you which courses you need to complete to earn your bachelor's degree.

6. Complete your bachelor's degree in engineering. Once you have graduated, you are eligible for a variety of engineering jobs. You can begin applying for positions that interest you or you can pursue a master's degree in engineering.

Tags: Associate Science, four-year university, Associate Science engineering, degree engineering, Science engineering, Associate degree

Make Friends As A Freshman

The friends you make during your freshman year of college are likely to remain your friends for life. College allows you to choose new friends from a diverse group of people from various locations and backgrounds. Making friends during your freshman year doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, creating new friends during your freshman year can be one of the most exciting aspects of your college career.

Instructions

1. Join clubs or organizations that reflect your interests and style. Finding friends who share your goals and interests is the best way to begin a friendship as you'll have plenty to talk about and can attend related functions together.

2. Connect with your roommate. Your college roommate should be the first person with which you attempt to connect. Be open to discussion and willing to compromise when it comes to your new space.

3. Say hello and smile as you walk across campus. It seems like a given, but it's easy to let nervousness and fragile self-esteem get in the way of our ability to make the first move.

4. Make yourself accessible. Make eye contact as you walk through the halls. If you see someone looking for a seat in a crowded classroom or cafeteria, motion for them to take one next to you.

5. Attend social activities, such as sporting events, plays and other gatherings where you know you're likely to meet new people.

6. Give new friends and acquaintances a way to keep in contact with you. Provide them with a phone number and email address so they can easily get in touch with you.

7. Use social networks online. Join online clubs dedicated to your school or interests where you're likely to connect with people near you.

8. Resist saying no to group outings. If someone calls you for a joint outing to a movie or sporting event, it may be tempting to just stay in and relax with a good book. Instead, take a chance and say yes. Even if the night is a dud, you know you're putting yourself out there.

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Constitutional Law Exam Questions

Constitutional law exams cover many areas of governmental law.

Constitutional law is the study of government power and how the state and federal laws are applied. Much of constitutional law deals with the rights of the citizens and how they are legally protected. It's most common for constitutional law exam questions to be in the form of essay questions.

Executive Power

Columbia University Law School provides students with several old exams that deal with constitutional law. On one such essay exam, the following scenario was presented: a congressman adds a rider to a bill dealing with national debt called Section 45-112. It states that the secretary of Defense will be called the secretary of Peace and that the United States can no longer use military force in Iraq -- the family of any person injured in Iraq could sue for treble damages. The president signs the bill into law with the disclaimer that Section 45-112 is null and void. When a family tries to sue the secretary of Peace, the test question asks for a memo summarizing the constitutional challenges that will ensue.

Employment Discrimination

Here is another essay exam scenario: a pregnant women is not allowed to smoke during her work breaks in the designated smoking area because of a "fetal protection policy" and is therefore forced to extend her breaks to find another area to smoke. She is consequently threatened with termination because of her excessive time off during the day. The test-taker is asked to craft a memo that addresses whether the employee is discriminated against and whether the fetal protection policy is unconstitutional.

Americans with Disabilities Act

A 31-year-old hospital worker who is considered mentally disabled is nonetheless a successful orderly who receives excellent evaluations. When a staff error at the hospital results in a death, this worker is fired even though he had nothing to do with the incident. The explanation is that the hospital would receive bad press if it came out that they employed "retarded" staff. The test-taker is asked to discuss whether the worker's rights were violated based upon the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essay Exam Tips

Students are advised to do the following on constitutional law essay exams: organize thoughts clearly and avoid cliched responses. Answer every question thoroughly with a clear understanding of the law, reach conclusions in every question and don't assume that the answers are transparent. Also, spend more time on difficult questions.

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Does Cosigning A Loan Affect Debt To Income

The possible consequences of cosigning a loan for someone are worth considering before signing your name. Some people hastily cosign a mortgage, auto loan or other type of loan without weighing the pros and cons. By cosigning, you voluntarily increase your debt-to-income ratio, which can make it more difficult for you from acquiring your own financing, or even prevent it.

What is Cosigning?

Lenders may decide that an applicant doesn't meet the qualifications for financing. Perhaps his credit score is too low, or maybe he has a history of late payments. For the application to meet the bank's requirement, lenders may suggest adding a cosigner to the loan agreement. A cosigner is a person (with good credit) who agrees to become a co-borrower. As a cosigner, this individual accepts responsibility for the loan payment, and consents to making the payment if the primary borrower defaults.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is terminology used to describe the percentage of debt payments in connection with monthly income. A high debt-to-income ratio due to high credit card debt and other loans can lower one's credit score and stop loan approvals. Borrowers can calculate their own DTI ratio by dividing their monthly debt payments by their gross monthly income. For example, a borrower with debt payments that equal $2,000 a month and a monthly income of $6,000 has a DTI ratio of 33 percent.

DTI and Cosigning

The problem with cosigning is that the loan and outstanding balance will appear on your credit report. Once you agree to cosign a loan, you own the debt with the primary borrower. The lender has your Social Security number on file, and the lender will report the debt on both credit reports. When the time comes to apply for your own financing, a lender will see this debt on your credit report, compare this debt with your present income and possibly conclude that your DTI ratio is too high and decline your application.

Considerations

If you are thinking about cosigning a loan to help someone get financing, do the math first to ensure that you maintain a low debt-to-income ratio. Tally this new debt with your present debt payments, and then divide this figure by your present monthly income. Getting a mortgage in your name requires a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 36 percent, with the house payment being no more than 28 percent of your income. If your DTI ratio after cosigning a loan will increase to more than 36 percent, do not cosign the loan.

Tags: debt payments, monthly income, debt with, more than, more than percent, than percent, this debt

Acid Titration Procedures

An acid titration is a chemical procedure designed to determine the concentration of an unknown acid. Before starting the titration, use a piece of litmus paper to estimate the pH of the acid. A basic solution with a known concentration is used to neutralize the acidic solution.

What You Need

To perform an acid titration, you will need a burette, beaker, indicator solution, unknown acid and known base. Depending on the pH of the solution, which is indicated by litmus paper, chose an indicator that fits that pH range. For example, if you estimate the pH of the acid to be about 5, you would want to use bromocresol green. Record the amount of acid you pour into the beaker and the amount of base you pour into the burette. Drop a few drops of the indictor into the beaker.

Procedures

When you have set up the experiment, begin to slowly drip the base into the acid. Each indicator changes different colors. For example, bromocresol green will change from yellow to blue when it goes from an acid to a base. Right as the indicator begins to change, stop dripping the basic solution into the acid. The experiment is complete. If you are not sure if it has changed, record the volume of base left in the burette and then add another drop. If the color completely changes, you have gone too far.

Results

When the indicator has shown that the titration is complete, determine the amount of base added by subtracting the amount of liquid left in the burette from the amount that it originally contained. Multiply this volume by the concentration of the base. Then divide by the volume of the acid in the beaker. The result is the concentration of the acid. For example, if you started with 50 milliliters of base and at the end of the experiment the burette only contains 30 milliliters, you could determine that 20 milliliters were used. If the concentration of the base were 1.2 M, you would multiply that by 20 and get 24. If there were originally 48 milliliters of acid in the beaker, you would divide 24 by 48 and find the concentration of the acid to be 0.5 M.

Tags: acid beaker, acid titration, amount base, basic solution, bromocresol green, concentration acid

Tuition At Oregon Colleges & Universities

Students wishing to continue their education beyond high school in the state of Oregon will find many choices in colleges and universities. Tuition can often be a deciding factor in the choice of school. Oregon offers a variety of colleges and universities that fall across a spectrum of different tuition rates.

Community Colleges

With more than a dozen community colleges in Oregon, students certainly have options at different tuitions. The average tuition for community colleges in Oregon as of 2010 is $3,231. Coming in right about average are the Clatsop Community College, Mount Hood Community College, Portland Community College and the Treasure Valley Community College. Klamath Community College has the highest tuition at just over $5,000, and the lowest tuition can be found at the Blue Mountain Community College at just under $1,500.

Christian Colleges

Oregon is home to a few Christian colleges throughout the state. The average tuition for those Christian colleges in 2010 is approximately $13,687. The Eugene Bible College has the lowest tuition amount at $8,270. The Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary has a closer-to-average tuition of $12,450, while the Northwest Christian College has the highest tuition amount of just under $20,000.

Universities

Oregon students can choose from over a dozen universities to continue their studies. The average yearly university tuition runs around $14,000 in 2010. Universities at this level include Marylhurst University and DeVry University. Universities with lower-than-average tuition, ranging from $4,683 to $11,500, include Western Oregon University and the Oregon Health & Science University. Higher-cost universities include George Fox University at $23,790 and the most expensive, the University of Portland, at $26,390.

Colleges

Colleges throughout Oregon offer various fields of study and opportunities for students. The average college tuition in Oregon in 2010 is around $18,500. Colleges in this category include Corban College, Oregon College of Art and Craft and Pacific Northwest College. Colleges with below-average tuition include Cascade College, Everest College and Gutenberg College; the lowest tuition can be found at the Pioneer Pacific College for $10,150. Higher-end tuitions can be found at Lewis & Clark College, Linfield College and Reed College, the latter of which has a tuition more than $34,000.

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Which Medical Schools Do Not Require The Mcat

There are a variety of ways to get accpeted into medical school without taking the MCAT.

If you are interested in helping sick people and making a difference in others lives, then medical school is probably a career path you have been looking at. However, gaining entrance into medical school can be a long and difficult journey. Most candidates think that they must take the MCAT to get accepted into medical school but that is not always the case.

Provisional Admission

One of the ways to get into medical school with out taking the MCAT is to go through a provisional medical school admission process. There are currently a few schools in the United States that will allow a student to gain acceptance into college as well as medical school straight out of high school. However, there are certain requirements that a student must obtain in order to guarantee her acceptance. For example at Brown Medical school, she must has a verbal Scholastic Assessment Test score of 710, a math SAT score of 730 and graduated in the top two percent of her high school class. At the George Washington School of Medicine, she must maintain an undergraduate grade point average of a 3.3 and must complete 100 hours of community service each year.

Expanded Minority Admissions Exercise

If you are a student of color, another way to bypass the MCAT when applying to medical school is through the Expanded Minority Admissions Exercise. The program was established in 1970 by the Association of American Medical Colleges in order to help students who had a likelihood of success in medical school gain acceptance into medical school based on other strengths besides cognitive ones. As of May 2010, 28 medical schools are involved and with the help of AAMC, medical school admissions officers are taught and emphasized to use other criteria besides the MCAT to review and accept minority applicants.

Texas Medical Schools

If you reside in the state of Texas and your city or town has a shortage of medical services you can gain acceptance into a Texas medical school without taking the MCAT. This is available through the Partnership for Primary Care Program and as of May 2010 is available at nine Texas medical schools. In order to qualify as a high school student you must be in the top 10 percent of your class, have a minimum 1200 SAT and have an GPA of 3.50. As a college student you must be a college freshman at one of the partnership universities, had a 3.50 GPA through the end of high school and maintain a 3.25 GPA throughout college.

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Check An Mfa Sensor

MFA sensors are used to check mass airflow going across an engine. This is displayed by the voltage signal going into the engine and determines how much fuel should be injected into the engine cylinder. The onboard computer inside the vehicle controls the MFA sensor. If the sensor is not working properly, the engine to the car will shut off sporadically. You don't have to be a car mechanic to check the MFA sensor on your car. You can do it yourself with just a few tools.

Instructions

1. Locate the sensor schematics for your car. This can be found in the owner's manual. If you don't have the owner's manual, you can order one through an online retailer or though the car manufacturer.

2. Locate the MFA sensor inside your car. This is usually found between the air cleaner and the throttle body. Connect a sensor scanner to the MFA sensor valve.

3. Start the car. The car must be at idle for the scan tool to get an accurate start reading of the MFA sensor. Record the reading of the MFA sensor at idle.

4. Have a friend gently push the accelerator on the car to take the car out of idle. Record the MFA sensor output while the car is at a steady RPM, or revolutions per minute. If the sensor readings do not differentiate between idle and with an increased RPM, the sensor must be replaced.

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Definition Of A College Degree

The educational process begins early in life. Children as young as three may attend school several days per week. After attendance at a preschool and kindergarten, children enter public or private school. Formal schooling begins with elementary school, then continues through middle school in most school districts. After that, adolescents attend high school. After graduating from high school, many students choose to attend an institution of secondary education. This may include a vocational or technical school. It may also include college.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are generally locally supported institutions. Students attend classes for two years and then graduate with an associate's degree in a subject such as nursing. Community colleges may also be private institutions. In general, sixty credits in various subjects are required to receive this degree. Students who attend community colleges often do so part time while working. A community college degree can be the final education attained, or it may serve as a stepping stone to a four-year college degree.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's degree generally takes four years to earn. During that time, students earn credits in several different areas. They generally take classes in the liberal arts as well as college level science classes. In addition they earn a certain number of credits in a specific field. This field is called their major. Many college students also earn a certain number of additional credits in another field. This is called a student's minor. A student's major field does not need to be related to her minor field. For example, a student may major in political science and minor in music.

Colleges

Most college degree--granting institutions fall into one of two categories. Colleges are generally free-standing institutions. Many colleges do not offer higher degrees, such as master's degrees and doctorates. Many colleges focus on a specific field, such as the liberal arts or the hard sciences. Students may still take liberal arts classes in a college devoted to the hard sciences and science classes in an institution devoted to the sciences.

Universities

Universities are generally institutions that offer graduate as well as undergraduate degrees. Many universities have graduate institutions of law, business and medicine. Universities are generally larger than colleges. Very often scientific and social research is conducted in a university setting. A college may be part of a larger university. This can offer undergraduates the opportunity to take graduate classes while still an undergraduate. Universities may be private or state-funded institutions.

Grading

Many college classes are graded on a scale of A -- F, with A being the highest grade and F representing failure. Minuses and pluses are often part of this system. This translates into a system called G.P.A., or grade point average, that is scaled from 1 to 4. Credits earned with a final grade of A are assigned a 4.0 while Ds are assigned a 1.0. Students who earn a certain G.P.A. are eligible for graduation with certain distinctions. Cum laude means graduation with honors. Magna cum laude means graduation with high honors. Summa cum laude means the graduate has graduated with highest honors.

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Get Student Loan For International Students

Student loans can allow you to attend college in the United States.

Getting a student loan can be difficult, but the process can be exacerbated if you're from another country and planning to study in the United States. In many cases, the process of getting a loan for international study requires a great deal of effort, and you'll need to do your research to find a loan program that you qualify for.

EduPass

Check the EduPass guide for international students to find loans that you qualify for. EduPass provides links to many common loan programs for international students, including the Canadian Higher Education Learning Program, the International Student Loan and Study Abroad Program and private education lenders, like the Global Student Loan Corporation. The EduPass website also offers resources regarding passport and visa information, college admissions and other college financing options for students looking to study in the U.S.

Education USA

Education USA is a a nonprofit network of more than 400 advising centers, supported and funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Education USA works to help students from other countries research their options for school, complete the application process and find loans, scholarships and grants. To get help through Education USA, you will need to visit one of its regional offices using the location finder tool on its website. Education USA can also help you apply for your student visa and prepare for your departure to the U.S.

Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae offers a variety of loans for non-U.S. students seeking loans for their college education. For non-U.S. students seeking a loan to study in the U.S., Sallie Mae offers several different loans, including a version of the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan, as well as the Sallie Mae Residency and Relocation Program and the Sallie Mae Bar Study Loan. You can use the Sallie Mae website to gather information about the different loan programs to see if you qualify.

International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

The International Education Financial Aid provides listings about loans and financial opportunities for students that want to study in a foreign country. IEFA also provides information about government loans for non-U.S. students looking to study in the U.S. for their whole college education or for a semester or year.

Financial Aid Department

Your school's financial aid department is a valuable resource for finding international loan programs that may apply to you or your particular course of study. You should also consult your school's international study program for more information about obtaining a loan for study abroad programs in the United States.

Tags: information about, loan programs, non-U students, United States, apply your, college education

Does Checking Your Credit Report Lower Your Score

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumers to check their credit reports once every year for free, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Those copies must be obtained from annualcreditreport.com. People can purchase additional copies as frequently as they wish from TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, which are the three nationwide credit bureaus, or third-party vendors. Certain credit report inquiries are reflected in the credit score, but personal credit checks are viewed differently.

Purpose

The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking credit reports regularly for mistakes and signs of identity theft or other fraudulent activity. The credit reporting agencies do not do their own accuracy checks or audits, so consumers must catch errors on their own. Reports are constantly updated with new and changing information, so new problems can happen at any time. The Fair Credit Reporting Act lets people dispute mistakes to get them fixed or completely erased. This is especially important when preparing to fill out a mortgage application or applying for other major loans.

Type

A self-check of credit reports is classified as a "soft inquiry," the Lending Tree financial website explains. Other examples of soft inquiries include check-ups by your current creditors and pre-screening by companies that want to send promotions like pre-approved credit card offers. None of the inquiries in this category has an effect on the person's credit score.

Alternatives

There is another type of credit check, known as a "hard inquiry," according to Lending Tree. This happens when a consumer applies for a loan or credit card and the lender requests credit records to evaluate the application. Banks sometimes make a hard inquiry on a person's credit files when opening a new checking or savings account.

Effects

Although a self credit check has no effect on a person's credit score, too many hard inquires will lower it. Lending Tree warns that such inquiries can reduce it by up to five points. This may not influence the ability to open new accounts, but if the score was borderline it could cause rejections or cause a person to be offered inflated interest rates.

Considerations

Credit reports are different than credit scores. A credit score is a three-digit number calculated by a company called FICO or the credit bureaus, based on information contained in the reports. Leslie McFadden of the Bankrate.com financial site explains that the credit score gives lenders a quick idea of whether a person is likely to default on loans within the next 24 months. Consumers are not entitled to see their credit scores for free by law, although they can buy their numbers from FICO and the bureaus.

Tags: credit score, Lending Tree, person credit, credit bureaus, credit card

Where Get A Master'S Degree In Photography

Obtaining a Master's degree in photography allows you to pursue a career as a professional photographer in a variety of fields, including media and advertising, fashion, photojournalism or working as a landscape photographer. There are several educational programs available both online and offline to complete the Master's degree in photography; here's where you can complete the program in order to pursue a professional photography career.

Instructions

1. Review the Master's degree program options at the School of Visual Arts. This educational institution offers a 1-year program for aspiring professional photographers and visual arts professionals (see Resources below).

2. Review the Master's degree program at Brooks Institute. This world-renown photography school offers a 2- to 3-year Master's program for professional photographers, and allows students to learn key principles in photographic arts, imaging art and develop their creative talents (see Resources below).

3. Consider the Master's degree in fine arts program at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. This educational institution offers a mentor-based degree program that includes photography, interactive media and graphic design disciplines (see Resources below).

4. Review graduate programs at the California College of the Arts. The Master's degree in fine arts program is an interdisciplinary approach to media arts, photography, social practice and other disciplines. This intensive course of study offers both laboratory sessions and projects that are completed in the student's individual studio (see Resources below).

5. Consider obtaining a Master's degree in photography online. Online degree programs give you the flexibility to study on your own schedule and work with instructors and students from around the globe. A complete listing of Master's degree programs available in an online format can be reviewed on photographyschools.com (see Resources below).

Tags: Master degree, Resources below, degree photography, degree program, Master degree photography, arts program, below Consider

Most Prestigious Private Universities In California

Stanford University is one of the nation's premier universities

California has many great universities throughout the entire state. Many of these universities, such as Berkley and UCLA, belong to the University of California public university system. However, there are many private universities with rich histories and renowned faculties. These private institutions include Stanford University, The California Institute of Technology, The University of Southern California, and Pomona College.

Stanford University

Stanford University is located on a 8,180-acre campus in the Bay Area approximately 30 miles from San Francisco. The university was founded in 1885 and has approximately 6,602 undergraduate students. Stanford is consistently ranked among the nation's top overall universities and has a renowned faculty and research programs. One top research program is the Stanford Solar Car Research Program that allows students, along with faculty advisors, to design, build, and race a solar-powered car every two years. Stanford has also produced famous alumni such as Herbert Hoover, John Elway and Tiger Woods. Since it is a private school, Stanford's tuition is approximately $40,000 per year regardless of the student's state of residence.

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) is located on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1891, Cal Tech has a long and rich history as one of the nation's premier science and engineering universities. Companies such as Intel, Compaq, and Hotmail were all founded by Cal Tech alumni. Notable alumni include famous film director Frank Capra. Tuition at Cal Tech is approximately $36,000 per year.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is located on a 226-acre campus in downtown Los Angeles. USC is currently, as of 2010, ranked among the nation's top universities. USC is well-known for its Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and its highly esteemed School of Cinematic Arts which has produced famous directors such as Judd Apatow and George Lucas. In addition, with easy access to Los Angeles, USC has numerous educational and social opportunities for all its students. The tuition to attend USC is approximately $41,000.

Harvey Mudd

Harvey Mudd is located in Claremont, California approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd is a relatively young university. Regardless, Harvey Mudd is ranked as one of the nation's top math, science, and engineering universities. Thus, Harvey Mudd has renowned professors conducting innovative research. That is why notable Harvey Mudd alumni include astronauts George Nelson and Stan Love. The tuition to attend Harvey Mudd is approximately $41,000 per year.

Tags: Harvey Mudd, Stanford University, approximately year, California Institute, California Institute Technology

Start A Group Home School

Homeschooling can be a great choice, and forming a group home school gives you more options for subjects, as well as giving both teachers and parents new perspectives, teaching styles and shared responsibilities. Here's start your own group home school.

Instructions

1. Find similar homeschooling parents in your area. No, you don't need people just like you; you need people who 1) also home school, 2) are interested in trying a group home school, 3) have kids in the age range of your kids, and 4) are in your area. Find your local home school group and start asking around. Post on area bulletin boards. Put an ad on online home school resource sites. Start talking about your idea and people will start hearing about it.

2. Once you've found the people, you need to plan the structure. How will your group home school operate? Will you meet in one family's home or rotate through different homes? Will you group school on all subjects or just one or two? How will you share the teaching responsibilities? Who will grade the work? What curriculum will you use?

3. Determine your age range for the group. Homeschooling allows you to blur the lines between grades, but you'll still need the material to be both understandable and challenging for everyone involved. You might split into two or three groups within the larger group and have simultaneous classes at the different levels. Or you can limit yourself to a subject that you can teach on many different levels at once, like art.

4. Use the talents within the group. Perhaps one of the parents in the group is an expert on math, so she would be a great teacher for a math class. Another parent might be an amazing artist. Bingo, you have an art class. Every parent needs to volunteer equal time in one way or another, or provide equal compensation.

5. Get "outside the group" talent if you need it. Some group home schools consist of homeschooling families who get together to hire a tutor or teacher. They share the costs and the tutor only has to dedicate time to a single class of several homeschooled students.

6. Set up regular meetings and assign responsibilities, so everyone knows who is supposed to do what and when it's supposed to happen. Be clear and fair. A group home school can be as casual as you want it to be, but you still have to get things done and the best way is to set up your structures first.

7. If you're not sure a whole semester is what you want, try out a group workshop first. A workshop could be for a single afternoon or could be a month-long series of lectures and activities and follow-up homework.

8. Spread the word if you want more members in your group home school. Look for others who have children of appropriate ages and let them know about the opportunity.

Tags: home school, group home, group home school, your group, your group home, different levels, group home

Tips To Save Money

Money to save

Utilities, groceries and school supplies are not as exciting as restaurant meals, transit cars and exotic trips. Even when jobs are not scarce and the economy is doing well, saving money is a good idea because it allows you to spend less on the things you need so you can buy more of the luxuries you want.

Haggling

Negotiating for a better price is no longer something you do just at swap meets. It works for everything from department store merchandise to monthly services such as cable television. If you find this process uncomfortable, think about the potential savings and practice first with a friend. Remember that the worst thing that can happen is the vendor will say "no."

Always be patient and pleasant when trying to bargain. Think of it is a game with potential rewards rather than a competitive sport that you have to win. Begin by asking the merchant whether he can do better on the price. Sometimes, this is all that is needed for a reduction. If you can, pay cash, which saves the seller on credit card charges. Bargaining for retail goods can be more effective when done at the end of the week or the month, which is when a store might have sales quotas to fulfill or needs to clear inventory for new merchandise.

For services, it helps to bring up an ad for information about a competing service that is trying to get your business. Point out that although you really like your current provider, money is an issue and will cause you to switch. Try bargaining with the sales department, rather than customer service. The former has incentives for gaining or keeping customers, while the latter simply wants to get you offline quickly to tend to other customers.

Adjust Taxes

Though the taxes you pay to the government are fixed, you can control the amount withheld from your paycheck by increasing your deductions on your W-4 form. This is especially beneficial if you receive a large tax refund every year. You want your refund to be as close to zero as possible so your money goes into your pocket every month rather than at the end of the year. If necessary, contact your personnel department or company accountant for help in adjusting this amount.

Pay Yourself

If you want to set aside cash for a vacation or a rainy day fund, the easiest way is to treat these goals as bills that you must pay into every month. First, set up a separate bank account for each goal. Then, if your workplace has direct deposit, automatically pay a certain part of each paycheck into each account. The deduction is painless because you never see the money to begin with.

Another method is to charge yourself a savings tax for each purchase you make. If you charge yourself 10 percent, for example, you can put $1 away for every $10 that you spend. If needed for each goal, create a savings envelope or jar into which you can drop the money. At the end of each week or month, transfer the envelope contents to one of your accounts.

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