The Course Syllabus: Your Best Friend

If you were fortunate to have a forward thinking high school teacher, you may have already been introduced to a course syllabus. Once you reach college, the syllabus is fairly universal. It is carefully constructed by the professor to include all pertinent information about his or her course for the whole semester. For larger classes, it is a way to cut down on answering repetitive questions. It includes a schedule for the semester of assignments, readings, tests, etc. It should list the required and recommended texts for the class. It will give an overview of the material to be covered over the semester. It will also include "housekeeping" information, such as attendance policies, grading procedures, and classroom expectations. Ultimately, the syllabus serves as the student's guide to the semester.

Once you have gathered all your courses' syllabi, you can start to map out your semester. Mark your personal calendar with all the important due dates from all of your courses. This will help you stay organized as you get deeper into each course. You can formulate a plan of attack in terms of the necessary time needed for major assignments. If you have a strong understanding of the schedules delineated in your syllabi, you can avoid being bogged down by the reading assignments as you can spread them out. Any time your professor announces a change to the syllabus, carefully mark down the adjustments on the syllabus itself and your calendar.

The "housekeeping" items in the syllabus give you a better understanding of the professor's expectations for the semester. You want to be aware of the attendance policy. As much as you may wish to never miss a class, unforeseen events always pop up over a semester. It could be an illness that keeps you out of class for a period of time or it could just be a day that you snooze through your alarm; regardless, you want to know what will happen if you miss a class. The attendance policy should always be listed and it eliminates the need to ask the embarrassing question about what happens if you miss a class. The professor will probably envision you as someone more concerned with partying than with studying.

Another important aspect of the syllabus is the breakdown of grades. You are no longer in high school where your teacher will send home a progress report to alert you and your parents if you are struggling. In college, you are expected to be more independent. Part of this lies in your taking ownership of your own progress. The syllabus should outline how much tests, quizzes, papers, and class participation count in your final grade. This will allow you to track where your grade is over the semester.

Your professor will probably go over the syllabus on the first day of class. Follow along and jot down any important notes that pop in your mind at this time. When you go home after class, read through it again so you can clear up any questions before the class really gets into motion.

Forming a Study Group With Your Online Classmates

Enrollment in online classes is swelling across the country, whether students are working toward their degrees at a completely virtual university or simply using web pages to keep up with classroom assignments, view missed lectures and check their exam scores. The technology has the power to let professors reach out to scores of students they couldn't teach in the past, when college was out of reach for those who didn't have the time, money or transportation to study on campus. Despite its strengths, online coursework presents its own unique challenges, as users — both scholars and professors — need the appropriate computer hardware, web connections, home study areas and self-motivation to handle the work. Students who work primarily at a lone computer terminal can miss out on the social support they share with classmates sitting at a neighboring lecture hall seat or library study carrel. Here are some tips for planning study groups with your online classmates.

* Create a virtual study space. Students often gather to work on a formal group project, or just to trade notes, exchange questions and brainstorm new ideas. That can be difficult when classmates are connected only through broadband cables, but products like Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger could provide a solution. Easily downloaded to a laptop or mobile device, the application combines instant messaging with social networking, allowing classmates to share photos and videos while they chat. Users can type a real-time conversation while they trade web links or collaborate with slide shows. Each dedicated group discussion session even has a virtual drawing board where members can write or sketch ideas with mice and keyboards instead of chalk and erasers. While video conferencing is not as intimate as gathering in a coffee shop, hosting a study group on Windows Live Messenger does have its own advantages. The system automatically archives the group’s conversation, saving their work, notes and graphics for later reference. That creates another bonus, since tardy class partners can log on later, study the stored discussion threads and post their own contributions asynchronously.
* Start your own Facebook page. Social media sites like Facebook are ubiquitous on campus, making them the perfect place to carve out your own little corner of cyberspace for studying. Students often create a new Facebook page dedicated to their own study groups for classes in any topic, from chemistry to English. All they need is one student to act as administrator of the group, taking care of details, such as making the group public or private.
* Keep your head in the clouds. The advent of cloud computing means that users can store their files on distant servers and access them from any location with a computer connection, instead of being bound to laptops, disks and thumb drives. Using free applications like Google Documents, students can share text documents from essays to outlines, and from Renaissance poetry to algebra equations. The application also includes spreadsheets, drawings, PDF files, images and videos, covering nearly every computer tool a student could need. All a group needs to get started is for one individual to take the lead and post the original document, then save it as a public file and give their classmates editing rights. Enrollment in online education is growing fast, and new technology tools are sprouting up every day to make it easier. Students should ask their friends and professors about new learning platforms and websites.

Search for study group software online and feel free to try out new online learning networks like McGraw-Hill's GradeGuru or Microsoft's Windows Live Spaces and SkyDrive as well as knowledge-sharing sites like Notelog.com or Cramster.com.

Sports Management is a Growing Career Field for Serious Fans

Many people who grew up playing sports are interested in turning their passion into a career. However, attempting to make it into the big leagues is not always a viable option. For those who are interested in working behind the scenes in an industry that they love, earning a postsecondary education in sports management may be a viable option. This specialization allows graduates to find careers in a variety of areas in the field, ranging from administration to team management. It is also an ideal major for sports fans who want to find a career in an industry they love.

It can be difficult for working professionals to attend sports management classes on a traditional college campus. However, online education is providing people with more options to earn a degree without setting foot in a classroom. With internet connectivity, individuals can obtain a postsecondary education at their own pace from the comfort of home. These are a few of the schools that offer degrees in sports management.

* University of Phoenix. This online college has gained recognition for helping working professionals across the country move up the career ladder in fields, such as business and finance. Now, it is helping adults work toward degrees in a variety of sectors, including sports management. Individuals who enroll at the University of Phoenix can now pursue an associate's of arts degree in the topic, which can lay the foundation for further education in sports and recreation. Graduates may also be able to use the degree to enter the industry and quickly embark on a career. The coursework is designed to educate students on leadership, ethics, budgeting and finance. Individuals will also learn how environmental factors and culture play a role in sports.
* Tiffin University. Many individuals have a postsecondary degree background in business administration, and Tiffin University now offers a specialization in sports management for those who are interested in additional education. Individuals can enroll in the master of business administration in sports management program to expand their knowledge and obtain a higher degree. The Tiffin University program is designed to help students in decision-making and operations. Individuals are also required to participate in a supervised mentorship period that provides them with hands-on experience in the industry.
* Globe University Online. This institution and the Minnesota School of Business now offers a variety of different online degree programs that concentrate on sports. Bachelor's and associate's degrees in technical skills, exercise science and business administration are designed to provide students with the foundation they need to pursue a career in sports management. Globe University also has a number of externship opportunities that allow individuals to practice their skills at local gyms and recreational facilities. The additional experience can be beneficial to a resume and graduates once they begin the job hunt.
* Ashford University. This school, which has been providing distance learning options for more than 90 years, now offers a bachelor of arts in sports and recreation management. The program is designed to cover information on all sports as well as fitness to prepare graduates for a career in management. Ashford University says that students will be ready to embark on careers in athletics equipment merchandising, recreation programs and fitness clubs following the completion of the program. The degree was created to meet the demands of both sports lovers and business-minded individuals. The online course schedule is flexible and allows students to complete the work on their own time. Ashford University may also allow individuals to transfer up to 99 approved credits toward their bachelor of arts degree. This can help students complete the program in a short amount of time and begin their careers.

Top 25 Best Universities For MBA (Part 2)

 

 

University of Florida (Hough)

The Hough Graduate School of Business consistently ranks as a top program by a variety of ranking institutions and metrics, including #4 in the global rankings by Financial Times and–for the online program– being called “one of the happiest online mba programs on Earth” by Poets and Quants. Their Internet MBA falls under their working professional MBA program and is offered with two timeframes: a two-year (27 month) option open to students of any undergraduate degree major, and a one-year (16 month) accelerated option open to business degree majors who have graduated in the last seven years. Both options require two years of professional work experience, and a relatively high GMAT (their average score is 584).

7. Ball State University

Ball State University’s online MBA was founded in the early 1990’s, and is part of a three versions of the same program: main campus, all online, or blended. Outcomes for the program are good, with the second ranked starting salary of $100,000 at three months out, as well as a living alumni network of 2,280. A student-faculty ratio of six to one, as well as competitive admissions with an average GMAT of 533 ensure quality engagement in the classroom. Five specializations are offered (and a more general route), they include entrepreneurship, finance, operations management, sales management, and health economics, policy, and administration.

8. Norwich University

The nations oldest military college has transitioned to be one of the leaders in the online education space. Their online MBA program was founded in 2000-2001. Norwich offers five specializations for their MBA: construction management, finance, organizational leadership, project management, and supply chain management and logistics. They have a low acceptance rate for an online program, ranking #2 in our rankings with 42% of applicants being accepted. For students with professional experience or prior academic knowledge of business, the program may be accelerated to as little as 18 months.

9. Washington State University

Washington State University Carson College of Business’ online MBA is a relative newcomer to the online MBA scene, being founded 2007-2008. Though the larger University has close to 20 years of experience in the online space, and 50 years in teaching MBA courses. Washington State University’s online MBA is relatively selective, with an average entrant GMAT score of 567 and an acceptance rate of 51% (ranking them #9 and #5 in our ranking, respectivally). Three concentrations, granted through a wider variety of electives, are available at Washington State’s online MBA: marketing, international business, and finance.

10. Georgia College and State University (Bunting)

The Georgia College and Stat University’s Georgia WebMBA offers a highly ranked online MBA course that’s flexible as well as cheap. The online program is currently small, with nearly as many full time professors as there are students. Outcomes are good for the Georgia WebMBA, with starting salaries reported at $71,100 on our list (8th in our rankings), and over 2,000 living alumni (16th in our rankings). Admissions are relatively selective, with an average GMAT for entrants of 544, and an acceptance rate of 62%.

Top 25 Best Universities For MBA (Part 1)

Over the last few years, the number of online MBA programs in America have exploded. Though there are several online MBA rankings (and a few major publications who list options), many of them still don’t tackle one of the largest concerns of potential students.

Featured MBA Programs

Namely, are online student outcomes as good as those from traditional schools? For this reason we’ve decided to come up with our own MBA rankings at Best College Reviews that are largely centered on student outcomes. A second question we wanted to address in our rankings was the question of whether or not online MBAs limit students abilities to specialize. In short, we’re ranking the most flexible programs, with the largest number of program specializations, and the best student outcomes. Our methodology for ranking the best online MBAs can be found at the end of our ranking.

1. Indiana University – Bloomington (Kelley)

Indiana University’s Kelley school of business was the first top-20 business school in the nation to offer graduate business programs online. With the second highest average GMAT score on our list (636), admissions are competitive. The ability to take between two and five years to graduate, and choose from among 6 specializations lends flexibility to the Kelley Direct Online program that is unmatched in top tier business programs. As far as outcomes, the average Kelley graduate sees their salary rise between 33 and 66%, and all students – whether traditional or online – have access to Kelley’s world class career services. Over $104,000 is the average starting salary for graduates from Kelley Online.

2. University of Texas – Dallas

The University of Texas–Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management’s online program was founded in 1999-2000 and offers two tracks: the global leadership executive MBA, and the project management track. A healthcare management for physicians specialization is also available for qualifying students. The Global Leadership Executive MBA involves three on-campus retreats, one international retreat, and a 10-day international study tour. As far as outcomes, UT Dallas ranks highly, with an average MBA graduate starting salary of $81,037. UT Dallas ranks #9 in our rankings for living alumni, with 7082.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business is a top ranked business school that entered the online space slightly after Indiana University–Bloomington. With almost 15 years experience, Carey School of Business excels in outcomes, ranking third for average salary at graduation which comes in at $98,093. They also rank third for living alumni, of which they have over 17,000. Classes are taught by the same faculty that teach the full-time and part-time traditional MBA program. A one-course-at-a-time curriculum is offered to online cohorts, and the choice of up to four specializations. Students may also couple an online MBA with another degree to accelerate their education and save money.

4. Thunderbird School of Global Management

The Thunderbird School of Global Management deserves its name, as the #1 ranked school of international business from a number of ranking organizations. Their Global MBA program is blended, requiring some on-campus meet-ups, and lasts for 19 months. It’s also filled with international perspectives, with over half of the class composed of non-US students. Thunderbird ranks highly in outcomes for our ranking, coming in at #1 for living alumni, with over 38,000, and #4 for salary, at $83,200. Admission standards are relatively rigorous with an average GMAT score of 585, and a 62% acceptance rate to the program. An average of 2 years work experience is recommended, but the average student has a good bit more, coming in at 34 years old.

5. Syracuse University

Syracuse University WhitmanSchool of Management’s online MBA was founded in the 2001-2002 school year. Theprogram offers a wide variety of specializations, including accounting,entrepreneurship, finance, marketing management, and supply chain management.Outcomes from Whitman School of Management are good, comming in at #5 forliving alumni (9,209), and #4 for starting salary ($90,000 from the full timetwo-year program, with an average $10,000 signing bonus). The average GMAT forentrants is also ranked #4 at 600. The student-faculty rate for Whitman MBAcourses is 11 to 1.

Online Real Estate Degrees and Careers

Are you looking for a career change? Have you decided to start looking for a new job? Have you taken a look at the various jobs associated with real estate? If not, you may want to check out a career as a real estate agent or broker.


Real estate agents report to real estate brokers. An agent is responsible for knowing the different housing price ranges in a certain area, and helps people through the home buying process. Real estate agents also show houses to potential buyers. Real estate brokers help find buyers and sellers, and bring them together through their agents.

Many people enter the real estate career because the pay can be lucrative. Real estate agents aren't required to have a college degree, although degree programs are offered. Both agents and brokers are required to be licensed. Some license programs require applicants to take a 30-90 hour real estate agent or broker course.

Online Technology & IT Degrees and Careers

Technology is progressing at such a rate that it is necessary to break it down into smaller areas of specialization. 'Technology convergence' is a fairly new development, where technologies are combined providing several applications; e.g. mobile telephones, which now have Internet capabilities.
The job market should have plenty of openings for information technology and web development professionals. Students wishing to pursue these opportunities can study specific information technology programs or web development programs.

Many courses overlap, and some programs offer a broad education in the field allowing successful candidates to specialize at a later date. Since there is a wide variation in course offerings between colleges, it is important that information technology candidates check the curriculum to ensure that specific areas of interest are covered. A solid background in math, a basic understanding of the Internet, and attention to detail may be an advantage in web development and information technology.