Video games are both a powerful cultural force and a multi-billion dollar global industry. Recent statistics show that nearly two thirds of U.S. households play video games and that video game sales topped $10.5 billion in 2009.

This is good news for those interested in working in the video game industry as designers and programmers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineering and related jobs are among the occupations expect to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the next decade, meaning job prospects should be excellent.

The Value of a Video Game Design Degree

It is not necessary to have a degree in video game design to be successful in the field. Many video game designers and programmers done extremely well in the industry without a game design degree. Indeed, video game design programs are a relatively new phenomena. That said, things are rapidly becoming more competitive in the industry and having a degree in game design from a respected and accredited school can help set you apart from the crowd. Among other things, it tells prospective employers that you are serious about your career as a game designer or programmer, have a broad understanding of the game development process, and have the stability and determination to finish a multi-year project (like a college degree). Continued…

Counselors are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for licensed professional counselors in every area of specialty are expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next several years as job openings exceed the number of students graduating from counseling degree programs. Opportunities in certain counseling specialties such as substance abuse and behavioral disorders are expected to grow at a much higher than average rate.

The Value of a Masters in Counseling Degree

A masters degree in counseling is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed counselor in almost every case. An accredited masters in counseling degree will prepare students to sit for the necessary licensing exams and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the field.

Advantages of Online Masters in Counseling Degree Programs

Online counseling degree programs are currently among the most popular online degree programs according to the latest online education statistics. Prospective students seeking an accredited online masters in counseling degree program now have several high quality options to choose from. A number of the top counseling programs in the country are now offered online. Among the advantages of earning a degree from a top online masters in counseling program is that students can maintain their employment and/or family responsibilities while earning their degree. Many of the best online masters in counseling degree programs can be completed entirely online, with practicums and internships arranged in the student’s home community. Continued…

Healthcare has become one of the largest industries in America, generating some $1.7 trillion annually. With an increasing number of people in the industry expected to retire and a rapidly aging population overall, healthcare workers and administrators are expected to be in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of medical and health services managers will increase at a faster than average rate over the next several years.

The Value of a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or Healthcare Management Degree

Those with health care experience and solid business management skills will be in the best position to move into administrative and leadership positions. A Master of Health Administration (MHA) or Healthcare Management degree can provides students with these business and management skills, as well as the knowledge they will need to understand and navigate the complex and rapidly-changing medical industry. Graduates will be immediately qualified for leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, retirement communities, ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation and long-term–care facilities, and home healthcare settings. Continued…

Health care is a $1.7 trillion industry in America, making up nearly 16 percent of the U.S. gross national product. The health care industry is on the cusp of its largest expansion ever as “Baby Boomers” approach retirement age, which means a new generation of industry leadership is needed. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of medical and health services managers is expected to increase at a faster than average rate over the next several years.

The Value of an Online Health Management or Health Administration Degree

Those with health care experience and solid business management skills will be in the best position to move into administrative and leadership positions. An online bachelor’s degree in health management or health administration can provides students with these business and management skills, as well as the knowledge they will need to understand and navigate the complex and rapidly-changing medical industry. Graduates will be immediately qualified for entry-level leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, retirement communities, ambulatory care centers, rehabilitation and long-term–care facilities, and home healthcare settings. Continued…

You might think that going to a private college will cost you and arm and a leg, and in many cases you’d be right, but there are private colleges out there that will not cost you much in the way of cash (or appendages). Here is our list of 10 private colleges in the United States with some of the lowest costs of attendance based on the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education.

1. Colorado Technical University – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Like a few other colleges on this list, Colorado Technical University has several campuses in different locations. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota campus makes an appearance on this private college bargain list with a total average cost of attendance of only $12,500 per year (including tuition, room and board, and other fees) once the average financial aid package is factored into the equation.

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In general, public universities tend to offer a wider range of courses, degree programs and activities than private colleges, and they generally are less expensive to attend as well. However, a college education can still be very expensive even at a public university. We’ve put together this list of the 10 lowest cost public universities in the United States based on the latest data from the U.S. Department of Education. Note that the cost figures quoted are based on in-state tuition and fees. Costs may be considerably higher for out-of-state students.

10. University of Hawaii, West Oahu – Pearl City, Hawaii

The University of Hawaii – West Oahu is one of the 10 campuses in the University of Hawaii system. It has nearly 1,300 students on a campus next to a local community college though it will soon be replaced by a 500-acre campus currently under construction a few miles away which will be able to accommodate over 7,000 students. The new campus is expected to open in the fall of 2012.

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The prospect of attending to college can be both exciting and daunting, particularly given the cost of tuition these days. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree can easily cost much more than $100,000, putting higher education out of reach for many. However, there are some colleges and universities that offer free tuition and we’ve put together a list of the top ten institutions of higher education that will be easy on your checkbook. Admission to these schools can be very competitive with most accepting a small number of students each year.

10. Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, New York City, New York

Macaulay Honors College is unique in that its students enroll at one of eight colleges within the City University of New York network and receive guidance through the college’s advising program to develop a comprehensive, individualized academic program. Macaulay’s own campus is located a few blocks from verdant Central Park on the upper west side of Manhattan.
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(Athens during the annual Halloween party / riot at Ohio University)

Click here to see rankings of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses

The Princeton Review has released their annual list of best party schools for 2012, and for the second year in a row an Athens based college has won, but this time it’s Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, displacing the University of Georgia in Athens, GA which took the top spot in 2011. Not too many surprises on this year’s list, although I had no idea the University of Vermont was a hopping location, and as I mentioned last year I’m never surprised to see Ohio University ranked highly on these lists as it’s pretty well known in Ohio that’s where to go if you want to drink and party your way through undergrad. The Princeton Review puts together its list by polling over 122,000 students. This year, the Princeton Review also had lists for “Stone Cold Sober” schools, which no surprise was topped by BYU and highly ranked several military academies.
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A career in criminal justice allows people to engage in meaningful work that helps keep their communities safe and secure. There are numerous career opportunities within the field to choose from, including corrections officers, criminologist, FBI agent, DEA agent, police officer, crime scene investigator, private investigator and US marshal. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in criminal justice related fields range from favorable to excellent.

Value of a Masters in Criminal Justice (MCJ) Degree

Graduates from top accredited online master of criminal justice (MCJ) programs will be in an excellent position to take advantage of the growing demand for qualified leaders and administrators in the criminal justice system. A master’s degree in criminal justice will broaden and deepen your knowledge of all aspects of criminal justice and make you a more attractive candidate for promotions and raises through the expansion of your professional competencies. A master’s degree is also a prerequisite for anyone interested in teaching criminal justice at the college level or pursuing a doctoral degree. Continued…

Most people choose to pursue a career in criminal justice out of a desire to help keep their communities safe. And with the continued growth of nearly every aspect of the criminal justice system, employment opportunities continue to grow as well. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in criminal justice related fields range from favorable to excellent.

Value of a Bachelors of Criminal Justice Degree

Graduates from top accredited online bachelor of criminal justice programs will be in an excellent position to take advantage of the growing demand for trained officers. A bachelor’s degree is increasingly a prerequisite for entrance into policing, investigations, corrections, law, social work and other criminal justice related fields. Anyone interested in doing graduate level work in any of these areas will need a bachelor’s degree as well. Continued…