Information about the Graduate Record Examination

Admissions requirements vary from university to university but most online Master's degree programs in geographic information systems require prospective students to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE general test has sections that test your critical thinking, writing, verbal and mathematical (or quantitative) skills. This test is designed to measure skills gained over a long period of time and is not specific to any one subject. Some programs may require you to take a GRE subject matter test. There are eight subject matter tests: Biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, English literature, mathematics, physics and psychology. When scheduling your GRE, be sure to leave plenty of time for your results to be submitted before the application deadline. Some online Master's degree programs in geographic information systems waive the GRE requirement for students who have been out of school for five years or more. Check with an admissions officer to see if this applies to you.

Work-Life-School balance

When you're juggling a full-time teaching career and a family, it's hard to make time to attend class, let alone study. Students enrolled in online degree programs have the additional challenge of courses that may not meet on a fixed schedule, but require self-discipline in order to carve out the necessary time. Creating your own “classroom” at home can help you get into the right frame of mind for learning, as well as send a signal to friends and family that you are “at school.” Choose a quiet room with good lighting and a door that closes for your at-home “classroom.” Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic office chair. Have all your books, supplies and computer equipment easily accessible. When it's time for class, turn off your cell phone and enlist the help of your spouse to keep interruptions by children, pets or telephone calls to a minimum.

Special technical requirements for GIS students

When considering an online Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems, be sure to check with the programs you're considering for any special technical requirements. Online GIS students may need hardware or software that differs from the standard for most online courses. GIS software such as ArcView is available under a special student license for a minimal fee, but you will need to provide proof that you are enrolled and registered in an approved program in order to receive the special pricing. The computer that you use for your online studies will need to be powerful enough to run GIS software. The technical support department at your university will be able to provide you with a list of requirements specific to your program.

Chat and discussion group ettiquette for online master's degree programs

As a student in an online master's degree program in homeland security it is very likely you will be using chat rooms and discussion groups for at least part of your class work. These tools can enhance communication, but they can also cause misunderstandings if not used thoughtfully.

1. Be professional. Treat your fellow students as you would co-workers. Be respectful and polite, even when working out a disagreement. Don't give out a lot of personal information too quickly.

2. Use humor with care. Humor and sarcasm do not always make a smooth transition when written down.

3. Respect diversity. Your classmates may come from other parts of the country or from around the world. What makes perfect sense to you may be confusing, unclear or rude to someone else. Be sensitive to these differences.

4. Argue the facts. In an online master's degree setting, debate is a natural by-product of the learning experience. Homeland security is an especially controversial topic. When you're involved in a disagreement, be sure to address the ideas being discussed and not the person. Personal attacks will make people tune out what you're saying.

Purchasing books for an online course

There are advantages to purchasing books at the campus bookstore including availability of used textbooks, book buy-back programs and the number of books in stock. However, students pursuing an online degree in oil and gas engineering management may not have easy access to the university bookstore. Luckily, there are many online resources for purchasing textbooks, many of which can save you money in the bargain. The big-name booksellers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble carry many standard textbooks at prices lower than most university bookstores. For more specialized texts, there are online booksellers that specialize in college textbooks. You can also check eBay for used versions, but be sure that you check to make sure that the version you purchase is the version being used in the course you are taking. If all else fails and you can't find the book you need, call the university bookstore and see if they offer shipping for master's degree students studying oil and gas engineering management.

Preparing an admissions essay

Many online degree programs in geographic information systems require prospective students to submit an essay, letter of intent or statement of purpose as part of their admissions package. Don't be tempted to substitute a resume and cover letter for this essay! Not only does a well-written essay show your seriousness in wanting to pursue an online Master's degree in geographic information systems, it shows that you have the writing skills necessary to excel in an online learning environment. A good admissions essay needn't be cute or clever. It is enough to explain your professional background and to talk honestly about your educational goals and how you feel the program can help you reach them. Of course, you also need to pay special attention to neat formatting, correct spelling and proper grammar. You want to present the image of a serious student who is ready for the challenge of an advanced degree in geographic information systems.

Building relationships with your fellow online MBA students

MBA degree students often make valuable business contacts and lifelong friendships during the course of their studies. There are several ways that universities provide their online MBA students with opportunities to make these connections. MBA program's online have a maximum enrollment and begin classes at the same time each year, which allows students to progress through the entire program with the same classmates. Also, many online courses offer a separate chat-room where students can gather in an online “coffee shop” to discuss their lives, the program or anything else they like. Residential programs offer students the ability to meet their fellow students face-to-face and work together on group projects, providing valuable team-building experience. Admissions officers can give you information on connecting with other students and put you in touch with recent graduates who can give you information about their experiences.

Admissions deadlines for online degree programs

In the good old days, prospective college students applied in the fall, a year before they wanted to begin college, and received their acceptance letters in the spring. Online master's degree programs in geographic information systems are different. Some independent study programs allow students to begin at any time. Some follow the traditional model of accepting a limited number of students for fall admission. Some begin their programs two or three times a year. It is important to check with the admissions office for exact application and financial aid deadlines so that you can coordinate the preparation of all your admissions materials.

Planning Your Online Master's Degree in Project Management

If you are considering getting an online master's degree in Project Management, it's likely you already have a job that demands a lot of you. Though many programs allow accelerated study, you need to consider whether the current demands of your job will leave enough time for that. Consider that each online course requires 6-12 hours of work per week. That means you need to free 18-36 hours per week to take three courses at once. Two courses per semester would reduce the number of hours needed to 12-24. Analyze your workload and the demands of your home life to determine which schedule will be best for you.

Copyright issues for online master's degree courses

Did you know that not everything you find on the Internet is available for "fair use?" Just because a photo or a piece of writing does not carry a copyright date, that does not mean that it is free for any purpose. Students in online master's degree programs in homeland security should pay particular attention to the fact that some government publications also carry copyrights. Most large universities and many smaller ones have specific policies regarding the type of materials that can be downloaded from the Internet to use in course work. Additionally, there may be policies on what you can photocopy and how you can distribute those copies. Never assume that, because you are a student, you are immune from responsibility for copyright infringement. Check with your professor or advisor to get a copy of your university's copyright policy.

Financial aid for an online Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Many students erroneously assume that they are not eligible for financial aid because they are enrolled in an online program. Fortunately, this is not the case. Students enrolled in accredited, degree-granting online programs are eligible for most forms of federal financial aid. There are also grants, scholarships, fellowships and loan programs designed specifically for teachers who wish to pursue advanced degrees. These programs may be specific to a discipline (science, math, language arts, etc.) or more broad-based. All students interested in receiving financial aid should begin by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the form used by government agencies and private scholarship-granting organizations to determine eligibility for their various programs. Teachers should also check with their local school district and their union, if they belong to one, to see if they offer tuition assistance.

Four questions to consider before you enroll in an online MBA program

Pursuing the MBA degree, whether online or on campus, is a huge commitment and prospective students should perform a careful self-evaluation before enrolling in a program. Here are four questions to ask yourself before you sign up:

1. How much time can I commit to participating in classes and studying? Expect to spend 2 to 4 hours per credit per week on your studies. (6 to 12 hours per week for a 3-credit course.) Online MBA degrees can take as little as 18 months or as much as 3 years to complete.

2. Am I disciplined enough for online learning? Online degree programs require more discipline than classroom-based degrees because much of the work is done at your own pace. Some students are more motivated by a classroom setting with a fixed schedule.

3. Can I afford it? Most online MBA programs offer some kind of financial aid. Your employer may also offer tuition assistance for programs related to your industry. Check with your human resources department for more information.

4. Do I have the right combination of experience and education? MBA programs, whether online or classroom-based typically require that students have some business experience. Some MBA programs are specifically designed for students with management experience. Check with admissions officers before you enroll to ensure you have the necessary skills to handle the coursework.

Consider an online degree in Adult Education

With the aging of America's Baby-Boomers, the demand for adult education grows each year. Whether they're seeking training for a new career to enhance current job skills or personal enrichment, adult students are returning to school in large numbers. This has created a demand for professionals with experience as instructors, program coordinators, researchers and trainers. A degree in Adult Education can position you to take advantage of these opportunities. Pursuing a degree in Adult Education online offers you the opportunity to work at your own speed and if you're currently working with adult learners, you can apply what you're learning in your classroom in real-time. Additionally, by taking your degree online you can be a living example to your adult students of the quality of online education.

Proctored exams

At some point during your online education, you may be expected to take what is called a proctored exam. This is a supervised examination administered by a person who is pre-qualified by the university to ensure that the exam is taken fairly and under the conditions that the university specifies. If you are near a campus, most universities allow online students to take proctored exams in their on-campus testing center. Some large universities have off-campus, satellite testing centers with proctors on duty. For online students who are not near a campus or satellite testing center, certified public school teachers, community college professors, military officers and members of the clergy can substitute for a qualified university proctor. Check with your online MBA program for the list of qualifications they require for proctors and line up your proctor well in advance of your examination.

Career building with an online degree in Adult Education

Teachers are not the only people who can benefit from an advanced degree in Adult Education, though they frequently seek advanced degrees to learn the latest trends and techniques. Human resource professionals are frequently tasked with the responsibility of working with adult learners in a corporate setting. Social service professionals often conduct job-training, English as a second language and basic literacy courses for adult learners. Professional associations often employ trainers to assist their members in keeping their industry certifications up-to-date. If you're one of the following types of professionals, an advanced online degree in Adult Education could help advance your career:

Corporate trainer
Human resources professional
Community college instructor
ESOL or basic literacy instructor
Social worker
Military trainer
Community service provider

If you're employed in one of the jobs listed above, you may also be eligible for employer-assistance with the costs of your education.

Email your professor in an online master's degree program

Exchanging emails with professors has become as common as the office visit used to be. These tips can help students pursuing an online master's degree build a solid electronic relationship with your professor.

1. Keep messages short and to the point. Your professor may receive many emails in the course of a day and staying on topic can help get you a quicker response.

2. Use a meaningful subject line. Subject lines like "Hi," or "I have a question," don't tell your reader what the email is about. Use specifics like, "HLS 410, Question About Chapter 2."

3. Use care when sending attachments. Be sure they are in a format that your receipient can open. Make sure anything you send is clean of viruses.

4. Be patient. Once you've sent an email, give the receipient 24 hours to reply. Not everyone checks their email on an hourly basis and professors, in particular, may be limited to checking email during certain hours of the day.

The Graduate Management Admission Test

Many online master's degree programs in project management require students to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and submit scores as part of their application. Online students of project management are no exception. The GMAT is a test that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants to their programs. It is only one part of the complete application package that online students seeking degrees in project management submit for consideration. The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. Check online for practice tests and preparation courses. There are also study guides available in libraries and bookstores.