online colleges in ohio

Education programs in Ohio's university system will be undergoing some new measures to gauge how well they are training their teachers of tomorrow. This will make Ohio the "first state in the nation to grade colleges on how well they train teachers to help students succeed." There are 15 measures to be implemented, announced Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, which will test teachers in both public and private universities. Ohio was one of only 12 states to receive federal funding from President Obama's "Race to the Top" plan, which boasted a $4.3 billion budget. About $400 million was given to Ohio, which was then split accordingly amongst all schools.

These testing measures are strikingly similar to "the state report cards of Ohio's K-12 schools", since they examine how much a student has learned in one year compared to the previous year. The determining factor is "teaching quality," said Fingerhut. He continued by saying, "And so we have a moral, professional and institutional obligation to make sure the quality of teachers is as high as possible."

The state teacher licensure exam will now have a "value-added" component, which will be reflected by the schools submitting annual data detailing how well students perform. The State Board of Education is developing this component as a function of Ohio's "Race to the Top" plan. This data will allow administrators to track the academic growth of students individually through the years, no matter what school they attend. Another new evaluation method will "create a teacher-performance assessment that measures how well new teachers communicate with parents, structure lesson plans and manage classrooms."

Money that was received from Obama's education reform will be divided amongst various sectors: mentoring programs to close the gap between minority and white groups, teacher planning, and the redesign of teacher evaluations. New coalitions between education colleges and "academically struggling schools" will evolve, giving both institutions added advantages, such as extra recognition and more individual student attention and interaction.

While the first report won't be available until the end of 2012, schools are already planning their courses for the next few years. Rob Evans, press secretary for the Ohio Board of Regents further emphasizes this fact, "We're essentially starting from scratch, and a lot of this information isn't even available yet." Once benchmarks are created and distributed for each category, results can be compared and then compiled. The oft-heard complaint from many teachers is that they were not prepared well enough in college for what awaited them in the real classroom. With this, and the new evaluations, in place, it seems as if the road to reconciliation for these two disparate worlds might be just around the corner.

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Columbus State Community College is the Largest Provider of Online Education in Ohio

Located in downtown Columbus in Ohio in the United States that is known as the Discovery District, the school is the largest provider of distance learning opportunities in the state of Ohio, and one of the largest in United States. More than 10,000 students enroll for online studies in any given semester.

Brief Background and Campus

Columbus State Community College was established in 1963 and it serves Columbus, Ohio, and adjacent areas. Campus is situated in close proximity to a host of entertainment and employment opportunities. Main campus is at downtown Columbus while ten other suburban branches are in Delaware, Grandview, Dublin, Groveport, Grove City, Marysville, Gahanna, Plain City, Westerville, and Southwest Columbus. Clubs, language groups, cultural activities, honor societies and sports are popular activities for students. A unique feature is the student government activity on the campus.

Programs Offered

Over 50 associate degrees as well as professional and technical certificates are offered by the college. Programs offered include business, geographic information systems, health care, facility maintenance architecture, human service, fire science, public service, nuclear medicine technology, massage therapy, respiratory care, veterinary technology, engineering technologies and law enforcement. In addition a host of programs to help students complete the first two years of undergraduate degrees are also offered so that on completion they can migrate to four year institution.

Admission

Open admission policy is followed by the college. Transfer students are not ignored. However both SAT and ACT scores are important. State Community College has adopted open enrollment policy with the objective of allowing maximum number of students to attend college. Students aspiring for admission may contact an on-site admissions counselor for explaining the requirements. Documentations required include school transcripts, GED or its equivalent, and proof of citizenship of foreign student status. Placement tests after enrollment is mandatory.

Accreditation

Columbus State Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission as well as the Academic Quality Improvement Plan.

Student Support

Columbus State Community College provides extensive supports along with remedial instructions, study skill assistance and tutoring and counseling in various aspects. Counseling includes adult student services, alcohol and drugs abuse, career and academic counseling and employment service. For details one can visit the college directory at the state university website.

Financial Aids

Columbus State Community College offers federal, state, local, and institutional grants, scholarships, and student loans. Aids are applied using the FAFSA form. Financial assistance is readily available for students in the college including merit based scholarships, the details of which can be viewed at the state university website.

Now is the Time to Obtain Your Online Criminal Justice Degree

Have you ever pondered getting an online criminal justice degree? Believe it or not, there are hundreds of thousands of people that have made their dreams a reality - and they didn't ever have to leave the comfort of their homes! Many people look at online degrees in a plethora of different ways. For most people however, they look at obtaining their college degrees over the internet as a means to have a little bit of diversity as far as their learning goes.

With obtaining an online criminal justice degree, you are given the opportunity to choose your own schedule for school. One of the greatest things about online education is you do not have to quit your current occupation in order to get involved in the school.

Many online degree programs will actually work with your current schedule. In fact, most of the time degree programs are set up on a study at your own pace basis. Basically, you can choose to take the fast route and absorb as much information as you possibly can, or you can take the latter route of engaging yourself in your studies when you have the time.

An online criminal justice degree will teach you all the basic things that you need to know in order to break into the criminal justice field. If you have ever had the inclination to know the way that the law works, then you would flourish with a criminal justice major. Many people who end up obtaining their criminal justice degrees inadvertently move on to exciting careers in the field of law. Criminal justice is a field that has amazing job potential. You can utilize your degree to do whatever you wish in the field of law.

A good majority of people who have received their degrees have avidly moved on to some of the most respected jobs in the world. CSI agents, as well as lawyers and anyone else that chooses to have anything to do with law, have to obtain their degree before they can meddle in lawful affairs. The criminal justice careers are in high demand, which is a great thing especially after taking a gander at the current economic stature of society. If you are in the mood to make a difference in the world, then the best means to do so is to obtain your online degree right now!

The courses are relatively easy, and before you know it you could be working in the career of your dreams

Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Enrolling in an online criminal justice degree program can get you started in a career that is exciting and meaningful. Criminal Justice Careers The criminal justice field offers a wide variety of careers- from local level law enforcement to State and Federal agencies and private sector law enforcement. A career in law enforcement will allow you to make a difference whether you are a youth probation officer or an FBI agent.

One of the things that attract people to online criminal justice programs is their desire to help people. Often criminal justice is a second career for those who have found their first career to be unsatisfying. Entering the criminal justice field is an important step. An online degree program in criminal justice can get you there.

Some of the more common criminal justice occupations are described in short below. The usual educational requirements needed for each job is listed. For further information you may want to refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website and check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook for specific jobs.

Corrections Officer- Corrections officers work in jails, penitentiaries, and prisons with persons convicted of crimes or who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Most work in State and Federal facilities with inmates. Prison workers in most State and all Federal prisons must attend college (States 2-4 years, Federal 4 years) and have previous related job experience to be considered for employment. Localities may or may not require any college. There are many criminal justice degree programs online.

Crime Scene Investigator- A crime scene investigator gathers and analyzes evidence at crime scenes. They must be trained in investigative procedures including finding, handling and preserving crime evidence. Some investigators are trained in forensic science and some are sworn police officers. Most crime scene investigators are graduates of 4 year criminal justice programs. There are also associates degree programs. Both are offered online.

ATF Agent- An Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent works for the Federal agency ATF to investigate criminal violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, alcohol and tobacco. These agents are also involved in preventing and fighting terrorism and investigate unexplained explosions and bombings. Qualifications are very stringent regarding physical and mental fitness and character. There are several grades of special agents, requiring from 4 years of college at the least to a masters degree. Previous investigative experience is also required.

Court Reporter- Court reporters are responsible for the word for word transcript of court and other legal proceedings. There are several accepted means of recording, each which require specialized training. Education required is 1 to 2 years, depending on recording method. Court reporters must have attended programs that have been approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). There are several online programs approved by the NCRA.

Probation Officer- A probation officer and the related occupation parole officer supervise and monitor the activities of offenders who have been placed on probation or parole. Both work with offenders to create probation or post release plans and then evaluate their progress. Both have the goal of rehabilitating an offender and returning the offender to society. Probation and parole officers need a 4-year college degree at the minimum. There are online programs that will fulfill this requirement.

Police Officer- Police officers work for local and State police departments. Their job is to enforce the law and to protect the citizens in their jurisdictions. The duties of a police officer vary, but generally they respond to calls for assistance, arrest offenders, gather evidence, testify in court and maintain the security of their community. Most police officers are now required to complete at least two years of college in a criminal justice program as well as complete additional training after being hired. Online programs exist to fill this need.

Online Criminal Justice Degrees Available

We depend on those in the criminal justice system to keep us safe. Education and training is vital to developing and maintaining the skills necessary to perform well in these occupations. Although the above list is incomplete, it is clear that an online criminal justice degree would serve to complete the educational requirements for most occupations in the field. Whether you need an associates, bachelors, or masters degree, there is an online program for you.

Finding the right online criminal justice degree program will take some research. There are several good websites that can direct you to online criminal justice programs.

Some tips: Make sure the online college programs you are interested in will meet your needs. Find out which courses are offered and if they will be useful in the occupation you have chosen. Compare costs, as they vary greatly from school to school. Take a virtual tour online and talk directly to an admissions representative. After comparing several programs, choose the school that seems to be the best fit for you and that will help you meet your professional and personal goals.

Good luck in your search and as you start on the path to your career in criminal justice.

How to Earn Your Bachelor Degree Online

Bachelor Degrees are also called as 4 year degrees as they take up to 4 years to complete at an accredited college or university. Online Bachelor Degrees refer to either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degrees in a subject obtained online. It's a traditional degree offered by various colleges and universities spread throughout the world. Online Bachelors degree provides additional options for returning adult students, students who do full or part - time work while in school, and for students who live too far from an accredited educational institution that offer their preferential degree program. Several accredited colleges offer online bachelor's degrees that suit the needs of working students. They can also get the same benefit of traditional classroom study through distance learning bachelor degree programs, which are an exciting and affordable option. Bachelor's degrees online is just another stepping stone towards advanced online studies like master level and doctoral level programs and to a bright career prospect in future.

Admission Criteria

Online bachelor's degrees require an admission criterion of high school diploma. Generally, your subjects depend on the academic curriculum you choose amongst online bachelor's degrees. For e.g. B.A is ideal for all who have pursued humanities stream in high school and BSc is ideal for all who have pursued science stream in their high school. Moreover, International students who do not have English as their mother tongue, have to meet the language requirement by either passing IELTS or TOEFL and submit the score to the college or university.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Online bachelor's degrees commonly require about 120 - 128 credits for completion. Entire academic curriculum is generally split into two i.e. a core curriculum and a major that lays special importance on a concentration or specific study area. Usually the best bachelors degrees online are in study areas including Accounting, Arts, Political Science, Education, Criminal Justice, Finance, Marketing, Healthcare Management, Nursing, Computer Science/Information Technology, Psychology, Engineering, Human Service, Legal Studies and Technology, Advertising, Agriculture, Customer Relations, Database Administration, E - Business, Fashion, Early Childhood Education, Interior Design and Web Development and Design.

Bachelor level online teaching degrees, online nursing degrees and online engineering degrees are highly popular among masses.

Reasons to Complete a Bachelors Degree Online

A more flexible schedule is looked as an advantage for the students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree online. An online bachelor's degree program is very suitable for individuals who want to:

Complete a second degree without having to return to their campus.

Continue working for a full - time job while attending courses on a part time basis.

Take one or two courses simultaneously.

Receive specialized training in an area or a field not available at their local area.

List of Popular Universities Offering Online Bachelor's Degrees Online

University of Phoenix online

Kaplan University online

Walden University online

AIU online

Westwood College online

Ashford University online

Marylhurst University online

online college with no application fee

Are you seeking to take the plunge and apply to the best rated online colleges? With college costs on the rise, students are analysis new ways to pay for college tuition. Perhaps your biggest concern about pursuing higher education is how to pay for it. Fortunately, there are quite a few choices a person has available to them.

Most students receive some form of financial aid to help pay for school. Financial aid consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and participation in work-study programs. Tax credits and benefits for military personnel also aid in offsetting the cost of higher education. Also private loans are available to make achieving your degree a reality.

Each school will have a financial aid department that will give you specific instructions and walk you through their financial aid process. Once you have submitted your information, speak to all schools before making a decision. This will ensure that you are well informed when deciding which school is best for you.

When you speak with the Admissions Adviser from each school, they will provide you with specific information regarding their school and its offerings.

The admission process consist of four basic steps:

The First Phone Call - Getting Started

During the first phone call, the Admissions/Enrollment Adviser/Counselor may want to schedule an interview time to speak with you.

o Select the program for your job and lifestyle ambitions

Step 2: Applications and Forms

After you have spoken with the schools, there are several ways you can begin the admissions process:

o You may receive an email with the link to a school's application site.

o An application fee, depending upon the school's requirements, may be requested. One thing you can do is talk to a rep for advice. In particular, inquire if there are any fees associated with filling out a school application.

o Apply for financial aid; some schools will complete this information prior to your acceptance, while other schools may wait until you are accepted. Stay tuned to part II for success secrets on the honest truth to getting into the top ranked online colleges.

Catawba Valley Community College is Part of North Carolina's Community College System

Established in April 3 rd, 1958, the name of the college was changed to Catawba Valley Community College on December 1 st 1987 from the then existing name of Catawba Valley Technical Institute and which was also known as Catawba Valley Technical College. It was the concerted efforts of Catawba County citizens and educational leaders in North Carolina that brought up the college by the Department of Public Instruction as the 9th school of its kind in the state. Initial enrollment in the college was 77.

Name Change

In 1963 the establishment of North Carolina system of community colleges was complete and Catawba College was included in the system in 1964 and offered its first associate degree. Name of the college was changed to Catawba Valley Technical College in 1979 and transfer programs were approved in 1987.

Campus

With an area of 120 acres the campus has ten buildings. A college art center on Startown Highway, an education center in downtown Newton, Balls Creek Center, East campus, and Alexander Country Center are other extensions.

Programs Offered

Specialty programs offered by the college include homegrown teaching scholars' initiative that provides loans for prospective candidates for teaching from Catawba and Alexander Counties in exchange for an agreement to teach 4-7 years in the home county of the candidate. Degrees, career preparations, and corporate training programs are offered besides short term training programs and online degrees through distance learning. Academics, education, fine arts, business, industry, health services, public safety, and technology are some of the major courses offered.

Accreditation

Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by North Carolina State Approving Agency for Veteran Education. It is also a member of the American Association of Community Colleges. Special programs have been accredited by the National League for Nursing, Commission on Dental Accreditation, and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs for EMT Paramedic and various other approving authorities.

Admission and Financial Aids

Catawba Valley Community College follows the open door admission policy. In addition there is scope for distance education and part time education for which it finds place in the college directory of institutions providing all types of educational facilities. Among the financial aids, it offers federal, state and institutional grants, scholarships and loans. For details one can visit the college website.

Combining the facilities of open door admission policy, distance education, and part time education Catawba Valley College has been included in the college directory of academies providing comprehensive education in the state of North Carolina. The college is also approved to issue I-20 forms to international students for all associate degree programs.