Founded in 1821, The George Washington University (GW) has consistently been ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News and World Report. Located four blocks from the White House, GW is offering online programs through its graduate schools of business, education, political management, and professional studies.

• Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) has ranked among the top 35 graduate schools of education nationwide since 1997.
• GSEHD has been continuously accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954.
• The Graduate School of Business is accredited by the AACSB International.
• GW offers the nation's first and preeminent professional school of politics, – noted as “The West Point of the Political Wars,” by The New York Times.
• Ranked by The Princeton Review in top 10 for numerous categories including: The Most Politically Active, Best College in the Northeast and College with a Conscience.
• GW schools have the highest international accreditations available to schools in business, education, medicine, law and social sciences.

Boston University

Boston University – independent, coeducational, and non-sectarian – is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and 135 countries, it is the fourth largest independent university in the United States. For over 150 years, Boston University has anticipated the changing needs of its students while serving the greater needs of society.

University of Southern California – USC

The University of Southern California is one of the world's leading private research universities. USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.

Jones International University – JIU

As the nation's first 100% online, regionally accredited university, JIU focuses on the needs of working professionals by using programs developed specifically for online learning that provide the tools to be successful-without disrupting work or family obligations.

JIU's mission is to be an active partner in helping you reach your goals through developing skills immediately applicable to your career advancement. JIU has a strong history with educators affiliated with acclaimed universities such as Harvard, MIT and Oxford who have been instrumental in the development, instruction and assessment of our online curriculum.

Marygrove College

Marygrove College has been a leader in teacher education since 1927. In the past decade, more teachers have earned their MAT degree from Marygrove College than from any other college or university. Marygrove was one of the first colleges to offer the convenience and flexibility of a distance learning master's degree. With over 20,000 graduates from the distance learning master's degree program since 1990, Marygrove has a history of serving K-12 teachers with a program that is relevant to today's working educator.

Marygrove College has partnered with Teachscape, a leader in online professional development for K-12 educators. Teachscape's multimedia online platform provides Marygrove MAT students with an unparalleled course experience. Teachscape allows students to have full access to video case studies featuring renowned education experts and classroom practitioners, as well as interaction with peer and faculty, all online in the convenience of their home or classroom.

Saint Leo University Online

Saint Leo University Online is a leading provider of accredited online education to working adults and is a major global provider of education to the military. The online programs are designed to meet the growing needs of adult students and offer the best attributes of traditional classroom education in conjunction with today’s most innovative computer technology.

At Saint Leo University Online, classroom attendance is never required. Set your own weekly study schedule and “attend class” anytime — anywhere you have access to a PC. Work and family responsibilities, travel, shift changes or commuting problems will never interfere with your studies.

For these four finance fields, marketability is very much dependent upon a combination of required and recommended certifications, designations, and degrees. Find out how coursework can help you cash in. When you are looking for a suitable online finance degree, see our wide selection of listings.

Hedge Fund Trader

A hedge fund trader or manager is responsible for overseeing the portfolio, making trading decisions, monitoring the risk of the portfolio, and ensuring that accounting and operations are in order. While the role of hedge fund employees may differ from one investment bank to another, people who want to pursue this career should possess strong analytical and quantitative skills such as math, finance, and statistics.

Regarding the salary, it depends on the institution. According to a job survey of fixed income hedge fund trader on TheVault.com, a site dedicated to inside career and education information, a mid-level job in Jersey City, N.J. equates to a salary of $100,000 with a guaranteed bonus of $40,000.

In order to secure such top-level salaries, understanding the requirements of continuing education is important. “Every field requires continuing education whether formal or informal,” explains Bryan Johnson, vice-president of business development for hedge fund ratings at Moodys, a provider of independent credit ratings, research, and financial information to capital markets. “Certain areas require official certification or licensing, such as the Series 7 to be an SEC licensed broker.” Other designations recognized as critical, Johnson points out: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CAIA (Certified Alternative Investment Analyst).

Controller or Treasurer

Responsible for corporate cash management, treasurers need to have an understanding of accounting as it relates to cash and cash-related activities. Controllers are responsible for the accounting of an entire company and typically begin one's career as an analyst or accountant. According to Jim Kaitz, president and CEO of the Association for Financial Professionals, “in corporate treasury and finance, this person makes sure a company has enough capital on hand to sustain operations and reach its strategic goals. Treasury and finance professionals move billions of dollars through the capital markets and make strategic decisions that impact the financial health of their organizations.”

According to BLS, entry-level opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration abound as cash manager, cash management analyst, financial manager, financial analyst, or risk manager. The average salary of financial managers was $81,880 in May 2004. Although a master's degree isn't essential to advance in this field, Katz recommends the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), a designation earned through a continuing education program and that has come to be a symbol of excellence. “It signifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to perform competently in today's complex treasury environment and is increasingly gaining preference from potential employers.”

Finance Operations

Whether the position is a financial analyst, budget analyst, cash manager, or branch manager of financial institutions, having an interest in numbers and accounting, as well as being detail-oriented and results-driven are prerequisites for a position within finance operations. According to Rebecca Albarelli, finance operations solutions director at Jefferson Wells, a professional services organization, who holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in finance, having an advanced degree and becoming certified is paramount to one's success.

“Depending on whether you go the public accounting route or industry route will dictate which certification will best help your education and career.” Plus, once immersed in the financial industry sector, she indicates it's not uncommon to switch to another field. “There are so many different avenues you could take your career based upon your individual aspirations. Business will always be here, and there will always be a strong demand for resources. It is relatively easy to cross over from one company to the next, one industry to the next, and have your skills still be very relevant.”

BLS data supports Albarelli's job-security belief–recent studies show that almost every firm, government agency, and other type of organization has one or more financial managers who oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. The median salary in 2004 for financial managers was $97,730.

Financial Planner

Also known as personal financial advisors or financial consultants, these planners apply their knowledge of investments, tax laws, and insurance to advise individuals regarding their financial options as it relates to the individuals' short and long-term goals. Some planners may be generalists while others may specialize in areas such as retirement and estate planning.

According to Jack Waymire, founder of the Paladin Registry, which helps investors find financial advisors, certification – specifically, being a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)–is important. This and other designations, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), enable financial professions to hone and highlight their knowledge in financial planning, portfolio design, and management or asset allocation.

“If the professional is providing research and trading, then he or she should have that CFA designation–it's the best certification for financial analysts.” According to BLS, in 2004 the average salary of a financial planner was $62,700.

Learning Equals Success

According to Chuck Gurden, vice-president for graduate and online admissions at Baker College, as far as employability, advancement, and changes in rules and regulations, finance is an ever changing market. “I see this as a career where you are learning and growing daily–even for those who have 15, 20, even 30 years in.” Gurden's advice to professionals who wish to continue prospering is to remain abreast of the industry, both in and outside the classroom.

While Gurden indicates programs like Baker's require students to have at least three years of full-time work experience prior to being accepted, the specific MBA concentration–whether it's finance or general business–attempts to cover all areas and depends on the aspirations and ambitions of each student. Besides the classroom, the remaining education consists of staying relevant with rules, regulations, and the policies and procedures of the industry and organization, he says.

Vicki Salemi, a frequent contributor to ClassesUSA.com, Online Degrees Magazine, and The CollegeBound Network,writes regularly about education and career issues. She is also the author of “The ABC's of College Life.”

© 2006 Classes USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Before you decide if grad school is right for you, these questions can help you pinpoint your goals and find the best program to help you achieve them. When you are ready to take the plunge, review our wide range of online graduate degree programs.

Why do you want to go back?

A graduate-level education requires a significant time commitment and financial investment, so it’s important to have a clear grasp on your reasons for returning to school. For many students, professional advancement is the biggest incentive; a graduate degree can increase promotability and bring financial rewards. A U.S. Census Bureau study shows that graduate school grads earn an average of $59,804 annually, compared to $45,221 for employees with a bachelor’s degree.

Beyond the professional advantages, a graduate degree can broaden your knowledge in a particular field. “Advancing my career was important, but it wasn’t the main reason I went to grad school,” says Aaron Shafer, a student pursuing an M.S. in software engineering at Penn State University. “I’m just trying to become an expert in what I do, and a master’s degree validates that.”

Personal growth is always an upshot of graduate education, says Dianne Pusch, the executive vice president of the University of Phoenix. “It opens doors they couldn’t have had access to before,” she says. “And it all starts with how that person changes by going through the learning process. Somebody goes in for a graduate degree and comes out a whole different person.”

Where should you enroll?

Once you’ve solidified your reasons for pursuing an advanced degree, the next step is deciding which school will offer the best education to suit your goals. If you’re unsure of the best route to take, Pusch suggests asking a mentor in your current or desired field to identify the most highly valued degree and the most renowned institution for that degree. Then examine the degree program at that institution, and search online for other programs that meet the same criteria. For example, if enrolling in Wharton for your MBA isn’t financially feasible, you may be able to find a more accessible business school with a similarly structured curriculum.

Prospective students should also consider the mode of delivery. For some students, online learning provides convenience and exposure to a diverse student body. “It’s a very rich learning environment,” Pusch says, “but it takes some self-discipline; it’s the offset for that richness. You need to be able to hold yourself accountable.” If you’re easily distracted or need the consistency of a set course schedule, a traditional school may be a more suitable choice.

When will you have time?

Balancing graduate school with a career is a difficult feat, albeit a common one. According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), 75 percent of MBA students and 91 percent of M.Ed. students worked while pursuing their advanced degree.

But while someone pursuing an advanced degree in their field will often solicit support from their employer and colleagues, it can be trickier for those who are looking to switch fields. “That takes more balance,” Pusch says, “because they’re separating their lives into ‘who I am’ and ‘who I want to be.’” If you’d prefer to keep your grad-school plans under wraps — because, say, you’re pursuing a master’s in education so you can quit your job as a chemist — you’ll want to make sure you can fulfill the degree requirements without revealing your plans for a career change.

Who is paying for this?

The costs of a graduate education can be daunting, but with a little pre-planning, you can earn your advanced degree without racking up unmanageable debt. First, look into financial aid options, even if you didn’t qualify for assistance as an undergraduate. “Somebody who’s going to school for the first time gets a little bit of money,” Pusch says. “Somebody who’s at a grad level gets a lot of money, because they’ve already shown they have a successful track in education.” More than half of all students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program will receive some form of financial aid, according to the NCES.

If your degree will make you more valuable to your current employer, ask about tuition reimbursement options. Pusch stresses that many companies are willing to invest in their employees’ education, because they’ll reap the benefits. “It expands your horizons,” she says. “It makes that employee more valuable to the organization.”

Tuition reimbursement also improves employee retention, which ultimately reduces recruiting costs. “They’re saying to their employees, ‘We value you and we want you to stay with us. There is a future here,’” Pusch adds.

What degree will benefit your career?

When deciding what type of graduate degree to pursue, the options are endless. Are you vying for a promotion at your company? Do you want a global perspective on your career? Does your dream job require professional certification? Whether you’re looking to refocus your education or to broaden your existing skill set, understanding your end goals can help you choose the right degree program.

“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge,” says Michael DaSilva, a mechanical engineer currently pursuing an MBA at Rutgers University. “Engineering master’s degrees really make you a specialized problem solver. I wanted more career options, not less—and the M.B.A. gives you the tools to help your company prosper.”

Pusch believes that a departure from your field can actually make you more valuable to your current industry, so don’t be afraid to branch out if another profession piques your interest. “Everybody’s tendency is to follow what they love,” she says. “The challenge is to flip it around and do something that is not in your innate skill set, and challenge yourself to learn that. Because when you come out, your skill set will be so much more developed.”

Understanding your own career goals, educational needs, and potential obstacles is key as you consider your plans for grad school. Although the process can be fraught with difficult decisions, the outcome of a graduate education remains consistent.

“People return to school at the graduate level because they’re thinking about opportunities that are greater than those they’ve been exposed to before,” Pusch says. “They want to make a bigger change in their life.”

It’s no secret that earning your college degree can open a lot of doors. Actually, make that 6.9 million doors. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), that’s how many pure-college occupations will open up between 2004 and 2014. “Pure-college” means at least 60 percent of workers between the ages of 25 and 44 have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, giving college grads a significant edge over the competition.

And although pure-college occupations include the usual lineup of medicine and law, where a doctorate degree is par for the course, a few surprise contenders offer far more opportunities for job seekers. According to the BLS, the fields of education, accounting, and computer engineering are quickly joining the roster of vocations that require a college degree and comprise five fast-growing fields expected to outpace all other pure-college occupations. Apply for one of these positions, and your degree could make all the difference.

1. Post-Secondary Teachers

As college degrees become increasingly essential in the workplace, so do the instructors who provide those degrees. With the most recent Census reporting that nearly half of the nation’s high school grads are continuing on to college, it’s no surprise that professors are in high demand — the field of postsecondary education is projected to grow at twice the national average. In fact, the BLS reports that postsecondary education will offer more job opportunities than any other pure-college occupation over the next few years.

A college degree is an absolute requisite for anyone who wants to take advantage of the ample opportunities. Kristina Quay, an early childhood instructor at Sampson Community College, attests that her master’s degree was vital to her attaining a coveted faculty position: “There’s no way you’ll get hired without it,” she says.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 892,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $51,800

2. Elementary School Teachers

More than half a million elementary school teachers will be hired through 2014, and the BLS reports that 92 percent of elementary school teachers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Teaching the ABCs is serious business — a key component of the No Child Left Behind Act made it mandatory for all teachers to complete a bachelor’s degree and certification. (This is especially true for entry-level candidates; the eight percent of teachers without degrees are generally armed with decades of experience.) Even after the core requirements for NCLB are met, teachers have plenty of incentive to further their education. Those who hold a master’s degree often qualify for a higher salary, so many teachers choose to pursue an M.A. through online learning and/or summer classes.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 587,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $43,160

3. Accountants and Auditors

Of the top five fields on the BLS report, accounting has the most wiggle room for non-grads, with 75% of workers holding a bachelor’s degree. Because the field of accounting encompasses a wide range of job titles, the need for a degree depends on the desired position and the employee’s long-term ambitions.

“If you were seeking an entry-level position as a bookkeeper or accounts payable, you don’t necessarily need a degree,” says Ralph Diaz, a senior recruiter with Accountants One, an accounting and financial placement team in Atlanta. But completing your degree — or going back to school — is recommended if you’re looking to improve your career potential. “If you’re looking for growth in your career, you absolutely have to have a degree,” Diaz adds. This is especially true for certified public accountants, since aspiring CPAs are required to have 150 college credits before taking the exam.

The payoff? Job opportunities in accounting and auditing far outnumber other business and finance positions — almost double the projected need for sales reps, the runner-up in the business field.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 486,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $50,770

4. Secondary School Teachers

According to the BLS report, national efforts to reduce class size have translated into increased job opportunities for high school teachers. And with thousands of teachers retiring every year, secondary education is expected to be one of the most stable and promising career fields for college graduates. Ninety-five percent of teachers have completed a bachelor’s degree, but the field is open to graduates in various majors.

Like postsecondary professors, high school teachers are typically encouraged to pursue a degree in the subject they wish to teach before completing their required education courses and certification program. Want to improve your chances of landing a position? Earn your degree in one of the most sought-after areas of expertise — math, science, and bilingual studies.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 436,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $45,650

5. Computer Applications Software Engineers

Computer software is continually updated and innovated, so it’s no surprise that computer applications software engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in the job market. It’s also one of the most elite.

“To get a position in the software field without a degree, you’d have to be a genius,” says Dean Clairmont, a project manager with EES, an engineering executive search firm based in San Diego. “There are people who are self-taught, but very few.”

Even though the occasional college dropout might land an enviable position (ahem, Bill Gates), most software engineers will need to master the nitty-gritty coding knowledge provided by a four-year curriculum. And for go-getting computer geeks, grad school is strongly recommended.

“The bachelor’s degree barely gets you in the door; you really want to pursue at least a master’s,” Clairmont stresses. This field was practically made for online learning, so engineers can improve their employability while simultaneously working an entry-level position.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 268,000
MEDIAN INCOME: $74,980

© 2006 Classes USA, Inc. All rights reserved. – by Kara Wahlgren