Useful Degrees Series: Aerospace Engineering with Information Technology At M.I.T.
May 12th, 2012
With This Degree Even the Stars Might Not Be the Limit!
It is very likely that in the coming years we will see even more interest and activity than ever in space commerce and space exploration. The vast riches of space are beginning to tug at the minds and hearts of would-be space entrepreneurs looking for the “next Internet.” Many have already concluded that space endeavors, whether it is mining asteroids for their precious metals, mining helium-3 energy sources on the moon, space tourism or a range of other space related activities will indeed be the next big thing. And there is good reason to believe that these entrepreneurs are indeed on the right track. In this article, we will look at bit at the kind of degrees that might make it possible for one to be at the forefront of this potentially blossoming era of exploration.
MIT offers three different aerospace oriented degrees. One is Aerospace Engineering, another is Aerospace Engineering with Information Technology and a third degree is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. This final degree is designed to be a flexible option within the aerospace engineering framework.
The Aerospace Engineering with Information Technology degree, just as the title indicates, instructs students in not just the fundamentals of aerospace engineering, but also incorporates the kind of information technology know-how that one would need to work with control systems, electronics and similar information.
Advanced mathematics and science are, not surprisingly, at the heart of all three of these degree programs. At first glance, the degree requirements may seem similar to some other engineering programs; however, there are some impressive differences. Where else would you expect to take course work on Propulsion, Flight Vehicle Engineering, Space Systems Engineering or Space Systems Development? Clearly, this is a very different kind of degree.
Other highlights and points of interest for this degree program include internships as well as studying aboard. Also note that MIT is one of the nation’s more competitive higher-learning institutions. The competition to get into MIT in general, and the aerospace program in particular, is intense. With that stated, interested high-school students should really start diving into all things math and science with “both feet.”
Those students interested in a serious challenge who want to be at the cutting edge of both commerce and science in the coming years might want to consider such a degree. If classes such as Differential Equations and Statistics and Probability don’t sound like your cup of tea, then – be warned – they are key classes in the degree’s “core” requirements! Once this degree is completed, it is possible to go study everything from aerospace computational engineering and space propulsion to air-breathing propulsion and materials and structures at the graduate level.
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Tags: areospace engineering, information technology, mit
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Useful Degrees Series: Green Interior Design at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
May 10th, 2012
All things “green” are destined to become very hot and sought-after in the coming years. Every year, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly and environmentally-aware ways of dealing with climate change and the environmental impacts of human behavior on both the environment and the climate. This shift in thinking is set to alter how society addresses everything from energy related issues to how goods are manufactured and transported, to even how we live. The Green Interior Design program at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is a program that looks to prepare students for all aspects of green interior design.
Green interior design is first and foremost healthy in its orientation. A large percentage of the goods that go both into building a home and furnishing it are derived from non-renewable resources and also contain potentially harmful chemicals that can de-gas into the air. Green design looks to move away from such building materials and towards renewable and healthier options such as recycled glass, blue jean insulation, wool insulation, bamboo flooring and many other similar type of eco-friendly and earth-friendly products.
Of course, energy efficiency and proper use of resources are also cornerstones of green design. Those with degrees in green design will understand what options are available to their clients, whether they come in the form of solar energy technology, wind power or a range of energy-efficient products and other options.
The Green Interior Design program at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design lets students focus on different areas of specialization, which are all designed to prepare them for given sectors of industry and the marketplace. The three areas of specialization are as follows: office design, residential design and special use design (which focuses on green design in healthcare).
Why would such a degree be right for you? If you are already considering an interior design degree and are seeking a way to stand out from other designers and distinguish yourself, your work and your skill set, then a degree in green interior design is most definitely one of the best avenues at your disposal.
More and more businesses and homeowners are turning to green design due to both the health benefits and the benefits for the planet. This trend is very likely to continue in the future as the average person becomes increasingly aware of the harmful health and environmental impacts of widely-used construction materials and home furnishings. This issue translates into a significant market for those with green design degrees, now and over the coming decades.
If you find this degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is interesting, but think that it might not be an exact fit, some other degrees you could consider would be the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters in Environmental Studies or London College of Fashion’s M.A. in Fashion and the Environment, among others.
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Tags: art degree, design degree, rmcad, rocky mountain college
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Useful Degrees Series: Joint J.D./MBA Law Program at University of Oregon
May 7th, 2012
Is a joint MBA and law degree program in your future? There are good reasons to begin thinking about such a program even if you are still an undergrad. If you select the right major and pick the proper courses, you might be able to reduce the amount of time that you spend in a joint program like the one offered by The University of Oregon. How? For starters, you will need to have certain economics courses “under your belt.” If you plan ahead, you might just be able to save an entire year of college (and college tuition fees) in a joint program like the University of Oregon’s joint MBA and Law Program also known as a J.D./M.B.A. program.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in business, you might just be able to skip the first year of the two your accelerated M.B.A. part of the program! Why is this a good thing? Why all the money you save, of course! Instead of paying graduate school tuition prices, you could, in theory, be paying state-tuition undergraduate prices on a business degree. Imagine being able to keep those pesky student-loan payments down!
All of this underscores the importance of having a detailed plan for your future education endeavors as soon as possible. It is easy to strictly fixate on your undergrad work and to an extent this is a good idea. But keep in mind that the undergraduate degree you opt-for today could make graduate school a whole lot faster and cheaper down the road.
The University of Oregon offers other concurrent degrees, such as Conflict and Dispute Resolution and Law (J.D./M.S.), Environmental Studies and Law (J.D./M.S) and International Studies and Law (J.D/M.A). Of course, your undergraduate degree will play a role in how quickly you will be able to complete such programs. There are other joint degree programs of this kind. Doing your “homework” well in advance may very well mean that you are able to match the exact master’s degree you seek with a law degree. Likewise, there are other degree programs of this kind as well for other disciplines. Quite often the largest single advantage to such a degree is the time and potentially the money that one can save.
What kind of options would you have with a joint degree such as a J.D./M.B.A.? Clearly, those interested in entering the business world or becoming a lawyer would have a real edge with a degree of this kind. If you want options, it is hard to go wrong with a joint degree that is diverse as this one as it would allow graduates to potentially head in many different directions in the corporate world. Further, the various skill sets such a degree program would confer should not be overlooked.
Are there any downsides to such a degree program? Many would state that since these programs are accelerated graduates might not learn everything that they should. However, this varies wildly by both institution and degree program.
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Tags: law school, mba, university of oregon
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Useful Degrees Series: BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University
May 5th, 2012
Photo Courtesy: film.fsu.edu
Do you like the idea of working in the film industry? Many people are quick to answer “yes,” but might not know exactly how to go about doing so. It is important to remember that film is a multi-billion dollar industry and, as a result, that means there are many, many different aspects to the industry as a whole. Whether it is producing, directing or a range of behind the scenes jobs the film industry has opportunities especially for those with the right skills.
There are many different programs that cater to helping students acquire a deeper understanding of the film industry. Programs that can be particularly useful are ones like the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University. While this program is clearly not for everyone, those with an interest in animation and the digital end of media will find this degree program worth looking into and exploring.
The BFA in Animation and Digital Arts focuses on helping students acquire the skill sets necessary to produce their own films and even their own animations. Of particular interest is the fact that the program at Florida State University boasts a low student to faculty ratio. In fact, the program’s core is built around workshops led by accomplished professionals. Much of the instruction takes place on a more personalized one-to-one level.
Those interested in a hands-on approach will certainly find this point worthy of note. Further, this type of highly interactive instruction leads to an educational experience that is far different than what most undergraduate college students experience.
In terms of “hands-on” experience, like many college programs in film and animation, students in the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts at Florida State University produce their own shorts, which are then potentially screened at film festivals. Another aspect of this hands on approach includes learning to operate a variety of different kinds of equipment and serve in a variety of different creative positions.
One plus side to completing such a program is that students will have concrete examples of their work and the skills that they have acquired during their degree program. In this regard, the BFA in Animation and Digital Arts is different than many other programs.
Tuition as of 2012 is roughly $6,000 for Florida residents and about $21,000 for out-of-state residents. Thus, those living outside of Florida who are thinking about this interesting and hands-on program will of course want to check for local, similar types of programs.
Is such a degree right for you? For those who already have proven artistic ability in this area or a strong interest, such a program could prove to be highly rewarding. One great byproduct of a degree of this kind is the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals before even completing a degree program, and this can, of course, lead to future opportunities across the spectrum.
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Tags: animation, film, florida state university
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Useful Degrees Series: Astronomy Degree Program at the University of Texas at Austin
May 3rd, 2012
Photo Courtesy: www.as.utexas.edu
Have you always been fascinated by space travel, the stars or astronomy? There are college programs designed specifically for just such interests. Take, for example, the Undergraduate program in Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin. This program is one of the top astronomy programs in the United States and selects only a relatively small number of students for the program. The University of Texas at Austin offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy as well as a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy.
What does this kind of degree program involve? The undergraduate degree program in Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin introduces students to the field in a variety of forms ranging from conducting research to attending lectures from some of the world’s top astronomers. Is the program tough? No doubt this one is demanding, as there is an ample helping of physics with everything from cosmology and thermodynamics to astrophysics and quantum mechanics being covered. So if “math” isn’t your “thing,” this one isn’t for you. But if you want a challenge and want to be part of the cutting edge of science, then the Astronomy program at The University of Texas at Austin could be a great fit.
Those interested in this unique program can also work towards double majors such as a major in astronomy and physics. Having a double major of this type could prove invaluable for those looking to continue their education.
Do you like the idea of a low student-to-teacher ratio? It should be noted that the faculty-to-student ratio for this program is nothing short of excellent. As of 2011, there were 22 faculty members and 17 research scientists for 45 graduate students and 60 undergraduate students. In short, you can fully expect to get to know your professors and receive a very hands on and detailed education in the field.
What career opportunities should you expect once you’ve completed your degree? Many who receive an undergraduate degree in astronomy continue their studies at the graduate level while others take positions in government, industry, education and even journalism. After all, someone has to report on all of that exciting space related news. This means that the world needs science writers, and a degree in astronomy could open up all kinds of science writing opportunities.
It should be noted that as more advanced space based telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope are deployed the importance of astronomers is likely to only increase. In the coming years, our picture of the universe will become far more complete. Many top researchers believe that with the vast amounts of new information coming our way, it is only a matter of time before life on other planets will be discovered. It is quite likely that the coming decades will be, by far, the most exciting time in the history of astronomy, as mankind may learn that we are not alone. With a degree in astronomy, you could have a great seat for what might just be the greatest show in history!
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Tags: astronomy, Choosing a Major, university of texas
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Useful Degrees Series: Degree in Viticulture & Enology at Cornell University
May 1st, 2012
Photo Courtesy of Cornell.EDU
Who Doesn’t Love a Little Wine?
Are you looking for a truly interesting and unusual college degree program? Do you want a program that will make you the envy of your friends? There are plenty of programs that can help you stand out in the crowd and one of them is certainly undergraduate degree program in viticulture and enology at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. If you are wondering what viticulture and enology are, don’t worry, as you are certainly not alone! Viticulture and enology involve the millennia-old process of growing great grapes and making great wine! Now we have your attention, right?
A Rapidly Growing Field with Job Openings
The program in viticulture and enology teaches students what they need to know to work in the wine business in a variety of different capacities. Few people realize that the wine business is a growing one. In fact, it is growing quite rapidly and there are not enough people for the jobs! While most would think that there would be ample people studying grape growing and wine making, the bottom line is that this just isn’t what is currently happening.
Is this program right for you? If you don’t drink wine, then the answer is of course, probably not. However, if you like wine and are open to a truly unusual, but growing profession, then a degree in viticulture and enology could be perfect for you.
A Diverse Program
The program isn’t one dimensional either, as students are expected and encouraged to combine their study of viticulture and enology with other courses to help make them more employable and well rounded. Students in the program are thus encouraged to take business classes as part of their electives.
Picking a Specialization
Once in the program you will need to specialize either in viticulture or in enology. The topics covered are surprisingly diverse and include everything from pest control to organic grape and wine production to wine microbiology and even beer!
Lots of Interesting Internship Positions Available
Another excellent aspect to this program is that there is a good deal of hands on work, just as one would hope in wine making. Students in the program will have access to a comprehensive internship program that provides real, hands on experience. There are roughly 1,400 vineyards and wineries in New York, and Cornell has relationships with many of these vineyards and wineries. All of this means that those who complete the program will know what it takes to work at a vineyard and/or winery on Day One after graduation.
Get Your Hands Dirty, All Over the World
If the idea of spending all of your time behind of desk scares you a bit and you love wine, then you might just have a perfect match. A degree in viticulture and enology means that you can get out of the office and “get your hands dirty.” The fact is that students with a degree in viticulture and enology can find employment opportunities anywhere that wine is produced, and that means opportunities across the entire globe!
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Tags: cornell university, enology, viticulture
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Is A College Fair Worth Your Time?
April 26th, 2012
There are plenty of college fairs to choose from, but the real question is whether or not you should bother attending. There are a few pros and cons involved in attending a college fair that we will explore in this article.
You’ve taken SAT practice tests online; you’ve done your test prep tutoring sessions and maybe even investigated at length how to find scholarships and private loans for college. If you haven’t yet even thought about going to a college fair, now is definitely the time to do so!
College fairs present a few advantages. One advantage is that college fairs allow you to meet representatives from a range of institutions. It is important that you keep in mind that colleges are big business, and there is more than a little competition. As a result, you should expect that college and university representatives are most definitely putting their best foot forward.
Since you are able to meet with people from different universities and colleges, you have an opportunity to learn much. A good deal of the information that these college and university representatives will give you will come in the form of what they choose to emphasize. For example, are you hearing a good deal about how well respected the institution is? Or are you hearing about how much fun and what great facilities they have built?
A college fair is a unique opportunity to ask questions and at the top of your list should be, “How do you help your graduates get jobs after they graduate?” and “What is your success rate for placing students who come to you seeking help?” The odds are excellent that you won’t get a lot of detail in the answers. Instead you might get an earful about how great the new workout center or stadium is!
While the answers may vary, these are the kind of factors that you will want to keep in mind. After all, you want to know that a given university or college will support you once you have given them tens of thousands of dollars as student. Support should be seen as a key part of a university or college’s commitment to its students. Failure to show this support or to have their representatives well prepped on the question will tell you a great deal.
College fairs in a variety of ways allow you to get some insight into what a college or university will be like. What representatives choose to emphasize gives you insight into the “soul” of a given institution. Further, if your questions seem to stump representatives that is also a quite insightful. After all, shouldn’t a university or college want to impress you? Shouldn’t they want their representatives to be knowledgeable and informed?
So much information regarding colleges is available online and in books. Thus the real, tangible value of attending a college fair is to gain insight into the culture of the institution itself. What kind of representatives did they send out? Did they send out knowledgeable representatives ready to answer your questions or “cute” and “attractive” eye-candy ready to give you a speech on how fun, fun, fun a university or college is to attend?
If a institution isn’t focused on showing you how your considerable investment will help you with your career and future, move on. Keep in mind that virtually every university and college has a “party scene” if that is what you are looking for from the college experience.
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Tags: Choosing a College, college fair, how to choose a college
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Does It Make Sense to Go to an Art College?
April 24th, 2012
More than likely, you’ve heard at least one or two people state that going to an art college has many downsides when it comes to entering the job market. This leaves many students wondering whether or not they should attend an art college at all. Currently, this question has more weight and importance than in past years, and here is why. The cost of education is soaring at a pace that is far out of step with virtually every other industry and is greatly outstripping the rate of inflation. Of course, this means that student debt is higher than ever. As many people are discovering, the promise of a college education serving as a “ticket” to a good job and at least a middle class income and existence isn’t necessarily a fact anymore.
So what does this mean for you, the high-school student considering pursuing an art degree? Does it mean that you should forget your ambitions regarding your art and begin studying international finance? Not exactly, but it only seems logical that based on the shifting reality of economic realities you need to consider how to handle your art school ambitions a little more carefully than past generations.
Can you still go to art school and then transition into a decent paying job in the corporate world relatively easily? It depends upon factors ranging from what you studied in art school to how talented you really are (and not just how good you think you are!) Harsh? Not really, keep in mind that harsh is not being able to find a real and substantial job in a highly competitive job market.
If your passion is to attend art school, and you will be using direct federal student loans or private loans to make it happen, then it is necessary to create a resume that helps ensure your prospects of employment. Is it smart to “marry” your art school degree with some sort of business degree or other degree that might give you the ability to apply for a wider range of jobs? It would certainly seem that such a step makes sense from an economic perspective. The other option could be working jobs that don’t necessarily reflect your education and waiting for the economic outlook for recent graduates to improve.
The key may very well be to think of ways that you can combine another degree with your art degree so that you are more employable. This may not be what you want out of your college experience or your life, but neither is working a minimum or near minimum wage job with little or no hope for advancement. If you take this route will you ultimately sell out your art ambitions? That is, of course, up to you and how hard you work to find a way of creating a blend of skill sets that allow you to at least have your foot in the door of the creative world.
Don’t completely depend on guidance counselors for advice in this regard, but reach out to successful creative people and ask them for their opinions. You will be surprised how many successful, creative people are willing to help a young artist that is confused about the next step. Above all else, plan and demonstrate your creativity firsthand by how you build your own resume so that you are employable after art school!
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The 5 Best “Secret” Ways to Study While in High School or College
April 21st, 2012
Whether you are in high school or have already made the leap to college, one thing is for sure; you need time to study… and lots of it! There is no doubt that some majors require more study time than others, but no matter what major you select in college or what classes you take, you will need to study.
Unfortunately, finding the time to study isn’t always as easy as it sounds. There are many different factors that can work to effectively suck up your time and leave you scrambling to find the time to focus. This is a stressful feeling and one that you should avoid if you are planning on getting good grades in college of high school. After all, you can’t focus on SAT practice test online, or figure out how to find scholarships, if you don’t have any free time.
So what are the best “secret” ways to make sure that you get the time you need? It is important to identify what is keeping you from studying. Quite often it is having an active social life and hanging out with your friends. There may come a time that you are left with no choice but to make some sort of excuse so that you can have the study time you need. Don’t be afraid to state, “I can’t go out this weekend, because…” While it is hard to let your friends go out without you, failing to do so could mean that you end up without enough time to study. The bottom line is that you may need to take steps to ensure that you keep good grades.
Secret Ways to Study While in College or High School
- Tell your friends can’t go out because (insert excuse)…
- If necessary, take a short trip to the library do nothing but study! This one really works if you let it.
- Bribery! Bribe yourself that if you study for a certain amount of time, you will treat yourself to something that you want.
- If possible, study with a tablet computer such as an iPad or similar device. Some studies indicate that tablet computers like the iPad may add in boosting learning comprehension.
- Replace the television with studying. Pinpoint your unproductive habits, like watching TV, and study instead. You can always catch up with your favorite shows during the summertime on DVD or Bluray.
Don’t be afraid to look for different ways to squeeze in more study time. Learning new habits might be difficult at first. But, in time, those new habits will become old tricks, and you will see your test scores soar!
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The cost of college tuition is rising at a rate that is alarming to most experts. The end result of this process is that millions of students have been saddled with far larger student debt and student loans than past generations of college goers. Many older people don’t readily realize this fact. However you, as a younger person in college or headed there soon, need to face that at least for you and your generation, there is a different economic reality where paying for college is concerned. The purpose of this article is to get you thinking about how you can keep the high cost of college under control and at the same time give you some pointers to help get the ball rolling.