For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Schools: What’s the Difference?
When you’re looking for a job, you may hear a term like “non-profit sector,” or maybe a place of employment describes itself as a “corporate for-profit entity”. Well, what does that really mean? Doesn’t everyone want to make some profit? Even charities have to make money to do their work; why else would they be asking for donations all the time? On that same notion, you hear “non-profit” and you may think of organizations and institutions like Habitat for Humanities, the Red Cross or public schools, churches and hospitals (well, at least some), and if you know people who work in those kinds of areas, they’re not exactly known for raking it in.
However, when we’re talking about colleges it’s useful to know exactly what these terms mean. Both non-profit and for-profit schools grant degrees, but their focus and framework are quite different.
What’s Their Motivation?
Non-profits offer a learning environment designed with the student in mind. Nobody owns a non-profit; they are operated by a board of directors who do not get payment, and there are no stocks and shareholders to create income for. So, they are free to keep the focus and motivation on providing a quality education to their students.
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For-profits are solely there as a business to make money for owners and shareholders by offering their product: education. They must provide financial returns (profit) to their investors. Supporters claim that for-profit schools operate more efficiently, since they can cut costs more easily in the name of creating returns. Plus, they usually don’t have the recreation facilities or extra-curricular expenses that traditional colleges have, they can spend more of the tuition towards students’ learning.
Why Do Students Distrust For-Profit Colleges?
For-profit colleges have been in the spotlight for many years due to their questionable practices and high tuition fees. People are becoming increasingly skeptical of these institutions, as they often don’t provide quality education and put students in debt.
In addition to this, there is a lack of transparency when it comes to how much money for-profit colleges make from students. They often use deceptive marketing tactics to lure unsuspecting students into enrolling in their programs, which can lead to a lot of financial hardship down the line.
Furthermore, many for-profit colleges don’t offer job placement services after graduation or have poor job placement rates. This means that graduates may struggle to find employment after graduating from these institutions, leaving them with large amounts of debt but no job prospects. All these factors contribute to people’s distrust of for-profit colleges.
Are NonProfit Colleges Charities?
Nonprofit colleges have long been the backbone of higher education in the United States, providing students with quality education at an affordable price. However, with rising tuition costs and increasing competition from for-profit schools, many wonder if nonprofit colleges still make money. But there are many ways these institutions generate revenue and strategies they use to remain financially viable in today’s economy.
Nonprofit colleges are educational institutions that operate without the intention of making a profit. They are not charities, but they rely on donations and other forms of philanthropy to fund their operations. Nonprofit colleges provide an opportunity for students to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive tuition costs. As such, they serve an important role in helping many students access quality education regardless of their financial background.
Nonprofit colleges are a great way for students to get the education they need without having to worry about expensive tuition fees. However, these colleges still need to make money in order to stay afloat and provide quality education. So how do nonprofit colleges make money?
Nonprofit colleges generate income from various sources, such as grants, donations, investments, and endowments. They also generate revenue from student tuition fees and other services such as housing or meal plans. Additionally, some nonprofit colleges partner with corporate sponsorships or enter into agreements with local businesses that provide additional funding for their institutions.
Most nonprofit colleges receive donations and endowments, which are typically made in the form of bequests to the college by people or institutions who provide funding for a specific purpose. For example, an individual might make a donation for scholarships in honor of his or her parents or name after them. The individual might also donate assets such as real estate to support scholarship funding.
Private nonprofit schools may actually be more money-driven than public non profit schools, especially when it comes to building their endowment. Nonprofit private colleges are technically not interested in profits, but like other nonprofit organizations, private schools often pay their executives high wages. Private universities also benefit from the impression of success and wealth, which attracts students. Private institutions, like for profit institutions, have more money motivation than public universities.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Non-profits are usually more affordable; they try to keep competitive with state tuition costs (of course this is not always the case, especially with elite private non-profits). On average, for-profits charge $31,000 average tuition vs. $26,000 for non-profit colleges.
What’s the Outcome?
28% of for-profit college students graduated with a four-year degree vs. 65% at private non-profit colleges. Further, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, stated that students who attend for-profit education institutions are more likely to be unemployed, earn less, have higher debt levels, and are more likely to default on their student loans than similar students at non-profit educational institutions
While non-traditional students may think for-profit schools are an attractive choice because of open enrollment policies and flexibility of program (online, short semesters, night and weekend options) they may soon realize they are paying a much greater cost for a mediocre school.
Regardless if you choose to attend a no-profit or for-profit school, you want to ensure the institution is accredited by one of the 6 regional accrediting boards here in the United States. Accreditation makes sure the time, energy, and money you are investing meet a certain academic standard that will be valued by potential employers. The buck stops with them – a diploma from an unaccredited school isn’t going to impress anyone you want to work for.
Sit tight. You’re waiting for the United States Department of Education to spit out this grand number, and that’s going to take a week or two. In the meantime, you’re going to need to know what Expected Family Contribution EFC means. The Expected Family Contribution, better known as the EFC, is a term used in the financial aid process to determine an applicant’s eligibility for federal student aid. It is located on the Student Aid Report (SAR). Basically, it estimates how much the government thinks you (if you’re independent) or your parents (if you’re dependent) can afford to pay for college without them.
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The Basics of Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are a great option for students who need help paying for college. They offer a variety of benefits, such as low interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and the potential to qualify for forgiveness programs. Understanding how federal student loans work is essential if you’re considering taking out one of these loans.
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an essential part of the financial aid application process for federal student loans. By submitting a FAFSA application, students can determine their federal aid eligibility, including federal student loans. FAFSA also provides information to the government about a student’s financial situation and helps to determine their ability to repay any loans they may receive. By submitting a FAFSA application, students are taking an important step towards securing the necessary financial aid award to pursue their educational goals.
Even if you don’t think you need a loan, it is still worth completing the FAFSA form. By doing so, you may be able to take advantage of Pell grants and other forms of federal student financial aid (besides loans) that can help reduce the cost of your education. There’s more federal financial aid than loans! You can have a full financial aid package you never have to pay back. In addition, some colleges and universities require that all students fill out the FAFSA form in order to be considered for admission. Since it differs from school to school, it’s best to contact a licensed financial professional at the financial aid office of the schools you want to attend for full instructions. Therefore, it is important to complete the FAFSA even if you don’t think you need a loan.
Why Do I Want My EFC Zero?
So how much financial aid can you get? If your EFC number is low, don’t despair, that’s actually good news: that means you will have more aid available to you! Zero is the lowest EFC number; 99,999 is the highest. If a dependent students’ family’s income is less than $24,000 and government assistance was needed for that filing year, the EFC will automatically be zero. A zero means a family has no ability to contribute to the student’s education.
If your number is high, well… Here’s where we hear the term sticker shock. The school and even the U.S. Department of Education don’t really think you’ll be able to fund the entire EFC amount, but they’ve decided you don’t need them. Don’t panic: this number isn’t necessarily what you have to pay to a college; it’s just a number they use to see if you qualify for need-based financial aid. A high number now means you need to explore something other than need-based financial aid. If all affects how much aid you can get. Federal aid favors lower incomes, for obvious reasons.
EFC is calculated from answers on the FAFSA, usually income ranking heaviest. If other members of the household are projected to attend college at the same time, that will also lower a student’s EFC. Unusual circumstances can also lower the EFC – loss of employment, loss of child support, divorce, death, or medical expenses not covered by insurance, for example. Be sure to answer all applicable questions on your FAFSA, even if they seem insignificant; this is crucial in determining an accurate EFC.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a critical tool that helps low-income students gain access to college. By completing the FAFSA, eligible students can receive federal grants and loans to help pay for their college education. The FAFSA also provides access to additional scholarships and grants from state governments, universities, and other organizations. By providing financial assistance to those who need it most, FAFSA allows low-income students the opportunity to pursue higher education and succeed in their chosen field.
Low-income students are often faced with the challenge of having to pay for college tuition and other expenses. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a way for these students to receive financial aid from the federal government. It is calculated based on a family’s income and assets, and is used to determine how much money a student can expect from their family in order to pay for college. The EFC also takes into account any special circumstances that may affect the student’s ability to pay, such as medical expenses or disability. It can help you get more financial aid, such as need based aid, or prove your need to apply for private scholarships. Knowing what your expected family contribution is can help you plan for college costs and make sure you are receiving all of the financial aid you need.
What Does EFC Mean?
The EFC will then be subtracted from the cost of attendance (COA) of the college or university to determine your financial need. Eligibility for most federal, state, even local and institutional aid programs are based on this number. For example, in order to get a pell grant in 2014-15 the maximum EFC for a student to be eligible is $5157.
Like we said above, if you have a low number, your college will work with you to obtain the need-based finical aid offered to you. If you have a high number, you need to consider other options. Choosing an affordable college or university is your first practical option. Also look to maximize your merit aid. Some schools offer merit money to affluent families.
Final Words
Paying for college isn’t easy for anyone; it’s more expensive than it’s ever been, and all but the super-wealthy are going to need some kind of financial help. Knowing your options, and knowing all of the terms thrown around, is essential to help keep yourself out of financial trouble. The process is different but similar for graduate students, so learn now! Educate yourself before your education, and choose an affordable, high-value college, and even a high EFC won’t be a stumbling block.
In today’s global economy, movement around the world is necessary to ensure economic growth and revenue generation in commerce. Welcoming good people with good ideas has always been a way of ensuring that culture doesn’t remain stagnant and that the workload of a great country can be shared with each other as schoolmates, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. Unfortunately, many high school students in the U.S. don’t know all of the various avenues to continue their education beyond public school when they or their parents have come here from another country. Many are also unaware of tuition-free programs, scholarships, and possible financial aid. The National Immigration Law Center publishes a very detailed account of the laws for immigrant students heading to college. We also have a useful list of 25 Best Free Colleges in the U.S. for prospective students to consider.
How Do Immigrant Students Benefit Us?
Although misunderstood by some, making a college education financially accessible to all students – at least, those who are willing to do the work to get themselves there – has many positive impacts on society. These include reducing crime and increasing economic stability for historically low-income communities, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and the number of people requiring public assistance. Generally speaking, as the Baby Boomer generation passes retirement age, the number of educated young people who are skilled workers will be in high demand, and being unprepared for this future is dangerous.
Recognizing this, seventeen states have passed legislation that allows immigrant students at any stage in the process towards citizenship to receive in-state college tuition status, provided that they meet certain criteria. These states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington State. To take advantage of these programs a non-citizen student must apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an immigration policy founded by the Obama administration in June of 2012. Other conditions of receiving in-state status include attending two or more years of high school in that state, coming from a low-income family (the exact annual income varies by state), and ensuring that the student will apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as possible. For other states, immigrants will need an F-1 student visa to attend college in the U.S.
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Where Is College Free for Immigrant Students?
Immigrant students may worry about attending college after their high school graduation, even with legal immigrant status. For instance, the Immigrant Responsibility Act has made many immigrants fearful of their status. Even students with lawful permanent residence worry that they may be deported.
There are many states who are passing legislation that will give residents of that state access to community college, tuition-free. Some are participating in what is called the Promise program, largely funded by that state’s lottery earnings. While the list is growing, every state mentioned above has passed or is attempting to pass legislation that will give low-income high school graduates free tuition to two-year community colleges. New York and New Mexico are the first to complete this sweeping legislation, with Washington State, Minnesota, and Texas following closely behind. If students who receive in-state status through this legislation continue working hard through high school and beyond, they may have the opportunity to receive free tuition for their community college as well. These encouraging programs that are appearing all over the country show that the American dream is alive and well and that it still pays to work hard in the United States.
What About Undocumented Immigrants?
Undocumented immigrants may have been living in the United States for decades, but their status has been uncertain. This has left many of them feeling like they have no future in the country. However, there are still options for undocumented immigrants to pursue higher education and attend college in the US. While there are some restrictions and limitations, undocumented immigrants can still attend college, depending on their state’s laws and policies. The most common states where undocumented immigrants can attend college are California, Texas, Illinois, New York, Florida and Massachusetts.
The benefits of going to college for undocumented immigrant students include improving their life opportunities and receiving a postsecondary education education rather than a high school diploma. It also offers them a chance to make the best of what they have with the hope that later in life they will be able to return to the country legally with their degrees and find an opportunity in this new country. In addition, many universities across the US offer scholarships that are available only for students who are either DACA recipients or Undocumented students who will pursue higher education.
The path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants can be a long and arduous one, with many obstacles in their path such as the H1-B visa process or the green card process. For those who are unable to wait, those who wish to live in the US on a long term basis but do not want to go through the legal process of becoming citizens, they may be able to obtain a visa through the DREAM Act. This is an act signed into law by former President Barack Obama that will allow those who entered before age 18 and have been residents for 5 continuous years and graduated from a U.S. school.
State aid and financial assistance is essential for many students to attend college, especially for undocumented residents. States that allow DACA students to apply for federal financial aid and state financial aid include:
Connecticut
Maryland
New Jersey
Oregon
Washington
Some states also offer aid for undocumented but otherwise eligible students, without regard to his or her immigration status:
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Maryland
Minnesota
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Texas
Washington
In a progressive move, certain states across the country have made it possible for undocumented students to pay in state tuition rate regardless of immigration status, granting them access to the same education opportunities as their documented peers. This may be true of their local community college as well.
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Maryland
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Washington DC
However, in some states, undocumented immigrants may not be allowed to attend public colleges or universities, or may not be eligible for student financial aid, but may be accepted by private universities. They may also earn private scholarships for young immigrants with uncertain legal status.
In fact, some social-justice oriented colleges have been declared sanctuary colleges for undocumented students, vowing to protect undocumented students from deportation and harassment regardless of federal law. In fact, federal laws allow institutions to a student’s immigration status as privileged private information. Among the private and public institutions known as sanctuary campuses are:
California Community College
California State University
Connecticut College
Delaware Technical Community College
Drake University
Iowa State University
Pitzer College
Portland State University
Reed College
Rutgers University
Santa Fe Community College
Swarthmore College
University of Pennsylvania
Wesleyan University
These choices are an important step in helping create a more equitable and inclusive society, allowing all individuals to reach their full potential. Many undocumented students aspire to make their parents proud, and lawful immigration status should not be a barrier.
A Complete Job Description of a Mobile Applications Developer
The mobile application market is growing incredibly fast. According to predictions by Gartner, the demand for mobile app development services will grow faster to exceed the internal IT organization’s capacity to deliver by the end of the year.
Undoubtedly, the app development industry is huge and will continue to grow with no end in sight. As such, those looking for software development skills to acquire have a million reasons to consider mobile app developer training. In fact, Mobile App Developer stole the first position among the best jobs and career paths in America regarding great base salary pay, job satisfaction, and remarkable growth, according to an article on CNN Money.
Mobile Application Developer: Job Description & Duties
A quick look at the mobile app developer job description and duties reveals very slight differences, if any.
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Mobile application developers possess excellent working knowledge of the different platforms, both for smartphones and tablets. Besides, they’re exceptionally adept at the use of computers running under the various operating systems, Windows and Mac included. Software development companies often look for cross-platform developers who can develop android apps as well as ios app products.
A mobile developer is good in IT programming and has an in-depth knowledge of the different computer languages such as C++, Java, HTML, MySQL, PHP, Objective-C, and Wireless Networks. They also work closely with computer analysts and engineers in applying the various software development languages for creating and developing mobile apps.
Duties and Responsibilities of Mobile App Developers
The duties and responsibilities of an app developer will depend on the level of experience. A mobile app developer’s primary duty is to create, maintain, and implement the source code to develop mobile apps and mobile platform programs that meet the needs and requirements of the clients using the computer programming languages.
Additionally, mobile application developers may also design prototype applications, provide the unit structure, and help the application development team or clients in the plans.
What is Mobile App Development?
Quite simply, mobile application development is the future of software. Mobile devices run our lives, and mobile developers make them work.
Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It involves designing, building, testing, deploying and maintaining mobile applications for various platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows and others. Mobile app development requires a deep understanding of the target platform’s features and capabilities in order to create a successful application. It also requires an understanding of user experience design principles in order to create an intuitive user interface. With the rise in demand for mobile applications, more organizations are turning to experienced mobile app developers to help them build their own apps.
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or science can teach you to build apps. But building mobile apps from existing web applications or native apps from scratch means always learning new skills. Mobile app developers must understand:
operating system differences
mobile platforms
hybrid mobile apps
database development
web technologies
use a software development kit for web apps
Mobile development isn’t the same as conventional software development. Conventional software developers and web developers need to adapt. A strong mobile app developer must prepare to support mobile functionality on any mobile device and adapt existing mobile applications. They have to optimize mobile functionality across multiple platforms with different application programming interfaces. The development environment of an app development company is faster-moving.
Mobile App Developer Education Requirements
Requirements for mobile app developer job applications vary with employers. A degree in Computer Science or Information Systems puts a candidate leaps and bounds ahead of the other job applicants. Some software development companies may routinely hire a junior app developer at the entry-level and have them work under a senior developer to advance their experience level and move up to a senior software development position.
Typically, the minimum requirement for an entry-level developer in most cases will be a bachelor’s degree. Advanced positions will demand applicants to have a higher education level such as a Master’s degree and be competent in common programming languages. In this industry, experience matters a lot, and it’s advisable to consider an internship in a relevant field or have work experience at a related job.
Can I Learn Mobile App Development Online?
Mobile app development is a rapidly growing field, and learning it online can be a great way to get started. It takes practice to get to the app stores. With the right resources and guidance, anyone can learn how to create mobile apps from scratch. From online tutorials to full-fledged courses, there are plenty of options available for those who want to learn mobile app development. Whether you’re looking to create your own apps or work as a professional developer, you can find the right resources and training programs online.
Developing mobile applications for Android and iOS can be quite different. While both platforms have their own advantages, each has its own set of challenges that developers must consider when creating an app. The differences between developing for Android and iOS range from the development process to the design tools used. Google android developers and iOS developers are parallel, but not the same.
Android apps are typically written in Java or Kotlin, while iOS apps are written in Objective-C or Swift. Additionally, Android app development uses XML to define their layouts while iOS app development uses Storyboard files. Furthermore, Android apps use a variety of different screen sizes while Apple devices tend to have more uniform sizes and resolutions. Lastly, there are differences in how users interact with the two platforms which can affect the overall user experience of an app.
Whether you want to be an android developer or an iOS developer really depends on who’s hiring. Software engineering skills can transfer across development projects, and a good software engineer understands that improvisation is crucial to writing software in different programming languages.
Salary in the Mobile App Development Career
According to the information we gathered on payscale.com, a mobile app developer salary is an average of $72K per year. Further, the highest-paid app developer takes home approximately $110K annually.
Ziprecruiter reports that the annual salary for entry-level mobile app developers ranges from $28k – $140k. Salaries in the United States vary depending on experience level in android and ios, type of app developed, level of education, and the software development company job openings.
Glassdoor reports average mobile applications developer salaries in the United States range from $64k – $140k.
Indeed.com reports the national average salary for a mobile applications developer is $123,816 per year, the average ios developer salary is $127,524, and the average salaries for android app development are $126,129.
What’s So Great About a Career in Mobile App Development?
Other than the good pay, the reported high job satisfaction, and the fast industry growth, a mobile app developer has more reasons to take pride in this career. Before others can even know of their existence, app developers are usually the first to test the apps on the latest mobile phones, tablets, and other devices.
For those who love exploring all the possibilities that new technology has to offer, a career in mobile app development can be immensely satisfying and fun. It presents an excellent opportunity to try new things and satisfy your curiosity.
The job outlook in the mobile app development industry is promising thanks to the growing demand for mobile apps and skilled developers. As such, you’ll be making a wise decision if you plan to switch or pursue a career in app development.
Top 3 Best Paying Safety and Occupational Health Jobs
Occupational health and safety jobs can be highly rewarding as they set the standards and conditions that protect employee welfare in the workplace. Depending on the types of jobs in the safety field an applicant is interested in, the positions can also offer high salaries. Entry-level safety jobs, as well as health and safety jobs available for more experienced or higher educated applicants, are a staple of many industries and openings are growing on pace with the economy. An industrial hygienist may work on constructions sites, laboratories, and factories. As you consider beginning your education in occupational health and safety as you earn your degree, keep in mind these positions that offer above-average salaries and extraordinary fulfillment as you care for the wellbeing of others.
Choosing the Highest Paying Occupational Health Careers
1. Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Occupational health and safety technicians use their undergraduate education to ensure that workers are acting appropriately in the workplace and not inadvertently causing dangerous situations that could lead to their own injuries or circumstances that injure others. These technicians make sure that any safety equipment required on job sites is available to the employees who need them and are being used appropriately. They also work to ensure that safety standards and guidelines are being followed. These are considered entry level safety jobs but still carry median salaries close to $55,000 per year, depending on the industry.
2. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Occupational health and safety specialists require an undergraduate degree plus some industry experience. Among health and safety jobs, they are also well-paid, with median wages topping $70,000 per year. Specialists are often health and safety professionals who began as technicians and moved into the next level position after gaining industry experience. Instead of working to make sure workplace regulations and safety standards are followed, these specialists are the professionals who research, design, and implement those standards. Additionally, they may oversee the work of technicians, specifically auditing or inspecting to ensure the highest level of safety is observed on the job.
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3. Health and Safety Engineers
Occupational health and safety jobs often require programs or systems to be designed that call upon engineering skills. Some colleges and universities offer programs that either include engineering classes or specializations through their occupational health and safety degrees, or the opportunity to earn concurrent degrees in safety and engineering to prepare for this career field. Engineering jobs in the safety field consider entire workplaces or work systems to determine procedures and guidelines that protect employees throughout the work cycle. This can include building specialized equipment, redesigning the layout of the workplace, or engineering new processes that heighten safety standards. Health and safety engineers earn a median income of $88,510 per year. In certain fields, specifically, those related to science, those earnings can swell to a mid-range of $100,000 per year.
What is Occupational Safety and Health and Why is It Important?
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is an important area of public health that focuses on the prevention of workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. It involves the assessment of risk factors in the workplace and the implementation of strategies to reduce or eliminate those risks. OHS also includes activities such as providing information about safe work practices, monitoring working conditions, and enforcing safety regulations.
Occupational health and safety is important to protect workers from physical, mental and emotional harm. It helps ensure that workplace hazards are identified and addressed in a timely manner, preventing injuries and illnesses that could occur due to unsafe working conditions. Furthermore, occupational health and safety measures help create a positive work environment where employees can perform their duties without fear of harm or injury. It is essential for employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees as it reduces costs associated with lost time due to injuries or illnesses, as well as legal fees should an employee be injured on the job.
It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that their employees are provided with a safe and healthy environment. To ensure this, there are various organizations that enforce occupational health and safety regulations. These organizations include:
government agencies
trade unions
independent bodies
non-governmental organizations and nonprofits
They are responsible for monitoring workplaces for compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, as well as providing advice to employers on how to improve their safety protocols in order to create a safe working environment for all employees.
Occupational health and safety is an important field that covers a wide range of topics. It involves the assessment and management of risks associated with all types of workplaces, including physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic and psychological hazards. It also includes the development of policies, procedures and programs to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. The main areas that are part of occupational health and safety include:
workplace health promotion
hazard identification and risk assessment
hazard control measures such as engineering controls or personal protective equipment (PPE)
training for workers on how to safely perform their jobs
emergency preparedness plans
recordkeeping requirements for employers to track injuries or illnesses in the workplace
develop health standards with the safety team
Environmental health and occupational health and safety are closely related. Poor environmental conditions can lead to an increased risk of occupational hazards, while unsafe working conditions can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to ensure that both environmental health and occupational health and safety standards are met in order to protect workers, the environment, and public health. By implementing measures such as regular air quality monitoring, proper waste management practices, and providing adequate protective equipment for workers, businesses can help ensure that employees remain safe while protecting the environment from further harm.
Finding Your Occupational Health and Safety Niche
Occupational health and safety jobs can be found throughout many different industries, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, science, mining, and exploration. Job duties may take individuals from comfortable inside environments out to more challenging outside areas and even workplaces that are underground or offshore. With the field growing on pace with the economy, there will be a continued need for employees in the health and safety field for the foreseeable future. You can work in staff, the management or consulting roles, all calling upon your education and training to ensure you achieve the best possible results in employee safety.
Occupational health and safety is a field that focuses on protecting workers from potential hazards in the workplace. It is an important part of any organization’s operations, and there are many different job roles available in this area:
safety inspectors
risk assessors
workplace safety specialists
safety education
safety managers
safety coordinator
environmental scientists
industrial hygienist
Occupational health and safety professionals play a vital role in ensuring that workplaces are safe for everyone. If you want to work as a safety specialist, you can set up OSHA’s job alert to keep up with available positions. OSHA is an equal opportunity employer.
For those who have an interest in becoming a plant manager, there are many opportunities in the fields of Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Management to explore this career opportunity. It’s essential that you understand what manufacturing plants require before making a firm decision, though. Therefore, we’re going to look at the job description, as well as how to become a plant manager and the expected salary of a plant manager.
Expected Job Duties for a Plant Manager Role
The people who must organize and watch over the daily operations of a manufacturing plant, as well as similar organizations, are plant managers. It’s their responsibility to oversee efficiency and production, the employees, and to ensure the plant consistently runs efficiently, quickly, safely, and smoothly.
Under some circumstances, the plant manager manages entire locations. However, it isn’t uncommon that a plant manager oversees individual sections of the operation. To maintain optimal operation, plant managers will assign workers, create work schedules, develop production schedules, and hire and train new staff.
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They’ll also collect and analyze new data to determine where waste could be occurring or where improvement could occur. The plant manager is also responsible for keeping an eye on plant and worker safety, monitoring the production equipment to ensure it remains in optimal working order, and repair or replace equipment as it becomes necessary.
The last line of defense is the plant manager regarding quality control each time manufactured items leave the plant. They maintain constant communication with other departments or sections of the plant to ensure all operations are running smoothly.
What Kind of Education is Best for a Plant Manager?
Plant managers are responsible for overseeing the production and maintenance of a manufacturing plant. As such, they need to have a strong understanding of the operations and processes involved in running a plant. To be successful in this role, it is important for plant managers to have an education that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a manufacturing facility. Many plant managers build from their on the job experience, but a management career can go much farther with a degree.
Manufacturing management is the process of planning, organizing, and controlling the production and delivery of products from raw materials to finished goods. It involves the coordination of people, machines, and materials to ensure that a product is produced efficiently and cost-effectively. Manufacturing management requires knowledge in areas such as quality control, logistics, inventory management, supply chain management, and production scheduling. By utilizing these skills in an organized way, manufacturers can increase their efficiency while reducing costs.
Good college majors for a plant manager would include manufacturing business management, industrial engineering management, and/or industrial technology. These majors will provide the necessary skills and knowledge required to manage a successful manufacturing plant.
Manufacturing Business Management: A manufacturing business management degree is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful manager of a manufacturing business. With this degree, you will learn how to effectively manage production processes, develop quality assurance systems, and create efficient cost-saving strategies. You will also be able to apply your knowledge of supply chain management and operations research techniques in order to optimize production planning and control. With a manufacturing management degree, you will be well-equipped with the necessary tools for success in this field.
Industrial Engineering Management: Industrial engineering management is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the efficient use of resources and technology in industrial settings. It involves the application of principles from engineering, operations research, economics, and management to optimize production processes and systems. Through its application, industrial engineers can help companies achieve greater efficiency in their operations while reducing costs and increasing profits. Industrial engineering management is an important tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s global market.
Industrial Technology: Industrial technology majors are a specialized field of study that focuses on the application of technical and engineering principles to industrial processes. These majors prepare students for careers in manufacturing, product design, supply chain management, and other related fields. Industrial technology majors learn how to design and develop systems, analyze data, manage projects, and optimize production processes. They also develop skills in problem solving, communication, project management, and business operations. With the rise of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the industrial sector, industrial technology majors are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
Additionally, courses in economics or finance may also be beneficial for those interested in becoming a plant manager. This education should include topics such as
production management
safety regulations
quality assurance
operations planning and scheduling
financial management
personnel management
human resources
operations management
industrial management
business strategy
operating procedures
cost accounting
Of course, that’s not including soft skills like communication skills. With this kind of education, plant managers can ensure that their plants are operating efficiently and safely while meeting their goals.
How Much Money Can a Plant Manager Make?
The latest statistics for average plant manager salary are from 2017 from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), and they report that a plant manager salary is, on average, $48.36 hourly. That equates to $100,580 annually. Of course, average salary for a management position goes up with a master’s degree.
How to Become a Plant Manager
Those six figures sound pretty good, right? Now that you’re interested, here is how to become a plant manager. The career path may begin with a bachelor’s degree. Generally, plant managers must have a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or industrial engineering, or a degree closely related. However, if plant workers have several years of experience, they have the opportunity to take management classes so they can be promoted to plant manager. Plant manager jobs are often internal hires, so most plant managers will have worked for the company already. If you’re looking at a larger plant, you may discover that they require their incoming staff members to have an advanced degree in higher education. More specifically, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is often the prerequisite.
It isn’t uncommon for plant managers to spend months with the company training to learn plant manager skills following their hire date. The purpose of this is, so they understand the inner workings and processes of the plant. Though it’s not a requirement, certifications are available for this industry.
Finally, Ask Yourself: Do You Think Like a Manager?
When you become a plant manager, you must have optimal interpersonal skill. What this means is you must be able to speak with senior management, employees, and other department managers. You’ll also be tapping into your leadership skills because it’s your responsibility to keep employees motivated. Your problem-solving skills must be sharp because, while on the plant floor, you’ll be required to assess situations and devise a solution quickly. It’s also necessary that you have optimal time management skills because you’ll be facing tight production-line deadlines, shipping dates, and other time constraints.
Check out our other resource on High Paying jobs within Occupational Health and Safety Industries:
If your career path is pointing you in the direction of becoming an Athletic Director, one of the first steps is knowing what is required of you. The duties involved in the career of an Athletic Director are many. Athletic directors are in high demand; and positions will require managerial experience, sharp business minds, and the ability to maintain work efficiency. Wondering where you will attain these skills? A reputable Sports Management Degree program will be the first plan of attack. Read on for the complete description of an Athletic Director including their duties, more on the educational requirements, and the salary expectations for new graduates.
Duties of an Athletic Director
The primary responsibility of an athletic director is to oversee all aspects of the athletic programs that are sponsored by a school or an institution. This includes the hiring of staff and coaches, ordering equipment for teams, promoting events, matches, and meets. Directors must be skilled in budgeting and allocating funds, and facilitating operations. They will typically work with school administrators in hiring coaches. The athletic director may also participate in fundraising for the teams and to providing guidance to the students in the sports program.
Athletic Directors also supervise all sports personnel and resolve any administrative issues. In addition to scheduling games and athletic events, the athletic director will collaborate with the coaching staff on scheduling game days and practices throughout the sports season, ensuring no scheduling conflict occurs between different teams for use of shared equipment like weight rooms and athletic trainers’ attention. They may schedule physical examinations for student athletes.
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Athletic directors must also keep track of policy changes from the school board and coordinate with organizations that set parameters within the field such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The NCAA currently sets regulations for recruiters from colleges and professional teams interacting with high school recruits.
Skills and Abilities Needed by Athletic Directors
To be fully prepared for the job as an athletic director, one must have excellent athletic director skills in planning, organization, leadership. Athletic directors need to have some background in legal terminology and public relations as well. Interpersonal skills come in handy at the middle school and high school levels, when concerns from school board members or parents arise over sports team decisions or the use of athletic funds.
One of the biggest challenges of an athletic director is preparing for media scrutiny. When a school handles issues of bad coaching practices, student-athlete injuries, or bad behavior from teams, the Athletic Director is responsible for answering to the public. Proactively establishing a good rapport with students, parents, coaches, school boards, and media personnel can limit the amount of media scrutiny a school experiences through their athletics.
Athletic Directors excel when they are natural leaders and can work under pressure. Deadlines often loom, as Directors must finalize athletic budgets and place equipment orders in a specific timeframe for approval. Athletic Directors often answer to school principals, or directly to school boards.
Coaching experience may not be necessary, but continued professional development will always be expected.
Athletic Director: Educational Requirements and Salary Expectations
For those that work at a high school or middle school level, athletic directors often split their time coaching in the athletic department or athletic program and teaching PE or health classes. A Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or related fields is often enough to imbue the skills needed for these roles in small schools. However, it may be useful to pursue a Master’s degree in Sports Management, Organizational Leadership, Kinesiology, Physical Education Administration to receive better opportunities at a large high school, college, or university level.
Sports Management
A Master’s Degree in Sports Management can help you become an expert in the field of sports. This degree will give you the knowledge and skills to manage sports teams, organizations, and events. It covers topics such as finance, marketing, law, and business administration that are essential for a successful career in this field. You will also gain an understanding of how to develop strategies for achieving organizational goals within the sports industry. With a Master’s Degree in Sports Management, you can pursue a career in coaching, marketing, public relations or even become a team manager.
Organizational Leadership
A Master’s in Organizational Leadership is a great way to make a difference in the workplace. It provides learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead organizations effectively and efficiently. With this degree, you will learn how to analyze organizational behavior, build teams, create strategies, manage resources, and develop leadership styles. You will also be able to apply these skills in a variety of contexts such as human resources management, business administration, and public policy. With this degree you can be prepared for leadership roles within your organization or even start your own business.
Kinesiology/Health Promotion
A master’s degree in Kinesiology is a great way for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the science of human movement. This degree provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the body while teaching them how to apply this knowledge to improve physical performance and reduce injury risk. Additionally, this degree covers topics related to nutrition, exercise science, sport psychology, and health promotion. With a master’s in Kinesiology, graduates will be prepared to pursue careers as physical therapists or strength and conditioning coaches.
Physical Education Administration
A master’s degree in physical education administration is designed to prepare students for careers as physical education administrators, teachers, and coaches. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from understanding the legal and ethical aspects of physical education to developing skills in budgeting and program development. The curriculum also covers topics such as sports psychology, health promotion, and educational technology. With this degree, graduates can pursue a variety of positions in schools or community organizations that focus on the promotion of physical activity.
The average salary range for a successful athletic director is between $50,000 to $82,000 annually. This number can vary widely depending on the type of hiring institution, how much money the athletic teams bring in, how large the booster club is, and how large the school itself is. Differences in public and private institutions can also alter the pay scale for a prospective employee interested in an athletic director’s position.
Masters in Cyber Security Salary: Is a Masters in Cyber Security Worth It?
Like many other careers in the technology sector, cybersecurity is a job that you can start with nothing more than some professional certifications and a lot of practice. Entry-level jobs, at least; but if you plan to work as a cybersecurity analyst or technician in the corporate world, government, or finance, you’ll find you hit a ceiling quite quickly. Experience is helpful for promotion, but a higher degree – and the higher level of training and knowledge that comes with it – is a more reliable path to promotion and advancement.
So is a cyber security master’s worth it? That depends on how high up the ladder you want to go. A bachelor’s in cybersecurity with provide all of the technical knowledge you need, such as how to analyze and implement prevention measures and secure network applications that are useful for top corporations. But a master’s degree program enhances those skills and adds the leadership and managerial expertise you need to take on higher roles. Masters in cyber security jobs aren’t just the rank and file, but the leaders of projects, and master’s in cyber security salary makes the extra schooling – sometimes as little as a year – well worth it.
Should You Choose a Cybersecurity Degree?
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the rise of cyber threats, organizations are now looking to protect their networks, data, and systems from malicious attacks. Cybersecurity helps protect businesses from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other malicious activities that could cause financial loss or damage to reputation. It also helps protect users from identity theft and other online scams. As the use of technology increases and cyber threats become more sophisticated, cybersecurity has become an essential part of any organization’s security strategy.
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Cybersecurity analysts are the gatekeepers of our digital world. It is their job to protect us from malicious actors and prevent cyber-attacks. To be successful in this role, they must possess certain qualities that will enable them to effectively identify, analyze and respond to threats. These qualities include:
strong analytical skills
attention to detail
problem-solving ability
technical knowledge
an understanding of security protocols
Additionally, cybersecurity analysts must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others in order to be successful in their role.
What is a Master’s in Cybersecurity?
A Master’s in Cybersecurity is a specialized degree program that prepares students to become experts in the field of cybersecurity. It provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to protect organizations from cyberattacks, secure their data, and develop strategies for responding to cyber threats. The curriculum covers topics such as computer networks, cryptography, malware analysis, digital forensics, and information security management. With a Master’s in Cybersecurity, graduates can pursue careers as security analysts, ethical hackers, and IT security specialists.
With a grounding in an accredited cyber security program, cybersecurity professionals may find work as:
information security analysts
computer network architect
chief information security officers
security systems
cybersecurity director
An information security analyst is a professional who is responsible for protecting an organization’s data and network from malicious cyber-attacks. They use a variety of tools and techniques to detect, prevent, and respond to security threats. They also monitor networks for suspicious activity, analyze logs, and investigate incidents. Information security analysts are essential in today’s increasingly digital world as they help protect organizations from data loss, theft, or misuse.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market and average salary for a master’s in cybersecurity is consistently growing.
Information security professionals are needed in practically every sector, both private sector and government, and the cybersecurity field is constantly changing. Cybersecurity jobs require technical expertise in:
computer science
network security
national security
cloud security
security measures
automated technology
With a cybersecurity master’s degree, you may work for, The National Security Agency (NSA), a private infrastructure security agency, Fortune 500 corporations, and nonprofits.
Masters in Cyber Security: Jobs and Careers
Security is one of the biggest concerns in the contemporary world – not just in business and finance, but in government, education, social media. Every field that uses computers – which means every field – requires cyber security. What you do in master’s in cyber security jobs depends on where you’re working and what level you’re working in. Some areas where cybersecurity experts are hired include:
Banking and Finance
E-Commerce
Education
Government agencies (local, state, and federal)
Law Enforcement
Research and Development
Because of imminent threats like hacking or downloading viruses, government agencies like Homeland Security were created to protect and prevent cyber-attacks. For private corporations, security officers or cybercrime investigators are commonly hired to protect and prevent attacks inside and outside the company. Masters in cyber security jobs are found at companies like AT&T and Google, along with agencies like the Department of Defense, NSA, and all branches of the military.
And those job titles can range widely, from Entry-Level Security Technician to Chief Security Officer. Guess which ones have the master’s degree? Other jobs include:
Digital Forensics
Penetration Testing
Security Administrator
Security Analyst
Security Architect
Security Auditor
Security Manager
Vulnerability Assessor
Cyber security professionals must have knowledge of information science, computer forensics, and application security, and their skills must be developed enough to be adaptable. Cybersecurity analysts can never stop learning, because new technology is constantly being developed to break defenses and wreak havoc.
Master’s in Cyber Security Salary Outlook
The cybersecurity master’s salary is very lucrative. With a master’s in cyber security, expectations for average salaries start high and get higher with experience and advancement. The average salary for Information Security Analysts is over $95,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The highest 10%, though, make more than $153,000. For those in management, the median is an incredible $139,000, with the highest executives bringing in well over $200,000.
Bottom Line: Is a Cyber Security Master’s Worth it?
Cyber security professionals who go all the way to a master’s in cyber security will find that it is worth the education and effort that is put into it. A good master’s program in cyber security will give students confidence, build character, and help students with networking within the information technology field. The master’s in cyber security jobs they’ll be able to obtain will provide job opportunities that a bachelor’s won’t – and a cybersecurity master’s salary is a great return on investment.
What is an MPA and Who Should Get a Public Administration Degree?
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a professional degree designed to prepare individuals for successful careers in public service. It combines the principles of management, policy analysis, and research to provide graduates with the skills needed to lead and manage organizations in the public sector. The MPA program focuses on developing knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for effective public service including communication, budgeting, policy analysis, organizational behavior, and leadership. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the necessary skills to work in a variety of roles within local or federal government or non-profit organizations.
An MPA degree can open up a world of opportunity for those interested in public administration and policy. With an MPA, you can pursue a career in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. With this degree, you will develop the necessary skills to analyze and solve complex problems related to public policy and management. You will also learn how to create strategies that effectively address social issues and build strong relationships with stakeholders. An MPA degree allows you to gain the knowledge needed to be successful in a wide variety of fields, such as urban planning, healthcare administration, economic development, education policy, or international affairs.
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An MPA degree is a valuable asset for those who seek to make a career in the public sector or want to work in public service. It is especially beneficial for those who are interested in policy-making, public administration, and leadership roles. The degree provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are essential for these positions. It also provides an opportunity to gain experience in managing resources, understanding organizational dynamics, and solving complex problems – all of which are important skills for any leader. In addition, the degree gives students an understanding of how government works at different levels and how policies can be effectively implemented. Thus, an MPA degree is invaluable for those looking to pursue a career in the public sector or serve as leaders within their organizations.
An MPA degree program prepares students to work as:
public relations manager
financial manager
program administrator
financial analyst
human resources director
The job market for government positions is competitive, but an MPA can put you ahead.
Public administration is a field that requires individuals to have a combination of skills and qualities. Those who are successful in this field must possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. They must also be able to work with different groups of people, including elected officials, government employees, and the public. Additionally, they must possess strong leadership abilities in order to lead teams effectively. Finally, they must have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that govern public administration in order to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.
Public Administration Salary Expectations
In general, a Masters in Public Administration average salary or median salary is around $68,000 per year. Although the average is slightly higher than the national average for income across most professions, you can expect some variation based on your experience level, your position, and the sector you work in for your job. The range of salary for an MPA is around $35,000 per year to $100,000 per year. The average income for an entry-level position is $53,000 per year. Mid-level positions or roles as an executive director range from $75,000 to $80,000 per year.
Expect your salary to increase as you gain experience in your field. You should also expect variation based on your location and your role in the company or organization. Private sector positions may result in a higher wage when compared to public sector jobs or roles in the government. A non-profit organization may have limited funds for your salary, so may result in lower wages. You should evaluate the position and your goals to determine a fair wage for your career.
How Much an MPA Makes vs an MBA
When you look at MPA salary vs MBA salary, you will notice a wide array of variation in the actual wages. The average income for an MBA depends on work experience and their role in a corporation. Entry level positions have an average income of roughly $53,000 per year. The wage increases to roughly $60,000 per year for an MBA after four to five years of work experience. By ten years of work experience, the average income is around $100,000 for many MBA graduates.
Comparing income levels depends on the role of the individual in a company. Since an MPA may earn between $35,000 and $100,000 per year, the average income after gaining experience is similar. Many MPA graduates will have a reasonable income based on their experience. You should keep in mind that you may have a slightly lower starting salary or a lower income if you choose to work in a field that offers lower salaries.
Exact wages and comparisons depend on where you plan to work and what type of job you intend to take for your career. An MPA has a similar average income when compared to an MBA, but your role in an organization, business, or government job impacts that actual wages.
Is a Public Policy Degree Worth It?
A question that may arise when you evaluate a program is the actual impact of your degree on your salary. Is a public policy degree worth it? As a general rule, a bachelor’s in public administration salary is lower than the salary you can expect with a master’s degree. The average income for a bachelor’s in public administration is around $50,000 per year. That compares to the average of $68,000 per year for an MPA.
Although the average for an MPA is higher, you should keep in mind that your role and experience level also impact your salary. In general, a master’s degree is worth the extra time and effort because it helps you increase your salary potential and allows you to improve your position in a company. You will earn more from the entry-level position through your career. It gives you more opportunity to advance into lucrative positions within an organization. A bachelor’s degree may limit your upward mobility, which results in a lower average income over the course of your career.
Originally, the concept of inclusive education materialized over issues with segregating disabled students in public schools. Children with disabilities faced issues such as school removal, segregated classrooms, or no in-class support. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was created to ensure all children receive a free and appropriate public education. Within the legislation is a mandate requiring schools educate a child with a disability alongside children without disabilities as much as possible. Today, becoming a special education teacher means learning inclusive teaching in a special education degree program.
Why is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Important?
Disabled students have historically been separated from their peers in the classroom, and this separation has had far-reaching consequences for both the students and their families. This practice was largely based on the belief that disabled students were not able to benefit from a traditional education, and that separating them would be beneficial to both them and their classmates. General education teachers taught the general education curriculum and general education classes, while special education teachers taught in a special education classroom. Unfortunately, this separation often resulted in disabled students missing out on important social interactions with their peers, as well as access to a more comprehensive education. As society has become more aware of the needs of disabled individuals, it is no longer acceptable to separate them from their peers in the classroom.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to receive an appropriate education. The IDEA ensures that all students, regardless of their disability, have access to a free and appropriate public education designed to meet their individual needs. Under the IDEA, there are a wide range of disabilities that are protected by this law, including
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physical impairments
learning disabilities
emotional disturbances
hearing impairments
visual impairments
Additionally, the IDEA also provides protection for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are both federal laws that provide rights and protections to individuals with disabilities. The IDEA is specifically focused on the education of disabled children, while the ADA is focused on protecting disabled individuals from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and other areas. Both laws have been instrumental in providing access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities and ensuring their civil rights are protected.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensures that they are not discriminated against in any way. The ADA guarantees equal access to education for all students, regardless of their disability. It requires schools to provide reasonable accommodations, such as accessible classrooms and technology, so that students with disabilities can participate in the same activities as their peers without any restrictions. Additionally, it prohibits schools from discriminating against students based on their disability status. By protecting the rights of students with disabilities, the ADA helps ensure that all students have access to a quality education and can achieve their full potential.
What is Special Education Inclusion?
An inclusion classroom will include both disabled and non-disabled students (this is true of early childhood and elementary education as well as secondary). Modifications and adaptations are typically found in an inclusion classroom that are not present in general education classrooms. Under IDEA, these tools are referred to as supplementary aids and services. Preferred placement for a child with a disability is the least restricted environment (LRE). Educators will aim to place the child in an inclusive setting as long as he or she is able to stay academically on track with peers in the classroom.
Even if the disabled student is unable to attend classes in a general education setting, the school’s placement team is required to still create opportunities for the student to interact with his or her non-disabled peers. The placement team made up of teachers and non-teaching special education experts will need to address objectives of inclusive education as part of developing an individualized education program (IEP) for the student. The inclusion of special needs students in regular classrooms have been shown to improve peer relationships, lead to fewer absences, and offer best post-secondary school outcomes.
What are the Objectives of Inclusive Education?
The concept of inclusive education is to aim for the same positive educational outcomes for both general education students and special education students. Although an IEP goal is to get special education children in general education settings, it is also important to utilize effective educational practices in the inclusion classroom. In the ideal inclusive classroom, a general education teacher and special education teacher will work together to meet the needs of all students.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document designed to help students with special needs receive the best education possible. It outlines the goals and objectives for each student, and it also provides details about the services that will be provided to help them reach these goals. The IEP process is an important part of special education, and it is important to understand how the process works in different places. While the IEP process may be similar in many locations, there are also some differences in special education services between states and districts that can affect the overall experience. Getting an IEP can be a complicated process, but understanding the process and knowing what to expect can make it less daunting.
Problems with inclusion of special education students in classrooms are usually attributed to lack of experience. Educators should have a background in special education and have been trained to work with children that have disabilities. Disadvantages of inclusive education can include not having adequate staffing to manage the classroom. It is important for an inclusive classroom to have teacher aides to assist with positive reinforcement, therapy appointments, and IEP objectives. Although supports from the IEP are made available because of the special education students, general education students find benefits of special education inclusion settings.
Parents may ask, “Is inclusion effective for non-disabled students too?” A non-disabled child struggling in a general education classroom is more likely to find success in an inclusive classroom with a higher teacher-to-student ratio. One of the objectives of inclusive education is to teach students based off of their individual learning needs. The importance of inclusive education is that students are learning to cooperate and socialize with children who are both disabled and non-disabled.
What are Some Examples of Inclusion in the Classroom?
Although the concept of inclusive education is universal, an inclusion classroom may not always look identical. For one, the modifications and accommodations listed in the IEPs of the special education students will determine what supports and resources need to be made available. Examples of inclusion in the classroom is providing access to the same routines and curriculum, encouraging participation of all students in activities done inside and outside the classroom, and holding all students up to the highest of standards regardless of a disability.
A variety of instructional formats may be needed in an inclusive classroom. For instance, some students may benefit more from peer-led instruction instead of teacher-led instruction. Kids could be paired up for class work or placed in small groups. Special education students may be given the same class assignments, but be allowed extra time for completion or be provided with a reduced number of problems. Additionally, students with IEPS may use assistive tools such as headphones, organizers, calculators, and laptops.
In the report Advancing the Nation’s Health Needs, the National Research Council stated that the nursing industry should develop a non-research doctoral degree (like the DNP), meaning that the Council saw a need for the change. The Council stated in its report that the degree progression as it existed for nursing professions at the time was slowing down the process of training new scientists for the nursing field and suggested that it would better to have a separate educational path for nurse practitioners instead of requiring candidates for a Ph.D. in nursing to first become practicing nurses at the master’s level.
What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?
Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees are becoming increasingly popular among nurses due to the fact that they offer a wide range of advantages. These degrees provide nurses with the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in their field, allowing them to become more specialized and better equipped to handle complex medical cases. Furthermore, these degrees also provide nurses with the potential to pursue leadership roles in healthcare organizations. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, nurses can take on roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse educators. As such, it is no surprise that doctorate-level nursing programs are becoming more popular among nurses who want to advance their careers and make a difference in their profession.
Within the DNP program, the college is likely to offer a specialization in the field. Possible specialties include health policy, executive leadership, public health and advocacy, and medical technology. Program specialties may also be focuses on a certain population such as pediatric care, women’s health, or gerontology. DNP programs are usually offered both on-campus and online. Accelerated options are available too including BSN to DNP programs that allow the student to earn credits for both a master’s degree and doctorate degree.
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A DNP degree is very different from a PhD in nursing. DNP degrees are more clinical-based while a PhD in nursing will often focus on medical research. The DNP is a degree for those who plan to work in the field, not usually those who wish to become teachers. A curriculum for a DNP program will primarily focus on topics such as patient outcomes, population health, nurse management, advanced nursing practices, and healthcare advocacy.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice roles, while a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an academic degree that prepares nurses for advanced roles in nursing leadership, education, and research. While both degrees provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of nursing, they have distinct differences. The DNP focuses on clinical practice and provides students with the necessary skills to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). The MSN focuses on developing leadership skills and offers courses such as health policy, healthcare systems management, and health informatics.
What Can You Do with a DNP in Nursing?
Since DNP isn’t a job title, many students wonder what does a DNP do after graduation. Common positions held by DNP graduates (many of which were formerly MSN specializations) include:
Nurse practitioner
Certified nurse midwife
Registered nurse anesthetists
Advanced practice registered nurses
Nurse practitioners specialize in areas just like clinical nurses, such as gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatric nursing. With a DNP degree, the graduate could also choose to pursue alternative career paths, like physical therapists or nursing education. In this case, the graduate would secure a job as a healthcare lobbyist or clinical researcher. These jobs involve working outside of a medical setting like a hospital.
Is a DNP a Doctor?
A common question that many individuals ask “Is a DNP a doctor?” As a graduate of a doctorate level program, there is the belief that earning a DNP allows the person to carry the title of doctor. In some cases, a DNP graduate may use the title of doctor before his or her name. However, some states do have legislation regarding when and where a DNP can use the title as doctor. The reason for the law is to prevent confusion in patients who may believe a nurse practitioner is a medical doctor. As long as the DNP graduate explains to the patient his or her correct job title, using the title doctor is acceptable. A DNP won’t qualify an individual for a medical doctor position, but he or she will be able to perform many of the same duties as a doctor. For example, nurse midwives can do anything OBGYNs can do, often including prescribing medicine. Nursing professionals with a DNP, like a family nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurses, are as trustworthy as doctors.
What Does a DNP Do?
With a DNP degree, the nurse can provide medical care to patients. For a DNP degree holder that decides to become a nurse practitioner, he or she will be able to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, order imaging tests and bloodwork, and provide education to patients about their healthcare. The role of the nurse practitioner is to provide high quality care at a reduced cost to patients. According to the AANP, research studies have shown a patient who uses a nurse practitioner as a primary care provider will have fewer hospital visits and less prescription costs. DNPs may work in inpatient or outpatient care centers.
The specialization of the DNP graduate will also determine duties post-graduation. A certified nurse midwife will be involved in prenatal care of a patient along with labor and delivery. Registered nurse anesthetists work in hospitals to provide anesthesia to patients and monitor their vitals while under.
With a DNP degree, the graduate could also head into research and help lead medical studies to resolve health issues facing patients today. With a DNP, the nurse could also work for a community health office and provide research to help lawmakers make informed public health decisions.
DNPs can also work in administration as health services managers. They can work to improve patient outcomes for adult patients and their families from behind the scences.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a DNP nurse can make bank. A certified registered nurse anesthetist can make as much as $200,000 a year, while family nurse practitioners make as much as $110,000 (median annual salary).
What About Online DNP Degrees?
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, nurses must stay up to date on the latest practices and trends. An online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can help nurses acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their profession. With an online DNP degree, nurses can learn how to apply evidence-based practice, understand healthcare policy, and lead interprofessional teams. This type of degree is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in nursing or take on a leadership role within the industry. With an online DNP degree, nurses can gain the expertise needed to make a positive impact on patient care and outcomes.
An online Doctor of Nursing Practice program can provide nurses with the opportunity to further their education and advance their career. With an online DNP degree, nurses can gain the knowledge and expertise they need to become leaders in their field. Additionally, an online DNP degree opens up a range of job opportunities for nurses, including roles in clinical practice, research, healthcare administration, and education. With an online DNP degree, nurses can increase their earning potential and be better equipped to provide quality care for patients.
What Is ABET Accreditation, and Why is it Important?
It is essential that any school that wants to be considered a leader in its field receives the proper ABET accreditation for engineering and technology. ABET stands for Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. ABET accreditation is received by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET in conjunction with the ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. This accreditation for engineering schools and those that offer technology is a way for the university or college to prove that they meet or exceed the strict standards of excellence within those industries.
The mission of ABET is to provide quality affirmation for colleges and universities that offer distance education programs. ABET’s accreditation is based on the quality standards specified by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which are designed to ensure student success in their degrees. With the growing demand for skilled engineers and scientists, accredited engineering programs are becoming increasingly popular. From graduate programs to doctoral programs, these engineering programs are designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their field. From applied and natural science to robotics there is a wide range of options available for students looking to pursue an accredited engineering program. With the right college or university program, graduates can gain the experience they need to succeed in a competitive job market.
Is ABET Accreditation Important for Students?
When you earn your degree, you spend years of your life and a large chunk of money. If you are investing your time and money in a degree in engineering or technology, the university you choose needs to be accredited by a recognized engineering accreditation organization. Nationally accredited standards verify that the degree you earn meets the standard of professionalism of your chosen industry. Accreditation also helps to verify your worthiness in terms of receiving national licensure and certification. In order to register and become licensed or certified, graduation from an ABET-accredited university or college is a must. Accreditation also has a way of enhancing employment opportunities at a global level.
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ABET accreditation is an important factor for students to consider when choosing a college or university. Abet accreditation ensures that the degree program meets the highest standards of quality, and it also provides students with the assurance that their degree will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Furthermore, abet accreditation can provide students with access to a broad range of additional opportunities in their chosen field, as well as significantly better job prospects and higher salaries after graduation. With credentials from an ABET accredited program, students will be able to compete for higher-level positions and prestigious roles that would otherwise be out of reach.
Ultimately, the importance of abet accreditation should not be overlooked when deciding on a college or university, as it can significantly impact the quality and value of a degree program. Abet accreditation ensures that students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen profession, making it an important indicator of quality when researching potential educational programs.
Why is ABET Accreditation Essential For Institutions?
ABET accreditation is voluntary in the United States. Schools choose to go through the strict accreditation process for several reasons. Not only does the intense accreditation process offer insights and a massive amount of data, it also ensures that your engineering program will provide the best possible education for students who enroll in it. Having ABET accreditation proves to industry professionals that you are held to the highest standards when it comes to academic programs. It proves that your graduates earn their degree after proving that they are capable of meeting and exceeding the expectations of potential employers.
ABET accreditation shows that the school has offered the best possible academic practices and that it is recognized on a global level for its achievements and the standards it has set for itself. It shows that the faculty of the staff are constantly assessing their own standards of quality and make the necessary effort to improve their standards of education. The quality of education offered by the school is proven by the outcomes and not by the input of the teachers.
ABET accredits programs in computer science as well through the computing accreditation commission.
How Does Accreditation Enhance Global Standards?
ABET accreditation ensures the highest quality standards are used around the world. This results in a workforce that is educated to a higher standard, extremely diverse in terms of technological advancement, globally mobile, and innovative. Students are held to a standard of professionalism in industries that require a high level of accuracy and organization. Students are also given the tools and resources they need to maintain mobility on a national and global level.
By using a third-party peer review systems, programs are evaluated to determine the value and quality of the content as well as the relevancy of the programs expected outcomes. It has taken over 80 years to establish the process that is now relied upon by professionals from almost every industry. Accreditation offers students opportunities in industrial situations that allow for continued advancement based on the outstanding education they have received.
How Can You Tell if the Institution Has Received ABET Accreditation?
There are several ways for you to tell if your engineering or technology degree program is ABET-accredited. The first way is to go to the ABET website and type in the name of your program. If it is accredited through ABET, your school’s name will appear as well as all of the information the organization has on your chosen school. Another way to tell if your school has received accreditation by ABET is to contact the university and ask to see the certificate that has been awarded to the school by the organization.
An institution seeking accreditation for college and university programs needs the institution’s chief executive officer and other appropriate institution personnel to communicate with the ABET evaluation team. Their engineering program must meet accreditation criteria set by the engineering profession.
How important is ABET accreditation? ABET accredited engineering schools have a reputation for being the best at what they do and producing graduates that have reached a level of academic excellence that makes them worthy of being a professional in their field. Graduating with a degree from an accredited ABET engineering or technology-based program will help you lay the groundwork for a successful career. It also shows potential employers the caliber of work that you have been exposed to throughout your educational journey. The ABET accreditation from your school is the signature of approval you need to get ahead in your career.
Police Majors: The 5 Best Degrees for Law Enforcement Work
Students who want to go into law enforcement don’t typically need a college degree. Instead, they require law enforcement training for their area of expertise. However, obtaining a criminal justice degree can assist students who already work in law enforcement qualify for positions of increasing responsibility, such as a detective or supervisor. Keep reading to find out more about the best degrees for law enforcement.
For those looking into the best degrees for law enforcement, criminal justice programs provide a well-rounded education. What are the best colleges for criminal justice and law enforcement? Choosing the right online or in-person program depends on the student’s work experience and ultimate career goals.
Researching the Best Degrees for Law Enforcement
The best online colleges for law enforcement include ones that offer a variety of majors. Criminal justice, psychology and computer science are just a few of the programs that can help students launch a successful career in law enforcement or advance in their current job. Additionally, the best online colleges for law enforcement have regional and national accreditations recognized by hiring managers in local, state and federal law enforcement.
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Here are popular degrees that can help learners who want to work in law enforcement.
VC’s pick for the Best Degrees for Law Enforcement:
1. Criminal Justice
Learning about criminal justice can help students who want to become police officers, join the military, investigate crimes or work in a correctional facility. With a degree in criminal justice, students focus on topics that law enforcement officers face every day. For example, students learn about crime deterrence, criminal psychology and managing law enforcement personnel.
With a degree in criminal justice, students can find entry-level jobs in security, private investigating and similar roles.
2. Psychology
The best online colleges for law enforcement also offer psychology degrees. Psychology helps students who want to go into law enforcement gain a better understanding of thoughts and feelings that lead to criminal behavior. A psychology degree can help law enforcement professionals understand and prevent crimes. By taking preemptive action, law enforcement officers can minimize the consequence of violent and property crimes. Most criminal psychology jobs are public service positions in the courts, mental health facilities and correctional facilities.
3. Law
It makes sense that many students choose law degrees if they wish to graduate with a law enforcement job. Many schools offer pre-law majors, which are good degrees for law enforcement as well as students who plan to attend law school. With a background in law, students can attract the attention of hiring managers and public and private sector law enforcement organizations. It’s important for law enforcement personnel to understand how to effect a clean arrest so that prosecution goes more smoothly. By understanding the law, students can make good decisions to help bring justice to their communities. Additionally, students with a baccalaureate degree in law often go on to complete law school, and criminal attorneys need a deep understanding of law enforcement agencies.
4. Forensics
The best colleges for criminal justice and law enforcement offer forensics majors. With this major, students learn to gather evidence while investigating a crime. Law enforcement agencies heavily depend on professionals with a background in forensics. Forensic technology detects chemical substances unique to individuals or places. This complex field now uses artificial intelligence as well as chemical analysis and the intuition of forensic specialists. Forensic professionals also work crime scenes and interview suspected perpetrators of various crimes.
5. Computer Science and Cybersecurity
Technology is an integral part of modern law enforcement practice. Computer science and security degrees are among the best degrees for law enforcement. Knowledge of computer science can help law enforcement professionals investigate online crimes and crimes with online components. Additionally, law enforcement agencies increasingly have to respond to requests to investigate sophisticated cybercrimes.
Cyber security is a subset of computer science that helps law enforcement agencies detect and apprehend cybercriminals who hack into computer systems, stealing data or otherwise wreaking havoc within public and private networks. Cyber security is and the central part of law enforcement agencies that investigate sophisticated criminals. Often, these online spies and thieves break into computer systems and cause serious problems such as breach of confidentiality, data theft and other online crimes. From individuals to foreign governments, perpetrators of cybercrimes compromise the security and privacy of individuals, organizations and, sometimes, an entire country.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a Police Officer?
Becoming a police officer is a noble and rewarding career path, but it is also an incredibly challenging one. It requires dedication, hard work, and a certain level of education. So the question remains: do you need to have a college degree to become a police officer? The answer is both yes and no. While having a degree can give you an edge when applying for the job, it is not always necessary in order to become a police officer. A high school diploma is often enough to start.
Depending on the state or jurisdiction where you are applying, there may be other qualifications that are more important than having a college degree. For instance, some police departments may require you go through police academy training before joining the police force. A police academy program isn’t the same as a law enforcement degree, but law enforcement officials can do police work with no formal education.
While having a degree or some form of higher education is important, it is not the only factor that determines whether someone can become a police officer or not. Police officers need to have certain physical and mental qualifications in order to be successful in their job. These include:
physical fitness
good communication skills
problem solving abilities
ability to maintain composure under pressure
Additionally, anyone interested in a police officer career must also have knowledge of relevant criminal law and regulations as well as the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations. All these qualifications are essential for someone who wants to pursue a career in any law enforcement agency or the criminal justice system.
What are the Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree?
A criminal justice degree can provide police officers with the knowledge and skills to help them better serve their community. With a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, police officers can be more effective in their roles as law enforcement professionals. They will also have a better understanding of legal procedures and crime scene protocols that must be followed when dealing with criminals.
Additionally, a criminal justice program can provide police officers with an opportunity to specialize in specific areas of law enforcement such as forensics, cybercrime, organized crime, or juvenile justice. With this specialized knowledge and expertise, they can become more valuable members of the police force and be better equipped to protect their communities from crime.
You may learn elements of:
political science
police operations
public administration
forensic science
emergency management
All of this can make you a better police officer, but bachelor’s degree programs can prepare you to work in other government agencies.
Of course, there are many law enforcement careers in the criminal justice field that can benefit from a bachelor’s degree. A corrections officer with a criminal justice major or a master’s degree may move into administration, for instance. The law enforcement field is wide, and there are degree programs for all levels, from security guard to patrol officer to deputy chief to commanding officer to police chief.
If you want to stay in the police department, aspiring police officers may get ahead with an associate’s degree, at least in local police departments.
Other Majors for Law Enforcement
Other good degrees for law enforcement include forensic accounting. Forensic accountants help businesses detect fraud and malicious activity. they may work in law enforcement or for corporations. Some students choose to specialize in public safety, which helps governments prepare for disaster recovery. Pandemics and natural disasters compromise public safety, and students who graduate with a degree in public safety can help prepare communities for terrorism and other threats to law and order.
The best online colleges for law enforcement offer homeland security degrees. This growing field helps protect the country against sabotage, terrorism and internal security threats.
Graduates with the best degrees for law enforcement can choose careers as probation officers, private investigators, US marshals, loss prevention managers, crime analysts and DEA special agents, among many other career choices.
The best colleges for criminal justice and law enforcement provide a solid foundation for students who want to earn lucrative salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for detectives and police officers ranges between $58,000 for fishing game wardens two $87,000 for detectives and criminal investigators. Transit and railroad police make an average of $73,000 while patrol officers make an average of $66,000.
Related Rankings to Help Majors for Law Enforcement:
What are the Best Online Graduate Degrees to Earn?
Although you can earn almost any graduate degree online, some degree types are in higher demand today than ever. These degrees are more accessible, provide more options when choosing schools, and lead straight into careers or advance careers for professionals who already have a foot in the door.
Areas of study such as business, healthcare, and education offer the most options for furthering your career through online graduate degree programs and offer the most competitive and rewarding results after college.
In these three main degrees, we looked at the likelihood of your online degree leading to a lasting career and a higher-paying salary. Additionally, we evaluated the range of options regarding programs and school choices for these particular areas of study.
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Online Graduate Degrees in Business
Earning a fully online master’s degree in Business, such as a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), is particularly enticing for career-driven individuals because there are a wealth of accelerated online MBA programs available. Programs can be completed in as little as eighteen months, which is no surprise considering the high demand for MBA graduates in the workforce today.
Big business and the corporate workforce are expanding annually across the nation. With an ever-expanding global economy, the demand for career-minded, educated individuals who hold their MBA is in high demand. Fully online graduate degrees in other areas of business, such as Accounting or Management are additionally beneficial for business professionals hoping to advance their careers. Some of the fastest-growing careers nationally are Financial Managers, Business Operations Managers, Medical or Health Services Managers, and Accountants.
Online Graduate Degrees in Education
It should come as no surprise that in the field of education, earning your master’s degree online can further your career. Having your Master of Education (MEd) will allow you to teach the courses you want and allow you to branch out beyond the traditional classroom through jobs like teacher training or research. In all cases, your MEd will bring a higher salary.
The chart below compares the Median Annual Wages for teachers in various careers with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. MEd programs tend to focus on advanced teaching methods, educational technology training, and educational philosophy. Here is a list of Value College’s Top 50 Best Value Online Graduate Education Programs available today!
Career
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate Degree
Early childhood education
$39,000
$53,000
Elementary education
$43,000
$57,000
Secondary teacher education
$48,000
$64,000
Special needs education
$45,000
$61,000
Online Graduate Degrees in Healthcare
Earning an online graduate degree in almost any area of the healthcare field will take you far: you’ll gain access to better job choices, higher pay, work flexibility, and a wealth of professional positions. The most popular online graduate degree in healthcare is the online RN to BSN degree. Still, fully online master’s degrees can be earned in areas such as Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Therapy, Physician’s Assistants, or Orthotics and Prosthetics. Each is a demanding field in its own right. For example, students with graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy earn an annual mean wage of $85,570, with the top 10% making $123,840 (BLS).
Nurse Practitioners with master’s degrees extend their careers past primary care. They can assist doctors by performing duties such as prescribing medications or ordering laboratory tests, and the demand for nurse practitioners increases annually. The prosthetic industry continues to grow, and the BLS estimates that employment in this field will increase 14% nationally between 2021 and 2031.
At the end of the day, earning your online graduate degree entirely online if you plan on pursuing or advancing a career in business, education, or healthcare is a wise move, allowing you access to better jobs, better pay, and a better quality of career life overall.
Top 50 Best Universities for Artificial Intelligence in the World
Do you want to study artificial intelligence? Most of us use Artificial Intelligence (AI) every day in our interactions with the world. Practical speech and voice recognition embedded in our phones gives us the ability to use voice commands to request things from our devices. Have you ever noticed how your voice recognition on your phone improves over time? The more a software application is used, the more it “learns” from the available data, and the more accurate the application’s responses become. This ability to self-improve is the essence of Machine Learning. Useful web searches and self-driving cars are just a few of the many ways Machine Learning and AI have permeated our lives.
Artificial Intelligence bachelor degrees have historically been master’s level degrees and offered only as a specialization or concentration of another degree. They have existed in university departments of engineering, mathematics, computer science, and computer engineering. However, many schools now have bachelor’s level programs to study artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence degrees are branching out from the traditional departments to more interdisciplinary and broader areas. The best colleges for machine learning and the best colleges for artificial intelligence are already changing the future.
Make a Choice (Before the Choice Makes You)
As more professionals in technology decide to make the career move into Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, more colleges and universities are developing bachelor’s degrees in these specializations. That’s why Value Colleges has gathered data on Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning other related programs to find the smartest choices for students across the US who want to study artificial intelligence.
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The Value Colleges Top 50 Bachelor’s in Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning Programs ranking considers only regionally accredited reputable college and universities. We rank programs based on three factors:
Cost (current IPEDS data)
Reputation (current U.S. News & World Report ranking)
The Silicon Valley is an area of northern California known for its high concentration of technology companies. The valley is a mecca for tech jobs, as well as tech education. Stanford University, a private university located in Stanford, California and founded in 1885, is just one of the many Silicon Valley colleges and universities. Not surprisingly, Stanford is known for its innovation in computer science and its influence the academic discipline. Apart from the computer science department, the school is an excellent university. Stanford is recognized around the world for its overall academic excellence and was recently ranked #5 by U.S. News and World Report in the category of “2018 Best Colleges is National Universities”. For students interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, the Sanford University School of Computer Science offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science (BS CS) with an Artificial Intelligence Track. Students in the program develop a breadth of knowledge across the subject areas of computer science by taking core courses. Students then choose an area of depth or a Track. Topics in the AI Track concentration includes two courses from four different AI areas – Methods (classes in Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Decision Making), Natural Language Processing, Vision, and Robotics. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research opportunities are available through the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL), which has studied AI since the lab’s founding in 1962. Researchers also published investigative report on the of the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influences on people, their communities, and society – The One Hundred Year Study on Artificial Intelligence. In addition to the Bachelor’s’ degree, Stanford offers an online introductory class on Machine Learning through Coursera for students and the general public. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
2
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, better known as “Caltech,” is a small, private university located in Pasadena, California. The school was founded as Throop University in 1891 and renamed in 1920. Caltech’s most popular undergraduate major is computer science, and an impressive 43% of the incoming computer science students are women. Caltech’s Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science (BS CS) with a Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Track. The undergraduate computer science degree teaches a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics, and programming through a set of core courses and also provides in-depth, advanced coursework in topic areas through specialized Tracks and a capstone project. The Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Track classes include Introduction to Probability Models, Advanced Topics in Computer Vision, Probability and Algorithms, Machine Learning & Data Mining, computer and cognitive science, Learning Systems, and Neural Computation. Additionally, Caltech undergraduate students can utilize a variety of research opportunities through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program, the required undergraduate capstone project, and off-campus through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates. Finally, for students who have not decided if a bachelor’s degree in AI and Machine Learning is right for them or for those students ready to get started, an online Introductory Machine Learning class offered as a collaborative effort from Caltech and edX. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
3
University of California-Berkeley
The University of California-Berkeley is a public university founded in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California. The campus, near the San Francisco Bay, is only a short drive from Silicon Valley where students can find numerous opportunities for research, internships, and employment. The computer science division at U.C. Berkeley is one of the most robust artificial intelligence programs in the country and is renowned for its innovations in teaching and research. However, it is Berkeley’s research in AI and machine learning that establishes the school as an AI authority. Berkeley’s six AI research facilities include the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR), the Berkeley Laboratory for Information and System Sciences (BLISS), the Berkeley Vision & Learning Center (BVLC), the Center for Intelligent Systems (CIS), CITRIS People and Robots, and the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI). U.C. Berkeley offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS) from the College of Letters & Science but does not have a specific AI or machine learning track. However, students are required to take technical electives that are similar to the AI track offerings or specializations at other institutions. The Cognitive Science technical elective classes include Advanced Robotics, Artificial Intelligence Approach to Natural Language Processing, data science, Computer Vision, computer and cognitive science, deep learning, User Interface Design and Development, Efficient Algorithms and Intractable Problems, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Machine Learning, Principles and Techniques of Data Science. For students who meet the qualifications, a five-year BS/MS accelerated computer science program is offered. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
.
4
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant institution founded in 1867. The university is located about 140 miles south of Chicago in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. The university has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 33,000 students and has over 150 undergraduate programs of study. As part of the school’s commitment to student success, the university actively seeks corporate partnerships and encourages campus recruiting with these partners. AI Students looking for value, hands-on experience, and a chance to research at the undergraduate level should consider the AI program at the University of Illinois. Through the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, the University of Illinois offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering with a Specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cybernetics. The program focuses on problem-solving and prepares students for future employment in fast-paced and solution-oriented industries. Undergraduate research is encouraged, and ample opportunities are provided for students to participate. Students can also earn credit hours for the research programs they conduct. The campus AI research groups and facilities include the Human-Computer Intelligent Interaction Research Group and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
5
University of California-San Diego
The University of California – San Diego is a public university founded in 1960. Although the school is young, it has rapidly achieved a status of one of the top institutions in the nation for scientific research and mathematical sciences education and receives over $1 billion in annual research funding. In addition to the affordable, top-notch education, students enjoy one of the most beautiful academic settings in the world; UCSD’s breathtaking 1,200-acre campus stretches along the Pacific Ocean. The school’s annual enrollment is a little over 35,000 students. The University of California – San Diego offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence Cluster through the Jacobs School of Engineering. Like a concentration or specialization, the Cluster adds a focus area of interest to help students pursue their advanced studies more deeply and broadly. Students focusing on the Artificial Intelligence Cluster will also work in its sub-fields of machine learning, data science, and data mining. Classes in the AI cluster include search and reasoning, deep learning, statistical approaches to AI, image processing, and computer vision, and image processing. U.C. San Diego’s notable AI research includes the Artificial Intelligence Group and the campus-wide Computational, Statistics & Machine Learning (COSMAL). Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
6
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is a public land-grant university located in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota. One of the most esteemed public research universities in the nation, the school is the oldest and largest in the Minnesota University system. The University of Minnesota is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), an academic consortium of fourteen universities in the Big Ten Conference that engage and collaborative research. Member schools are able to generate unique opportunities for faculty and students by sharing resources and expertise. Big Ten membership is a draw for students seeking research programs, especially in emerging fields of study like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities offers AI students a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Track in Artificial Intelligence / Robotics. The university’s computer science program is part of the College of Science and Engineering that offers numerous, unique undergraduate majors. The AI Track includes classes in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Mining, deep learning, Intelligent Robotic Systems, Sensing and Estimation in Robotics, and Computer Vision. The University of Minnesota’s related AI and machine learning research labs and projects include the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Vision Lab; Outobox: Machine learning Reading Group; and the Visual Computing and AI Seminar. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
7
Georgia State University
You may not be familiar with Georgia State University, but rapper Ludacris and former Bank of America CEO, Ken Lewis, know this school – they are both alumni. Georgia State University is a public university, founded in 1913. The school’s self-proclaimed “campus without boundaries” consists of seven campuses throughout metro Atlanta enrolling over 24,000 undergraduate students. Georgia State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Databases and Knowledge-based Systems. This undergraduate degree program prepares AI students with core classes in the fundamental principles and processes of computation, and concentration classes to provide the appropriate breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline. Concentration classes include Artificial Intelligence, Digital Image Processing, data science, Network-Oriented Software Development, Web Programming, Database Systems, and Data Mining. Georgia State University’s Department of Computer Science was created in 1999 and is active in interdisciplinary artificial intelligence research. Participating in the school’s Molecular Basis of Disease and Brains and Behavior programs is just one example of how the department collaborates with other departments. Georgia State is also well-known for its diversity, and not surprisingly, the computer science department strives for gender diversity in a field where women are historically underrepresented. In fall of 2017, Georgia State’s the Department of Computer Science launched a new student organization called Girls++. The organization is a student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Council on Women in Computing, created to provide a place for women majoring in computer science to connect and share their experiences. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
8
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Students interested in AI and machine learning can “invent the future” at the research powerhouse Virginia Tech. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, known to most as “Virginia Tech”, is a public university located in the mountain town of Blacksburg, Virginia. The school was founded in 1872 and has an undergraduate enrollment of over 25,000. The school is well known for academic excellence and value. Tech is known globally for engineering and mathematical sciences. The Department of Computer Science has an accredited undergraduate program that offers undergraduate degrees with a specialized track of study. A Bachelor of Science degree with a Knowledge, Information, and Data (KID) Track prepares students for employment or graduate study. The KID Track focuses broadly on data science, deep learning, information, human modeling, and knowledge and in numerous sub-areas, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research, as well as, a team project through capstone courses. Virginia Tech also offers students access to internships and employment opportunities through a corporate partnership program. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
9
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University (OSU)—Columbus is a public university founded in 1870. The school is in the city of Columbus, Ohio and has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 45,000 students. Ohio State continues to take its land-grant mission as its calling card, providing the very best possible education in practical applied sciences, preparing students for crucial professions, and building connections throughout government and private industry. OSU is the highest-ranked and most prominent university in the state. A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BS CSE) degree prepares students for a range of careers in computer science and is offered by the College of Engineering. Students choosing the Artificial Intelligence degree specialization will take courses in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistical Pattern Recognition, deep learning, Human-Computer Interaction, Speech and Language Processing, and Neural Networks. The Ohio State University also offers many opportunities for artificial intelligence research. Campus AI research groups include Applied Machine Learning; Auditory, Speech, and Language Processing; Machine Learning and Learning Theory; data science; and Cognitive Systems. The Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Research (LAIR), established in the 1970’s, conducts cutting-edge AI research. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
10
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M University—College Station, founded in 1876, was the first public institution of higher education established in the State of Texas. Centrally located between the cities of Houston, Dallas, and Austin, the school calls College Station home. The university has an undergraduate enrollment over 50,000 and is frequently ranked for its quality of education and its value. Texas A&M University-College Station offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Information and Intelligent Systems Track. This undergraduate curriculum in computer science is designed to prepare students to enter the rapidly evolving field of computer science with a solid foundation in science, mathematics, English, statistics, and computing. In addition to the core classes, students take 12 credit hours in an area of concentration. Courses in the Information and Intelligent Systems Track include Database Systems Artificial Intelligence, deep learning, neural networks, Computer-Human Interaction, Computer Graphics, Game Development, Structures of Interactive Information, Computers and New Media, Robotics and Spatial Intelligence, and Information Storage and Retrieval. Current Texas A&M computer science research areas include Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Systems, data science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Human-Computer Interaction. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
11
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private institution located on a 140-acre campus in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. The small school, founded in 1876, has an undergraduate enrollment of around 6,100 students. The school is known for academic excellence parallel to prestigious Ivy League institutions. Although Johns Hopkins is not an Ivy League school, it has cheerfully agreed to be in a “League of its Own.” Few universities in the U.S. offer a more well-rounded education. Students pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence or machine learning will be interested in the Johns Hopkins Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Focus Area in Natural Language Processing offered through the Whiting School of Engineering. Students choosing this focus area will take courses in Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval, Knowledge from Text, Machine Learning, data science, deep learning, and Machine Translation. Undergraduate research is an integral part of the Johns Hopkins degree. Interested students can conduct research alongside faculty and graduate students. Forty percent of computer science undergrads take advantage of these research opportunities. Students are also encouraged to pursue internships during winter and summer and can choose to work for pay or academic credit. Campus AI related computer science research areas include Machine Learning & Data Intensive Computing, Language & Speech Processing and Robotics, Vision & Graphics. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
12
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New Brunswick (The State University of New Jersey ) is a public university, initially founded in 1766 as Queen’s College. The school is located in Piscataway, New Jersey and has a total undergraduate enrollment of more than 36,000 students. With multiple locations throughout the state, and an influence that stretches across virtually every profession and discipline. Rutgers can truly claim the title of The State University of New Jersey. The Rutgers Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Track in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science. The artificial intelligence program provides a solid foundation in computer science and a focused area of education in a computer science sub-discipline.The Rutgers University’s Computer Science Department, founded in 1966, is part of the School of Arts and Science and is a center for research and education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Focused on studying the different sub-disciplines of computer science, Rutgers has research groups in areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, deep learning, foundations of computer science, human modeling, scientific computing, cognitive science, and intelligent systems. The associated on campus labs and centers include the Art and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AAI), the Center for Dynamic Data Analytics (CDDA), and Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCs). Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
13
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Students interested in studying cognition and computer science should consider The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Founded in 1881, The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public university in Newark, New Jersey. NJIT is rooted in Newark, where the university’s founders anticipated a major need for technical and mechanical education during the height of the Industrial Revolution. With that basis, NJIT had a foundation to become one of the Northeast’s top institutions for engineering and technology. The Ying Wu College of Computing has the distinction of being the largest computer science school in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region, making it a major provider of trained, innovative professionals in the computer science field. With the Wu College, NJIT offers a Bachelors of Science in Human-Computer Interaction with a Specializations in Cognitive Design. The artificial intelligence degree focuses on the interfaces between people and computers while the specialization introduces students to the philosophy of mind, deep learning, and cognitive science. Courses in this specialization include numerous offerings in cognitive science, neural networks, Minds and Machines, and Cyberpsychology. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
14
University of Maryland-College Park
The University of Maryland—College Park is a public university founded in 1856.The suburban school is just a short distance from Washington, D.C. on the flagship College Park campus of the University of Maryland. Computer science research has been conducted at UM since the 1940’s. In 1973 the Computer Science Department was formally established, and today, it is one of the best computer science departments in the world. For students interested in a degree in Artificial Intelligence or machine learning, the University of Maryland-College Park offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Data Science Specialization. The computer science degree curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence the through Data Science Specialization. Students pursuing the Data Science Specialization are required to complete fundamental lower level courses and then upper-level specialization classes. Courses in the specialization include machine learning, database design, and artificial intelligence. The Brendan Iribe Center for and Computer Science and Innovation is currently under construction. In the spirit of innovation, an online web camera shows real-time progress of the building. The Iribe center will house the university’s Department of Computer Science and its renowned Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). With six floors of specialized on campus labs, the center will support groundbreaking research in virtual and augmented reality, deep learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, big data, algorithms, programming languages and systems. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
15
Harvard University
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and founded in 1636, Harvard University is one of the oldest institutions in the country. The private university has one of the most recognized names in the world and is considered by most to be the measuring stick for academic excellence. It is one of eight members of the prestigious Ivy League Schools and has graduated seven U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy. Recently, Harvard was ranked #2 by U.S. News in the category of 2020 Best Colleges is National Universities. Students interested in cognition and neuroscience from the perspective of computer science can pursue an Artium Baccalaureus (A.B.) in Computer Science with a Concentration in Mind, Brain, & Behavior at Harvard University. This unique program through the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers an interdisciplinary track of study affiliated with the University-wide Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative. Students pursuing the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track are expected complete undergraduate research before graduation, to participate in the University-wide Mind, Brain, and Behavior research milieu, and participate in a non-credit senior year seminar for Mind, Brain, and Behavior thesis writers. AI related campus research group is the Artificial Intelligence Research Group (AIRG). Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
16
Columbia University
Columbia University, a private New York university, was founded in 1754 and is known as one of the eight members of the Ivy league. The school enrolls a little over six thousand undergraduate students each year. Columbia’s main campus is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, and the renowned Columbia University Medical Center is in the Washington Heights neighborhood in northern Manhattan. Columbia offers a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science with an Intelligent Systems Track for students interested in machine learning, robots, and AI systems capable of exhibiting ”human-like” intelligence. Computer science students study an integrated curriculum that prepares them to engage in both applied – programming languages, operating systems, and computer architecture – and theoretical developments in computer science as they happen. This integrated approach enables students to acquire the kind of flexibility needed in this rapidly changing field. The lower-level computer science curriculum consists of a foundation of core courses that provide the basis for the tracks and the advanced classes. The upper-level computer science curriculum is organized into tracks of electives that allow students to select one area of interest to study in greater depth. Students on the Intelligent Systems Track of study will take classes in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, deep learning, spoken language processing, big data, neural networks, computer vision, robotics, data science, and machine learning. The Computer Science Program at Columbia prepares graduates to transition directly into career positions in computer science or continue their education in graduate degree programs. Many students choose to combine computer science with a second career interest by pursuing additional programs in business administration, medicine, or other professional studies. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
17
University of Georgia - Athens, GA
The University of Georgia (UGA), founded in 1785, is the country’s oldest state-chartered university. The school is located 70 miles north of Atlanta in Athens, Georgia – a top-rated college town. The University of Georgia is home to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. The institute, formed in 1984, helped found the Cognitive Science undergraduate major, the only program of its kind in the University System of Georgia. The unique program combines interdisciplinary fields devoted to the study of intelligent systems. Through the Franklin College, UGA offers an Artium Baccalaureus (A.B) in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence Foundations. Students on this degree track will study the mind, intelligence, and their relationship to AI. Classes in computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology form the core of the artificial intelligence degree. After exposure to a wide range of interdisciplinary courses, students focus on two foundation areas. Students pursuing a concentration in AI Foundations will take classes in computing theory, data structures, artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer vision, robotics, symbolic programming, evolutionary computation, and deductive systems. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
18
Cornell University
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York is a private institution founded in 1865. Its annual undergraduate enrollment is around 14,500. The 2300-acre main campus in Ithaca is in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and offers hiking trails, sailing on Lake Cayuga, many other outdoor activities. The college town of Ithaca is frequently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S with walkable restaurants and shops and is less than an hour drive from the City of Syracuse. The Computer Science department at Cornell was established in 1965 and is one of the oldest in the United States. The department maintains 12 major avenues of their own research including Artificial Intelligence. Students at Cornell interested in AI can earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Vector in Artificial Intelligence and Track in Machine Learning. The AI Machine Learning track focuses on machine learning methods and theory. The Cornell Computer Science department is a leader in producing cutting-edge research in many important areas of computer science. Cornell artificial intelligence research groups and areas of study include computational sustainability, Game and decision theory, neural networks, deep learning, connections to economics, Knowledge representation and reasoning, Machine learning, big data, Natural language processing, computational linguistics and information retrieval, and Robotics, and Vision. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
19
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private university, founded in 1861 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Through the School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, students can pursue a Scientiae Baccalaureus (S.B.) in Computer Science and Engineering. The program curriculum centers on computation structures, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer algorithms, and computer systems. Although this degree has an AI focus, MIT’s own research in AI is the school’s most significant draw. MIT’s Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department opened the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in 1959, four years before the Laboratory for Computer Science in 1963. In 2003 the two labs merged to create the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). Historically, the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratories have partnered with forward-thinking companies to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and computer science. In 2017, MIT and IBM announced a partnership to create the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab in Cambridge, near the MIT campus. IBM’s is investing $240 million in the AI research center and is expected to be one of the largest university-industry collaboratives on artificial intelligence. The lab will support research by IBM and MIT scientists and students and is slated to employ 100 of MIT’s faculty and students and house around 3,000 of IBM’s employees. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
20
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is a public institution founded in Detroit in 1817. The university moved to its present-day location is in Ann Arbor in 1847. Ann Arbor is arguably one of the best college towns in the country, and only a forty-five-minute drive from Detroit. The University of Michigan is a large school with an annual enrollment of around 29,000 students. The school is also considered a research powerhouse and has been classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as one of 115 Doctoral Universities with “Very High Research”. The University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Track in Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum allows students to tailor a computer science degree to a specific area of interest. The core lower level classes in the computer science program provide students with a solid foundation in computer software, hardware, and theory. The optional degree track specializations give students ample opportunity to take advanced computer science electives. Students pursuing the AI track will study AI theory and applied investigations of intelligent systems. Also, worth noting, ten different research groups are housed in The Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Michigan, offering ample research opportunities to students. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
21
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as “Georgia Tech” is a public university in Atlanta, Georgia. The school was founded in 1885 and currently has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 15,000 students. Since computer science is the base and platform for countless industries and disciplines, Georgia Tech’s Computer Science Department seeks to create graduates with a solid foundation in the principles of computer science, specialized computing skills, and an expert’s eye for innovation and problem-solving. Georgia Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS CS) through the College of Computing, School of Computer Science. The B.S degree has eight areas of concentration, or Threads, that focus on different specializations, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML). The AI thread is concerned with top-to-bottom computational models of intelligence and prepares students for fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, perception, natural language processing, cognitive science. At the undergraduate level, AI and ML classes are also found in the Devices Thread. Commonly taken courses in AI and ML include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Understanding, deep learning, big data, Knowledge-based AI, computer vision, Game AI and Pattern Recognition. The interdisciplinary research center directly involved with Computer Science include the Center for Research into Novel Computing Hierarchies, the Institute for People and Technology, and the Algorithms and Randomness Center. Additionally, the College of Computing is home to the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
22
Northwestern University
Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a private institution that annually enrolls around 8,300 undergraduate students. The 231-acre main campus was originally farmland and swamp in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern is recognized internationally and nationally for its educational programs and was recently ranked #11 by U.S. New in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Specialization is offered by Northwestern’s McCormick School of Electrical Engineering Computer Science Division. The comprehensive artificial intelligence degree is ideal for students interested in AI and machine learning. The Northwestern curriculum is designed to show students how to approach problems from both the algorithmic perspective and the systems perspective and to expose students to the “breadth” and “depth” requirements within their major. Northwestern gives students the tools to comprehend the breadth of the computer science field through core classes. As part of the curriculum requirements, students are expected to acquire depth in two of the areas of specialization. The Artificial Intelligence Track is one is one of the two depth areas for computer science majors to pursue, offering close to 20 different courses. Students in this track will take classes in Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Machine Learning. This program prepares students for employment or to move on to graduate studies. Northwestern’s computer science graduates are recruited by employers in nearly every industry. Research opportunities available through the McCormick School of Engineering include research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and human-computer interaction. Specific campus research groups include the Assistive & Rehabilitation Robotics Laboratory (argallab); the Intelligent Information Lab; and the Interactive Audio Lab. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
23
Yale University
Yale University, founded in 1701, is a private institution in New Haven, Connecticut. The school has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 5,500 students. Yale is well-known for its excellent drama and music programs, as well as, its overall academic excellence. A coveted Ivy League school, the institution is frequently ranked for its superb academics and was recently ranked #3 in the category of National Universities. The school’s student-faculty ratio is 6:1, and 75.2 percent of the classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Yale include Economics, Political Science and Government, History, Psychology, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology. Yale’s Department of Computer Science was founded in early 1970’s when the department only had four areas of study – Theory of Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Numerical Analysis, and Systems. Now, the Computer Science department prides itself on the interdisciplinary nature of its subject and maintains connections with other departments including psychology. The school offers an interdisciplinary Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science and Psychology designed for students interested in integrating work in both fields. Cognitive science, deep learning, artificial intelligence, and biological perception are just a few examples of the areas where these two fields overlap. Campus AI research areas/groups/facilities include the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Center for Computational Vision and Control. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
24
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is located on a 149-acre campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was founded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1900. The small, private university annually enrolls around 6,600 undergraduate students. Carnegie Mellon University is well known for academic excellence and was recently ranked #25 by U.S. News in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities. Artificial Intelligence is one of the most studied interdisciplinary areas at Carnegie Mellon University. The departments of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Statistics, and the Tepper School of Business all have offerings in AI that uniquely cater to each field of study. The Machine Learning Department at the Carnegie Melon University’s School of Computer Science offers two undergraduate programs for students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The first program is a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Machine Learning. The Minor in Machine Learning allows undergraduates to learn about the core principles of machine learning and statistical methods used in the application of natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, cognitive science, and robotics. The second undergraduate program Carnegie Mellon University offers is a B.S in Statistics & Machine Learning, a program that develops the critical ideas and skills underlying statistical machine learning. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
25
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Located north of downtown Seattle, the University of Washington (UW) is one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. The school was founded in 1861 and has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 30,000 students. Considered to be one of the best locations in the world for AI research, the University of Washington (UW) is an excellent choice for students interested in the sub-field of machine learning. UW is active in most significant areas of machine learning research and in a variety of applications like natural language processing, vision, computational biology, the Web, and social networks. UW offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering with a Specialization in Data Mining. Students pursuing the specialization in Data Mining will take courses in statistics, data base design, and machine learning. Data mining is used daily to tune Web search engine ranking functions, to evaluate the merit of credit card applications, to determine when a retail store should reorder products, and even optimize the energy efficiency of advanced CPU architectures. Because these skills are so widely used, is is not surprising that individuals skilled in data mining and machine learning are presently in extremely high demand. UW’s campus AI-related research areas include Ubiquitous Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The Artificial Intelligence group research focuses on areas such as Automated Planning and Control, Intelligent Interaction, and Brain-Computer Interfaces Intelligent Interaction; Machine Learning; deep learning, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Graphics & Imaging Laboratory. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
26
Rice University
Rice University is situated in the heart of Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city. Rice is a small, private institution that was founded in 1912 and has an annual undergraduate student enrollment of around 3,800 students. Rice strives to produce the next generation of leaders and advances tomorrow’s thinking through comprehensive research and fostering a diverse intellectual environment. The school was recently ranked #14 by U.S. News as one of the 2020 best National Universities. The Rice Computer Science Department was officially formed in 1984 and now offers students a choice of a B.A. or a B.S. in Computer Science. The school’s research is a central part of the department’s mission which focuses on three specialization areas including Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (AAI), Computer Engineering and Systems (CES), and Programming Languages and Software Engineering (PLSE). Rice University offers its students who are interested in the Artificial Intelligence program the newest technological advances in the field. While using these advances, students will be able to work in groups for research to learn from existing methodologies and develop new ones. Rice University’s AI program also has algorithm courses that will help students be ready for data analysis and computational work, in employment or in graduate studies. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
27
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina—Charlotte is a public institution that was founded in 1946 on a 1000-acre campus near uptown Charlotte. The school is one of the fastest growing campuses in the North Carolina university system with an annual undergraduate enrollment of more than 23,000 students. They also have a growing reputation for online learning. UNC-Charlotte is also one of the most affordable choices for students pursuing a computer science degree in artificial intelligence. The UNC-Charlotte Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in AI, Robotics, and Gaming. Graduates from this comprehensive artificial intelligence degree have broad knowledge and skill in computer science, gained through a required 25 hours of computer science courses and 15 credit hours in a complementary discipline to which computing applies. Students can also pursue a bachelor’s degree Concentration, designed to prepare students for employment or to pursue graduate studies. The concentration in AI, Robotics, and Gaming includes courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. All students in a concentration must complete a course in critical thinking. The University Career Center offers an optional Cooperative Education program to help students prepare to enter a chosen professional career. The program allows students pursue their educational degree along with alternating semesters of full-time work experiences. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
28
Oregon State University
Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis is an hour drive from the Pacific Ocean and about 90 minutes south of Portland. Founded in 1868, the school is Oregon’s only Land Grant university and is one of only two universities in the U.S. to have the distinction of the all three of the designations – Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Sun Grant. OSU is Oregon’s largest public research university and well known for its studies of marine sciences, sustainable food systems, and forestry. Oregon State has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 25,000 students and is also known for its eCampus that offers a wide variety of online degrees. Oregon State University’s computer science program is one of the most flexible AI programs available. Oregon State University offers a Bachelor’s in Science in Applied Computer Science with a Specialization in Artificial Intelligence. The Applied computer science degree option allows students to develop a degree program that focuses on their area of interest. Students can specialize in an area of computer science such as artificial intelligence, machine learning or shape a program that includes fields outside computer science such as music. Students will need to complete and submit a plan of study by the end of their first term in the program. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
29
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private institution, founded in 1850 in Rochester, New York. The school’s picturesque 707-acre main campus is located two miles south of downtown Rochester on the Genesee River. The small university’s annual undergraduate enrollment is around 6,300 students, but despite its size, the school is continually ranked as one of the nation’s best colleges. U.S. News ranked it #34 in the recent 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities. The University of Rochester offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Machine Learning, Vision, and Robotics that provides students a robust and rigorous background in computer science principles, including the requisite mathematical foundations, and expose students to the problems and solution techniques used in the various areas of the discipline. Students seeking this degree can choose a Specialization in Machine Learning, Vision, and Robotics which focuses on data mining, machine learning, and machine vision. Additionally, students can take advantage of campus research opportunities with innovative professors in the field of artificial intelligence. Related campus research groups include the Center for Language Sciences, the Center for Visual Science, the Center for Computation & the Brain and the Rochester Human Computer Interaction Group (ROCHI). Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
30
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Colorado State University is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The campus ranks among those few that were founded before their home state achieved statehood. The Fort Collins campus the largest in the Colorado State system, and their flagship school, with over 25 thousand undergraduates attending. Like many of these western expansion schools, the original intended purpose of what is now CSU Fort Collins was to educated members of new states in agriculture, mechanics, and other homesteading tools, to equip the new New World with sustainability practices of the time. Since then, CSU has grown to be a leader in technology education, with a $375 million research budget and a world-class medical school. Computer Science majors at Colorado State University – Fort Collins, are trained to advance the fundamental understanding of how information is processed, as well as the practical design of software to perform specific functions. Faculty at Fort Collins proudly instruct courses on the study of algorithm design, networks, security, programming languages, software engineering, graphics, databases, artificial intelligence and many others. Computer science majors are required to complete basic courses in calculus, computer programming and mathematical foundations, and data structures. They are expected to have a basic understanding of statistics, computer organization and algorithmic theory. Software engineering, systems software, and computer security will be emphasized as well. Majors may select senior-level courses from artificial intelligence, networks, machine learning, big data, and many others, to highlight their particular interests and skill sets. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
31
University of California-Los Angeles
The University of California Los Angeles is a large public university and a member of the highly regarded University of California System. With nearly 45 thousand students in attendance, UCLA is located in a huge metropolitan area, and students are able to take advantage of all of the benefits this provides. The school was founded in 1918 as the Southern Branch of the University of California system and began offering two-year degrees to teachers and education students. Fast forward 100 years and this bustling school offers 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and receives more applications per year than any other school in the United States. The UCLA endowment is nearly $2.1 billion, and the school ensures that students have access to the best education, as well as to high-quality university resources to create well-rounded professionals. An interesting point of fact is that UCLA students have participated in every Olympic games since 1920 and have brought home U.S. gold medals in each one since 1932. The Computer Science Department at UCLA strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in computer science and engineering. They have to take the step to become ABET accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission in both computer science (CS) and computer science and engineering (CS&E), both of which are also offered as Bachelor’s artificial intelligence degrees in the department. The CS & E program is also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The critical difference between the Computer Science and Computer Science & Engineering degrees is that the engineering degree is designed to accommodate students who desire a strong foundation in computer science and also have an interest in computer system hardware. In addition to hard and soft computing skills, students will be expected to demonstrate a sense of societal and ethical responsibility in all professional endeavors and engage in professional development or post-graduate education to pursue flexible career paths amid future technological changes. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
32
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is a large public university that was founded in 1956. Originally named the Milwaukee Teachers College, the evolution of this unique school has been rapid, becoming one of only two doctoral degree-granting universities in the state of Wisconsin, and the largest university in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and the largest member of the University of Wisconsin System. But size isn’t everything, this school also offers high-quality educational programs, including 191 undergraduate degree programs, and highly ranked programs in Industrial Engineering, Materials science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic Engineering. The film program is also highly ranked for those artsy cheesehead students. The Computer Science department at Milwaukee offers an ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science degree wherein students can focus on their favorite aspects of the field. These encouraged specializations include Artificial Intelligence, Programming Language Design and Implementation, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, and Algorithm Design. The faculty at UWM are on the leading-edge, even encouraging alumnus Satya Nadella to become the current CEO of Microsoft as of this writing. They welcome innovative, outside-the-box thinkers, and encourage AI research that is far-reaching, and industry-changing. Ongoing artificial intelligence research at UWM includes Computational robotics, Intelligent dialog systems, and Artificial intelligence, just to name some. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
33
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
UMass Amherst is the flagship university for the University of Massachusetts system and is located in Amherst, in western Massachusetts. As a member of what is known as the five college consortium, UMass participates in and is greatly influenced by a cooperative relationship with four other excellent local universities. These include Amherst College, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, and Hampshire College. Students can attend classes at each of the schools and easily transfer credits between them. UMass serves a few more than 30 thousand students and is a designated Land-grant research university. They maintain a research budget of nearly $300 million and are considered a university with the highest level of research activity. The College of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass Amherst offers a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. They also offer a Bachelor’s in Informatics, which studies computing as applied to other disciplines. Each of these is based on a flexible set of degree requirements, allowing students to use a greater breadth of CS courses, based on their skills and professional interests. The Artificial Intelligence Track in the college of CIS focuses on the fundamental mechanisms that enable the construction of intelligent systems that can operate autonomously, can learn from experience, can plan their actions, and can solve complex problems independently. Both BS and BA students may focus on AI in their studies, but the BS course requirements more clearly align with the AI focus requirements. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
34
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1780 and is one of the nine colonial colleges that were chartered before the American Revolution. Penn is a member of the Ivy League, a designation that originally referred to an athletic conference, but now more commonly connotes academic excellence and selectivity in admissions. Penn has one of the most impressive list of alumni of any university in the world, including two U.S. presidents, Guggenheim fellows, Nobel Laureates, Fortune 500 CEOs, members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and more billionaires than any other school (twenty-five). The Center City, Philadelphia location of the main campus allows for students to engage in everything this former nation’s capital city has to offer, including numerous historical points of interest and engagement with other high caliber post-secondary institutions and health centers. The Department of Computer and Information Science at UPenn is housed within the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Students are encouraged to engage in the myriad opportunities for artificial intelligence research Penn faculty offer including theoretical and application topics like robotics, natural language processing, real-time systems, computer architecture, machine learning, programming languages, and many more. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with CIS fields and biology, genetics, linguistics, mathematics, and electrical engineering. Students have the option within the Bachelor of Applied Science degree, of focusing on Computer Science (ASCS) or Computer And Cognitive Science (ASCC). The faculty at Penn Engineering also emphasize that in all AI programs, the opportunity exists for the study of a diversity of subjects which satisfy personal and professional desires and that several options exist for students to customize their undergraduate experience and prepare for graduate degrees. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
35
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a public research university, and one of the many “ag and tech” schools in the Tar Heel State. Called simply “State” or NC State by the university community, this large school located in the state’s capital city of in Raleigh is a flagship school and is a part of the University of North Carolina system. As a part of their vast research budget, they participate in the Land-grant, Sea-grant, and Space-grant programs. The noteworthy alumni list from NC State includes the Chief Operating Officer of Apple computers, Jeff Williams; co-founders of the SAS Institute – Anthony Barr, James Goodnight, and John Sall; as well as humanitarians, athletes, politicians, and academic leaders. NC State currently enrolls more than 34 thousand students and offers 106 bachelor’s degrees in 11 colleges. NCSU is well-known for its focus on practical knowledge. North Carolina State University offers a comprehensive Computer Science Program with an interdisciplinary reach. Their undergraduate degree programming includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science with a concentration on Game Development. Some of their offerings feature Artificial Intelligence learning that has entered an international scope with a renowned new programming framework; this includes games that engage social reasoning and “intentionality.” In fact, they designed an AI program that can play the cooperative card game Hanabi. NC State’s Computer Science program also offers an emphasis on machine learning and human computer interaction, as well as coursework that is applied to military intelligence. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
36
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has what is called the WPI, intended to set students apart in the world of technology and professionalism. This plan was only an experiment in 1970 and has demonstrated to be a successful model for their alumni, as proven by their professional track record and academic retention. What the Worcester Polytechnic Institute plan looks like is seven-week terms, instead of academic semesters, which includes four during the academic year and the option of taking two over the summer. Students have the power and freedom to create their course load with the support of advisors, and there is no such thing as a failing grade at WPI. Their coursework includes many current topics including machine learning and artificial intelligence programs that engage students in computing. Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a comprehensive Computer Sciences Program that they describe as being as diverse and varied as the field itself. Their course offerings are extensive in their reach and cutting edge in their approach to practical knowledge. Their specializations include frameworks for human-robot interaction, human computer interaction, educational data mining, bioinformatics, automated planning, computer security and privacy, as well as intelligent tutoring, and graphics and animation. They pride themselves on experiential/ hands-on learning that gives students the skills to embody the learning through team project that are large scale, and making a difference in the community. The critical thinking and analytic development involved in the program leaves students able to be on the front lines of innovation on professional and entrepreneurial levels. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
37
University of Utah - Salt Lake City
The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are the Space-Grant research institution, meaning they are committed to and receive considerable research funds for, the purpose of outer space-related research. The U, as the school is called, was founded in 1850 as the University of Deseret, and has since undergone many transformations. With the motto of “Imagine. Then do.” the University of Utah prides itself on being one of the best in the nation at creating startup companies based on student and faculty research. They currently serve more than 30 thousand undergraduate and graduate students each year. The university ranks among the top 50 universities in the United States by the total amount of money spent on research, specifically, over $518 million. The Computer Engineering Bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah is offered by the School of Computing in the College of Engineering. This professional path leads students down a journey toward a lucrative career in innovation, with the University of Utah laying the foundation for success. Students have the opportunity to study with world-renowned faculty who are leaders in their field and dedicated to student success. Although the program is comprehensive, students can further their focus into specific aspects of computer science that they are interested in through their electives. One elective for those interested in AI and robotics is the course Introduction to Machine Learning, which covers techniques for developing computer programs that can acquire new knowledge automatically or adapt their behavior over time. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
38
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public research school located in Columbia, South Carolina, and is the flagship school for the University of South Carolina System. Serving nearly 35 thousand students at the Columbia campus, this large, urban university has an over 200-year history of bringing excellence in education to the American south. They are classified as a high research university, and participate in the federal Sea Grant program, designating funds for learning more about our nation’s coastal waterways and oceans. From the school’s founding in 1801 and original quadrangle of buildings that make up what is called the Horseshoe or the main quad, U of SC has persevered and transformed into a major research university still dedicated to educating South Carolinians. The undergraduate program of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Carolina provides students with practical knowledge in science, mathematics, and computational techniques while preparing them for graduate studies or professional career in computer science, human computer interaction, computer engineering or related fields. The Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global standard for programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and technology. The Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems, BS degrees are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Graduates of the U of SC computer science departments are well poised to enjoy a long and lucrative professional career. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
39
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is proud to be the first public university that was established west of the Mississippi divide. They first opened their doors in 1794, and since have held to their values of educating the citizens of the state, and contributing research and service to the communities around them. They are known as Tennessee’s flagship land-grant institution and are part of the University of Tennessee system, that not only includes academic institutions, but also the UT Health System, and its defining health institutions. The school is governed by a 26 member board of trustees. They are known as a technologically advanced institution, with a renowned Department of Computer Science. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers an extensive Computer Science Major that includes a track in Artificial Intelligence. The Bachelors of Science in Computer Science program is extensive in its reach and enables students to engage in a variety of coursework, including computer engineering. The Artificial Intelligence track includes Biologically-Inspired Computation, or an option within the honors program Biologically Inspired Computation, as well as Introduction to Machine Learning, and Introduction to Pattern Learning. All students are required to maintain a C grade in every aspect of their coursework to succeed in the program. Students are given the opportunity to work with a system called uTrack, that helps them remain on a track that prepares them for graduation. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
40
Purdue University
Purdue University was founded in 1969 as a regional university with an emphasized focus on science, agriculture, and technology. Located in central Indiana, in a town called West Lafayette, the university began a tradition of excellence in technological and engineering education. Now consistently ranked by many as one of the best universities in the country and top 100 in the world, Purdue has maintained that tradition of excellence in tech, as well as many other fields of study. The artificial intelligence research conducted at Purdue is among the most influential in areas such as aeronautical engineering, aviation, and space technology. To this end, Purdue has graduated 23 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, and Eugene Cernan, the first and last people to walk on the moon. It’s one of the top artificial intelligence schools in the world. The Machine Intelligence Track within Purdue’s Department of Computer Science prepares students to work in fields related to analysis of data and management, including areas such as data mining, machine learning, computational neuroscience, and information retrieval. The track is designed to prepare students to understand, and effectively apply in practice, the principles and techniques of data and knowledge representation and search, as well as learning and reasoning with data. Beyond the initial background courses required by the university, students interested in this track of computer science are expected to complete two electives that allow computer science majors to focus on their interests. These range from human computer interaction to Informations Systems and Programming Languages to Intro to Artificial Intelligence and Compilers: Principles And Practice. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
41
New York University
New York University is among the best institutions of higher ed across the world. Not only does the school stand out at the Manhattan, NY campus but also at the global campuses located in Africa, and the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. At NYU, students have the opportunity to choose from over 400 graduate degrees and undergraduate programs and excel in arts and technology education. As for research, the university has one of the largest academic research budgets of any school in the United States, enabling students, faculty, and researchers access to some of the most cutting-edge material in their field. The Computer Science program at NYU is one of these areas of cutting-edge artificial intelligence research. The field of computer science focuses on how to design, build, and use the computers and systems that we interact with every day. This vitally important discipline powers the essential functions of business, industry, government, and entertainment. Students who choose a major in computer science have tremendous opportunities for professional growth and exploration. The Artificial Intelligence concentration at the Tandon School of Engineering, where the Computer Science program is housed, is one of the concentrations students can choose. By focusing required electives on the three Artificial Intelligence courses that Tandon offers, graduates will set themselves apart from other professionals. These courses include Artificial Intelligence I, Machine Learning, and Neural Network Computing, each worth three elective credits. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
42
Arizona State University
In 1898, the school that preceded what is now Arizona State University built its first buildings and began holding classes for teachers in the Arizona territory. After several changes in concentration and name, the original Arizona State University Tempe campus is one of four ASU campuses and the largest of them all. ASU has a vibrant campus community and serves over 50 thousand students annually. Known globally for their more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs through an entirely online platform, ASU has earned respect as an innovative public educational institution, even earning the highest ranking by the U.S. News & World Report as the Most Innovative School in America for three years in a row. Part of the innovation that ASU demonstrates includes the Bachelor of Computer Science degree at the Tempe campus. Located within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the computer science program at ASU prepares students to focus on the design of computers and computational processes. With further emphasis on information transfer, problem-solving, and transforming software, ASU computer science graduates will ensure system quality, security, performance and usability for the future. The program also offers students a glimpse into the process of the integration of computer and information sciences with engineering, natural sciences, and other disciplines. Students have the opportunity to apply themselves to their specific interests in aspects of computer science like artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, computational neuroscience, and information management through elective courses. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
43
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) was established in 1824 and is located in Troy, upstate New York. The private tech university serves more than six thousand undergraduate students annually and was originally founded as a school for the “application of science to the common purposes of life.” Now, RPI serves as a leader in higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math and is the oldest technological research university in the country. The school house the most powerful university-based supercomputer in the world, and has been ranked among the top 10 universities from which graduates go on to earn the highest salaries. With noteworthy alumni who are professional athletes, politicians, and founders of multinational corporations like Texas Instruments, RPI gives students the foundations in innovation that do not stop after graduation. The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science degree establishes a focus for students in the scientific study of cognitive phenomena such as reasoning, decision making, memory, learning, language, perception, and action. Cognitive (meaning thinking) science takes what we know of how human minds operate and simulates or enhances the options we have for technologically assisted evolution. Students are encouraged to apply their skills with using knowledge of human cognition to build ‘cognitively ergonomic’ tools and environments, to build devices that repair and augment cognitive skills and capacities, and to create artificially intelligent computers and robots. Artificial intelligence research projects taking place in this field include the Rensselaer Artificial Intelligence and Reasoning lab, and Virtual Characters and Communication project, each of which undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in. RPI hopes to aid in recognition of Cognitive Science, that it may one day become as commonplace as the fields of physics or chemistry. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
44
Washington University in St Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Referred to as WashU by the university community, it was founded in 1853 and named for the first president of the United States, George Washington. Over the last century and a half, WashU has supported the work of nearly 2 dozen Nobel laureates and has developed many outstanding schools of study including the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering, the School of Law, the College of Art, the School of Medicine, the College of Architecture, the Olin Business School, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, the University College, and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. The undergraduate school is consistently ranked among the top artificial intelligence schools in the country. The School of Engineering and Applied Science at WashU offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science & Engineering for undergraduates who are passionate about innovation, and technology. In addition to 18 required units of study in the area of computer science and engineering, those students who have specific interests in a particular area of computing like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning should refer to the technical elective course sequences for suggestions on which courses are relevant to that area. These can include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Theory of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, computational neuroscience, computational biology, Multi-Agent Systems, Motion Planning, and Video Game Programming. Students are also prepared for graduate programs. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
45
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh was founded in 1787 and is one of the oldest academic institutions in the United States. They are known for being at the front of critical research, such as fighting polio, understanding DNA, leading the way for organ transplants, as well as many other critical accomplishments for the nation and beyond. Their Pittsburgh Campus is on 132 acres and sits in the Oakland neighborhood of the city. Another point of pride for the University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt colloquially, is that they were the first to have a Computer Sciences program in the country. They operate a nearly $900 million budget in research and development expenditures and is the sixth-largest recipient of federally sponsored research funding among U.S. universities. The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information offers an innovative Bachelors of Science in Computer Sciences Program, which engages computational methods through active problem solving and critical thinking. The coursework in this program is fast-paced and intensive, and mathematics are highly stressed. Experiential learning is also a focal point, as students work with software development, database administration, and software testing. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a required Capstone experience that solidifies their hands-on work in the field. A core course is required to provide a foundation for the many areas associated with artificial intelligence. Modern languages, including JAVA, are also offered as students enter the program. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
46
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers both comprehensive residential and online programming. Founded in 1932, SNHU initially had an Accounting and Secretarial focus, they serve over 80,000 students in their online classes, and 3,000 on their lovely 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. One of the many accolades SNHU boasts the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology, granted by the United States Distance Learning Association. The stated mission of the university is to provide accessible education that is both affordable and with tailored pathways to reach each student, including non-traditional, adult learners. The Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online Bachelor’s Degree program in Information Technologies, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. This in-depth computer science degree is uniquely the only degree on this ranking list that can be fully completed online. Students will engage with technical skills that are both hands-on, and applicable in real-world settings. This program takes students to the cutting edge with the innovative disciplines that engage both robotics and artificial intelligence, and they will learn how to solve inquiries related to technology with effective and appropriate methods. Written and verbal skills are highly stressed in the program as are critical thinking skills. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:online and on campus
47
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research institution located in Iowa City, Iowa. The school was founded in 1847, making it the oldest post-secondary institution in the state. The campus is in an urban center and is situated on 1,700 acres of land on the banks of the Iowa River. The school has organized it’s over 200 disciplines into eleven distinct colleges. They even have a Doctoral University classified by the Carnegie Classifications as the highest level of research. One interesting fact is that this university was the first to develop a Master’s in Fine Arts degree program, one of the most common graduate programs today. The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive Computer Science Department that enables undergraduates to achieve a Bachelors of Science or Bachelors of Arts in the discipline. Both degree offerings require significant coursework in various programming languages, mathematics, and theory. Both programs also offer a foundation of computer sciences, but the BA enables a more interdisciplinary professional outlook for graduates and leaves space for students to engage other interests with the possibility of a double major. The BS degree incorporates the natural sciences, as well as the fundamental courses that pertain to artificial intelligence, and quite a few electives that engage the discipline. The work for the major can be taken on a pass/ no pass basis. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
48
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison was founded in 1848 and is located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin on the impressive Lake Mendota. The campus spans 936 acres and is a point of pride for students, faculty, and alums. They have an annual research budget of over $1.2 billion and are classified both a Land-grant and Sea-grant university. The UW, as it is referred to by the university community, is one of America’s Public Ivy universities, a top public university in the United States capable of providing a collegiate experience comparable to those in the Ivy League. With alumni who have founded such entities as Earth Day and The Onion satirical newspaper and discoveries that led to inventions like vitamins the natural substance to vitamins the daily supplement, UW is proud of all of its graduates. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Computer Sciences offers undergraduate programming that includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Sciences and is packed with many portals to successful professional careers. Graduates of the program will also be well poised to engage in graduate study in a variety of computer science, programming, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning fields. Their programming allows students to work with robots, while also engaging the skills of software engineering and application of machine learning techniques. Their programs engage artificial intelligence with the cutting edge of medicine and business, such as computational biology and brain computer interfaces, as well as current trends in innovation. Critical thinking and problem-solving are major themes emphasized in the program. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
49
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin, like its home state, is known for being big and bold. They have over 51,000 students enrolled and a faculty with close to 3,000 members. They are the flagship school for the entire University of Texas system, which encompasses nine academic institutions and six health institutions throughout the state of Texas. They are known for their high-quality programming and cutting edge research among their various departments. One of their crowning jewels is their renowned Computer Science Department that has consistently been ranked as the top 10 in the nation by the US News and World Report and beyond. The Computer Science Department at the University of Texas at Austin offers an array of disciplines that are on the front lines of cultural and technological innovation. Their research areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), which aims to address discourse surrounding machine cognition, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology; Data Mining; Machine Learning; and Natural Computation; Formal Methods; Model Driven Engineering; Operating Systems; Distributed Systems; and Networking; Programming Languages and Implementation; among others. There are several applicable Bachelor’s degree programs that engage such topics, including their new BSA, Bachelors of Science and Arts, which is the most interdisciplinary of the offerings and was formed in 2014. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
50
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a highly respected private research institution located in the heart of Los Angeles, a city that provides students access to a whole world of global business, arts, and culture to engage along with their curricula. Established in the 1870s, USC was started by high energy citizens who thought it was essential to bring a postsecondary institution to the area. Today their offerings are vast, and consistently revered internationally, for scholarship in all of their disciplines. The Viterbi Department of Engineering and Computer Science at USC is the home to the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), which was one of the founding bodies of the internet. They also offer the Institute of Creative Technologies (ICT). The University of Southern California and their Viterbi Department of Computer Science is maximizing their timely impact with programming that is in line with the current tech trends. They have a myriad of undergraduate offerings in the computer sciences like the Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science (CSCI) that offers a holistic computer science background. This versatile degree ultimately gives students the ability to increase their competitive candidacy in the job market following graduation. Along similar lines is the Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering and Computer Science, a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science (Games), and a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration. Graduates from the program are expected to emerge in a path of lifelong learning, where they can have an impact on their communities by use of artificial intelligence in both a traditional and non-traditional scope. Artificial Intelligence AI Stats
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
How are Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning related?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Some examples of these tasks are visual recognition, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. AI can take a physical form – like a robot – but most AI is embedded (often by bots) in services that don’t have a physical presence and are not seen. Social media like Facebook use visual recognition to identify and classify photos. AI is found in the technology used for mobile banking to make a remote deposit, the sorting of your email in the inbox and spam box, and the ‘recommendations’ suggested when we shop online.
All machine learning is AI, but not all AI is machine learning. Machine Learning is a specific subcategory of Artificial Intelligence. So a degree in machine learning is not interchangeable with AI. The fundamental difference between Machine Learning AI and traditional AI software is the use of algorithms or rules that tell a computer what to do in a situation. A machine learning major uses self-developing models to process data and makes predictions that enable machines to act without being explicitly programmed. Machine Learning is currently the favored method for building AI and is experiencing a rise in popularity and educational opportunities.
Computer science and computer engineering study artificial intelligence, design and create computer systems, networks, software, and develop computing techniques. These are dynamic fields that impact the world more every day. As businesses and industries increasingly rely on computers and AI as integrated parts of the daily business, the AI research will grow and encompass almost all sectors. The emergence of Health Informatics, a degree of information technology (IT) in the healthcare system, is a prime example of the crossroads between industry and computer science degrees.
Where Do Artificial Intelligence Majors Get Jobs?
From the best artificial intelligence schools, where will you go? It’s hard to say where your computer science degrees will take you. Since there is no specific classification for AI or Machine Learning in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we researched the Computer and Information Research Scientists occupation. The Bureau describes the Computer and Information Research Scientists occupation as individuals that, “invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the Computer and Information Research Scientists occupation to grow 19% between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy compared to all occupations, which are projected to increase only 7% in the same period. Those with graduate degrees can expect even higher.
Top MPA Programs: Best Value Residential Master’s of Public Administration (MPA)
Leadership in civil service is a challenge quite unlike management and administration in private industry. While managers in private business have to worry about satisfying their bosses, and executives answer to the stockholders or board of directors, professionals in public administration also have to answer to the public – voters and their elected representatives. That added layer of responsibility, and the challenges that go along with it, means that professionals who want to take on leadership positions in public policy and administration benefit from the specialized education that a Master of Public Administration and Policy can provide.
With a traditional residential or on-campus MPA program, students have the benefit of the faculty’s full attention. In a field like public administration and policy, textbook learning can take a student so far, but real insight and mentorship from experienced, knowledgeable professors is worth far more. Real-world experience is also valuable, and the best MPA programs provide ample experience, with internships, research opportunities, networking events, and more. A well-connected, on-campus MPA program can be key to employment, and can make all the difference in making sure a graduate is well-placed in their career right away.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Value Master of Public Administration Programs
To rank the best master of public policy and administration programs in the US, Value Colleges editors began by seeking out accredited MPA and MPP programs, with a particular emphasis on those accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administrations (NASPAA). From there, we ranked programs according to four factors:
Featured Programs
U.S. News & World Report Public Affairs Ranking
Niche Student Reviews
Cost (current IPEDS data)
Average Alumni Salary (College Scorecard data)
With these criteria, prospective students can feel confident that any program on the VC Best Value ranking will provide a real career impact, a great value, and a strong return on investment.
Rank
School Name
Description
1
Texas A&M University
The Bush School is home to Texas A&M University’s highly rated Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) program. At the foundation of the MPSA program is the goal to educate public and private leaders on ethical behavior and demonstrating accountability. Subjects taught within the degree program include management analytics, policy analyses, and management training. The MPSA degree program at Texas A&M University uses real-world experiences such as integrative internships and yearlong capstone projects to prepare students for a career in public service.
Texas A&M has a rich 150-year plus history of preparing students for career advancement. Located in College Station, the university has consistently received recognition as one of the Top 100 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Besides being in a competitive academic environment, enrolled students also have access to hundreds of clubs and Greek life organizations. The college has educated notable political alumni including Louie Gohmert and Joseph Barton. Texas A&M University proudly offers unique programs such as abroad semesters in Qatar and veterinarian degrees.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:Master of Public Service and Administration
2
University of Texas at Austin
The Master of Professional Accounting degree from the University of Texas prepares students for leadership roles and is ideal for professionals looking to become heads of private and public organizations. The University of Texas has three different options to help students earn their MPA degrees. The one-year traditional MPA program is offered to any student with a bachelor’s degree. The integrated MPA allows students to earn both their MPA and BBA degrees simultaneously. The Economics-MPA program is for those who are pursuing a BA in economics and a MPA. Over 95 percent of MPA graduates from the University of Texas consider the degree track as having good ROI.
The urban campus of University of Texas at Austin is home to more than 40,000 undergraduate students—one of the largest colleges in the United States. The University of Texas is comprised of 18 schools and colleges including the highly ranked McCombs School of Business. The college has an extensive number of research facilities including the Harry Ransom Center, the McDonald Observatory, the Blanton Museum of Art and the LBJ Presidential Library. The University of Texas prides itself on having an inclusive campus with student representation from 118 countries.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
3
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University offers two types of Master of Public Administration programs: a traditional MPA and an executive type (EMPA). The college uses these programs to inspire students to find ways to improve the way public organizations are managed. A large portion of the MPA programs include hands-on experiences such as grant writing for nonprofits, reviewing data for state agencies, and consulting municipalities. The traditional MPA degree is for full-time students and takes two year of study to earn. The EMPA from Brigham Young University is designed for working professionals with classes held in the evenings and degrees conferred in four years.
Brigham Young University is a private institution with support through their founders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Mormon college does not have a Greek system, but it does sponsor dozens of clubs and NCAA Division I sports teams. As a religious college, BYU is highly regarded for achieving excellence in the field of language and offers courses taught in 62 native tongues – a great benefit for leaders in policy and civil service. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Brigham University as being one of the Best Value Schools and Best National Universities.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
4
University of Georgia
Those interested working in research or the public sector pursue the Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia. Courses are geared for students who aim to run government offices and non-profit organizations. Ethical concerns and accountability are discussed in depth through the courses as a way to prepare professionals for public service jobs. A total of 41 semester hours are required for MPA completion with an internship needed for degree conferment. The program has a high graduation rate with 94 percent of enrolled students fulfilling degree requirements within three years. Furthermore, 88 percent of MPA degree holders gain employment in the field within six months of graduation.
The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 as the first publicly funded college in the nation. The school’s home base of Athens is considered one of the best college towns in the country. On-campus, hundreds of clubs are offered and an active Greek life with 25 percent of all students participating. The college is home to several Public Service Outreach departments that assist with job creation, leadership development, and improving communities. The UGA Bulldogs participate in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
5
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) program offers a number of options. The course offerings prepare graduates on public policy best practices and how to handle administrative roles in the public sector. The dual degree tracks are very popular among University of Maryland students with the option to earn two degrees within a shortened time frame. Accepted students can earn their MPP degree as well as a MBA, JD, or MSW. A five-year program is also available for those who wish to earn their undergraduate degree and MPP at an accelerated pace. For individuals who want to pursue jobs with international ties, they may enroll in the Master of Professional Studies in Public Administration program. An Executive Master of Public Management degree is geared to professionals who are only able to attend night and weekend courses.
The suburban campus of the University of Maryland in College sprawls across 1,355 acres. The Big Ten School has a competitive sports program with award-winning men’s and women’s athletic teams. Due to the college’s close proximity to the nation’s capital, many students choose to pursue careers with the federal government. Faculty members include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of the National Academies. A newly built research center is intended to assist with the University of Maryland’s mission to offer new research opportunities in the field of virtual and augmented reality.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPP, MPM, MPS-MPA, EMPA
6
North Carolina State University
The Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina State University has prepared the world’s leaders for success. Alumni with the MPA degree move on to hold jobs with public agencies and nonprofits in both the United States and abroad. North Carolina State University is also notably the only school in the state to offer a PhD program in Public Administration. The MPA program requires 42 credit hours to complete. However, interested students can contact advisors about dual degree programs that allow them to earn two master’s degrees with a minimum of 48 credit hours for completion.
North Carolina State University, usually called NC State or just State, is the largest four-year college in the entire state. Total enrollment exceeds 34,000 and the college is home to highly rated business, engineering, and education schools. The campus is located in Raleigh and the college has partnered with the area’s most notable companies including IBM and Cisco to create unique learning opportunities for the student body. The federal government has awarded multi-million dollar research grants to the college for programs that aid in the advancement of new power technologies, big data analysis, and defenses against nuclear weapons.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
7
Ohio State University
Students enrolled in Ohio State University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program often choose jobs in the field of public service, economics, nonprofits, and private sectors. The two-year program has students complete core courses in the first year and then work on electives, specialized classes, and their capstone projects in the second year. The capstone project ask students to collaborate in small groups and find ways to solve real-world problems effectively using strategies from their coursework. Courses required for the MPA follow a 7-week semester format. The flexibility and high ROI associated with the MPA from Ohio State University makes it a popular degree choice for graduate students.
The urban campus of Ohio State University is home to dozens of academic departments with 160 degree offerings. The college also offers a unique Personalized Study program for students who wish to follow a nontraditional educational track. The college’s Buckeyes are part of the Big Ten Conference with a number of conference titles won over the years. The college’s medical center and cancer hospital has been lauded for the research and development of cutting-edge treatments in the healthcare field.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
8
Carnegie Mellon University
The MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University readies students for a deeper understanding of how policies work and how to create new solutions for public problems. To appeal to a broader student base, Carnegie Mellon offers five different pathways for degree completion. Two of the pathways are located on campus in Pittsburgh with the programs taking two years to complete. Upon graduation, students will either earn a MSPPM or a MSPPM with a specialization in data analytics. For those with at least three years of professional work experience, they can take the accelerated 16-month track. The global track requires a year abroad in Australia while the Washington DC track requires a year studying in the nation’s capital. Through the program’s work experience and internships, MSPPM graduates are easily able to find job placements.
Founded in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is located across 152 acres in the industrial city of Pittsburgh. The college is best known for having highly ranked science and technology academic departments, but has also been recognized for its humanities, fine arts, and social science programs. University students are offered the chance to participate in fellowship programs to support research efforts in their selected fields of study.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
9
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota has created a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree program specifically geared to professionals at the mid-point of their careers. To be deemed eligible, applicants must have a minimum of 10 years work experience. Graduates of the MPA program go on to hold top positions within private and public organizations. The MPA degree track is usually completed on a part-time basis with 30 semester credits required for graduation. Real-world experience is a key component of the program with a community service project required for graduation.
The University of Minnesota was founded in 1851 and has remained one of the largest colleges within the state due to total student enrollment in excess of 51,000. The college stretches across both St. Paul and Minneapolis with the campus home to the NCAA Division I Golden Gophers. The college has a unique Four-Year Graduation Plan that assists students with the cost of any courses unavailable on campus during their four years of enrollment. U.S. News & World Report has honored the University of Minnesota as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Value Colleges.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
10
University of Washington
The Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington has long been recognized as one of the best graduate programs in the nation. Concentrations within the degree program include International Development, Social Policy, Public Policy Analysis, and Environmental Policy Management. The MPA degree can be earned part-time or full-time with a capstone project and 400-hour internship required.
The University of Washington is located in the downtown section of Seattle and is recognized as being one of the oldest colleges on the West Coast. Founded in 1861, the university has remained a top public research college with global partnerships dedicated to innovation. The college has educated leaders in the field of medicine, engineering, and business.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
11
Binghamton University
Binghamton University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree helps shape tomorrow’s leaders in the field of public service. Along with the MPA, students can become certified in specializations such as Non-Profit Administration and Local Government Management. Dual degree tracks are also available with students able to pursue a MPA and a Master’s in Social Work, Student Affairs Administration or Community Health Nursing. Binghamton University makes it possible for MPA students to customize their degree programs to best suit their needs.
Binghamton University is a diverse college located in southeastern New York. The college is dedicated to offering numerous learning opportunities outside of the classroom and has one of the largest study abroad programs in the nation. The university’s entrepreneurship program helps students gain access to unique job opportunities. Binghamton University reports high job placement rates for graduates with competitive starting salaries.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
12
University of Colorado Denver
The Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver will prepare leaders for top positions in public agencies around the globe. The traditional MPA is geared to those who are new to public service while the Executive MPA is targeted for senior staff working professionals. To earn the MPA, 36 credits are required with accelerated pace options available.
The public CU Denver has more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from. Despite the urban location of the campus, the beautiful Rocky Mountains are just minutes away. The college has earned national recognition for its nursing and physical therapy programs.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
13
Columbia University
Students can earn their Master of Public Administration degrees from Columbia University in as little as 21 months. The fast-paced program focuses on public policy development, managerial skills, and analytical capabilities. The MPA is offered to professionals with at least three years of work or internship experience. Columbia University is one of the few colleges to offer dual degree programs with international partners from universities in London, Singapore, Tokyo and Berlin.
Located in New York City, Columbia University is a private college with over 90 percent of the student body residing on campus. The college has been known as being forward-thinking with a number of social advocacy movements taking off on campus. Columbia University also has generous funding programs with low-income students not required to contribute to tuition costs.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
14
University of Utah
The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences offers University of Utah’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program, which requires the completion of 42 credit units. Coursework includes the concepts of managerial roles, ethics in the public and nonprofit sectors, and administrative leadership, among others. Nonprofits, human resource departments, health centers, environmental agencies, schools, or government agencies employ MPA graduates. U of U offers an evening MPA program and an executive MPA program for students with at least five years of work experience.
The University of Utah was established in 1850. The University of Utah holds the distinction of being Utah’s flagship institution of higher learning and a space grant school. U of U was initially known as the University of Deseret — and is the oldest university in the state of Utah. The school’s urban campus is home to nearly 33,000 students.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
15
Arizona State University
The School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program that has been recognized by US News among the top 15 MPA programs in the nation. MPA degree graduates must complete 42 credit units and six years in which to finish the MPA degree program. Coursework can be delivered through a distance platform, an intensive weekend workshop, or on campus, once a week in the evening. ASU’s MPA program has received accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administrations (NASPAA).
Arizona State University was established in 1885. ASU operates with several campuses in the greater Phoenix area. ASU has one of the largest student enrollments that exceed 80,000. Arizona State University is organized under seventeen schools/colleges. ASU’s athletic teams have won nearly 25 NCAA championships, among various sports. ASU is recognized as a leading innovative institution of higher education for the fourth year straight.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
16
George Mason University
George Mason University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program comes from the renowned Schar School of Policy and Government and has received accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) recognizes GWU’s MPA degree program among the top MPA programs. Available concentrations include Emergency, Nonprofit, International, and Public Management, plus Policy Studies, 3rd Party Governance, and Public Policy, among others.
George Mason University was established in 1949 dedicated to the concepts of Freedom and Learning. GMU operates with several campuses in Virginia and another in South Korea. Carnegie classifies GMU as a Doctoral Research University with very high activity. The school is named for George Mason the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. George Mason University is organized into eleven schools/colleges. GMU holds the distinction as having the largest student enrollment in the state of Virginia.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
17
University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program comes from the NASPAA-accredited College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs. UIC offers an accelerated MPA program that full-time students can complete within fifteen months. Students are required to complete 54 credit units from among the five available concentrations of Financial Management, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy or Urban Governance & Management. Degree candidates form a team during the final two semesters to complete a capstone project.
The University of Illinois at Chicago was established in 1982 with the motto Teach, Research, Serve and Care. The school’s 240+- acre campus is home to more than 30,000 students. UIC is home to the country’s largest medical school. UIC can trace its origins back to 1867 where it began as a land grant school in Champaign-Urbana.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
18
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Master of Public Administration degree program has received accreditation from the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation (NASPAA). UAB’s curriculum is flexible and offers tremendous networking opportunities. Students are required to complete 42 credit units, which includes an MPA internship. Degree candidates can opt for the study plan that includes a thesis or a graduation research paper.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham was established in 1969. UAB is a member school of the University of Alabama System. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is Alabama’s largest employer and home to one of the biggest medical school/centers in the nation. The school’s urban campus reaches across more than 100 city blocks in downtown Birmingham proper. In 2020, UAB was recognized as the top institution of higher learning that was less than 50 years old.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
19
George Washington University
The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration offers George Washington University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. The MPA requires the completion of 40 credit hours spread among traditional classroom studies, advanced electives a capstone project and/or field experiences. Coursework includes Public Values, Public Service, Leadership, Public Policy Economics, and Applied Statistics, among others. GWU is a member of the Network of Schools of Public, Policy, Affairs, & Administration (NASPAA) and the APPAM — the Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management.
George Washington University was established in 1821 and holds the distinction of being one of only five schools established as a Congressional act. George Washing University, as its name implies, was the brainchild of the first president of the United States (though he did not live to see it founded). GWU operates with fourteen schools/colleges that house a variety of research institutes uniquely connected to the federal government offices just steps away from the classroom.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
20
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program requires students to complete 42 credit units, in addition to a capstone seminar, in the School of Public Administration. Students are prepared to enter the public or nonprofit sector as professional administrators, policy-makers, and strategic planners. Internships are available for those students who wish to immerse themselves with hands-on experiences. Part-time and full-time students can enroll the UCF’s MPA degree program.
The University of Central Florida was established in 1963 with a school motto of Reach for the Stars. The school began through legislation enacted by the Florida Legislature in support of the Space Coast’s Kennedy Center and the nearby air force base — Cape Canaveral. The school is a member of the State University System in Florida and a space grant university.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
21
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University’s Master of Public Policy & Administration degree program has received accreditation from the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation (NASPAA). Degree candidates enrolled in MSU’s Master of Public Policy program requires the completion of 42 credit hours and an integrative capstone seminar. Students without public administration work experience are also required to complete a 3-credit internship program. Coursework includes Budgeting, Public Policy, Research Methods, Government Administrative Theory, and Program Evaluation.
Mississippi State University was established in 1878 under the Morrill Land Act. MSU holds the distinction of being a flagship space grant, sea grant and land grant institution of higher education. The school’s 4,000+-acre rural campus is home to more than 22,000 students. MSU’s student enrollment far exceeds any other school in the state. The school operates with twelve schools/colleges offering nearly 200-degree programs.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:Master of Public Policy and Administration
22
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Economic, Political & Policy Sciences is one of the most influential schools of its kind, and offers UT Dallas’ Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. The MPA prepares degree candidates to excel in the areas of leadership and administration in nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Students are required to complete 36 graduate credit units in addition to a capstone project and an internship for degree graduates without public administration experience. Graduates find rewarding careers as a consultant, management professional of a nonprofit, HR manager or city manager, among others.
The University of Texas at Dallas was established in 1969. UT Dallas is recognized for its recent brisk growth in research. US News ranks the University of Texas at Dallas among the top tier national universities in the country. UT Dallas’ students align with their motto Education, the Guardian of Society. UT Dallas’ 2020 graduation included the awarding of more than 4,500 degrees.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
23
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program can be completed as a full-time or part-time student. Part-time students must complete the degree program within six years. Coursework includes the completion of 42 graduate credit hours Students explore the diverse challenges through real-world experience gained in the required 200-hour MPA internship requirement and a final capstone project.
The University of Arizona was established in 1885 and is a public research institution of higher education. UA holds the distinction as being the first university created within the Arizona Territory. Nearly 45,000 students study for degrees awarded by 19 schools/colleges on the school’s urban campus. US News recognizes the University of Arizona among the top 80 institutions of higher learning in the nation.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
24
University of Kansas
The School of Public Affairs & Administration at the University of Kansas offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program that is recognized among the best in the nation. Students of KU’s Master of Public Policy degree program are required to complete 42 credit units. KU offers a unique and competitive City Fellowship program to MPA degree candidates. Students graduate prepared to conquer diverse problems in a world of many cultures.
The University of Kansas was established in 1865 by a state government charter only a few years after Kansas was adopted as a state. KU operates with the main campus in Lawrence but several satellite centers in the state. The school’s 1,000+-acre college-town campus is home to more than 28,000 students. KU is home to several libraries — the Music/Dance Library, the Art/Architecture Library, the Research Library, and the Anschutz Library.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
25
Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s Maxwell School offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program that can be completed in just one year or 18 months for those who want to experience the traditional internship component. This Master of Public Policy program also offers an Executive MPA for working learners at a midpoint in their career. SU’s MPA program has been generating MPA graduates for 90 years. Coursework includes Public Context, Public Analysis, and Public Management.
Syracuse University is a non-sectarian research institution of higher learning that was established in 1870. Syracuse University’s 675+-acre campus is situated on one of the largest hills in Syracuse and home to more than 22,000 students. Recently, US News recognized Syracuse University among the top 55 national institutions of higher learning for undergraduate studies. SU is known for their outstanding lecture series each year, which has included Al Gore, William Safire and Robert Kennedy, Jr.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPA
What Makes a Good MPA Program?
When you’re looking for the best masters in public administration programs, it isn’t uncommon to wonder what constitutes a good one. Your research should include looking at the school’s masters in public administration rankings, as well as course offerings. Because you’ll want to attend the best masters of public administration programs, you’ll be looking at schools with mentorship, internship opportunities, networking, and connections to the government. Your mentor during college will help you find internship opportunities. When you’re exploring those opportunities, they’ll lead to networking, as well as connections to the government. The courses you take during your degree program will also connect you with these individuals as well.
What does this mean when you’re trying to select the best masters in public policy programs? In addition to looking at the school’s masters in public administration rankings, you’ll be weighing options including the courses they have to offer, how many opportunities are available to you, and career connections when you graduate. That’s how value is defined. That way, while you’re pursuing your degree, the school you attend will provide you with the necessary foundation you need for success after graduation. For example, if you don’t have any previous experience in public administration, you’ll want to choose a college that will provide you with the basic building blocks for preparing for an entry-level career with advancement opportunities.
Do I Need Experience for an MPA Program?
While many may associate an MPA with academic degree programs, it’s actually one that ties to professional work. What that means is, as soon as you graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to launch into career opportunities. It holds value to those who have the experience, as well as those who don’t in “for profit” and “nonprofit” organizations. For example, those who don’t have experience in this field can find internships or networking opportunities. However, there are other jobs for MPA graduates with no experience. Here are some examples:
Entry-Level Marketing Account Coordinator: you’ll be working toward meeting and exceeding weekly goals individually, and as a team; working toward building relationships with current and prospective clients; executing marketing campaigns; sharing marketing strategies; attending breakout sessions; professional networking; attending conferences, and managing client accounts.
Junior Marketing: must receive instructions well, work well in a people-oriented environment, work competitively, attend team meetings, work well independently, and be able to work on specialized campaigns for targeted campaigns.
Other examples of no experience job opportunities include working as a program manager for a non-profit organization, human resources director, operations manager, or a research analyst. When you’re researching public administration jobs, many of them have “no experience necessary” or “no experience needed” in the title. Otherwise, look for entry-level positions where the requirements state there’s an opportunity for growth and advancement.
Can International Students Earn an MPA in the US?
It isn’t uncommon for international students to come to the United States to learn about public administration. They’ll research the best public policy schools in the world, come to the United States to earn their degree, and decide if they want to stay in the country to work or return to theirs. If, after they researched the best public policy schools in the world and earn their degree in America, they can return to their country with a better understanding of the United States government. Regarding international businesses, as well as diplomats and other organizations, this can be extremely valuable.
Therefore, international students will research the top schools for public administration. That way, they can arm themselves with the best education before deciding if they want to work in the United States or return to their country. When learning public administration in USA, it’s possible to translate this information to career opportunities throughout the world. There are many scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing their MPA. So, when they’re attending school abroad, they can save on some of their expenses.
Top 10 Best Online Elementary Education Degree Programs
For those wondering how to become a school teacher, a teaching degree is required in most states across the United States. Obtaining a teaching degree is easy and accessible when trying to get your teaching degree online. While an associate’s degree will get you in the classroom as a teacher’s assistant, for those who want to lead in the classroom, an online elementary teaching degree is what you should seek out when looking to get your elementary education bachelor’s degree.
An online bachelor’s in elementary education allows you to build skills that will be with you in the classroom, and give you an insight as to the best way to teach certain subjects to your students. Bachelor degree in education requirements include being able to teach methods that your students can understand is essential for elementary school teachers. With the potential for the curriculum to change from year to year, the teacher must be prepared and ready to adjust their methods using the skills taught in their classes and from their internship experience.
Ranking the Best Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Online
To point prospective teachers to the online bachelor’s completion program for them, Value Colleges editors looked over a multitude of fully online and hybrid online elementary teaching degree programs – exclusively accredited colleges and universities. From our initial list, editors ran each program through the tried and true VC method, averaging scores on affordability, alumni salary, and student reviews, using data from Niche, College Scorecard, and IPEDS. This combination tells students that they’re looking at an online elementary education program with a real track record for quality and a serious expectation for return on investment.
Featured Programs
1. Kansas State University
Kansas State University’s Global Campus offers a BS in Elementary Education that can be completed 100% online. KSU’s online elementary teaching degree requires the completion of 120 credit units, and those who graduate are eligible to receive the state of Kansas’ first teaching license; some graduates may be a certified ESL teacher. Additionally, each student must complete a student teaching assignment to graduate. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has accredited Kansas State’s bachelors in elementary education online program.
Kansas State University was established in 1863. It holds the distinction of being a space grant and land grant institution of higher learning. The school operates with branch campuses in Olathe and Salina. The school’s 650+-acre college-town campus is home to more than 22,000 students studying for a degree offered by nine schools/colleges. Kansas State University was the first public university in the state of Kansas.
Mississippi State University offers a BS in Elementary Education with two areas of academic focus – Early Childhood education or Middle School education. MSU’s bachelors in elementary education online program requires the completion of a student teaching field experience at either an elementary school or middle school. Mississippi State University elementary school teachers must be eligible in their junior and senior years to devote sufficient time completing their student teaching internship. Mississippi State University has received accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Mississippi State University was established in 1878 under the Morrill Land Grant Act. Additionally, Mississippi State University is also a flagship school; sea grant and space grant institution of higher learning as well. The school is situated on 4000+-acres where more than 22,000 students are on a path to earn one of the 175+ degrees offered by twelve schools/colleges. Mississippi State University is home to the Mitchell Memorial Library, which contains more than 70,000 journals, and volumes that exceed 2,000,000.
The University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College offers a BA in Elementary Education that can be completed entirely online. University of South Carolina’s online elementary teaching degree program has been recognized by Bestcolleges.com among the top baccalaureate-level programs in the country. Education degree candidates are required to complete 120 – 126 credit units (depending on the program selected); which can be completed in 2.5 – 3 years. Degree coursework includes Diversity in Learning, Classroom Assessments, Elementary Classroom Management, and Understanding Exceptional Children, to name a few.
The University of South Carolina was established in 1801 and is the flagship campus of the University of South Carolina System. The University of South Carolina is a public and sea-grant university that operates with 7 additional satellite campuses across the state of South Carolina. The school’s Columbia campus is home to more than 34,000 students. US News recognizes the University of South Carolina as an and up and coming institution of higher learning.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a BS in Elementary Education that is available 100% online. The University of Southern Mississippi’s online bachelor in elementary education program is designed for those students who have been teaching assistants and wish to become licensed elementary educators. Graduates of USM’s elementary education degree program are eligible for licensing in the state of Mississippi for Kindergarten through Sixth grade.
The University of Southern Mississippi was established in 1910 and operates with two campuses, one in Hattiesburg and the other campus located in Long Beach, MS. The school’s nearly 15,000 students are offered a two-day vacation so that they may participate in the Mardi Gras festivities in and around the school’s campuses. The University of Southern Mississippi operates an extensive program for students looking to study abroad. Each year approximately 200 students live and study in the heart of London, England.
LeTourneau University’s School of Education offers a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood through Sixth Grade or a concentration for education between the fourth and eighth grade. Coursework includes Young Child Development, Classroom Management, and Foundations in American education and Culture. LETU’s online distance learning platform offers year-round courses that can be taken in an accelerated format and a convenient option for earning your bachelors in elementary education online. Each elementary education bachelor’s degree concentration requires the completion of 120 credit units and a classroom teaching internship.
LeTourneau University was established in 1946 and remains affiliated with an interdenominational Christian delegation. US News recognizes LeTourneau University as a ‘best value’ institution of higher learning. The school’s urban campus is home to more than 3,000 undergraduate students studying in Longview, Houston, and Dallas, TX. LeTourneau University was originally created to help veterans to re-enter traditional civilian life.
Degree: BS in Interdisciplinary Studies – Early Childhood-6th Grade or 4th-8th Grade
Drexel University offers a BS in Education that prepares graduates to become licensed teachers between pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, or a special education certification. Drexel’s online elementary teaching degree can be completed in 2.5 to 5 five years, depending on the student’s available time. Additionally, degree candidates are required to complete 190 hours of student teaching fieldwork experience covering 3 consecutive months. Drexel University’s bachelors in elementary education online program prepares graduates to sit for state licensing exams.
Drexel University was established in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry. The school’s campus in the heart of the city of Brotherly Love is home to more than 24,000 students. US News considers Drexel University among the most innovative schools in the country. Drexel University is known for its unique cooperative educational experience that offers students an opportunity to gain work experience for a year and one-half while being paid.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s School of Education, College of Arts, Education & Sciences offers a BS in Elementary Education that can be completed entirely online. ULM’s online bachelors in elementary education program has received accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Coursework includes pedagogical studies, general studies, classroom instruction, and integrative studies.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was established in 1931. It is a member school of the University of Louisiana System. The school operates with state funding and has received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). US News recognizes the University of Louisiana at Monroe among their best college rankings.
The University of Northern Iowa offers a BA in Elementary Education that can be completed entirely online. UNI’s BA in education program is unique in that students begin studying at a community college and then transfer to UNI to complete their baccalaureate nursing degree. Coursework includes Teaching Methods, Teaching Early Literacy and Classroom Management, among others.
The University of Northern Iowa was established in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School. The school operates with schools that offer degrees in Education, Business, Behavioral Science, Arts & Sciences and Social Sciences. The University of Northern Iowa’s 8875+-acre campus is home to more than 11,000 students studies from the 90+ degree programs offered. Nearly 90% of UNI’s students are from the state of Iowa.
East Carolina University’s College of Education offers a BS in Elementary Education that can be completed 100% online. ECU’s program is entitled Partnership East. ECU’s BS degree allows students to begin their studies to become elementary school teachers at a community college in North Carolina, and then transfer to East Carolina University to complete their baccalaureate studies.
East Carolina University was established in 1907 as a teacher’s college. East Carolina University now holds the distinction of being the 4th largest institution of higher education in the state of North Carolina. The school’s student enrollment nears 30,000 students across its six campus properties from 14 colleges and professional schools. East Carolina University’s School of Education is the oldest school within the East Carolina University system.
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Department of Teacher Education offers a BA in Elementary Education that can be completed entirely online. Coursework for the University of Illinois’ includes Child Development, Educational Psychology, and Curriculum Planning. Degree candidates must complete clinical fieldwork as a student teacher in order to graduate.
The University of Illinois Springfield was established in 1969 and is currently a member school of the University of Illinois system. The school’s rural campus is located near Lake Springfield and is home to nearly 5,500 students studying for 47 graduate and undergraduate degrees and one doctoral program. The University of Illinois Springfield is a member school of the Council of Liberal Arts institutions of higher learning. US News recognizes the University of Illinois Springfield
Elementary education is an exciting career, allowing prospective teachers to inspire young minds and cultivate a passion for learning. Elementary educators are responsible for fostering strong learning habits, encouraging foundational knowledge, developing social skills, and advancing play styles. They may work with children from pre-school to sixth or seventh grade.
To become an elementary school teacher, students must obtain a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, complete an internship, and acquire state licensing for elementary school educators. Fortunately, students do not need to limit themselves to in-person instruction. If they prefer to complete their degrees virtually, there are plenty of excellent online colleges for elementary education. Yet, the number of choices and the varied content of the programs available can be challenging to maneuver. This FAQ will answer every pressing question about pursuing elementary teaching degrees online, including where to find the best schools for elementary education.
Can I Get a Teaching Degree Online?
When searching for how can you get a teachers degree online, you must consider several things such as the accreditation of the program and transfer credit acceptance for those who have already gained some college credit and would like it to transfer to their program. Accreditation refers to the school’s recognition and will determine if it is an accepted program by your state’s Department of Education. This accreditation can be regional or federal, but it is required before any state department will accept and reward new aspiring teachers certification to teach in a classroom.
Also determine if the program you are seeking, especially for Bachelors, offers the ability for you to gain certification. For example, is there a teaching component with the program? Many of these programs online are making it easier for students to work with their local school district through their program and gain local certification while obtaining your teaching degree online through either an in-state or out-of-state institution.
Is a Traditional Bachelor’s in Education Better than an Online Program?
When online education was first introduced to the education industry, some state education departments were skeptical and began investigating these programs to determine what they lacked in comparison to a tradition program found at the local universities. What they have found was that the difference is very little, making them acceptable programs. In fact, many school districts and states encourage current teaching assistants and substitute teachers who are interested in their own classroom to take the bachelor’s degree in education online, as it allows them to continue working full-time for the majority of the program. Some employers will even pay for the tuition.
Some students, however, find that they enjoy the traditional programs at their local institutions. For those who believe the classroom would allow them to meet success, then they should seek out an elementary education degree near me. This search will provide a list of both traditional and online programs found within a physical distance that is searched, or even within the state. In a traditional classroom setting, students can expand upon communication with their colleagues, as they are able to interact with them face-to-face, and capture more of the classroom atmosphere that they will be experiencing once they begin to teach. It is also easier for those who are obtaining their teaching degree in a traditional setting to get their certification because their institution is already allied with the local school district for the internship component of their degree requirement.
What Will I Learn in a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Program?
When reviewing elementary education degree requirements, common courses among all programs, whether traditional or online can be found. These courses include not only the subject matter that you will be teaching but courses around childhood development during their elementary years in additional to childhood psychology (something elementary education and early childhood education have in common). Because elementary school teachers spend so many hours a day with the same children, they begin to understand and recognize their personalities, building relationships with these children. Properly maintaining these relationships and being aware of personality changes is essential for the person who will be with them for the majority of the day.
Experiential learning is also another aspect of elementary education degree requirements that these teachers must have before they can be certified to teach their own course. With this learning experience, they are provided access to the most recent technology used in the classroom, as well as resources available in their local school districts for the teachers currently in place. This experience gives students the chance to see different classroom designs and instructions before they take on their classroom and decide which method fits their needs.
What Is An Online Elementary Education Degree?
Traditionally, elementary education students needed 4-5 years of study and an internship in physical classrooms. Today, with online schools for elementary education, students can accomplish a large portion of their bachelor’s degrees virtually. Typically, students must complete their practicum in person as they need to learn and demonstrate how to lead a real classroom.
Most students pursue online bachelor degrees in elementary education with certification. However, some students may have already earned a bachelor degree in a different subject. In these cases, students can pursue shorter programs to acquire a teacher certification or entertain higher academia. Many schools also offer online graduate degrees in elementary education, allowing students to focus on particular areas of education, improve career opportunities and increase their entry salary. To do that, they need to find the best online colleges for elementary education.
Why Earn an Elementary Education Degree?
Elementary education is an exceptional career path for anyone with a passion for teaching and a love for children. An elementary education degree allows career seekers to pursue their dream job, as most schools require qualifications and certifications before practice. In particular, 96.2% of elementary school teachers in the United States hold a bachelor degree.
Whether students earn an in-person or online elementary education bachelor’s, they will find many schools hiring for this in-demand profession across the United States. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to grow 7% or more in the next decade. Likewise, elementary educators earn an average of $61, 400 reaching up to $99 420 annually. These promising statistics indicate that pursuing a 4-year degree in education is rewarding overall.
Additionally, elementary education prepares graduates for teaching. They do not simply focus on one subject, expecting students to understand how to teach that subject to children. They provide up-to-date knowledge and training in best teaching practices, child psychology, child learning styles and habits, and curriculum preparation and management. This way, education students will learn theory and its application throughout their studies.
Unlike many academic degrees, most elementary education programs guide students toward securing a career. They provide exemplary advisors or extensive resources, encourage networking, facilitate internships or practicum, and prepare students for their teaching license exams. They may offer help or guidance in finding placements after graduation, although prior internships may also serve as a sufficient launch pad.
More students realize online bachelor degrees in elementary education offer similar perks to in-person programs. In fact, general online course enrollment increased 50% in 2020 and increased by an additional 32% in 2021. These numbers will only grow larger as students grasp online programs’ flexibility and convenience.
What Is the Curriculum for Elementary Education?
Elementary education programs contain similar course components, as graduates must pass a licensing exam. Schools expect teachers to have common core knowledge. The best elementary education colleges should offer most of the following elementary education courses:
Child Development
Child Psychology
Child Learning Styles
Current Models of Elementary Curriculum
Curriculum Preparation and Implementation
Communication Methods
Preschool and Kindergarten Teaching
Diversity and Inclusivity in the Classroom
Classroom Management
Technology in the Classroom
Special Needs in the Classroom
Ethics and Religious Culture
Language Arts
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Art
Physical Education
It may not be possible for students to pursue their internships through online bachelor degrees in elementary education, although the schools will still oversee and evaluate its completion. In these cases, students may need to complete teaching observation, teaching practicum, and student teaching evaluations in person. However, some schools may satisfy this requirement through virtual learning opportunities.
What Are Elementary Education Degree Specializations?
The core program of elementary education focuses on generalized knowledge, ensuring graduates can teach all subjects. However, elementary education students can specialize in specific domains. Schools allow concentrations in subjects or functions, granting certificates to prove knowledge and skill or declaring additional minors or double majors. In this way, students can define and direct their career path in a fulfilling area.
Some elementary schools hire educators to teach one group of children for every subject, while other schools require teachers to handle rotating groups of children for one subject. In the latter case, hiring committees value elementary teachers with specializations. Common core subjects include mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, art, music, and physical education.
The best online schools for elementary education offer specializations for different types of learners. The most popular concentrations with certificates include English Second Language, Gifted and Talented, and Special Education or Special Needs Education. These programs help teachers prepare, learn, and practice working with kids who may need extra assistance in school.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Elementary Education Degrees?
Online bachelors degrees in elementary education have similar admission requirements to most other bachelors degrees. First, students typically need to meet a GPA dictated by the specific school, as proven by high school transcripts. Prospective students may also need to provide up to three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a letter of intent. If the program offers practicum or helps place students in an internship, they will ask for a criminal background check at admissions or during the program.
How Do You Choose the Best Online Elementary Education Degree?
High school graduates often find choosing a university and a program difficult without an accurate guide. Online programs can be more confusing, as it can be hard to discern whether they can lead to an elementary teaching career. To choose the best online degree, students should make sure:
It prepares for licensure exam: Some online programs only prepare students for the state’s teaching license exam, while others offer it as part of the degree.
It includes practicum: Top elementary education colleges have an internship, guiding and evaluating progress as an in-person portion.
It offers specialization: Online schools for elementary education do not all offer specializations. If students wish to focus on a specific domain, it is essential to ensure the school provides it.
Do You Get a Teacher Certification With an Online Degree?
Without a teacher’s certificate or license, elementary education graduates cannot teach in elementary schools. Typically, students must take standardized exams administered by their state to earn their certificate. The best online elementary education programs will prepare and administer the teacher licensure exams.
Furthermore, they must have a bachelor degree in elementary education from an accredited program and have a certain amount of work experience or practicum. Students can earn an online degree in elementary ed and meet these requirements.
What Are the Best Online Schools for Elementary Education?
It can be overwhelming to find and choose the perfect school. Fortunately, prospective teachers do not need to worry about endless research. They simply need to ensure their preferred schools maintain a few key characteristics.
The top elementary education colleges provide many variations of the degree. They may allow students to work with an appointed advisor to customize a course plan. In this way, students can meet unique goals or accommodate personal needs. If schools do not offer this option, it is an excellent idea to verify the specializations, double majors, minors, or elective courses available. Accordingly, students can tailor their own academic path and reach their career objectives.
Some online programs for elementary education do not include practicum, which makes it harder for students to complete their degree requirements. The best online programs will not only include but guide internships. Students can observe experienced teachers in classrooms, work alongside teachers, and lead their own classes with continuous feedback. Additionally, the inclusion of practicum satisfies partial requirements for a state teaching license.
If students are pursuing an elementary education degree online, they may receive little in-person instruction or experience. For this reason, prospective students may wish to find a school that offers ongoing support after graduation. Support may include advisors that graduates can turn to for advice, access to special resources, direction for class or curriculum development, or help with finding a job and networking opportunities.
Furthermore, students must ensure online colleges for elementary education have accreditation from an appropriate organization. States will only issue a teaching certificate if graduates received an accredited degree. If students earned a bachelor degree in a different subject, their teaching certification program must also be an accredited degree.
Can You Get a Career from Elementary Teaching Degrees Online?
Students who complete their online program and earn a teaching license can successfully become teachers. Since online programs cover similar core topics, administer comprehensive evaluations, and oversee classroom experience, schools view them as identical to in-person degrees. Apart from a licensed elementary school teacher, graduates can also become program directors, elementary school administrators, youth service workers, social workers, special care counselors, child care directors, daycare workers, librarians, and tutors.
Top 25 Best MPH Online Programs for Value in the United States
In the 21st century, public health is one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields of study. While the US population continues to grow steadily, population growth in the developing world is exploding; an increasingly interconnected world means that public health no longer happens at just the local and community level, but in a vast network of communities across the globe (global health andenvironmental health). Improving the health of populations – and keeping them healthy over generations – isn’t just the work of doctors and hospitals. It takes the cooperation of healthcare professionals, educators, governments, nonprofits, researchers, volunteers, and many more.
Why Get an Online MPH Degree?
Anyone thinking about their career, or looking into higher education, knows by now that healthcare is one of the most secure and growing industries, but what many people do not realize is that the healthcare field is more than nurses and doctors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the growth of the healthcare industry at 18% between 2019 and 2029, but some of the careers in the public health field are even higher: 20% for Medical and Health Service Managers, for instance, or over 30% for biostatisticians. Other master’s degree career paths, like health educators and health promotion (16%) and nutritionists (15%) are growing well above the job market average.
All of that opportunity means that it’s a good time for public health careers. For working professionals in the lower and middle rungs of the public health field – the RNs, the administrative assistants, the middle managers – an online MPH degree program can be a gateway to advancement over a bachelor’s degree. Working adults in areas related to public health (but not in healthcare) – like civil servants, community organizers, health promotion, and education – could look to an online MPH degree as potential for a rewarding career shift. A master’s in public health is even a smart choice for doctors, nurse practitioners, and upper-level professionals to add credentials and flexibility to their career. In many areas, the MPH is becoming an entry-level standard for public health careers.
Featured Programs
Choosing the Right Online MPH Degree for You
Master’s in Public Health online programs come in many different forms, from many different kinds of institutions. Professionals in a wide variety of roles could benefit from an online MPH degree: instead of earning an online MSN degree, for instance, working nurses with a bachelor’s degree may consider earning an MPH with a nursing specialization like global health or environmental health; even those looking at a DNP program may add on an MPH, or find a dual degree program. Professionals who don’t feel cut out for direct patient care may be considering a healthcare administration master’s, but an MPH program with an administration concentration opens up even more opportunities – as does a advanced degree specializing in health informatics, one of the fastest-growing health-related careers.
Ranking the Best Value Online MPH Degrees
At Value Colleges, our mission is to guide prospective students to the best use of their time and money in their school search – whether they are working adults, first-gen public health students, nontraditional, and any other student who cares about value. The Value Colleges ranking of the Best Value Online MPH Degrees provides a thorough survey of the most reputable, proven master of public health. Ranking order is based on three metrics:
Reputation (based on U.S. News & World Report)
ROI (based on Payscale data)
Cost (based on online tuition as reported to IPEDS)
All of the colleges and universities featured by Value Colleges are regionally accredited, and most of the schools in the Best Value Online MPH Program ranking are accredited by the CEPH, the standard for public health education.
Rank
School Name
Description
1
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University was the first university founded in Texas, beginning under the Morrill Land Grant as the Agricultural & Mechanical College. From the very first, in 1876, TAMU was dedicated to the practical and civic use of research and learning, with its earliest degree programs in agriculture and engineering. Today, that mission continues; as a land, sea, and space-grant university (the only school in Texas with all three responsibilities), Texas A&M is central to research and professional learning in the state. With close relationships with agencies like the National Institutes of Health, and the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, TAMU is especially significant to public health, as the School of Public Health – ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News – attests. Working health services managers who want to earn the Texas A&M Masters in Public Health online can trust that their fully online master’s degree will not only teach them what they need to know, but carry its weight on the job market. The online MPH in Epidemiology is designed specifically for working professionals in the health field who are highly motivated, but cannot relocate for a traditional on-campus program. The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics focuses on using statistics and research to recognize the causes of disease, and work within the public health field to prevent illness. It’s an online master’s in public health program that defines quality for professionals looking for advancement or a career change. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Epidemiology
2
San Jose State University
The oldest public university in California, and the flagship of the California State University system, San Jose State University dates all the way back to 1857, when it began as an evening teacher training school to serve the growing pioneer communities. Today, SJSU is one of California’s preeminent public research universities, especially as Silicon Valley has grown up around San Jose; in fact, Silicon Valley firms hire more SJSU graduates than any other single school. San Jose State is also notable for the CEPH-accredited MPH program, which began in 1970. SJSU is regularly ranked one of the top regional universities in the West, and has long been recognized as a best value by publications like Forbes. San Jose State’s online MPH degree in Community Health Education provides educators and health science professionals alike with the expertise and skills to increase public awareness of health and wellness. In San Jose State’s tradition, as one of the most diverse, community-focused colleges in California, the online master’s in public health program is focused on developing community programs and advocating for health in a variety of communities. All coursework is delivered fully online, but graduate students must meet for on campus sessions once a year for 4-5 days; accelerated 5-week and 7-week public health core courses allow graduate students to complete their online master’s in public health in just two years. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Community Health Education
3
University of Florida
One of Florida’s two flagship universities (along with Florida State University), the University of Florida is a land, sea, and space-grant institution dating back to 1853. For more than a century and a half, UF has been central to Florida’s professional education and scientific research, especially in areas related to health – one of the state of Florida’s most crucial industries. That includes UF Health, one of the nation’s top-ranked academic medical centers, with hospitals in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and across the state; it also includes the CEPH-accredited College of Public Health and Health Professions. The University of Florida online MPH degree program allows current and future public health professionals to earn the next level of credentials in a convenient, flexible format. This online master’s in public health programs offers two concentrations: Public Health Practice or Social and Behavioral Sciences. With working professionals in mind, the UF online MPH degree is designed for convenience, with recorded lectures, weekly due dates, and no on-campus sessions required, ever. The program is 48 credits, though graduate students who already have a doctorate may qualify for an accelerated credential. Coming from one of the South’s premiere health universities, the UF master’s in public health is a value worth investing in. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Public Health Practice or Social and Behavioral Sciences
4
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is one of the foremost names in health and medical education, founded by the philanthropist of the same name in 1876. Often regarded as the first modern research university, Johns Hopkins University was radical in its time for combining scientific research with university education; faculty both taught and performed original research, setting the model for the future of higher education. JHU’s Bloomberg School of Public Health was the first independent public health school in the US, and remains one of the largest and most respected in the world, ranked #1 in U.S. News for more than 20 years. Obviously, with Johns Hopkins’ reputation, the JHU online MPH degree program must rate as one of the best in the world. Working health services managers with the ambition to earn a master’s in public health online may not even realize that an institution as prestigious as Johns Hopkins is an option. The part-time online MPH program has all of the quality and reputation as the on-campus program, but all coursework is online for convenience. Graduate students will need to attend 1-2 week on-campus sessions each year, and as a part-time program, graduate students take 3-8 credits for each 8-week term. The master’s in public health online can be completed in just 2-3 years, and graduate students gain with it the Johns Hopkins’ name and all the networking potential that includes. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH
5
University of California, Berkeley
Long ranked the top public research university in the US, the University of California, Berkeley, has been a center of learning, research, discovery, and culture since it was founded in 1868. California’s flagship, UC Berkeley is also recognized as a Public Ivy, a public research university with the quality and influence of the Ivy League. Berkeley’s importance in California cannot be overstated, but one crucial area of influence is in health sciences, especially public health. UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health is one of the nation’s oldest, beginning as the college’s hygiene program in 1919, just three years after Johns Hopkins introduced public health education. Today, it’s one of the highest-ranked public health schools in the nation. UC Berkeley’s Master’s in Public Health degree gives prospective students anywhere the opportunity to earn a degree from one of the world’s highest-ranked public health schools. The online MPH program from Berkeley is taught by the same faculty, and online students have access to the same resources, as the on-campus program, but all coursework is fully online; however, public health students do have to make 2 on-campus visits during the 27 months of the program. Two concentrations are available: Health Policy and Management, or Global Health. In all, UC Berkeley’s online MPH program will get experienced professionals where they want to go. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Health Policy and Management or Global Health
6
New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University, New Mexico’s oldest public university, was founded in 1888 to teach agriculture and mechanical engineering as a federal land-grant college – decades before New Mexico was admitted to the union. With its roots in practical, applied sciences, NMSU became one of the Southwest’s leading research universities, focusing on preparing scholars and professionals in critical occupations like engineering and healthcare. NMSU is also the only large research university on the US-Mexican border recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the federal government, providing opportunity for Hispanic students to enter professional careers. NMSU’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program provides prospective students in the health field to earn their MPH degree entirely online. The NMSU online MPH degree is designed for the convenience of working professionals, with asynchronous delivery and fully online coursework. The CEPH-accredited online MPH program offers two concentrations: Community Health Education (CHE) or Health Management, Administration, and Policy (HMAP); the HMAP concentration is only available online. Out of state students get the first 6 credits at in-state tuition rates, just part of why NMSU’s master of public health degree is a best value. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Community Health Education or Health Management, Administration, and Policy
7
University at Albany (SUNY)
Located in New York’s capital city, the University at Albany is part of the State University of New York system, one of the world’s foremost public higher education systems. Founded in 1844, the University at Albany was originally an independent teacher training school, but since joining the SUNY system in 1948, SUNY Albany has been crucial to professional education for the state’s capital area. With its location, UAlbany is at the center of areas like government, public policy, and public health, with the School of Public Health located just across the Hudson River at the Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer, NY. The CEPH-accredited School of Public Health partners with the New York State Department of Health to increase public health and wellness throughout the state. UAlbany’s online MPH degree program is designed for the convenience of prospective students in public health or related fields, giving busy adults the opportunity to increase their pay and job market advantage in an online format. All coursework is fully online, with no on-campus visits required, and internship opportunities are flexible. The UAlbany master of public health degree offers a concentration in Public Health Practice, preparing professionals to enter the field as leaders, analyzing the needs of communities and putting initiatives into action. UAlbany’s connections to the DOH and throughout New York make UAlbany’s master’s in public health degree a solid investment. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Public Health Practice
8
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is New England’s foremost public research university, a center of research and learning in a region dominated by the Ivy League and elite private institutions. A top-tier research institution, UMass dates back to 1863, when it was founded as Massachusetts’ land-grant agricultural and mechanical college, but the university has been crucial to everything from business and education to health sciences. The School of Public Health and Health Sciences began in 1938, and UMass offered one of the first fully online MPH degrees from a public research university in 2001, graduating nearly 600 public health leaders in the last two decades. The CEPH-accredited UMass Master’s in Public Health online degree program provides public health professionals all over the US the opportunity to earn their online MPH degree. With UMass’ long-standing excellence and reputation, students trust the MPH in Public Health Practice to provide them with the knowledge and marketability they need to advance. The fully online program never requires students to attend on-campus, so the UMass online MPH program is a solid choice for anyone, anywhere (except for Alabama and Arkansas). Asynchronous public health core courses allow online learning students to do their coursework on whatever schedule works for them, making the UMass master of public health degree a convenient investment sure to pay off for graduates. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Public Health Practice
9
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida was founded in 1956 as the 20th century’s first public research university started from the ground up. As Tampa grew in importance, so did USF, reaching Carnegie Foundation status as a top-tier research university in just a few decades – an unprecedented growth. It’s one of Florida’s most productive and accomplished institutions, from Fulbright Scholars to patents on numerous discoveries. USF is also one of the most diverse universities in the nation, and has earned accolades for its impact on Hispanic and African-American professional education, including public health. Research institutes like the Center for Biological Defense and the Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies make USF a crucial public health institution in Florida and nationwide. USF’s online MPH degree program is one of the most innovative and advanced programs of its kind in the South. Not content to simply offer a run-of-the-mill online MPH program, USF’s College of Public Health partners with the Office of Educational Technology and Assessment to create a cutting-edge online program based in the most current educational and multimedia design. This student-centered program offers 7 concentrations: Epidemiology; Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, and Homeland Security; Health, Safety, and Environment; Infection Control; Public Health Administration; Nutrition and Dietetics; and Social Marketing (to advocate and lead in the new media environment). A reputation as a best value only adds to the investment in a master of public health degree program from USF. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 7 concentrations
10
University of Alaska Anchorage
First founded as a community college for servicemembers stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, today the University of Alaska Anchorage is the state’s largest university, particularly among veterans and military personnel. UAA remains open-access, allowing any student in the state who wants an education to attend, and more than 17,000 students are enrolled. As a primarily commuter college, UAA is especially important for working adults and professionals in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city (with more than 40% of the state’s population), and has a significant impact on health care and health science education through the College of Health. UA Anchorage’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program is particularly designed for public health practitioners and experts in Alaska. The diversity and complexity of life in Alaska, with its large rural communities and sparse population, creates unique challenges for public health that the UAA online MPH program is uniquely qualified to prepare graduates for. All coursework is fully online, but students must attend on-campus once a year for the Alaska Public Health Summit, as well as personally presenting their final project. With a thorough training and low tuition rates, UAA’s master of public health online program is perfect for Alaska. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Public Health Practice
11
University of Southern California
One of the world’s most prestigious private research universities, the University of Southern California has been at the center of cutting-edge discoveries from entertainment, computer science, and health. From its founding in 1880, USC has been crucial to development in Los Angeles, Southern California, and throughout the Pacific Rim, with deep partnerships with government, industry, and NGOs worldwide. USC is also the home of California’s oldest medical school, the Keck School of Medicine, and USC Health, an academic health system including three hospitals and numerous clinics. The Keck School is the home of USC’s Master’s in Public Health online degree program, a CEPH-accredited program recognized as one of the top public health degree programs in the nation. All coursework for the online MPH degree is fully online, and online students learn from the same world-renowned faculty as traditional on-campus students. One generalist concentration, and 5 specialties are available: Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, GeoHealth, Global Health, and Health Services and Policy. Students can also take part in faculty-led service trips to places like Uganda and Costa Rica to experience the impact of global public health initiatives, making USC’s master of public health online program a model for the world. Online Master of Public Health Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 6 specializations
12
University of South Carolina
South Carolina’s flagship public research institution, the University of South Carolina is one of the state’s two Carnegie Classification top-tier universities, and one of the few R1 universities also recognized with the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. USC has made service to the people of South Carolina one of its highest priorities since its founding in 1801, and today it stands as the largest university in the Carolinas. USC is particularly highly regarded – and highly ranked – for its public health degree program, led by the Arnold School of Public Health. The University of South Carolina’s online MPH degree provides working professionals in public health, or related fields like education and community action, to earn a master of public health online. With a concentration in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, the USC online MPH degree is intended for those who intend to work directly in the community, creating public health initiatives, evaluating existing programs, and promoting knowledge and prevention. Students complete the 2-year, 45-credit program entirely online, and with out-of-state tuition only slightly higher than in-state, public health professionals from all over can benefit. Master of Public Health Program:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
13
West Virginia University
Founded as an agricultural college under the Morrill Land Grant in 1867, West Virginia University is the Mountain State’s top public research university and a center of learning, culture, and health for the Appalachians. With its location in the Appalachian Mountains, WVU has made outreach central to its mission, providing services throughout the state; WVU is particularly crucial to health and medicine in the region, through the state’s main schools of medicine, nursing, and public health. The WVU School of Public Health is nationally renowned for rural health, standing as the leading health advocate in the Appalachians. WVU’s online MPH degree program comes from the only comprehensive School of Public Health in West Virginia. The master’s in public health online program is taught by the same internationally recognized faculty, all built around WVU’s focus on community wellness. While WVU’s MPH program has several concentrations, only the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences is available fully online. This specialization provides professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to implement plans that encourage healthy behavior among populations. With WVU’s reputation, it’s a perfect master of public health online program for the mountain region.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
14
Emory University
Dating back to 1836, Emory University is one of the exclusive Southern Ivies, the select private research universities (such as Duke, Vanderbilt, and Rice) that rival the Ivy League for quality and influence. As the city of Atlanta has grown into a global metropolis, so Emory has grown into one of the South’s foremost institutions, especially in health. Not only is Emory Healthcare the largest medical system in the state of Georgia; Emory is also home to the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, while both the CDC and the American Cancer Society are headquartered on adjoining campuses. Obviously, few institutions are as significant to public health degree programs study and practice as Emory, making the Emory University online MPH degree one of the strongest possible for working professionals. Emory’s Executive MPH is specifically designed for working professionals in leadership positions who want a higher degree to solidify their place in the higher reaches of administration. The EMPH combines interactive online coursework with two on-campus meetings each semester to more fully develop connections and support. Emory’s master of public health online program is for those who have what it takes to make a difference.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:Executive MPH
15
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Founded in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public university to admit students, and remains one of the nation’s most advanced, innovative, and influential research universities. UNC is particularly significant in health, from UNC Health Care – one of the largest and highest-ranked academic medical systems in the nation – to the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The first public health school founded in a public university (in 1936), the Gillings School has long been a trendsetter in the field, establishing one of the finest online learning MPH programs in the world. As a major research university, UNC-CH is unparalleled. The UNC online MPH degree program includes two possible concentrations: Leadership in Practice, for working professionals who intend to take on management and administrative positions in public health; and Nutrition, for students who wish to work educating and advocating for healthier eating on a community level. Students attend live classes in an online format, and use the online format to develop relationships with their professors and classmates. Full-time students complete the program in less than two years, while part-time students can finish in just 28 months. One of the first master of public health online programs ever, UNC’s online MPH degree is also one of the smartest values.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Leadership in Practice or Nutrition
16
University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada’s online land-grant institution, and the state’s only Carnegie Foundation R1 research university, the University of Nevada, Reno was the first university founded in the newly-formed state in 1874. For nearly a century UNR was the state’s only public university, until the UN branch campus in Las Vegas (UNLV) became an independent university in 1964. As such, UNR has been the most important institution in the state, educating the bulk of Nevada’s professionals and skilled practitioners, especially in health. UNR’s School of Medicine was the first med school in the state, and remains the main source for doctors in Nevada, while the School of Community Health Sciences recently became its own independent academic unit. The School of Community Health Sciences offers the UNR online MPH degree, a fully online, no-residency program designed for working professionals in the field. No GRE is required to apply, and students complete the program in less than 2 years; multiple start dates throughout the year ensure that students complete the program at their convenience. With CEPH accreditation and a nationally-ranked program, students can trust the UNR master of public health online program to provide the knowledge and skills they need to reach the next level of their education.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Public Health Practice
17
Western Kentucky University
Dating back to a private teacher training and business school established in 1876, Western Kentucky University became public in 1907, and established itself as the crucial higher education institution in the region. WKU is especially important to the professional workforce of western Kentucky, including nursing, public administration, health equity, and social work. U.S. News has ranked WKU as one of the top regional universities in the South, but perhaps more importantly, WKU has received high rankings for social mobility and community engagement for its ability to improve health disparities in the lives of Kentuckians. WKU’s online Master’s in Public Health degree program is a crucial part of educating public health leaders and advocates for the Bluegrass State. The first and only fully online, CEPH-accredited MPH in Kentucky, WKU’s online MPH degree is competency-based, requiring students to demonstrate their understanding and abilities in particular functions of public health leadership. Students work with advisors to tailor their electives to their current or preferred careers, and the 42-credit program emphasizes applicable skills students can use right away, making the WKU online MPH degree a sound value.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH
18
University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago began as a two-year branch campus of the University of Illinois in 1946, in an attempt to keep up with the extensive demand for college courses from returning WWII veterans. What was intended as a temporary stopgap for GI Bill students turned into the largest university in Chicago, and one of the most productive public research institutions. UIC is especially important in medicine, with the nation’s largest medical school (originally belonging to UI Urbana-Champaign before being taken over by UIC). UIC is also one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation for public health degree programs. UIC’s Master’s in Public Health online programs are developed along the same exacting guidelines – and carry the same exceptional reputation and job-market pull – as UIC’s on-campus programs. Students in the online MPH degree program can choose from two concentrations: Community Health, or Health Policy and Administration. Two specializations within the MPH HPA degree include the Professional Enhancement Program MPH, and the Public Health Informatics MPH – the only CEPH-accredited, online Public Health Informatics degree in the nation. UIC’s name makes the master of public health online program a best value investment.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH in Community Health or Health Policy and Administration
19
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham began in 1936 as a small extension campus of the ‘Bama flagship in Tuscaloosa, when the growing city of Birmingham showed a need for higher education. Alongside Birmingham, UAB grew in a big way, and today is the state’s only Carnegie Classification R1 university, the largest employer in the state, and the state’s leader in medicine. The UAB Health System is one of the nation’s largest academic medical centers, while the School of Public Health has been ranked as one of the best public health schools in the US. The UAB online MPH degree program is one of the best in the nation, from quality to student support to options. This online master’s in public health program is designed specifically for working professionals, and in addition to being fully online, is extremely adaptable to students’ career goals. MPH students can choose from 7 concentrations: Environmental and Occupational Health; Epidemiology; Health Behavior; Health Care Organization and Policy; Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership; and Occupational Health and Safety. UAB is also a leader in public health research, giving students in the master of public health online program direct access to the most current information in the field.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 7 concentrations
20
University of North Texas Health Science Center
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is one of the graduate schools associated with the UNT system. Originally founded as a private osteopathic school in 1970, the Health Science Center became the medical school of what was then North Texas State University in 1957. Today, the UNT Health Science Center consists of five colleges of its own, as well as UNT Health, an academic medical center; it is also the fastest-growing of Texas’ research institutions, and was awarded R1 status by the Carnegie Foundation in 2016. The UNT Health Science Center online MPH degree program comes from the CEPH-accredited School of Public Health, and offers two distinct paths depending on the students’ background. The MPH Online Professional Option is for current professionals who have at least three years of experience in the public health field, while the second option is designed for new graduates or career-changing adults. The general option also includes three optional specializations: Food Security, Geographic Information Systems, or Global Health. It’s one of the best values in Texas for a master of public health online.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH
21
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco began as a one-room school, founded by the Jesuit order in 1855 to educate the children of the gold-rush boomtown. Within a few years, demand for education had grown enough for the Jesuits to establish a college, and the University of San Francisco grew along with the city. Today, USF overlooks the San Francisco Bay and remains one of the most important institutions in the city, with deep ties to government, industry, and culture. It’s also one of the most diverse universities in the nation, known for its community engagement and opportunity. The USF online MPH degree has been ranked one of the best in the nation by numerous publishers, and it more than lives up to the reputation. While USF does not have a school of public health, the online master’s in public health program is an interdisciplinary program led by the School of Nursing and Health Professions, incorporating the whole scope of political, social, economic, and medical elements of public health. This fully online, generalist degree is focused on applicable, practice-oriented skills and expertise in public health research methods to make practitioner leaders of its graduates. Online MPH Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH
22
University of Arizona
The first university founded in what was then the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona has been educating the state’s professionals since 1885. Part of the Association of American Universities, and long ranked a top-tier public research university by publishers like U.S. News & World Report, UA is also crucial to health and medical education in Arizona. UA operates two medical schools – the College of Medicine-Tucson, and the College of Medicine-Phoenix – and each of these schools is located in its own UA Health Sciences Center. Both are ranked among the best medical schools and academic health centers in the US. The College of Medicine offers the University of Arizona Master’s in Public Health online program, one of the best online MPH degree programs in the nation. The CEPH-accredited program is ranked in the top 25 nationally, according to U.S. News, and UA’s faculty are internationally acclaimed and productive as human health researchers. Students complete all coursework fully online, and students complete the program in less than 2 years; concentrations include Applied Epidemiology, Health Services Administration, and Health Promotion. The online master’s in public health program is a real value for Arizona’s public health professionals. Online MPH Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 3 concentrations
23
Tulane University
Louisiana’s foremost private research university, and one of the renowned Southern Ivies, Tulane University has been central to higher education in the Deep South since its founding in 1834. Public health is written into the deepest parts of Tulane’s history; it was founded as only the second medical school in the South, primarily to prepare doctors who could fight the spread of population-wide diseases like smallpox and cholera. Today, Tulane follows in that tradition; the university was crucial to reconstruction and health services after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and is one of only a few high-level research universities to require service of all students. Tulane’s Center for Applied Public Health, part of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, began offering online options way back in 1994, and remains one of the highest-quality online public health educators. The Tulane online MPH program offers three concentrations for public health professionals: Disaster Management, Occupational and Environmental Health, and Occupational Health and Safety Management. Students are expected to be mid-career professionals in public health or a related field, such as child health, program planning, or rural and underserved communities. The master’s of public health will prepare them for leadership in higher-level positions – with the Tulane reputation to launch them into those jobs. Online MPH Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 3 concentrations
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North Dakota State University
Founded in 1890 as a land-grant agricultural college, North Dakota State University makes a massive impact on the Peace Garden State. In over a century, NDSU has grown into a major public research university, educating North Dakota’s professionals in a variety of fields. As one of the largest employers in the state, NDSU creates an economic impact of more than $1 billion, and the university’s growth in the 21st century has been impressive. With more than 14,000 students, NDSU is becoming one of the leading institutions in the Dakotas, especially in the health sciences. Most students receive federal financial aid. NDSU’s Master’s in Public Health online degree offerings include three concentrations: American Indian Public Health; Community Health Sciences; and Management of Infectious Diseases. With its location, and its outreach meeting public health challenges of the indigenous population of North Dakota, NDSU’s unique concentration in American Indian Public Health make it a national leader in an underdeveloped niche. The online MPH program lets students complete class online from anywhere, though it must be at the set class time. This interdisciplinary degree is taught by experts from pharmacy, nursing, social science, health communication, community health promotion, health behavior, health management, infection control, and others for a fully-rounded, best value master’s of public health. Online MPH Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH with 3 concentrations
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Florida A&M University
Florida’s only public historically black college, Florida A&M University has been one of the most important institutions for African-American education since its founding in 1887, when it became Florida’s land-grant university for black students. Today, Florida A&M is ranked as the top public HBCU by U.S. News & World Report, and has been named the top research universities among HBCUs by the National Science Foundation. Among other strengths, FAMU is one of the nation’s top producers of black public health professionals, through the FAMU Institute of Public Health. The FAMU online MPH degree program is the first offered online by an HBCU, from the first CEPH-accredited public health program in the region. FAMU’s Institute of Public Health offers online students the advantages of its deep connections with agencies like the CDC, the EPA, and the Florida Department of Health. Designed for the convenience of working professionals, the online master’s in public health program consists of 50 credits, which can be completed in just 5 semesters. One of the most affordable tuition rates – a hallmark of FAMU – helps make the FAMU online MPH program one of the best values in its class. Online MPH Programs:
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Degree:MPH
What are the Most In-Demand Specializations in Public Health?
An online master of public health is a big commitment, and there are many directions an advanced degree could take your career. Public health professionals address public health challenges in all kinds of contexts – not all of them medical. Even if an online master of public health program doesn’t offer specific concentrations (for instance, in accelerated programs), elective courses can help a prospective public health professional focus.
Global Health
Environmental Health Science
Health Promotion
Environmental and Occupational Health
Maternal and Child Health
Health Policy
Global Disaster Management
Health Communication
Human Health
Health Services Administration
Program Planning
Social and Behavioral Science
Do you have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a master’s degree? Online learning provides a convenient way to earn these credentials with an online master’s degree. George Washington University, New York Medical College, and Florida International University are also known for their online MPH programs.
Criminology vs Criminal Justice: What’s the Difference?
“Criminology vs criminal justice” is a common search term for people who want to go into the field. It’s understandable; The question can get a bit confusing at times. So, what is the difference between criminal justice and criminology? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually have very different meanings. Take a closer look at criminology and criminal justice in detail.
What is the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice?
A lot of people use those two terms interchangeably, which makes sense, as they are very similar subjects. Both deal with the subject of crime. Both ask questions about the best ways to handle crime. But the difference between criminology and criminal justice boils down to how they approach the subject of crime. Criminology and criminal justice study crime from different angles.
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In criminal justice vs criminology, criminal justice studies the “how” question of crime, while criminology studies the “why” questions. Criminal justice covers the law, court systems, and other legal structures. Criminology looks into the psychology and sociology of crime. It studies the reasons why crime happens in the first place and examines the different factors that can come into play. If you have trouble remembering the difference in criminology vs criminal justice, it might help to remember that “criminology,” “psychology,” and “sociology” all end with the same “–ology” suffix.
What Is Criminology?
Criminology is a branch of sociology, which is the study of human social behavior. Therefore, much of the research in criminology is based on statistics and surveys. However, criminologists also use other methods, such as interviews and case studies, to understand crime.
One of the most famous criminologists is Cesare Lombroso. He believed that criminals were born, not made. In other words, he thought that some people are just more likely to commit crimes than others. Lombroso’s ideas are no longer considered scientific, but his work did help to start the field of criminology.
Today, criminologists use a variety of theories to explain crime. Some of the most popular include strain theory, social learning theory, and control theory.
Strain theory says that people commit crimes because they are under strain, or pressure, to do so. This strain may be caused by poverty, a bad home life, or other problems.
Social learning theory posits that people criminal behavior by observing others around them, such as family members or friends.
Control theory explains that people are more likely to commit crimes if they do not feel like they have any control over their lives.
There is still much the experts do not understand about crime. However, the work of criminologists is essential in helping to keep our communities safe.
Who Is a Criminologist?
Criminologists often look at why people commit crimes, how they are able to get away with them, and what society can do to prevent crime. Criminologists may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, or private businesses.
What Are the Educational Requirements?
Most criminologists have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminology or a related field, such as sociology or psychology. However, some jobs may require a master’s or even a Ph.D. Many criminologists also have experience working in law enforcement or the criminal justice system.
What Skills and Qualities are Required?
Criminologists need to be able to think logically and critically. They must be able to understand and analyze data, as well as write clearly and concisely. These professionals also need to have strong research skills. Criminologists should be able to work independently and be self-motivated.
What Is Criminal Justice?
Criminal Justice is the study of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. It encompasses everything from investigating crime and gathering evidence to prosecuting criminals in court and sentencing them. People who work in criminal justice may be police officers, detectives, lawyers, judges, probation officers, or correctional officers.
The criminal justice system is made up of three parts: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
Law enforcement is responsible for investigating crimes and apprehending suspects.
The courts are responsible for prosecuting criminals and determining their guilt or innocence.
Corrections is responsible for supervising offenders who have been convicted of a crime and sentencing them to a punishment such as an imprisonment, probation, or community service.
Who Is a Criminal Justice Professional?
A criminal justice professional is anyone who works within the criminal justice system to investigate crimes and enforce the law, including police officers, detectives, judges, probation officers, and correctional officers.
What Do Criminal Justice Professionals Do?
Criminal justice professionals work to prevent crime, investigate crimes that have been committed, apprehend suspects, prosecute criminals in court, and sentence offenders for criminal behavior.
What Skills Do Criminal Justice Professionals Need?
Criminal justice professionals need strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They must be able to work well under pressure and make quick decisions in stressful situations.
What’s the Education Required for Criminal Justice Professionals?
The level of education required for criminal justice professionals varies depending on the position. Some jobs, such as becoming a police officer or detective, only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others, such as becoming a detective or warden, may require a professional degree such as a Master’s in criminal justice, juris doctor (JD), or PhD.
What’s the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice?
There is often confusion between criminology versus criminal justice. Because they are both fields that deal with crime, students often wonder “is criminology and criminal justice the same thing.” In reality, they are actually quite different. Criminology is the study of crime, its causes, and its effects on society. Criminal justice, on the other hand, is the field that deals with the punishment and prevention of crime.
Criminologists often work in research positions, studying criminal behavior and trying to figure out ways to prevent it. They may also work as consultants, providing their expertise in criminal profiling to government agencies or private companies. Criminal justice professionals, on the other hand, typically work in law enforcement or in the legal system. They may be police officers, detectives, prosecutors, or public defenders.
While both criminology and criminal justice are important fields, they serve different purposes. Criminologists work to understand crime and criminal profiling, and find ways to prevent it, while criminal justice professionals work to enforce the law and punish those who break it. Both criminal justice and criminology seek to keep people safe, however.
What’s the difference between criminal justice and criminology? Here’s a closer look:
The Focus of Study: When students choose criminology, they are looking at crime from a sociological perspective. They want to know why crime happens and what its effects are on society. When they study criminal justice, they are looking at crime from a legal perspective. They want to know how the law can be used to prevent and punish crime.
The Approach to Studying Crime: Criminologists take a scientific approach to studying crime and criminal behavior. They use research methods to collect data and test theories. Criminal justice professionals take a practical approach to study crime. They use the law to prevent and punish crime.
The Audience of the Two Fields: Criminology is typically studied by people who want to work in research or policy positions. Criminal justice is typically studied by people who want to work in law enforcement or the legal system.
The Methods Used: Criminologists use research methods to study crime. They collect data and use it to test theories. Criminal justice professionals use the law to prevent and punish crime.
The Goals: The goal of criminology is to understand crime and find ways to prevent it. The goal of criminal justice is to enforce the law and punish those who break it.
Both criminology and criminal justice are important fields, but they serve different purposes. If students want to work in research or policy, they should study criminology. If learners want to work in law enforcement or the legal system, they should study criminal justice.
How Do I Choose One?
Choosing between a degree in criminology and a criminal justice degree can be tough. After all, both majors focus on the study of crime and justice, and both can lead to careers in law enforcement or corrections. So how does a student choose? Here are a few things to consider before you decide on a criminal justice program:
What are their goals? Do students want to work in research, or do they want to work in law enforcement? If they want to work in research, criminology is the better choice. If they want to work in law enforcement agencies, criminal justice makes more sense, since criminal justice focuses on the whole system.
What are their interests? Do potential students want to focus on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior, or do they want to focus on the legal aspects of the criminal justice system? If they’re interested in the psychological aspects of crime, criminology is a good match. If they’re interested in the legal aspects of the criminal justice system, criminal justice is the way to go.
What is their personality like? Are they more interested in working independently or as part of a team? If a student is the independent type, criminology is the better choice. If they’re the type who likes to work as part of a team, criminal justice requires collaboration they may find fulfilling.
What are their career goals? Do they want to work in a lab, or do they want to work in a courtroom? If they want to work in a lab, criminology is an ideal fit. If they want to work in a courtroom, some criminal justice careers would fulfill their goals.
So, how can a student make a final choice? It really depends on individual interests, personality, and career goals. If they’re not sure, students can talk to a counselor or advisor at their school and interview professionals in both fields to better understand their career options.
Criminal Justice and Criminology Careers
So, what is the difference between criminology and criminal justice in terms of salary and job outlook? Both criminal justice and criminology professionals are in high demand.
Is criminology the same as criminal justice?
No. criminology is the scientific study of crime, while a criminal justice degree focuses on the study of the legal system and has a wide scope. Although they both deal with crime, they are not the same.
Those interested in a career in criminology should consider pursuing a degree in criminology or a related field. They should also try to gain experience working in the criminal justice system. With hard work and dedication, they can be an excellent criminologist and help make our world a safer place.
What’s the Criminal Justice Salary and Job Outlook?
The salary for criminal justice professionals varies depending on the position and level of experience. According to Indeed, the median annual salary for police officers is $55,117 per year in 2022, while the median annual salary for lawyers was $126,930 in 2020. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for criminal justice professions is expected to grow at a rate of 5% from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
People who work in criminal justice perform a variety of tasks, depending on their specific job.
Police officers patrol their beats, responding to calls and investigating crimes.
Detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses to solve crimes.
Lawyers represent the prosecution or defense in court proceedings.
Judges preside over trials and hand down verdicts.
Probation officers supervise offenders who have been placed on probation.
Correctional officers work in prisons and jails, supervising inmates and enforcing prison rules.
Criminal justice is a challenging and demanding field, but it can be very rewarding. People who earn criminal justice degrees and work in criminal justice help to keep our communities safe and secure. They also play an important role in ensuring that criminals are brought to justice. If learners are interested in a career in criminal justice, there are many different paths they can take. With the right education and training, students can find a job that suits their skills and interests.
What is the Difference in a Criminology Major vs Criminal Justice Major?
Often, when people ask “What is the difference between criminal justice and criminology?” they’re asking because they’re thinking about pursuing one or the other as a career. If you’re thinking about a degree in criminal justice vs criminology, you’ll find that the degree options are very similar.
A criminology major helps students learn the skills they’d need for a criminology career such as researcher, detective, or corrections officer. This kind of degree would include psychology and sociology classes that focus on the reasons for crime. Students in these programs learn effective research skills and how to study criminological data. Some students in criminology programs may choose to go to graduate school after earning their degrees, while others choose to start with entry-level criminology jobs.
A criminal justice major teaches the necessary skills for criminal justice careers like a police officer or criminal investigator. Students in criminal justice programs learn how the criminal justice system works. Some careers overlap between the criminal justice major and criminology major. Like criminology majors, criminal justice majors may either pursue grad school or entry-level jobs after graduation.
Now, if you can’t make up your mind on the criminology major vs criminal justice major question, there’s good news: You may not have to decide on one or the other. Some programs blend both. These programs cover important law enforcement skills as well as theory and background information. Students may go into a wide array of careers after graduation from one of these blended criminology/criminal justice programs.
Why Might I Pursue an Online Criminology Degree?
An online criminology degree is just as valuable as an on-campus degree, assuming that both degrees come from an accredited college or university. Criminology degrees, online or otherwise, teach the skills that a person would need for entry-level criminology jobs.
There are a lot of options when it comes to criminology degrees online, and those degrees often make the best choices for adult learners who need to balance their educations with work, family, military service, or other responsibilities.
Some online degrees in criminology, much like some on-campus degrees, also cover criminal justice topics, so if you want to study both, you have that option.
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Criminology Worth It?
What if you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree and you’re looking into your master’s options? Should you pursue an online master’s degree in criminology? Are these online degrees in criminology worth it? They absolutely can be, but it depends on your needs and career goals.
For example, maybe you want a higher salary, and getting a master’s can help you earn the salary you want. In that case, starting your master’s in criminology is absolutely worth the time and effort.
A higher degree can also help you move through the career ranks. Or example, a police officer may not need a master’s, but if you want to move into administration, it would be helpful. Maybe there’s a specific criminal justice job you want, but it requires more education than you’ve obtained so far. Or maybe you feel like your career has stalled, and a master’s could help it start growing again. In either one of these scenarios, a master’s degree is worth it.
And of course, just like with a bachelor’s degree, you can earn your master’s degree in criminology online. The courses would be more challenging than undergraduate courses, but you would still get the same level of flexibility and convenience.
Fast FAQs About Criminology vs Criminal Justice
Is criminology related to criminal justice?
Criminal justice is the study of the systems and agencies involved in crime prevention and control, while criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, causes, and control of criminal behavior. Although they are related, they are not the same.
Is criminal justice the same as BS criminology?
No. A BS in criminology focuses on the scientific study of crime, while a criminal justice degree focuses on the systems and agencies involved in crime prevention and control.
What is the highest paying job in criminology?
There is no one highest-paying job in criminology. The salary for a criminologist will depend on their level of education, experience, and the specific job they are doing.
How hard is criminology?
Criminology is a challenging field, but it can be extremely rewarding. It requires critical thinking and a willingness to tackle complex problems.
Is criminology a good degree?
A degree in criminology can lead to a variety of rewarding careers. It is a good choice for students who are interested in the scientific study of crime and its causes, as well as those interested in working in the criminal justice system.
Final Words
Whether students choose to study criminology or criminal justice, they’ll be studying an important and interesting topic. Both majors can lead to careers in law enforcement agencies or the legal system, and both can help them make a difference in the world. So, it’s really up to each individual to decide which one is right for them. Whichever they choose, they’re sure to have a bright future in a dynamic field.
Top 25 University Coding Bootcamp Programs in the United States
The university coding bootcamp is currently one of the most exciting innovations in tech education. Starting with Dev Bootcamp in 2012, the market demand for short-term, intensive programming workshops has exploded, with new startups emerging by the dozen. With all this success, it’s inevitable that traditional colleges and universities are getting in on the act. Many institutions are simply starting their own boot camps, but many are learning from the top coding bootcamps and collaborating with established companies such as Revature, Trilogy Education Services, and the Software Guild.
Boot camps tend to be short-term, usually 8-12 weeks, though some take up to 6 months. A study by switchip.org found that class size tends to be small, so students get strong support and mentoring, and that the boot camp model is especially attractive to women, helping close the gender gap in technology. Boot camps are also effective – nearly 60% of graduates received a notable salary increase.
While the 18,000 boot camp students represent only a fraction of the 62,000 conventional computer science graduates, it’s an idea with traction. Working adult professionals in a variety of fields are choosing to change careers or further their existing careers with boot camps instead of traditional degrees, and that number is only likely to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers and programmers can expect a median salary of over $86,000, and even more for software developers.
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Methodology: Ranking the Best University-Affiliated Boot Camps
Value Colleges has put together a definitive list of the very best university-affiliated coding boot camps. Some of these are partnerships between traditional institutions and private companies; some are developed by universities on the boot camp model.
While the university coding bootcamp model is new, and still has a lot of growth and development ahead of it, Value Colleges feels confident in guiding prospective programmers to these courses, offering students the best of both worlds – the fearless entrepreneurship of the coding boot camp, and the trusted security of long-established higher education institutions.
Because coding boot camps are difficult to compare – they vary widely in length, subject, and intensity – VC editors have chosen to present programs in alphabetical order.
1. Case Western University
Case Western University offers one of the best university coding bootcamps that can be completed entirely online. Graduates from the Coding, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity best coding boot camps receive a Case Western Reserve University Certificate of Completion, plus a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating your coding skills and data analytic talents. Students enrolled in CWRU’s online coding bootcamp prepare for the workforce by participating in real-world experiential learning options. CWRU’s bootcamp for coders partners with Trilogy Education Services, an organization devoted to developing the next generation of digital economy leaders.
Case Western University was founded in 1967 when two universities combined. U.S. News considers Case Western University among the top 40 national institutions of higher education. More than 11,600 students attend classes at CWRU’s campus located only a few miles from downtown Cleveland. The schools that made up Case Western University were known as the ‘Yale of the West.’
Programs: Coding, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Format: Online
Central New Mexico Community College School of Business and Information Technology (CNM) offers both part-time and full-time coding programs that recognized among the country’s top university coding bootcamps. These full-time best coding boot camps include full-stack web development, digital things, java/android, technical interview preparation, and data science. Part-time coding boot camps are available for data science and I.T. professionals. The average age of CNM’s student is 33 years old. Most bootcamps last between ten weeks to 26 weeks, depending on selected bootcamp content.
Central New Mexico Community College was chartered in 1964 and operates several academic sites throughout the greater Albuquerque area. More than 22,100 students attend classes online and, on the college’s, 300+ acre in Albuquerque. Central New Mexico Community College was originally developed to provide skills to adults and working learners to help them succeed and grow in their careers.
George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies offers an online intensive coding course that is considered among the nation’s best university coding bootcamps. GWU’s best coding boot camps provide students an online opportunity to become a web developer in 24 weeks or 12 weeks, depending on the student’s time availability. Students graduate with skills that include browser-based technology (jQuery, HTML, etc.), databases (MongoDB, MySQL), server development (MERN Stack, Node.js), deployment, quality assurance, and java. Students participate in real-world learning experiences with potential employers and practice technical interview preparation.
George Washington University was established in 1821. GWU’s main campus in the nation’s capital and sits alongside the World Bank and the IMF. More than 26,900 students attend classes studying for degrees provided by the university’s fourteen colleges/schools. GWU is one of five higher learning institutions to be established by an act of congress.
Lynn University offers various coding boot camps recognized among the best coding boot camps in Florida and beyond. Among Lynn University’s best university coding bootcamps, students can choose from the Lynn+ Code Institute (that is based in Dublin) that offers online, flexible classes that prepare students for careers as developers and software experts. Credits earned by students at Lynn University can often be applied towards undergraduate elective credits for related academic degrees offered by Lynn University.
Lynn University was established as a junior college in 1962, known as Marymount College. The school’s South Florida campus in Boca Raton serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Lynn University is textbook free as all core curriculum is offered on an iPad, smart keyboard, and apple pencil, free of charge. The presidential debate in 2012 between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama was held at Lynn University.
Northwestern University offers an on-campus coding boot camp that is considered among the best university coding bootcamps in the Midwestern U.S. and beyond. Students enrolled in Northwestern University’s best programming bootcamps can become a web developer in 3 or 6 months, depending on the student’s time commitment and availability. Students graduate from Northwestern University with a portfolio of applications and development projects that highlight your skills and talents as a coding superstar. N.U. offers career support and one-to-one mentor coaching and technical interview preparation that prepares students for the job market.
Northwestern University was established in 1851. The university operates two campuses – the main campus in Evanston along Lake Michigan’s shores and another campus in downtown Chicago. Together, these campuses serve nearly 22,000 students. Northwestern University operates as a nonsectarian institution of higher learning, which raised funds by offering perpetual scholarships to all heirs of $100 donors.
Rutgers University offers one of the best university coding bootcamps on the east coast of the U.S. Rutgers University’s data science and coding boot camps are available on the Jersey City and Somerset, New Jersey campuses. Rutgers University’s best coding boot camps offer graduates a certificate of completion from the only bootcamp for coding in the Garden State. Students can opt for a web development boot camp or a data analytics boot camp—these coding bootcamps from Rutgers University partner with Trilogy Education Services. Trilogy Education Services is an organization devoted to preparing the next generation of digital leaders.
Rutgers University was established in 1755 and is known as the flagship school of the Garden State of New Jersey. The school is a space grant, sea grant, and land grant school, with nearly 69,000 students studying throughout the state and online. Highlight –Rutgers University has been recognized numerous times as one of the public ivy league universities in the United States.
Sacred Heart University’s School of Computer Science and Engineering offers an on-campus graduate coding degree certificate that is recognized among the best university coding bootcamps in New England. These best programming bootcamps require four or six courses in programming, which depends on the student’s previous education and experience. Coursework for these coding bootcamps includes 12 semester credits of classes pulled from the Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology academic degree offered by SHU. Classes include C# programming, windows interface design, object-oriented java, scripting, and data structures.
Sacred Heart University was established in 1963. The university’s 300+ suburban acres serve more than 5,200 students. The school operates campuses internationally in Ireland and Luxembourg. Sacred Heart University was the first Catholic institution of higher education in the United States that was run by non-clergy members.
Seattle University offers a programming boot camp in computer science fundamentals that is recognized among the best university coding bootcamps in the northwestern United States. This on-campus best coding boot camps require a minimum of twenty study hours independent of time spent in the classroom. Seattle University’s coding bootcamp requires the completion of 18 credit units to meet the graduate certificate program requirements. Boot camp coursework meets four times per week, which makes it difficult to hold a full-time job and complete the boot camp simultaneously.
Seattle University was established in 1898 and is religiously affiliated with the Jesuit – Roman Catholic Church. More than 7,100 undergraduate, graduate and students attend classes offered by Seattle University’s eight colleges/schools. Seattle University was one of the first school’s in the western U.S. to open an all girl’s night school – highly controversial in the early 1930s.
The University of California, Berkeley Extension offers an online coding boot camp class for part-time or full-time students that is among California’s best university coding bootcamps. Classes for UC Berkeley’s best coding boot camps start on a quarterly basis and last 24 weeks for part-time students or 12 weeks for full-time students. The curriculum for UC Berkeley’s coding bootcamp includes full-stack plus database architecture, creating web apps, algorithms, front end frameworks, and front end fundamentals, among others.
The University of California at Berkeley was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1868. In addition, UC Berkeley is a space grant and flagship campus of the University of California system. The college-town campus covers more than 1,200 acres and serves more than 43,100 students. UC Berkeley partners with three government labs across the country and offers a joint academic program with U.C. San Francisco in medicine.
The University of California, Los Angeles Extension offers a coding bootcamp that can be completed entirely online. UCLA’s best university coding bootcamps offer a part-time six-month program for working learners or a three-month intensive bootcamp for full-time students. The curriculum included in UCLA’s best coding boot camps includes classes in quality assurance, server-side development, java, deployment, and javascript. Certificate candidates graduate with the skills and talents to work professionally in the front-end and back-end phases of computer and software development.
The University of California at Los Angeles was established in 1919. UCLA was developed as a teacher’s college for southern California. Nearly 46,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes vying for academic degrees and certificates from the school’s seventeen colleges/schools. The University of California at Los Angeles’ motto is Fiat Lux – Latin for Let there be light.
The University of Arizona’s Continuing and Professional Education offers a coding boot camp that is available online and on-campus. The University of Arizona’s best university coding bootcamps fast track your career by learning to code in 6 months (as a part-time student) or 3 months (as a full-time student). U of A’s best coding boot camps are a great choice for those looking to accelerate their career or supplement current income with free-lance income earned by web development services.
The University of Arizona was established in 1885. The University of Arizona was founded under the Morrill Land Grant Act and is also the state’s flagship campus and a space grant school. Nearly 46,000 students attend classes on-campus and online offered by U of A’s nineteen colleges/schools. Student athletes at U of A have won many national titles in a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball, and softball.
The University of Central Florida offers one of Florida’s best programming bootcamps at several of the university’s campuses in Sanford, Orlando, UCF’s Innovative Center and Valencia West. UCF’s best coding boot camps are available for full-time students (over 12 weeks) or part-time for working learners (over 24 weeks) with time-limited schedules. UCF’s coding curriculum includes work with jQuery, Heroku, MySQL, Git, CSS3, Node.js, React.js, PHP Frameworks, and MongoDB, to name a few.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) was chartered in 1963. The university operates as a space grant institution of higher education as its location is close to Florida’s space coast, Cape Canaveral, and the Kennedy Space Center. Nearly 70,000 students attend classes at UCF, whose logo is Pegasus. The University of Central Florida operates several campuses regionally throughout central Florida.
The University of California, Irvine offers one of California’s best programming bootcamps that offers online students the option of enrolling each quarter. The curriculum for UC Irvine’s best coding boot camps includes intensive coding workshops in jQuery, C#, CSS3, Bootstrap, ASP.net, among others. Students enrolled in UC Irvine’s boding bootcamp graduate with a dynamic portfolio that highlights your skills and coding talents through real-world projects. Specific coding boot camps are offered in data analytics, digital marketing, cybersecurity, in addition to coding.
The University of California (UC Irvine) was established in 1965 and is a public, land grant institution of higher learning. More than 35,00 students attend classes at UC Irvine, studying for more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees. UC Irvine also operates one of the nation’s largest teaching hospitals – UC Irvine Medical Center.
The University of Denver’s University College offers a coding boot camp recognized among the best programming bootcamps in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. These online best coding boot camps offer the delivery of intensive coursework as students work independently and within cohorts. The curriculum for D.U.’s coding bootcamp includes Command Line, Git, Laravel, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and Database Theory, among others. Students have the option to enroll as a full-time or part-time basis, with the full-time curriculum being completed in 3 months. D.U.’s bootcamp for coders is a career changing experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
The University of Denver was established in 1864. Nearly 13,000 students attend classes on the school’s 125 acre campus and online. The University of Denver holds the distinction of being the oldest of all independent institutions of higher education located in the Rocky Mountain area of the U.S.
The University of Kansas’ Professional and Continuing Education offers one of Kansas’ best programming bootcamps available entirely online. K.U.’s best coding boot camps is a part-time online program that can be completed in about six months. Certificate candidates develop an extensive portfolio of coding projects that showcase their coding skills and talents to future employers. Coursework is organized into several phases – the foundation phase, the technical phase, and the performance phase. The final asynchronous regional content phase includes the creations of scalable applications for the web using object-oriented programming.
The University of Kansas (K.U.) was established in 1865. K.U. is a space grant, flagship institution of higher learning that operates several campuses throughout the state of Kansas. The school’s campuses serve more than 28,300 students. The University of Kansas was chartered by the state legislature.
Programs: Coding, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Format: Online
The University of Miami’s Division of Continuing and International Education offers some of the best programming bootcamps with its coding boot camp and the data analytics boot camp. Each of U Miami’s best coding boot camps are offered with part-time, flexible delivered coursework to allow working learners to continue working full-time. U Miami has partnered with Trilogy Education Services – an organization that is dedicated to preparing the next generation of digital economy participants. Students graduate from U Miami with a certificate of completion, plus one to one coaching, mentoring sessions, and a career services team regarding career development.
The University of Miami was established in 1925 with a suburban campus that covers more than 400 suburban acres outside Miami in Coral Gables. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The football team at the University of Miami have been national champs five times.
The University of Minnesota offers Minnesota’s best programming bootcamps available at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Campus. U of M’s on-campus coding bootcamp offers students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves by deep diving into MERN Stacking, HTML5 Design, CSS4, jQuerey, and JavaScript, among others. Students have the opportunity of enrolling in the University of Minnesota’s best coding boot camps on a full-time basis and finish in about 3 months. Working learners have the option of enrolling in a six month program on a part-time basis.
The University of Minnesota was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1851. U of M’s dual campuses are located only a few miles from one another and serve nearly 50,000 students. U of M’s student enrollment holds the distinction of being the sixth-largest of any main university campus in the nation.
The University of New Hampshire’s Professional Development and Training offers one of New England’s best programming bootcamps that can be completed entirely online. Students enrolled in UNH’s best coding boot camps delve deep into virtual web development learning a wide variety of programming languages like JavaScript, HTML 5, Object-oriented Coding organized into three distinct academic phases. The part-time coding bootcamp from the University of New Hampshire can be completed in under six months and help students develop an extensive portfolio of coding skills and projects for future employers to review.
The University of New Hampshire was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1866. In addition, the University of New Hampshire is the state’s flagship, space grant, and sea grant school. The school’s rural campus covers more than 2,400 acres and serves more than 14,500 students. The school’s law is located in New Hampshire’s state capital.
The University of North Carolina offers several on-campus coding bootcamps recognized among the best coding boot camps in the North Carolina vicinity. Among UNC Chapel Hill’s best programming bootcamps, students can select to dive deep into digital marketing, data analytics, or coding, earning a UNC Chapel Hill Professional Certificate upon completion. Students graduate from UNC Chapel Hill’s coding boot camp with both soft skills and hard talents by the creation and the development of an extensive portfolio of coding projects.
The University of North Carolina – situated in Chapel Hill – was established in 1789. UNC Chapel was the first post-secondary school in the state and is the flagship state school with more than 30,000 students. UNC Chapel Hill boasts that it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, along with two other schools.
Programs: Coding, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing Format: Campus
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Continuing Education division offers a coding boot camp that is recognized among the best programming bootcamps available online. Students interested in enrolling in UNC Charlotte’s best coding boot camps can opt for a full-time basis and finish in 3 months, or enroll part-time and complete the certificate program in 24 weeks. Certificate candidates develop and create a portfolio of projects with the career services team to showcase their coding talents and soft skills training when looking for a job as a coder.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte was established in 1946. The university’s campus covers about a thousand acres and serves more than 29,500 students vying for more than 200 academic programs. The school operates three campuses and holds the distinction of being the largest university in the greater Charlotte metro area. UNC Charlotte was initially developed to serve returning WWII veterans receiving an education on the G.I Bill.
The University of Oregon offers several of the west coast’s best programming bootcamps at its Eugene campus. These best coding boot camps are available in coding, UX/UI, data analytics, or cybersecurity. Students attending one of the four boot camps for coders from the University of Oregon can attend on a full-time basis – and finish in 12 weeks, or on a part-time basis, and complete the certificate’s requirements in 24 weeks. Students graduate with a professional portfolio of work showcasing skills in Bootstrap, Data Structures, Git, HTML5, Algorithms, and JavaScript, to name a few.
The University of Oregon was established in 1876. The schools’ twelve schools/colleges serve more than 22,300 undergraduate and graduate students. U.O.’s campus is situated along the Willamette River in Oregon offers students more than 300 academic degree programs. U.O.’s campus sits upon indigenous land that belonged to the Kalapuya people.
Programs: Coding, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, UX/UI Format: Campus
The University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies offers a Coding Boot Camp that can be completed entirely online. U of R’s best programming bootcamps prepares certificate candidates to become in-demand web developers by studying online when a student’s schedule permits. The University of Richmond’s curriculum for the school’s best coding boot camps includes Java, Bootstrap, Command Line, Git, HTML5, and Database Theory, to name a few. Students graduate with extensive portfolios demonstrating their front-end coding skills and best practices.
The University of Richmond was established in 1830. This private institution of higher education is organized into five colleges/schools located on more than 310 acres in suburban Richmond, Virginia. U of R is home to 4,000 students. Virginia Baptists founded the University of Richmond. It began as a men’s training institute for those who wanted to become Baptists ministers.
The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Professional Education offers one of Texas’ best coding boot camps that can be finished 100% online. UT Austin’s best programming bootcamps are the first of its kind bootcamp in the Lone Star State. Students enrolled in UT Austin’s coding boot camp program earn a certificate of completion from UT Austin, plus create a professional portfolio of coding projects, data analytic programs, technical workshops, and soft skills training. UT Austin’s bootcamp for coders academic team adjusts to a part-time basis – in about 6 months, or on a full-time basis – in about 3 months.
The University of Texas at Austin was established in 1881. UT Austin in the Lone Star State’s flagship institution of higher learning and a member school of the University of Texas. Nearly 52,000 students attend classes at Austin’s urban 400+ acre campus. Longhorn varsity athletes have won several NCAA divisional and national championships in football, baseball, and swimming, etc.
The University of Wisconsin’s Extended Campus offers a coding bootcamp that is available to be completed entirely through the school’s distance learning platform. The best coding boot camps offer by UW Madison’s Extended Campus prepares students with full stack skills and the flexibility to study on the student’s schedule, not the schools. Part-time students complete the program in six months, whereas full-time students immerse themselves in an intensive 3-month curriculum within these best programming bootcamps. Their career services team is exceptional.
The University of Wisconsin was established in 1846 under the Morrill Land Grant Act. In addition, the University of Wisconsin at Madison is the state’s flagship and sea grant institution of higher education. The university maintains an arboretum that was established in the early 1930s, only a few miles from the main campus. UW Madison is home to more than 44,300 students studying for degrees provided by the university’s twenty colleges/schools.
Wichita State University offers several coding boot camps that are recognized as one of the state of Kansas’s best programming bootcamps. These best coding boot camps offer students an opportunity to delve deep into Java or .NET/C# through the online delivery from WSU. Students interested in attending Wichita State University’s coding boot camps online can request additional information and access to pre-course tutorials through the school’s online interest form.
Wichita State University was established in 1895 as a private school for women. The school is organized into nine colleges/schools that serve more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students on four campuses and online. WSU also operates six satellite centers throughout the Wichita area. Wichita State University is one of only three research institutions of higher learning in the state.
Does a Coding Boot Camp Take the Place of College?
Coding Bootcamp doesn’t take the place of college. However, coding boot camp for college students can prepare high school graduates for a major in computing or a related field. Adults who want to switch careers may also find value in participating in coding boot camp.
Computer Science curricula offer a well-rounded understanding of computer operating systems and how students interact with other departments. The coding languages learned in CS programs don’t include all the languages needed to build a website or mobile app. However, students learn about algorithms that help them scale apps in any language. Coding boot camps tend to be less comprehensive due to the truncated timeframes, but learners can always take boot camps that cover their areas of interest.
Can You Go Back to College After Coding Boot Camp?
Let’s look at some of the courses you might experience in a college-level computer science major versus the material of a standard boot camp.
CS degree programs often cover the following components:
Programming in Java
Operating System Design
Programming in C++
Theory
Algorithms
Advanced Mathematics
full stack web development
Can you go back to college after coding boot camp? Bootcamp curriculum components include:
Ruby
APIs
JavaScript
GitHub
Python
Career Coaching
So, yes, these languages segue nicely from coding boot camp for college students to computer science college classes.
Why Should I Take a Coding Boot Camp?
Many people interested in computer programming wonder if they can succeed in the field. Computer coding bootcamp can help you decide if programming is the right career for you. Also, coding bootcamp for beginners can help college and adult students prepare for more advanced courses.
Many students wonder if a computer coding bootcamp can help them get a software development job. They particularly worry about competition from job seekers with computer science degrees. Many employers care about a candidate’s professional portfolio and skillsets more than their educational background. In a recent survey, Indeed asked 1,000 human relations managers about this and 72% of respondents believed computer programmer boot camp graduates could be just as prepared for jobs in computer science as college grads in CS. Bootcamps allow students to learn from knowledgeable industry professionals in an engaging virtual environment.
Computer coding bootcamp can help students decide if they want to switch to a career or major in computer science or data science. The AARP reports that many adults turn to coding boot camps later in life. These mid-career or late career learners like technology and want to learn more without necessarily going back to college. Coding bootcamp for beginners and coding camps for adults are great resources for adults who want to create their own programs and apps.
Should I Choose a Coding Boot Camp Near Me?
You may wonder, can I find coding boot camps near me? Googling “coding boot camp near me” can help you identify colleges, universities and other organizations in your community that offer free or affordable coding camps. You can also search for “programming bootcamp near me.” Consult a career material advisor for more information.
Choosing computer boot camps near me lets you attend classes in your own community. Classroom instruction helps you retain information and gives you an opportunity to ask the instructor for help. Find coding boot camps near me that help you develop valuable skills in the ever-growing tech industry. You may become:
full stack web developer
Successful coding boot camp near me students are adept at time management and can work under pressure. A programming bootcamp near me participant develops problem-solving skills and learns to think quickly. If you plan to attend programming boot camps near me try to find out which ones have relationships with local companies who hire computer programmers, Computer boot camps near me help you network with other students and web development professionals that may be able to help you refine your dream job search skills.
Are there Online Coding Boot Camps?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of online coding boot camp programs. If you have never written a line of code before, you can prepare for your coding boot camps online by taking self-paced courses on Coursera, Codecademy or freeCodeCamp. Just search for the languages or technology you are interested in on any of these sites to find a coding boot camp online.
Taking an online coding boot camp lets you work at your own pace from your couch or the local coffee shop. Coding boot camps online offer technical training, sometimes from ivy league schools, that teach you concepts and introduce you to programming languages.
Choose a university coding bootcamp online that aligns with current market demand. Even if you have little coding experience, you can become proficient with focus, drive and practice. Many students are eager to cut their teeth on real-world problems. Fortunately, the technology field still opens doors for tenacious learners who want to contribute to the needs of today’s corporations as a professional web developer.
25 Tuition Free Colleges and Universities in the US
So you’re looking for a deal like no other on college – the best possible value. Well, how do you feel about free? I’m sure you have many questions – is free tuition really free? Can a free college really work for me?
There are many available options for students who are seeking free college tuition for their post-secondary studies or opportunities to study for a degree offered by college tuition for free. However, it is essential to note that college tuition for free does not necessarily mean that your education will be without cost. This is because many schools that offer free college tuition or free tuition for college will still charge fees for incidentals as well as room/board costs.
Yes, there are some colleges and universities you can attend for free! There are some limitations to these tuition free colleges, though: some are highly specialized, and the Ivy League schools are need-based. The military institutions require years of service, and some of the small institutions require labor or some other form of service in exchange for tuition. But, if you’re willing work, or have financial need, or just want to study something very, very specific, here are 25 tuition free colleges and universities in the United States!
Featured Programs
Note: College are arranged simply in alphabetical order.
1. Alice Lloyd College – Pippa Passes, KY
Alice Lloyd College (ALC) is one of the few colleges that are free for students in the country. Alice Lloyd College offers college for free for eligible students in the school’s service area of central Appalachia – parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. Alice Lloyd College holds the distinction of being one of the free colleges with students that graduate with the least amount of debt. Degree candidates agree to ALC’s work-study program, allowing students to earn a college degree while paying their way by working on campus and in the nearby communities.
Alice Lloyd College was established in 1923. Alice Lloyd College students work in the school for a minimum of 160 hours each semester. Alice Lloyd College has a student enrollment of about 600 students studying for one of the school’s 18-degree programs.
Highlight – Forbes recognizes Alice Lloyd College among the most financially fit colleges in the nation.
Antioch College offers guaranteed full-tuition scholarships that enable eligible/accepted students to attend a college for free. Students who enroll in Antioch College’s Works program attend one of the available free colleges that offer free tuition in exchange for the student gaining real-world experience by working for the school and the school’s academic partners. Antioch College’s mission is to be one of the American colleges that are free to students who commit to working in lieu of paying full tuition for a college education and academic degree.
Antioch College (Ohio) was established in 1852 and reopened in 2011 after a group of alumni bought the school that closed in 2008. Antioch College’s rural campus is home to more than 130 students who also commit to working while studying for their degrees.
Highlight – The first president of Antioch College, was education master Horace Mann.
Barclay College offers a full-tuition scholarship and is one of the colleges that are free for any Kansas resident who is accepted into the school as a student. Students attending Barclay College for free to earn their baccalaureate degree can attend on the central Kansas, Haviland campus, or through the school’s distance learning platform. The undergraduate programs available at one of the best free colleges in the midwestern United States include Pastoral or Youth Ministry, Bible/Theology, Family Studies, Psychology, Elementary Education, Business, or Sports & Recreation, among others. Barclay College has received accreditation by the HLC – the Higher Learning Commission.
Barclay College was established as a private institution of higher education in 1917. The school is affiliated with the Quakers. The school’s rural campus covers more than 20 acres and serves more than 200 residential students.
Highlight – Barclay College boasts an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1.
Berea College offers students college for free. Berea also remits to each student an average of $1,000 that can be applied toward books, fees, housing, and meals, to name a few. As one of the country’s leading free colleges, Forbes recognizes them as one of the top five best colleges that are free (in the best value category) to students studying for academic degrees. Berea College offers more than 30 majors as baccalaureate programs.
Berea College was established in 1855 and is a nondenominational, unaffiliated tuition free Christian school. Berea’s campus is home to more than 1,600 students studying for baccalaureate degrees offered in 30+ majors.
Highlight – Berea College holds the distinction of being the first school in the southern portion of the United States to offer racially integrated classes for co-ed students.
Blackburn College is one of the country’s colleges that are free for students who are residents of Illinois and who demonstrate the greatest financial need. Blackburn College’s promise of no tuition is the first kind of program to be offered throughout the state of Illinois. As a college for free tuition, Blackburn College offers the possibility of the college of education to many students who would not be otherwise able to attend. To qualify for one of the programs offered by one of the country’s free colleges, students must receive a Pell Grant and be eligible for the Illinois MPA – Monetary Awards Program.
Blackburn College is a private institution of higher learning that is affiliated with the US Presbyterian Church. The school’s small-town campus serves nearly 600 students, who receive a tuition rebate for hours worked.
Highlight – Blackburn College is considered a work college, of which there are only nine in the United States.
6. The Central Christian College of the Bible – Moberly, MO
CCCB – The Central Christian College of the Bible, is one of the nation’s free colleges for students who meet the school’s eligibility criteria. The programs offered by this college for free tuition include Christian Education & Counseling, Ministries, Bible, Worship Ministry, and Youth Ministry, to name a few. As one of the country’s colleges that are free to students, the Central Christian College of the Bible also provides degrees in accounting, technology, business, criminal justice, education, healthcare, hospitality, marketing, information technology, nursing, occupational therapy, and addiction counseling, among others.
The Central Christian College of the Bible was established in 1957. The Central Christian College of the Bible’s campus is home to approximately 300 students. The Association for Biblical Higher Education accredits the school.
Highlight – The Central Christian College of the Bible offers more than 25 baccalaureate degree programs for ministry-related subjects.
The College of the Ozarks (which is also known as the C of O) is one of the country’s free colleges that require students to apply for certain grants and to work 15 hours per week on-campus. College for free at the College of the Ozarks with the application of the school’s Cost of Education Scholarship. Among the colleges that are free, the College of the Ozarks discourages students from the act of borrowing. It encourages the creation of a student’s solid work ethic that aligns with the school’s mission and criteria.
The College of the Ozarks was established by the Presbyterian Church in 1906. Students enrolled in the College of the Ozarks are required to work part-time during the school semester and full-time for two weeks on holiday. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 1,500.
Highlight – The College of the Ozarks boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1 to 16.
8. The City University of New York (CUNY) Macaulay Honors College – New York, NY
The City University of New York (CUNY) Macaulay Honors College offers eligible incoming freshmen that are New York State residents an opportunity to attend one of the city’s tuition-free colleges. CUNY Macaulay College’s college for free program finances four years or eight semesters of academic work. Additionally, for students attending one of the colleges that are free to students, CUNY Macaulay Honors College offers free tuition for those students who choose to study abroad through one of the school’s international study programs. CUNY Macaulay Honors College also provides a new Mac laptop and 1st-day privileges during registration.
The City University of New York (CUNY) Macaulay Honors College was established in 2001. The school’s campus is home to more than 2,000 students who generally receive a scholarship equal to full tuition.
Highlight – Only income freshmen (graduating from high school) may apply to CUNY Macaulay Honors College for admission.
9. The Curtis Institute of Music – Philadelphia, PA
The Curtis Institute of Music (CIM) is one of the free colleges in the country that offers full tuition by way of scholarships given to those students who demonstrate a merit-based need and/or a financial need. Students attending the Curtis Institute of Music who attend college for free are required to work and generate as much income as time and studies allow. CIM requires students to submit all forms to attend one of the country’s colleges that are free by March 1.
The Curtis Institute of Music was established as a private school in 1924. The conservatory offers a music baccalaureate and master’s in opera. The school was initially one of the few training schools for orchestra musicians for the Philadelphia Orchestra. The school’s student enrollment is approximately 165.
Highlight – The Curtis Institute of Music holds the distinction of being one of the most selective schools across the globe.
Deep Springs College is proud to offer a college for free to students who are eligible for admission. Although unusual, Deep Springs College offers no majors for students to attend one of the nation’s free colleges. Students graduate and generally complete their degrees in a four-year university. Coursework for one of the few colleges that are free includes Ethics, Mathematics in Political Life, and Dickinson Poetry. Deep Spring’s scholarships include expenses for tuition, room & board.
Deep Springs College was established in 1917. The school’s remote campus in Deep Springs California, is home to only 26 students, is a working cattle ranch/alfalfa farm, and is 20+ miles from the nearest town. The school operates from three principles – self-governance, labor, and academia.
Highlight – Deep Springs College holds the distinction of being one of the smallest colleges in the nation.
Duke University offers the Robertson Scholars Leadership scholarships that offer college for free to eligible selected students. Students who receive the Robertson Scholars Leadership scholarships attend one of the nation’s best colleges that are free for eight semesters with no tuition required and have the option of studying abroad for two of the scholarships eight semesters. Free colleges, like Duke University’s Robertson Scholars Leadership scholarship opportunities, foster the future’s scholars and leaders. This program encourages intellectual freedom through the application of personal integrity.
Duke University was established in 1838. Duke University is an affiliate of the United Methodist Church. The school’s main campus covers more than 8,500 acres and serves nearly 16,000 students. Duke also operates a marine lab in Beaufort, NC.
Highlight – Duke University consistently ranks among the country’s top twenty institutions of higher education.
Ecclesia College (EC) is one of the country’s colleges that are free to students who commit to the school’s work-study program. Ecclesia College holds the distinction of being the only college for free in the state of Arkansas. As one of only seven free colleges with a work-learning program in the nation, Ecclesia College offsets tuition costs for students by applying money earned by the student through the work-study program to outstanding expenses and tuition. Students are also required to finish twelve hours dedicated to Christian-based service.
Ecclesia College was established in 1975. Ecclesia College is a Christian work school that has received accreditation from the ABHE – the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Ecclesia College is a private college with a student enrollment of approximately 175.
Highlight – Ecclesia College participates in these ministries -Bibles for the Nations, Ecclesia Children’s Ministries, and Strategic Missions for Strategic Nations.
13. Haskell Indian Nations University – Lawrence, KS
Haskell Indian Nations University offers college for free to students of Alaska Native or Native-American heritage. Students attending Haskell Indian Nations University as one of the country’s only free colleges graduate with little to no debt, which bucks a national trend of increasing student debt. Haskell Indian Nations University students attending colleges that are free have the opportunity to interact with members of more than 100 federally recognized Indigenous Tribes. Students have the option to enroll in different indigenous language classes.
Haskell Indian Nations University was established in 1884 as a service to those members of the Native American Tribes located in the U.S. the school’s campus in Kansas serves more than 1,000 students. Several buildings on campus are listed as US landmarks.
Highlight – Haskell Indian Nations University is a recognized residential tribal university that is operated by the federal government.
Would you like to get a Nobel Prize someday? A MacArthur genius grant? Maybe you’d like to be a Rhodes scholar? Well, MIT would be a place to start – their students, graduates, and faculty have an exceptionally high proportion of honors. And incredibly, because they are committed to getting the highest quality of students regardless of background, MIT is free for most students.
This polytechnic institute, located in Cambridge, MA, is legendary for its excellence. That’s because they only accept the very best students in science and engineering, of course. And if you qualify, and your family makes less than $75,000 a year, you can go for free.
Sterling College offers college for free to students who demonstrate a need by offering grants that defray college costs and allow students to graduate with a reasonable amount of debt. As one of the nation’s free colleges and premier ecological education providers, Sterling College prepares graduates in green technology and sustainable farming to give back to their communities. Among colleges that are free, Sterling boasts an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of only 6 to 1. Sterling College’s campus kitchen is recognized as the first in the country for local food that is offered through humane, fair trade.
Sterling College (Vermont) was established in 158 as a young man’s prep school. Sterling College offers students ecologically minded degrees in food systems, ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Sterling College is home to approximately 120 students.
Highlight – Sterling College in Vermont is a member school of the eight school Work College Consortium.
The University of the People is the first nonprofit college for free for students who want to finish their degrees online. As one of the few free colleges in the United States, the University of the People offers degrees in computer science, education, health science, and business administration. While the U of P is ranked among the few colleges that are free in the United States, they do charge nominal fees to help defray expenses. However, students who do not have the resources to pay these fees can apply for scholarships.
The University of the People was established in 2009 as a school that offers online education exclusively. The university’s online virtual campus is home to more than 27,000 students. U of P’s motto is the education revolution.
Highlight – Bill Gates awarded the school more than $600,000 to help secure accreditation, which occurred in 2014.
17. The United States Air Force Academy – Air Force Academy, CO
The United States Air Force Academy is recognized among the colleges that are free if the student commits to serving the country for a specified amount of time. Graduates from the US Air Force Academy serve as officers in the USAF as compensation for the education they receive from the US military’s free colleges. Those who receive pilot training while earning a degree from college for free commit to ten years of service upon completion of training. Rather than using the traditional names for freshman, sophomore, etc., the USAF labels classes as fourth class = freshman, and third-class = sophomores, and so on.
The United States Air Force Academy was established in 1954. The USAFA’s campus is located north of Colorado Springs and is home to more than 4,200 cadets. Graduates of USAFA’s baccalaureate program serve as US Air Force 2nd Lieutenants.
Highlight – The United States Air Force Academy is the youngest of the military academies in the United States.
18. The United States Coast Guard Academy – London, CT
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is recognized among the best free colleges in the country. Those who receive an education and a degree from a college for free from the USCG make a commitment to serve in the US Coast Guard for a specified number of years. Admission to one of the best colleges that are free is considered very competitive and is based strictly on merit as a congressional nomination is not a part of the USCG admission process. The US Coast Guard Academy selects only several hundred students from many thousands of applications.
The United States Coast Guard Academy was established in 1876. Degree candidates graduate as ensigns with a commitment to a five-year service term. Student enrollment at the US Coast Guard Academy exceeds 1,000 cadets.
Highlight – The United States Coast Guard Academy is the next to smallest service academy in the United States.
19. The United States Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point, NY
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of the free colleges that offer a college degree and education for those students who commit to serving in the Merchant Marines for a specified number of years. The expenses for attending this college for free require students to pay for their personal expenses – such as laundry, tailor, and barber expenses as midshipmen. The USMMA is recognized among colleges that are free but require students to spend a minimum of 300 days at sea on various types of vessels.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy was established in 1943. The school’s suburban campus in Kings Point NY is home to more than 1,000 mid-shipment who generally move on to careers in the branches of the military.
Highlight – The US Merchant Marine Academy offers degrees in maritime law, customs, and international law, among others.
20. The United States Military Academy – West Point, NY
The United States Military Academy (USMA) is one of the free colleges that offer academic degrees for students who agree to serve in the United States military for a predetermined number of years. Cadets attending this military college for free become part of the long-standing tradition of this oldest among military colleges that are free. Applicants for entry into the US Military Academy must meet academic, physical, and leadership requirements set forth by the academy staff. Candidates must be 17 (but not older than 22 years of age) when entering the US Military Academy at West Point.
The United States Military Academy was established in 1802. The US Military Academy’s campus covers more than 16,000 acres along the Hudson River an hour or so to the north of New York City. Currently, the Military Academy’s student enrollment exceeds 4,200 cadets.
Highlight – Candidates of the US Military Academy must usually have a congressional nomination.
21. The United States Naval Academy – Annapolis, MD
The USNA – the United States Naval Academy is one of the five military colleges that are free for students earning their degrees in exchange for a commitment to serve in the naval forces for a minimum of five years. Students enrolled as midshipmen in one of the free colleges for training military leaders receive a stipend each month, which increases over time. The USNA, as a military college for free, includes tuition, room board, and medical insurance premiums. The USNA is considered the #1 public institution of higher learning in the country, according to US News.
The United States Naval Academy was chartered in 1845. The Naval Academy’s 325+ acre campus is home to more than 4,500 midshipmen who will likely be commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the marines or an ensign in the navy.
Highlight -The United States Naval Academy is the next to the oldest of the country’s military service academies.
Vanderbilt University offers students education from a top college for free through the Ingram Scholars Program. Ingram Scholars attending Vanderbilt University as one of the colleges that are free must demonstrate personal motivation in solving society’s problems while building a successful professional/business career. Enrolling in Vanderbilt as one of the free colleges in the nation as an Ingram Scholar prepares students to become future leaders offering contributions to society for the betterment of all. Vanderbilt University serves as a model school for diversity and inclusion in residential academics.
Vanderbilt University was established in 1873. Vanderbilt University’s campus covers more than 300 acres and serves about 12,000 students. US News recognizes Vanderbilt University among the top fifteen national universities.
Highlight – Vanderbilt University’s library system holds more than 8 million items and is ranked among the top research facilities in the country.
Warren Wilson College (WWC) offers two different programs that actually allow students to attend Warren Wilson College for free. The NC Free Tuition plan allows full-time undergraduate students and NC residents to attend one of the few colleges that are free. WWC’s Milepost One is another of the programs that offer students the opportunity to attend one of the country’s free colleges. Milepost One candidate must be from a family whose income does not exceed $125,000 and agree to participate in the Warren Wilson College established work program.
Warren Wilson College was established in 1894 and is affiliated with the USA Presbyterian Church. Warren Wilson College is one of the member schools of the Work Colleges Consortium and home to approximately 700 students.
Highlight – Warren Wilson College is best known for its curriculum, which integrates service, academics, and work.
The Webb Institute (NY) offers US citizens an opportunity to partake in one of the colleges that are free still operating in the country. Each student accepted into the Webb Institute attends this college for free but must submit documents to receive Pell Grants, etc. to be eligible. The Webb Institute, as one of the free colleges still offering academic degrees at no cost, also provides scholarships that are awarded based on a student’s demonstrated need.
The Webb Institute (NY) is a private school dedicated to the field of engineering that was established in 1889. Graduates earn a baccalaureate degree in either marine engineering or naval architecture. The school’s 25+ acres in suburban Glen Cove, Long Island, is home to approximately 100 students.
Highlight – William Webb chartered the school after his illustrious career as a naval ship designer.
25. Williamson College of the Trades – Middletown, PA
The Williamson College of the Trades (WCT) offers students an opportunity to attend college for free. As one of the few colleges that are free, WCT prepares students to become future leaders of industry and trade. While anyone can apply to the Williamson College of the Trades, preference is given to students with demonstrated financial need. WCT, like all free colleges, seeks to offer a college education to someone who would otherwise be unable to attend.
The Williamson College of the Trades is a junior college for men that was established in 1888. The school’s campus covers more than 200 acres and is situated in a Philadelphia suburb and home to about 250 undergraduate students. The school is accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
Highlight – Williamson College of the Trades was originally opened for underprivileged boys in need of vocational training.
Tuition free colleges aren’t necessarily free of tuition. Tuition free may just mean that you don’t pay the tuition. Ivy League schools are an example – they have tuition, but only those who can afford it pay it. They offer a free tuition program for those who cannot as a form of financial aid. Many institutions of higher education offer free tuition for college that requires the student to work in one of the school’s departments or stores. Additionally, the following United States military academies provide free tuition for university studies by requiring students to serve in the military. These free college tuition institutions for undergraduate students include the following–
The U.S. Military Academy
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
The U.S. Naval Academy
The military academies offer a free tuition program to attract the best candidates. Still, other accredited schools offer free college tuition both on-campus and through distance learning platforms. The accredited schools that offer free tuition for college students include the following partial list –
Other accredited schools with free tuition for college include those free tuition for university students in USA online, check out the University of the People that provides free tuition for college students studying online.
Many additional sources provide coursework and academic classes with free tuition for college studies. These online sources for college tuition for free include these amazing universities – Stanford University, Yale University, Tufts University, and MIT.
We’ve seen a lot of news recently about making community college free, but currently community college is only free under certain circumstances.
Can International Students Go to College in the U.S. Tuition Free?
The Institute of International Education notes that there are almost 1 million international students who are studying in the United States. Many require financial aid, but there are opportunities for international students to go to college for free.
Are you an international student searching for –
Free tuition universities in USA or free colleges in USA.
Tuition free colleges for international students.
Tuition Free College USA.
Free Tuition Colleges in USA.
Tuition free American Universities and colleges.
Tuition free colleges and universities in USA that offer online courses.
First, it is essential to know that as an international student, you will need to apply to those tuition free colleges in the United States that offer programs that meet your education needs and career objectives. As an international student attending one of the free tuition colleges in USA, you will follow the traditional steps for students from the United States attending universities with free tuition in USA.
International students enrolled in one of the tuition-free colleges in the United States will likely need to take the TOEFL test if English is not your native language. However, those international students attending free tuition universities in USA who score above specific criteria on the SAT may find the free college USA will waive the TOEFL requirement.
Many schools offering free college tuition in USA are proactively seeking to create more globalized campuses. However, it is essential to note that there are only a limited number of spots available for international students looking for free tuition colleges in USA. Financial aid will be no concern.
Those universities with free tuition in USA tend to place relative importance on test scores. Still, the college application for free colleges in USA generally includes an emphasis on the applicant’s qualities, academic history, and participation in the school and surrounding community.
Top 25 Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs for Working Nurses
The best RN to BSN online programs can provide you with additional skills that will allow you to expand your current boundaries. If you are an RN and are interested in becoming an educator, an administrator, or a Director of Nursing, enrolling in a good online BSN program is the best way to accomplish your goals. RNs who are already working in the field have valuable experience that will accentuate the lessons offered in an online BSN program. Being able to combine your experience with the lessons you have learned will be what makes you an asset to your profession.
The Top 5 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Degrees are:
1. Daytona State College
2. University of Missouri – St Louis
3. Minot State University
4. Nicholls State University
5. College of Coastal Georgia
Advancing from an RN to a BSN degree program will provide you with management and organizational skills you will need to take on more responsibility. Added responsibility can take the form of managing a department, organizing accurate and concise records, and supervising the hands-on care that your staff provides to the patients they serve. As a Director of Nursing or an Administrator, you will be held accountable for the actions of your staff. Earning your BSN allows you to pursue many different positions outside of providing direct care to patients.
Featured Programs
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs
Value Colleges is committed to pointing prospective nursing students to the programs that save them money while also providing a real career boost. That’s why the Most Affordable ranking features only accredited, reputable institutions, ranked according to their tuition cost (based on current IPEDS data). Students may also want to look into options for getting a free nursing degree.
1. Daytona State College
Daytona State College’s School of Nursing offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs that are the perfect fit for new or working nurse professionals. Among the most affordable nursing schools, Daytona State College requires students to complete 120 credit hours, of which 48 credit hours of the nursing curriculum. Specific coursework for Daytona State College’s RN to BSN online program includes Pharmacology, Ethical Aspects of Nursing, Clinical Decision Making, Healthcare Economics, and Community Health Nursing, to name a few.
Daytona State College (DSC) was established in 1957 and is a member school of the Florida College System. The school’s urban campus in Daytona Beach is home to more than 18,000 students, of which more than 10,000 were studying part-time. Daytona State College partners with several local Florida county school districts to offer high school juniors/seniors the opportunity to earn credits.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis’ College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN degree program that can be completed 100% online. This RN to BSN online program from the University of Missouri is one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs. Additionally, online students receive their textbooks at no cost from one of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation. UMSL’s online RN to BSN degree is completed in five semesters but admits incoming students all year.
The University of Missouri in St. Louis was founded in 1960. This land-grant institution of higher education operates facilities in St Louis county. The school’s campus covers more than 300 urban acres and is home to more than 16,500 students. The University of Missouri–St. Louis owns and co-operates the St Louis national Public radio station.
Degree: RN to BSN
University of Missouri-St. Louis’ College of Nursing
3. Minot State University
Minot State University‘s Department of Nursing offers an RN to BSN degree program that can be completed as a part-time or a full-time student. Minot State University‘s most affordable online RN to BSN programs require students to finish 122 credit hours to complete the RN to BSN degree, of which 30 credit hours must be completed at Minot State University. This RN to BSN online program from one of the most affordable nursing schools has received accreditation from the ACEN – the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Minot State University was founded as a teacher’s training school in 1913. The school is organized into three colleges/schools – the arts and science school, education, and business. Minot State University’s student enrollment exceeds 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Minot State University is a member school of the ND University System.
Nicholls State University’s College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN articulation degree program that awards credit for current knowledge and work experience. Coursework for Nicholls State University’s most affordable online RN to BSN programs includes gerontic nursing care, health assessments, nursing research, nursing practices, and community health nursing, to name a few. Students enrolled in this RN to BSN online program from one of the most affordable nursing schools allow students to transfer up to 75% of the program’s required credits.
Nicholls State University was established as a junior college in 1948. NSU is a member school of the University of Louisiana System. NSU’s campus in Thibodaux is home to more than 6,100 students and once a large portion of a plantation abutting the Bayou Lafourche. The school’s name honors Francis Nicholls, a member of the state’s supreme court and a former governor.
Degree: RN to BSN Articulation
5. College of Coastal Georgia
The College of Coastal Georgia offers an online RN to BSN degree program that is recognized among the number one most affordable online RN to BSN programs by NursingSchoolHub.com. As one of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation, RN to BSN students have the option to complete the degree in three or six semesters. Students can complete coursework online, but clinical rotation hours are also required. Applicants to the College of Coastal Georgia’s RN to BSN degree program must have a diploma in nursing or an Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing from an accredited institution of higher education.
The College of Coastal Georgia was founded as a public institution of higher education in 1961, as Brunswick College. The College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA) is one of the newest colleges in the Peach State of Georgia. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 3,100 students. The College of Coastal Georgia is organized into four schools, nursing/health, arts/sciences, education, and business/public management.
Columbia College’s Nursing Department offers an RN to BSN degree program is recognized among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs by BestHealthDegrees.com. This RN to BSN program from one of the most affordable nursing schools offering exclusively online nursing degrees has received accreditation from the CCNE. Coursework for Columbia College’s RN to BSN program includes pathophysiology, human nutrition, nursing research, biomedical ethics, professional nursing practice, and community health nursing, among others. Columbia College’s RN to BSN completion program requires the completion of 120 credit hours.
Columbia College was established in 1851. The college is denominational, although it once had an affiliation with the Church of the Disciples of Christ. Columbia College’s campus covers more than 200 urban acres and serves nearly 2,000 students. One in three students enrolled at Columbia is affiliated with the US military. Columbia College operates facilities in fourteen states and Cuba.
West Virginia University’s School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN completion degree program that is available entirely online. These most affordable online RN to BSN programs from West Virginia University has received accreditation from the CCNE. Classes for this RN to BSN online program from one of the most affordable nursing schools include clinical pharmacology, adult health, professional nursing practice, evidence-based practice, and health assessment, plus a simulation experience at the end of the course.
West Virginia University was established under the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia. West Virginia University operates academic facilities in each of the state’s 55 counties. WVU is also a space-grant university that serves nearly 30,000 students vying for degrees provided by the university’s fourteen colleges/schools. West Virginia University partners with the FBI as a leading biometric technology research center.
The University of Utah’s College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN degree completion program that is considered among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs available. In addition to the required credit hours, students enrolled in the RN to BSN track from one of the most affordable nursing schools; degree candidates are required to complete a clinical practicum of 68 hours and a clinical rotation of 45 hours.
The University of Utah was founded in 1850 and is a member school of the Utah System of Higher Education. The U of U was originally established as the University of Deseret. The University of Utah operates four hospitals, plus a dozen healthcare clinics throughout nearby communities. The University of Utah is recognized as the state’s oldest higher institution of higher learning, having been founded decades before statehood.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s College of Professional and Graduate Studies offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs that have received accreditation the state’s Board of Nursing and ACEN – the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Among the most affordable nursing schools, Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s affordable RN to BSN requires degree candidates to complete the RN to BSN program within five years of starting the program. Coursework for this program includes Concepts of Nursing, Gerontology, Evidenced-based Research, Pathophysiology, and Human Nutrition, to name a few.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 as a teacher’s training school and a prep school. SWOSU is a member school of the University System of Oklahoma. The student enrollment at Southwestern Oklahoma State University nears 4,500 students studying for degrees on the school’s 300+ acre campuses in rural Oklahoma. Sayre Junior college and Southwestern Oklahoma State University merged to create the school’s Sayre campus.
Degree: RN to BSN
10. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Nursing offers one of the country’s most affordable online RN to BSN programs, from one of the most affordable nursing schools in the country. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits UIC’s RN to BSN completion program. US News recognizes UIC’s College of Nursing programs among the top 3 online undergraduate programs available. Coursework for this RN to BSN program includes nursing care of populations, nursing informatics, health assessment, nursing leadership, and issues in nursing practice.
The University of Illinois – Chicago was founded in 1982. The school operates two Chicago campuses – one next to the famous Chicago Loop. UIC is a member campus of the University of Illinois System with a student enrollment that nears 33,500. The University of Illinois – Chicago offers academic degrees from its sixteen schools/colleges. UIC’s roots are traced to several health-related colleges established in the 1800s.
Columbus State University’s School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN completion program that can be finished entirely online, which means totally flexible scheduling for students. These most affordable online RN to BSN programs from Columbus State University have been accredited by CCNE. CSU’s employment rate is 100% after graduation, which makes the school one of the most affordable nursing schools in the country. CSU’s RN to BSN program can be completed in about one year.
Columbus State University (CSU) was founded in 1958 as a junior college. CSU is a member school of the University System of Georgia. Columbus State University’s 120+ acre campus serves more than 7,600 students. CSU operates a satellite facility in Fort Benning. Columbus State University partners with Oxford to use the Spencer House in Great Britain.
The University of Southern Indiana offers an RN to BSN degree completion program from one of the country’s most affordable nursing schools. Degree candidates enrolled in USI’s most affordable online RN to BSN programs have received accreditation from the state’s Board of Nursing and the CCNE. Nursing coursework for USI’s RN to BSN completion degree includes nursing informatics, nursing leadership, clinical synthesis, and care coordination, to name a few. USI requires 120 credit units to graduate from the BSN program.
The University of Southern Indiana was founded in 1965 as a public institution of higher education. USI is a member school of the American Association of State Colleges & Universities. USI’s campus in Evansville covers more than 1,000 suburban acres and serves more than 9,000 students. The USI theatre group partnered with the new Harmony Theatre.
Lamar University offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online. These most affordable online RN to BSN programs can be completed in about one year and require 30 credit hours to graduate. The ACEN – the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing has accredited the nursing programs offered by Lamar University, one of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation. Degree candidates enrolled in Lamar University’s RN to BSN program can opt for eight-week or 15-week class schedules.
Lamar University was founded as a public university in 1923. As a space-grant institution of higher learning, Lamar University is named for the Texas Republic’s second president. More than 15,000 students attend classes on Lamar’s urban campus in Beaumont. US News recognizes the school and programs offered by Lamar University across several academic categories.
Sam Houston State University’s offers an RN to BSN degree program that is considered among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the state of Texas. Sam Houston State University is also considered one of the most affordable nursing schools in the Lone Star State. The curriculum for Sam Houston State University’s RN to BSN program includes ethical issues in nursing, rural health, community nursing, leadership, nursing informatics, plus a capstone nursing project. Degree candidates must complete 121 credit hours to graduate.
Sam Houston State University was established in 1879 as a training institute for teachers. As a member school of the Texas State University system, SHSU serves more than 20,000 students studying for academic degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Sam Houston State University was created as a result of the Texas legislature business.
Indiana University offers several nursing completion programs that are recognized among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs available. Among the most affordable nursing schools, Indiana University provides degree candidates an option of an LPN to BSN degree program or an RN to BSN degree program. The affordable RN to BSN requires the completion of 35 credit hours; however, up to ten credit hours may be earned through a demonstrated professional portfolio. Indiana University’s nursing programs have been recognized among the best online degrees.
Indiana University operates nine campuses (2 core campuses) across the state of Indiana in Bloomington, Richmond, Fort Wayne, Gary, and Kokomo, to name a few. Indiana University has a student enrollment across all campuses that exceeds 110,000 students. In 2016, Indiana University was granted more than 100 global patents and 50+ US patents.
Florida International University Online offers an RN to BSN program that is recognized as one of the top & most affordable online RN to BSN programs. The RN to BSN program from FIU – one of the most affordable nursing schools in Florida, includes coursework like adult physiological nursing, childrearing, global health systems, psychosocial nursing, plus a clinical practicum, among others. Students enrolled in FIU’s RN to BSN program generally complete the program as full -time students in three semesters.
Florida International University was founded as a space-grant institution of higher education in 1965 by a bill introduced by senator Bob Haverfield. As a state university, Florida International University serves nearly 59,000 students in South Florida. FIU is the first public institution of higher education in Miami when built. Florida International University holds the distinction of being the largest university in the Miami metropolitan area.
Ferris State University offers an RN to BSN completion program that is ranked among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the midwestern United States. Students applying for FSU’s nursing completion program must hold an unencumbered Registered Nurses license. More than 80% of the students attending FSU – one of the most affordable nursing schools in the Midwest – receive financial aid to help pay tuition and expenses. Students graduate and re-enter the workforce taking on more responsibility as educators, leaders, and administrators.
Ferris State University (FSU) was established in 1884 as an industrial school. FSU’s operates an urban and a rural campus. Both campuses serve nearly 15,000 students each year. FSU’s first graduating class was noteworthy as it included female graduates. An educator from NY, Woodbridge Ferris, who later became Michigan’s governor, founded Ferris State University.
Arizona State University offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the state of Arizona that requires degree candidates to complete 39 credit units to graduate. Students complete ten classes during 7.5-week class formats and generally finish in 14 months to 2 years. Among the most affordable nursing schools, ASU requires degree candidates to complete coursework in nursing management, nursing theory, public health nursing, nursing research, plus a capstone project to synthesize the principles of professional nursing.
Arizona State University was founded as a public teaching training school in 1885 before Arizona received statehood. ASU’s student enrollment is recognized among the largest in the country, at 90,000, including distance learning students. Arizona State University operates several campuses through the greater Tempe and Phoenix, AZ locations.
Oakland University’s School of Nursing is recognized among the most affordable nursing schools offering online education in the upper midwestern portion of the United States. Oakland University’s RN to BSN degree program is recognized as one the most affordable online RN to BSN programs available. Oakland University’s BSN completion program includes a full year of coursework that includes health promotion, nursing leadership, community nursing, health disparities, plus a nursing capstone project. Part-time students complete Oakland University’s RN to BSN in about twenty months.
Oakland University was established in 1957. Oakland University holds the distinction of being the second oldest institution of higher education in the greater Detroit metro area. Oakland University’s 1,400+ acre campus serves more than 20,000 students. Meadow Brook Hall is listing as a national landmark and the 4th largest mansion (museum) in the country.
Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN completion degree program that is available 100% online. WCU’s nursing programs are offered by one of the most affordable nursing schools in the southern United States and can be completed in only four semesters. In-state and out-of-state, students pay the same tuition for these most affordable online RN to BSN programs. Western Carolina University’s nursing programs are accredited by CCNE and approved by the state’s Board of Nursing.
Western Carolina University was founded in 1889. Western Carolina University is a member school and the fifth oldest campus within the University of NC System. Western Carolina University’s valley location campus covers more than 500 acres and serves more than 12,000 students. WCU was created to serve the education needs of the citizens of the mountains in Western North Carolina.
Northern Arizona University’s School of Nursing offers a degree program for Registered Nurses seeking to earn their undergraduate degree in nursing. NAU’s RN to BSN program is recognized among the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in Arizona requires degree candidates to complete 120 credit hours to meet the program requirements, of which 30 credit hours must be from the BSN requirements. The coursework for this RN to BSN completion program – from one of the most affordable nursing schools – includes gerontology, palliative care, human anatomy, family nursing, nursing informatics, and nursing in public health.
Northern Arizona University (NAU) was founded in 1899 as a public institution of higher learning and training institute for teachers. NAU’s small city campus is home to nearly 31,000 students. Northern Arizona University’s undergraduate students are offered a pledge where tuition rates remain the same for four years.
The University of Arkansas’ Mann School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN completion degree program that is recognized by US News as one of the best & most affordable online RN to BSN programs available in the education marketplace. As one of the most affordable nursing schools, U of A requires students to complete 30 credit hours that can be completed in 3 semesters as a full-time student. In addition to coursework, RN to BSN nursing degree candidates must complete clinical rotation hours of at least 75 hours.
The University of Arkansas was founded in 1871. The school is a space-grant and land-grant school and a member school and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system. The University of Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville is home to nearly 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Arkansas, the state’s largest and most comprehensive university.
The University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs, as noted by US News and World Report. Students enrolled in this RN to BSN program from UCF – one of the most affordable nursing schools – are required to complete 30 credit units beyond the associate degree within three semesters, as a full-time student, or longer, for part-time students. Degree candidates enter the workforce as a case manager, educator, ER nurse, or nurse leader, among others.
The University of Central Florida has founded a space-grant university in 1963. The University of Central Florida holds the distinction of having more students enrolled in an on-campus program than any other institution of higher learning in the nation. UCF’s student enrollment nears 70,000 students, who study on the school’s campus about 10 miles from downtown Orlando. US News recognizes UCF among the top three up-and-coming universities in the national category.
The School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online if you already have an associate degree. UAB’s most affordable online RN to BSN programs requires students to complete 30 credit hours as a full time or part-time student. As one of the most affordable nursing programs, UAB’s nursing curriculum includes systems leadership, patient safety, transitional care, informatics, population health, applied pathophysiology, and professional nursing concepts, among others.
The University of Alabama in Birmingham is a research-related university that was founded in 1969. More than 13,700 students attend classes offered by UAB. The University of Alabama at Birmingham employs about 10% of the Binghamton metro area’s population. The University of Alabama at Birmingham was originally developed as an academic outreach facility for the university.
Georgia Southern University’s Waters College of Health Professionals offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the southern United States for nurses with an associate degree. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the RN to BSN degree program offered by Georgia Southern University. Coursework for this RN to BSN degree includes nursing research, health assessment, anatomy, pharmacology, and mental health, among others. Georgia Southern University is recognized as one of the most affordable nursing schools in Georgia.
Georgia Southern University was established in 1906. As a land-grant school, GS operates several campuses in the Statesboro area. Georgia Southern University’s campuses serve more than 26,000 students studying for the more than 130 degree programs offered by GS. GS holds the distinction of being the fifth largest campus of the University System of Georgia.
The first step to take if you are trying to advance from an RN to a BSN is to go over a list of accredited nursing schools. If you already have an associate degree, you are starting out ahead. Find the ones that meet your specific criteria. Many RN to BSN students choose to pursue their degree online so they can continue to work while they are taking their classes. Online courses offer extremely flexible schedules so that students have the time they need to work on their courses when it is most convenient for them. This allows them to go to work and school at the same time without having conflicting schedules.
Many CCNE accredited schools offer accelerated RN to BSN online degree programs. These programs allow students to complete their coursework at a much faster rate. Where a normal degree program may take up to 24 months, an accelerated degree program can be completed in as little as 18 months. This means they can advance into a higher paying position in much less time. These programs are good choices for nurses who already have several years of knowledge and are trying to improve their ability to be hired for advanced positions.
How Much Can I Make With an Online BSN Degree?
RN’s have the ability to earn approximately $64,000 per year on average. Nurses who want to go from an RN to BSN can possibly earn as much as $68,000 per year as an average salary. Nurses who are trying to pursue a higher degree program often do so in order to make more money, but others take the advanced BSN degree program option so they can take on more responsibility and possibly move away from the hands-on, personalized patient care roles. Applying for a managerial or administrative position will earn them more money, but will also require that they assume more responsibility as well.
An RN or BSN graduate can earn far more than the average salary if they take the time to go above and beyond at their job and when they are attending school. Students with higher GPAs are more likely to get a higher wage when they are first hired. RN and BSN graduates who already have several years of experience working with direct patient care or in an administrative role can also expect to receive a higher than average starting wage. It’s understood that the years of experience working in a direct care capacity is extremely beneficial when combined with an online degree program.
Top 25 Best On-Campus Information Technology IT Schools
An information technology bachelor’s degree is one of the most versatile, market-ready choices for new college students. It provides a broad foundation in the systems that make modern life possible, giving students the opportunity to begin a career right out of the gate or setting the stage for more advanced degrees, certifications, and specializations. From data management to information systems to networking, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a launchpad for a rewarding career.
When it comes to looking for information technology degree programs, college students need to be cautious; not all degrees are the same. A bachelor’s in information technology might get you a job, but it takes a quality IT program to really set a graduate off into a successful career. Strong mentorship, access to the latest technology, internship opportunities, hands-on research, and a strong job market network are the features to look for in an IT degree program. Value Colleges knows what prospective IT students are looking for, and our ranking of the Best Value Campus Information Technology programs is dedicated to return on investment.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Bachelor’s in Information Technology Programs
Our Best Value IT ranking is designed to point prospective IT professionals to the programs more likely to make a real difference in their careers. For that reason, VC editors focused our research on information technology programs from accredited, reputable institutions. From our initial list, we ranked IT degree programs according to four quantifiable factors:
When you are looking for a bachelors in information technology to help with your long-term career goals, Purdue University offers a program to help with your plans. The BS in Computer Information Technology degree program at Purdue University focuses on data security and system function, which plays a key role in modern business. Since companies need professionals to protect their client’s data and limit the risks to the business, the training in proper data security helps you obtain a job to start your career.
Purdue University stands apart from online degree IT programs by focusing on the security aspects of information technology. Since more companies and areas of life rely on computers and technology, education must focus on methods of maintaining security as well as the technical skills to handle the challenges of a career in technology. Purdue University offers a degree in computer information technology that focuses on a combination of technical expertise and security skills designed to help you obtain your career goals.
Degree:BS in Computer Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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2. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers a BS in Information Science and Technology that provides students with the training and skills to work in a technology career. The degree program builds mathematical and computational skills you need to analyze technology and address challenges within a system. Since the degree combines technical expertise with mathematics, you will have a variety of career options after completing the degree.
A key way the University of Arizona stands apart from other programs is the focus on mathematics as it relates to computation and computer science. The degree program recognizes that intensive computing requires the logical and problem-solving skills that come from mathematics. It also requires a strong foundation in math to understand the full scope of the computer network and systems.
Degree:BS in Information Science and Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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3. Brigham Young University
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Brigham Young University provides students with a strong foundation in computing skills and technology skills that give them an opportunity to focus on a career goal. The degree program teaches students problem analysis as part of the development of computing skills to ensure that you can identify problems and take steps to resolve the concerns. It also teaches the relevant design, programming, and computer-based skills you need for your career.
Brigham Young University offers a degree program that gives college students analytical skills that build on the computing skills to help you think of solutions to potential concerns. The focus on providing students with the skills to address and resolve problems gives them a chance to focus on long-term plans for a career. BYU ensures that students have the problem-solving skills to handle the challenges of working in the technology industry.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers a BS in Information Technology and Web Science that recognizes the importance of information technology in our daily lives. It also recognizes the growing importance of the Internet and web science as it relates to information technology. By focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to technology, it prepares students for the rapid changes associated with the technology industry.
A key way Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute differs fromonline degree IT programs is its interdisciplinary approach to learning. The college focuses on teaching college students the skills they need to handle the challenges that may arise in the future as it relates to the development of the web as well as the development of information technology and computing.
Degree:BS in Information Technology and Web Science
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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5. Temple University
The BS or BA in Information Science and Technology from Temple University prepares students for the challenges of computing in the technology industry. The degree program teaches students valuable programming languages and the use of computer graphics for specific goals. It also teaches students information management and operating systems to prepare for the security concerns that may arise in a corporate environment. The skills prepare students to handle the challenges of a career in technology.
Temple University offers students a well-rounded education with a focus on programming, computer graphics, and data management within a corporation or business.. The focus on relevant skills ensures that students are ready to handle the challenges of their career and focus on accomplishing long-term goals. It gives you the tools you need to work in the technology industry.
Degree:BA or BS in Information Science and Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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6. New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a BS in Information Technology that focuses on the practitioner and not the system. By taking a practitioner approach to design, programming, and software management, the college gives students a balanced view of technology and the industry. That balanced approach ensures that you are prepared for the challenges you will face in your career.
A key way the New Jersey Institute of Technology differs from other programs is the focus on the practitioner. That unique focus ensures that students are prepared to handle the challenges of a career in technology. It gives you an opportunity to focus on specific areas of information technology and work on realistic solutions to help with your long-term goals. This practitioner-focused approach to learning that gives students a balanced view of technology and systems.
Degree:BS in Computer Science
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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7. Rochester Institute of Technology
When you are looking for a degree in Information Technology, you may want to consider the BS in Computer and Information Technologies from the Rochester Institute of Technology. The degree program focuses on teaching prospective students every aspect of IT solutions from the development and testing of a system to the management of a network. That focus on technical skills gives students an opportunity to reach their goals for a career in technology.
The Rochester Institute of Technology stands out from other programs with its straight-forward curriculum and focus on IT solutions. It focuses on the technical expertise a student needs to work in the technology industry. That focus allows students to develop skills that have high demand within companies and address problems that may arise when dealing with a network or system. A key reason the Rochester Institute of Technology differs from other programs is the focus of its curriculum and the high standards as it relates to IT skills.
Degree:BS in Computer and Information Technologies
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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8. Illinois Institute of Technology
The Bachelor of Information Technology and Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology takes a comprehensive approach to the technology industry and the training students need for their career goals. The degree program requires students to take courses that complement their training in information technology, such as business technology or industrial technology. The additional courses ensure that students have a well-rounded view of the IT industry and understand the role they play when they are working in their field.
The Illinois Institute of Technology offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that encourage studies in complementary topics to ensure that they are ready for the challenges of working in a corporate environment. By focusing on technology within specific industries and fields, you gain the relevant skills to handle the challenges that may arise in that career setting. It gives you an opportunity to focus on your long-term goals as a technology professional.
Degree:Bachelor of Information Technology and Management
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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9. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers a BS in Information Technology that is ABET-accredited and focuses on teaching computer science students relevant skills to identify emerging trends in technology and online design. That understanding of emerging trends ensures that students are able to stay up-to-date in an industry that changes at a rapid pace due to new innovations and ideas.
A key way the University of Washington stands out from other programs is the focus on real-world experience combined with an understanding of modern trends in technology. It ensures that students have a strong foundation to handle programming and related projects while still identifying emerging trends that may allow a company to improve their current network and systems for improved efficiency. The University of Washington prepares students to handle the challenges of a fast-paced industry with a strong foundation in basic computing skills.
Degree:BS in Computer Science
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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10. Florida State University
The IT degree from Florida State University offers students the opportunity to focus on their goals for a career in the technology industry. The degree program teaching prospective students the computing skills they need for their career as well as the leadership skills to take on more advanced roles in their field. That allows students to improve their opportunity for promotions by ensuring they have proper communication skills for a leadership position.
Florida State University offers online information technology programs by giving students more skills than the basic IT skills they need for a career in the technology industry. They also learn leadership skills and effective communication to prepare for more advanced roles in their career. By teaching computer science students skills that apply to leadership positions, the degree program ensures that students are ready for more complex projects and the ethical challenges that may arise when working on new technology.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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11. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers a BS in Information Technology that focuses on networking, databases, programming, and related topics with an understanding that students will use their skills in specific roles in business, government, or corporations. The program ensures that students are prepared for their role in the technology industry and have the right skills for their situation.
A key way the University of South Florida stands apart fromonline degree IT programs is the well-rounded view of the topic. The school offers related majors that allow them to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of computing, programming, and skills related to information technology. That gives students an advantage when dealing with large corporations or government programs.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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12. Ohio University
Ohio University offers a BS in Information and Telecommunications Systems that helps you focus on a career in technology. The degree program recognizes that information technology goes beyond the basic computing skills and programming associated with the degree. It applies to all forms of communication and telecommuting. By combining the computing and technical knowledge with communication skills and the challenges of maintaining a communication network, students are able to start a career in telecommunication and related fields.
Ohio University differs fromonline degree IT programs by clarifying the role of telecommunication in technology and providing students with an education that includes telecommunication skills. It goes beyond the basic information technology skills and helps students understand the way networks work at every level of technology. That allows students to identify potential concerns and address the problems before it causes complications with a company’s communication strategies.
Degree:BS in Information and Telecommunications Systems
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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13. University of Tulsa
The BS in Information Technology from the University of Tulsa gives students a strong foundation in computer science and prepares students for the complications of working in the technology industry. The degree program combines mathematics and statistics with computer science and business to ensure that students have a well-rounded view of their field.
The University of Tulsa stands apart from other programs by giving students the computer science skills they need to handle different challenges in their work. It also ensures that students understand mathematics and statistics as part of their degree. That focus on math and computer science gives students problem-solving skills to help with their long-term career goals.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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14. Towson University
When you want to work on a bachelors in information technology, Towson University offers a solution to help with your goals. The BS in Computer Science focuses on building hands-on skills and practical knowledge to help students with their career goals. The program also works on effective communication to help students with the challenges of working on a team.
Towson University offers a hands-on approach to information technology skills. The program focuses on teaching prospective students to handle the challenges that may arise in relation to a computer system or network. It also recognizes that students need problem-solving skills for their career and provides an opportunity to learn strategies for problem-solving.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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15. Montclair State University
If you want a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, then Montclair State University offers a program to help with your goals. The program prepares students for a job in programming or video game design to help with personal plans for a career. It also recognizes that students may face a variety of challenges based on their role in a company and provides the training you need to work with different computers and networks.
A key way Montclair State University stands apart from other bachelor’s degree programs is the well-rounded approach to information technology. The program recognizes that students may take on a role as a video game designer, a computer programmer, an analyst, or a variety of other jobs in technology. By giving students a well-rounded education as it relates to information technology and the skills associated with technological tools, the program helps students clarify their personal plans and work toward a career that fits their needs.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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16. Oakland University
A BA in Information Technology from Oakland University provides a strong foundation in the technology industry and gives students the tools they need to handle the challenges of their career. The school focuses on providing hands-on training and giving students versatile skills that apply to multiple careers and opportunities. By focusing on developing useful skills that apply to different jobs, the degree program ensures that you are competitive and capable.
Oakland University provides students with hands-on training and works with corporate sponsors to give students an opportunity to work on real-world projects before moving into a career. The unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals helps students prepare for the challenges of their career. The university also offers students a chance to network with professionals in their field for career opportunities.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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17. Elmhurst College
When you are looking for a degree program for a bachelor’s in information technology, Elmhurst College offers a program to help with your goals. The degree program provides students with a well-rounded understanding of programming and database development with a key focus on Java and SQL database strategies. Students prepare to handle the challenges of their career by finishing up their degree with the development of an application or a website.
Elmhurst College stands out from otherbachelor’s degree programs by offering students a strong foundation in programming. The degree focuses on common types of programs and gives students the hands-on experience they need to develop a website, create an online application, or develop programs for an employer. By gaining experience in a classroom setting, students have a chance to prepare for their career without worrying about mistakes.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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18. Ferris State University
A Computer Information Technology degree from Ferris State University gives you the tools and skills to take on a career in the technology industry. The degree helps students accomplish their career goals by teaching programming and network management skills. The degree program also gives students opportunities to build a network with experienced professionals in the information technology industry to advance in their career opportunities.
Ferris State University stands out from otherbachelor’s degree programs by offering a hands-on approach to the learning process. You have opportunities for internships and training programs that give you the experience to handle a fast-paced work environment. Students also gain the opportunity to create a network before they start looking into career opportunities that may assist with long-term goals.
Degree:BS in Computer Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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19.Lindenwood University
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Lindenwood University prepares you for a career building, maintaining, and programming computer data. The degree program recognizes the fast pace of the technology industry and provides students with a broad-based curriculum that helps with long-term goals. When you get a bachelor’s degree from the university, you will be able to handle the challenges of working in the technology industry.
Lindenwood University stands out for their accelerated IT program and its focus on providing a strong foundation in technology-related topics. It helps you understand computers and database information to address problems that may arise. The fast pace of the program helps you accomplish your goals for your education without wasting time.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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20.La Salle University
La Salle University offers a BS or BA in Information Technology that prepares you for a career in the technology industry. The degree programs focus on providing students with the information they need to provide client support or to address problems with a computer network. It also gives you the tools to manage a network and engage in programming work.
A key reason La Salle University differs from otherbachelor’s degree programs is its flexibility. La Salle offers flexible classes to help with your situation and allow you to keep up with your studies when you have other obligations to an employer or family members.Students are able to take night classes to help address problems with their schedule. It also gives you a chance to focus on your degree at a pace that fits your situation. You can take extra time for your degree with the five-year program if you have limitations in your schedule and need to take night classes to keep up with your goals.
Degree:BA or BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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21. Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago’s online Information Technology bachelor’s program gives students a well-rounded view of the skills they need to handle working in the technology field. The degree program recognizes that corporations and businesses need professionals to manage the networks and design programs to fit the needs of the company. By taking measures to develop your technical skills with an IT degree from the university, you will have new opportunities for your career.
Loyola University Chicago focuses on the relevant skills you need to keep up with the modern work environment. It focuses on developing the skills a corporation needs to keep up with the computer systems and network. It also allows you to develop programs that a company may use for specific purposes or projects.
Degree:BS in Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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22. Texas Christian University
Obtaining a BS in Computer Information Technology from Texas Christian University gives you an opportunity to develop the relevant skills you need for your career in the technology industry. The degree program teaches students the skills associated with system and network administration, web technology for online websites, and scripting fundamentals you need to improve your skills in programming.
Texas Christian University stands apart from otherbachelor’s degree programs by offering students a strong foundation in technology. It does not limit your education to programming. The program gives you the tools to program, manage networks, and set up a secure network. The skills allow you to take on several roles within a company and handle the challenges of data management.
Degree:BS in Computer Information Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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23. East Carolina University
The BS in Information and Computer Technology from East Carolina University prepares students for a career in the technology industry. The degree program focuses on teaching students to create systems of computers that work together for a specific goal. It also teaches students proper cyber security, data management, management information systems and systems administration skills that enhance their career opportunities.
East Carolina University stands out for offering a well-rounded view of technology. The degree program prepares students to take on different roles within the industry based on their interests and goals. You can work in security and network safety, or you can take on a role in network development and data management. The degree gives you a broad view of technology so you can apply the skills to different tasks and projects.
Degree:BS in Information and Computer Technology
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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24. Idaho State University
Idaho State University offers a BAS in Information Technology Systems that takes a hands-on approach to the technology industry. The degree program gives students a chance to fix computers and wire networks to give them a strong foundation in the way computers work. Students also learn programming skills that prepare them for a career in the technology industry.
A key way Idaho State University stands out fromonline degree IT programs is its focus on hands-on skills. Students complete their degree by building a computer from scratch to ensure they have the skills to fix broken computers and devices. It also gives students a strong understanding of the intricacies associated with technology and computers.
Degree:BAS in Information Technology Systems
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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25. Marist College
Marist College offers a BS in Information Technology and Systems that provides students with skills related to computing and business. You are not limited to the technical skills associated with computers and networks. You also learn the relevant business skills that give you the opportunity to add value to a company and advance in your career. The degree program prepares students to handle their goals by offering two concentrations: information technology and management information systems. The concentrations give you a specific route for your career.
Marist College stands apart by taking a business approach to technology. Although the degree program does focus on the use of technology and the skills you need to maintain a system, it also teaches you the skills you need to manage a business or add extra value to a company with business-related skills. That gives you a strong understanding of how a corporation or business improves over time.
Degree:BS in Information Technology and Systems
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:Campus
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What Should I Look for in an IT Degree Program?
The best information technology degrees come from colleges with cutting-edge computer science departments. The college should be involved in a significant number of research projects with large annual endowments to fund the studies. Top ranked information technology schools will also have the latest technologies installed in their laboratories. Many of the best schools will have tech that includes virtual reality, augmented reality, human computer interaction, data science, management information systems, and simulation technologies.
Another key feature of top ranked information technology schools is the engagement between students and professors. Mentorship opportunities provide more one on one time between an IT student and an established expert in the field. Prospective information technology degree seekers will want to review the current faculty on staff at the university. Top ranked information technology schools around the country have Rhodes scholars, National Medal of Science recipients, and Nobel laureates.
Where are the Best Schools for Information Technology?
The best information technology degrees comes from colleges with a robust internship program that offers chances to gain field experience. Ideally, the college will be nearby a cluster of technology firms where students can intern and add essential experience to their resumes. Colleges located nearby cities, such as Boston and New York, are usually among the top ranked information technology schools; institutions near a tech hub like Silicon Valley are the most-coveted. Internships offer a good networking opportunity too when it’s time for information technology degree graduates to find permanent employment. For students looking into career advancement, they will want to check on what the school has to offer as far as graduate school and certification programs.
Do I Need an Internship to Get My Bachelor’s in Information Technology?
Information technology internships vary from college to college. Some universities may require an internship to receive an information technology degree, while others may not. However, an IT internship is a vital part of a student’s post-secondary education. During an internship, the student learns to apply all that he or she has learned throughout college.
Although tech internships have a reputation of being unpaid, paid internships are available. For unpaid information technology internships, there are usually state laws in place to protect the student. For instance, in many states, unpaid internships must be eligible for college credit.
Research internships are also beneficial to students in the IT field. During this type of IT internship, a student conducts research on behalf of a company and uses the findings to produce an academic paper.
Tech internships are also useful for testing out different jobs. An internship is a short-term commitment and gives the student a chance to decide if the job is the right fit. Information technology internships are usually very hands-on. This makes it perfect for honing soft and hard skills. Also, making mistakes are not significant at internships, since they are meant to be learning experiences.
Information technology degree requirements will differ at each college. Information technology course subjects won’t only focus on computer topics. The curriculum will also include business and communications subjects. The information technology degree requirements may leave room for a specialization such as cyber security or web development.
What Will I Learn in an IT Degree Program?
Besides general education college credits, information technology course subjects build a strong foundation in understanding how computer systems work. Examples of information technology course subjects include:
During information technology major subjects, computer networks and computer systems will be explored. College students also receive an introduction to software development, web design, and software testing. An internship and capstone project may also be a requirement listed on a bachelor of information technology syllabus. To receive a bachelor degree in information technology, many colleges require 120 credit hours completed. Online programs have becoming increasingly common, especially for graduate degree programs.
Top 10 Best Cheap Online Colleges in the United States Now
There are a lot of ways to measure value, but sometimes, you just want to know: how cheap can I get it. Well, here you go – the cheapest online universities.
These are schools that offer a low-cost online education beyond the bachelor’s, including master’s and doctorate, but not just any cheap school. These all share some common, minimal standard: all have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report; all are regionally accredited online colleges; and all are the lowest price for online degrees in their class.
Keep in mind, this list is based on the very lowest tuition costs for an online degree program, usually the in-state price for online bachelor’s degrees (rather than out of state tuition). Graduate degrees are usually higher, and some bachelor’s may be higher depending on the degree. Fees are not included either – some universities include a fee for online learning that could push the total price up.
Featured Programs
Interested in the most affordable colleges? Look here!
1. Fort Hays State University Virtual College
The Fort Hays State University Virtual College, in Fort Hays, KS, has been a source of pride and acclaim since it split off from the Department of Continuing Education back in 1999, and today it’s recognized not only as a top online graduate school (by U.S. News & World Report), but also as the cheapest. With in-state tuition costs of only $186 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, Fort Hays makes an online degree supremely affordable. Fort Hays Virtual College offers offers online degree programs in highly desirable fields like Business Education, business administration, Elementary Education, Criminal Justice, Information Networking & Communications, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, and Nursing. Thirteen master degrees include the MBA, Nursing Administration, and Health & Human Performance. At such a low price, you can trust this investment in the most affordable online schools to pay off.
2. Oregon State University Ecampus
With bachelor degrees as low as $191 per credit, Oregon State’s Ecampus is a proven choice for a low-cost, high-reputation online school. Cited by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor’s, as well as a best choice for veterans, the OSU Ecampus offers 20 bachelor’s degree and 12 graduate degree programs in a wide range of majors, including online degrees in business administration, early childhood education, sports and health sciences, criminal justice, and human development. OSU should be especially noted for its environmental sciences, with online programs in agricultural science, environmental economics & policy, fisheries & wildlife science, horticulture, natural resources, and sustainability. Graduate programs include the MBA and Master of Engineering, as well as doctorate degrees in Education and Counseling. A lot of choices for low tuition – cheap and great!
3. Georgia Southern University
Considered one of the nation’s most popular universities by U.S. News & World Report, Statesboro, GA’s Georgia Southern University offers a number of accredited online bachelor’s degree and graduate degrees. While there are only two online bachelor’s degree programs currently, in General Studies and Information Technology, Georgia Southern makes up for it in graduate degrees: over 25 master degrees in Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Business, Health Sciences, Human Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology. Graduate students can even earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. At only $199 per credit hour at the lowest rate, and with a number of programs to benefit military veterans (GSU is named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine), there is a great investment to be made in Georgia Southern University online.
4. Sam Houston State University
With a virtual shelf full of accolades from U.S. News & World Report, including both general education and specific programs, Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, TX, has a strong reputation as an affordable online college. With online bachelor’s degree programs including Business Administration, criminal justice, Nursing, and more, as well as more than 25 graduate programs (including rarities like Band Conducting, as well as highly marketable majors like Homeland Security, Digital Forensics, and the MBA), SHSU gives students a wide variety of possibilities, and with tuition costs starting at a base of $204 per credit hour, an affordable enough plan to take a chance and invest in an online school.
5. Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online programs (better known as eNSU) have been noted as a Military Friendly school, with good reason. Out-of-state online students pay no extra cost for online, and at only $206 per credit hour for bachelor degrees, the eNSU programs are extra-affordable. As part of the Louisiana Transfer Degree Program, the school also makes it easy to transfer credits from a Louisiana associate degree to the online bachelor. eNSU offers 35 different degree options, including online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, business administration, Accounting, Radiological Science, and Nursing, and master degrees in Teaching, Homeland Security, and Nursing. There’s also a Doctor of Nursing Practice. No shortage of majors here – you can even follow your dream of that Art degree, if that’s what you’re interested in. It’s one of the most affordable online colleges for online learners.
6. Lamar University
Lamar University’s LU Online is designed as an alternative degree path for working adults and includes the Center for Military Services, helping military veterans further their education. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar has a number of noted alumni; even Janis Joplin briefly attended before going on to wilder things. LU Online offers many online bachelor degrees, including Criminal Justice, Business, and an RN to BSN completion program for nursing, and even more master’s degrees, including the MBA, Master of Education, and an Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing. You might even pursue a Doctor of Education online to become a principal. At only $208 per credit hour for bachelor degrees, you might even get a couple of degrees from this great online college.
7. Georgia College and State University
Ranked as one of the best master-degree institutions in the south by U.S. News & World Report, Georgia College and State University offers numerous accredited, high-quality graduate degrees. Located in Milledgeville, GA, home of Flannery O’Connor, GCSU offers a rare MFA in Creative Writing online, as well as many highly marketable master’s degrees such as Public Administration, the MBA, and the MS in Nursing. Traditionally a liberal arts university, GCSU has built their online education into a reputable, distinguished system that is still extremely affordable, starting at only $232 per credit hour – a low price for a valuable degree at one of the most affordable online colleges.
8. American Public University System
The only for-profit institution on our list, the American Public University System (made up of the American Military University and the American Public University) gets on our list not only because of its low prices (beginning at $250 per credit hour) but its reputation. U.S. News & World Report, not always keen on for-profits, lists APUS as one of the top online bachelor degree programs. Originally founded to educate military veterans and personnel, APUS now offers more degrees for online students (especially active duty service members), than we care to count, at undergraduate and graduate levels. Online courses include Accounting, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Education, and National Security Studies. If you’re in the armed forces or considering a career in law enforcement or security, APUS probably has you covered – for a reasonable cost.
9. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida has been distinguished by the Princeton Review and Forbes as one of the best universities in the south, and one of the cheapest online colleges. Its Distance Learning program offers online students several very affordable online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like criminal justice and computer science. Located in Jacksonville, FL, a state where health care is on the rise as a career (thanks to the medical needs of retiring Baby Boomers), UNF offers an online RN to BSN program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a MS in Nutrition and Dietetics. Other specific, rarely found master’s degrees include a Master of Education in Special Education: Autism Track and a Master of Science in American Sign Language. For degrees that often aren’t found online, tuition costs starting at $285 per credit hour is certainly reasonable.
10. Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University, in Macomb, IL, makes things simple for distance learners – all online students, in-state and out-of-state, pay $293.50 per credit hour for tuition. Named by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review as one of the best public universities in the Midwest, WIU offers several online academic programs, including the MBA, an RN-BSN Completion, Computer Science, Criminal Justice,
Western Illinois University, in Macomb, IL, makes things simple for distance learners – all online students, in-state and out-of-state, pay $293.50 per credit hour for tuition, making it one of the cheapest online colleges. Named by U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review as one of the best public universities in the Midwest, WIU offers several online master and bachelor degrees, including the MBA, an RN-BSN Completion, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, political science, human services, and an MS in Education. Firefighters can engage in professional development by taking online learning courses in the National Fire Academy Curriculum online as well.
Why Should I Get a Cheap Online Degree?
You don’t have to pay much money to get a good online education. Plenty of affordable online universities offer high-quality programs and degrees at a low cost. Online college cost can be significantly lower!
In recent years, the number of people enrolling in college has steadily increased, with many choosing to enroll in an online university over a traditional brick-and-mortar institution, especially at a private liberal arts college. This trend has been driven by the rise in popularity of low tuition colleges online and the convenience and flexibility offered by these institutions.
The quality of an online degree is not determined by the cost. It is determined by the level of instruction, faculty credentials, and the institution’s accreditation. The cheapest online university does not necessarily mean that it is a low-quality institution with an inferior degree. Accredited online colleges are held to the same standards as traditional schools by the colleges and schools commission.
The cheapest online colleges offer affordable online college programs that are ideal for working adults and other online learners who value their tuition costs. But is the cheapest online university a good investment?
Online programs are generally lower in cost per credit hour, especially online programs from a state university.
Can I Trust a Cheap Online Degree?
Can you trust a cheap online degree? There are many factors that go into this question.
A key factor is the type of college degree an online student is looking for. An expensive degree such as a law degree or medical degree will not be cheap, no matter where you get it from. The cheapest online universities are usually in STEM fields such as programming or engineering. They offer the cheapest online college education because online programs do not require a face-to-face component like on-campus students.
There are other factors that can make your education more expensive than others, such as the type of student services offered, student to faculty ratio, and and the level of accreditation, but these can vary by institution and are less important than the type of program you want to pursue.
A degree from a prestigious university is not cheap. However, the cheapest online degree programs are affordable and have the same quality as most expensive ones. Building your school search around cost is hardly the worst way to go about it.
The best way to find out if you can trust an online college is to check its accreditation. And the cheapest online schools are accredited which means that they are recognized by a national or regional agency that evaluates and approves schools for their educational programs.
Can I Get Financial Aid for Cheap Online Programs?
Many online students are debating whether or not to pursue an online degree. While the benefits of the cheapest online college are clear, there are still some questions that need to be answered. One of them is whether or not it is possible to get financial aid for an online university.
The answer is yes, but the criteria for eligibility can vary depending on the type of school you choose to attend. For example, if you enroll in a public college or university, then you will be eligible for federal financial aid programs and most likely state-sponsored assistance as well. If you enroll in a private institution, then they may offer their own loans and grants as well as federal assistance (though this varies by school).
Even the cheapest online colleges cost something, though. Financial aid is available for online degree programs, and financial aid can be used to help pay for tuition, textbooks, and other education-related expenses. Prospective students can save a lot of money with a cheap online college, but the online degree cost has to be covered.
That’s why, in addition to financial aid, many undergraduate students will look for scholarships and grants for the cheapest accredited online colleges. Those do not need to be paid back, and student support services at many affordable online schools will work to make sure their college students get all the financial aid they can.
What are the Advantages of Affordable Online Colleges?
Online degree programs are a great option for those who want to save money and gain access to higher education. A cheap degree program helps online students get their bachelor’s degree without building up too much student debt.
Prospective students are increasingly turning to online degree programs because they offer a cheaper alternative than attending traditional universities. The average cost of tuition is $23,000 per year at a public university while the average cost of tuition at an online university is just $6,000 per year for undergraduate degrees. Costs go up even more for master’s and doctoral degrees. Cheap accredited online colleges are important for helping professionals get their degree online to pursue their personal and professional endeavors.
Online schools have become more popular because they allow students to take online courses from anywhere in the world and at their own pace. Affordable online programs also allow an online student to save money on books and supplies by using textbooks and other online resources, which can be accessed for free or a small fee. A cheap online degree program can still provide the same level of student support services for undergraduate students.
What Kinds of Affordable Online College Degrees Are There?
If you want to get your degree online, cheap accredited online colleges offer a host of options. Affordable online colleges provide flexibility and accessibility for online students who want to pursue a degree from home. They offer a wide range of degrees and programs that cater to every student’s needs. Online students can get their degree in any time frame and at any pace from an affordable online university, making it a lot more affordable than traditional schools.
Many cheap accredited online schools offer distance learners everything from certificate programs and associate degree programs (also offered by community colleges) to master’s programs and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate students can get cheap online college degrees and associate degrees for much less than the cost per credit of on-campus students. Online doctoral degree programs and other professional programs allow working adults to earn their credentials more conveniently than in person programs.
The most affordable online degrees for distance learners tend to be from smaller state schools. But affordable colleges can be large or small, public or private. An online school offers incredible fully online programs for distance learners, including undergraduate students and graduate students. Anyone can pursue cheap online degrees today!
Top 25 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in the United States
Students who are looking for the most affordable online MBA degrees can find some good deals if they know where to look and what resources are available to them. A fully online MBA program makes it easy for a student to continue working at the same time they are continuing their education. MBA degree programs can be costly so finding the cheapest online MBA is essential especially if you have other bills to pay. If you want an online MBA under 10k, many schools may offer a discount to online students who are interested in pursuing their degrees online.
Value Colleges’ Top 5 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs are:
1. Fayetteville State University
2. Fort Hays State University
3. Valdosta State University
4. West Texas A&M University
5. Southeast Missouri State University
Grants and scholarships are great ways to defray the cost of even the cheapest MBA programs. Applying for multiple grants and scholarships is a great way to cut the cost of even the most affordable MBA degrees. Scholarships and grant programs offer single or multiple-year gifts depending on the amount of money that is offered and how many years the gifts will be given per recipient. In some cases, scholarships and grants may offer gifts large enough to pay for all most online MBA programs. Applying for several grants and scholarships at once will increase your chances of receiving assistance.
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Employer reimbursement programs are also good ways to cover all or part of your educational costs. If you need assistance in paying for your college expenses, contact your employer. Companies who are trying to keep their employees on staff will often consider paying for at least a part of the educational costs they incur if they are wanting to return to school to earn their MBA. In order to participate in this type of reimbursement program, the student must carry a set grade point average and successfully complete the requirements of the agreement.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Online MBA Program
For business students looking for the lowest-risk investment in an MBA program, Value Colleges editors researched the cheapest online MBA programs and hybrid programs from accredited, trusted colleges and universities across the US. With the many possible choices, we ranked business schools according to one simple metric: tuition cost, according to current IPEDS data.
1. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University’s Broadwell College of Business & Economics offers an MBA program that is considered among the best affordable online MBA programs by the college ranking service – The Best Masters Degree. FSU’s affordable MBA online program offers degree candidates several academic concentrations – Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, International Business, Healthcare Management, Finance, General Business, Project Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Management. FSU’s MBA online program consists of 27 credit units.
Fayetteville State University is an HBCU and member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that was established in 1867. The school’s 200-acre campus is home to more than 6,000 students. The school offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Fayetteville State University holds the distinction as the 2nd oldest state supported institution of higher education in the Tar Heel state.
Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is considered one of the most affordable MBA online programs available in the education marketplace. These best affordable online MBA from FHSU requires degree candidate to complete 34 credit units to meet graduation requirements. MBA students have the option of academic tracks including finance, accounting (on campus only), marketing, tourism, leadership, information systems, healthcare management human resources, marketing management, information assurance, international business, sports management, business analytics, and digital marketing.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) was founded in 1902 as an agricultural school but soon became a teacher training school. The school’s campus is situated on a former military outpost only a few miles to the business district of Hays, KS. The university’s enrollment exceeds 16,000 students. Fort Hays State University operates a Museum of National History on campus with more than 3.5 specimens.
Valdosta State University’s Langdale College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that GetEducated.com ranks among the best affordable online MBA degree in Georgia. The online MBA program from Valdosta State University is has received accreditation from the AACSB. Degree candidates must finish 30 credit hours (over ten business classes) to meet the program’s requirements. Among accredited online MBA programs, VSU offers online students an opportunity to finish the MBA program in only twelve months. GMAT scores are required for admission to Valdosta State University’s MBA program.
Valdosta State University is a public institution of higher education that was founded in 1906 as a teacher’s college. The university’s campus covers more than 150 acres and serves more than 11,100 students. Valdosta State University offers classes in at the Air Force base north of Lowndes County
West Texas A&M University’s Engler College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is recognized and accredited by the AACSB as one of the best affordable MBA online programs in the country. WT’s affordable MBA program is ranked among the best online MBA programs by the Princeton Review, TFE, and US News. Online students enrolled in West Texas A&M University will find they have five MBA concentrations – Marketing, Management, Healthcare Management, General, and Computer Information Systems.
West Texas A&M University was established in 1910 as a state university as a normal teacher’s school. More than 9,900 students are enrolled in West Texas A&M University vying for degrees offered by the six schools/colleges organized as WT. West Texas A&M University proudly boasts that famed artist Georgia O’Keefe as the university’s art department chair.
Southeast Missouri State University’s Harrison College of Business offers an all-online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. SEMO’s best affordable online programs offer a traditional MBA track or an accelerated option. The MBA online from Southeast Missouri State University offers students nine concentrations – Sports Management, Accounting, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Industrial management, Health Administration, Finance, and General Administration.
Southeast Missouri State University (Harrison) was established as a teacher training school in 1873. The school’s main campus covers more than 320 acres and services more than 11,000 students. Students attend SMSU on regional campuses in southeast Missouri in Malden, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, and Kennett. The most recent campus addition is the River Campus, which includes a college of arts & media.
Sam Houston State University’s business school offers an all-online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is considered among the most affordable online MBA programs in the nation. SHSU’s online MBA program requires degree candidates to finish 36 credit units to earn a graduate management degree if you already have a bachelor’s degree. SHSU offers this business administration program with three starting dates in the Summer, Fall and Spring seasons. Online education coursework includes marketing, strategic management, accounting, statistics, leadership, operations, and finance, to name a few.
Sam Houston State University was founded as a teacher’s college in 1879. Sam Houston State University’s campus is located in a college town and serves more than 21,100 students. Sam Houston State University operates a rodeo arena, an observatory, an 18 hole golf course, a body farm, and a planetarium. Sam Houston State University was the first university in the Texas State University System specifically built to train teachers.
Florida Atlantic University’s school of business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is available 100% online. US News recognizes FAU’s best affordable online MBA program can be completed in under two years, with the completion of 40 to 46 credit units, depending on the academic track. This affordable online MBA program offers concentrations in finance, tourism, health, marketing, international business, accounting, information systems, operations, and general coursework, among others.
Florida Atlantic University was founded in 1961 and was the first public institution of higher education in the southern portion of Florida. Florida Atlantic University is one of twelve member schools that make up the State University System of Florida. Florida Atlantic University Business programs have received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools. More than 29,000 students attend classes on the main Boca Raton campuses plus six satellite facilities. The school offers more than 175 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Florida Atlantic University established the first College of Medicine in 2010.
The Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business offers an online Master of Business Administration (OMBA) that is recognized by GetEducation.com as one of the nation’s best affordable online MBA programs. In addition, Texas A&M University’s most affordable online MBA program is also accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. The online program from A&M Commerce does not require a thesis and can be completed in less than 24 months if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
Texas A&M University was established in 1in 1889 as a teacher’s training school. Texas A&M University Commerce is the 3rd largest campus within the Texas A&M University System. More than 12,300 students attend classes offered by Texas A&M University-Commerce. Texas A&M University (A&M) Commerce partners with Collin College and Navarro College to provide its coursework. Additionally, A&M operates facilities in Dallas and Mesquite.
The University of Utah’s Eccles School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is recognized as one of Utah’s best affordable online MBA programs. This program may be completed online, except for a three day residency when the program begins. Students enrolled in the University of Utah’s affordable online MBA program typically complete this graduate business program in about 24 to 26 months, when taking two classes at a time. Additionally, students enrolled in this MBA program may choose to spend a week abroad in South Africa, China, Argentina, and Vietnam.
The University of Utah was founded in 1850 and is currently the state of Utah’s flagship institution of higher education. U of U is a space-grant university with an urban campus that covers more than 1,500 acres and serves nearly 33,000 students. The University of Utah was established several years before Utah was adopted as a state.
The University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is ranked by Financial Times, Us News, and Poets/Quants among the best affordable online MBA programs in the country. These affordable MBA programs require degree candidates to complete 18 elective credit units plus 30 core credit units to graduate. Coursework for this graduate online business degree includes financial accounting, marketing management, organizational behavior, economics, marketing, business policy, human resource management, and analytics, among others.
The University of Nebraska—Lincoln was founded in 1869 under the Morrill Land Grant Act. This public university is the flagship, largest and oldest of the campuses within the University of Nebraska system. Approximately 25,700 students study for degrees offered by the university’s colleges/schools. The library system at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln is home to more than 3 million volumes.
The University of North Dakota’s Nistler College of Business and Public Administration offers an MBA – a Master of Business Administration that is recognized among the country’s best affordable online MBA programs by US News and Poets & Quants. In addition, UND’s affordable online MBA program is accredited by the AACSB. This MBA program requires students to complete 34 credit hours, typically, in about 18 months if you have a bachelor’s degree. Students graduate and enter the workforce as project managers, accountants, financial analysts, business developers, and strategists, to name a few.
The University of North Dakota (UND) was established in 1883, more than half of a decade before North Dakota became a state. The school’s urban campus in Grand Forks serves more than 13,400 students. The University of North Dakota proudly boasts its status as the oldest institution of higher education in the state of North Dakota.
The University of Mississippi’s business school offers an online MBA program ranked among the country’s best affordable online MBA programs. The MBA program from Ole Miss has received accreditation from the AACSB and ranks among the nation’s top online graduate business programs. Students attending Ole Miss must complete 36 credit hours of core courses. Full-time students with a bachelor’s degree generally finish in about a year, with part-time students usually completing the coursework in about 24 months.
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) was founded in 1848. The campus of the University of Mississippi Miss in rural Oxford (voted one of the top college towns in the United States)serves more than 23,100 students. Ole Miss is a sea-grant and space-grant university that also has campuses in Southaven, Grenada, Tupelo, and Booneville. The school’s teaching hospital in Jackson, MS, is recognized as the state’s largest medical center.
Mississippi State University’s College of Business offers an MBA – a Master of Business Administration degree program that is available 100% online. MSU’s best online MBA is accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. It is noted that for the summer and fall terms of 2020, MSU is waiving the GMAT requirement. This affordable online MBA degree requires students to complete 30 semester hours to meet the MBA program requirements.
Mississippi State University was established in 1878 under the Morrill Land Grant Act by the Mississippi legislature. Mississippi State University’s rural campus is home to more than 21,800 students studying for academic degrees offered by twelve schools/colleges. Mississippi State University is a member school of a consortium of academic institutions in the southeastern conference.
Liberty University’s School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that has received accreditation from the ACBSP. LU’s best affordable MBA program offers a generous transfer credit policy that allows for up to 50% of the total MBA program requirements. Liberty University’s business administration program requires students to complete a total of 45 credit hours, typically in 24 months. Students enrolled in Liberty University’s MBA program have more than 20 degree concentrations from which to select.
Jerry Falwell Sr established liberty University in 1971. Liberty University’s campus in Lynchburg is home to more than 14000 students; however, another 94,000+ students attend classes through the school’s distance learning arm. Students attending this evangelical institution of higher education are required to comply with the school’s honor code. Liberty University plays an essential role in the republican political system in the United States.
Concordia University St. Paul offers an online MBA – Master of Business Administration degree program that is ranked as one of the nation’s best online MBA programs. Students enrolled in Concordia University–St. Paul’s online MBA degree program must complete 36 credit hours in core courses like managerial finance, marketing, leadership and development, operations, accounting, human resource management, and managerial decision analysis, to name a few. CSP’s MBA online program offers working learners the flexibility required to complete the degree on their own time and at their own pace.
Concordia University – St. Paul was established in 1893. Concordia University–St. Paul is a member school of the Concordia University System. It is noted that the LCMS – the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. More than 4,900 graduate and undergraduate students attend classes on the school’s urban campus in St. Paul. There are nine campuses included in the Concordia University system located in the US.
The University of Memphis’ Fogelman College of Business offers one of the country’s best affordable online MBA programs that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.UM Fogelman’s affordable online MBA programs are also nationally ranked by several academic ranking services. Students attending the University of Memphis’ graduate business program must complete 30 credit hours – over ten online classes: leadership and negotiation, business analytics, managerial accounting, operations, strategic marketing, global management, plus a capstone project.
The University of Memphis was established as a normal teacher’s school in 1912. The school’s urban Memphis campus serves more than 22,000 students on its 1,100-acre campus. As the home of FedEx, U of Memphis operates the FedEx Institute of Technology. The University of Memphis manages the national center for earthquake information & research.
Louisiana State University’s Ourso College of Business offers one of the country’s most affordable online MBA programs only takes 1.5 years to finish. LSU Baton Rouge’s accredited online MBA program require graduate students to finish 36 credit hours in online learning that include strategic management, cost management, accounting, business legal environments, organizational behavior and finance/statistics, to name a few. Specializations for the MBA program from LSU include emerging technology and data analytics.
Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge was founded under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1860. The school’s urban campus covers nearly 5,000 acres and serves more than 31,600 students. LSU Baton Rouge is recognized as the flagship campus (and most comprehensive school) of the Louisiana State University System
The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program that is available entirely online. UI’s online MBA programs require degree candidates to finish 45 credit units over an anticipated two year timeframe. Coursework for this affordable MBA program from UI includes managerial finance, business integration, analytics, economics, marketing, corporate finance, financial management, information technology management, and supply chain management, to name a few.
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, only weeks after the state was adopted into the union. The University of Iowa is Iowa’s flagship school and a space grant institution of higher education. The school’s urban campus in Iowa City serves more than 23,800 students on the 1,800-acre campus. The University of Iowa was the first state university to approve of the LGBT alliance in the early 1970s.
Ohio University’s College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree that is ranked among the country’s best online MBA programs. OU’s online MBA program offers degree candidates a multitude of concentrations from which to choose – analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, health care, accounting, operations, and sales leadership. As one of the most affordable MBA programs recognized by Forbes Magazine, Ohio University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Ohio University was founded in 1804 as a space grant university located in Athens, OH. The school holds the distinction of being one of the thirty oldest schools in the country. More than 33,000 students attend classes on Ohio University’s academic campuses. Ohio University (OU) holds the distinction of being the first institution of higher education that was chartered in the state and the first chartered by an act of Congress.
Missouri University of Science & Technology offers a Master of Business Administration degree that US News recognizes as one of the many online MBA programs in the education marketplace. Graduate students enrolled in Missouri S & T’s online MBA programs must meet online program requirements that include 36 credit hours, of which 21 classes must be from the MBA dedicated curriculum. Additionally, MBA grad students may elect to earn a graduate certificate in addition to an MBA degree.
Missouri University of Science & Technology was established under the Morrill Land Grant Act in 1870. Missouri S & T is a space grant school that serves more than 8,000 students. US News recognizes many of the schools within Missouri S & T as quality programs. Missouri University of Science & Technology operates a nuclear reactor on campus for research and training purposes.
Campbellsville University’s school of business offers an online Master of Business Administration degree program that is recognized by Christian Colleges as one of the best online MBA programs available. Campbellsville University’s online MBA programs offer graduate students the choice of seven academic concentrations – marketing, information technology, accounting, church management, human resources management, health care management, and international business. Campbellsville University is the first graduate MBA program in Kentucky to be ranked nationally.
Campbellsville University was founded as Russel Creek, and as a private institution of higher education in 1906. Campbellsville University maintains an affiliation with the Baptist Church but is open to students of all religious denominations. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 12,000 students and offers academic degrees at the associates, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Campbellsville University has received accreditation from IACBE – the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
McKendree University offers a Master of Business Administration degree that is available 100% online and recognized as one of the nation’s most affordable online MBA programs. McKendree University’s MBA program has received accreditation from the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education. These best online MBA programs offered by McKendree University includes coursework including finance, leadership, economics, investments, accounting, supply chain management, project management, financial management, enterprise resource planning, and organizational behavior, among others, for a total of 36 semester credits delivered online. Online MBA students applying to transfer to McKendree’s MBA program are permitted to transfer up to 12 eligible credits.
McKendree University is an accredited institution established as the Lebanon Seminary by pioneer Methodists in 1828. The school’s suburban campus in Lebanon is home to nearly 2,500 students studying for academic degrees offered by the university’s four colleges/schools. McKendree University is recognized as the oldest of all schools and colleges in the Land of Lincoln state of Illinois.
Concordia University Wisconsin’s Master of Business Administration offers one of the country’s best online MBA programs. An MBA student enrolled in CUW’s online MBA programs must complete 36 semester units to graduate from the online graduate business program. Classes at CUW are 8-week formats, which allows degree candidates to complete Concordia University Wisconsin’s MBA program in less than 24 months delivered online. Online MBA students can opt for MBA concentrations in accounting, finance, management, public administration, sports entertainment, communications, healthcare administration, and innovation, among others.
Concordia University Wisconsin was established by the Missouri Synod, Lutheran Church in 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin is a member school of the Concordia University System. The school’s campus in Mequon serves more than 7,600 students studying for academic degrees offered by the university’s 17 colleges/schools. Concordia University Wisconsin has dedicated ten academic centers to reach adults and working learners.
The University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium (with three AACSB accredited business schools within the University of Wisconsin System) offers an online Master of Business Administration degree program that is recognized as one of the cheapest online MBA programs available. UW’s best affordable online MBA programs require degree candidates to complete 36 semester hours, which averages most online MBA students 2.5 to 3 years, part-time. This graduate business degree offered by UW has received accreditation from AACSB. The school boasts class sizes that average 25 students or less.
Ottawa University’s Angell Snyder School of Business offers an accredited program that offers students the option of eight academic concentrations – innovation, operations, accounting, analytics, health care finance, human resources, and leadership development. ACBSP has accredited Ottawa University’s online MBA programs. Coursework for these online MBA programs includes organizational behavior, managerial accounting, marketing, managerial economics, finance, information systems, project management, financial management, information technology management, plus a capstone project in business strategy/policy. Students graduate and enter the workforce as administrators, managers, buyers, agents, executives, and cost estimators, to name a few.
Ottawa University is an accredited institution founded in 1865. The school maintains an ongoing religious affiliation with the American Baptist Church. More than 600 students attend classes at Ottawa University on campus, with more than 3,900 students studying online. Ottawa University operates a second campus in the state of Arizona.
Degree: Online MBA
How Is the Job Market for MBA Graduates?
The job market for MBA graduates is steadily increasing over working professionals with an undergraduate degree. With an affordable MBA degree program, each student can plan on entering the workforce in either an entry-level position or by taking on added responsibility in their current job as a manager or supervisor. As more and more companies are allowing business professionals to work from home, having an MBA proves that the student has the skills to maintain an organized work environment as well as handle a variety of tasks that require complex problem-solving skills.
Jobs for recent MBA graduates include data analysts, Human Resources managers, Project managers, and marketing strategists to help their employees gain and maintain the competitive edge they need to succeed. In-demand specializations include:
strategic management
accounting and value creation
production and operations management
management information systems
MBA graduates are capable of using complex, problem-solving strategies to help every department stay on track and keep working on reaching their goals in terms of both production and sales.
The job market in the business world for new MBA graduates is improving across the board. With the latest technological advancements and working professionals who are driven to succeed, almost every industry in the business world has been able to show some type of growth in terms of expanding management teams and an increase in overall productivity. Understanding what affects the job market and what many companies require in terms of education and experience.
How Do I Choose an Online MBA?
Choosing the cheapest MBA online will require that you know what type of position you are looking for and how much experience you already have. If you are looking for the best MBA programs, you will want to look at what the business schools offer and then see which ones comply with the goals you have set for yourself. Knowing what your goals are and what time frame you are looking at will allow you to choose from a business school’s traditional MBA degree program or an accelerated program that can be finished in as little as 18 months. Out-of-state students should consider financial aid opportunities. There is much you can do for financial aid without taking on debt.
Another thing that is important to look at is whether or not the affordable MBA degree program meets AACSB accreditation standards. Degrees that meet or exceed AACSB accreditation standards ensure that the degree you choose will include all of the skills and abilities that are required for positions that fall under the AACSB certification platforms. An AACSB accredited business school gives an online student the credibility they need to apply for the more advanced positions and also makes it possible for the graduate to earn a higher wage.
AACSB accredited business schools offer the same degree of education online as those offered in a traditional class setting. By choosing cheap online MBA programs that have been accredited by the AACSB, the education you receive must meet or exceed their standards. This means that when you graduate and start to apply for jobs you will have every possible advantage with an AACSB-accredited online MBA.
25 Best Project Management Certification Programs Online
If you’re a working professional already in a project management position or looking for a promotion to more responsibility that may include project management, a certificate program can offer just what you need. Colleges and universities offer certificates through a variety of departments: business schools, Extended Study, Continuing Education, School of Professional Studies, or others.
Most often, a Project Management Certificate is a post-graduate specialization (either post-bachelors or post-masters). It doesn’t really matter what business you’re in, or what kind of bachelor’s degree you have: any project management professional can benefit from these short-term, often online certifications, adding organization and management skills to their existing abilities.
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PM Certificate programs come in all shapes and sizes, from single bootcamp courses to week-long intensives, 5-week, 8-week, 10-week, or even year-long self-paced online programs. There is no right or wrong way to do it – just what works best for your professional and personal life situation. Some institutions offer advanced certificate programs for professionals who are already PMI-certified to continue their certification. That’s why we want students to know the best certificate programs.
How We Ranked the Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs
The editors at Value Colleges are dedicated to showing project managers the way to the programs with the best ROI. For that reason, we feature only accredited, reputable institutions, ranked by cost, potential salary, and reputation, using current IPEDS and Niche data. These represent the best schools for project management certification.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Project Management Certificate at the Georgia Institute of Technology is the best online project management course. Georgia Tech imparts practical skills necessary to successfully execute projects big and small. This program is taught by experts in the field of project management, it’s ideal for young professionals who are just starting out as well as mid-career professionals who want to give their resumes an edge. Pursuing a certificate there is a superb way to network with others in this booming field in the US and worldwide.
The Georgia Tech Professional Education program has a stellar reputation in the South for always providing impeccable, rigorous coursework that prepares graduates well to achieve their career goals. It’s one of the nation’s leading research universities, so students know that a project management certificate or degree in any other program will send a clear positive signal to future potential employers.
Did you know that it’s possible to complete your project management certificate from CalTech in just 10 days? That’s right – in a week and a half, students are able to acquire real-world skills they will apply in project management jobs that will serve them well for the rest of their careers. All classes are held virtually for the time being because of COVID-19, but students still get to experience high-level education lead by industry experts. Who knew it would be possible to learn so much in such a short period of time?!
Everybody has heard of CalTech, which is located in Pasadena, CA. CalTech is known for bringing the best thinkers, movers, and shakers together to lead and educate people who want to have incredible careers in the booming project management industry and a bunch of others, too. CalTech is especially known for their inclusiveness and emphasis on women and minorities in STEM.
Companies here in the US and around the world rely on project management professionals to make sure projects big and small are completed according to plan, on-budget, and achieve strategic goals. A project management professional certification from Georgetown University gives students the skill necessary to become a savvy project manager who will be in-demand in today’s competitive workforce. This program emphasizes technical, theory, and people skills that are fundamental to success as a project manager. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to complete the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam.
Georgetown University’s study in project management principles has been reviewed and approved by PMI, the Project Management Institute, and is a REP (Registered Education Provider). All classes are currently conducted online and afford a rigorous course of study to prepare professionals well for careers in project management.
A project management certificate from the University of Washington is a fantastic way to accelerate your career as a project management professional. This industry is always even high-demand, even now during the pandemic, as companies work hard to improve efficiency and obtain a competitive edge over others. The program consists of Predictive and Agile methodologies and offers transparent, up-front pricing to give prospective students peace of mind that their ROI will be worth it.
The Professional and Continuing Education department of the University of Washington has many certificate offerings that are perfect for young professionals and anyone who’s interested in enhancing their skill set and gaining an edge on the competition. Their motto is “a pathway for your passion,” and their many program offerings are accessible to anyone who has a drive for success.
A project management certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, sets graduates apart from the pack. Their fully online certificate enables students to study concepts that they can quickly apply to their jobs. Instructors have plenty of industry knowledge and real-world experience to impart to students, and the emphasis is always on problem-solving skills. Students who plan to take the PMP and CAPM certifications are invited to take the helpful elective courses that hone in on the skills needed to pass with flying colors.
The online project management course is part of the UC Berekely Extension department – located online, as well as in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Belmont. The practical skills gained in any one of the certificate programs at the Extension enable professionals to enhance their careers immeasurably.
The University of Virginia project management certificate program is ideal for project management professionals of all kinds, including entry-level and executive employees who wish to enhance their skill set in this area. Project management skills including leadership, budget control, time-management, and effective communication are fundamentally important in a wide range of industries. This certificate program is available at the same cost for in-state and out-of-state students and can be completed in an average of 12 months.
The University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies is open for business online to students of all kinds who wish to give their careers a boost. The “UVA family,” as it’s referred to on their website, is an extensive network of University of Virginia alums that provide an excellent network for job-seekers to tap into upon graduation. In today’s workforce, it’s all about who you know, and UVA students have found their network through the school to be very helpful.
Obtaining a project management certificate from Baruch College affords students the opportunity to acquire a host of essential project management skills. The program imparts the knowledge necessary for successfully passing PMP and CAPM exams. All students are required to complete the following courses: Fundamentals of Project Management, Advanced Professional Project Management, Microsoft Project, and Negotiation, Decision Making, and Conflict Management.
The Baruch College Continuing and Professional Studies department is committed to helping their students achieve their career potential and feel fulfilled in today’s modern workplace. Students are valued in their current work positions and are better positioned to take the next advancing step in their career trajectory. Their motto is “Be brave, be brilliant, be you.”
A Project Management Certificate from North Carolina State University is the perfect investment in any professional’s career. There is always a demand for project management experts, and a certificate from North Carolina State University will take your skillset to a whole new level. Required courses include Project Management Principles, Tools, and Practices; How to Communicate, Influence, and Negotiate in Project Management.
This certificate program is part of the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education at North Carolina State University. It serves as a gateway for students to access the incredible intellectual and technical resources at NCU. It also has a wide network for NCSU alumni that graduates can connect with to enhance their job searches.
The Project Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota program offers students the opportunity to learn and polish their process and human interaction skills in order to perform well in their current positions and reach the next few rungs on their career ladders. Students learn conflict negotiation and resolution, team-building and leadership, risk management and adaptability skills, and more. Pricing for the entire certificate program is transparent and rather affordable. Project management professionals who graduate from the University of Minnesota develop innovative, highly efficient solutions, confidently utilize technology to achieve strategic goals, and express themselves clearly in writing and in person. In short, a certificate in project management from the University of Minnesota prepares students well to be successful in this booming industry.
The University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies department helps professionals achieve their career goals. The University of Minnesota’s motto is, “Driven to Discover,” and students in all courses of study are encouraged to follow their curiosity and serve the world with creative solutions and hard-working attitudes. After completing a degree from the University of Minnesota, whether it’s a certificate in project management or any other program, students are well-equipped to perform in today’s competitive workplace.
With a Project Management Certificate from Rutgers University on hand, there’s no limit to what you can do. This program is ideal for a whole range of people, including those interested in taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, assimilating basic project management knowledge to apply in one’s current position, or preparing to switch to taking your career in a different direction. The self-paced project management certification program at Rutgers University gives students the guidance and technical and personal skills necessary to keep projects large and small on track, on time, and in line with budgetary parameters. The teachers are experts in this field who impart incredible knowledge in this sought-after program.
Rutgers University has always been well-known in New Jersey, New England, and beyond as a provider of high-quality education. The project management professional certification is part of the Rutgers School of Business Executive education department.
Wake Forest University offers a project management certificate that prepares students for the demanding project management industry, which is only becoming more fast-paced and complex as companies scramble to increase efficiency and achieve strategic goals. The program is excellent preparation for the PMP exam – it includes a full, online practice exam that helps students feel extra prepared to pass the PMP exam with flying colors. All certificate programs at Wake Forest University are open-enrollment, non-credit-bearing programs designed to enhance the careers of professionals who want to increase their skills for their current position or launch into a new direction with their careers.
Wake Forest University of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an incredibly large university with undergraduate, graduate, business, divinity, law, and medicine programs to a diverse body of thousands of students.
Getting a project management certificate from the University of California, Davis, requires a significant investment of time, energy, and money, but the vast majority of graduates find that it is absolutely worth it. The online project management course consists of 6 online classes that provide practical training that students are able to apply on the job immediately. There is a fast track option, which is perfect for people who are ready to take their careers to the next level ASAP. Stop wasting time binging TV shows and sign up today.
The University of California, Davis is a renowned university that offers a wide range of programs for all kinds of students. With a degree or certificate from UC Davis on your resume, there’s no limit to what you can do!
The University of Chicago program management certificate is a wise course of study to complete for all kinds of people – those who are just starting out in the workforce, those who wish to contribute more to their current workplace, and those who are looking to move on to their next position (ideally, with a salary bump!). This certificate program, which is part of the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, provides students with principal technical and interpersonal skills necessary for professional success in the project management industry.
A certificate or degree from the University of Chicago stands out from the crowd because this school is known for its academic rigor and excellence. Each program at the University of Chicago is taught by industry experts with plenty of real-world experience. Programs closely follow innovations in teaching and learning in order to provide the best possible educational experience to students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
San Diego State University offers a Professional Certificate in Project Management that makes peoples’ careers really take off. The online professional certificate program is usually completed in an average of 8 months. Anyone interested in a career in project management, or to simply enhance their career in another industry, would benefit from pursuing a professional certificate in project management from San Diego State University.
SDSU is committed to giving back to the San Diego community, especially during this especially difficult time during the pandemic. As a result, SDSU is offering free virtual classes to first responders. It’s just their small way of saying, “thank you for your service.” San Diego State University has been a leader in the community for many years, and alums are proud to say they obtained their education from this reputable university.
Program: Professional Certificate in Project Management
Villanova University offers an Applied Project Management Certificate program that focuses on essential, results-driven skills to take graduates’ careers up a notch. Students are able to utilize the skills they glean in their classes at Villanova University immediately on-the-job in order to positively impact outcomes right away. Graduates are well-prepared to take the PMP or CAPM certification exam offered by PMI. According to the Villanova website, project management managers with PMP certification earn a median salary of $120,000, and project management positions are expected to increase by 2.2 million by 2027.
Villanova University is committed to educational excellence and providing students with the technical, communication, time-management, and other skills needed to be successful. Villanova University also offers military education savings opportunities to those who qualify.
Achieve your career and education goals with a project management certificate from the University of Central Florida. Coursework options include introductions to project management, senior-level project management, and PDU courses for maintaining project management credentials. Those who are preparing to take project management certification exams would be wise to take the course, “The Complete Project Manager with CAPM and PMP Prep.”
The University of Central Florida Continuing Education department is an incredible educational resource for anyone wishing to boost their career potential and transform their future. With over 400 affordable online courses available now, there’s something for everyone. Getting a professional certificate from the University of Central Florida sends a clear message that you’re an expert in your field who can be counted on to perform at a very high level.
The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a superb project and program management certificate course of study that enables people to excel in the project management field in various industries. So many companies need projects to be executed effectively and efficiently, within budgetary parameters, and achieve strategic goals, and will pay handsome salaries to stellar project managers with these skills. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a Registered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute, meaning that it complies or exceeds PMI’s quality assurance criteria. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pass the PMP exam without a hitch. Full-time students can complete this course in 6-12 months.
UC Santa Cruz boasts more than 50 years of personalized classroom experience and offers live, online professional courses to suit anyone, at any stage of their career. Now is the perfect time to enroll into a certificate program and be prepared to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s top companies as a project manager.
Program: Project and Program Management Certificate
Wish you could learn more valuable skills for your career in project management? Check out the project management certificate from Southern Methodist University. This program is geared towards those who wish to begin a career in project management, switch from another career path, or simply enhance their skills for their current workplaces.
Southern Methodist University is a great learning resource for anyone who wants to advance their career, increase their earning power, or change the trajectory of their professional path. With a certificate or degree from Southern Methodist University in-hand, there’s no limit to where students can go and what they can contribute.
Check out the University of Miami PMP Certification Program. Employers across the US and across the globe are looking for people with impeccable project management skills, and completing the PMP certification program is a great way to gain the skills and demonstrate to employers that you are a project management expert. This certificate program only takes 12 weeks to complete.
The University of Miami is well-known in Florida and throughout the nation as being a great educational hub for students of all kinds. This certificate program is part of the Division of Continuing & International Education. All programs offer soft and technical skills necessary for professional success in the project management industry and a host of others.
Getting a project management certificate at UMass Lowell requires hard work and dedication, but it’s possible for anyone who has the drive to take their career to the next level. Today’s global business environment requires talent that’s able to successfully juggle multiple projects at once and efficiently achieve business objectives on-time and on-budget. Those who have completed the project management training program from UMass Lowell show potential employers they have the skills necessary to perform at a very high level.
This certificate program is part of the UMass Lowell Division of Graduate, Online, and Professional Studies. UMass Lowell offers a bunch of different noncredit project management courses. They’re perfect for those just starting out in their careers, those looking to switch career paths, and those wanting to enhance their skills to better serve their current workplaces. With transparent pricing and impeccable instructors, taking a certificate course at UMass Lowell is always a wise investment.
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a project management certificate that’s not like other ones. It’s an advanced certificate that affords students the opportunity to learn from fantastic instructors who are experts in this field. Depending on how many credit hours students are able to take on per session, the program will take around 1-2 years to finish. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified to apply for jobs as project leaders, program coordinators, community engagement agents, and more.
Rochester Institute of Technology is an ideal educational environment for students of all kinds. Currently, students come from 147 countries, and 95% of graduates find employment or continue their education. Online instructors are the same as in-person professors. Online students have the same Rochester Institute of Technology credentials and access to alumni for networking as traditional, in person students. Now is the perfect time to begin your professional relationship with RIT by applying to the online project management course or any other.
Did you know that worldwide, companies are looking for project managers? This is because project managers have the skills that are so desperately needed to achieve big business goals as well as maintain day-to-day operations for large and small projects. Excellent project managers, such as those with an executive project management certificate from Florida Atlantic University on their resumes, are in demand. There is so much worldwide instability these days with the job market – make sure your resume stands out from the crowd by investing the time and effort needed to obtain an executive project management certificate from Florida Atlantic University.
Florida Atlantic University offers over 170 degrees that prepare students well to be competitive in today’s modern workforce and have an edge for future work opportunities. FAU provides a whole host of opportunities to students – if they can dream something, they can achieve it with the education and support they receive at FAU. Apply today- the vast majority of our students find that a certificate or degree from FAU is absolutely worth the effort and investment.
Oakland University offers a project management certificate that prepares students well to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s modern workplace. This program is a wise investment for anyone seeking to become an expert in the project management field. In fact in 2016, Value Colleges.com listed their Project Management Principles course in their Top 50 Best Value Project Management Programs.
Oakland University is an educational institution that welcomes students from across the globe to be part of the Golden Grizzly family. It’s a vibrant educational community that gives students the soft and technological skills to shine in their careers for decades to come.
A project management certificate from San Francisco State University is a wise investment of time and effort for any serious student. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking into switching career paths, or simply want to perform at your highest potential in your current position, the project management certificate program from San Francisco State University will help you achieve your goals. Learn the essential skills necessary to complete projects on-time, within budgetary constraints, and in line with larger business objectives in this certificate program from San Francisco State University.
San Francisco State University is an educational hub that brings experienced instructors and driven students together in intensive classes that propel graduates to professional success in a wide range of careers. SFSU is a PMI Registered Education provider, so graduates are always confident they’ll passs the PMI exam upon completion of the certificate program.
Now is the perfect time to take your career to the next level by signing up for the project management certificate program from DePaul University. All classes are conducted virtually at this time, so you won’t even have to worry about commuting to the campus, and you won’t need to secure a babysitter for nearly as long. In just 12 weeks, students learn all the essential project management tools so they can confidently apply concepts to the organizations they work for right away. Coursework is designed based on the PMBOK Guide 6th edition, and features lectures imparted by experts, team interaction, activities, and poignant classroom discussions. Sign up today for the next session, which begins in January.
DePaul University is well-known as the nation’s largest Catholic University. There are nearly 200,000 alumni in the DePaul network, which graduates of degree and certificate programs can tap into upon graduation. To receive a high-quality education in Chicago or virtually, anywhere in the world, applying to DePaul University is a great choice. There are many degrees and professional certificate programs available – choose one and sign up today. Your future self will thank you!
Project management is a role that doesn’t typically require certification, but it’s good to have certification if you’re a project manager. So, just what is a project manager certification? A certificate in project management shows an employer that you’re a real project management professional no matter if you’re starting, finishing, or jumping onto a team in the middle of the project. Having a certification in project management also positions you for the anticipated demand for qualified project managers to work in project-oriented roles.
Project management certification provides students with the basic education they need to become a more effective project managers. Earning the certification takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks on average and is designed with the working professional in mind. In order to take classes for a PM certification, you need 4500 to 7500 hours of experience as a project manager or about 3 years of work experience for eligibility.
Should I Get a Professional Certification in Project Management?
Why get a PM certification at all? Most project managers don’t have a degree in project management and get their roles through experience. Having a certification in project management seems like it’s not all that necessary on the surface. The fact is, having the best project management training on the job is no match for getting certification. There are many types of project management structures and strategies that are put to use in a variety of situations and settings. A project management professional needs to be capable of using the right type of structure and/or strategy for a given project. The best project management certification programs online can help you learn about these structures and how to apply them in a work setting.
The best project management training comes in the form of an educational program that teaches you how to apply effective and accepted methods of project management. You may have learned a lot about project management as part of your job, but you may not have received formal instruction on how to handle the structure, workflow, delegation, and tracking progress. The best project management certification programs online teach you the skills you need to handle the various aspects of project management.
Not only do the best project management certification programs online help you refine your skills, it also adds to your employability. The job of project management traditionally fell to a manager, but the role of a manager leaves little time for one person to effectively handle their duties and make sure all projects are showing progress. The project manager reports to the manager or a project management officer and the information travel upwards and outwards from one or both of these roles. Even the cheapest project management certification can help you step into the role of the project manager officer and open up new paths for your career to travel along.
What Kinds of Project Management Certifications are There?
There are a number of project management certifications available, but some are preferable than others. The Project Management Institute offers one of the most well-known certificates, known as the Project Management Professional (PMP) and many prestigious schools have PMP programs that teach students how to earn their PMP. You may also want to earn the CAPM certification in order to show you’ve learned the principles, language, and best practices of project management. When it comes to project management, the more certificates you earn, the better your employment prospects. Employers value the combination of experience and education as it demonstrates the ability to enter into a role and be effective in a short period of time.
Concerned about the cost of earning certificates? The investment you make to take the examinations is very reasonable compared to the education you gain. The PMP certification cost has two tiers: member and non-member. If you’re a member of the Project Management Institute, your PMP certification cost is significantly lower than if you’re a non-member. The same goes for CAMP certification and any other project management certification that’s offered by the PMI. If you don’t want to join the PMI, you can still take the exam and get the same preparation for the PMP exam questions as if you were a member.
It’s natural to ask the question of “is the PMP exam hard?” No exam is designed to be easy, especially when it’s part of a professional standard. However, if you study the materials provided by PMI for the PMP exam questions, you’ll find that it’s easier to pass the exam and earn the certificate. The same goes for the CAPM certification and any other certification exam you want to earn.
Quite a few institutions have their own version of a project management certification, but many involve learning a specific style of project management such as Scrum or Six Sigma. The PMP offered by the Project Management Institute covers the major aspects of project management that helps you learn how to handle all project management tools instead of a certain style.
Most of the programs featured on the Best Values list have some affiliation with the Project Management Institute (PMI), the global standard association in the Project Management field. Some are Registered Education Providers (REPS), PMI-approved programs that guarantee students the opportunity to sit for the Project Management Professional PMP certification exam. Others merely base their course of study on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), the PMI’s bible. PMI certification and membership is a must in many fields.
Top 50 Best Construction Management Schools in the United States
Construction is one of the most profitable industries in the U.S. economy. In 2017, contractors, builders, and electrical companies earned $8.34 billion in sales. As overall construction activity expands from the country’s population growth and business growth, more Construction Managers will be needed to supply the demand for these skilled workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the Construction Manager occupation to grow 11% between 2016 and 2026, much faster than all occupations, which are projected to increase only seven percent (7%) in the same period.
What is a Construction Manager?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines Construction Managers as individuals who “plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.” As the construction process has evolved and become more complex, the need for individuals who can oversee the entire operation has become necessary. A construction manager mediates between all the project actors – the owners, designers, sub-contractors, engineers, architects, and suppliers – and oversees the entire construction project from inception to completion. Somewhat like a conductor directing an orchestra, the construction manager is in charge of all of the facets of the construction project and for making the final result successful.
Because CM’s have such a high level of accountability, they often work more than forty hours a week during a project. However, the tremendous amount of responsibility also comes with a great salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2017 the median annual wage for construction managers to be $91,370, with the highest ten percent (10%) earning more than $159,560. The lowest ten percent (10%) earned less than $54,810, the lowest starting salary for a CM with a bachelor’s degree. O*NEt online has designated the Construction Managers to be an occupation with a Bright Outlook and expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Expected trends in growth are in Heavy or Civil Construction as infrastructures are built or improved, Residential Construction to keep up with the growing need for housing, and Green Construction as more individuals and businesses move to sustainable building practices.
Featured Programs
How do I become a Construction Manager?
There are various ways to enter the construction management occupation. Traditionally, workers with a with a high school diploma and a solid foundation of work experience could qualify to become a construction manager. However, as the construction process has evolved in complexity, employers are placing greater importance on the specialized education acquired from a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in construction management, construction science, construction technology, or construction engineering. The good news – there are now more than one hundred colleges and universities that offer accredited construction management degrees, both online and on-campus!
Ranking: How We Do It
Our mission at Value Colleges is to find the institutions that will provide the best return on your educational investment – not the ones that spend the most on marketing, but the ones that combine affordability and quality so that graduates can be assured that their hard work and hard-earned money aren’t wasted.
The Value Colleges ranking is based on three factors:
Annual Cost (from IPEDS data)
Return on Investment (from PayScale salary rates)
Reputation (from U.S. News data)
In addition, colleges and schools with specific accreditations and degrees that have “goodness-of-fit” with the ranking degree profile received higher consideration.
Brigham Young University, referred to as BYU, is a private institution located in Provo, Utah. The school was founded in 1875 by the Mormon Church, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and is recognized for its academic excellence, consistently ranking as one of the top one hundred universities in the nation. BYU has one of the most affordable four-year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degrees available. The program, offered through the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology, combines theory-based instruction with practical, hands-on experience to give students a broad knowledge of the construction field that includes studies in business, architecture, technology, and engineering. The Construction Management (CM) major at BYU prepares students further studies in graduate programs and for management positions in the construction industry such as superintendents, inspectors, and general contractors. Students learn how to complete projects within budget, safely, and on-time. The CM students are expected to complete all required coursework, three hundred hours of construction-related fieldwork, and a choice of either a capstone project and a student competition or a capstone project and an international construction experience. To further emphasize the hands-on program experience, students are encouraged to participate in Construction Management competitions which provide real-world opportunities for students to learn group collaboration and negotiation skills in a team setting. The Brigham Young Construction Management teams have placed in over one hundred regional and national competitions and boast more than forty first-place awards. These contests also provide an opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and have helped many students secure internships and jobs. Students are also encouraged to participate in the school’s many student clubs which provide opportunities for students to socialize with peers and exposure to construction industry professionals and supplemental education through trips and other activities. The Construction Management Student Association (CMSA ) is the primary student club for Construction Management majors. Other related campus clubs include the student National Association of Home Builders, the Design-Build Institute of America, the LEED & Green Construction, the Building Information Modeling, the Associated General Contractors, and the Real Estate & Development Club. The BYU program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
This school’s guiding philosophy of “Learn by Doing” makes California Polytechnic State University well suited for students interested in Construction Management. Referred to by most as “Cal Poly,” the university is located in San Luis Obispo and is one of the twenty-three schools that make up the California State University system. Founded in 1901, Cal Poly offers students a hands-on educational experience to prepare for today’s scientific and technical world. In addition to many world-class engineering, design, and architecture programs, Cal Poly offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree through its College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The curriculum of the Construction Management program is specifically designed to prepare students for jobs that build and maintain infrastructure. The classes are delivered in a project-based environment and cover topics from materials, architecture, engineering, safety, quality, budgeting, and project planning. As a team, students explore management topics related to different construction sectors. Cal Poly’s Construction Management department maintains close ties with the construction industry community which allows students many professional development opportunities by facilitating internships and job placement. Students are encouraged to participate in the campus PACS (Professional Advancement for Construction Students) program which has numerous resources and clubs, and project management competitions that test the student’s construction management skills against other university teams.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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California State University - Long Beach
One of the largest universities in the state, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) has an annual enrollment of around forty thousand students. Established in 1949, Cal State Long Beach is scenically located about three miles from the Pacific ocean in the town of Long Beach. The school has numerous names and nicknames including Long Beach State, Cal State Long Beach, LBSU, or The Beach. Southern California, of course, is no stranger to construction – in 2017, the 4 counties of Southern California alone hired more construction workers than 47 states in the US. To prepare managers for all that work, Cal State Long Beach offers a Bachelors of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s College of Engineering, well-known for its hands-on practical learning experiences. The construction management program, previously called the BS in Construction Engineering Management, provides students with the comprehensive professional knowledge needed to work in the construction planning and design professions. The BSCM students take a core of lower division classes in mathematics, engineering, and humanities. Upper division courses emphasize job planning, cost control, engineering planning, economics, design, materials, and professionalism. Some of the classes include Construction Safety, Structural Design, Mechanical Equipment for Buildings, Project Cost-Benefit Analysis, Applied Mechanics Strength of Materials, Advanced Estimating and Bidding, Construction Cost Control, and International Business. Once students get to the upper division electives, they can choose one of three areas of focus or emphasis – Design-Build, Facility Management, or Heavy Construction. Additionally, all CM students are required to participate in a full-time, three-month fieldwork requirement. Students must work in an approved industry or government agency in a position where they can exercise responsibility and use the skills they have learned in the CM program. The fieldwork can be part-time as long as it is equivalent to the full-time work, and must be certified and approved by the faculty of the department and completed before graduation. Pairing the emphasis classes with fieldwork experience is ideal for the complete practical learning experience. The Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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California State University - Chico
California State University-Chico, commonly referred to as Chico State or just Chico, is a public institution founded in 1887. The campus is located in the town of Chico, about ninety minutes north of Sacramento and is the second-oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State’s motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” reflects its philosophy of community-based, real-world education. Committed to linking classroom knowledge with work experience, Chico State has established a grounded and thriving learning community. Chico State boasts the largest Construction Management program in California and one of the biggest in the country. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree is offered through its College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management. The Construction Management program, first established in 1977, was fully accredited in 1987 by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The degree curriculum focuses on providing a broad base of knowledge and skills to prepare students for the management of construction operations. The lower division courses establish a solid base in math, engineering, and general education classes. The upper division courses provide subject depth in construction management with courses specifically designed to simulate management experience by utilizing actual contracts, plans, and project specifications. Part of the culture of the Construction Management Department at Chico is participating in extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to join student construction management clubs and organizations, to participate in ASC Student Competitions, and to participate in volunteer projects.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public institution founded in 1899 and has a total annual enrollment of around 10,000 students. The university has two locations. The traditional residential campus is in the small town of Macomb, Illinois and the second non-residential campus is in Moline, Illinois. The school is considered one of the Midwest’s best values in education, offering a solid education at an affordable price. Western Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through the school’s Department of Engineering Technology. The four-year BSCM program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and prepares students for employment in construction areas of estimating, project planning, surveying, scheduling, contracting, and inspecting. The school reports a post-graduation employment placement of Construction Management majors higher than 91%.Recent graduates were hired as Assistant Project Engineers, Assistant Project Manager, Assistant Superintendent, Architectural Drafter, Scheduler, Estimator, and CAD Manager. The comprehensive degree curriculum provides a broad classroom education in the construction field paired with field experience that simulates construction sites and field trips to construction sites where students can observe. Lab classes utilize industry tools and equipment allowing students to learn how to conduct a survey and participate in various construction fabrication activities. All students take a professional practice class designed to prepare for internships and employment. The course teaches networking skills, presentation skills, etiquette, interviewing skills, office communication, and client communication. Additionally, all students are required to secure an internship in either the junior or senior year. The experience combines the culmination of knowledge with valuable real-world work experience and is designed to help students focus on a career path.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Students interested in entering in the field of sustainable construction management should check out the construction management program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-EFS). The program is offered through the school’s Department of Forest & Natural Resources Management and is designed to prepare students for management roles in the construction industry with a focus on sustainable construction management. With increasing incentives for companies to hire green construction workers, this niche degree from SUNY-EFS is highly marketable and an excellent investment. SUNY-EFS’s main campus is in Syracuse, New York and annually enrolls around 1,700 undergraduate students. Founded as the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1911, SUNY-EFS is now an autonomous institution separate from Syracuse. However, the universities still maintain close ties and share facilities and resources and have a cooperative relationship. The SUNY-EFS Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree prepares graduates for careers as construction project managers, safety directors, project engineers, construction engineers, field engineers, and project planners. This program is full of value-add perks that will enhance employability after graduation. First, an optional degree concentration in Wood Products Engineering is available that prepares students for employment in wood products and building materials industries. While working towards the BSCM degree, students can also earn several certifications and credentials that will improve salary potential. As part of the curriculum, all students take the Associate Constructor Level I Exam for constructor certification and can earn the Associate Constructor (AC) designation from the American Institute of Constructors. This designation is the first step in the process to become a Certified Professional Constructor (CPC). Additionally, students who complete the Construction Safety course can earn the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Outreach Card. Through the BSCM coursework, students will learn the fundamentals of the various rating systems for environmentally-friendly buildings like LEED and Green which will prepare them to take the LEED AP exam and to earn a LEED certification. Students can also earn certification in Autodesk Revit Architecture, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) program used for Construction Management.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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Missouri State University - Springfield
Boasting three campuses in Missouri and one in China, Missouri State University (MSU) is an excellent choice for Construction Management students, offering a comprehensive education at an affordable price. The public university system enrolls over 21,000 students annually. The main campus in Springfield was founded in 1906 and is about three hours’ drive from St. Louis. The Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s Department of Technology and Construction Management. The department also offers an accelerated master’s in project management and a minor in construction management. The CM degree is designed to prepare individuals working in a wide range of fields, including insurance, construction, and inspection. Major coursework focuses on teaching students to manage a construction project from conception to completion. In addition to construction coursework, all students are required to complete a Public Affairs Capstone Experience class consisting of an industry-related project management case study. Internships, student competitions, and professional affiliations offer real-world experience and are encouraged. And when students want to work on hands-on technical construction skills, they can head over to the department’s 6,000 square foot construction laboratory facility, complete with a full-scale residential mock-up and a concrete compression tester! The Missouri State construction management degree program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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Brigham Young University - Idaho
Women interested in construction management should check out BYU Idaho. Twenty percent of the school’s Design and Construction Management students are female. Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private, religious university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The school was founded in 1888 as Ricks College and took its current name in 2001. BYU – Idaho, like its sister schools in Provo, Utah, and Laie, Hawaii is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church. Because of the school’s religious affiliation, the university receives considerable funding allowing tuition cost to be around half of what other comparable national universities charge. BYU Idaho offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through its College of Physical Sciences and Engineering. In addition to an abundance of women, the program boasts the highest graduating retention rate – 94% – of any other major on campus. The degree prepares students for supervisory roles that can manage teams safety, finish the project on time, maintain the project budget, and ensure that quality standards. Construction Management students take classes in business, accounting, cost control, project analysis, design, construction project supervision, building modeling. Students also have the opportunity to earn a specialization in one of five categories: Architecture, Business, Environmental Health and Safety, Heavy Civil/Industrial, or Residential/Commercial.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
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California State University - Sacramento
California State University at Sacramento (CSUS), referred to as Sacramento State or “Sac State” for short, is located in California’s capital city of Sacramento. The public metropolitan university was founded in 1947 and has one of the largest campuses in the California State University system, enrolling around 28,000 undergraduates annually. The school is well known for providing a world-class education at an affordable price. Sac State’s College of Engineering & Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) that teaches students fundamental management skills and a broad base of technical skills needed for the construction management industry. BSCM program faculty encourage students to think like entrepreneurs and to be determined, resourceful, and imaginative problem-solvers. The program focuses on understanding the economic, political, and social issues that influence construction industry and prepares students for positions as General Contractors, Project Managers, Forensic Construction Specialist, and Environmental Remediation Contractors. The Construction Management degree curriculum consists of four distinct components: general education courses, engineering courses, construction management courses, and business administration courses. In addition to the program coursework, students participate in a co-operative experience that provides work experience prior to graduation. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
10
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg has one of the most recognized construction management programs in the country. Dually accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMA), the UCM program offers one of the best values in construction management education. UCM’s Construction Management program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to manage the construction process from start to completion. The UCM student to faculty ratio of 20:1 allows students to receive personalized attention with small class sizes. Students learn from faculty with extensive construction industry experience. The CM degree prepares students for a construction management career and employment as Field Engineers, Estimators, Project Manager, and Quality Control Specialists. The construction management curriculum provides the foundation for field or office based career tracks and exposes students to Civil, Commercial, Industrial, and Residential projects. Coursework focuses on the development of competencies regarding project management, teamwork, communication, and field management, and budgeting. Outside the classroom, students can gain valuable experience by participating in service-learning projects and network with others in the field by joining student clubs like the Student Organization of Construction Managers. Various need and merit-based scholarships construction industry scholarships are available to qualified students.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
11
California State University - Northridge
California State University Northridge, also known as Cal State Northridge and CSUN, is a public institution founded in 1958. CSUN has the largest student body in the entire California State University System with a total annual enrollment of around 42,000 students. The school’s campus is in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California and in the Santa Susana Mountains. Cal State Northridge offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management through the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management. The program prepares graduates for careers in the construction industry and teaches students how to manage construction projects using state-of-the-art tools. Students interested in the BSCM program need a solid background in business, building science, and construction management. Additionally, construction managers need to be knowledgeable about construction methods, materials and laws and regulations, as well as, understand contracts and plans. An integral part of Construction Management program at CSUN is the internship. This requirement is fulfilled by Cooperative Education Experience class and provides the students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. This professional experience in construction management technology is an off-campus employment placement for students with junior or senior standing in the major. These paid positions usually run for a full year with summer work available. The CSUN Construction Management Program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
12
California State University - Fresno
Founded in 1911, California State University Fresno is a public institution with a total annual enrollment of around 22,000 students. Commonly referred to as Fresno or Fresno State, the university sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the middle of the state. Fresno State offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s Department of Construction Management and the Lyles College of Engineering. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and ability needed to manage construction projects and to exposes students to a wide variety of topics ranging from courses in project management to estimating. The BSCM program also provides students with an opportunity to develop vital technical computer skills needed for a twenty-first century degree in construction management. Degree coursework includes classes in Construction Management Software, Advanced Construction Structures, Construction Labor Law, and Construction Site Planning and Development. In addition to coursework, internships and cooperative experiences are highly encouraged in the Lyles College of Engineering. Numerous companies offer local, regional, national and international opportunities for students to gain experience. The Fresno State BSCM is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the professional accreditation organization of the construction industry.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
13
Alfred State College
Alfred State College, formerly the State University of New York College of Technology at Alfred (SUNY Alfred) is one of eight public, technology colleges in the SUNY system and is located in the town of Alfred in the southern part of New York State, just 15 miles north of the Pennsylvania border. Alfred State was founded in 1908 and has an annual undergraduate enrollment of around 3,800 students. The school is known for its real-world education and competitive degree programs that reflect the current job market. Alfred offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) through its Department of Civil Engineering Technology. The degree coursework provides a broad education in construction, management, engineering, and business and also emphasises the use of technology in construction management. Students are required to learn and use industry-standard software and computers. The department maintains the Construction Management Laboratory equipped with computer workstations with estimating software and project administration software for students to use. All students entering the program are required to have a laptop with the specifications outlined on the website. As a senior, students are required to take the Associate Constructor Level I exam. The exam ensures competency and also provides students with a professional credential. CM students can participate in Construction Teams that compete in the Associated Schools of Construction Northeast Region. Many students participate in summer employment and internships with construction companies to gain work experience. Additionally, Construction Management students are eligible to compete for scholarships given by the Associated General Contractors of New York. This program is dually accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
14
Weber State University
Weber State University is a public institution with its main campus located in Ogden, Utah. Founded initially in 1889 the school took its current name in 1991 when it designated as a university. The school now has two main campuses in Ogden and Layton, six additional education centers in Utah, and offers eleven online degrees. Weber State offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Technology (BSCMT) degree through the school’s Department of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology and the Parson Construction Management Program. The degree prepares students for management positions in commercial, residential, industrial, and civil construction or graduate studies in construction management, architecture, or business management. The Parson program tuition is affordable, especially for in-state students, and offers an excellent education at a great value. The school also has an extensive list of scholarships available to construction management students, many of which are supported by construction industry partners. The program facilities boast a concrete field testing lab and high-tech classrooms. Multiple internships are available to give students practical work experience. To further ensure competence and job-readiness, graduates are required to take a program exit exam and participate in a senior project. Before graduation, all students are required to score a 192 of 300 on the Associate Constructor (AC) Level 1 exam given by the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Constructor Certification Commission. The test is used to measure student competency and program outcomes and provides students with a credential before entering the workforce. In the last semester before graduation, each senior is required to complete a faculty-approved senior project that demonstrates the student’s overall ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained as an undergraduate in an actual construction project. Numerous student clubs are available that offer opportunities for training, networking, competitions, and supplemental industry education. Some of the campus clubs include the American Society of Professional Estimators, Associated Builders & Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Women in Construction, National Association of Home Builders, and the Facilities Management Club.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
15
California State University - East Bay
California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), referred to as Cal State East Bay, is part of the California State University System. The main campus is in Hayward Hills and overlooks the San Francisco Bay. First established in 1957 as the State College for Alameda County, the school changed its name a few times and settled on its current title in 2005. The university now has two additional campus locations in the Bay area in Concord, and Oakland. All three campus locations are accessible by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and by major freeways. The school’s Department of Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree designed to prepare students to be competent managers in both public and private construction projects. For working students in California, the East Bay program is an excellent choice, with affordable tuition for an employable degree. Designed with the goal of preparing the California workforce for future demand, this construction management program gives attention to working professionals and offers classes at times convenient to working students. Some of the curriculum courses include computer-aided construction design, project planning, construction material and methods, building codes, and safety.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
16
University of Florida - Gainesville
The University of Florida (UF) campus is in Gainesville, Florida where it has operated continuously since 1906. This public university is one of the few schools in the county that has the triple designation of being a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university. With a total annual enrollment of around 53,000 students, the school is also one of the largest in the country. Students looking for an established construction management program at an affordable price need look no further! The University of Florida has one of the oldest programs in the country and has educated professionals in building construction since 1935 when the school’s building construction program first formed under the Department of Architecture. Florida’s M. E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction was established in 1953 and, in 2014, took its present name, the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. Now housed in UF’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program that prepares students to plan, direct, and coordinate the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. The UF construction management degree curriculum focuses on understanding the construction management process from formation to completion and includes classes in business, management, as well as, technical construction courses. Lab classes offer hands-on construction experience, and students are also encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities. Students interested in enhancing the degree can choose from two program emphasis options in either residential construction and heavy construction.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
17
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a historically black college (HBC) founded in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy. Since its beginning, the institution has had several name changes and governing bodies. The school adopted its current name in 1970, and in 1988 became a member of the University System of Maryland which currently includes thirteen public universities. UMES is in the coastal town of Princess Anne, Maryland and has a total annual enrollment of around 4,000 students. UMES offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Technology (CMT) degree designed to develop a workforce for the field of construction with the capability to manage and supervise the total construction process from formation to completion. Graduates are prepared for employment as construction managers, project managers, and project superintendents. The program is designed for students to enter directly from high school as freshmen, or to enter as transfer students from local community colleges after taking basic courses. The degree combines coursework with hands-on experience and all students must complete practical experience requirement and participate in a minimum of two summer internships in the field of construction. The Construction Management Technology at UMES is the only American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited construction program in the State of Maryland.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
18
Western Carolina University
If you haven’t applied to a program yet, this is the one that will make you drop the mic! As part of a new program in North Carolina called NC Promise that starts in the Fall of 2020, all undergraduate students at Western Carolina University will receive reduced tuition cost. Undergraduate students enrolling Fall 2020 will pay only $500 for in-state and $2,500 for out-of-state tuition per semester! This reduction only applies to tuition and does not include room and board or fees. Now pinch yourself and keep reading about the program. Western Carolina University (WCU) is located in the picturesque town of Cullowhee, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The school is well known for its affordable price and top-notch degree programs. WCU offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through its College of Engineering and Technology that prepares graduates for employment as project managers, schedulers, and inspectors. Construction Management students will learn how to manage a construction project from formation to completion. In addition to relevant coursework, students are required to complete one internship prior to graduation that provides 400 hours of project-based work in the construction industry. The placement can be completed in either the summer, fall, or spring semester before graduation. The Kimmel School’s undergraduate Construction Management program is fully accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
19
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) located in Tuskegee, Alabama. The school was established in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, a famous African-American orator, educator, author, and civil rights leader. Tuskegee offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science & Management (CSM) degree through its Construction Science and Management Department. With one of the oldest accredited construction management degree programs in the United States, students can expect a time-tested, comprehensive curriculum. Course offerings include project controls management, construction methods, business, sustainability principles, and building information modeling (BIM). BS-CSM students are encouraged to participate in the Co-op and Internship Program. Participants can earn money for tuition and college credit for work in their field of study. Students who are involved in internships learn to develop a professional network, maturity, and self-confidence and have improved opportunities for employment upon graduation. Students can also augment their degree with additional training and certifications available through the Construction Science and Management Department including Erosion Control Management (QCI), Landscape Management, and OSHA 10 & 30 Hour. The CSM program is a member of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) and granted full Accreditation Candidate Status by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
20
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, referred to as USM or Southern Miss, was founded in 1910 at its campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Today, the University has grown to include an additional Gulf Park Campus at Long Beach, five teaching and research sites, and an Online Campus. The school is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with “High Research Activity” and has been recognized for its commitment to providing educational services for student-veterans. Southern Miss offers an offers an on-campus Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering Technology (BCT) degree through its School of Construction (SoC). The degree is also available online through the Online at Southern Miss campus. Southern Miss offers the only accredited online Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering Technology (BCT) in the nation. BCT students learn to supervise construction projects from the conception to completion and prepares graduates for entry-level roles like Junior Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, and Assistant Superintendent. The Southern Miss Construction Engineering Technology programs are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETCA) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:online & on campus
21
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico (UNM), established in 1889 in Albuquerque, is New Mexico’s flagship public research institution. The university has the largest student population of any university in the state with around 32,500 total students enrolled annually. UNM offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSConM) degree through the school’s Department of Civil Engineering designed to prepare students to complete a construction projects on time and to the satisfaction of the client. Accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) the program focuses on management but also combines classes in engineering technology and construction techniques to create a well-rounded degree. During the first two years of the program, students take core classes in engineering, physical science, and math. The second two years of the curriculum consist of upper-level courses in construction techniques and management, including Construction Law, Construction Safety, and Operations Management. ConM students take enough courses in management that they will receive a Minor in Management upon completion of the program. In addition to the coursework, students gain work experience by participating in a required Construction Internship class the Fall before graduating and a Design Construction Integration course in their final semester in which they work on real construction projects.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
22
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University (BGSU), established in 1910 is in Bowling Green, Ohio. The campus, located in northwest Ohio, is about thirty minutes from Toledo. In addition to the main campus in Bowling Green, the university operates BGSU Firelands a non-residential “commuter-campus” in Huron that opened in 1968. At its main campus, Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program through the school’s College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. The degree combines studies in business, architecture, and engineering to prepare students for management roles in the construction industry. In addition to classes, the program has lab workshop and construction Co-ops to provide students with essential real-world experience and education. A unique program offered at this university is the Construction Management Learning Community. Students in the CM major that choose to participate in the program live in the same residence hall and attend classes and other activities together. The BGSU residence and learning communities are designed to help students succeed personally and professionally by emphasizing social connections and helping students to foster these essential relationships.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
23
University of Northern Iowa
Founded in 1876 under the name Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) took its current title in 1967. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa the public institution annually enrolls around 12,000 total students, mostly in-state students. The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the university’s Department of Technology. The strength of this CM program is UNI’s commitment to partnering with the construction industry. The degree curriculum was designed with input from industry professionals and contractors from the state of Iowa. Additionally, many adjunct-professors who are active in the industry are utilized to teach classes, giving students access education from industry professionals on a daily basis. This unique university/industry partnership works. The post-graduation placement rate among graduates of the CM program over the last three years is an astounding 100%! Recent graduates also report starting salaries range from $60,000-$85,000 in positions like Project Manager, Project Superintendent, and Operations Supervisor. The curriculum consists of small classes focusing on math, business, construction, engineering, and architecture. In addition to coursework students are expected to participate in summer work experience in the construction industry and a senior capstone project. Students can also acquire an optional minor in either Business Concepts or Real Estate. Student clubs and organizations, including the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, offer further opportunities for students to network with peers and find educational enrichment.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
24
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, more commonly known as North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a land-grant institution established in 1890 in Fargo. NDSU’s established construction program has an excellent reputation and is a top choice for construction management. The school first offered a construction management degree program in 1970, and in 1978 created the school’s Construction Management and Engineering (CM&E) Department. NDSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree from the school’s Department of Construction Management and Engineering. This interdisciplinary vocational program combines business strategy with advanced technology and engineering to provide one of the most rigorous construction educations in the world. NDSU’s globally competitive curriculum combines practical experience with courses in cutting-edge business practices and current building materials and methods. In addition to coursework, students can gain valuable experience in one of the school’s state-of-the-art labs. The department’s Concrete Materials and Performance Lab is equipped with Humboldt and FORNEY soils and concrete testing equipment. The CM&E Computer Lab is equipped with construction industry software including AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, and Revit modeling software and Sage, Timerline, Microsoft Project, and Primavera-P6 project management programs. The construction management program is accredited by the American Council Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
25
Milwaukee School of Engineering
The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private, non-profit university established in 1903. The school is in downtown Milwaukee, just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. MSOE offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) for students interested in employment the non-residential construction industry. MSOE enrolls around 3,000 students annually. The close-knit community is small enough for personal attention and big enough to provide ample opportunities for students. The BSCM program is designed to teach students how to manage construction projects from conception to completion. The core curriculum core includes topics in estimating, construction materials and methods, project management, and scheduling. In addition to the core competency, students learn about current industry practices and how to use construction technologies like building information modeling (BIM). Reported graduate outcomes for the CM program are a 100% placement rate and an average starting salary of $63,375. The program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
26
University of Houston
The University of Houston (UH) is a public research institution that was founded in 1927. The university’s main campus is located in downtown Houston, Texas with one additional branch campus located in Sugarland Texas. With an annual enrollment of over 45,000 students, the University of Houston is the third largest school in Texas. UH offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through the school’s College of Technology and Construction Management. The degree program has two curriculum tracks, both of which provide a balanced mix of engineering, construction, and business skills. The Commercial Construction Track is ideal for students who wish to enter the field of commercial development, and the Process and Industrial Track is suited for students planning to work in the area of industrial building. To further specialize their skills and resume, students are encouraged to take an additional business course and meet the College of Business requirements for a degree minor in Business Administration. Another way the program seeks to equip students for employment is through multiple instructors. In addition to the full-time department faculty, fifteen to twenty industry professionals are employed as part-time instructors. This mix of educators ensure students will be taught current and relevant content. The UH program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
27
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University (ONU) was founded in 1871 in Ada, Ohio about eighty miles northwest of the state capital, Columbus. The private institution has a total annual enrollment of around 3,100 students. The school’s small size enables students to receive individualized attention in a close-knit environment. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree through its Department of Technology Studies. The degree curriculum covers topics in engineering, business, management, math, science and law, and includes courses in Construction Design, Project Management, Urban Planning, Construction Method and Materials, Applied Soils, Concrete Applications, Surveying, Construction Specifications, Bidding and Estimating, and Human Resource Management. The ONU Department of Technological Studies received recognition as a Dassault Systems Academy Member. This honor signifies ONU’s tangible efforts to improve students’ employability and curriculum quality through advanced usage and applications of Dassault Systems software, a leader in the technical studies field. ONU is the only private university to have degree programs accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
28
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
The State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (SUNY Delhi) is a public institution that was founded in 1913. The school has an annual student enrollment of around It has total undergraduate enrollment 3,400 students. SUNY Delhi offeres a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management: Design and Building (BS BT) degree and, in 1933, was the first college in the country to offer a construction program. SUNY Delhi’s rigorous curriculum prepares students to work in any sector of the construction industry and offers tracks of focus – Commercial Track and Residential Track. Delhi is one the top schools in the Northeast for construction with a 100% job placement for graduates. The school also offers the option for students to earn an Associate Degree before a Bachelors’ degree. They first earn an AAS and then a BT in Construction Management. As the nation’s oldest post-secondary construction program, SUNY Delhi is well-prepared to make you into a construction professional.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
29
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University is a public university in the town of Orem, Utah. They were initially established in 1941 as a product of the consolidation of the State Vocational Office their synthesis with the classes of the Federal Work Program. UVU offers a variety of programs from certificates to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Associate’s degrees. They have an additional campus called Wasatch that provides fewer courses and strictly Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs and is located in the Heber City, Utah. Up until 2008, they were called Utah Valley State College, before achieving university status. Currently, they are the largest public university in the state. Utah Valley University offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in Construction Management. Students will engage in coursework that teaches building construction skills, as well construction management, and all of the tools necessary to for all aspects of the construction industry. Students will primarily gain the fundamental knowledge of heavy civil and commercial construction. The program utilizes hands-on labs, 3-D models, readings and site visits, as well as a background, is estimating, mathematics, business, and general technology. A useful class is the required supervisory course, ensuring that students have the skills to be leaders, and efficiently manage a team at a variety of construction sites.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
30
Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University was first founded in 1849 as a State Normal School for training teachers. They are a regional public school situated in New Britain, Connecticut on a 162-acre suburban campus. They are the fourth oldest school in the state of Connecticut with public funding and are one of the schools that make up the Connecticut State University System. They have approximately 12,000 students enrolled annually and commit to a student-centered environment, with a 17:1 student to faculty ratio. Ninety percent of the student body is from the state, and more than half live on campus. Central Connecticut State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BCSM) degree that trains students to be productive and successful managers in the complex construction profession. Students learn first-hand hard and soft skills of field operations, estimation, project management, as well as civil engineering technology, analytically based mathematics, and science. A considerable part of the program is comprised of field trips and laboratories that provide students with hands-on experience and first-hand understandings of the field. There is also an emphasis on computer technology, as students will partake in training on a variety of applications, including Primavera Project Planner, Expedition, Microsoft Office, and Timberline Precision Estimating.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
31
Kent State University at Kent
Kent State University is located in Kent, Ohio and was founded in 1910 as a school to educate teachers. The first graduating class began their 34-person commencement ceremony in 1914 where then-governor James M. Cox delivered the address. In the century since its beginnings, Kent State has become at the premier university in the midwest, applying new technologies and knowledge to address the needs of its university community and the local community surrounding it. Kent State has one of the largest enrollments in Ohio serving over 39,000 students across its eight campuses. Over 28,000 of these students attend the main campus at Kent, Ohio. Kent State offers a professional bachelor’s degree program in Construction Management that features a specialized oriented curriculum. Graduates of this program should be able to have a mastery of construction methods and processes, as well as materials. They will also develop fluency in reading drawings and specifications related to the construction field and be able to manage a safe, effective job site. They will learn to cost materials and construction codes, laws, and regulations all making up a well-rounded leader in the construction industry. Students may also obtain a dual degree in Construction Management and Architecture, making them an ever more valuable asset to the field.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
32
Minnesota State University - Mankato
Minnesota State University-Mankato is often called MNSU or MSU and is a public institution located on top of the gorgeous bluff of the Blue Earth River, in the town of Mankato Minnesota. It was established in 1868, making it the second oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System, and the second oldest public postsecondary school in the state. MSU is the most comprehensive of all of the schools within the Minnesota system and is considered the flagship school. The school offers over 130 undergraduate programs, as well as, 75 graduate programs, and four doctoral programs. Institutionally, MSU is committed to student-centered values and ensures a 21:1 students to faculty ratio. Minnesota State University Mankato offers a Bachelor of Science Program in Construction Management degree through the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Students will leave the program fully prepared to meet the needs of the evolving field of Construction, with managerial skills that will give them a leg up in leadership positions. The coursework includes applied classes in scheduling, project management, estimating, planning, as well as interpersonal skills that include spoken communication, and organizational skills. Graduates will be ready to pursue their career as managers on many construction sites including commercial, industrial, and residential. Applicants to the major must have a minimum of 32 semester credit hours and a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
33
Arizona State University - Tempe
The Arizona State University Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, often referred to as merely the Fulton Schools, offers programming in computer science, engineering, and construction for undergraduates and graduates. They were initially founded in 1954 under the title, ASU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The Arizona State University has 24 different Schools, including the Fulton Schools. Located in downtown Tempe, Arizona, the school is found within what is called The Brickyard on the Mill Avenue Complex, with a satellite campus on Arizona State’s main campus. Both campuses are located on the public transit shuttle line called The ORBIT, making the commute simple. Arizona State University-Tempe shines for many reasons, but one of their crowning jewels is the Bachelor of Science degree Program in Construction Management. The methodically designed program brings together a variety of subjects such as the principles of construction, innovative technologies, and business management, informing students on how to facilitate a myriad of construction projects. Graduates of the program are prepared to work on commercial and residential construction projects, as well as, plans that involve comprehensive infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, and large-scale facilities. The program has been in existence for fifty years and had continued to evolve along with the industry of construction.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
34
Central Washington University
Central Washington University (CWU) was founded in 1891, initially as a Normal School, with the intention of training teachers. Currently, the university is a comprehensive public school with close to 12,000 students enrolled in their many programs. The school, situated on a 380-acre campus in the town of Ellensburg, Washington, is just 110 miles to the east of Seattle. Central Washington is considered to be the most rapidly growing school in the state, and also an “emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.” More than fifteen percent (15%) of their population is Hispanic, and it continues to grow. In 1976, the campus’s first building called Barge Hall was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. The Central Washington University Engineering, Technologies, Safety, and Construction Department offers a variety of programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (BSCM) degree program. This course of study requires four years for completion and trains students to manage and facilitate workers on construction site efficiently. The program is known for being hands-on and student-centered, with a close to 100 percent job placement rate from graduates. Students who have accomplished the program have had starting salaries of $60,000 and above. The program is well regarded in the construction industry and receives a significant amount of industry support from a variety of professional organizations.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
35
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school that was founded in 1851. Considered the flagship of the University of Minnesota system, it is the oldest of the five University of Minnesota Schools, and also the biggest. On the note of large, they have an endowment of $3.2 billion and are the sixth largest student body of main campuses in the nation with an annual enrollment of over 51,000 students. U of M Twin Cities is known as a Public Ivy University, meaning they can provide an education equivalent to a private Ivy League School, making it one of the nations highest achieving public schools. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities College of Continuing Education and Professional Studies offers the Bachelors of Science degree program in Construction Management. The program is responding to the growing construction industry, with the median starting salary of $55,000 for graduates. The program requires 120 credit hours, which includes 30 for admission. The coursework highlights conventions in design and construction technologies, contracts and specifications, estimating, quality assurance, results in measurement, and project management. Students have the opportunity to choose between four tracks in the program, which include: Facility Management, Commercial Construction, Residential Construction, Highway Heavy and Civil Works.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
36
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus is often referred to as U-Dub and was first founded in 1861, just ten years after the establishment of the city of Seattle. It was thought that the university would add to the local economy, and the campus was built downtown. The UW campus now takes up 703 acres of land in the University District within the Puget Sound region. The school now has two campuses in addition to the one in Seattle, located in the towns of Bothell and Tacoma. Within the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UW has achieved the classification as an R1 Doctoral Research University connoting the high level of research the university conducts. The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a Bachelors of Science in Construction Management degree. The program is designed for students who are interested in a hands-on a degree program that is practical with a high yield. The curriculum provides students with the skills to be leaders in the field including the technical skills to efficiently solve construction problems. Students will also be well versed in management, including the skills to communicate clearly and effectively both written and orally. Relevant coursework in the humanities and natural and social sciences is also implemented. The upper-division curriculum in the second two years covers structural analysis, mechanical and electrical systems, safety, and estimating, among other complex topics.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
37
Clemson University
Clemson University was established in 1889 with the intention of teaching Scientific Agriculture and Mechanical Arts to South Carolinians, as per the will of the seventh U.S. Vice President Thomas Green Clemson. He wanted the school to be modeled after what was then the Agricultural College of Mississippi, now known as Mississippi State University. Clemson is now the second largest institution of higher learning in the state of South Carolina and was recently ranked by US News and World Report as number 21 among all “national” public universities. Due to their high research activity, Clemson is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 School, which identifies schools with the highest level of research. Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management degree. The program first began in 1962 and has since been on the front lines of training innovative leaders in the construction industry. Students receive hands-on training through labs, seminars given by experts in the field, and a variety of site visits. Topics covered include project management, scheduling, estimating, as well as structures, materials and methods. Students are also required to spend 800 hours obtaining construction experience with an approved company, on top of their required courses. All students can choose to spend part of their junior year in England or Australia studying.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
38
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, primarily called Virginia Tech, was established in 1896. The school is a public research institution with a land grant. The Virginia Tech main campus sits on 2,600 acres of land in Blacksburg, Virginia and is the third largest institution of higher learning in the state. Virginia Tech is designated as a senior military college, and one of six of its kind in the country, as a result of their Corps of Cadets ROTC program. The school’s research portfolio of $513 million is the largest of any university in the state. Virginia Tech is known for having high admissions standards, as the typical student granted placement in the freshmen class received a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. The Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction offers a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction degree. The focus of the program includes making buildings and the business with which it is associated. Students will be versed in all of the phases of construction, as well as the efficacy and science at all levels. This instruction includes estimating, planning, designing, scheduling, procuring, and implementing and maintaining buildings. The program offers four tracks including non-technical skills, leadership, best practice management principles, and entrepreneurship. The first three semesters of study include the same science-based core curriculum before branching off into a specialty. The American Council for Construction Education has fully accredited this program.
Annual Tuition:$$$$$
Format:on campus
39
Auburn University
Auburn University was established in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts school for men. In 1872, it was renamed The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, and in association with the Morrill Act, became the first public land-grant institution in
