Distance Learning Programs For Construction Management

Construction managers supervise all types of construction projects.

Construction managers are integral to the construction process. They supervise all aspects of various construction projects and oversee budgetary matters as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for construction managers is expected to be good through 2018. The number of jobs in the field is projected to increase by 17 percent by then. According to the bureau, construction managers made a median annual salary of $79,860 as of May 2008.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an online Master of International Construction (MICM) degree. The degree is offered through the university's College of Design, Construction and Management. The program is designed to last about three or four years and requires students to complete 11 courses (33 credit hours) in construction management. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree and five years of documented experience in the field. As of the 2010-2011 academic school year, the total cost for the program was $19,800, or $600 per credit hour. Required courses include Commercial Management and Cost Control, Construction Ecology and Metabolism, Construction Human Resource Management, Construction Value Management, Principles of International Sustainable Construction and Managing Construction Information Technology, among others. The university also offers a certificate program in the field.

University of Florida

1601 Southwest Archer Road

Gainesville, FL 32608

352-392-0828

distancelearning.ufl.edu

East Carolina University

East Carolina University (ECU) offers an online program leading to the Master of Construction Management (MCM) degree. The program requires 30 credit hours for completion. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree in construction management or other fields like engineering or architecture. A minimum of three years of documented experience is also necessary. Students entering the program from an unrelated field must have 10 years of construction experience in lieu of education in the field. All applicants must also meet any other requirements established by the ECU graduate school. Courses include studies in areas such as Advanced Computer Applications in Construction, Global Management of Construction, Legal Implications of Design and Construction, Critical Analysis and Evaluation of Construction Documentation and Human Resources and Training.

East Carolina University

131 Ragsdale

Greenville, NC 27858

252-328-6012

ecu.edu

University of Washington

The University of Washington also offers an online graduate program in construction management leading to a master's degree. The program is the result of a collaborative effort between the university's civil and environmental engineering program and the construction management department. The program is delivered in a completely online format and offered on a quarter credit system. Students entering the program can enter during any quarter of the academic school year. Students earn either a Master of Science in Civil Engineering or the Master of Science in Construction Management. Students must complete 45 credit hours; 12 hours must be in the field of heavy construction and another 12 must be in the area of infrastructure construction.

University of Washington

Department of Construction Engineering

120 Architecture Hall

Box 351610

Seattle, WA 98195

206-685-3226

constructionengineering.washington.edu

Tags: Carolina University, credit hours, East Carolina, East Carolina University, offers online

Ph D Distance Learning

Ph.D. degrees being awared at Emory University.

Dozens of accredited colleges and universities offer online Ph.D. programs. From early childhood education to beam physics, here is what you might want to know about colleges that offer online Ph.D.s and what you can expect after your acceptance.

Where to Find Programs

According to Jonathan Liu, more than three dozen accredited universities now offer the Ph.D. program online. You can earn a Ph.D. in beam physics from Michigan State, an engineering Ph.D. from Colorado State University or a Ph.D. in agricultural education from Texas A&M. You can find the listings for most doctoral programs on Jonnie's Distance Learning website.

Getting Admitted

Getting into an online Ph.D. program can be easy or difficult, depending on the type of degree program and school that you choose. All schools require a master's degree for entry and most also require that you take the Graduate Record Exam. You should expect to score over 1,000 on the GRE to enter most Ph.D. programs. Some schools require short residencies, usually one or two semesters.

The Path to a Degree

You'll need to complete more than 90 hours of graduate credits to receive a Ph.D. This includes courses in research methodology and your major. You'll be assigned an adviser who will guide you through the initial course selection process. After you have completed your coursework, your selected (or assigned) committee of faculty members will approve your program or require that you take additional classes. While you are still completing classes, you'll be called a "doctoral student." The next step is to become a "doctoral candidate."

In order to become a doctoral candidate you'll need to demonstrate expertise in your subject area by passing a series of preliminary examinations, called qualifying exams at some universities. These involve two formats, oral and written. Which type of exams you have to take depends on your program. Although most online Ph.D. programs only require written exams, some may require that you travel to the university for an oral exam. Preliminary exams are extensive and may take weeks to complete. Expect to be grilled about every area of your chosen discipline.

Doctoral candidates must contribute a substantial body of work, called a dissertation, to their discipline. This thoroughly researched work must be approved by a faculty committee. During the defense of your dissertation, you will answer questions from faculty members on every aspect of the dissertation. A defense is also expected in online Ph.D. programs. During the dissertation phase of doctoral study, you'll sign up for "dissertation credits" instead of normal classes. You will research your topic and produce a dissertation. It is not unusual for dissertations to exceed 100 pages. You may also have to travel to campus for your dissertation defense.

Tags: online programs, require that, beam physics, become doctoral, become doctoral candidate

What Is Needed To Write An Effective Essay

Students need to know write an effective essay.

Writing a basic essay -- introductory statement, supporting paragraphs and conclusion -- is a necessary skill for high school and college students. Many classes use the essay format for midterm and final exams, and anyone hoping to get into graduate school will have to write an essay as part of the required Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Several components to an effective essay exist.

Strong Opening Paragraph

An effective essay starts with a well-written, defendable premise that you will explain and flesh out in the body of the essay. By the end of the first paragraph, your reader needs to know what the essay is about and how you will defend or refute the essay's premise. For example, if you are writing an essay about why you think online college courses are a good idea, you would say so and cite lower cost, freedom for the student to work on the course any time night or day and enhancement of computer skills as your reasons.

Clear Supporting Paragraphs

The supporting paragraphs must be clear and concise as you expand on and explain the points you mentioned in the opening paragraph. Use examples -- if this essay is part of a class exam, cite points your instructor made on the topic during lectures. Don't lose focus or wander off topic. Your reader will get lost; when that happens, your essay loses its effectiveness.

Concise Summation

Do not start your concluding paragraph with "In conclusion..." Your reader can see it's the last paragraph. Reiterate your original thought, state why the supporting points you made in the interim paragraphs support that thought, and your essay is finished. Keep the final paragraph short; your reader already knows everything you need to say, but you still need to say it for an effective essay.

Read Your Essay Out Loud

Your essay will lose a great deal of effectiveness if you misspell critical words, use poor grammar and make a lot of basic punctuation mistakes. Running your computer-composed essay through spell-check and grammar-check programs will find some of your mistakes, but not all; "through" and "threw" are both spelled correctly, but have very different meanings. Read the essay out loud, even if you read silently with your lips moving in an exam setting. This is the best way to find grammar and punctuation errors that could lower your score in addition to reducing the effectiveness of your writing.

Tags: effective essay, essay about, essay part, supporting paragraphs, your reader

Distance Learning Ideas

You don't have to go to a college to gain a better education.

Distance learning is one way to achieve higher education. Enrolling in an online college gives people the flexibility to pursue a high-quality education while never having to leave the comfort of their homes. However, this is not to say that distance learning is easy. Because the format of distance learning is convenient, people can become complacent in doing their coursework.

Time Management

Time management skills are important when pursuing online education. Online learners have to be able to set aside time in their busy days to sit down and work on their coursework. This could include plugging homework due dates into phones and setting reminders for assignments. Day planners are also a good start to helping remember things. Knowing in advance when things are due and allowing time during the day is one way for you to achieve success.

Self Discipline

Pursuing education online requires students have self discipline. In addition to time management, students must devote time and effort to their studies. In the online environment, there are no study partners or professors breathing down your neck. There is only you, your books and your virtual classroom. Assignment completion is up to you. Not having self discipline is an easy way to find yourself behind in your work.

Communication

Communication is an imperative habit when pursuing distance learning. Most professors understand that the majority of online learners are adults. They tend to be more flexible than the average college professor because they understand the emergencies and work conflicts that can occur in daily life. Communicate with your professor in a timely and professional manner in the event of an emergency.

Using Online Resources

Writing assignments are inevitable but they don't have to be difficult. Most online colleges provide a scholarly library to enrolled students. Use this asset any time a paper is required. The sources are all trustworthy and can be quoted with ease using the features inside of the library. Using this perk can shave hours off of your research time.

Enjoy the Experience

Online learning can be an enjoyable experience. There's the opportunity to network with people from all over the world in the safety of your own home. If you make the most of the online learning environment, you can begin to enjoy academics in a completely different way. Online learning is one way to pursue a quality education in an environment suitable for the busy adult. Having fun in your educational endeavors is one way you don't suffer academic burnout.

Tags: distance learning, Online learning, their coursework, when pursuing

Distance Learning For Postgraduate Degrees

Adults have many options for pursuing postgraduate degrees online.

Prior to the early 2000s, working professionals who wanted to advance their careers with a graduate degree had to give up their jobs to achieve their educational goals. Today, such a sacrifice is simply an option, instead of a requirement. Many colleges and universities offer graduate programs online, making it easy to earn a graduate degree without setting a foot on campus.

Finding The Right Program

The prospective graduate student has many distance learning programs to choose from, so finding the right program to apply to can be difficult. According to Gradschools.com, there are over 7,000 online graduate degree programs, which could make finding the right program confusing for potential applicants. Everyone thinking of continuing their education online should choose their program wisely and consider the cost of the program and how their desired degree will impact them professionally. Applicants should also research the reputation of the schools they're considering, along with the strength of their alumni networks, career placement programs and the availability of financial aid.

Financing The Degree

Getting financial aid for an online graduate program is similar to, if not exactly the same as getting aid for traditional programs. Applicants should start their search for funding by submitting a FAFSA application, which will determine what kind of aid they are eligible for and how much assistance they can expect to get. Applicants should also inquire about scholarships, grants and other financial aid awards their prospective programs might offer. Lastly, online sources such as FinAid.org can help applicants find various scholarships to help fund their studies.

Benefits

Perhaps the most significant benefit to pursuing a graduate degree online is the personal convenience attending such a program provides. Many students find that having the ability to attend class on their own time incredibly helpful, especially if they are working professionals with busy schedules. There are no physical classrooms, so students can study and work at home, a coffee shop or an airport. Lastly, students in these programs can get more individualized attention from their instructors, who are often just an e-mail or phone call away.

Drawbacks and Conclusion

For all its benefits, pursuing a graduate degree online can also have its share of detriments. Students who chose this option often forfeit the ability to meet their classmates for study sessions and instead have to study alone. Also, because online graduate programs are less structured than traditional programs, students can lose their focus and not manage their time wisely, miss assignments and deadlines, and end up performing poorly in their classes.

Tags: graduate degree, Applicants should, online graduate, Applicants should also, degree online, finding right

Executive Mba Schools

An executive MBA program typically takes about two years to complete.

Executive MBA programs differ from traditional, full-time MBA programs in that they are typically designed for working professionals with many years of work experience. These programs provide an opportunity for business executives to learn useful leadership and management skills to further their careers. Several executive MBA programs are offered in convenient formats to work around the full-time work schedule of busy executives.

Northwestern University

Located just north of Chicago, in the suburb of Evanston, Northwestern University offers an executive MBA program through its Kellogg School of Management. Students in the program study general management across major disciplines of business. The two-year program consists of 28 credits, 4 of which can be domestic or global elective courses. Classes can be taken at the Evanston campus or at an additional campus in Miami; there is no distance learning option. Applicants should have at least eight years of work experience, though most of the executive MBA students have 12 to15 yearss experience. A GMAT is required for applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree.

Northwestern University

2169 Campus Dr.

Evanston, IL 60208

847-491-3622

kellogg.northwestern.edu

Emory University

Emory University, located in Atlanta, offers an executive MBA program through its Goizueta Business School. The program is designed for working professionals; students can choose to complete their classes on weekends or through nine one-week learning modules. The weekend class format takes 16 months to complete; the modular format can be finished in 21 months. Each program format incorporates some distance learning to supplement the on-campus classes. Students in the program have access to career coaches who can provide professional development planning, optional workshops, team coaching, and progress assessments.

Emory University

1300 Clifton Rd.

Atlanta, GA 30322

404-727-6311

goizueta.emory.edu

The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business incorporates an executive MBA program at its Chicago, London, and Singapore campuses. The program is 21 months in length and consists of 17 courses. Students can concentrate their elective studies in strategy, marketing, or finance. The program also includes four residential weeks, during which students travel to participate in classes and study groups with students from all three campuses; two weeks are held in Chicago, one in Singapore, and one in London. Most students have 13 to15 years of work experience. Applicants are advised to take the GMAT and submit their scores, although they are not required for admission.

The University of Chicago

5807 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Chicago, IL 60637

773-702-7743

chicagobooth.edu

Tags: executive program, Emory University, Northwestern University, University Chicago, work experience, years work, years work experience

Build A Blackboard

A blackboard can be a very simple display item.

Originally made from slate, blackboards were at one time directly mounted to a wall surface. Today, modern science has perfected a magnetic, black paint that can be applied to a wooden surface, like plywood, and used as a writing surface for chalk. This paint is commercially available through retail paint outlets. With these developments in mind, why not build a chalkboard with an attractive frame that can be hung on the wall? Such a blackboard can also be moved from time to time, if the need should arise.

Instructions

1. Choose a size for your hanging blackboard. The one in this exercise will be 4 feet long and 2 feet high, but in reality you can make a blackboard other sizes as well.

2. Set the plywood on the saw horses. With the chalk line and tape measure, mark a 2-by-4 foot section of plywood. Cut the plywood with a circular saw. Use protective eye and ear gear for safety.

3. Sand the plywood with the orbital sander. First use medium grade paper. Continue with fine grain sandpaper until the front surface of the plywood is very smooth. The back side needs only light sanding with medium grade sandpaper.

4. Brush away all loose sawdust. Paint both sides and all edges of the plywood with the primer-sealer paint and polyester paint brush. Let the paint dry. Most acrylic-based primer-sealers will dry in a few hours, but check the manufacturer's label for specific drying times.

5. Lay the plywood on the sawhorses with the smooth side up. Next, cut and fit a 1-by-3 inch, 4-foot top piece along the front of the blackboard. Then place two side pieces that extend down the face of the plywood to the bottom edge. Sand each board lightly and use butt joints where the boards meet in the upper two corners. Attach the facial boards with 1-inch flathead wood screws. Use a pilot hole and countersink to start all screw holes.

6. Fill each screw hole with wood putty. Then turn the blackboard over.

7. Insert more screws into the trim by drilling pilot holes and then securing the flathead screws with a screw gun. No need to countersink or use nail putty on the back side.

8. Drill a pilot hole for each eye screw and insert the eye screw from the back side. These hanging devices should be located about 10 inches from the top and dead center in the middle of the wood trim.

9. Run a piece of 50-pound test picture hanging wire between the two eye hooks. Ensure it is very taut.

10. Cut a 4-foot piece of 1-by-3 trim and a 4-foot piece of the quarter round. Sand each piece lightly.

11. Stand the plywood on its long edge. Attach the 1-by-3 inch board to the bottom of the plywood using the wood screws. Pilot holes are necessary to start each screw. This board will act as a shelf for the chalk and should be attached to the edge of the plywood that has no trim piece.

12. Move the plywood on top of the sawhorses. Add a 4-foot piece of quarter round to the top outside edge of the shelf. This piece acts as a stop edge to keep chalk from sliding off the front of the blackboard tray.

13. Paint the blackboard with the special paint using the brush and roller. Let the paint dry overnight. Add a second coat if necessary.

14. Clean the brush and use it to paint the trim and ledge. First apply a coat of the primer-sealer and let the paint dry. Then add a coat of white trim paint to contrast the dull black of the chalkboard. A semi-gloss paint can be used on the trim of the blackboard.

Tags: 4-foot piece, back side, each screw, plywood with, 1-by-3 inch, 4-foot piece quarter, brush paint

Required Classes For Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal nurse practitioners go through rigorous educational programs to prepare them for work.

Advanced nursing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a very rewarding career choice. It takes patience and a strong will to help those who can't help themselves, even if it means experiencing some heartache along the way. There are a variety of neonatal nurse practitioner programs available, each of which offers similar classes. The required coursework varies from school to school, but there are several general types of mandatory classes.

Advanced Physiology

Courses for neonatal nurse practitioners include advanced work in physiology and pathophysiology of the neonate. You will learn how a newborn's body works and any conditions that can interfere with this. Babies in the NICU are often at high risk because their bodies are malfunctioning, so knowing treat these children is a major part of the coursework for neonatal nurse practitioners. You will have extensive training about how the body develops so you can address the problems that can occur with premature birth. You will learn assess and evaluate which bodily systems are not functioning properly and treat neonatal disease processes.

Neonatal Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of how medicine works in the body. Neonates often need medication to help them survive, so learning pharmacology as it pertains to infants is included in the required coursework for neonatal nurse practitioners. Babies react differently to medication than adults, so it's imperative for you to learn properly administer medication to a very young and possibly ill baby. Since nurse practitioners can write prescriptions, this is a major part of the coursework for the neonatal specialty. You must know when to use which medicine, when it's contraindicated, the side effects and how long it will take the medicine to work. All of this is included in your pharmacology classes.

Practica

Every program requires students to have some hands-on experience in the NICU or other neonatal care unit. This is a major part of the curriculum as it allows you to put your book knowledge to the test in the real world. You assess neonates, make diagnoses, perform procedures and administer medication under the supervision of your instructor. This is the best learning experience you will have during the program so make the most of it.

Tags: nurse practitioners, coursework neonatal, major part, neonatal nurse practitioners, administer medication

Blue Ribbon Cooking School

The Blue Ribbon Cooking and Culinary Center, based in Seattle, Washington's Eastlake neighborhood, offers cooking classes, team-building workshops, worldwide culinary tours and summer camp programs. Blue Ribbon also caters weddings at its 5200 square-foot Lake Union facility. The school's website hosts an online store where shoppers can buy select cooking gear, personalized apparel and prepared products like jams and barbecue rubs.

History

Virginia and Mike Duppenthaler founded the Blue Ribbon Cooking School in 1995, after Virginia launched her first cooking school in Vancouver, Canada. Virginia Duppenthaler studied cookery at Cordon Bleu in Paris, as well as Vienna's Gastronomic Institute and the University of Science and Technology in Ames, Iowa. Co-owner Mike Duppenthaler, a knife-skills and grilling expert, worked as a businessman before joining the school's teaching staff in 1998. Their daughter, Vanessa Johns-Webster, joined the management team to head their catering and kids programs after having been a private chef and culinary consultant.

Classes

Cooking classes operate on a rotating schedule and provide hands-on participation, a sit-down meal and hard copies of the recipes covered in class. Classes are nonrefundable, but you can reschedule without fee if you give more than 7 days' notice. Classes transferred within 7 days will provide a 50-percent credit toward a future class. Topics offered on a rotating basis include Monday Night Dinner Parties, Seasonal Selections, Singles Classes, Culinary Destinations and Essential Techniques.

Instructors

A team of instructors who specialize in regional styles and techniques assist co-owners Virginia and Mike Duppenthaler. Their teaching roster includes chefs proficient in Italian, Thai, Pan-Mediterranean, French and California cooking styles, as well as instructors who focus on pastry and chocolate arts. Among them, the Blue Ribbon Cooking School instructors have earned and received a number of accolades, including the International Association of Culinary Professionals' Certified Culinary Professional accreditation and several regional kudos.

Press

The school has been covered in local and regional media outlets including Sunset magazine, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the North Seattle Journal, Sound Business Journal and Seattle Weekly. Articles have focused on topics including kids in the kitchen, party-style cooking classes and singles classes.

Contact Information

Reserve classes at the Blue Ribbon Cooking School by phoning Blue Ribbon's main number, (206) 328-2442, or email info@blueribboncooking.com. The main street address is 2501 Fairview Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102.

Trivia

Virginia Duppenthaler's grandfather invented the corn dog in their small-town Georgia home.

Tags: Blue Ribbon, Blue Ribbon Cooking, Ribbon Cooking, Ribbon Cooking School, Cooking School, Mike Duppenthaler

The Best Interior Design Schools In Chicago

Chicago is a city with many opportunities for students looking to earn a degree in interior design. Numerous schools offer programs that teach the basic principals of the field as well as specific aspects that appeal to students. Whether you are interested in residential, commercial, or office design, Chicago has a school that can fit your needs. Most programs offer real world experience alongside classroom experience. This helps to prepare students for the pitfalls they'll face as interior designers.

Harrington College of Design

Located in the area of Chicago known as "the Loop," the Harrington College of Design is a private institution offering degrees in Interior Design. The program focuses on using 2D design and digital photography to enhance a space's form and functionality. The school, formed in 1931 by Francis Harrington when she noticed an interest in Interior Design from area residents, is now nationally accredited by the Council for Independent Colleges. However, it's not regionally accredited, and credits may be difficult to transfer to area schools.

Harrington College of Design

200 West Madison Stree 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-3433

(866) 590-4423

harringtoncollegeprograms.com

The Illinois Institute of Art

Offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, the Illinois Institute of Art teaches students design principals which focus on the human aspect of an interior, while maximizing the functionality of a space. Students will learn in a hands-on environment, and they will apprentice under current interior designers. Upon completion of the program, students will have compiled a portfolio or their work that can be shown to potential employers.

The Illinois Institute of Art

350 N. Orleans Street Chicago, IL 60654-1593

(312) 280-3500

artinstitutes.edu/chicago

International Academy of Design & Technology

Focusing on combining creative design with real-world applications, the Chicago branch of the International Academy of Design & Technology offers students a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Interior Design that is regionally and nationally accredited. Students will learn aspects of interior design that can be applied to residential, restaurant and commercial settings. The program emphasizes the design aspect of the field, the supervisor role and stay within a projected budget.

International Academy of Design & Technology

One North State Street, Suite 500

Chicago, IL 60602

(888) 704-2111

iadtchicago.edu

Tags: Interior Design, Academy Design, Academy Design Technology, College Design, Design Technology

Medical Scholarships For Undergraduates

There are a number of scholarships available to help undergraduate students in all branches of medical study pay for their schooling. These scholarships are as varied as the many branches in the field of medicine, and are available from a number of sources, including privately-owned companies and professional organizations.

AAMC Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers scholarship money to undergraduate students pursuing medical degrees through the Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship program. Five scholarships are awarded annually, each in the amount of $5,000. In order to be eligible, a student must be in his or her third year of medical school, and must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. According to the AAMC website, an applicant must have "demonstrated leadership efforts in addressing educational, societal, and health care needs of minorities" in order to qualify for these awards. The annual deadline for application is May 3. Interested students should visit the AAMC website for more information.

Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships Award Committee

c/o Angela R. Moses

Association of American Medical Colleges

2450 N Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20037-1127

E-mail: nickensawards@aamc.org

www.aamc.org

Tylenol Scholarship Program

The Tylenol Scholarship Program provides scholarship money to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in fields related to health and medicine. Approximately 40 scholarships are awarded every year, 10 in the amount of $10,000, and 30 in the amount of $5,000. According to the Tylenol website, the criteria for awarding these scholarships is based on the leadership qualities and experience of award applicants. The annual application deadline is May 14. Interested students should visit the Tylenol website for more information and to download an electronic scholarship application.

McNeil-PPC

100 Jefferson Rd

Parsippany, NJ 07054

www.tylenol.com

Health Professions Education Foundation Allied Healthcare Scholarship

The Health Professions Education Foundation provides scholarship money to undergraduate students pursuing degrees related to health and health care through the Allied Healthcare Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded in amounts of up to $4,000 per academic year. Students must be attending an accredited institution in the state of California in order to be eligible. In return for receiving support, awardees of this scholarship must commit to either one year of employment or 100 hours of volunteer service in a medically underserved area of California. Interested students should visit the HPEF website for a full list of supported programs of study, and to download an electronic application.

Health Professions Education Foundation

400 R Street, Suite 460

Sacramento, CA 95811-6213

Telephone: (800) 773-1669

Fax: (916) 324-6585

www.oshpd.ca.gov

Tags: undergraduate students, Education Foundation, Health Professions, Health Professions Education, Herbert Nickens, Herbert Nickens Medical

Training For An Obstetrician Gynecologist

Obstetrician gynecologists provide patient care during all phases of pregnancy.

Obstetrician gynecologists are physicians who specialize in health care for women. These physicians diagnose and treat general medical conditions, but also specialize in conditions specifically related to women. Obstetrician gynecologists provide care during pregnancy, deliver babies and care for women postpartum. The education for an obstetrician gynecologist can take between 12 and 15 years to complete.

Undergraduate Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an undergraduate degree is not required for entry to medical school. Three years of undergraduate courses are the minimum requirement for a pre-med education, but most students complete a bachelor's degree program to enhance the chances for admittance to medical school. Medical schools require students to complete science courses for entry into the graduate degree program. Courses such as biology, physics, chemistry, math and English must be part of the pre-medical education. Students must also submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test for entry into medical school.

Medical School

Obstetrician gynecologists must complete four years of medical school to qualify as a physician. Courses in medical school include anatomy, physiology, psychology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, ethics and medical laws. Students spend the final two years of medical school in clinical rotations in family practice, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery. Students will not specialize in obstetrics and gynecology until after completing medical school.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency

The student enters an obstetrics and gynecology residency program after medical school to gain experience under the direction of a trained physician. The residency program is paid, on-the-job training that provides students an opportunity to combine classroom training and clinical practice in the obstetrics and gynecology specialty.

Board Certification

The American Board of Medical Specialties provides certification for physicians through 24 member boards. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology oversees the certification of obstetricians and gynecologists. The physician must have four years of training and two years of clinical practice to qualify for board certification in obstetrics and gynecology. Physicians may specialize in the field further with certification in critical care medicine for obstetrician gynecologists, gynecologic oncology, maternal and fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility and hospice medicine. Additional training is required for specialties in the obstetrics and gynecology field for these specialties.

Tags: medical school, obstetrics gynecology, Obstetrician gynecologists, American Board, care during

Understand W4 Allowances

Prepare for your taxes.

Before you start work for an employer and for future years after that, you will need to update the W-4 form so that the employer withholds the correct amount of federal and state taxes from your pay. You want the information on the form to be correct so that you don't owe any money to the federal and state governments when you file your tax returns for the year. The W-4 form information is used with federal and state tax tables, which feature a "married" or "single" section with the number of allowances. The higher the allowances, the lower your tax liability. Allowances are what you are allowed to claim to reduce your tax liability.

Instructions

1. Enter "1" allowance for yourself. If you are married, you can claim "1" allowance for your spouse on line C. By entering "1" for yourself and "0" for a spouse, the employer will use the tax table for a single flier and if you enter "1" for a spouse, the employer will use the tax table for a married person, which will have a lower tax liability.

2. Enter "1" on line B if you only have one job and you are single. If you have two jobs, you will enter "0" on this line. If your spouse works, enter "0" on this line or enter "1" if your spouse does not work. If your income from the second job or a spouse's job is less than $1,500, you can enter "1" on this line.

3. Enter allowances for each dependent that you have. If you have three children or qualifying dependents, enter that number for additional allowances. If you have no children or dependents, you would enter "0."

4. Enter "1" on line E if you will claim head of household on your tax return. If you have more than $1,800 in child care expenses, enter "1" on line F. On line G, you can enter "1" or "2" for each child that you have who is a qualifying child for the child tax credit, depending on your total income for the year.

5. Enter the total of lines A to G on line H and on line 5 of the W-4 form that you will hand to your employer. The employer uses the line 5 allowances to find your tax liability in the tax table under your filing status. You can have an additional amount of money withheld from your paycheck, but this is unusual for most people. If you owe back taxes, you can always have an additional amount withheld so that it can be applied to the back taxes when the federal or state governments take your refunds. However, people who are unsure of how much their tax liability will be or unsure of their total income for the year, can also have an additional amount withheld.

6. Claim exempt status if you did not have a tax liability the previous year or you were entitled to a full refund and if you expect the same tax liability for the current tax year. Exempt will mean that no taxes are withheld from your pay. Take your projected income for the year, subtract the deductions and credits on a 1040 form to determine if you will have a tax liability. Be very careful when claiming "Exempt" because if something changes, you could owe money to the government.

Tags: federal state, additional amount, enter this, enter this line, from your, have additional

Crafts For Sororities

Create crafts for holiday or season decorations, or as gifts for formals.

Crafts can be integrated into different sorority functions. Create custom crafts as decorations around the house seasonally and for holidays, or make something for a secret sister or formal gift. Puffy paint, a liquid paint that comes in a tube, is a great way to customize already purchased gifts such as picture frames or jewelry boxes. Incorporate your sorority's letters to make gifts long-lasting keepsakes. Visit your local art supply store to find materials to make crafts with your sorority.

Seasonal Ideas

Cut flowers or maple leaves out of construction paper in the spring or autumn, and hang them around the house to bring in the new season. Get together with all of your sorority sisters and spend the day decorating white t-shirts with markers to celebrate the beginning of summer. Adorn winter mugs with your sorority letters and have a hot cocoa social during the cold months.

Holiday Crafts

Holiday crafts can accentuate your sorority house, whether you and your sisters color Easter eggs and write your letters on them with markers or design a mistletoe of your letters over the foyer. Buy paper, cut out decorations for the holidays and use masking tape rolled in small balls to stick them to the walls. Make a sorority event out of getting a Christmas tree, and get art supplies to make all your own decorations with crafts.

Secret Sister Gifts

Secret sister gifts are a great opportunity to use your crafty ability to show a sister how much she means to you. Consider making her a pillow, and sewing or hot glue-gunning your letters onto it with cut out felt. Purchase a picture frame, put your favorite photo or the two of you in it and decorate the frame with jewels, paint, ribbons or any other interesting items from your local art supply store.

Formal Gifts

Save money on formal gifts this season or year by crafting your own gifts. For example, design glasses for the formal with your sorority letters on them for all attendees. Make gifts for each person who attends the formal, or create gifts for each couple.

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Different Types Of Financial Aid Offered To Students

Improving your grades improves your scholarship eligibility.

Paying for college may seem daunting when you consider the price. Many students rely on a combination of savings and financial aid to foot the bill. To qualify for the types of financial aid offered to students, fill out the Free Application for Student Aid or FAFSA. Start early, because you must meet state, federal and individual college deadlines to remain eligible for aid.

Scholarships

To obtain aid that you never have to pay back, apply for as many scholarships as possible. Some scholarships are need-based--for lower-income students--while other scholarships depend on factors such as grades or residency. A wide range of scholarships exist. Find them by checking with organizations you belong to, the colleges you apply to, the companies your parents or guardians work for and religious and community organizations. Many school guidance counselors have resources for college-bound students and provide individualized advice on applying for aid. Take advantage of free services on the Internet, such as Fastweb.com, that match you with appropriate scholarships.

Loans

By accepting a loan, you agree to repay the amount borrowed plus interest. The federal government offers several loans for students. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program provides money to students who attend school full or half-time. The loans are other subsidized, for students with financial need, or unsubsidized, for students without financial need. The Direct PLUS Loan program allows parents, rather than students, to borrow money. You may also qualify for a Federal Perkins loan, which your college provides. Instead of repaying the federal government, you repay the money to the college that loaned it.

Grants

The U.S. Department of Education runs four grant programs: the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Federal Pell Grant, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant. Grants, like scholarships, do not require repayment under most circumstances. Pell Grants require half-time enrollment in a certificate, bachelor's or associate's degree program. Low-income students receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Eligibility requirements include having a low Expected Family Contribution and attending a participating school. The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant gives money to students under 24 whose parent or guardian died while in the armed forces in Afghanistan or Iraq. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant provides funds for students who plan to become teachers. States and individual colleges may also offer grants to eligible students.

Campus-Based Aid

Campus-based aid involves obtaining employment from your college as part of the Federal Work-Study Program. With work-study programs, you attend classes and work part-time. You may also work off campus for either a public agency or a nonprofit. The U.S. Department of Education stipulates that in these cases, your work-study job must be germane to your college courses. Work-study jobs pay minimum wage or higher for undergraduate students. Your aid eligibility determines the number of hours you will work.

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Different Scholarships For High School Students

Scholarships for high school students are abundant. Students of all income, academic and personal backgrounds can apply to receive scholarship aid. Scholarships usually come from private sources such as local organizations and large foundations. Award amounts vary, but generally range from a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of books to full tuition.

Academic

One common type of scholarship for high school students is an academic, or merit-based, scholarship. Scholarships are often offered to you directly from the school you plan to attend. When you receive a response from the admissions office, your scholarship offer is generally included. In addition to academic scholarships from your college or university, scholarships from private foundations such as the Coca Cola Scholars program and National Merit Scholarship are another possibility.

As of 2011, 50 students designated as National Coca Cola Scholars receive awards of $20,000 and 200 students designated as Regional Coca Cola Scholars receive awards of $10,000 for college. The National Merit Scholarship Award is $2,500 for qualifying finalists.

Need-Based

Scholarships programs often measure your level of financial need in addition to academic prowess. Need-based scholarships may depend on ethnicity or character. For example, the Dell Scholars program offers an award to students who have less than perfect GPAs but demonstrate a commitment to excel in the face of challenging college coursework. Scholarships for minorities with financial need such as the Gates Millennium Scholarship provide educational support to students who may be underrepresented on college campuses. Some colleges and universities offer need-based minority scholarships as a part of a diversity or inclusion initiative.

Writing

Whether you love or hate to write, essay scholarships are available to help you obtain more money for school. Students who loathe the college application essay can apply for the Zinch Three Sentence Essay contest to win a scholarship of $1,000, as of 2011. The essay contest allows you to answer a topic in less than a paragraph instead of binding yourself to lengthy essays that could take weeks to complete.

If you enjoy writing, Ayn Rand's foundation offers a series of writing contests based on her novels; high school students can enter The Fountainhead Essay Contest. As of 2011, the first prize scholarship winner receives $10,000 towards the cost of attending an accredited college or university.

Extracurricular

Your personal interests could land you a scholarship. Students who participate as a caddy or who advocate on behalf of healthy eating can apply to receive awards based on their extracurricular interests. The Chick Evans Scholarship, as of 2011, offers a full-tuition scholarship to caddies with at least two years' experience and a "B" average. The Vegetarian Resource Group provides awards to two students each year who have a commitment to promoting vegetarianism in school. As of 2011, the Vegetarian Resource Group award is $5,000.

Tags: Coca Cola, Coca Cola Scholars, Cola Scholars, high school, receive awards

Calculate Gre Scores From Acts

You can loosely predict your GRE score based on past performance on standardized tests.

The ACT is a college entrance exam and has no official concordance with the GRE, a graduate school entrance exam. It is, however, possible to predict your performance on the GRE based loosely on your past performance on the ACT using an ACT-SAT concordance chart. However, it should be noted that this prediction is in no way definitive, and you can reasonably expect to differ substantially upon writing the actual GRE.

Instructions

Use a Concordance Chart

1. Compare your ACT score to the projected equivalent SAT score using a concordance chart. Your ACT Composite score (verbal and math) is comparable to the SAT Critical Reading and Math combined scores. Your ACT English/Writing score is comparable to the SAT Writing score.

2. Identify the percentile of your projected equivalent SAT scores.

3. Locate a definitive table of GRE percentiles and the test scores they encompass. Using the percentile you calculated from your projected SAT score based on ACT performance, you can identify the range of scores you can expect you receive on the GRE.

4. Remember that the GRE is a very different test from both the ACT and the SAT. The GRE assumes a body of knowledge that you acquired during college, whereas the ACT and SAT test skills and knowledge you acquired in high school. Preparing for the GRE is essential, as the question types are very different and can take some getting used to.

Tags: entrance exam, past performance, predict your, projected equivalent, score based, very different, Writing score

Types Of Doctorate Degees

Doctoral degrees can be earned in many fields.

A doctoral degree--or a doctorate--is a post-graduate degree in a particular field or profession that is often the terminal, or final, degree a student can earn in that subject. Doctoral degrees typically take three to six years to earn, and colleges and universities may have different requirements for each degree. Many doctoral degrees are offered online now, and they can be earned in a variety of fields and professions.

Research doctorates

Perhaps the most common doctoral degrees are research doctorates, which are often earned in the educational field. Research doctorates include the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degrees. Just as the name suggests, these degrees are awarded to individuals who complete extensive academic research on a particular topic or subject, and often require the defense of a thesis or dissertation.

Professional doctorates

Professional doctoral degrees are awarded to individuals who pursue research and complete training in a particular profession, such as medicine or law. These degrees include the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), and the Juris Doctor (JD) for those in law. Other professional doctoral degrees are available in fields such as practical theology (DPT) and veterinary medicine (DVM).

Honorary doctorates

The third type of doctoral degree is the honorary doctorate, which a college or university bestows on an individual whom the institution wishes to honor for contributions to a particular field or profession or for philanthropic endeavors. Honorary doctorates are presented "honoris causa," which is Latin for "sake of the honor," and usually are given during a higher education institution's Commencement or other ceremony.

Tags: doctoral degrees, awarded individuals, degrees awarded, degrees awarded individuals, Doctoral degrees

Different Mba Degrees

For years, a master of business administration (MBA) degree has conferred a higher salary and industry respect, even if the field of study was rather limited. But increasingly, MBA degrees have diversified, expanding into a variety of fields that gives students more options and job possibilities. Those thinking about getting an MBA should be aware of the different types offered, such as accounting, finance, executive and health care management.

MBA in Accounting

An MBA in accounting educates students in the management and marketing principles of accounting. While business management is also emphasized, the MBA in accounting will focus on subjects such as managerial accounting, finance, accounting information systems, economics, operations and organization theory and analysis. The Rutgers University Business School in Newark, New Jersey, was the first school to introduce this degree and offers a full-time MBA in Professional Accounting that can be completed in 14 months. Students who graduate with this degree will be qualified to take the CPA exam.

MBA in Finance

An MBA with a specialty in finance is designed to educate students in all the financial principles of business, leading to a job as a financial analyst, accountant, investment banker or the ultimate prize, chief financial officer of a company. The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia offers the country's top-ranked MBA in finance, according to the 2010 "U.S. News & World Report" listing for best finance business schools. Wharton offers students the option of specializing in corporate finance, banking and financial institutions, international finance and investment management.

Executive MBA

An executive MBA degree is designed exclusively for mid and high-level executives with experience, usually 5 years or more, working in their companies' management structure. The main distinction with this degree compared to other MBAs is students continue to work full-time in their regular jobs while studying for their executive MBA degree. Because of the limited time commitment, executive MBAs usually take two years to complete, and are often sponsored by a student's business or firm. Successful candidates will be trained in various aspects of teamwork, leadership and innovation within the business community. Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Illinois, offers one of the country's best executive MBA programs, with courses in ethics and executive leadership, foundations of strategy, marketing management and statistical decision analysis.

MBA in Health Care

An MBA in health care combines a solid foundation in basic management with specialized courses in health care administration. Graduates can find work as hospital administrators, health care consultants and pharmaceutical project managers. Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, offers an MBA for executive leadership in health care, separated into a first-year session that teaches management fundamentals such as managing groups and teams, competition, spreadsheet monitoring and the global macroeconomy; and a second-year session specializing in health care instruction, such as managing and innovating in health care organizations, information technology for health care and health care policy, finance and economics.

Tags: health care, health care, this degree, accounting finance, executive degree, executive leadership, offers country

What Courses Do I Need To Take For A Juris Doctor Degree

There are many requirements to earn a law degree.

The Juris Doctorate degree programs offered at any reputable law school will prepare students for a variety of careers in the legal industry, including but not limited to practice as a licensed attorney. Some J.D. programs are part-time or even completed through online coursework, and the number of credits required for graduation will vary from school to school. However, all degrees are awarded through a combination of law-school coursework, seminars and clinics, plus independent study, internship or externship experience, and research.

Writing Requirements

All law school students must take at least 3-4 hours of legal writing, which generally equates to one first-year writing course each semester. In addition to this standard law-school writing requirement, the American Bar Association requires students in pursuit of a Juris Doctor to complete an upper-level writing requirement as well. This requirement is normally satisfied in the form of a 30-plus page research paper on which the student has been mentored by a faculty member. It is generally required that the student writes at least one draft and submits it to the faculty member for feedback before producing the final copy.

Legal Ethics Requirement

Juris Doctor students are also required to take a minimum of two credits of legal ethics coursework. These credits are usually fulfilled in the form of two one-credit courses focused on the instruction and application of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Most law schools do offer single two-credit ethics courses as well. Once the instructional class is completed, students are free to pursue enrollment in clinics or externships. In some instances, taking a clinical course can give the student credit for the application portion of the ethics requirement.

Professional Skills Requirement

Before you pursue a career in law via the Juris Doctor Degree, the American Bar Association requires you to receive instruction in a set of "professional skills generally regarded as necessary for effective and responsible participation in the legal profession." This requirement can be met via enrollment in a clinic or externship, the completion of the capstone project, or enrollment in certain courses offered by the law school. Qualifying courses often include electives applicable to the student's concentration or area of interest.

Satisfying Credit Requirements

In addition to the above requirements that students must fulfill to receive a Juris Doctor, they must also take basic courses to accumulate the total number of credits required for graduation from the law school of their choice. The first year of law school is usually planned for the student, and includes mandatory courses in civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, property and torts, to give students exposure to many different kinds of legal practice. It is once the student completes the required courses that he or she chooses what classes will be taken to fulfill the ABA requirements.

Tags: Juris Doctor, American Association, American Association requires, Association requires, credits required, credits required graduation

Which Medical Schools Don'T Use Mcat Scores

Medical school admissions are highly competitive

The Medical College Admissions Test is widely used as a major determinant in acceptance to medical school. The test measures a student's mastery of the subjects a doctor will study and excel in, such as biology and chemistry. Some schools do not require the test, however, you may place your application at a disadvantage by not including MCAT scores because admission to medical school is highly competitive and any proof you can furnish demonstrating your future success in the field is recommended.

International

International schools have much different admission criteria. While most international schools do not set arbitrary MCAT scores for admissions, some do not consider or require them at all. Some universities in the Caribbean, for example, do not require MCAT scores and approach admissions holistically, considering the student's GPA, coursework, research, employment and moral character. The University of Ottawa in Canada does not require MCAT scores because, as stated on the school's website, the required science coursework serves that purpose.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth College, located in New Hampshire, does not require applicants to have taken the MCAT but, as stated on the college's website, this puts students at a disadvantage. Dartmouth operates one of the top medical colleges in the United States and so admissions are highly competitive. Students who can demonstrate, through many means such as the MCAT, that they are excellent candidates will be accepted. If you choose to not take the MCAT, it is advisable you provide evidence of your excellence through other means such as GPA, employment history, ideally in the medical field. Research experience in the medical field is highly recommended to bolster an application.

Texas A&M

Texas A&M University System offers admission to prospective medical students without MCAT scores if students are residents of areas in Texas that are experiencing a shortage of medical personnel. The Partnership for Primary Care Program has a list of prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA of 3.5, minimum SAT/ACT scores and graduation in top 10 percent of high school class. Students must pledge that after medical school graduation they will work in an underserved area in Texas.

Provisional Acceptance

Provisional acceptance is acceptance into a medical school to undergraduate students, based on GPA and other standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT. According to Fair Test, there are over 30 programs in the United States that grant provisional acceptance without the MCAT. Students must simply maintain a certain GPA throughout the undergraduate degree and then move on to the university's medical school.

Tags: MCAT scores, medical school, highly competitive, admissions highly, admissions highly competitive, does require

Convince Parents To Pay For A Sorority

So you have decided you want to go through sorority recruitment (formerly known as "rush") this fall at your chosen university. The only problem is, you are not sure you can convince your parents to fork out the cash for a sorority. Fear not--you can prove to the parents that a sorority is not as expensive as it may seem and is a worthwhile investment.

Instructions

1. Play up the beneficial aspects of being in a sorority. Nationally only 50% of students who enter college graduate; for Greeks, however, the figure is 70%. Most sororities have GPA requirements and provide academic assistance to their members. Each sorority has a charity to which it dedicates countless hours for the greater good. Being a Greek provides numerous future career-networking options. Remind your parents that if you do not get a job upon graduation, they are faced with you moving back home. Wouldn't they rather you joined a sorority and got a job quickly through your contacts?

2. Find out how much it costs to live in a dorm and participate in your college's meal plan. Compare this total amount to what it costs to live in a sorority house. On most college campuses, it is cheaper to live in the sorority house, where your meals and sorority dues are usually included in the price, than it is to live in a dorm and purchase the school's meal plan. In addition, most sorority houses have an adult "house mother" who lives on site 24/7. She helps to insure that proper behavior occurs in the house.

3. Compare the rules of a dorm to the rules of a sorority house. Most sorority houses have stricter rules than dormitories. For example, the sorority houses at the University of Georgia do not allow men in the girls' sleeping quarters. Dates must pick up the girls downstairs in the common areas. Many all-girls' dormitories allow men to sleep over 24/7. Put that image in your parents' minds and see how they like it.

4. Point out the advantages of arriving early during sorority rush. For those colleges which have recruitment in the fall, girls going through rush arrive a week earlier than all the rest of the freshmen. This allows you (and consequently your parents) to move in a much less rushed, hectic and traffic-laden environment. You are also likely to form friendships during rush because all the girls are going through the same thing together, thus lessening homesickness (and tearful calls to your parents).

5. Remind your parents that going through rush does not in any way obligate you to actually join a sorority. You can always go through recruitment and choose not to pledge a sorority, but you still meet many new friends. Getting your foot in the door by going through rush may swing your parents toward paying for a sorority should you decide to join one.

Tags: your parents, going through, going through rush, parents that, sorority house, sorority houses

Scholarships For Minority College Students

In addition to grants and scholarships for everyone, there are also scholarships for minority college students. There are scholarships for people whose skin is all colors of the rainbow and come from any number of ethnic backgrounds. If you are a minority student or the parent of one, you should explore every available option for school funding.

African American Scholarships

There are a wide array of scholarships for African American students. African Americans represent 12 percent of the American population, making them the second-largest minority group in the United States. There are scholarships for all African American students, such as the African American Achievement Scholarship and the AXA Foundation Fund Achievement Scholarship. The Jackie Robinson Scholarship is a high-ticket scholarship offering $6,000 for African American students. There are also scholarships for African American students pursuing certain majors, such as engineering.

Hispanic Scholarships

There are also scholarships for the Latino community, America's largest minority group. Some scholarships are targeted to specific groups within the Hispanic community, such as the Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Program. Others, such as Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards are for any member of the Latin American community in the United States seeking money for college. This award is awarded regionally to high school juniors who have demonstrated academic excellence with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Asian American Scholarships

Asian American students will find no shortage of scholarships. The Asian American community boasts the highest retention rate at the college level in the United States. U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce offers scholarships from donors such as Pepsi and FedEx. There are other Pan-Asian scholarships such as the Bruce Lee Scholarship and the Jackie Chan Scholarship, both of which are available for those who win an essay contest.

Native American Scholships

There are a variety of scholarships available for the first inhabitants of the United States, the Native Americans. Students who apply for such scholarships must be members of federally recognized tribes. There are a number of scholarships awarded by the American Indian College Fund and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Daughters of the American Revolution American Indian Scholarship Fund also provides money for college to Native American students.

Tags: African American, American students, African American students, Asian American, United States

Scholarships In Arkansas

Scholarship money can be used to help pay for college.

A college degree can provide you with the education and skills necessary to launch a successful career. Unfortunately, the costs associated with higher education can make it seemingly impossible for some students to achieve their goals. For residents of Arkansas, scholarship funding can be one way to offset some of these costs. Scholarships are available from numerous private and public organizations in varying amounts.

Arkansas State Board of Nursing Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing sponsors the Faith A. Fields Nursing Scholarship for state residents pursuing a career as a professional nurse or nurse educator. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited in-state nursing program or an approved out-of-state program. Relatives of Board employees are ineligible for this award.

Students are selected based on academic achievement and financial need. As of 2011, students may receive up to $20,000 to complete a four-year degree.

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund provides education funding to single parents who have not yet completed their first undergraduate degree. To qualify, applicants must be a state resident with primary custody of at least one child under the age of 18. You must also be considered economically disadvantaged.

Recipients may use scholarship funding to pay for tuition, books, utility bills, child care or any other costs that may affect their ability to complete their education. As of 2011, individual award amounts vary by county.

Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarships

The Arkansas Alumni Association provides scholarships to students who are currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas. The David and Pam Hallin Scholarship is available to juniors and seniors with a demonstrated financial need. Individual award amounts vary.

The Peggy Walker Scholarship is a $1,000 award also available to upperclassmen. Non-traditional students may apply for the Blume Award, a $250 scholarship intended to help pay for books. Outstanding members of the Student Alumni Association may qualify for a separate $500 scholarship. These award amounts are for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program

The Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program is just one of many scholarships offered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. As of 2011, outstanding high school seniors may qualify to receive up to $4,000 per year based on their academic achievement, standardized test scores and leadership abilities.

Students who score 32 or higher on the ACT or 1410 or higher on the SAT and have a minimum 3.5 grade point average may also qualify for a Distinguished Scholarship Award, which provides up to $10,000 per year in tuition funding as of 2011.

R. Preston Woodruff, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

The R. Preston Woodruff, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is available to both state residents and out-of-state students who are enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited Arkansas school.

Students are selected through a random drawing. Winners must submit a 500-word essay on a specified topic to the Arkansas Student Loan Authority. Selected students will receive a one-time award of $1,000. One student will also be selected to receive a renewable scholarship for up to four years of study.

Tags: Alumni Association, award amounts, academic achievement, amounts vary, applicants must, Arkansas Alumni, Arkansas Alumni Association

Education Requirements For An Ob/Gyn Nurse

Ob/Gyn nursing offers a range of opportunities.

An obstetrics/gynecology nurse works with women in all aspects of their reproductive care, from providing preventative health services to caring for women with reproductive system disorders, including endometriosis, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, to assisting during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. Becoming an ob/gyn nurse practitioner, also called a women's health nurse practitioner, requires getting a nursing degree, becoming a registered nurse and then completing a nurse practitioner training program with a specialty in women's health.

Nursing Degree

Most nursing schools offer a four-year bachelor's of science degree in nursing. This degree prepares you to provide general nursing services in a range of healthcare environments and to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse and get your nursing license, which is required before you can work as a nurse.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurse practitioner programs are master degree-level programs usually requiring one to three years to complete. Getting into a nurse practitioner program typically requires at least one year of nursing experience, a minimum GRE score and other requirements that vary by program. Typical core classes might include advanced assessment/differential diagnosis, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics for advanced nursing practice, along with classes in specific women's medical issues for the women's health specialty.

Certification

The National Certification Corporation offers certification in the following ob/gyn nursing specialties: Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Low Risk Neonatal Nursing, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner.

Considerations

You can work as a nurse in ob/gyn settings without becoming a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner. However, your nursing duties will be more limited, as you cannot provide the range of healthcare services that a nurse practitioner can provide.

Tags: women health, Care Nurse, Care Nurse Practitioner, Health Care, Health Care Nurse, nurse practitioner, Nurse Practitioner

Design Schools In Nyc

New York has many quality design schools from which to choose.

Students interested in taking design classes and programs in New York in a variety of related fields can enroll in special art and design schools. These institutes will allow them to hone their skills while providing them with knowledgeable instructors and hands-on experience. Here they will sharpen their designing and other artistic abilities. New York City offers plenty of design schools from which to choose, with a variety of specialized programs.

The Art Institute of New York City

The Art Institute of New York City caters to students studying graphic design, web design, video production, interior design and fashion design. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools accredits the institute. Degree programs available at the institute include design, fashion and media arts. The Art Institute offers both on-site and online courses. Instructors have valuable experience in their chosen fields, which makes them effective teachers. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED. The school also offers career services assistance to promising students.

The Art Institute of New York City

11 Beach Street

New York City, NY 10013

212-225-5500

artinstitutes.edu

Parsons---The New School for Design

A member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, Parsons offers graduate programs, associate degrees, summer programs, continuing education and pre-college courses. Six departments comprise the school: School of Constructed Environments, School of Fashion; School of Art, Design, History and Theory; School of Design Strategies, Pre-College and Continuing Studies and the School of Art, Media and Technology. The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the school's programs. Other school accreditations include those from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

Parsons---The New School for Design

66 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10011

212-229-8900

newschool.edu

Pratt Institute

The Pratt Institute offers design programs in areas such as architecture and through undergraduate and graduate programs and summer session programs. Career assistance at the Pratt Institute helps students choose majors and find internships and jobs relevant to their fields of study. Instructors at the institute include award-winning artists and designers well known in their respective fields. Additionally, Business Week ranks Pratt Institute as one of its top 20 design schools. Students can join clubs and organizations for cultural and special interest, fraternities and sororities, religious and spiritual groups, and professional and academic clubs. Pratt's curriculum consists of theory studies with creative hands-on application.

Pratt Institute

200 Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

718-636-3600

pratt.edu

Tags: Pratt Institute, York City, design schools, School Design, Institute York, Institute York City, Colleges Schools

Fourth Grade Questions & Answers Constellations

What is this question-marked group of stars?

The constellations are groups of stars in the night sky, or more accurately, mythical characters drawn from these stars to make them more memorable. For example, ancient farmers often were able to tell times and seasons by watching the movements of the stars; when a certain constellation character appeared in the night sky, it was time to begin planting. Over time, star maps began to include these constellation characters. Some of the best-known constellations are Orion, the Hunter; Ursa Major, the Bear; and Leo, the Lion. Fourth-grade questions about the constellations might touch on how they came to be, and what they contain.

Constellations

Sample questions about the constellations may include: What are the best-known constellations? The best-known constellations are the signs of the zodiac, which are ancient groupings of stars, such as Aries the Ram; Taurus the Bull; Gemini the Twins; Cancer the Crab; Leo the Lion; Virgo the Maiden; Libra the Scales; Scorpio the Scorpion; Sagittarius the Centaur; Capricorn the sea-goat; Aquarius the Water Bearer; and Pisces the Fish.

Students then may ask if there are more constellations than the ones included in the zodiac. The answer: Astrology is an occult practice, an attempt to tell the future using the constellations, or signs, of the zodiac. Astrology is not a science. Astronomy is a science; it is the study of all the stars in the sky and is an attempt to answer questions about how the universe works. Astronomers study many constellations not included in the zodiac, including Orion the Hunter, Pegasus the horse, and Lupus the wolf.

History

Students may ask how the constellations come to be. The answer is that each ancient civilization had some name or mythical character associated with certain stars, including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans and Indians. The names varied from culture to culture, but the constellations based on Greek and Roman mythology were adopted by the Europeans and survive into modern times.

If students ask about the number of constellations, the answer is 88.

Stars

Students likely will ask questions about specific stars. If a student wonders which constellation contains the Big Dipper, the answer is Ursa Major, the Great Bear. If students query about the brightest stars, you can respond that Sirius, the Dog star, is the brightest star and is located in Canis Major. Canopus, in the constellation Carina, the Keel, is the second-brightest star and is most easily seen from the Southern hemisphere. Arcturus is the third-brightest star and is located in the constellation Bootes, the Herdsman. Centaurus, the Centaur, contains Alpha Centauri, the fourth brightest star in the sky.

Movement

Children probably will ask if stars move. The answer is yes, the stars orbit the center of their galaxies. This movement can be seen by astronomers using high-powered telescopes.The stars seem to rise and set, like the moon, over the course of a night, because the earth rotates on its axis. Because the earth revolves around the sun, the constellations seen from any one point on earth also change from season to season. Men of ancient civilizations used the stars to tell time at night, and to plan activities such as crop planting and harvest.

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Design Landscapes For Free Online

Design Landscapes for Free Online

A well-designed landscape adds curb appeal to your home. Your landscape should include the features you want, but determining where they should go before you turn your first shovelful of dirt is important. Garden planning software allows you to landscape your yard without picking up a rake or getting any dirt under your nails. Graph paper, a pencil and a compass are reliable, low-tech methods for designing landscapes, but they don't offer 3-D views or prepare shopping lists for you. Visit these websites to design landscapes for free online.

Instructions

1. Download Virtual Garden Designer for free or use it online. You must have Shockwave installed, which you can get free from Adobe. Create your own garden, use a template or modify one of the site's existing gardens. View your landscape in 3-D. You can save your garden and print lists of plants you'll need for your new landscape.

2. Design your landscape with Plan a Garden from Better Homes and Gardens online. This program requires you to register before you use it. Be careful to opt out of all the offers and newsletters BHG selects for you. Drag and drop the 150 plants and features Plan a Garden offers. There are lots of free plans including water and container gardens.

3. Use Garden Planner online or download the free trial version. You can drag and drop plants, buildings and landscape features like fences and walls. There's no save function and some of the other features are disabled in the free version.

4. Design a deck for your landscape online for free at Bob Vila's Deck Designer. The step-by-step planner lets you choose wood types, size, stairs and railings and then displays a 3-D model of the deck and a printable report that includes all the information you need to build the deck.

5. Climb the learning curve with Google Sketchup. Use Sketchup to make 3-D models of anything including landscapes. You can view your project from different angles, add an infinite number of features and save and print your project. Sketchup is a free download.

6. Import a picture of your yard and drag and drop elements into it from Showoff's free garden design and landscaping download. The program is easy to use, but some of the features are disabled in the free version.

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Is Financial Aid Taxable

Paying for college can be expensive whether you are attending a public or private institution. If you receive financial aid, it is important to know under what circumstances, if any, those funds are subject to taxation. Knowing this information can help you take advantage of tax benefits established by the U.S. government, as well determine what considerations you have to make when filing your taxes for the year.

Identification

Financial aid includes loans, scholarship and fellowship monies that are awarded for educational expenses, including tuition, laboratory fees, room and board, and books.

Function

Some financial aid is subject to taxation. However, financial aid is typically tax-free if the money is awarded and then used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment. Expenses such as room and board and stipends used for living expenses are all taxable.

Expert Insight

Education expenses will generally be higher in a student's first and last years. Generally speaking, tax year one includes the fall semester. The last tax year includes only the spring semester.

Benefits

The IRS Publication 970 outlines tax benefits for scholarships and fellowships, as well as which work-related educational expenses can be deducted at tax time. Tax benefits for education include the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and section 529 prepaid tuition and college savings plans. Considerations for international students will vary and should be researched thoroughly. The 519 U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens, Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and 1040-C U.S. Departing Alien Income Tax Return are important documents international students will need to file regarding financial aid received while in the United States.

Considerations

Federal and state educational grants constitute a type of scholarship that is earmarked to cover tuition and education-related expenses, and is not subject to taxation. It is important to note that all federal and state educational grants must be used expressly for tuition to qualify as nontaxable income. As outlined by IRC section 108(f), student loans are also considered non-taxable income.

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