As industries are becoming more complex and technology-oriented, the need for a more skilled workforce can be seen. Over the years, a lot of stress has been laid upon getting a college degree and contributing to the economy. An educated workforce is the key factor in driving the economy towards prosperity. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York issued an article that focused upon the need of a more skilled manufacturing workforce.
Besides the young college-going kids, adult learners can be seen reinvesting in their education and going back to school. The needs of today's complex working environment have pushed many adults towards refreshing their credentials and acquire more skills. According to the US Department of Education, the number of adult learners has increased in recent years. This has automatically boosted the need for adult teaching professionals, experts who can understand the need of adult learners and deliver services efficiently. A number of colleges are offering specialized degree programs in adult education. These are designed to prepare students for advanced teaching roles. Students interested in joining this challenging field can prep for the career by earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in adult education.
Masters in Adult Education
A master's degree in adult education is a graduate-level program. The program is designed to help students prepare for teaching roles and understand the unique learning needs of adult professionals. The program will focus on different areas relevant to industry skills, technology, and distance education. Students will develop a broad knowledge-base that will allow them to help adult learners acquire skills needed for careers. Some of the most common areas covered in the program have been listed below:
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Corporate training
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Adult basic learning
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English as a second language
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Health education
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Methods of instruction
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Learning technologies
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Instructional design
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Adult learning theory
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Program assessment
Students will learn how to apply different teaching methodologies in classroom settings. The curriculum may vary a little from college to college but generally cover the above-mentioned topics. Students can also choose to specialize in a certain field such as education technology and distance education. Apart from theory-based learning, a master's degree in adult education will also emphasize practical skill development. Through projects and seminars, students will be taught how to deliver effective services in diverse learning environments. The duration of a master's degree is typically two years, but may vary, depending upon which school you enroll in.
Career Prospects
As an adult educator, you can seek out work in all kinds of public and private colleges, vocation schools, and state universities. Many organizations also demand the services of such professionals for training their workforce in a specific field with the help of workshops and seminars. A number of adult educators are self-employed, offering tutoring services to many. From designing instructional material to conducting classes, you will be required to manage different tasks. According to O*Net Online, the median annual income of adult educators in 2013 was $51,110. This field is expected to grow at a steady rate in the coming years, with a projected employment growth of 19,900 jobs in the 2012-2022 period .
The field of information systems is based on applying computer technology, administrative skills, and quantitative techniques to meet the information processing requirements of organizations. It not only focuses on computer technology and systems, but also combines them with management decision making.
Information System Degrees
Programs
Information Systems degrees train students in methods that keep information flowing within organizations. Students also acquire knowledge and skills to improve the efficiency of organizations, by making an effective use of information systems. Information systems degree programs normally offered by institutes include:
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Certificate or Diploma in information systems
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Associates degree in information systems
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Bachelors degree in information systems
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Masters degree in information systems
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PhD in information systems
Accreditation
Students should not make the mistake of neglecting accreditation of information systems degree programs. It is important that students conduct some research on accreditation of information systems programs and the relevant accrediting agencies as well. Without proper research, students may fall for diploma mills or programs, which provide substandard education and have no value in front of employers. Students must acquire education from accredited programs to have quality education and better career prospects.
Online Education
Students, who cannot afford to acquire campus based education in information systems, should opt for online programs. Online programs are not only convenient and flexible, they also reduce education costs. Various learning resources are used in online programs so that students can acquire distance education in an effective manner. These resources include video lectures, slides, discussion threads, notes, practice exercises, and online exams. However, students will require self management and consistency to perform well in online degree programs.
Careers in Information Systems
Domains
Students with an information system degree will find career opportunities wherever computers are used. They can look for jobs in businesses, industries, and federal institutions. They may find employment in areas such as:
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Decision support systems
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Credit and billing systems
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Website management
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E-commerce development
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Inventory control systems
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Software product development
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Knowledge management systems and business analysis
Information System Jobs
A number of jobs are available for information system graduates. Some of the common positions include:
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Web Developers: They build, launch, and update web sites and web applications. Programming languages and various other technical skills are required for them to advance in their careers.
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Computer Forensics Experts: They work with law enforcement personnel to investigate and solve crimes. They also work on corporate frauds by using computers and information technology.
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Information Systems Security Experts: They utilize their technical skills to assess system vulnerabilities, install preventive systems, and troubleshoot various system issues.
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Computer Systems Analysts: They help managers decide what types of computer systems will be best to meet the requirements of a firm and optimize its performance.
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Database Administrators: They store, manage, and extract data to come up with completely new databases, which are customized to meet the needs of a particular business or a company. They have significant responsibility, new challenges, and many job opportunities available.