Virginia Economy
Virginia has a highly diversified economy. Agriculture was once the major industry of the state, but now it follows many other sectors in income generation and employment. While tobacco is the leading crop, other important crops include grains, peanuts, corn, soybeans, apples, sweet potatoes, and cotton. Wine production is also important, but the majority of agricultural income comes from dairy goods, poultry, and cattle, mainly raised in the valley of Virginia. Coastal fisheries bring in income from shellfish such as oyster and crabs. Minerals present in the state include coal, stone, cement, sand, and gravel. The state also has businesses of rail transport equipment, computer communications, electrical equipment, food, textile, and paper products.
Schools in Virginia
Students looking for higher education programs have plenty of choices. A number of schools offer programs for students at various degree levels, to meet the educational requirements and career aspirations of students. Degree programs that are generally offered in the state include associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate level programs. Students may also enroll in postgraduate and graduate certificate programs, or diploma programs to acquire training in specific professional skills. Different modes of higher education may be chosen by students. They could choose campus based education, hybrid programs, or fully online programs. However, it is important that students select only accredited schools for education, which helps to ensure quality education and better career prospects.
Programs Offered
Virginia has many colleges and universities that offer professional degree programs in many areas. Students have plenty of choices, and they may choose from degree programs such as accounting, nursing, health care, business, chemistry, civil engineering, communications, computer engineering, computer programming, computer science, criminal justice, counseling, design, early childhood education, educational leadership, elementary education, engineering, English, finance, forensics, graphic design, healthcare administration, and many more.
Accreditation
Schools and programs that are looked more favorably upon in Virginia are either accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency. Most public and some private schools that are seeking accreditation have to apply with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The agency accredits colleges and universities in Virginia and ten other Southern states. Schools seeking national accreditation use the following agencies:
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Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
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Distance Education and Training Council
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Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Some institutes may acquire accreditation from a secondary or specialized agency. Secondary agencies include Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and the American Bar Association.
Online Education
Students who are unable to attend classes on a school's campus may acquire education with the help of online schools. Online schools are not just convenient, they help save on various costs as well. Online students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, and take classes that fit within their own schedule. Besides, they do not need to pay for costs related to dorm room accommodation, commuting, fuel, or textbooks. If students choose online programs that are accredited by the appropriate agencies, they have a better chance to acquire quality education with convenience.