Thursday, November 5, 2009

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Offers Exceptional New Education Benefits

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 5 /Online Learning News/ -- Earlier this year the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill went into effect, changing and expanding the education benefits available to veterans who have served since September 10, 2001. As Veteran's Day approaches, U.S. News University Directory encourages those who qualify to take advantage of this program - none are more worthy of an opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Veterans who have an honorable discharge and at least 90 days of aggregate service since September 10, 2001 can qualify for:

* Up to 100% of tuition and fee costs, depending on length of service
* A monthly housing allowance*
* A books and supplies stipend*
* College fund (or "kicker" payment), depending on rate of pursuit
* Rural benefit payment, depending on residence

Furthermore, tuition and fee payments are made by the government directly to the veteran's college or university. This is generally considered a big improvement over the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which required the student to pay tuition up front and then receive reimbursement at a later date.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill covers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees, but all training programs must be offered by a degree-granting institution of higher learning. This means that some vocational, technical and preparatory programs do not qualify. However, other G.I. education benefits (such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill) do cover programs not offered by degree-granting institutions, and veterans who are eligible for these and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and can make a choice of which to receive. It is important to note that once this choice is made, it cannot be changed.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

Government tuition and fee payment in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is capped at the rate charged by the most expensive undergraduate public institution in the veteran's state of residence. This means that post-9/11 veterans attending graduate school, an out-of-state school or a private college will probably not have all of their tuition covered by their benefits.

The Yellow Ribbon Program - officially known as the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program - is a provision of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill that allows degree-granting colleges and universities to help veterans pay tuition costs exceeding the usual cap. Under this arrangement, educational institutions can volunteer to pay up to 50% of the additional tuition and fees, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match them dollar-for-dollar. So attending a private or out-of-state school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program means up to 100% of the tuition can be covered, even though that tuition is greater than the cap set by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Not all veterans are eligible. Only those who are entitled to the maximum G.I. Bill benefit rate qualify, which means that:

* They must have served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10th, 2001 of at least 36 months
* Or they must have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and have served 30 continuous days after September 10th, 2001

Dependents of a veteran can be eligible for a Transfer of Entitlement if the veteran's service meets the criteria listed above.

Of course, not all colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. When deciding on where they want to apply, eligible veterans should research both the U.S. News University Directory sponsor schools that are taking part as well as the complete list of participating institutions.

*Active duty military personnel are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance or books and supplies stipend.

Contact:

Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U.S. News University Connection
866-442-6587
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/post-911-gi-bill.aspx

SOURCE U.S. News University Connection

Monday, November 2, 2009

The University of Scranton to Award More Than $63,000 in Graduate School Scholarship Funds

Financial Incentive Will Benefit Teachers Earning Advanced Degrees Online

TAMPA, Fla., November 2, 2009 – The University of Scranton and Bisk Education, Inc., are currently taking applications for the Bisk Foundation Scholarship, which recognizes and rewards teachers who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to social justice. This prestigious education scholarship for teachers awards financial support to master’s degree students enrolled in the Scranton Education Online (SEOL) program.

Up to eight students per year will receive the scholarship – four in the Special Fall Part A session and four in the Special Spring Part A session – for a total of $63,744 in financial support. Within each session, two graduate scholarships for teachers are available for individuals entering the Curriculum and Instruction program and two for those entering the Educational Administration program.

Each Master of Science in Education degree scholarship will continue through future sessions as long as the recipient remains a qualified SEOL student in good standing. Equivalent to one-quarter of the total tuition costs, the education scholarship for teachers is currently valued at $3,825 for Curriculum and Instruction and $4,143 for Educational Administration, and will be adjusted to reflect any future tuition increases.

“We are proud to partner with The University of Scranton in helping advance the professional development of some of our nation’s most accomplished teachers,” said Nathan M. Bisk, founder and chairman of Bisk Education.

“In addition to possessing an outstanding academic record, each scholarship recipient must demonstrate how he or she has made a positive impact on the lives of others in the classroom,” noted Mr. Bisk. “Our winners represent the very best of their field; they are committed to making a real difference in the world, and we’re honored to be able to help them in their journey.”

Scholarship Candidates Encouraged to Apply Now for Upcoming Sessions
The University of Scranton is now accepting applications for the Special Spring 2010 Part A session graduate school scholarship for teachers. All applicants must complete and submit a Bisk Foundation Scholarship form by the program deadline, which is December 1, 2009, for the Special Spring 2010 Part A session, or August 2, 2010, for the Special Fall 2010 Part A session.

Eligible applicants must be accepted as a first-time SEOL student in the Curriculum and Instruction or Educational Administration program, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better from a regionally accredited undergraduate or graduate university. Applicants must also submit a presentation on how they have made a positive difference in the lives of others. This presentation may either be written or submitted as a video or audio recording, and may also include supporting documentation such as newspaper clippings or testimonials.

Log on to http://www.uscranton.com/graduate-scholarshiphttp://www.uscranton.com/graduate-scholarships-teachers.asps-teachers.asp for more information and to download an application form.

About The University of Scranton javascript:void(0)
Graduate School Scholarship for TeachersNestled in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The University of Scranton was founded in 1888 and has been educating students in the Jesuit tradition since 1942. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 Master’s Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. The University of Scranton is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Graduate and Continuing Education is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

About Bisk Education, Inc.
Founded in 1971, Bisk Education is the world’s leading provider of professional education online. The University Alliance (UA), a division of Bisk, facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments – making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.

Contact:

Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
The University of Scranton/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.uscranton.com

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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Top 5 Questions Asked by RNs Considering a Bachelor's in Nursing

Answers Reveal How Getting a BSN Makes a Major Difference in an RN's Career

TAMPA, Fla., Oct 20, 2009 -- In today's difficult economy, many job seekers -- and those who are gainfully employed -- are returning to school to increase their chances of landing a job or a promotion. Registered nurses (RNs) are returning to the classroom in record numbers to earn their Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN). Jacksonville University’s popular online RN to BSN program is evidence of this trend.

While JU's program is thriving, many RNs are unfamiliar with online courses or the opportunities available to them with a BSN. Following are their most common questions:

1. Will getting a BSN make a difference in my career?

Nurses with BSN degrees can move from the level of technical to professional nursing practice. A job candidate with a BSN degree will stand out among others. In addition, Magnet status hospitals, which are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for excellence in their nursing programs and patient care, prefer BSN prepared nurses.

2. What additional skills will I acquire with my BSN?

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2012, more new jobs will be created for RNs than for any other occupation. A BSN degree opens doors to high-demand fields such as critical care, cardiology, dermatology, ob/gyn and oncology. Some employers, especially Magnet facilities, may require a BSN to take on management roles or bedside RN duties.

3. How does the online classroom work?

JUs state-of-the-art online classroom offers extended interaction with faculty and classmates through virtual office hours, faculty-monitored chat rooms, message boards and email. “I have been so impressed with the quality of the online nursing classes at JU and the excellence of the faculty,” said Martha Porinchak, a JU student. “The BSN course work is challenging and well-organized and the two nursing classes I’ve taken have already benefited me in my career. I feel more confident and competent in my professional knowledge and I’m really proud of myself for having the courage to go back to nursing school.”

4. Should I consider a career in teaching?

In addition to the nursing shortage, there is a shortage of nursing teachers. According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey, nursing schools turned away 32,617 qualified applicants in 2004-2005 due in part to lack of faculty. Holding a BSN in conjunction with a master’s and Ph.D. degree is the gateway to a rewarding teaching career.

5. Does a nurse with a BSN earn more than an RN?

Many employers reward nurses with BSNs. According to a 2007 earning survey in RN magazine, salary increases can range from 50 cents/hour to $3.20/hour. A BSN can also lead to jobs with a specialty pay differential.

For more information about JU's online RN to BSN program, visit http://www.jacksonvilleu.com.

Online RN to BSNAbout Jacksonville University
Founded more than 70 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville University has more than 18,000 alumni. JU offers one of the largest online RN to BSN degree programs in the country and is recognized as one of the nation's foremost teaching institutions. The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). JU was named one of "America's Best Colleges" for the sixth consecutive year in 2010 by U.S. News & World Report.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
Jacksonville University Online/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.jacksonvilleu.com

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Saturday, October 3, 2009

Online Degree Resources

Information You Can Use When Choosing the Right Online Degree

Choosing an online degree can be a little overwhelming. Between deciding on a university, finding financial aid and committing to a discipline – you’ll find endless options, some of which are best avoided. That’s why we created this online degree resource page. We hope you find these articles useful in making an informed decision about your education. Check back often for the latest information regarding online degrees as we’re continually adding new resources.

Online Degree Resources
Online Associate’s Degrees
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Online MBA Degrees
Online Business Degrees
Online Accounting Degrees
Online Criminal Justice Degrees
Information Technology Degrees

Pursuing higher education is a noble pursuit and one that has been consistently proven to positively affect career success. But be sure to do your homework before choosing the right online degree plan. Not all degrees are created equal.

Florida Tech is an accredited university offering a variety of high-demand online degree programs. Our associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees will ensure you’re ready for today’s global marketplace.

For more information about Florida Tech’s online degree programs, call 888-352-8324 or click here to request more information.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Villanova University Unveils New Online Government IS Security Program

Master Certificate Prepares Federal Workers to Meet IS Security Certification Requirements and Prevent Cyber Attacks

TAMPA, Fla., October 1, 2009 ─ Villanova University, the leader in online IS security education, is proud to announce the launch of a new government security training program, the Master Certificate in Information Security Management – Government. This 100% online, three-course track helps government workers prepare for mandatory certification by imparting the latest security practices and principles. Featuring Advanced Information Assurance and Security – Government, a robust new course focusing on critical IS security issues, this master certificate program is a complete government solution.

The threat of cyber-terrorism is one of the greatest security concerns of the 21st century. Critical systems that keep the United States secure and operating smoothly are still not adequately protected within many government agencies. These vulnerabilities have led the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Department of Defense (DoD) and other important agencies to implement rigid new compliance requirements for security training at the organizational and/or individual level.

For example, DoD Directive 8570.1 mandates all employees and contractors performing information assurance functions to obtain a commercial information security credential. Villanova’s new master certificate satisfies this directive by giving government workers the essential tools to protect information and information systems, address specific security issues, and implement all skill areas contained in the latest CompTIA Security+™ (2008 Edition), CISSP® and SSCP® bodies of knowledge.

The Villanova program also prepares government workers for CAP® certification, which satisfies Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requirements. Further, it supports CNSS National Standards 4011 and 4012, which pertain to intelligence activities, military command and control, and other vital issues impacting national security.

“Recent attacks on government websites in the United States and other countries have underscored the need for up-to-date information assurance training,” explained Villanova instructor Michael Gregg. “Our Master Certificate in Information Security Management – Government provides government workers with the essential foundation for required IT security certifications like CISSP®, SSCP® and CAP®.”

About Villanova University
Founded in 1842, Villanova University is the worldwide leader in professional education online. A traditional, accredited university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, it has more than 94,000 alumni, NCAA Division I athletic teams, unparalleled academic and technical support, and an outstanding faculty – over 90% of whom hold the highest degrees in their field. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Villanova #1 University in the North (Master’s Division) for more than a decade.

About University Alliance Online

The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments – making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.
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