Transferring From One College Or University To Another – Tips For Maximizing Your Credits

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When students enroll in a college or university, they usually have no intention of transferring to another school until they have completed their degree; however, transferring colleges is a very common occurrence in our highly mobile society. There are many reasons that students change schools – marriage, job opportunities, military duty, family problems, illness, or perhaps the college or university just turns out to be the wrong fit for them.

Many times students have already spent countless time and money taking classes term after term and have earned many credit hours in various disciplines. Ideally, students should spend the first two years taking mostly general studies classes–or classes that will usually apply toward any degree. Courses that fall into this category are English composition, literature, general biology, general chemistry, general physics, fine arts (music, art, or theatre appreciation), freshman or sophomore history (American, western civilization, or world), general psychology, general sociology, pre-calculus algebra or calculus, philosophy, etc. Classes that fall into the general studies category are usually 1000 or 2000 (100 or 200) level classes which means they are categorized as freshman or sophomore level courses. Some colleges/universities may use other numerical designations for freshman or sophomore level classes.

If the time to transfer comes at a point where major-specific courses have been taken, students should take several steps to ensure that their courses are given the proper equivalencies to courses at the new institution. If a student plans to pursue the same major at the new university as he/she was pursuing at the old school, transferring credits for applicability to his degree will not be as difficult; however, if a totally new major is chosen, most of the major specific classes already completed will most likely apply only as free electives at the new school. Some degree requirements include some free electives so all may not be lost.

Before leaving the old university, students should make sure to:

1. Secure a copy of the college catalog under which he/she entered this university. Course descriptions from this catalog will give a true description of each course offered at that time. College catalogs may be accessed online also, but having a hard copy is always a good idea.
2. Keep the textbooks and syllabi for the courses that they think may be in question.
3. Request an official copy of their college transcript to be sent to the transferring college. Be sure to give a correct, complete address to the transcript clerk so that the transcript will go to the correct department. The college transcript will be the official document from which all your transferring coursework will be taken.
4. Request an unofficial copy of your transcript or print one online to use when meeting with the new college officials during admission processing or major and/or course selection and discussion.

Once students are admitted to the new college or university, they should:

1. Request an official evaluation of transfer credits from their previous college.
2. After all classes have been evaluated for applicability to the chosen degree plan, students should secure a copy of their degree plan showing how all evaluated classes are being used toward the degree.
3. If a student believes he has taken an equivalent class at his/her old school, but is not getting credit for it at the new school, he/she should first consult the department where the courses are evaluated. If an equivalency cannot be determined there, he/she should meet with a departmental chairperson for his/her review. If this person deems the class to be equivalent to one of the needed courses in the degree plan, he/she will contact the evaluation department and inform them of his decision. Most likely, this determination will be submitted on a formal document. The evaluators will need course descriptions, syllabi, and textbooks to make the most informed decision.
4. If it is determined that the class has no equivalent course at the new college, a student may ask the department chairperson or dean of that particular college or school if he/she would be willing to substitute that course for another course required in the degree. If this is approved, appropriate paperwork would have to be submitted for application to the degree plan.
5. Should a student be fortunate enough to get unused coursework approved in the degree plan, he/she should make sure to follow up on the process to make sure that the approval paperwork has gone to the correct source and that the coursework is applying as promised.

After all the evaluations are completed and everything has been done to make sure that as much transferred coursework as possible is applying toward their degree plan, students should dedicate themselves to completing their degree at this latest university/college. Moving from one school to another is counter productive, and more often than not, a great deal of time and money are lost.

Online Computer Education Degree Options

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Computer technology has spread through practically every part of today’s society from individual use to corporate use. This creates a need for skilled computer professionals who are educated in the numerous fields of computer technology. Many online schools offer education in a wide range of degrees connected to computers.

The degree options range from computer science to computer engineering. Because technology continues to advance at a fast rate education in the field is continuing to grow. With computers in almost every home, company, and organization educated skilled professionals are needed to manage computer software, engineer a computer, set up system security, and more. This fact is making the occupational growth within the industry well over the national average compared to all other careers.

Accredited online schools offer diverse programs with the advantage of earning an education while staying at home. Students will be able to take courses that fit into their commitments and job responsibilities. This allows students to earn an education at their own pace. However, many online programs and courses have a time limit and extensions on a course may result in a fee.

Computer science is the study of computers and their languages, applications, and designs. Students gaining a degree in this area will also study the mathematical structures that make up a computers computation. Students wanting to work in the computer industry have many different educational paths to choose from. Some colleges online offer degree distinctions as high as a doctorate in computer science.

An example of a computer science program is a computer systems security master’s degree. This concentration will train students to become computer security specialists that implement security measures and protect organizations from attack. Courses will educate students on computer systems security, security policies, formulation, design, and more. A program at this level may require 44 credit hours or more to complete depending on the program a student is enrolled in. Cost per course may be around $630. Some schools include the price for textbooks and required material in that price, but many online schools list these materials as a separate expense.

Computer engineering is a discipline that involves design in many different avenues related to computers and the Internet. Students interested in this field of the industry can find themselves working with online media and web 2.0 websites. Some schools offer degree concentrations in this area called emerging or new media. A degree program in this concentration may offer courses that teach a student how to integrate content and communication into strategies for businesses, entertainment, education, and more.

Degree options will continue to grow as computer technology is incorporated into more houses, businesses, and organizations. Students seeking an online computer education will find numerous courses and degree programs that will properly prepare them for success in the computer industry. Make sure to properly research all available programs. Verify the program is accredited and will provide you with not only the necessary skills but a quality education that meets or exceeds industry standards. Search out online computer education schools today and you’ll be on the right path to a rewarding career.

You Can Profit From Learning to Speak Japanese

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To date, the Japanese language is currently spoken by more than 130 million people in Japan which also includes Japanese emigrant communities. In addition to that, the Japanese language is a part of the “Japonic” or the Japanese-Ryukyuan language family.

Now there are several reasons as to why people are interested in learning the Japanese language. Japan has the third strongest economy and is an economic powerhouse in the world. Moreover, it is fast becoming one of the top countries that foreigners wish to visit. Also, Japan boasts of a beautiful culture that is both colorful and interesting which makes learning the language more inviting.

Now if you wish to learn how to speak in Japanese, there are actually numerous ways of going about this. First, you must remember that in learning to speak Japanese you need to invest some time in order to be able to practice the language. Also, you might need to spend a bit if necessary. Just keep in mind though, that there are cost-effective ways in trying to learn a language.

For instance, you can learn Japanese easy and quickly by making use of tapes, CDs, books and websites that are intended to teach you Japanese. You can even download some Learning Japanese Software for free and place it in your MP3 or iPod in order to practice learning to speak Japanese whenever you can and wherever you are.

Now other resourceful ways of learning to speak Japanese may include having a Japanese dictionary with English translations which you can bring with you at all times. Having a dictionary available is very helpful when you are trying to pick up Japanese vocabulary. Just make sure to purchase a dictionary that can easily be placed in your backpack, pocket or purse so that it is easy for you to bring along no matter where you go.

Aside from that, you can learn to speak and write in Japanese by making use of audio tapes which will allow you to practice your Japanese pronunciation of words, phrases and sentences. You could always borrow a Japanese Grammar Guide from the library which is another way to cut costs when you are learning to speak Japanese. Grammar books are important since these can help you form phrases and sentences in a manner that is both logical and cohesive. Grammar books normally contains common expressions, noun expressions, particles, useful vocabulary, verb usage as well as information when it comes to asking and giving directions, the weather and time – there is additional basic vocabulary.

Another great way to learn Japanese is to have a friend or a group of people to practice with when it comes to speaking the language. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” So go and find Japanese speaking groups or a Japanese buddy who can help you with your skills in speaking the language. If in case you cannot find a person to speak Japanese with, you can advertise online for free by making use of your social networking accounts or by posting an ad in Craigslist.

You can also research online for forums or groups that are geared towards teaching Japanese; or simply check out your local universities and colleges. Remember that communicating with other people who can understand and speak the language will definitely help you become more conversational in the way you speak Japanese.