The writing life is coveted by many; but in order to become a successful writer, training and education in the language arts is beneficial. 

Yet even with the appropriate coursework, the road to financial success as an author is still challenging and competitive. But judging from the millions of books bulging to capacity on library shelves, it is obvious that quite a few authors are able make a living crafting the written word.

For example, highly-acclaimed author Amy Tan has achieved tremendous success as a writer – in her early years as a business and technical writer, then later as a writer of novels. And soon, she will be honored in a way that few writers ever experience.

Amy Tan’s best-selling book, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, debuts on September 13th as a world premiere production of the San Francisco Opera. The story of the difficult relationship between a Chinese immigrant and her Chinese American daughter has captivated the reading public; and now the intriguing tale is live onstage with singers, Chinese acrobats and a full orchestra. Tan, who holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and linguistics, also wrote the libretto for the opera.

Previously, Tan’s book, The Joy Luck Club, was adapted into a critically-acclaimed movie; and Tan co-authored the screenplay. The book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 75 weeks, according to Turner Classic Movies. The movie was a hit at the box ofice. 

Amy Tan did her homework as a writer by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a traditional college. But today, an online bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, linguistics, business communications or liberal arts studies is a flexible way to earn the credentials and skills that are so helpful for budding writers.

As e-learning students, writing hopefuls learn the foundational rules and fundamental mechanics of composition, English grammar, English literature, and poetry. Students also study the best of world literature in order to critique and understand how the greats placed their thoughts on paper in a unique and compelling way.

A number of accredited online schools offer college degrees that prepare graduates for the excellence that is generally required in the world of editors, writers and the expectant public. Students schedule their study time to accommodate full-time jobs, family responsibilities, physical limitations, travel and high gas prices.

Although preparation for the writing life is not without hard work, the payoff down the road is often fulfilling, as the abililty to write with excellence brings enlightenment, joy and creativity to others.

Amy Tan is certainly a testament to that. 

Amy Tan, authors, accredited_online_schools, e-learning, online bachelor’s degree, college, Amy Tan Opera, Bonesetter’s Daughter, Joy Luck Club, San Francisco Opera, writing life, gas prices

Popularity: 1% [?]

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When the economy faces challenges as serious as what we are seeing today, most people tighten their budgets and look for ways to bring in more money.

But there is also an interesting phenomenon that takes place:  Adult learners return to school in droves.

Colleges and universities all over the country report increased fall enrollment. As traditional and online schools dust off the cobwebs of a laid-back summer, this time they also prepared for the onslaught of adult learners enrolling on-campus and in online degree programs.

There are several reasons that enrollment in higher education increases during an economic crisis:

• People realize that what they have been doing to survive is not working anymore.
• They watch those with multiple skills and higher education being selected by companies to remain, while others lose their jobs.
• Some who lose their jobs suddenly have the time to return to school. 
• Distance learning and technology have opened up new options to pursue higher education without losing income.

TImes are tough for so many; but others have it all figured out. Go back to school, earn a college degree, make more money — voila!

online schools, online degree program, higher education, college, job, adult learners, economy, colleges and universities, distance learning 

Popularity: 2% [?]

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For adults who missed earlier opportunities to earn a college degree, the search may be on for an online school with a solid reputation, reasonable tuition and a proven track record.

Grand Canyon University may just fit the bill. And Forbes Magazine agrees.

The slogan, “Don’t Miss A Day of Your Future“, highlights the mission of Grand Canyon University (GCU). This unique institution of higher education — which is based in Phoenix, Arizone – offers academically solid, reputable online degree programs in a wide array of concentrations — especially nursing, business, health sciences, and education. Tuition is quite reasonable for undergraduate programs and for most graduate programs.

Even though the roots and orientation of the GCU campus are Baptist Christian, dating back to 1946, its religious heritage has no bearing on the admissions process or selection of new online degree students. All eligible applicants are welcome to apply and take advantage of the varied career disciplines. Christian-based electives are available to both e-learning and campus-based students. 

A couple of specialized offerings at CGU include a Master of Science degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership for upwardly mobile firefighters  and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies for those interested in starting their own business. In addition to the many other online degree programs, Grand Canyon’s e-learning programs include online bachelor’s degrees in Christian Leadership and Christian Studies.

CGU’s parent company, Grand Canyon Education Inc. recently filed registration paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission to become a publicly-traded company. So investors may want to take note; since online education companies have become rising stars in the stock market.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which includes the Higher Learning Commission. It is also accredited or approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

Explore the possibilities at Grand Canyon University and gain far more than a college degree. Just look for the lighted pathway.

Arizona, Christian University, distance learning, e-learning, firefighters, Grand Canyon University, higher education, investors, nursing, online bachelors degree, online degree program, online school, stock market, Christian 

Popularity: 6% [?]

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Once again, it is time for school bells to ring in the new fall term at educational institutions across the nation. 

As some children walk to neighborhood schools; others board buses that transport them to another year of possibilities.

College students snake through long lines to buy textbooks, have pictures taken for I.D. cards and pay for parking passes.

However, online degree students have discovered a new way to begin the school year — a much calmer way. Those who chose the online school route can relax and handle their final enrollment details and purchase of books with just a few clicks of their computer keys.

Of course, a student parking pass is not necessary for e-learning students; nor is concern about the cost of gas, new tires or auto repairs related to the extra travel miles that usually come with the traditional college and university territory. For distance learning students who study at home, the costs of attending school are generally confined to tuition, books and any other classroom materials.

If you are interested in how to choose an online degree program or how to experience success in online learning, you many find our Quick Online Student Guide to be invaluable.  

An advantage of online schools is their flexible application and enrollment process; so even as you hear school bells ringing in the distance, remember there is still time to make plans to further your education this fall.

But don’t procrastinate – the sooner you begin, the sooner you will be able to attain your educational goals and feel the wonderful sense of accomplishment that you will have earned.

online school,  online degree, online degree program, online learning, college_students, e-learning, traditional college, university, distance learning>, tuition

Popularity: 9% [?]

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Apparently, the thought of sitting in a bathrobe and sipping a hot beverage while listening to a class lecture on the home computer is appealing to more than a few students.  

According to a feature article in Newsweek Magazine, over 4 million students will enroll in online classes this fall. Both online schools and traditional online degree programs have already reported a significant increase in e-learning enrollment over the summer.

The increase is up from the 3.2 million online students reported for fall 2006 by the Sloan Foundation.  Reasons for the positive change in numbers include an increased desire by students for more flexibility and the desire to save gas.

Students love not having to show up on campus for their online classes. Instead, they access live or archived lectures using their computers at home, in the dorm or anywhere an Internet connection or WiFi hotspot is available.

By choosing distance learning classes, many college and university students save as much as several hundred dollars on gas during the school term.

As cutting-edge students are learning, a cup of soothing beverage, a computer and no driving sure hits the spot.  

distance learning, e-learning, Newsweek, online classes, online degree programs, online schools, online students, save gas

Popularity: 11% [?]

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The release of over 9,000 names this week in the well-publicized Washington diploma mill case was like dropping a stone in the middle of a lake.

The ripples have extended all over the U.S. and into international waters as well.

According to recent news reports, the long list of fake degree purchasers is being forwarded to the state attorney generals of all 50 states so that investigations may continue. They especially want to focus on those who may have compromised the safety of the general public by using fake college degrees to obtain jobs or promotions.

Others on the diploma mill list may also lose their jobs due to the seriousness of listing fraudulent information on their job application.

But hopefully, there has been a lesson in this for those who are contemplating taking a dishonest step to obtain a bogus college degree: Don’t do it. It isn’t worth it in the long run.

For awhile, perhaps no one will be the wiser. But one day, most likely when all is going well, everything will topple as the dark, past deed comes to light.

If you really want  a college degree, find an accredited online degree program and do the work. Take the classes, burn the midnight oil and earn the college degree through diligence and discipled study.

Then, when you receive your college diploma, it will mean something. And no one will be able to take it away from you; because you will truly own it.

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Although the Justice Department ruled that the names of fake degree buyers in a Seattle diploma mill case would not be revealed, a resourceful newspaper unexpectantly — and surprisingly, obtained the list. 

The Spokesman Review dug up the list of over 9,000 names and posted it on their website. They removed information that might identify or compromise their source.

The list contains the names of those who purchased fake college degrees and high school diplomas from a diploma mill operated by Dixie Ellen Randock. Some of the degrees were used to advance careers in the White House, the National Security Agency, NASA and other high-level or sensitive jobs.

Dixie Randock was recently sentenced to jail time for her part in selling college degrees to those who had not earned them. Instead, purchasers simply paid the required fees and received their official-looking degrees in the mail.  

Hopefully, the revelation of all these names will discourage others from cheating by buying a phony degree. The best thing to do is to enroll in an accredited online degree program and earn the higher education degree by diligency and study. 

Employers, employees and the general public may access the list of fake degree buyers here. 

fake degree, fake college degree, diploma mill, high school diploma, Dixie Randock, Seattle, employers, jobs, justice department, higher education

Popularity: 23% [?]

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All over the nation, as college students complete registration for the fall term, many are discovering that they missed out on choice spots in online classes.

This is particularly true in Florida, where demand for e-learning classes has grown over 300% in the last 10 years, according to a recent report on Florida colleges. Online classes generally fill up first in Florida, just as they tend to do in many colleges and universities across the nation. 

Although more than 34,000 college students registered in at least one online class in Florida in 1997, that number skyrocketed to 152,140 in 2007. 

Demand for online degree programs is also on the rise, with over 17,000 Florida college students enrolled only in online classes. High gas prices may be partially responsible for the recent surge; but students rushed to enroll in e-learning courses even before the recent downturn in the economy.

Students are flocking to distance learning options in traditional and online schools for the same reasons they always have:

• a flexible study schedule,
• the ability to earn money by working while enrolled in school,
• being able to spend time with family, friends and others without missing class,
• the possibility of more frequent interaction with teachers than with traditional classes,
• the simplicity of using a computer to watch archived lectures and turn in assignments,
• the choice to keep college attendance private until ready to reveal it to others.

The Sloan Consortium consistently reports an increasing demand for online education. According to its recent report, “Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning“, online enrollments are growing at a rate significantly faster than traditional higher education enrollments.

Florida colleges reflect the popularity of online degree programs throughout the U.S. and the world.

And according to the experts, distance learning is on a roll that may never stop.

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Popularity: 17% [?]

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Fueled by record-high gas prices, the demand for online classes may exceed supply this fall in colleges and universities all over the nation.

According to the New York Times article, “High Cost of Driving Ignites Online Classes Boom“ (7-11-08),  summer students found that online courses were the first to fill up, generating waiting lists of disappointed hopefuls who missed out on limited slots in the gas-saving classes.

Therefore, students who register early will fare much better than their procrastinating counterparts when fall registration commences.

In a frantic effort to reduce college expenses,  students discovered that distance-learning is the best way to save on exorbitant transportation costs.

Whether the student is a recently-graduated 18-year-old or a full-time working adult with family obligations, high gas prices have negatively impacted the household budget.

Without the e-learning option, some students may be forced to drop out of school for monetary reasons.

Online schools are gearing up for record high fall enrollments as career-minded adults return to the classroom in record numbers. The downturn in the economy has played a starring role in the increased desire to earn a college diploma.  Most adult learners plan to earn accredited online degrees or professional certificates to shore up resume qualifications for increased marketability and higher-paying jobs.

So to those who have yet to register for the fall classes, a word of wisdom: “The early bird gets the worm.”

adult learner, college students, colleges and universities, distance learning, e-learning, fall registration, high-paying jobs, online classes, online degrees, online schools, professional certificates, save gas

Popularity: 20% [?]

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As summer wanes, the time has come for many college students to register for classes, pack up and prepare to move into campus housing.

Tens of thousands more are busily choosing their academic schedules via computer, registering for online classes and making online book purchases for their accredited online degree programs.

But others are sitting on the fence, mulling over the pros and cons of enrolling in online schools for the quickly-approaching school term. For this group, there may be some additional points to ponder:

1. Online school requires no gas or transportation costs to attend classes.
2. Online school allows you to choose when and where you will study.
3. Online school allows you to work full-time without leaving the job to attend on-campus classes.
4. Online school has all the resources required to complete the coursework — including online bookstores and online libraries.
5. Online school is a way maintain the privacy you may require if changing careers.
6. Online school offers a flexible way to earn a college diploma while remaining available for family celebrations, vacations and obligations. 
7. Online school has a variety of tuition choices, including some that cost far less than a traditional college or university  (i.e. Western Governors University).
8. Online school tuition may be partially or fully-covered by employers.
9. Online school is available for an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, doctorate, professional certificate and/or vocational training.
10. Online school is the only option for some adult learners to earn a college degree — whether due to geographical location, physical limitations, raising children, job schedule or other factors.

According to an old English proverb, “time and tide wait for no man”. So if you want a college degree, the time to do it is now.

accredited online degrees, online degrees, online school, career, job, bachelors degree, associates degree, doctorate, professional certificate, vocational training, colleges and universities

Popularity: 19% [?]

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