Alicia Burns – Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

The Importance of Taking Required College Courses and the Benefits of Taking Required College Courses Online

When you embark on your journey toward earning a degree, you may wonder why specific courses are required, especially if they seem unrelated to your chosen field. However, these required courses are crucial in shaping you into a well-rounded and adaptable professional. The advantages and benefits of taking these courses online to earn college credit are also worth considering.

Why is it essential to take English courses?

Communication Skills: English classes enhance your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Effective communication is indispensable in almost any profession, whether composing reports, delivering presentations, or collaborating with colleagues.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing literature and complex texts in English courses fosters critical thinking and analytical skills. These skills are valuable for problem-solving and decision-making in any field.
Cultural Awareness: Studying literature exposes you to diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching your understanding of the world, which is crucial in today’s globalized society.
Research and Information Literacy: English classes teach you how to research, evaluate sources, and cite information properly—skills applicable to research or data analysis professions.
Versatility: Strong English skills can be applied to various job roles and industries, opening doors to opportunities in writing, editing, content creation, or customer communication.
Personal Growth: Engaging with literature can be intellectually enriching and personally rewarding, enhancing your creativity and imagination.
Requirement for Well-Rounded Education: Many educational institutions include English classes as part of their general education requirements, ensuring students receive a holistic education that broadens their worldview.

Why is it essential to take Math courses?

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Mathematics nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills transferable to various professions. Analytical thinking is invaluable when dealing with complex issues in your career.
Quantitative Literacy: In today’s data-driven world, understanding math allows you to interpret and analyze data, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.
Career Opportunities: Math skills can be valuable in unexpected places. Many professions, including business, healthcare, and social sciences, involve data analysis or financial management, where math proficiency is advantageous.
Admissions and Graduation Requirements: Math courses often form part of general education requirements, demonstrating your ability to engage with diverse subjects and making you a more well-rounded graduate.
Preparation for Advanced Studies: Whether in your chosen field or another, math skills can be prerequisites for specific graduate programs or can significantly enhance your qualifications.
Life Skills: Math proficiency extends beyond your career, aiding in financial literacy, understanding statistics in media, and making informed decisions about personal finances.

Why is it essential to take Humanities courses?

Critical Thinking and Communication Skills: Humanities courses encourage critical thinking and effective communication, essential skills in virtually any career.
Cultural Awareness and Empathy: Exploring diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives in humanities classes enhances cultural awareness and empathy, vital in today’s globalized world.
Contextual Understanding: Humanities provide context for the world, helping you make sense of current events, societal changes, and the broader implications of your work.
Creativity and Innovation: Humanities can inspire creativity and innovation, even in fields you might not expect.
Well-Rounded Education: Educational institutions include humanities courses in general education requirements to ensure students receive a well-rounded education, enriching intellectual and personal growth.
Interdisciplinary Connections: Knowledge from humanities classes may complement or inform your primary field of study, fostering unexpected and advantageous intersections.

While required courses like English, Math, and Humanities may not seem directly relevant to your degree, they equip you with skills, perspectives, and knowledge that contribute to your overall personal and professional development. Embrace these courses as opportunities to broaden your horizons, enhance your adaptability, and prepare yourself for the obstacles and opportunities in your career and life journey. A well-rounded education is a valuable asset that can set you apart professionally.

What are the advantages and benefits of taking required college courses online?

Online courses are becoming increasingly popular, particularly when fulfilling general education requirements. Taking your English, Math, and Humanities courses online can have several benefits and advantages.

Flexibility

Personal Scheduling: Online courses often allow you to choose when and where you study. This flexibility can be a significant advantage for working adults, parents, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities alongside their education.
Self-Paced Learning: Many online courses offer asynchronous learning, meaning you can go through the material at your own pace. This feature allows you to spend more time on challenging concepts and skip ahead when you’re comfortable.

Accessibility

Resource Availability: Online courses often have many resources available 24/7, including lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums. This constant access enables you to revisit material whenever needed.
Geographical Independence: No matter where you are located, you can enroll in a course offered by an accredited institution. This accessibility breaks down geographical barriers that previously limited your educational choices.

Cost-Efficiency

Lower Costs: Online courses can be more affordable than traditional classroom courses, as they often eliminate costs associated with transportation, housing, and materials.
No Commute: Saving time on commuting reduces stress and saves you money on fuel or public transportation.

Technology Skills

Digital Literacy: Navigating an online learning environment can help you acquire essential tech skills that are increasingly important in the modern workplace.
Familiarity with Online Collaboration Tools: Online courses often involve collaborative projects and communication platforms, preparing you for remote or hybrid work settings.

Improved Learning Experience

Personalized Attention: Many online platforms track your performance and adapt the course material to focus on areas where you need improvement, offering a more customized learning experience.
Multimedia Content: Online courses often incorporate videos, interactive quizzes, and other multimedia elements that can make learning more engaging and effective.

Convenience and Comfort

Study Environment: You can choose the study setting that works best for you, whether it’s a quiet room or a local café. This personalization can make your study sessions more effective and enjoyable.
Zero Classroom Pressure: For some, the anonymity provided by online education can make participation in discussions less intimidating, allowing for a more honest and thorough exploration of course material.

Taking your required English, Math, and Humanities courses online offers many benefits that can complement the intrinsic advantages of these subjects. From increased flexibility and accessibility to cost efficiency and a tailored learning experience, online education provides modern solutions to traditional educational challenges. So, as you work towards a well-rounded, accredited degree, consider the unique advantages that online courses could bring to your academic and professional journey.

Written By: Laura Knight

Distance Learning Systems™ Announces the Use of McGraw Hill Connect®

Distance Learning Systems™ expands online offerings with 16 new courses powered by McGraw Hill’s Connect® platform to improve the online student’s overall learning experience while enhancing instructor course management and strengthening the company’s online education product.

Distance Learning Systems™ is excited to announce the launch of new course offerings made available through a partnership with McGraw Hill and powered by McGraw Hill’s Connect and ALEKS digital learning platforms. Distance Learning Systems™ joins the 5,000 plus higher education institutions and 13,000 K-12 school districts that utilize McGraw Hill Connect and ALEKS across all 50 states. Distance Learning Systems™ courses with McGraw Hill integration deliver an adaptive, personalized learning experience that is efficient, effective, and customized to each student’s needs.

McGraw Hill Connect is a complete course platform that offers state-of-the-art features for students:

Stay engaged! Innovative learning experiences engage adult learners through multimedia resources, such as videos, simulations, and interactive exercises, to enhance understanding and retention of course material.
Learn faster! Instant feedback on assignments and assessments. Adult learners receive immediate insights into their performance, allowing them to identify areas of strength and weakness and make necessary adjustments to their study strategies.
Save time! Students can move at their own pace through eight content modules plus a final exam. Students can finish a course in half the time of a traditional class!
Use what you know! SmartBook®, embedded within Connect, offers an adaptive reading experience that allows students to move between reading, non-graded questions, and chunks of content to cater their experience to the concepts they need to learn.
Save money! Virtual Labs in the Connect platform allow lab courses to function completely online with no lab kit required, saving students money.

Distance Learning Systems™ is also proud to announce the use of McGraw Hill ALEKS for College Mathematics and College Algebra courses. ALEKS is an artificial intelligence-powered learning platform for math and chemistry courses that provides personalized, equitable support for learners. Constantly adapting to each student’s knowledge state, ALEKS guides students through learning in a seamless path while providing detailed data and feedback.

Beginning in September 2023, Distance Learning will offer 16 courses through McGraw Hill Connect and two courses through McGraw Hill ALEKS. Over the next year, the online education provider will be working to get 16 additional courses on McGraw Hill Connect and ALEKS.

About Distance Learning Systems™

Distance Learning Systems™ was founded in 1999. It originally focused on educational publishing, specializing in preparing individuals to pass nationally standardized proficiency exams. In 2007 the company expanded to an online learning platform to provide innovative, customized educational solutions and programs.

Distance Learning Systems™ (DLSII™) currently serves over 10,000 students nationwide with customizable, structured, instructor–led online classes. Students will rapidly complete multiple courses for college credit recognized by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®). An additional 2,000 U.S. institutions of higher learning also recognize and accept ACE CREDIT®.

Distance Learning Systems™ has helped over 20,000 individuals pursue higher education degrees across the United States. It is recognized as one of the country’s leading providers of online learning. The organization offers customized educational solutions and courses that provide transferable college credits to thousands of U.S. and international institutions.

Distance Learning Systems™ also offers online professional certificate courses for career skills training and advancement.

Written By: Dave Christy

Busting The Top 10 Myths About Taking Online Courses for College Credit and Earning a Degree Online

Today’s online education has completely revolutionized how people pursue earning college credits and getting a college degree. With the rise of online college courses, students can learn at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes or anywhere with an internet connection. Despite its growing popularity, some things surrounding online education still need to be clarified. Let’s debunk the top 10 myths about taking online college courses for college credit and earning a degree online.

Myth #1: Online degrees are less credible than traditional degrees.

Fact: Accredited online degree programs hold the same value as their traditional counterparts. Many reputable universities offer online programs that meet the same rigorous academic standards. Employers now recognize the legitimacy and quality of online degrees, making them equally valuable for career advancement.

Myth #2: Online courses lack interaction and engagement.

Fact: Online courses often incorporate various interactive elements to promote engagement. Discussion boards, video conferences, and collaborative projects facilitate meaningful interactions with professors and fellow students. Additionally, technological advancements enable real-time feedback and personalized attention, ensuring a rich learning experience.

Myth #3: Online degrees are easier to obtain than traditional degrees.

Fact: Online courses are designed to be just as challenging and academically rigorous as traditional courses. The curriculum, assignments, and exams are carefully structured to meet the same educational standards. The flexibility of online learning may require self-discipline and time management skills, but the difficulty level remains the same as with traditional programs.

Myth#4: Employers do not value online degrees.

Fact: Employers today value skills, knowledge, and experience over the format in which they were acquired. Many employers recognize that online degree holders possess valuable qualities such as self-motivation, time management, and tech-savviness. As long as the online program is accredited, employers will likely view the degree the same way as obtaining a degree the traditional way from an on-campus college or university.

Myth #5: Online courses need more practical experience.

Fact: Online programs have adapted to include practical components through virtual simulations, internships, and field experiences. Students can gain hands-on skills and expertise in their chosen fields by participating in online labs, completing virtual projects, or engaging with professionals in their local communities.

Myth #6: Online degrees are not suitable for socially inclined individuals.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, online learning can foster a strong sense of community. Virtual classrooms provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and discussion. Online students often connect through social media groups, online forums, and virtual study groups, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals.

Myth #7: Online degrees are only available in limited fields.

Fact: The amount of online degree programs continues to expand rapidly. Today, you can pursue online degrees in various fields, including business, healthcare, technology, humanities, esports, game development, homeland security, criminal justice, and marketing, and the list continues. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree, online programs are available to suit your interests and career goals.

Myth #8: Online education lacks personalized attention from instructors.

Fact: Online instructors are committed to providing personalized attention to their students. Students can interact with professors individually through email, discussion boards, and virtual office hours and seek guidance when needed. Some online courses also offer one-on-one mentoring, ensuring a supportive learning environment.

Myth #9: Online degrees are not recognized by professional organizations.

Fact: Professional organizations recognize and accept online degrees, career skills certificates, and continued education completed online. These organizations understand the changing landscape of education and the value of online education and degrees. Always research and ensure that your chosen online program is recognized by the relevant professional associations in your field of interest.

Myth #10: Online learning is lonely and isolating.

Fact: While online learning requires self-motivation and independence, it doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Online students can engage in virtual study groups, participate in online forums, and attend virtual events and conferences related to their field. Building connections with peers and instructors can help combat any feelings of isolation.

As online education continues its rapid growth, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to dispel the myths surrounding earning college credits online and getting an online college degree. Taking 100% online courses for college credit and earning a degree online can provide a flexible and rewarding educational experience. The credibility of online degrees, the level of engagement, and the practical experiences available are now on par with traditional education. By breaking down these misconceptions, aspiring learners are encouraged to embrace the possibilities offered by online education and take charge of their academic journey.

Written By: Justin Hart

How to Choose the Best College Major

Choosing a college major can be complicated, as it will likely impact and shape your career and future opportunities. To make this even more challenging, these decisions are made while the individual is still very young with little if any, real-world experience to base that decision. As a very young man, I knew I was not prepared to make a decision as impactful as that, so I elected to enlist in the military like many others. I completed my enlistment, returned home, and started taking general education classes, still waiting for a clear direction on what I wanted to do for the next 40 years.

I landed on engineering, and while that is undoubtedly a great option, I have made multiple career changes since my days in the college classroom. Here are a few tips that may help you make the best choice for you:

Consider your interests and passions. What subjects do you enjoy studying? What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing? These are often good indicators of what you may be interested in pursuing as a career.
Research career prospects, job outlooks, and earning potential for various majors. This will give you an idea of career opportunities after graduation.
Talk to people in the field if possible. Ask them about their experiences and what they enjoy about their job. This will give you valuable insights regarding what it’s like to work in the field.
Take advantage of your school’s resources and those provided by many colleges. Many schools have career days sponsored by professionals and college staff. This may help you make an informed decision.
Keep your options open; you don’t have to choose a major immediately. It’s not uncommon for a student to explore different subjects before committing to a major.
Consider your long-term goal and what you want to achieve in your career and personal life. This may help you land a major that aligns with your goals.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a major you’re passionate about that will lead to a career you enjoy. Remember, your major doesn’t have to dictate your entire career. Switching careers or even going back to school to pursue a different field is not uncommon. While choosing a major that aligns with your interests and goals, it is also essential to remain open to new opportunities and changes throughout your life.

Distance Learning Systems provide many options for those contemplating a career change or starting out. With over 35 major universities to choose from and over 450 online and campus-based degree programs, this is a great place to start. You can quickly and affordably complete up to 2 years of an accredited bachelor’s degree 100% online.

Written By: Dave Christy

What are The Advantages of Starting Your Nursing Degree Program Online?

Online nursing programs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering several advantages for students looking to pursue a career in nursing. Some of the key benefits of starting your nursing degree program online include the following:

Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of online nursing programs is their flexibility. With online classes, students can attend class and complete coursework on their schedule, allowing them to continue working or taking care of other responsibilities while they pursue their degree. This is especially beneficial for working adults or those with families who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.
Convenience: Online nursing programs are also convenient, allowing students to learn and study from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need to commute to a physical campus, saving time and money on transportation.
Cost-effective: Online nursing programs can be more cost-effective than traditional on-campus programs. Many online programs have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts, and students can save money on expenses such as room and board, transportation, and parking.
Variety of Programs: Online nursing programs offer a wide range of degree options, from associate’s to master’s degrees. This allows students to choose a program that best fits their needs and career goals.
Access to Resources: Online nursing programs also provide students with access to various resources such as online libraries, databases, and academic support services. This can help students stay on track with their studies and be successful in their program.
Networking Opportunities: Online nursing programs also offer students the opportunity to network with other nursing students and professionals through online discussion boards, virtual study groups, and other online resources. This can be a valuable way to connect with others in the nursing field and build professional relationships.
Self-Paced Learning: Online nursing programs allow students to learn at their own pace, which can benefit those who need extra time to understand and absorb new concepts.
Simulation and clinical experience: Many online nursing programs provide clinical expertise and hands-on training through simulation labs, which can help prepare students for their future careers as nurses.

Overall, online nursing programs offer several advantages for students looking to pursue a career in nursing. From flexibility and convenience to cost-effectiveness and access to resources, online programs can provide students with the education and training they need to succeed in the nursing field.

Written By: Justin Hart

You Can’t Do That

No, I’m not referring to the B side of the Beatles album “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Many of you may have minimal knowledge of the Beatles, let alone their music. For the record, I’m in the group that lived through the British Invasion in the mid-1960s; no, that was not a military operation. I’m referring to a far too common phrase that many of us have heard in our lifetime, and worse yet, may have said to a friend or even our children. This is a psychological seed that should never be planted. While it’s true that there certainly are things we should not do in life, let’s focus for a moment on those fantastic things that we could do.

Let me share an example of what I mean. My youngest was born profoundly deaf, so we decided to allow her to attend a residential school out of state that was very progressive. Because most of the children, including my own, had cochlear implants, this school helped these children perfect (as best they could) their listening and speaking skills. The results were astounding. As we were doing our exit interview near the end of the elementary school years, we met with the school psychologist, and I’ll never forget what she told our daughter and us. She said we should have realistic expectations regarding what to expect from our child as she grows up. The example she gave was in the field of nursing. She said, “If your daughter decides she wants to be a nurse, she will most likely become an LPN rather than an RN.”

When I left that meeting and that school, I was somewhat bewildered. For five years, my daughter was taught that she could do anything, and we also believed that. We had never told our child that there was anything she could not do. Time passed, and we forgot that advice. High school ended, then on to her bachelor’s degree, followed by her master’s, and today, she is completing her thesis for her EdD at a major university. She holds a very responsible position in state government, is married, and is a homeowner. Contrary to conventional wisdom, she learned, and we supported the belief that we can accomplish almost anything of value we set our minds to and are willing to work for.

Unfortunately, some children have minimal confidence and belief in their abilities. It’s not unusual for a child to say, “I can’t do it!” Physical limitations may exist, but we should be our kiddo’s biggest cheerleaders. When they say this, we might try encouraging them by offering one of the following responses:

“I know this is hard for you.” Above all, listen to your children, and let them open up and discuss the issue.
“Have I ever told you about…” Please talk about your struggles or those of others close to them and encourage them to do their best. I know my daughter has a story to tell.
“You can’t do this yet.” The word “yet” allows you to talk about what can happen.

There is no end to studies written on this topic, and I do not profess to have all the answers, but I do remember the limiting belief we could have fallen victim to years ago. We chose not to, and I hope if you are ever faced with a similar situation regarding your future, your hopes, and dreams, or those of your child, you will overcome them as well.

Written By: Dave Christy

Why Are Gen Eds Required for My Degree and How Can I Save Time and Money Completing Them?

If you’ve never been to college, you may ask yourself that question. Most people would much rather focus on courses that relate specifically to their chosen field of study and their career choice. The reality is that colleges and universities require from 30% to 50% of coursework to be general electives (gen eds). I know when I was younger and began my degree in engineering, I was anxious to start my core classes, but I soon learned that those courses would begin in the fourth or fifth semester. Many students may question whether gen eds are a waste of time, but is that true? First of all, all university programs require gen ed courses, so you are working your way toward your final goal. Secondly, you will learn new subjects, and you may develop a new passion. Elective courses also allow you to explore topics that interest you.

Colleges and universities want “well-rounded” graduates, and gen eds provide a comprehensive education. They promote critical thinking across multiple subjects. General education is more than what it is often perceived to be. Fundamentally, the purpose of education is not to train a student for a specific job but equips them with the skills they need to live life (Walters & Bockorn, 2018).

Once I started my gen ed curriculum, it began to make sense. I was experiencing high-level learning and then saw the value of these courses. For those of you who may not have any experience with post-secondary education, and those with limited knowledge of this subject, here are some examples of general education courses by category:

English Language and Literature:

College Composition, Oral Communication

Arts and Humanities:

Arts, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, History

Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics

Natural Science:

Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology

Mathematics:

Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics

So, we understand that gen eds are required and why, but how can we expedite the completion of these courses and save money? I’ve found that most colleges and universities nationwide provide access to and accept virtually the same courses to satisfy this requirement. One very good and very affordable option for completing these courses in the shortest time possible and for the lowest cost is through Distance Learning Systems.

Here are some of the benefits of utilizing Distance Learning Systems to satisfy this requirement.

Distance Learning Systems provide a wide assortment of general education courses that satisfy most, if not all, general education requirements.
All courses provided by Distance Learning Systems are ACE (American Council on Education) recommended.
Distance Learning Systems has partnership agreements with over 30 of the nation’s finest universities. This guarantees the transferability of all courses completed with Distance Learning Systems into the degree-granting institution.
All courses are delivered 100% online 24/7.
Distance Learning Systems provide an accelerated path to over 450 online degree programs.
The cost of these courses is about 56% less expensive than the average cost of university tuition.
You have options when beginning a new program or returning to complete your degree. I absolutely see and appreciate the value of these general education courses, but my position has always been and will always be to maximize value and minimize time. Good luck!

Written By: Dave Christy

Still Waiting for the Right Time to Start College?

Procrastination is the killer of dreams! As a national education company owner, I witness this sad reality every day. For a year, we are contacted by as many as 20,000 adults who have unrealized dreams. This is because they, like many others, have put off the most critical tool for personal, professional, and financial growth…education.

There are as many reasons people delay education as there are people, but many tell us they are simply afraid. Perhaps it could be fear of failure, the ever-increasing cost of education, or simply going back and competing in the classroom with students half their age. But you must remember that it’s okay, it’s normal to feel that way, you’ll be fine.

Any student at any age contemplating going back to school should start by focusing on why they want to return to school. What is your WHY? I’m guessing it’s more important than your fear. Maintain that focus, establish short- and long-term goals, and remember, the secret to success is getting started. For a moment, overcoming that fear is often more difficult than completing the task. It’s important to note that over 20% of today’s college enrollments are students over 25 (Education Data Initiative); hundreds of thousands of people just like you are doing this, and so can you!

Distance Learning Systems has worked with adult students for over 22 years. During that time, it has structured an accelerated and affordable path to earning up to 2 years of college credit, entirely at home and 100% online. That means you can finish the first two years of college at half the cost of traditional education and in about half the time. After saving time and money in the Distance Learning Systems proven program, they will assist you in transferring your credits into one of their 32 accredited universities, where you’ll have over 450 fully online programs.

Here are just a few of the available degree programs:

Registered Nursing

Aviation-Professional Pilot

Homeland Security

Crime Scene Investigation

Investigative Forensics

Software Development

Sports Management

Cyber Security

Biotechnology

Counter Terrorism

Business Psychology

Your degree will be awarded by one of the top universities in the nation, and as a student of Distance Learning Systems, you may be awarded scholarships and/or reduced tuition through graduation.

I want to encourage you not to fear your exciting journey to personal and professional success. Please don’t look back 20, 30, or 40 years from now and realize what could have been. You’ve got this!

Written By: Dave Christy

The Fastest and Most Affordable Path to a College Degree — Regardless of Your Major

It’s no secret that the cost of education continues to increase year after year. Education Data Initiative reported in January 2022,” The average price of college tuition & fees at public 4-year institutions has risen 179.2% over the last 20 years for an average annual increase of 9.0%.” In most cases, wages haven’t kept pace with the cost of higher ed, so what can a prospective college student do to offset some of this cost? I want to share what I’ve learned that may help you save $10,000 to $40,000 or more!

Years ago, I found similarities in university degree programs, on-campus or online; most programs require several general education courses. These courses may account for up to 2 years of a 4-year degree. While that number may be smaller in programs such as medicine and engineering, tuition for these courses costs no less than those in the major area of study.

General education courses are required for most undergraduate degree programs. They do not change based on the major. While there are literally hundreds of college majors, most need the same general education courses. You should consult your school to determine what they require.

I’ve taken advantage of programs offering a cost-effective solution to this coursework for my children and grandchildren. They did not need to sacrifice the quality or transferability of these courses as they navigated their program, and we’ve saved thousands of dollars literally in the process.

Here are some examples of general education courses:

Music
Art
Philosophy
English Composition
English Literature
Foreign Language
Western Civilization
US History
Math
Statistics
Sciences
Sociology
Public Speaking
Psychology
World Religions
Anthropology

Distance Learning System offers a program you may want to consider. They provide 100% online courses that are recognized by the American Council on Education and accepted by over 30 of their top-tier university partners. These online courses cost less than half the national average and are completed online in about half the time of traditional college courses. My position has always been, why pay more for the same thing? My answer has always been that I shouldn’t.

If you can save 60% to 80% on the first two years of your 4-year degree and receive the same quality education, why not take advantage of the opportunity? These programs are open to high school students preparing for college or working adults interested in fast-tracking their career and income potential. Good luck in your quest for higher education.

Written By: Dave Christy

Professional Certificates – An Employers Perspective

Years ago, when I first started flying, my flight instructor gave me advice appropriate for anyone involved in aviation. His advice was, “never stop learning.” Indeed, that was true for a new pilot, but even in an environment where life and death are not the issues, that advice always rings true. Many years have passed since my instructor challenged me to keep learning, and in all these years, I can honestly say that I’ve never once felt like I didn’t need to know more. There are always new technologies and challenges in business, and even our personal lives present new challenges almost daily.

Dating back to 1597, Francis Bacon coined the phrase “Knowledge is Power,” which Thomas Jefferson used when discussing the establishment of a state university in Virginia. In 1817 he also related knowledge with power, safety, and happiness. I think it’s widely accepted that there is a quantifiable benefit to knowledge.

Most everyone would agree that a university education lays the groundwork for a successful professional life, but today there are options that many employers value and support. These are professional certificates. We all know that a degree may prepare the holder for almost any type of degree, but professional certification does even more. A professional certificate provides focused training for a specific career. These could be in marketing, data science & analytics, environmental, social, leadership, business, finance, or hundreds more. Certificates are earned more quickly and at a significantly lower cost than a degree and may prepare you for that dream job!

As an employer, I view the holder of professional certification as:

A team member or applicant is someone committed to excellence
A team member who is committed to growing with the organization
An asset that helps build trust with clients
An individual interested in a long-term relationship with our organization

A professional certificate holder demonstrates:

Validation of Knowledge
Increased marketability
Increased earning power
Enhanced credibility

“Never stop learning” has served me well over the years, and this fundamental truth will work for anyone interested in growth. Several institutions provide this exciting growth opportunity, but you might explore certificates from Distance Learning Systems by visiting https://catalog.mindedge.com/dlsii. They also offer an accelerated and affordable path to over 450 online degree programs sponsored by major universities throughout the US.

Written By: Dave Christy