Educational programs are being developed for students and working adults choosing to obtain a degree in various areas of study, including financial management, engineering, and science. These programs are beneficial to those attending both physical campuses and online universities.
According to recent reports, there has been a severe lack of professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; also known as STEM which has led the government to create a plan to increase education in these often under explored areas of study. The amount of work in these fields is increasing with great frequency, and the need for qualified employees with the proper educational background is also in high demand.
Through $260 million in funding that will be provided by private industry, the government hopes to increase STEM literacy and critical thinking, improve the quality of math and science education as well as expand learning and career opportunities in these industries.
Expansions in this sector are already occurring in several institutions of higher learning, such as the University of Illinois. The school’s Department of Finance in its College of Business as well as the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering in its College of Engineer have announced they will begin offering a new master’s degree program in financial engineering in the fall semester of next year, the Daily Illini reports.
Students will be able to apply their studies in the growing fields of start-ups and ventures, as well as financial asset management and trading. Engineering will also be a new focus for students looking to expand their education in this field, whether they are just starting their education and establishing themselves in the working world, or they are working professionals looking to transition or get promoted.
In a more relaxed and flexible environment, students will be able to work towards engineering degrees in their free time. Several colleges, Wish Book readers and Foothill College’s Foothill-De Anza Foundation are establishing scholarship funds created for specific groups of people, such as stay-at-home parents and those already working full time jobs, but hoping to obtain a degree in order to have better employment opportunities.
To date, the partnership has donated $85,000 in laptops, word processing and spreadsheet software, printers and monitors to single-parent families. Linette Fuerst, an engineering student at the college who benefited from the program, told the media outlet she uses her laptop to turn in papers and take online tests. Now, she spends less time in the classroom and can be at home with her son.
Funding from government aid and private businesses is allowing individuals to launch their online college degree in the fields of financial support and computer information technology in growing numbers. Online universities that are providing online bachelor, such as Ashford or Drexel are rising in popularity. Receiving your online bachelors is a convenient and flexible way to meet the needs of your demanding schedule while furthering your educational commitments, without compromising the rest of the activities and responsibilities in your fast paced life.