Archive for January, 2009

What Wikipedia says about Social Media?

Wikipedia defines social media as mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings. The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, telecommunications and social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio.

Bachelors in Social Media

Social Media is an effective way of marketing a product or commodity, for that matter even persons. Having understood the importance of such media of advertising, many schools have brought social media under there syllabus and educational system. A bachelor’s degree in Social Technology or Media is the latest in the list of the most sought after degrees. It is a three year course. The Faculty of Business, Computing and Information Management (FBCIM) has introduced this degree program in social media, implementing the course into a successful career option. It also provides an opportunity to students to learn and develop skill sets in business and computing fields. A course that helps students in analyzing the uses and abuses of the social media like social sites on the net, mobiles, text messaging, email and chatting.

A Web Marketing Degree

A study into marketing, organizational behavior, consumer behavior and online environment, help students learn different foundations that will enable them to put their study to good use. The three year course aims at helping the students learn the day to day use of technology either for business or for personal use. Developing and building of online sites devoid of spamming and other possible threats is a major part of the curriculum.

Doing business online is the trend of today’s marketing world. Learning all about social media is the best way to reach customers. Finding their most and often visited sites is a popular way of marketing your products and commodities. Learning the nuances of web marketing is sure creating waves in the industry. This medium of advertising was not available few decades back, was not frequently used few years back and it is a permanent place of visit in today’s world. Hence, it is important to go with the flow of things and educate oneself appropriately for the required knowledge and skill to be proactive in this area of study.

Yes, diploma mill does exist in real life. Theoretically speaking, diploma mill is higher education institution operating without state supervision. The diplomas offered by diploma mill are fraudulent in nature. Therefore, there is not much of a surprise that these diplomas are not accepted by majority of companies and universities. If you are interested in taking admission at higher education level or looking for a new job, make sure that you earn a diploma from an accredited institute.

Diploma Mills:

Diploma Mills are basically fraudulent universities that provide potential students diplomas or degrees without any sort of study. To get diploma or degree from these fraudulent universities, all you need to do is to send them money through demand draft or bank transfer. The significant factor here is that you do not need to attend classes in order to earn a degree or a diploma from these fraudulent universities.

Media Coverage:

There has been quite a bit of media coverage regarding diploma mills in both print and electronic media in the last six months. Among other routines, it’s the responsibility of the Office of Degree Authorization to terminate fraudulent degree activities.

Operation:

Recent study has come to the conclusion that most of the diploma mills operate with the help of Internet while hiding their true identities. Before taking admission in any degree program, make sure that you check the accreditation of the institute first. If the institute you have opted for is not accredited, there is a strong possibility that you are dealing with the diploma mill.

Why are Diploma Mills a problem?

Diploma Mills are basically fraud, whose main objective is to make money while offering no service. There are plenty of them that devalue college degrees by offering degrees to students without any sort of study. Because of this, value of accredited degrees also suffers and employers start rejecting job application of students who have earned an online degree.

Legality:

Diploma Mills are not given a legal status by any of the US States. However, there are some US States that allow almost any individual to operate a university without getting accreditation from state authorities. It includes Idaho, Alabama, Hawaii, California, Montana, Mississippi and Wyoming. If the university you have opted for is a diploma mill, it is advisable that you contact the Office of Degree Authorization. It is worth mentioning in this regard that Office of Degree Authorization will investigate the whole situation and if your finding is correct, there is a strong possibility that they will stop the operation of a diploma mill.

Some people believe that all unaccredited universities are diploma mills. This is not true. There are lots of universities operating that are not accredited but the quality of their degree programs is in par with the traditional degree program. However, not being accredited in nature, it is recommended that you do not take admission in these universities as the degree you are going to earn is not going to help you in your career.

Vocational Degree Program

Those students, who are on the look out for the best way to begin a professional career, will find enrolling to some of the top Vocational Degree Program a positive way to kick start their career. Different degree programs are offered by different schools. Associate degrees offered to students is one of the highest level programs offered by vocational schools.

Wide variety of courses offered by Online Vocational Schools

The courses offered are as follows

• Arts
• Fashion and Design
• Information technology, Engineering and Computer Information
• Aviation, Business and Criminal Justice
• Psychology and Counseling
• Behavioral Sciences and Public Administration
• Massage, Health Care and Culinary expertise
• Applied sciences
• Art, science and engineering

Numbers of courses offered by these institutions help students who have completed their high school to study graduation and graduates to pursue their post graduation courses, helping students to achieve a niche in their career and studies. Students who wish to revive their learning discipline after a break normally join these schools for earning credit points which they can later transfer it to a college or university for pursuing their higher studies.

Online Learning

Distance educational programs offer time flexibility, together with freedom to take up lessons and study them from anywhere in the world. This option is very useful for a number of students who otherwise cannot take up higher studies but for the flexibility offered.

Choosing the Best Program

Like any other college degree choosing the best Vocational Degree Program is about verifying the recognition and quality of the institution offering the educational program. Ignoring predatory agencies, which can be identified with too good to believe offers and mere selling of certificates rather than providing a study educational programs. Best programs come with nominal fees, a feasible class schedule and quality curriculum offered.