1. Accreditation  - The top architecture colleges will have either national or regional accreditation from a legitimate accrediting institution. Accreditation from a legitimate institution ensures that the education that you receive is well-rounded and thorough, and also provided by a school that is stable and growing with the educational trends. Without proper accreditation, the time and money you spend on a criminal justice degree will most likely be worth less which can make the job hunt very difficult.

2. Degree program – Whether you want an associates, bachelors, masters, or doctorate, top architecture colleges should have any if not all degree levels. Always make sure that you’ve determined the degree level you want to earn and that the school offers it before you begin applying. Those college applications fees can add up, and there’s no point in paying them if the school doesn’t even have the degree you want.

3. Accessibility – Many of today’s top architecture colleges offer both online and on-campus degree programs. You will want to make sure that your school of choice has the program you desire. If you can afford to attend class on campus at nights or on weekends, then consider that a great option. If you find it hard to maintain a schedule where you have to be in class at a set time, then consider an online program that allows you to access your classwork, submit assignments, and take exams all from the comforts of home.

By examining these three criteria when doing a college search, you should be able to get a clear picture of which Architecture colleges are right for you.

If you are fascinated by numbers and someday want to enter one of the PhD programs in statistics that are out there, then you should start by taking the most advanced classes you can in math, computers and science as early as high school. You should continue taking advanced courses in college and earn your masters before finding one of the PhD programs in statistics that is right for you. You can find your way to the right PhD programs in statistics for you, by deciding whether you want to obtain a broad-based more generalized knowledge of the field, or narrow your studies down to a specific specialization, such as statistical modeling.

Once you obtain a doctorate from one of the PhD programs in statistics, you can become a physicist, an accountant, or an actuary. You can work in health care, engineering or business.

It is also common for someone who has completed one of the PhD programs in statistics to find work as a full professor on the tenure track at a college or  university.

Here are some numbers that any numbers person will like: The median income of statisticians is more than $65,000 a year.

PhD programs in creative writing — or other high-level writing degrees — give you the space you need to create, whether it is screenwriting, book writing, or poetry is your passion.

PhD programs in creative writing are a good way for writers with high-level degrees in other genres — advertising, journalism or  copy writing, for instance — to finally follow their passion and write for yourself rather than your employer.

If you’re going to follow your dream to become a creative writer, than you of course don’t need formal training.

But taking part in PhD programs in creative writing gives you the formal instruction and training that can take your work from good to great. You will hone your skills at writing, critical reading and self-editing.

You will also be able to spend much quality time working on the genre that you choose to specialize in, whether it be fiction, play writing, or writing your own memoir. You can specialize in children’s writing, creative non-fiction, or poetry.

PhD programs in creative writing can help you take your dream of becoming a writer to a reality — so start looking  for PhD programs in creative writing today!

Then a PhD in fine arts is the next step for you.

Most artists are self-employed (62 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). But many artists also work at universities, museums, newspapers, the movie industry, and in other job markets.

For those who already have their bachelors and masters degree in fine arts, then a PhD in fine arts might give you the schooling necessary to get your dream job as a university professor or as the head of a department in your chosen field.

If you want to earn your PhD in fine arts, it will take you an average of five years. You will have a chance to not only study the art you are passionate about — whether that be ceramics, painting, sculpture, etc. — but also learn how to teach fine art students, become a museum curator, or oversee a department of artists at a movie studio, college or newspaper.

So if you want to take your art degree to the next level, then start looking today for the right PhD in fine arts program for you!

• Yale University is located in New Haven, CT
• Roots can be traced all the way back to the 1640s, and established in 1701
• Current enrollment: over 5,000 undergrad and over 6,000 graduate students
• Library currently holds over 12.5 million volumes
• Currently ranked #3 in US News and World Report’s ranking of National Universities

Yale University is know as one of the most prestigious universities in the country. This top-notch Ivy League University has been educating students for over 300 years (which sounds unbelievable when you think about it). Yale University is made up of three components: Yale College (the undergraduate program), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools. Currently, Yale has a student population of over 11,000 in all three schools combined.

If you’re interested in learning more about Yale University visit their website by clicking on the following link: Yale University.

The Yale College offers over 70 Bachelor’s degrees in a variety of majors including History, Music, Classical Studies, Art, Italian, Sociology, German, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology and Physics. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences awards students with a Masters of Philosophy, Masters of Arts, or Masters of Science in over 50 majors including Medieval Studies, Management, Religious Studies, Psychology, Film Studies,  Chemistry and Astronomy. The professional schools at Yale consist of:

• School of Architecture
• School of Art
• Divinity School
• School of Drama
• School of Engineering & Applied Science
• School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
• Law School
• School of Management
• School of Medicine
• School of Music
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health
• Institute of Sacred Music

The variety of degrees at Yale University is certainly extensive, but they are also well known for Yale-New Haven Hospital. This hospital is primarily a teaching hospital, and has a reputation of being one of the top hospitals in the state of Connecticut. (Being a former infant patient of this hospital, it’s held near and dear to my heart!)

If you’re interested in hearing more about why Yale University has been recognized for academic excellence for many many years, I encourage you to visit their website: Yale University.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (aka MIT) admitted their first students for study in 1865
• MIT is located in Cambridge, MA
• Very competitive Admissions process – in 2009 10.7% of all applicants were accepted into MIT
• Currently there are 7 Nobel Prize Winners who are actively involved with MIT

When I was little, my Dad had me convinced that I was going to grow up with a degree from MIT, I would make a million dollars and buy him a Ferrari Testarossa (which I called a Ferrari Toaster Oven). So for the first 8-10 years of my life, that was my main goal. I didn’t know anything about MIT, how prestigious it truly was, or what type of career I would get from a degree at MIT.

Sadly, my course of study took me quite far away from anything affiliated with MIT, as I chose to go the route of Elementary Education. If I still had the drive to do some sort of engineering or more technological savvy career, however, MIT would be one of my top choices. For more information on MIT and the degree programs they offer, visit their website: MIT.

As noted above, the admissions office only accepts about 10.7% of all of the applicants they receive. They are very selective in the process. Currently, their degree offerings include:

• Bachelor of Science (SB)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master in City Planning (MCP)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Finance (MFin)
• Master of Science (SM)
• Engineer (each degree designates the field in which it is awarded)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Science (ScD)

Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to test drive a few experimental methods of learning, including MIT’s Experimental Study Group (in which 50 freshman maintain a “close-knit” community through the learning process), the Concourse Program (which presents a variety of subjects in a more intimate setting), Media Arts and Sciences Freshman Program (which offers 25 students the ability to participate in research for communication), Seminar XL (a study program for students who want to explore courses deeper than the traditional college course. This program is facilitated by an instructor who holds two 90-minute groups each week).

There are a number of ways that students can learn at MIT. With such a selective admissions process, it enables MIT to try alternate methods of education. For more information on MIT and the degree programs they offer, visit their website: MIT.

• The University of Notre Dame is ranked #17 Best College in the United States by US News & World Report
• Founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C., of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
• Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, 90 miles from Chicago
• Very competitive admissions process
• Catholic University

 When most people think about Notre Dame, they think of one of the following:

• Excellent Academic Reputation
• A killer football team
• The Hunchback

Two out of the above three are correct. Hopefully you’ve guessed which two are actually affiliated with the school. The “Fightin’ Irish” definitely have great academics and athletics, which has helped build them a very strong reputation and each year, incoming freshman applicants have to face a very competitive admissions process (1 out of every 5 applications is accepted).

For more information about Notre Dame, visit their website: University of Notre Dame.

Academics

Students can enroll in one of the several schools within the University of Notre Dame. They include the School of Architecture, College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Science, The Law School, and The Graduate School. Notre Dame offers a wide variety of majors in engineering, business, liberal arts, law and science. Most of their programs are strictly “on-campus”, however there are a few online courses as well.

Athletics

The University of Notre Dame offers men’s and women’s athletics, in basketball, soccer, golf, lacrosse, swimming & diving, tennis, fencing, softball (women’s), baseball (men’s), football (men’s), track & field, and rowing (women’s). In a few words – something for everyone! Notre Dame is one of the “dream schools” for many student athletes because of their great winning history, as well as their passion for athletics in general. Very few schools have the popularity on a national scale that “The Fightin’ Irish” have, as evidenced by the school’s mascot on t-shirts, hats, and other paraphernalia in stores coast-to-coast.

Faith

On top of the great degree programs and sports, University of Notre Dame is a faith-based institution with campus ministry programs, an on-campus church, and a number of service-oriented programs for students.

For more information about Notre Dame, visit their website: University of Notre Dame.

• Dartmouth College was established in 1769
• Offers graduate programs at the Tuck School of Business (also online)
• Four year, private liberal arts college
• Located in Hanover, New Hampshire
• Ranks #11 in US News & World Report’s rankings of National Universities

About Dartmouth College

The Mission of Dartmouth College is as follows “Dartmouth College educates the most promising students and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and of responsible leadership, through a faculty dedicated to teaching and the creation of knowledge. It was founded in 1769 by the Reverend Eleazar Wheelock, a Congregational Minister from Connecticut. Currently, Dartmouth serves over 4,000 undergraduate students and over 1,700 graduate students. To this day, religion plays a role in the student life at Dartmouth College, with over 27 different religious organizations present offering seminars and group events throughout the academic year.

If you are interested in learning more about Dartmouth College and their academic programs, visit their website: Dartmouth College.

Dartmouth Academics

Dartmouth College is divided into several different graduate and undergraduate schools.

• Undergraduate Arts & Sciences – with 29 undergraduate academic departments and 10 academic programs divided into four categories: the humanities, the sciences, the social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs.
• Dartmouth Medical School – Founded in 1797, and is the nation’s fourth-oldest medical school.
• Thayer School of Engineering – Incorporates the  undergraduate Department of Engineering Sciences and a professional school with degrees through the doctorate. Founded in 1867.
• Tuck School of Business – Established in 1900 as the first graduate school of management, awards the master of business administration degree.
• Graduate Arts & Sciences – In Dartmouth’s Graduate Arts and Sciences Programs, students and faculty work together to master their disciplines and pursue research at the frontier of knowledge.

Dartmouth Tuition

Currently, Dartmouth lists their tuition by each school. Dartmouth is known for its academic excellence while providing students with a well-rounded and enriching college experience. The cost of tuition is comparable to other schools of its caliber.

Note: Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

• Undergraduate: tuition $39,978; room, board, and mandatory fees $12,297; total $52,275
• Graduate Arts and Sciences: $39,978
• Dartmouth Medical School: $45,075
• Thayer School of Engineering: $39,978
• Tuck School of Business: $50,700

If you are interested in learning more about Dartmouth College and their academic programs, visit their website: Dartmouth College.

This new center is expected to be opened in the Spring of 2011 thanks to state funds and grants that help to support quality online education. It will focus on developing already existing online programs at BGSU but also to help create and diversify future online programs to cater to a larger range of college students and adults who wish to return to school to earn or advance their college degree.

As of the time of this article, BGSU has the following offerings for online degrees and courses:

• Bachelor of Science – Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Degree Completion)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN/BSN Completion
• Master of Arts in Teaching Biology – Interdisciplinary Studies Specialization
• Master of Arts in English, Plan II (non-thesis)
• Master of Education in Classroom Technology
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching
• Master of Family and Consumer Sciences – Food and Nutrition Specialization
• Master of Education in Special Education – Assistive Technology Specialization
• Executive Master of Organization Development (Blended Program)
• Executive Master of Business Administration (Blended Program)
• Ph.D. in Technology Management

Graduate Certificates and Endorsements

• International Scientific & Technical Communication Certificate
• Food and Nutrition Certificate
• Quality Systems Certificate
• Ohio Reading Endorsement Program (Blended Program)

Bowling Green State University offers financial aid to those who qualify and an admissions representative is ready to answer any questions or guide prospective students through the admissions process. For more information regarding any of BGSU’s excellent distance learning programs, please click here.

As of February 2010, Liberty University has 12,000 residential students and a record-setting 45,000 distance learning students who earn their education through Liberty University’s online programs. For information regarding Liberty’s variety of online programs, click here.

Because of Liberty’s large number of online degree programs, it’s easy to see why online enrollment has increased from 27,000 in May 2008 to 45,000 in less than two years. Because Liberty University’s student enrollment is growing exponentially, they are now the largest Christian University in the world.

Liberty University offers online degrees in all levels, from Associates degrees all the way to Doctorate degrees in 40 different areas of study with 90 specializations. Aspiring high school students can actually begin their college education early with “The Edge” dual enrollment online program. This program allows 11th and 12th grade students to begin to earn college credit before their high school graduation. For students looking to earn their degree faster than a typical 2 or 4 year degree program, Liberty offers 8-week courses, life experience credit, military credit, and degree-completion programs.

The cost of attending Liberty University, either online or on-campus is fairly reasonable and certainly competitive to other colleges. Financial aid is available, and the admissions office and office of Financial Aid are ready to help students through the entire admissions process and covering the cost of their education. Since Liberty has all of these options for students, it’s almost certain that their admission will continue to grow at such a rapid rate over the next few years.