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My paper is due! Which writing style should I use?

It happens to quite a few people in the wee hours of the morning just before assignments are due. Quotes are checked, sources verified, word limit exceeded, then, one comes to a screeching halt, “Papers should be formatted according to the MLA or APA style”. And so begins a frenzied computer research on the two writing styles.

MLA writing style

The MLA (Modern Language Association) requires that specific rules be followed for formatting manuscripts. It provides writers with a proper system to cite references, the usage of which enhances the writer’s credibility by listing outside sources in order to give recognition where it is due. One advantage of the MLA format is that it provides the user protection from possible accusation of plagiarism.

General Guidelines for MLA writing style

When preparing a paper using the MLA writing style, general format guidelines must be adhered to as well as the technical rules of citation and bibliography.

• Assignments are to be typed on pages no larger that 8.5 x 11, double spaced, with either Times New Roman font, or Courier.
• One space must be inserted between all punctuation marks.
• Margins must be set to one inch on all sides of the paper.
• All paragraphs must be indented one inch (one tab) from the left margin of the page.
• Headers must be inserted on each page in the upper right hand corner displaying the page numbers of the essay consecutively (some instructors will ask that a student’s last name follow the page number on each page).
• If endnotes are included in your work, they must be placed on the last page, right before your works cited page.

For a more detailed look at the rules regarding end notes, in-text citations or works cited (multiple authors, electronic sources, periodicals, etc.), there are resources available online and in print that will aid you with this writing style. Some excellent print titles for reference material are: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th edition), and MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing (2nd edition). For those who have internet access, all MLA writing style rules can be found on a site built by the people at Owl at Purdue.

At all times, it is equally important to strictly follow your professor’s instructions on the use of long titles, the need to emphasize with underlines or italics and other personal choices. Careful attention must be paid to every detail so as to prevent loss of marks in the grading process.

APA writing style

APA (American Psychological Association) is a writing style that is generally used within the realm of the social sciences. As in the case of the MLA writing style, the APA has a list of general format guidelines as well as a list of rules pertaining to paragraph structure.

General Guidelines for APA writing style

All essays written in the APA writing style should be structured in accordance to the following guidelines:

Assignments must be typed double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 inch pages.

• The title page must include bylines, titles, or running headers.
• Page numbers must be included (similar to MLA) followed by 5 spaces, then an abridged version (2 words) of the paper’s title.
• Some instructors require students to prepare an abstract which is a 75 to 100 word overview of the chosen topic highlighting the major points of discussion in the paper. It must be set up on its own page with the word “Abstract” centered at the top of the page, and placed right after the title page.
• Headings are not specifically necessary but can be helpful in navigating through a paper. Every word of the heading must be capitalized with the exception of articles such as ‘the’, ‘a’, and ‘an’, and certain conjunctions such as ‘and’, and ‘but’.
• Visuals such as tables and figures including graphs, charts, and drawings may be included; however, each must be labeled with an Arabic numeral i.e. Table 1, Table 2, etc.. Titles must be flush left, each inserted illustration must include its source.
• Lists of all references must be included on its own page at the end of your written work. Each reference should be centered, starting at the top of the page (also double spaced) and listed in alphabetical order according to the authors last name, editor, or by the title of the work (excluding the words A, An, and The)

For a more detailed look at the rules of the APA writing style regarding references, in text citations, and footnotes or endnotes, please see Owl at Purdue.

About the Author:
Alexandria Haber writes both fiction and non-fiction for a variety of people and places. As a result, she has had the benefit of gaining a little bit of knowledge about a lot of different subjects. While researching this article on the hottest careers, she gained a new respect for the education industry.

The types of online degrees available are endless and it is only natural to feel overwhelmed in a world of such vast possibility. Whether you enjoy the fast-paced energy of a sales environment, the creative aspect and hands-on techniques of design, or the problem-solving and ingenuity required for engineering, there are online programs and institutions to suit your needs. Furthering your education online will not only provide you with a solid background in your subject of interest, but also give you the necessary tools to pursue your chosen career with confidence.

Business Degrees: let’s get down to business
Every avenue of life involves business. For those who feel they are “big picture” people and are more comfortable in a managerial position, there are online degrees in:

• Business Leadership
• Applied Management
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Hotel and Hospitality Management
• Human Resources Management

If working in a team is what you prefer, you may choose from online degrees in:

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Human Relations
• Business Communications
• Business Administration
• e-Business
• International Business

There are even more specialized types of online degrees that cater to very specific careers, such as:

• Small Business Management
• Fashion Merchandising
• Accounting
• Finance

There are numerous online colleges that specialize in business degrees, such as Devry University, which offers programs in Business Information Systems, Health Services Management, Operations Management and Technical Communication. A business degree proves highly useful in virtually all business professions, e.g. financial planners, buyers, business administration personnel, general supervisors. If you are a strategic thinker, a good communicator, and are interested in consumer behavior, then an online business degree is the right choice for you.

Design Degrees: designing your future
A quick and creative mind can do wonders with a little direction and guidance. No matter what your niche is, there are numerous design programs available, such as:

• Game Art and Design
• Graphic Design
• Digital Design
• Fashion Design
• Media Arts and Animation Design
• Residential Planning Design
• Web Design
• Advertising Design
• Interactive Media Design
• Hotel and Restaurant Design
• Interior Design

From chic frocks on the runway to breath-taking homes and eye-catching billboards, creative ideas are required. There are numerous types of online degrees and institutions that can help you realize and achieve your dream in the field of design. The Art Institute Online offers such concentrated programs as Fashion and Retail Management, Culinary Management, and Residential Planning.

Computer Degrees: for the technologically inclined
Some of the most in-demand professions today are those that deal with computers. The use of computers is so prevalent that the need for skilled and knowledgeable technicians is at an all-time high. The types of online degrees available in that field are:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Network Systems Security
• Internet Computing
• Computer Information Systems
• Wireless Communication

Careers involving computer technology are exciting, hands-on, and come with plenty of room for advancement. With a degree in a computer-related field, you may choose to pursue a career in networking, PC repairs, telecommunications, software engineering, business systems development, and Internet-related fields. The Colorado Technical University Online offers a multitude of online degree programs that specialize in Network Management, Security Management and Software Systems Engineering.

Engineering Degrees: making it happen
The term ‘to engineer’ literally means ‘to take command’, and that is exactly what you will do with your career if you pursue an online degree in the following fields of engineering:

• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Network Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering,
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Architectural Drafting
• Aerospace Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Ocean Engineering
• Engineering Management

Whether you are a local or global thinker, the field of engineering holds enticing opportunities. The Kennedy-Western Online University offers numerous types of online degrees specializing in engineering that can take your career to loftier heights.

Education Degrees: learning to teach
The field of education is a broad and interesting one. If you work well in a team atmosphere, exalt in the joys of learning, and have a nurturing side to your character, then this is the right career for you. You may choose to earn your degree in:

• Early Childhood Education
• Secondary Education
• Adult Learning
• Special Education

However, the types of online degrees offered in this field are not all limited to classroom settings. You may decide to study Educational Leadership or Educational Administration. The Jones International University Online specializes in online Master’s Degrees in Adult Education and Administration, as well as Elementary and Secondary Curriculum Assessment and Instruction.

Health & Legal Degrees: valuable opportunities
Employment in the medical and legal fields can be rewarding in more ways than one. Degrees in healthcare management can be valuable for those wishing to pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, a doctor’s office, or the health insurance industry. There are various online degrees one can consider, such as the following:

• Geriatric Health
• Public Health
• Nursing
• Life-Care Planning
• Medical Transcription
• Medical Coding and Billing
• Mental Health Counseling
• Health Administration
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutrition
• Naturopathy
• Veterinary Services

The study of law is also a profession that can be gratifying. The legal vocation can include careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, crime scene investigation, forensic technology, legal administration and much more. At Kaplan University, numerous types of online degrees pertaining to occupations in both health and law are available:

• Medical Assisting
• Medical Office Management
• Medical Transcription
• Paralegal Studies
• Personal Injury
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Liberal Arts Degrees: freedom to choose
Whereas certain job-related abilities can become outdated, skills acquired from an online Liberal Arts Degree, such as efficient communication and critical thinking, can easily be adapted to various tasks and careers. Online degrees in Liberal Arts include:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Early Childhood Education
• Social Work
• Counseling
• Philosophy
• Literature
• Creative Writing

An online Liberal Arts degree is one that can provide you with an array of marketable and easily transferable skills. Classes in Liberal Arts can include writing, literature, psychology, sociology, history, mathematics, aesthetics and science. Athabaska University offers many types of online degrees in Humanities, Language, Women’s Studies, Political Science and Labor Studies.

About the Author:
Alexandria Haber writes both fiction and non-fiction for a variety of people and places. As a result, she has had the benefit of gaining a little bit of knowledge about a lot of different subjects. While researching this article on the hottest careers, she gained a new respect for the education industry.

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine life before the internet. Believe it or not, the internet has just celebrated its 35th birthday. I suspect no one would have imagined the impact such an invention would have on our daily lives. And its potential increases with every day.

The internet provides us with up-to-date news, entertainment, forums, and a multitude of other topics where anything you can think of is literally at our fingertips. Newly popular is the concept of acquiring your education online. While more and more colleges and universities are offering some classes online, online degrees are becoming increasingly accepted and habitual. Anyone who wants to improve their skills, make a change in career, or simply further their understanding of their profession can obtain an online degree. It is especially convenient for people who work full time.

People who work full time may not be able to take a year sabbatical from work or leave work all together to go back to school on a full time basis. At the same time, going back to school on a part time basis may not be convenient for their nine to five routine or it may interfere with their schedule. So why would someone who already has a job want to get an online degree?

We know the job market is very competitive and constantly changing, therefore, our skills continually need sharpening and updating. This is not because what we know no longer applies but rather because what we know needs to be applied to new situations and duties. By improving your abilities, it shows an eagerness on your part to improve your position. Not only will another degree help advance your career within the company but if a promotion should come about, your name may be mentioned as a possible candidate.

If you are unhappy with your current job situation and plan on making a switch, what better way to do so than by getting a degree online. Not only it is convenient because you earn it on your own time but it is a simple way to get the qualifications needed for the new job. Also, try not to get caught up in the excitement of applying for a new job and all the possibilities it may bring. It’s important to remember that applying for a job does not actually guarantee you the job! So before you decide to give your boss your two weeks’ notice, hang on to your job.

Still need another reason why getting an online degree is a great idea for a full time worker? Every June, a new batch of fresh-faced college graduates hit the market running. They are eager, enthusiastic about work, and willing to start at the bottom if necessary if that is what it takes. So in order to keep your place and not get bumped because someone younger is willing to work for less, you need to stay competitive.

No matter what your situation is, whether you want to hone your skills and add new ones, or you’re looking to start a new career path, getting your degree online has never been more convenient. The internet has provided us with a wonderful opportunity; it is up to us to take advantage of it. – MP

About the Author:
Alexandria Haber writes both fiction and non-fiction for a variety of people and places. As a result, she has had the benefit of gaining a little bit of knowledge about a lot of different subjects. While researching this article on the hottest careers, she gained a new respect for the education industry.

What do you want to be when you grow up? If you are still trying to figure out which career path you want to follow, examine the following list of occupations currently considered the ten hottest careers:

1. Elementary school teachers
2. Accountants and auditors
3. Computer systems analysts
4. Secondary school teachers
5. Computer software engineers
6. Special education teachers
7. Computer programmers
8. Network and computer systems administrators
9. Preschool teachers
10. Dental hygienists

These ten hot careers are expected to have the highest demand for new recruits over the next eight years.

Born to teach?
If you love meeting new people and enjoy interacting with a wide range of personalities, teaching may be the right career choice for you. Four of the ten hottest careers are in the teaching profession. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to work with younger or older students because teachers are needed in every age range and category. If you love a challenge, consider working with special needs children or adults and become a special education teacher. Special education teachers are in very high demand and are one of the top five career choices available out of the ten hottest careers.

Computer savvy?
Considering that five of the ten hottest careers are computer related, if you have a knack for logging on and are interested in increasing and expanding your computer skills, a career in computers may very well be the right choice for you.

Take some time to analyze the ten hottest careers profiled on this page and consider all of the choices carefully. Knowing that there is a high and growing demand for qualified people in each of these occupations may help you decide to pursue one of these jobs.

About the Author:

Alexandria Haber writes both fiction and non-fiction for a variety of people and places. As a result, she has had the benefit of gaining a little bit of knowledge about a lot of different subjects. While researching this article on the hottest careers, she gained a new respect for the education industry.

What Could Be Better than Cheap?
Better than cheap? The only better than cheap is free! You may be surprised to know that there are thousands of free books out there waiting to be read. How, you ask? Virtual libraries. Many virtual libraries offer reference material and other literature at no cost. Typically, if you are looking for a new book title, you will likely not find it in this way, but if the title is somewhat dated and the copyrights have expired, you should be successful in your search. There are a number of sites on the internet offering these services including The Internet Public Library, Bartleby, Google Scholar and Project Guttenberg. Some sites are better than others and you may need to do a little browsing, but spend the time looking for a free source before you shell out money on new material.

Second Hand does not mean Second Best
The oldest method of saving money when it comes to buying books is to buy second-hand books previously used by students. Check your school’s website to see if they have a message board for students. Every semester there are students trying to regain a little money by selling their used textbooks and who knows, maybe you’ll find just what you’re looking for. And speaking of second-hand, don’t forget to check used book stores, including university or college used book stores. Even if you don’t attend that particular school, you can still buy used textbooks there.

Don’t be Afraid to Price Compare
If you find you’re having a hard time finding cheap textbooks, why not try an online site that sells used textbooks? CompareTextbooks.com. is a service that will compile a list of stores near you that sell textbooks at varying prices. Don’t be afraid to price compare. You could also try eBay or their sister site Half.com. If you don’t need your used textbooks right away, these avenues may work well for you.

Saving Money Takes a Little Time, but is Well Worth it in the End!
Shopping around may not sound appealing to you, but if you are serious about saving money, then going the extra mile may be necessary. There are always cheap textbooks out there and all you have to do is look! Happy shopping.

The reality of today’s world is that it is never too late to return to school. Many individuals have had to put aside their studies to attend to a number of life’s demands. Quite often, financial, family or personal responsibilities make it impossible to devote the time necessary for education. But taking a break from school does not have to be permanent. Countless adults are returning to their studies, determined to finish what they had started.

Consider your options
There are several ways to pursue your education. The majority of educational institutions offer continuing education programs for mature students. This makes it possible for students who have not finished their college or university degrees to return to the education system. For individuals who are not able to take the time to travel to a school’s campus, there is the option of online distance learning. The prospect of learning online may seem strange, but online continuing education is the ideal way for many people to carry on with their studies. It is no longer required that you sit in a classroom with other students; instead you can sit comfortably in your own home and achieve your academic goal with the help of your computer.

Consider the benefits
Learning online gives you the freedom to customize your class schedule based on your availability. It allows you to continue working while pursuing your studies. In addition, you can access the help and direction of course instructors who are willing to offer assistance. Depending on the size of the class, a teaching assistant may also be available to provide further support. Online education is rapidly becoming more like conventional schools, offering services and programs aimed at helping students. Today, the majority of institutions offering online continuing education programs provide a full-time student services department. Professional counselors are available to help. Simply because you are learning from your own home does not mean that you are without support.

You’re not alone
At the beginning of your online continuing education course, you will have the opportunity to meet with your instructor and fellow classmates. Many institutions plan an orientation session for students to attend in person. This gives you a chance to ask questions pertaining to your studies. If you are not able to attend an orientation session or if one is not offered, the institution will provide you with a course package, complete with a syllabus and all other important documents. A class list will be compiled and will have the contact information for all students in your class. Returning to school may be a frightening thought, but it is reassuring to know that you are not alone.

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College Degrees Online - Convenience. Flexibilty. Totally Self Paced. Locate an Online School today!

Health Care Careers - Directory of schools offering training in a variety of Health Care related Careers and Professions. Includes online course listings.

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Nursing School Degrees Online - Get your career started in the growing nursing industry! First on your list should be getting your degree from a great school in the field of medicine.

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Discipline
Really, every student, regardless of where or how they are studying, needs to have some discipline. Discipline is a life skill that is extremely beneficial to students who have chosen to learn through distance education because there are no rigid time schedules. You make your own decisions as to when you will sit down at your computer to learn, and you will need to keep yourself motivated if you are going to finish your degree.

Willingness to learn
To begin a distance education program, you do not have to be computer savvy, but you do need to have a willingness to learn a new skill. In general, the rule applies to all students, but you will find studying through correspondence much easier if you allow your online teachers and assistants to help you in the best way possible.

Ability to ask for help
Simply because you are not in a classroom setting does not mean that your teachers are unable to help. If you have a question or are unclear about an assignment, it is up to you to ask the available staff for assistance and make your learning experience more enjoyable.

Know What Works for You
Before beginning a distance learning degree, spend some time thinking about how you are best able to learn. If you are the type of person who has a hectic life, and therefore require a school schedule that is flexible, you might want to consider a course delivery format that caters to you, such as CD-ROM or Videotape. Each school that offers distance learning will have different course formats and you will have to inquire about your options. Some of the course delivery formats may include World Wide Web, CD-Rom, television broadcast, video conference, videotape and correspondence.

Get to Know Your Prospective School
Before enrolling at a distance learning school, do the necessary research in order to find out what each school can offer you. Not every school is the same and you may find that one school is much better suited for you than another. Every institution that offers distance learning will have a website providing all relevant information and you may also want to book an appointment to meet some of your prospective teachers.