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College Major Spotlight: Become a Paramedic

What do paramedics do?
Paramedics respond to 911 calls. They may work for a hospital or with a private ambulance company. Paramedics are trained to assess a patient’s condition and perform medical procedures to ensure the patient is breathing. They may also perform other medical procedures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation and the splinting of bone fractures.

Do you have what it takes to become a paramedic?
Paramedics must be able to stay calm in very stressful situations. They must always be prepared to jump into action within seconds of getting a call. Paramedics need to be physically fit, have good dexterity and agility, and be able to handle high levels of stress.

Do you need a degree to become a paramedic?
Many people in the industry graduate from paramedic college with a certificate. Certification to become a paramedic can sometimes be acquired at community colleges and hospitals. Different states have different qualifications for paramedic degrees and programs.

Job outlook for paramedics:
There are some career paths that never go out of style, no matter what the economy is like.Employment for paramedics and other emergency medical services professionals is expected to increase steadily through 2016. Job prospects are good, particularly in cities and with private ambulance services.

Salaries for Paramedics:
The salary for paramedics depends on what emergency medical duties are performed. For example, a lower level EMT is going to earn less than a Paramedic who is on the crew of an air ambulance. It also depends on where you’re employed. New York City currently offers paramedics hourly wages of $11.88 to $23.85 while a Los Angeles EMT would make between $8.94 and $11.53.

Related links:
• Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics (Occupational Outlook Quarterly)

• Guide to College Majors in Emergency Medical Services:

College Major Spotlight:  Law Enforcement Programs

What is law enforcement?
Law enforcement programs train individuals to enforce laws in a variety of settings, including local, state and federal levels.  Training for law enforcement programs typically includes classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, State laws and local ordinances, and accident investigation. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, the use of firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.  Law enforcement officers, some of whom are State or Federal special agents or inspectors, perform these duties in a variety of ways depending on the size and type of their organization. In most jurisdictions, they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, whether on or off duty.

What do people who graduate from Law Enforcement Programs do?
People depend on law enforcement officers to protect their lives and property.

Police and detectives pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law and then issue citations or give warnings. A large proportion of their time is spent writing reports and maintaining records of incidents they encounter. Most police officers patrol their jurisdictions and investigate any suspicious activity they notice. Detectives, who are often called agents or special agents, perform investigative duties such as gathering facts and collecting evidence.

The daily activities of police and detectives differ depending on their occupational specialty—such as police officer, game warden, or detective—and whether they are working for a local, State, or Federal agency. Duties also differ substantially among various Federal agencies, which enforce different aspects of the law. Regardless of job duties or location, police officers and detectives at all levels must write reports and maintain meticulous records that will be needed if they testify in court.

The Federal Government works in many areas of law enforcement. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are the Government’s principal investigators, responsible for investigating violations of more than 200 categories of Federal law and conducting sensitive national security investigations. Agents may conduct surveillance, monitor court-authorized wiretaps, examine business records, investigate white-collar crime, or participate in sensitive undercover assignments. The FBI investigates a wide range of criminal activity, including organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, bank robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, espionage, drug trafficking, and cyber crime.

There are many other Federal agencies that enforce particular types of laws. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents enforce laws and regulations relating to illegal drugs. U.S. marshals and deputy marshals protect the Federal courts and ensure the effective operation of the judicial system. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents enforce and investigate violations of Federal firearms and explosives laws, as well as Federal alcohol and tobacco tax regulations.

Job outlook for graduates of law enforcement programs:
Job opportunities in most local police departments will be excellent for qualified individuals, while competition is expected for jobs in State and Federal agencies. Average employment growth is expected.  Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow 11 percent over the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. A more security-conscious society and population growth will contribute to the increasing demand for police services.

Earnings:
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers had median annual earnings of $47,460 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,600 and $59,880. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,450. Median annual earnings were $43,510 in Federal Government, $52,540 in State government, and $47,190 in local government.

In May 2006, median annual earnings of police and detective supervisors were $69,310. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,900 and $83,940. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,410. Median annual earnings were $85,170 in Federal Government, $68,990 in State government, and $68,670 in local government.

In May 2006, median annual earnings of detectives and criminal investigators were $58,260. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,920 and $76,350. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,590. Median annual earnings were $69,510 in Federal Government, $49,370 in State government, and $52,520 in local government.

Federal law provides special salary rates to Federal employees who serve in law enforcement.

What type of law enforcement program should you consider?
Applicants usually must have at least a high school education, and some departments require 1 or 2 years of college coursework or, in some cases, a college degree. Law enforcement agencies encourage applicants to take courses or training related to law enforcement subjects after high school. Many entry-level applicants for police jobs have completed some formal postsecondary education, and a significant number are college graduates. Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or administration of justice.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition

College Major Spotlight:  Homeland Security Programs

What do homeland security programs offer?
Homeland security programs train individuals to protect the United States of America from security threats and terrorism.  Training for homeland security programs typically includes classroom instruction in criminal justice, weapons of terrorism, emergency operations and counterintelligence.  Graduates of homeland security programs are trained to prevent, intercept, and problem-solve security and terrorism threats.
What do people who graduate from homeland security programs do?
Graduates of homeland security programs will be able to devise problem-solving strategies, using state, local, and national instruments of power, for foreign, domestic, and natural threats.  They will be able to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to developing appropriate security and response plans.  In addition, individuals working for the Department of Homeland Security will be tasked with identifying and coordinating resources to combat threats, minimize risks and reduce vulnerabilities across the country.

Job outlook for graduates of homeland security programs:
Job opportunities in the Department of Homeland Security  will be excellent for qualified individuals, and includes both entry-level and advanced careers.  There are jobs in every state and abroad, in the air, on land and at sea.

Earnings:
Because of the broad range of careers available to graduates of homeland security programs, it is difficult to state one figure or one earnings range.
What type of homeland security program should you consider?. Homeland security agencies encourage applicants to take courses or training related to their area of specialty.  Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer programs in homeland security or administration of justice.
Source: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2006/summer/art01.pdf

College Major Spotlight: Game Development Degree

What is a game development degree?
A game development degree allows you to apply the principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of gaming software and systems that support computer games.

What do people with a game development degree do?
People with a game development degree Computer analyzing users’ needs, and then design, test, and develop gaming software to meet those needs. During this process they create the detailed sets of instructions, called algorithms, that tell the computer what to do. They also may be responsible for converting these instructions into a computer language, a process called programming or coding, but this usually is the responsibility of computer programmers. Computer software engineers must be experts in operating systems and middleware to ensure that the underlying systems will work properly.

Future prospects for those with a game development degree:
Job prospects should be excellent, as computer software engineers are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through the year 2016. Those with practical experience and at least a bachelor’s degree in game development, computer engineering or computer science should have the best opportunities. Employers will continue to seek computer professionals with strong programming, systems analysis, interpersonal, and business skills. In addition to jobs created through employment growth, many job openings will result from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force.

Average salaries for someone with a game development degree:
Earnings for those with a game development degree vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. In May 2006, median annual earnings of wage-and-salary computer applications software engineers were $79,780. The middle 50 percent earned between $62,830 and $98,470. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $119,770.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering averaged $56,201 in 2007. Starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged $53,396.

What should you consider when thinking about a game development degree?
Individuals seeking a game development degree should seek a program that provies a broad knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of computer systems and technologies. Academic programs in game development may offer the program as a degree option or in conjunction with computer science degrees. Students seeking game development degrees should enhance their employment opportunities by participating in internships or co-ops. These experiences provide students with broad knowledge and experience, making them more attractive to employers.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009 - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos267.htm
Other Related links:
• GameDev.net (Resources for developers and online community) http://www.gamedev.net/
• GameJobs (employment site serving the interactive entertainment industry) http://gamejobs.com/

College Major Spotlight: Game Art Design

What is game art design?
Game art design is the creation of everything involved in a video game. This includes the writing of what the characters say, and the designing of the characters, the world they live in and the objects they interact with. It also includes the game programming, usually C++.

What do game art designers do?
This depends on the area you work in. Specialties range from creative (script-writing, designing what the game characters look like and what they wear, creating the environments, audio/sound creation, etc.) to programming (coding).

Future prospects for game art design careers:
The video game industry isn’t slowing down any time soon. In fact, Microsoft made over $425 million in 2008 from Xbox 360 sales alone. In 2001, the US market for video games surpassed the $9.4 billion mark.

Jobs available for graduates of game art design programs:
Jobs for game art designers include video game testers, game designer/writers, game design artists, game sound designers, game design programmers, market analysts, conceptual game design artists, video game background designers, 3D character designers, sound/audio artists, texture and prop artists.

Average salaries for game art design professionals:
Annual salaries for game design majors range from $35,000 to $75,000.

What type of game art design program should you consider? 
There are different computer game design degrees available, depending on what area you want to specialize in. For instance, there are degrees available that focus solely on video game programming. Most game art design degrees available will develop a student’s creativity. Many people in the industry attend four-year institutions and graduate with a Bachelor of Science (with a speciality in Game Design and Development or Digital Entertainment) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with a speciality in Game Production, Visual Art or Game Art). However, there are many other game art design degree options. You can pursue an online game design degree, get a two year Associate computer game design degree or start your four-year game art design degree at community college.

Other Related links:
• Working so others can play: Jobs in game art design (Occupational Outlook Quarterly)
• GameDev.net (Resources for developers and online community) http://www.gamedev.net/
• GameJobs (employment site serving the interactive entertainment industry) http://gamejobs.com/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/OCO/

College Major Spotlight: Forensic Technician
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/

What is a forensic technician?
A forensic technician investigates crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. Scientists often pursue a forensic science major to specialize in specific areas such as DNA, firearm, fiber, glass, hair, tissue and/or body fluid analysis.

What does a forensic technician do?
A career as a forensic technician involves the analysis of criminal evidence including DNA analysis, firearm examination, or the testing of weapons or substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids. A forensic technician may also provide information to the legal authorities in the form of expert opinions, reports, or expert witness testimonies.

Outlook for forensic technician jobs:
Because of the increased use of forensic studies to solve and prevent crime, jobs for forensic technicians are expected to increase much faster than the average. Strong forensic science job growth is expected for forensic technicians who work for state and county crime labs.

Types of forensic technician jobs:
Forensic technicians work primarily for state and local governments. Careers in forensics also include jobs as a medical examiner, crime scene examiner, or a forensic engineer.

What type of degrees should you consider to become a forensic technician?
This field generally requires a forensic science bachelor’s degree. There are several forensic science universities to choose from. Approximately 30 colleges offer a forensic science major / forensic science bachelor’s degree and there are several online forensic science degree programs.

Average salary for a forensic technician:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics forensic science online resource, forensic technician earned an average hourly salary of $25.46 and a yearly salary of $52,960.

Additional forensic science online resources:
Average salaries for a forensic technician

Job outlook for a forensic technician

College Major Spotlight: Drafting Degree

 What is a drafting degree?
A drafting degree allows you to prepare technical drawings and plans which are used to build everything from manufactured products such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft to structures such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines.

What do people with a drafting degree do?
People with a drafting degree provide visual guidelines and show how to construct a product or structure. Drawings include technical details and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists. For example, people with a drafting degree use their knowledge of standardized building techniques to draw in the details of a structure. Some use their understanding of engineering and manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine; they determine design elements, such as the numbers and kinds of fasteners needed to assemble the machine. Drafters use technical handbooks, tables, calculators, and computers to complete their work.

Future prospects for those with a drafting degree:
Employment for those with a drafting degree is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2006 and 2016. Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. Furthermore, those with a drafting degree are beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, also increasing in demand.

Although growth is expected to be greatest for mechanical, architectural, and civil drafters, demand for particular drafting specialties varies throughout the country because employment usually is contingent on the needs of local industry.

Average salaries for someone with a drafting degree:
Earnings for those with a drafting degree vary by specialty, location, and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters were $41,960 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,550 and $52,220. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,310.

Median annual earnings of mechanical drafters were $43,700 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,680 and $55,130. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,860. Median annual earnings for mechanical drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $44,120.

Median annual earnings of electrical and electronics drafters were $46,830 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,660 and $60,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,490. In architectural, engineering, and related services, median annual earnings for electrical and electronics drafters were $44,140.

What should you consider when thinking about a drafting degree?
The kind and quality of drafting degree training programs vary considerably so prospective students should be careful in selecting a drafting degree program. They should contact prospective employers to ask which schools they prefer and contact schools to ask for information about the kinds of jobs their graduates have, the type and condition of instructional facilities and equipment, and teacher qualifications. Courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting are useful for people considering a drafting career. Employers prefer applicants who have also completed a drafting degree at a technical institute, community college, or 4-year college or university.

 Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009 -http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos111.htm

College Major Spotlight: Degree in Making Films

What is a degree in making films?
A degree for making films allows you to participate in the production of feature films, filmed television programs, made-for-television movies, music videos, and commercials. A degree dealing with films also introduces you to postproduction services to the motion picture industry, such as editing, film and tape transfers, titling and subtitling, credits, closed captioning, computer-produced graphics, and animation and special effects.

What do people with a degree in making films do?
Making a movie can be a difficult, yet rewarding, experience. Although studios and other production companies are responsible for financing, producing, publicizing, and distributing a film or program, the actual making of the film often is done by hundreds of small businesses and independent contractors hired by the studios on an as-needed basis. People with degrees for making films can work for one of these companies, providing a wide range of services, such as equipment rental, lighting, special effects, set construction, and costume design, as well as much of the creative and technical talent that go into producing a film. A degree in making films also helps you to understand the large number of workers in other industries that supply support services to the crews while they are filming, such as truck drivers, caterers, electricians, and makeup artists.

Future prospects for those with a degree in making films:
Keen competition is expected for the more glamorous, high-paying jobs—writers, actors, producers, and directors—but better job prospects are expected for multimedia artists and animators and others skilled in digital filming and computer-generated imaging. Small or independent filmmakers may provide the best job prospects for beginners.  Wage and salary employment in the motion picture and video industries is projected to grow 11 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as growth projected for wage and salary employment in all industries combined. Job growth will result from the explosive increase in demand for programming needed to fill the rising number of cable and satellite television channels, both in the United States and abroad. Also, more films will be needed to meet in-home demand for videos, DVDs, and films over the Internet.

Average salaries for someone with a degree in making films:
Earnings of workers in the motion picture and video industries vary, depending on education and experience, type of work, union affiliation, and duration of employment. In 2006, median weekly earnings of wage and salary workers in the motion picture and video industries were $593, compared with $568 for wage and salary workers in all industries combined. Unions are very important in this industry. Virtually all film production companies and television networks sign contracts with union locals that require the employment of workers according to union contracts.

What should you consider when thinking about a degree in making films? 
Formal training can be a great asset to workers in filmmaking and television production. Individuals interested in production management who have a bachelor’s or associate degree or 2 years of work experience may qualify for the Assistant Directors Training Program offered jointly by the Directors Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Training is given in Los Angeles with the possibility of travel to other locations. To enroll in this highly competitive program, individuals must take a written exam and go through a series of assessments.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009 – http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs038.htm

College Major Spotlight: Degree in Animation  

What is a degree in animation?
A degree in animation allows you to participate in the production of feature films, filmed television programs, made-for-television movies, music videos, and commercials. A degree dealing with films also introduces you to postproduction services to the motion picture industry, such as editing, film and tape transfers, titling and subtitling, credits, closed captioning, computer-produced graphics, and animation and special effects.

What do people with a degree in animation do?
Animators work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising, and computer systems design services. They draw by hand and use computers to create the series of pictures that form the animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs, and computer games. Some draw storyboards for television commercials, movies, and animated features. Storyboards present television commercials in a series of scenes similar to a comic strip and allow an advertising agency to evaluate commercials proposed by advertising companies. Storyboards also serve as guides to placing actors and cameras on the television or motion picture set and to other production details. Many multi-media artists model objects in three dimensions by computer and work with programmers to make those images move.

Future prospects for those with a degree in animation:
Demand for multimedia artists and animators will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Demand for multimedia artists and animators will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties because the number of people with creative ability and an interest in this career is expected to continue to exceed the number of available openings. Despite the competition, employers and individual clients are always on the lookout for talented and creative artists.

Average salaries for someone with a degree in animation:
Median annual earnings of salaried multi-media artists and animators were $51,350, not including the earnings of the self-employed. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,980 and $70,050. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,720. Median annual earnings were $57,310 in motion picture and video industries and $48,860 in advertising and related services.

What should you consider when thinking about a degree in animation?
Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design. Although formal schooling is not strictly required for craft and fine artists, it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without some training. Art directors usually have years of work experience and generally need at least a bachelor’s degree. Due to the level of technical expertise demanded, multimedia artists and animators generally also need a bachelor’s degree.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009 - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm

College Major Spotlight: Communication Studies

What is communication studies?
Communication studies is a program that looks at various types and aspects of mass communication and interpersonal communication, examining communication theory, the role of communication in society, interpreting different forms of media and putting it all into practice. Types of communication covered in a communication studies program could range from mass media and journalism, multimedia communication such as film and broadcast, strategic communication, and sometimes even theatre.

What do graduates of communication studies programs do?
Graduates of communication studies programs take on a variety of careers. Communication graduates can go into public relations, print journalism or broadcast journalism, advertising or marketing, publishing, writing, editing and many other pursuits.

Types of jobs available to communication studies majors:
There are several jobs open to graduates of communication studies programs, especially since the concepts and skills learned in communication studies apply to arguably any field, such as teaching and business. Often, graduates of communication studies integrate their written and spoken communication skills into journalism as reporters, writers, news analysts, editors, broadcast correspondents and broadcast newseditors. Other communication studies graduates may apply interpersonal communication skills in public relations careers as consultants, promoters, spokespersons and writers.

Job outlook for graduates of communication studies programs:
There tends to be tight competition in fields common to graduates of communication studies programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations, however, there are still more graduates in related programs than jobs available.Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers should be similarly competitive and is also expected to increase by 12 percent through 2016.

However, employment in writing, editing and broadcasting are only expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations or slower, from 2006 to 2016, and employment of news analysts, reporters, and correspondents is expected to have little or no change in employment (an estimated 2 percent between 2006 and 2016), making these fields particularly difficult to break into, especially in large cities and metropolitan areas. In these fields in particular, many find that the lifestyle of freelance writing or working with the news can be too stressful or less glamorous than anticipated, producing more job openings for more serious candidates.

As in any field, employers will seek candidates who have notable work or internship experience, especially since careers in communications are so competitive. Candidates with computer skills, especially those familiar with new media and social media, will also have a much higher advantage.

What type of a communication studies program should you consider?
Practical career experience is extremely important when searching for a career in communication studies, but many in communications careers have a bachelor’s degree in communication studies or a concentration of communication, such as journalism or strategic communication. Those interested in a career in communications are also encouraged to take courses in the liberal arts and should look for communication studies programs that encourage both hands-on experience and a broad foundation in the liberal arts. Consider taking the myUsearch college match quiz to find communication studiesprograms that meet your needs.

Now that online universities have been around for a decade or longer, employers aren’t questioning the value of an online degree as much as they once did, but some employers still have lingering doubts. The key to overcoming this, is to talk about your online education in the right way when you speak with employers.

Here are some strategies to apply . . .

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You’re planning to continue your education beyond high school and perhaps you’re a little confused about which degree is right for you and your career goals. This post aims to give a simple breakdown of the different types of degrees out there:

types of degrees photo by gadget dude

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