A culinary arts degree can be a good choice if you want to make a career in the food preparation and service industry. There are many colleges, culinary/hospitality schools and vocational training institutes that offer various degree programs in the field. The curriculum generally covers the following areas. Selection and Buying of Produce Basic Nutrition Basic Food Preparation Menu Planning Food Safety and Sanitation Baking Fundamentals Beverage and Wine Management Catering Table Service Cost Control Restaurant Management Guest Relations Management State and Local Hospitality Laws Labor Regulations There are certificate programs that prepare students for entry-level employment in the food service domain. On the other hand, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are often pursued by individuals desirous of working as chefs, head cooks, bakers, food and beverage services managers, etc. Depending on the chosen program, you will need between 1 to 4 years to complete a culinary arts degree. Prerequisites usually include a high school diploma. As a food services professional, you may also apply for a certification from the American Culinary Federation. This piece will tell you about the 5 highest-paying jobs in the US that you can pursue with a culinary arts degree. In many cases, a high school diploma is enough to get your foot in the door. However, a culinary arts degree will certainly give you the edge and enable you to progress rapidly. These rankings are based on information gathered from the most up-to-date records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Food Preparation and Serving Occupations. Chefs and Head Cooks Chefs and Head Cooks are responsible for overseeing food preparation at restaurants, hotels, community clubs and other similar places. They manage and direct kitchen staff while also handling any food-related issues. Following are some duties that chefs and head cooks perform on a regular basis. Inspecting all food supplies for hygiene and freshness. Developing recipes and creating presentation plans for different dishes. Supervising the work of other cooks and food preparation workers. Ensuring the cleanliness and functionality of food preparation equipment as well as work areas. Planning the menu, including specials for specific days. Making sure the quality of all served meals is up to the mark. Maintenance of food inventory. Hiring, training and supervising cooks as well as the rest of the food preparation team. Implementing appropriate food safety standards and sanitation practices. To become a Chef or Head Cook, you should ideally have a certificate or an associate’s degree in culinary arts. A Bachelor’s degree will help you even more. However, you may be able to start a kitchen apprenticeship with just a high school diploma and then work your way up the career ladder. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $56,310   Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or Certificate/Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts Job Outlook, 2018-28 11% Top Paying State, 2019 Hawaii $78,640   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Office Administrative Services   $72,930   Cooks Cooks prepare many different types of food (soups, entrees, salads, main courses and desserts) in a restaurant, hotel or private kitchen. Following is a list of typical responsibilities undertaken by a cook on the job. Ensuring proper freshness and hygiene levels of all food ingredients. Maintaining sanitized work stations along with clean and functional kitchen equipment/utensils. Measuring, weighing and mixing ingredients as per the developed recipes. Grilling, baking, boiling, steaming and/or frying the meats (red and white), vegetables, fish, etc. Making sure that the produce in storage is utilized within an appropriate timeframe and before it goes bad. You only need a high school diploma to become a Cook. But, you should ideally have a degree in culinary arts (certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree) because that will enhance your employability and career prospects. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $28,700 (Cooks, Restaurant)   Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or Certificate/Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts Job Outlook, 2018-28 11% Top Paying State, 2019 Hawaii $35,900   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services   $36,620   Food Preparation Workers Food Preparation Workers perform various tasks in a kitchen under the supervision of head cooks, food service managers and chefs. Following are some of their major responsibilities. Cutting and preparing meat/seafood/vegetables for cooking. Brewing tea, coffee and other hot and cold drinks. Preparing salads, sauces, cold foods, etc. Cleaning the work area and cooking equipment/utensils. There are no specific formal education requirements for becoming a Food Preparation Worker. However, a high school diploma is usually preferred by employers. You can also get a culinary arts degree which will help you transition into roles with greater responsibility over time. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $25,820   Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts (No Specific Education Requirements) Job Outlook, 2018-28 8% Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $33,620   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools   $33,320   Bartenders Bartenders mix and prepare drinks at a bar. They also serve customers either directly or through waiters. Some of their duties are listed below. Pouring and serving beer, wine, champagne and many other drinks at a bar. Mixing and preparing different types of drinks as per the recipe. Cleaning and sanitizing the chairs, bar and work area. Checking customer IDs before serving them to make sure they are of legal drinking age. No formal education is needed to work as a Bartender. However, most employers tend to prefer high school diploma holders. Having a culinary arts degree will also give you the edge over others. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $28,000   Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts (No Specific Education Requirements) Job Outlook, 2018-28 8% Top Paying State, 2019 Hawaii $58,830   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Independent Artists, Writers and Performers   $32,270     Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers are responsible for various food preparation, customer service and cleaning duties. Following are some of their major responsibilities. Greeting customers upon arrival, guiding them to a table, answering their queries about the menu, etc. Taking customers’ food and drink orders. Keeping all assigned work stations, tables and serving counters clean. Preparing items like coffee, tea, salads, etc. when instructed to do so. Accepting payments from customers. To work as a Food and Beverage Serving and Related Worker, you don’t need any specific education. But, employers are likely to hire high school diploma and culinary arts degree holders. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $23,250 (Fast Food and Counter Workers)   Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts (No Specific Education Requirements) Job Outlook, 2018-28 14%   Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $33,660 (Fast Food and Counter Workers)   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation $40,190 (Fast Food and Counter Workers)     Read More

If you want to have a successful and lucrative career in any field in the US, then getting a Bachelor’s degree is the first step in the right direction. Various educational institutions around the country offer undergraduate degree programs in sectors like engineering computer science, business administration, humanities, social sciences and public administration, etc.   In this guide, you will find valuable information about 10 of the highest-paying jobs that you can pursue with a Bachelor’s degree. The occupations have been ranked on the basis of data obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Advertising and Promotions Managers Advertising and Promotions Managers create marketing plans/strategies to generate public interest in their company’s product(s) or service(s). They usually work in collaboration with the finance team, sales staff and art directors, etc. To become an Advertising and Promotions Manager, you should ideally have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management with a concentration in marketing. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $141,890   Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 8% (Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers) Top Paying State, 2019 New York $184,920   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing   $182,600   Compensation and Benefits Managers Compensation and Benefits Managers plan and oversee the salary structures of employees within an organization. They are also responsible for supervising and coordinating staff activities. To become a Compensation and Benefits Manager, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree preferably in Business Management, Human Resources and Public Administration, etc. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $134,210   Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 3% Top Paying State, 2019 New Jersey $188,710 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Telecommunications $163,500   Human Resources Managers Human Resources Managers plan, coordinate and oversee all administrative functions within an organization. They are responsible for recruitment of new personnel, strategic planning consultation with different departments, and acting as a bridge between the staff and upper management. To enter this field, you must have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Human Resources and Finance, etc. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $129,570 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Human Resources, Public Administration, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 7% Top Paying State, 2019 New Jersey $172,060     Top Paying Industry, 2019 Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities     $178,630   Computer Hardware Engineers Computer Hardware Engineers are responsible for researching, designing, creating, developing and testing computer systems as well as related components (circuit boards, networks, processors, routers, memory devices, etc.). To become a Computer Hardware Engineer, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.  Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $123,030 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 6% Top Paying State, 2019 Washington $159,130 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Software Publishers $157,350   Actuaries Actuaries utilize different financial, statistical and mathematical models to assess the cost of risk and uncertainty for a business. Insurance companies are among their biggest employers. To join this sector, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or some other analytics-focused field. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $120,970 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 20% Top Paying State, 2019 New York $152,920 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Computer Systems Design and Related Services $141,120   Aerospace Engineers Aerospace Engineers are responsible for designing aircrafts, satellites, spacecrafts and missiles, etc. They also create and evaluate prototypes to ensure that a particular type of equipment is functioning as per design. To enter this field, you need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Systems, or a related science/engineering field.  Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $119,220 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Systems, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 2% Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $140,710 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Technical and Trade Schools $130,810   Chemical Engineers Chemical Engineers utilize different concepts from chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to oversee the production and use of chemicals, drugs, fuel and food items, etc. They also design equipment and processes for large-scale manufacturing of such materials. To make it in this sector, you need to earn an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $117,090 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering Job Outlook, 2018-28 6% Top Paying State, 2019 Texas $150,510   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Management of Companies and Enterprises   $159,890   Medical and Health Services Managers Medical and Health Services Managers oversee the affairs of a hospital or clinic. They plan and coordinate different activities within a specific department/clinical area, group of physicians and the entire health facility. To become a Medical and Health Services Manager, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Health Administration, Business Management, or a related field.   Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $115,160   Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration, Nursing, Business Management, etc.  Job Outlook, 2018-28 18% Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $150,040   Top Paying Industry, 2019 Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing   $204,300   Computer Network Architects Computer Network Architects develop data communication networks such as WANs (wide area networks), LANs (local area networks) and Intranets, etc. Their created systems range from small connections between offices to state-of-the-art networking solutions that serve multiple clients. To make a career in this field, you will have to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Network Systems, or a related subject. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $115,110 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 5% Top Paying State, 2019 Virginia $128,530     Top Paying Industry, 2019 Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities     $141,410   Construction Managers Construction Managers are responsible for supervising construction projects from the beginning to the end. Their duties while working on a particular project include budgeting, construction planning, resource allocation and time management, etc. To become a Construction Manager, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or any other related field. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $105,000   Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, etc. Job Outlook, 2018-28 10% Top Paying State, 2019 New Jersey $147,410 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Oil and Gas Extraction $148,400 Read More

Engineering is a multifaceted field that branches out into various other subjects like Business, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, Graphic Design and so on. A degree in engineering can pave the way to several high paying jobs. Numerous universities in the US offer degrees in engineering at undergraduate and graduate levels. Some universities also offer dual/joint degrees in engineering at graduate level. For example, the Columbia University in the city of New York offers the following dual/joint degrees in Engineering: MS in Management Science and Engineering MS in Computer Science and Journalism MBA and MS in Industrial Engineering and so on There are other universities in the US such as NYU and the Washington University in St. Louis that offer dual/joint degrees in engineering as well. Taking the multilayered nature of engineering into consideration, here is a list of the top 10 highest paying jobs in the US with an engineering degree. All of these careers require at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the job market. The salary information, job description and career outlook data mentioned below has all been reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2018-19. Aerospace Engineers Aerospace Engineers are trained to perform tasks related to constructing, designing or testing aircrafts, spacecraft or missiles etc. They carry out research to gauge the flexibility of materials and equipment used to design and manufacture aircrafts. They also suggest improvements required in testing techniques or equipment. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $119,220 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 2% (Slower than average) Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $140,710 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Technical and Trade Schools $130,810 Chemical Engineers Chemical Engineers are tasked with developing processes to produce chemical products like, synthetic rubber, paper, detergents, plastics, gasoline, cement and pulp etc. They also design chemical plant equipment by using technology and principles from chemistry, physics and engineering. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $117,090 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 6% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 Texas $150,510 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Management of Companies & Enterprises $159,890 Software Developers - Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers Software Developers create computer programs. Some of them make applications that are used by people to do certain tasks on any computer operated device. Others build the fundamental systems that help operate devices or control networks. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $111,620 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 21% (Much faster than average) Top Paying State, 2019 California $134,370 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Independent Artists, Writers & Performers $211,400   Electrical and Electronics Engineers - Electronics Engineers, Except Computer Electronic Engineers usually carry out research to design/develop and test the electronic components or systems that are used for industrial, military, commercial or scientific purposes. They use principles of electronic theory as well as materials properties to design electronic circuits and their components. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $110,210 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 2% (Slower than average) Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $130,460 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Scientific Research and Development Services $132,240 Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Electrical Engineers Electrical Engineers carry out research to design/develop, test and oversee the production or installation of all sorts of electrical equipment, their components and systems for industrial, military, commercial or scientific purposes.  Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $103,480 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 2% (Slower than average) Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $122,330 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Oil and Gas Extraction $130,960 Agricultural Engineers Agricultural Engineers combine engineering technology with biological science to solve all kinds of agricultural problems that are directly linked to power, structures, electrification, machinery, soil or water conservation as well as the processing of agricultural products. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $98,290 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 5% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 Nebraska $92,720 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Federal Executive Branch $93,020   Biomedical Engineers - Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers These engineers combine the knowledge of engineering with biology and biomechanical principles. They design and evaluate biological health systems and associated products like the prostheses, artificial organs, medical information systems, instrumentation, health management and care delivery systems etc.  Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $97,090 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 4% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 Minnesota $116,850 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $123,650 Environmental Engineers People of this profession research, plan and design to help prevent, control and develop ways to remediate environmental hazards by using engineering disciplines. Their duties may include performing site remediation, waste treatment or developing/using the pollution control technology. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $94,220 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 5% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 Texas $108,530 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Waste Collection $116,010   Civil Engineers Civil Engineers plan, design and oversee the construction and maintenance of buildings or facilities like, roads, airports, railroads, harbors, bridges, dams, pipelines, irrigation projects, power plants or water and sewage systems etc. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $94,360 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 6% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 California $110,480 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Oil and Gas Extraction $129,870 Mechanical Engineers Mechanical Engineers plan and design several things including engines, tools, machines and other mechanical equipment. They supervise the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of equipment like the centralized gas, heating, water and steam systems etc. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $93,540 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 4% (As fast as average) Top Paying State, 2019 New Mexico $114,420 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Waste Treatment and Disposal $123,100 Read More

A Master’s degree can help you gain specialized knowledge in your field, enhance your professional network and most importantly, it can significantly increase your earning potential. Many colleges and universities are currently offering a Master’s degree in a variety of fields that can lead to rewarding and promising careers. Read this article to learn more about the top 10 highest paying jobs with a Master’s degree in the U.S. This ranking is based on the salary information presented by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nurse Anesthetists The Nurse Anesthetist position has made it to the top of our list of the highest paying jobs with a Master’s degree. Nurse Anesthetists are responsible for administering anesthesia, overseeing the recovery of patients from anesthesia and monitoring the patient’s vital signs. The job outlook figure presented below is not only for Nurse Anesthetists, but also for the broad category of Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. It is expected that the employment opportunities for these professionals will grow by 26% from 2018 to 2028. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $181,040 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 (Broad Category) 26% Top Paying State, 2019 Wyoming $243,310 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Outpatient Care Centers $224,630   Political Scientists The Political Scientist position has taken the second spot on our list of the highest paying jobs with a Master’s degree. Political Scientists are involved in studying the operations, development and the origins of political systems. These professionals usually work with the federal government and political organizations. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $120,260 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 5% Top Paying State, 2019 Virginia $130,070 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services $134,760 Economists These professionals are responsible for gathering, examining and researching trends. They also devise plans to address economic issues related to the distribution and production of services and goods. Economists usually work in the local, state, and the federal government. The employment statistics for these professionals are mentioned below. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $116,630 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 8% Top Paying State, 2019 New York $145,840 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Legal Services $268,290 Physician Assistants Physician Assistants work under the supervision of Physicians and are responsible for counseling patients and providing treatment to them. These professionals work in all areas of medicine, including psychiatry, surgery, emergency medicine and family medicine. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $112,410 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 31% Top Paying State, 2019 Connecticut $137,060 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Scientific Research and Development Services $125,410   Post-Secondary Education Administrators These professionals work for private and public schools and are responsible for overseeing faculty research, academics and student services at universities and colleges. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $112,400 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 7% Top Paying State, 2019 New Jersey $154,430 Top Paying Industry, 2019 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals $140,350 Nurse Practitioners The Nurse Practitioner position has taken the sixth spot on our list. Nurse Practitioners work as part of a healthcare team or independently to diagnose and treat chronic, episodic or acute illnesses. The job outlook data for Nurse Practitioners is not available on BLS, however, the job outlook data for the broad category of Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners is available. It is expected that these professionals will experience an employment growth of 26% from 2018 to 2028. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $111,840 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 (Broad Category) 26% Top Paying State, 2019 California $138,660 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services $139,140 Nurse Midwives Nurse Midwives are responsible for coordinating and diagnosing all aspects of the birthing process. The career outlook data for these professionals is not available on BLS, however, the career outlook figures for the broad category of Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners is available. Forecasts suggest that these professionals will enjoy an employment growth of 26% from 2018 to 2028. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $108,810 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 (Broad Category) 26% Top Paying State, 2019 California $154,500 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) $153,280 Mathematicians The Mathematician position has taken the eight spot on our list of the highest paying jobs with a Master’s degree. Mathematicians are responsible for analyzing data and solving problems by applying mathematical models and techniques. The career outlook estimate presented below is not only for Mathematicians, but the broad category of Mathematicians and Statisticians. It has been forecasted that the employment opportunities for these professionals will grow by 30% from 2018 to 2028. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $107,280 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 (Broad Category) 30% Top Paying State, 2019 District of Columbia $134,190 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services $125,960 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary These professionals coordinate and direct the administrative or academic activities of secondary, elementary, or kindergarten schools. Job outlook data indicates that the job opportunities for Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals will grow by 4% from 2018 to 2028. Annual Mean Salary, 2018 $100,340 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 (Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals) 4% Top Paying State, 2019 New York $130,600 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) $110,450 Occupational Therapists These professionals work with patients who have injuries, illnesses, or developmental disabilities. They help  patients improve and develop the skills needed for daily working and living. Annual Mean Salary, 2018 $86,210 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 18% Top Paying State, 2019 Nevada $105,450 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Child Day Care Services $108,650 Read More

The healthcare industry is a massive job market, offering lucrative salaries and high job growth in various sectors. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow by 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual income of healthcare practitioners was $68,190 in 2019, which is nearly twice as much as the average median for all occupations in the economy. If you want to become a part of this high-growth industry, the following list of the top 10 highest paying jobs with a healthcare degree would be of use to you. Physicians and Surgeons Physicians and Surgeons treat various illnesses after diagnosing them. Physicians examine patients, record their medical histories and prescribe medications. They also advise patients on proper diet and preventive healthcare. Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat various injuries, such as broken bones, or diseases such as cancer. There are different kinds of physicians and surgeons, including anesthesiologists, general practitioners, general internists and gynecologists. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $252,040 (Surgeons) Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 7% Top Paying State, 2019 Wisconsin Greater than $208,000 per year Top Paying Industry, 2019 Medical and Diagnostic Libraries Greater than $208,000 per year Dentists Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating problems relating to the teeth, gums and other parts of the patient’s mouth. They also advise their patients on maintaining good oral health and diet choices that affect teeth and gums. There are different kinds of dentists including prosthodontists, orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $178,260 (Dentists, General) Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 7% Top Paying State, 2019 Rhode Island $262,900 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities $197,370 Pharmacists Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who dispense medications to patients and offer their expertise to ensure safe usage of prescription drugs. They may also conduct health screenings and oversee the medication plans given to patients. There are different types of pharmacists, including community pharmacists, clinical pharmacists and consultant pharmacists. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $125,510 Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 0% Top Paying State, 2019 California $144,050 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Outpatient Care Centers $143,150 Podiatrists Podiatrists deal with medical problems relating to the feet, ankles and lower legs. They examine the condition of these body parts in their patients and diagnose the problem through lab tests, X-rays and physical exams. If required, they also perform surgeries on the affected areas. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $142,680 Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 6% Top Paying State, 2019 Maine $238,630 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Outpatient Care Centers $173,630 Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners are part of the broad category of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These medical professionals are in-charge of providing and coordination primary and specialty healthcare. The exact specifications of the practice vary from state to state. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $181,040 (Nurse Anesthetists) Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 26% Top Paying State, 2019 Wyoming $243,310 (Nurse Anesthetists) Top Paying Industry, 2019 Outpatient Care Centers $224,630 (Nurse Anesthetists) Optometrists Optometrists are doctors who examine and prescribe medication for various parts of the visual system. They diagnose, treat and prescribe medicines for disorders and injuries related to the eyes. In addition to that, they may also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses where required. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $122,980 Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 10% Top Paying State, 2019 North Dakota $174,290 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Offices of Dentists $166,620 Physician Assistants Also referred to as PAs, physician assistants work with teams of doctors, physicians, surgeons and other kinds of healthcare personnel. They examine patients and diagnose various illnesses. In addition to that, they also prescribe medication and provide counseling to patients and their families. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $112,410 Entry-Level Education Master’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 31% Top Paying State, 2019 Connecticut $137,060 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Scientific Research and Development Services $125,410 Veterinarians Veterinarians are healthcare professionals who take care of animals. They examine animals, treat or dress their wounds, perform surgeries and also administer vaccinations. There are various types of veterinarians, such as companion animal veterinarians, food animal veterinarians and food safety and inspection veterinarians. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $104,820 Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 18% Top Paying State, 2019 Texas $125,280 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Specialty (Except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals $151,880 Physical Therapists Physical therapists are responsible for helping ill or injured people improve their ability to move and manage pain. They are an integral part of preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment plans of patients who have chronic issues, injuries and illnesses. Physical therapists care for people of all age groups and deal with issues such as sprains, fractures, amputations and disorders such as cerebral palsy. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $90,170 Entry-Level Education Doctoral or Professional Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 22% Top Paying State, 2019 Nevada $108,550 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Spectator Sports $106,210 Radiation Therapists Radiation Therapists treat diseases with radiation. This includes diseases such as cancer and different kinds of tumors. These professionals operate technical machinery such as linear accelerators, to administer radiation therapy to specific parts of the body. They also explain treatment plans to their patients and calibrate the machinery used to provide radiation treatments. Annual Mean Salary, 2019 $91,620 Entry-Level Education Associate’s Degree Job Outlook, 2018-28 9% Top Paying State, 2019 California $119,800 Top Paying Industry, 2019 Outpatient Care Centers $104,160 Read More

While online learning has always been around, its large scale implementation has never been as important as it is now. The COVID-19 pandemic has shook the entire world, bringing nearly all functions of the society to a halt. Teachers and educators all across the US and beyond are working hard to keep the education system running. The closure of schools was a vital step to curb the spread of the virus. The areas that closed down schools promptly have had an overall better control over the spread of COVID-19, especially in younger children. However, it is difficult to measure the specific impact of school closures, since a lockdown typically clamps down on all kinds of social gatherings. Let’s take a look at the overall situation in the education sector during lockdown, how various educational institutes are coping with it, and suggestions for online formats to adopt. Schools, Universities and COVID-19 Efforts to curb the effects of the rampant coronavirus, COVID-19 through preventive measures such as social distancing and self-isolation have resulted in large scale closures of educational institutes. According to a recent UNESCO report, more than 91% of the world’s student population is affected by school closures as a result of the pandemic. Some countries have chosen a nationwide school lockdown approach, while others have gone for localized closures. In the US, the vast majority of states have closed down schools, until the end of the academic year. There are several states, however, that have not mandated school closures but have recommended it. Consequences of School Closures Closing down of schools carries a high economic and social cost for people at all educational levels. The impact is most severe for the marginalized children and their families. Let’s take a look at some of the effects of schools in lockdown: Interrupted Learning: Closing down schools has deprived students across the world of learning opportunities and growth. The under-privileged learners are at a greater disadvantage, since they have fewer learning opportunities outside of school. Decreased Nutrition: Many students rely on the standardized, discounted meals received from school cafeterias for a healthy and nutritious diet. With schools shutting down, their nutrition is strongly affected. Confusion and Stress: The coronavirus pandemic has created a state of confusion and stress for both, teachers and students. Educational institutes closed down within a matter of weeks, without any intimation about the duration they would be closed for. This has resulted in some level of panic among the teachers, who are afraid to lose their connection with the students. In addition to that, distance learning methods are relatively new, so they tend to cause frustration among students and teachers trying to learn to use them. Unprepared Parents: With students now spending a majority of their time at home, parents are not prepared to take on the difficult task of homeschooling for a long time. The situation is much worse for parents who have limited resources and education themselves. Overwhelmed Distance Learning Portals: The demand for distance learning has increased tremendously in the past few months, as the coronavirus continues to ravage economies across the globe. Due to this, the existing distance learning portals and internet service providers are already overwhelmed. Online Learning Solutions Luckily, in this age of advancement, students and teachers have access to numerous study solutions. Let’s take a look at a few of these options: Psychosocial Support The WHO provides several resources to help teachers deal with this situation, including comprehensive guides on ‘how teachers should talk to children about COVID-19’ and ‘how parents and caregivers can talk to children about COVID-19’. Digital Learning Management Systems Systems such as Zoom, Edmodo, Moodle and ClassDojo have increased in demand. They provide a platform for students and teachers to connect and build classroom communities, along with comprehensive collections of learning resources. Learning on Mobile Phones There are countless systems with online and offline learning options that can be accessed through mobile phones. These include the likes of Cell-Ed, Funzi, Ubongo and Eneza Education etc. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Platforms Various MOOC platforms offer courses from experts and instructors from well-recognized universities and companies. Examples include platforms such as Coursera, EdX, Udemy, Canvas and Future Learn. Self-Directed Learning Content These include study options from ABRA, British Council, Code Week, Discovery Education, YouTube, Mindspark and Duolingo, among others. These programs help students learn though online courses, game-like activities and other kid-friendly materials. Tools for Teachers to Produce Online Content Various online tools help teachers create educational content online. These include tools that help create interactive images, videos, media-rich lessons and presentations etc. Several such tools also help teachers plan out courses easily and organize their online classrooms. Examples of such tools include Squigl, Trello, Zoom, EdPuzzle, Thinglink and Buncee. The Up-Side of Learning Online Even though there is no replacement for direct human interaction, online classes have their benefits as well. Let’s examine a few up-sides of moving to online learning forums. Online courses promote a greater degree of motivation and self-discipline, as compared to a classroom-based course. Students are required to manage their schedules themselves and create an environment conducive to learning. In addition to that, online learning is relatively more relaxed and can easily be completed from home. This results in a positive impact on attendance as well. In addition to that, many have argued about the traditional education system losing its relevance in recent years. Online learning has long been a hope for rejuvenating a system that focused on critical thinking and adaptability. As students move to higher classes, they usually seek to have more autonomy in the education process. Online classes can help them follow their own customized learning programs. Many universities across the country offer students the option to create their individualized study plans, allowing weekend and night classes as well. Many universities offer cost-effective online learning programs. This is mainly due to the fact that online classrooms do not require physical space and accommodation in hostels. This results in a less-costly option for students, which is certainly the need of the hour in these unprecedented times. As the uncertainty grows around people’s incomes, people are rushing for low-cost options. And online education can provide some relief in this regard. In times of COVID-19, the universities which stand to benefit the most are those who are offering both - low-cost online study options and robust campus study plans, for when, and if, students wish to switch back to the traditional study format. With uncertainty surrounding the future of traditional education, many major universities are likely to invest more finances into building robust online education systems. The longer this social distancing continues, the more resources universities are expected to pour into developing their online systems, since they will have no choice. Tips for Acing Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic The following tips can assist both teachers and students in making the most of online learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure you check all your equipment and services, such as your internet, camera and laptop before class Collect email addresses of all the students and teachers to be able to communicate efficiently Make instructions as clear and comprehensive as possible to ensure smooth learning Participate fully in online lectures to derive maximum benefits from the sessions Make online study groups to facilitate the learning process Take feedback from students or teachers positively and try to learn from it Maintain classroom decorum, but don’t make things too formal Don’t miss a class without a genuinely valid concern Be sure to talk to the teacher or students about any COVID-19 related concerns, including any psychological, monetary or sociological issues. Read More

If you have decided to apply to graduate business schools, the GMAT would certainly be on your mind. It is completely alright to be nervous about this important step in the application process. However, you can reduce your anxiety by approaching the GMAT with a solid plan and strictly adhering to it. Numerous resources and practice tests are readily available in online and textbook formats. But where do you start, and how do you get the most of the learning process? The following guide on how to prepare for GMAT answers these queries, along with giving you an insight on what to expect on the test.

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Registered Nurses are required to be licensed in all states of the US. To earn this licensure, nursing school graduates need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse). This is a standardized, computer-based test offered in the US and Canada. Passing this test demonstrates to licensing boards and potential employers that a nursing candidate has developed a thorough understanding of the basics of this field, including patient care, medical procedures, medical ethics and so on. After clearing this exam, registered nurses can find work in various healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, home health services, clinics and physicians’ offices. Now comes the question of how to prepare for the NCLEX-RN? Even though the test is a challenging one, it can be passed with flying colors if you do the right preparation. The following guide provides helpful ideas on how to pass the NCLEX-RN.

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Nursing is one of the best career options for people who are interested in the healthcare sector and enjoy being of service to fellow community members. Multiple colleges offer nursing degrees which help students find some of the best opportunities in this field. Some nurses prefer to specialize in one area which increases their chances of finding jobs at prestigious hospitals, specifically academic teaching hospitals. Following are the top 5 highest paying jobs with nursing a degree in the US.

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Praxis Core Reading is a measure of the candidate’s fluency in academic reading at the high school and early college level. It is a part of the three tests administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) as the Praxis series of tests, alongwith the Math and Writing tests. The Praxis Core Reading tasks are typically easier and more straightforward than the reading assessments on other graduate exams such as the LSAT, GRE or GMAT. Even so, if you have not taken an English class in the last few years, the Praxis Core Reading test can be a little daunting. In the following guide on how to prepare for Praxis Core Reading, you will find information on the basics of the test and focused tips for how to pass the Praxis Core Reading exam.

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If you are planning to become an educator, the Praxis exams would certainly be on your mind. For those of you who do not know, these are a series of exams that measure the subject knowledge, along with logical reasoning, math and understanding skills of teacher candidates. Praxis Core Writing is one of the three tests that make up the Praxis Core, and is perhaps the trickiest one. Unlike the other two tests, this is a combination of multiple choice questions, along with constructed response questions. Praxis Core Writing test is a combination of varying kinds of multiple choice questions – Usage, Revision in Context, Research and Sentence Correction. Besides that, it has two separate questions involving constructed response – Informative/Explanatory Essay and Argumentative Essay. With a complex structure like this, it comes as no surprise that aspiring teachers look for guidance when preparing for the Praxis Core Writing exam. If you are among these teachers, the following guide on how to prepare for the Praxis Core Writing will be of great help to you. It lists down important tips, along with study options for Praxis Core Writing.

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A degree in Pharmacy can open doors to numerous high paying occupations. Pharmacy is a multi-disciplinary subject that links with various other subjects like business, healthcare and environment sciences etc.

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The MCAT is one of the most difficult and challenging tests for aspiring medical students. Thousands of students take this exam every year which is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The exam tests the knowledge of students on subjects of science, along with critical thinking writing and analytical skills. Most medical schools give heavy weightage to the student’s score on this test, during their admissions cycle. In order to prepare for the MCAT, it is important to know that it is not a sprint, it is a marathon. To successfully get a high score on it, students have to win the race, slowly and steadily. The following guide on how to prepare for the MCAT will provide guidance on the preparation techniques and resources, along with answers to some commonly asked questions. When Should I Take the MCAT? The earlier you take the MCAT, the better off you will be. As the admissions season moves ahead, the pool of applicants becomes more crowded. Even if you have completed your college applications, they will not be considered by admission boards, until you have the MCAT scores. An ideal time to take the exam would be in your junior year, once you have completed all the pre-requisites. This way, you will have time to retake the test in the summer or fall, if need be.

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If you are an aspiring educator, you would be well aware of the importance of the Praxis Core Tests administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). These tests are designed to measure the knowledge level and skills of candidates who intend to become teachers. This credential is now required by most states for educators. The Praxis Core exam has three tests: Reading, Writing and Math. These tests can be taken on the same day or on separate days. The following guide will provide details about the Praxis Core Math exam including information on Praxis Core Math preparation and the best study options available.                      

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The SAT is a standardized admission test for high school students who want to enroll in a college after graduation. The test basically establishes what you learn in high school and what you need to know to be ready for college studies. Millions of students around the world take this test every year and send in their scores with college applications. If you are excited about getting a perfect SAT score and studying at your dream college, you need to be aware of a few things about this test. The following guide will help you understand how to prepare for the SAT.

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If you are planning to pursue a career in Criminal Justice, and are looking for salary-related information, then you have come to the right place. This article lists down the Top 10 highest paying jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree in the U.S. The following ranking is based on the information taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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A degree in Computer Science is a good option for technology enthusiasts who plan on making a career in the IT sector. Various colleges all over the US offer computer science degrees that can open up lucrative career opportunities for graduates. The curriculum usually covers subjects like operating systems, programming fundamentals, artificial intelligence (AI), database design and management, cloud computing, information security, big data and algorithms, etc.   This guide will tell you about the 10 highest-paying jobs that holders of a computer science degree can pursue in the US. A Bachelor’s degree will be enough for most of these occupations, though some may require higher educational credentials. The rankings are based on information obtained from the latest available records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Computer and Information Technology Occupations.

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A Business Degree is a great way to kick start a career in a variety of business and finance occupations. Numerous colleges around the US are offering business degrees that lead to promising and high paying careers. With subject matter covering a vast variety of topics including accounting, management, entrepreneurship, finance and economics, students are prepared to pick countless career paths. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest paying jobs with a business degree in the US. Some of these jobs require a master’s degree, though most would require a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. The following ranking is based on the information available on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Business and Financial Occupations.

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Choosing a career is without doubt, one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime. While it may sound like a daunting task, it is not so hard, if you do it intelligently. The following guide on how to choose a career will help you break down and understand the process better. Choosing a career is not a simple or direct process. But the following list can serve as a guide to go by. Have a look at the list of steps to choose a career.

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What's the difference between an architect and a draftsman? Architects and draftsmen may have a similar job description, but if you take a closer look, you can easily spot the differences between the two professions. The major differences are the varying duties and roles architects and draftsmen play in the building process. There are additional differences in their pay scales and the education required for a job in either sector. Differences In a Nutshell In a nutshell, architects plan and design structures like buildings, houses, hospitals and museums, etc. Draftsmen, on the other hand, convert the designs of architects into technical drawings on computer screens by using complex softwares. Therefore, while architects may be found working with clients and drawing up initial plans with pen and paper, draftsmen are usually found working behind computer screens. Architects and draftsmen are often found working together, visiting job sites and collaborating as a team. How are the Job Duties for Architects and Draftsmen different? Architects initially meet up with clients for rough drafts and specifications to build structures. They also have a wider job description as compared to draftsmen, who generally work under the supervision of architects and engineers. Architects are expected to discuss preliminary costs and construction time with the clients. They also direct and manage workers at the construction site. In addition to this, architects supervise the building of structures during the process. They also work on the legal documents and contracts needed for the construction to start. In some few cases, architects may be called upon to provide feasibility reports as well as environmental impact reports. Architectural reports and plans are also more detailed. They focus not just on the outside appearance of the building but also internal structures including but not limited to air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems, plumbing, electrical systems and landscape plans. On the other hand, draftsmen work on the rough sketches provided by architects and add crucial details to them e.g. the exact dimensions of the building and the materials used for construction. An alternative job title for draftsmen is CAD operators, as they use computer-aided design (CAD) software to translate architectural drawings into official blueprints. Draftsmen are also trained to use BIM (Building Information Modeling) software to bring architectural designs to life. Draftsmen can only start working after receiving the initial plans from architects and engineers. What Are the Educational and Certification Requirements for Architects Versus Draftsmen? Architects are usually required to be better qualified than draftsmen. To be an architect, you are expected to have at least a bachelor's degree in architecture, which will take five years to complete. You could choose to get a master's degree as well which will at least take another year or two of education but could take longer. After graduation, aspiring architects are required to complete a three-year-long training program, so they can eventually pass the architect registration exam. Most aspiring architects are familiar with the AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - a handy tool for students looking for guidance regarding trainings and internships. The educational requirements for draftsmen are very different. For starters, drafters are only required to get a 2 year long associate's degree. Typically, a drafter will have an associate of applied science in drafting. This is the only mandatory education needed to become a drafter. However, often drafters will get certified through the American Design Drafting Association to specialize in their chosen field e.g. civil, mechanical or architectural drafting. What Is the Difference in Pay Between Architects and Draftsmen? According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architects as of May 2018 was $79,380. The lowest ten percent in the industry earned $48,020, and the highest ten percent made $138,120 per annum. As for drafters, they earned a little less than architects. Drafters made a median annual wage of $55,550 per annum as of May 2018. The lowest 10 percent of drafters earned below $35,170 and the top 10 percent in the industry made above $85,140. What Is the Job Outlook? The table below contains relevant information available for both industries.   Architects Drafters Employment, 2016 128,800 207,700 Projected growth, 2016-2026 5,500 14,600 Percentage growth, 2016-2026 4% 7% What Are Some Related Alternative Careers for Both Professions? Related alternative careers for architects starting from the best paying positions to lesser paying ones include architectural and engineering managers, construction managers, civil engineers, landscape architects and more. Related alternative careers for drafters, ranked from the best paying positions to lesser paying positions include electrical and electronic engineers, mechanical engineers, architects, landscape artists and more. Read More