Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists and Other Personal Appearance Workers Do you like helping people look their best? A career in cosmotology, hairdressing or related fields might be the career for you. The career education information presented here will help you learn more about careers in the personal appearance field, the job outlook, the career training required, and the career opportunities.

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Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists and Other Personal Appearance Workers Do you like helping people look their best? A career in cosmotology, hairdressing or related fields might be the career for you. The career education information presented here will help you learn more about careers in the personal appearance field, the job outlook, the career training required, and the career opportunities.

Learn more in the career education information listed below:

• Job Description
• Employment
• Job Outlook
• Related Occupations
• Working Conditions
• Education, Training & Qualifications
• Salary Expectations
• Associations, Resources & Accreditation

Overview

• Job opportunities for cosmetologists should be favorable due to growing demand for cosmetology services.
• Barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers must be licensed.
• Very high proportions of personal appearance workers are self-employed; many also work flexible schedules.

Job Description

Barbers and cosmetologists, also called hairdressers and hairstylists, help people look neat and well-groomed. Other personal appearance workers, such as manicurists and pedicurists, shampooers, and skin care specialists provide specialized services that help clients look and feel their best.

Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair. Also, they fit hairpieces, offer scalp treatments and facial massages, and shave male customers. In many States, barbers are licensed to color, bleach, or highlight hair and offer permanent wave services. A growing number of barbers are trained to provide skin care and nail treatments.

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair, straighten or permanent wave hair, or lighten or darken hair color. Additionally, cosmetologists may train to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.

A growing number of workers offer specialized services. The largest and fastest growing of these are manicurists and pedicurists, called nail technicians in some States. They work exclusively on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, coloring, and nail extensions to clients. Another group of specialists is skin care specialists, or estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments, head and neck massages, and removing hair through waxing. Electrologists use an electrolysis machine to remove hair. Finally, shampooers specialize in shampooing and conditioning clients' hair in some larger salons.

In addition to their work with clients, personal appearance workers are expected to maintain clean work areas and sanitize all work implements. They may make appointments and keep records of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular clients. A growing number actively sell hair products and other cosmetic supplies. Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers who operate their own salons have managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.

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Working Conditions

Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers usually work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Good health and stamina are important because these workers are on their feet for most of their shift. Because prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may cause irritation, special care is taken to use protective clothing, such as plastic gloves or aprons.

Most full-time barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers put in a 40-hour week, but longer hours are common in this occupation, especially among self-employed workers. Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, when beauty salons and barbershops are busiest. Barbers and cosmetologists generally are busiest on weekends and during lunch and evening hours, therefore they arrange to take breaks during less popular times. Nearly half of all cosmetologists work part time or have variable schedules, double the rate for barbers and for all other workers in the economy.

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Employment

Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers held about 790,000 jobs in 2000. Nine out of 10 jobs were for barbers, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Of the remaining jobs, manicurists and pedicurists held about 40,000; skin care specialists about 21,000; and shampooers about 20,000.

Most of these workers are employed in beauty salons or barber shops, but they are also found in department stores, nursing and other residential care homes, and drug and cosmetics stores. Nearly every town has a barbershop or beauty salon, but employment in this occupation is concentrated in the most populous cities and States.

Approximately half of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers are self-employed. Many own their own salon, but a growing number lease booth space or a chair from the salon's owner.

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Education, Training & Qualifications

All States require barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers to be licensed by the State in which they work. Qualifications for a license, however, vary. Generally, a person must have graduated from a State-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. A few States require applicants to pass a physical examination. Some States require graduation from high school while others require as little as an eighth grade education. In a few States, completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills in this way. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services.

Some States have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to apply for and obtain a license in a different State without additional formal training. Other States do not recognize training or licenses obtained in another State; consequently, persons who wish to work in a particular State should review the laws of that State before entering a training program.

Public and private vocational schools offer daytime or evening classes in barbering and cosmetology. Full-time programs in barbering and cosmetology usually last 9 to 24 months, but training for manicurists and pedicurists, skin care specialists, and electrologists requires significantly less time. An apprenticeship program can last from 1 to 3 years. Shampooers generally do not need formal training or a license. Formal training programs include classroom study, demonstrations, and practical work. Students study the basic services - haircutting, shaving, facial massaging, and hair and scalp treatments - and, under supervision, practice on customers in school "clinics". Most schools also teach unisex hairstyling and chemical styling. Students attend lectures on the use and care of instruments, sanitation and hygiene, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and recognition of simple skin ailments. Instruction also is provided in communication, sales, and general business practices. There are advanced courses for experienced barbers and cosmetologists in hairstyling, coloring, and the sale and service of hairpieces.

After graduating from a training program, students can take the State licensing examination. The examination consists of a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills based on established performance criteria. A few States include an oral examination in which the applicant is asked to explain the procedures he or she is following while taking the practical test. In many States, cosmetology training may be credited towards a barbering license, and vice versa. A few States combine the two licenses into one hair styling license. Many States require separate licensing examinations for manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists.

For many barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers, formal training and a license are only the first steps in a career that requires years of continuing education. Because hairstyles change, new products are developed, and services expand to meet clients' needs, personal appearance workers must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. They attend training at salons, cosmetology schools, or product shows. Through workshops and demonstrations of the latest techniques, industry representatives introduce cosmetologists to a wide range of products and services. As retail sales become an increasingly important part of salons' revenue, the ability to be an effective salesperson becomes vital for salon workers.

Successful personal appearance workers should have an understanding of fashion, art, and technical design. They should enjoy working with the public and be willing and able to follow clients' instructions. Communication, image, and attitude play an important role in career success. Some cosmetology schools consider "people skills" to be such an integral part of the job that they require coursework in this area. Business skills are important for those who plan to operate their own salons.

During their first months on the job, new workers are given relatively simple tasks or are assigned the simpler hairstyling patterns. Once they have demonstrated their skills, they are gradually permitted to perform more complicated tasks such as giving shaves, coloring hair, or applying a permanent. As they continue to work in the field, more training is usually required to learn the techniques used in each salon and to build on the basics learned in cosmetology school.

Advancement usually takes the form of higher earnings as barbers and cosmetologists gain experience and build a steady clientele. Some barbers and cosmetologists manage large salons or open their own after several years of experience. Others teach in barber or cosmetology schools, or provide training through vocational schools. Other options include advancing to sales representatives, image or fashion consultants, or examiners for State licensing boards.

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Job Outlook

Overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010, because of increasing population, incomes, and demand for cosmetology services. Job opportunities should be favorable, especially because numerous job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Competition is expected for jobs and clients at higher paying salons, as applicants vie with a large pool of licensed and experienced cosmetologists for these positions. The number of self-employed, booth-renting cosmetologists should continue to grow. Opportunities will be better for those licensed to provide a broad range of services.

Employment trends are expected to vary among the different specialties within this grouping. For example, employment of barbers is expected to decline, due to a large number of retirements and the relatively small number of cosmetology school graduates opting to obtain barbering licenses. Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists should grow about as fast as average, because of continuing demand for coloring services and other hair treatments, such as perms and waves, by teens and aging baby boomers.

Rapid growth in the number of nail salons and full-service, day spas will generate numerous job openings for other personal appearance workers. Nail salons specialize in providing manicures and pedicures. Day spas typically provide a full range of services, including beauty wraps, manicures and pedicures, facials, and massages. Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, while skin care specialists and shampooers should expect average employment growth.

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Salary Expectations

Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers receive income from a variety of sources. They may receive commissions based on the price of the service or a salary based on number of hours worked. All receive tips and many receive commissions on the products they sell. In addition, some salons pay bonuses to employees who bring in new business.

Median annual earnings in 2000 for salaried hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, including tips and commission, were $17,660. The middle 50 percent earned between $14,000 and $23,910. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33,220. Median annual earnings were $17,620 in beauty shops and $17,570 in department stores.

Median annual earnings in 2000 for salaried barbers, including tips, were $17,740. The middle 50 percent earned between $13,580 and $24,540. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33,040. Median annual earnings were $18,330 in beauty shops and $16,900 in barber shops.

Among others in this group, median annual earnings, including tips, were $20,080 for skin care specialists; $15,440 for manicurists and pedicurists; and $13,690 for shampooers.

A number of factors determine total income for barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers, including the size and location of the salon, the number of hours worked, clients' tipping habits, and competition from other barber shops and salons. A cosmetologist's or barber's initiative and ability to attract and hold regular clients also are key factors in determining their earnings. Earnings for entry-level workers are usually low; however, for those who stay in the profession, earnings can be considerably higher.

Although some salons offer paid vacations and medical benefits, many self-employed and part-time workers in this occupation do not enjoy such common benefits.

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Related Occupations

Other workers who provide a personal service to clients and usually must be professionally licensed or certified include massage therapists and fitness trainers and aerobics instructors.

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Associations, Resources & Accreditation

A list of licensed training schools and licensing requirements for cosmetologists can be obtained from:

• National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

Information about a career in cosmetology is available from:

• National Cosmetology Association

For details on State licensing requirements and approved barber or cosmetology schools, contact the State boards of barber or cosmetology examiners in your State capital.

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Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/

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The College of Education is within the Artemis School and offers graduate level degree and non-degree courses for educators. The Master of Arts in Education is the graduate degree program offered through the College of Education. Graduate non-degree programming includes several state specific certificates/endorsements. Each student/applicant is responsible for checking with his/her state Department of Education and/or school district to determine specific credentialing requirements.

The College of Education works closely with other departments responsible for providing and administering academic programming at the University and with each campus to ensure the quality delivery of all courses and programs.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program is designed to meet the specific needs of educators through specialization in several areas - Administration and Supervision, Adult Education and Distance Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Curriculum and Technology, Early Childhood Education, Educational Counseling, Special Education, and Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education. Each area of specialization offers courses developed to enhance and refine the skills of the individual whether an administrator, educational counselor, classroom teacher, or corporate trainer.

The Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education is a graduate degree for educators seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program involves a variety of learning formats, depending upon the subject matter and competencies to be developed. These formats include lecture, group work, and self-directed learning. Additional time is required outside of the formal class sessions for homework, learning team meetings, and project activities.

The Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education (MAED/TED-E) program is a degree program leading to teacher licensure. The guiding philosophy of the MAED/TED-E program is to provide the adult student, who already has a degree in a discipline other than education, with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to become a competent and effective educator. This program focuses on elementary student learning by improving the educator's responsibility for that learning.

Student teaching is an integral component of the Teacher Education Program. It provides students with a field-based experience at the appropriate grade and content level. Student teachers work with a cooperating teacher from a school site and with a University of Phoenix faculty advisor. The student teaching experience is designed to emphasize the achievement of state standards leading to certification and to present individuals with growth opportunities that best prepare them to assume the duties of a certified classroom teacher.

The Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education (MAED/TED-S) program is a degree program leading to teacher licensure. The guiding philosophy of the MAED/TED-S program is to provide the adult student, who already has a degree in a discipline other than education, with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to become a competent and effective educator. This program focuses on secondary student learning by improving the educator's responsibility for that learning.

Student teaching is an integral component of the Teacher Education Program. It provides students with a field-based experience at the appropriate grade and content level. Student teachers work with a cooperating teacher from a school site and with a University of Phoenix faculty advisor. The student teaching experience is designed to emphasize the achievement of state standards leading to certification and to present individuals with growth opportunities that best prepare them to assume the duties of a certified classroom teacher.

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon

Program Description Coming Soon.

The Master of Arts in Education degree program with a specialization in Special Education prepares candidates to be cross categorical special educators. The program curriculum includes a survey of exceptional students, foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, management of student behavior, instruction in the content areas, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator. A supervised student teaching experience in special education is incorporated into the degree.

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program prepares leaders who can effectively respond to the dynamic and ever-changing health care industry. These individuals have a capacity to critically examine and evaluate issues and trends and are empowered to influence the destiny of the global health care system. Curriculum is tailored to the needs of the health care leader/manager by providing content in finance, policy, research, technology, quality improvement, economics, marketing and strategic planning. In addition, students will also be asked to complete course work related to their area of concentration such as public health, long-term care, and health informatics.

Graduates of the MHA program will have enhanced their management/administrative background and specialty area through the completion of a curriculum that provides students with the latest theories and contemporary practice applications. Graduates are able to define their role within the health care system and understand how to make necessary changes to create a work environment, which is team oriented and motivating to others.

This program specialization is designed to provide health care professionals with diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds with the knowledge and process of aging. Content is designed to provide students with relevant information related to the physical, mental, and social aspects of gerontology as well as human services, economic and legal factors that influence elders.

This program specialization is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing careers in educational or service settings. Current educators can update or expand their knowledge in curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and revitalize their teaching and learning strategies. Combining your current professional expertise with the knowledge of teaching and learning strategies, assessment and evaluation and curriculum, and program design will expand and enhance your role as a health care educator. Content can be applied to patient teaching, continuing education or in-service education, community health education, as well as to the role and delivery of academic education.

This program specialization is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing or advancing in careers associated with health care informatics and technology. Individuals with no background in informatics receive an overview of informatics as it relates to delivery within a health care facility. The program is designed to provide the learner with current knowledge in concepts of health care informatics, systems life cycle, and data management.

The Master of Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students learn to synthesize business concepts and practices presented in this program to develop solutions for specific managerial situations found within the organizational environment. Areas of focus include development of human capital, implementation of organizational initiatives, managing conflict, fostering creativity, innovation through organizational design, and managing in a cross-cultural environment.

The Master of Management program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem-solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information-utilization, and critical-thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem-solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical-thinking skills during their presentations. Learning teams will apply the principles of benchmarking throughout the program to research the most creative solutions to a problem. This will enrich the alternatives that learners consider in evaluating possible solutions to the problems.

Throughout the program, students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Management/Human Resources Management program (MM/HRM) is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students focus on leadership, management-or the human side of an organization. This program places emphasis on emerging management theory, techniques, and practices.

The College of Graduate Business has created interactive, multimedia, case-based simulations that place students in real-world environments and require them to apply critical thinking skills to decision-making situations. Each simulation offers learners the opportunity to identify the information required to solve the problem, assess alternative solutions, and receive feedback on their choices.

The MM/HRM program develops management skills in defining business problems, assessing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best solutions. Graduates attain the skill sets necessary to evaluate and manage the challenges facing contemporary organizations.

The Master of Management/Public Administration program (MM/PA) is designed to enhance the management skills needed to function effectively within an organization. Students focus on leadership and management-the human side of an organization. This program emphasizes emerging management theory, techniques, and practices.

The College of Graduate Business has created interactive, multimedia, case-based simulations that place students in real-world environments and require them to apply critical thinking skills to decision-making situations. Each simulation offers learners the opportunity to identify the information required to solve the problem, assess alternative solutions, and receive feedback on their choices.

The MM/PA program develops management skills in defining business problems, assessing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best solutions. Graduates attain the skill sets necessary to evaluate and manage the challenges facing contemporary organizations.

Program Description Coming Soon

The Master of Business Administration program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (MBA/ACC) is designed to develop or enhance the financial management skills necessary to function effectively within private businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies. The program concentrates on managing human and fiscal resources within the structure, culture, and mission of any organization. The curriculum addresses advanced costing techniques, accounting theory, accounting information systems, issues in corporate taxation, executive management, budgeting, human resources management, organizational development, conflict management, strategic planning, information management, and decision making, among other subjects.

Globalization has increased the need for individuals with specialized knowledge and skills necessary to manage multicultural and multinational workforces effectively in a rapidly-changing environment. The MBA / Global Management program has been developed to provide those individuals the opportunity to study in a program specifically designed for their needs as current or future managers.

The Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a health care organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

The MBA/HCM specialization is designed to provide students with the business management skills needed to manage successfully in today's health care delivery systems. The MBA/HCM program emphasizes the identification, analysis, and solution of complex management problems. Also addressed are health care concepts and decision models used by managers in today's health care environment. The MBA/HCM specialization is based upon courses in health care organizations, health care infrastructure, and current issues in health law and ethics.

The Master of Business Administration/Human Resources Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within an organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/HRM specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit management-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

The Master of Business Administration/Marketing program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a marketing organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/MKT specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit marketing-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

The Master of Business Administration/Technology Management program is designed to enhance the management skills students need to function effectively within a technology organization. Students will create and defend their solutions to technology-based problems of crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and change leadership. Throughout the program, students gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined problem; applying tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions; and selecting and defending their recommended course of action.

The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix utilizes problem-based learning where students refine their problem solving skills along with their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills. They are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process (which employs a general rubric) as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

In the MBA/TM specialization, students will create complex business problem solving scenarios drawing upon skills and competencies mastered during the program. Students will gain experience in distilling a situation into a well-defined business problem to exploit technology-based opportunities for an organization of their choice. They will apply business tools and concepts to analyze a variety of alternative solutions, and will receive feedback on the choices they make. They will defend their solutions and recommend a course of action and performance-based evaluation metrics for the business problem.

Learning teams will apply the principles of benchmarking throughout the program to research the most creative solutions to a technology problem. This will enrich the alternatives that learners consider in evaluating possible solutions to the problems.

The Master of Psychology program focuses on the general rather than clinical psychological study of individuals, including their behaviors, thought processes and emotions. The program will provide supervisors in a variety of disciplines with an understanding of the cognitive and affective processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior; research methodologies by which this knowledge is acquired; critical thinking and problem solving necessary to evaluate behavior; and the application of theoretical principles to inter- and intra-personal issues. The courses in this program do not have a clinical emphasis and do not lead to professional licensure.

The Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security degree provides the required knowledge for the student to develop competence in administering criminal justice or security programs. While distinctions between the roles of justice and security organizations are understood, the degree emphasizes an understanding of administrative responsibilities common to both disciplines. The value of cooperative interaction is also addressed. The degree provides the student with administrative program development and problem solving skills in preparation for promotional or transitional opportunities in the management of police, corrections, security or court operations.

The Master of Science in Information Systems (MIS) program is focused on the acquisition of information technology theory and the application of theory and practice to real world business opportunities and challenges. The courses provide current theory and knowledge of essential information technology components, as well as interpersonal and intra-organizational communication. While courses examine a broad range of information technology resources, the courses emphasize the management of such resources in order to meet an organization's challenges and goals. The program has six main threads: Business Management, Business Systems Analysis and Development, Programming Management, Databases, Networks and Telecommunications, The Web, and Admission to the MIS program requires a Business Degree. The mission of the MIS is to graduate the professional adult learner with the following competencies: An ability to successfully perform and obtain desired outcomes in a variety of information system and technology environments in a business; An ability to provide leadership and management to develop, support, and execute the strategic use of information systems and technology to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of a business; An ability to apply sound business principles to maximize the effectiveness of information systems and technology physical, financial, and human resources in support of the day-to-day operations of a business. Graduates of the MIS program will be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas: Effective communication; Management of hardware, software, human, and financial resources associated with information technology of an organization; Application of the principles of the system development life cycle; Comprehension of the interrelation of business and information technology, Awareness of the environmental factors, functional relationships, and business issues that affect information technology decisions within an organization, Comprehension of the dynamic nature of technology and the requisite need to maintain currency of knowledge; and Application of information technology to solve business problems.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), enhances the knowledge and skills of registered nurses with baccalaureate-degree preparation. The program prepares advanced practice nurses to function in leadership roles in practice and educational settings. Advanced nursing theory and research provide the foundation for nurses to influence the future of nursing and health care. Students complete core courses in advanced nursing content and process, as well as on leadership skills. Specializations assist students to concentrate on developing increased knowledge and/or skills in a specific area of content or advanced practice role. Thirty-nine credits are required for completion of the degree.

This online program focuses on developing leaders and educators to fill critical roles in nursing. Based on educational and professional guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association, this program uses nationally known experts to help you acquire the knowledge to educate nursing students, staff and patients-and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma.

• Specializations include:Education
• Leadership and Management

The Master of Health Administration program is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond in today's health care industry. The Health Care Education concentration is designed to enable current or potential educators to update or expand their knowledge in curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation, and revitalize their teaching and learning strategies.

The MSN/MHA program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of advanced nursing and healthcare related business skills to manage in today's evolving health care delivery systems. The program combines essential elements from both degree programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively examine and evaluate issues and trends impacting health care. Additionally, this program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.*

The MSN/MBA/HCM program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management skills needed to manage today's innovative health care delivery systems. The program combines essentials from both degree programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance and support patient services. The MBA/HCM program emphasizes the identification, analysis, and solution of complex management problems that require technical understanding and balanced decision making. Although a functional knowledge of accounting, finance, and management underlies the program, equal attention is given to the development of report writing, oral reporting, and group process skills.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Fast Track Program Option provides nurse practitioners (NP) with a baccalaureate degree an opportunity to enhance their educational qualifications and complete their graduate degree in nursing without leaving their current employment or home community. Because of the past diversity of nurse practitioner educational tracks many NP's obtained their licensure through certificate programming that did not provide a graduate degree component. In recognition of the nurse practitioner's prior educational learning the College has developed an accelerated graduate degree completion option for this target audience. Student's complete core courses in advanced nursing content and process, finance, change management as well as content in evidence based nursing research. Twenty- five graduate credits are required for completion of the degree.

The Master of Psychology program focuses on the general rather than clinical psychological study of individuals, including their behaviors, thought processes, and emotions. The program will provide supervisors and managers in business, marketing, human resources, government services or education with an understanding of the cognitive and affective processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior; research methodologies by which this knowledge is acquired; critical thinking and problem solving necessary to evaluate behavior; and the application of theoretical principles to inter- and intra-personal issues.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is a program designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of working registered nurses. The curriculum is built upon a foundation of biological, physical, and social sciences, which contribute to the science of nursing. The liberal arts components enhance the development of the intellectual, social, and cultural aspects of the professional nurse. This

instructional program includes behavioral objectives that concentrate on the development of the nurse's role as caregiver, teacher, and manager of care. Utilizing a self-care framework, working registered nurses are prepared as generalists who are able to apply progressional skills and knowledge to nursing, client, and health care systems.

One hallmark of the BSN program is that there is no testing of prior nursing knowledge if the RN is in good standing within the state practice. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program has a 39-credit required course of study - 36 credits in the nursing major and 3 credits in the integrating course. These courses fulfill only part of the 120-minimum-credit requirement for degree completion. skills and knowledge to nursing, clients, and health care systems.

Courses and degree programs at University of Phoenix Online are available entirely online. The University of Phoenix Online is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.