Students and working adults alike are pursuing degrees in science-related fields at an accelerated rate. More jobs are being created in fields such as engineering, and educational programs and opportunities are being designed as a result of this. Furthermore, students that may not have had the doors open to them for receiving an education in these fields, such as working adults and single parent households, are now getting the opportunity to pursue the education they are hoping will qualify them for a job in these highly demanded work areas.

Due to shortages of professionals in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, President Obama recently revealed a plan to increase education in these subjects, PC Magazine reports.

Through $260 million in funding that will be provided by private industry, the government hopes to increase STEM literacy and critical thinking, improve the quality of math and science education as well as expand learning and career opportunities in these industries.

Schools across the nation are already taking notice and stepping up their programs. Several colleges and universities are offering master’s degree programs in financial engineering, as well as industrial engineering. These programs were not previously available in some colleges prior to this year. Educational programs like these are meeting the needs of individuals who did not previously have their options open to obtaining a degree in these highly demanded positions. The school’s Department of Finance in its College of Business as well as the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering in its College of Engineer have announced they will begin offering a new master’s degree program in financial engineering in the fall semester of next year, the Daily Illini reports.

Students will be able to apply their studies in the growing fields of start-ups and ventures, as well as financial asset management and trading. Engineering will also be a new focus for students looking to expand their education in this field, whether they are just starting their education and establishing themselves in the working world, or they are working professionals looking to transition or get promoted.

Scholarship funds are being created for students that otherwise would not be able to receive the education they truly desire. Single parents are just one of the many groups of people receiving the benefits of a scholarship for degrees like engineering from Wish Book readers and Foothill College’s Foothill-De Anza Foundation. More than ever before, these types of opportunities are being created for people that wish to further their education.

Thousands of dollars in educational equipment has been donated to learning institutions, with the intention of giving students the time they need at home to be able to continue working towards a degree without having to commute to the traditional college campus. This proves to be especially convenient for working parents that need to earn an income and stay at home with their children while furthering their education. Linette Fuerst, an engineering student at the college who benefited from the program, told the media outlet she uses her laptop to turn in papers and take online tests. Now, she spends less time in the classroom and can be at home with her son.

As these sectors grow due funding from the government and private supporters, individuals who wish to launch careers in STEM-related fields may consider enrolling in engineering programs for their online college degree, such as Ashford University or Drexel University. Getting your online bachelor will help boost your career. You can find many online resources for your online bachelor degree.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, May 16th, 2010 at 3:50 am and is filed under Education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.