Degree Space

Computer components are getting smaller, climate change concerns are increasing, and skilled workers in areas like these are reportedly in demand. Getting there often requires what’s known as a STEM degree. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Those who can set aside time for home studies can find online school classes and online degree programs that they can custom-suit to their individual schedules, allowing them to achieve a versatile science degree.

Majoring in the STEM studies doesn’t mean a graduate has to become a mathematician or scientist. STEM degrees can open a door to creating products such as iPods and computer memory sticks and to designing solar and wind energy alternatives. STEM degrees can also send graduates into space, or at least to planning, developing and maintaining computers, vehicles and more on the grounds at NASA.

Online degrees in the STEM studies vary, with those in engineering alone centered around everything from computers and electronics to the environment. That’s because, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, engineers develop a variety of products as well as solutions to technological problems. Engineers also handle testing, production and maintenance responsibilities, the Department of Labor reports. Online degrees in this diverse area also include civil, industrial, mechanical and geological engineering. Likewise, online schools offer technology degrees in the areas of computers, education, health information and more.

And the federal government has for years encouraged STEM studies participation. STEM-related careers, according to some, can help boost the economy and allow the United States to remain competitive with other countries. Women and minorities particularly have been encouraged to prepare for STEM-related careers. Online school studies in STEM subjects, accessible from anywhere a student has access to a computer, provide the flexibility that many students need to continue their education.

Not all STEM majors from online schools or otherwise enter fields traditionally associated with these subject areas. Actor Donald Sutherland is said to have earned a bachelor of arts in engineering, Art Garfunkel reportedly holds a bachelor of science in math and music, and Ashton Kutcher is said to have majored in biochemical engineering. STEM-related subjects, such as calculus, might also be used to design and construct architecturally significant buildings such as Seattle’s Space Needle, Australia’s Sydney Opera House or Valencia, Spain’s City of Arts and Sciences.

And STEM degrees earned from an online school might provide recipients with greater job security. According to a report from the National Career Development Association, the demand for engineers is rising three times the rate of other professions. Women in particular are in high demand in STEM fields, the Career Development Association reports.

STEM subjects studied by those enrolled in college online might also be applied to other career fields. And beyond the job marketplace, STEM classes taken through an online school might help with everyday issues such as checkbook balancing and decision making.

Students interested in STEM studies at the undergraduates and graduate degree levels might also find assistance with paying for a computer science degree or classes offered by colleges online. Scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available through organizations such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Engineering Education Association and Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART) for your degree in technology. For more information about science degree online, check the internet

If any industry can lay claim to a renaissance, it’s animation. Almost 30 years ago, the craft was absolutely moribund. Then in the late 80s, movies such as The Little Mermaid, TV shows such as The Simpsons, the video game industry and the World Wide Web created a demand for animators that was unparalleled. This growth is opening new doors and those who obtain a technology degree online may have the jump start on entering.

For instance, there once was a time when cartoon fans would literally wait years for an animated feature film. Last year, the U.S. had 20 animated feature films in theatrical circulation. TV now not only has its Saturday morning madness, but cable also sports over a half dozen networks devoted to the process. The video game industry is a billion dollar enterprise. And with no sign of slowing down for the foreseeable future, this has become very good news for animators.

Being an animator means more than just learning timing and “squash and stretch” these days. A good cartoon animator now must master a number of professional software packages a lot more demanding than Flash and Photoshop. As common as the drawing board, blue pencil and flip book used to be, is how computerized work station has now taken over.

While many new animators come from art schools such as Cal Art, NYU or any school that has comprehensive film and animation departments, they still happen to be few and far between. Online colleges have also become major targets for recruitment, particularly for those studying computer generated animation. As for financial aid, students are certainly eligible for standard grants such as the Pell and local state aid. It should also be noted that Hollywood studios, such as Disney and Dreamworks, have scholarship programs. Also, many a college’s general art grants include animators.

As it happens, almost half the animation jobs in the U.S. are in California. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hollywood has 9,500 of the 21,000 animators in the U.S. With over 3,500, Greater New York City is a distant second. From there, the field is extremely localized to San Francisco, greater Seattle, Austin, Chicago and Atlanta. Canada does have its share of pros, but then it’s an enlightened country where their federal government finances the art form. It’s also not restricted to mass entertainment. There is work in video games, ad agencies, schools and even the toy industry.

The rewards can be considerable. A Hollywood animator averages $80,000. Outside Los Angeles, animators’ mean salary ranges from $52,000 to $75,000. Depending on experience and track record, studio animators can earn over $100,000 with health/life benefits. If they become supervisors, profit sharing, retirement programs and other perks are possible. It’s also not uncommon for a successful animator to open up his own studio. Others, such as Mike Judge, Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam, move into successful careers in live action films.

There is one important proviso about animation. Many in the field call it the greatest temp job in the world. The reason for this is employment with any particular organization lasts as long as the project the animator is working on. Once the movie is over or the TV series is canceled, it’s time to update the resume and go job hunting. Luckily, as the talent pool is so small, animators usually don’t stay out of work for long stretches of time.

As animation is becoming such a hot industry, many schools are opening up their own animation departments offering your STEM degree. You may even decide to specialize in another science area with your science degrees. If Hollywood doesn’t seem to be a desirable destination, there is a crying need for animators when designing web sites. If this is an area that is of interest to you and you feel drawn to, there is an abundance of material about your online computer science degree available on the internet.