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It’s been a good couple of weeks for the softball programs at American Heritage-Delray, Cooper City and Pembroke Pines Charter.

Earlier this month, all three teams earned state tournament berths and both Heritage-Delray and Pines Charter brought home championships.

This week, four former players from those schools will be taking the field in Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.

Two of those players–former Pines Charter pitcher Lauren Sewell and former Heritage-Delray standout Keima Davis–play for Alabama, which will take on Tennessee on Thrusday when the tournament begins.

Two former Cooper City standouts–Laura Fountain and Stormi Grzybek–will also be in the Women’s College World Series. They play for South Florida, which opens tournament play against Oklahoma on Thursday.

Click here to check out the complete bracket for the 2012 Women’s College World Series.

Broward HS Sports

It’s been a good couple of weeks for the softball programs at American Heritage-Delray, Cooper City and Pembroke Pines Charter.

Earlier this month, all three teams earned state tournament berths and both Heritage-Delray and Pines Charter brought home championships.

This week, four former players from those schools will be taking the field in Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.

Two of those players–former Pines Charter pitcher Lauren Sewell and former Heritage-Delray standout Keima Davis–play for Alabama, which will take on Tennessee on Thrusday when the tournament begins.

Two former Cooper City standouts–Laura Fountain and Stormi Grzybek–will also be in the Women’s College World Series. They play for South Florida, which opens tournament play against Oklahoma on Thursday.

Click here to check out the complete bracket for the 2012 Women’s College World Series.

Broward HS Sports

Some degrees can do a great deal to help ensure that graduates are able to find work once they graduate.  The University of the Sciences is home to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, which awards very useful degrees including a B.S. in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and various degrees in the Pharmaceutical Sciences.  All of these fields will offer students a variety of employment opportunities.

Part of the reason that pharmacists are in such high demand has to do with dramatically changing demographics.  The staggering wave of Baby Boomers that are scheduled to retire is also syncing up with the obesity epidemic, which brings with it greater incidences of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.  While these facts may be depressing, they also serve to underscore the impressive demand and need for medical industry professionals across the board, including pharmacists.

What does a degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology look like?  In addition to a wide range of Pharmacology and Toxicology classes, you will also learn statistics, medical physiology and experimental design.  There are a variety of career opportunities for pharmacologists as well.  Pharmacologists are the professionals who study drugs and how they impact the human body.  The number of drugs that the population as a whole is taking is simply skyrocketing, as prescription medication is being prescribed for a very large array of diverse conditions.  This fact coupled with a rapidly aging and increasingly unhealthy population results in a dramatic increase in the need for pharmacologists.

Toxicology is similar in nature in that it explores how chemicals can harm living systems.  Knowledge in this field can lead to employment in a surprising number of different industries.  You could expect to find work in the food industry, the drug industry, the chemical industry, environmental industry, research as well as government.

If you are interested in this degree, it will likely not come as much of a surprise to learn that you should feel comfortable with the world of chemistry and science or at least believe that you can quickly acclimate your mindset.  Both of these degrees are obviously focused on chemistry and science.  While these may stand as demanding degrees, they likely have ample built-in job security for the next few decades due to the aging population and the current trajectory of poor health trends.  This should mean that those pursuing these degrees could expect ample and varied employment options.

The University of the Sciences is located in Philadelphia’s University City, an area that is very vibrant and active.  Students considering this school will be able to live in one of America’s most vibrant and historic locations, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It should also be noted that this location gives students easy access to numerous major metropolitan areas on the East Coast ranging from New York City to Boston and more.

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My College Guide

Over the years, the Savannah College of Art and Design has built an excellent reputation as being an art and design college that instructs in an impressive variety of disciplines, providing students with an array of skills and diverse capabilities.  One interesting program at this school is interactive design and game development.  The area of interactive design and game development is, in a word, “hot.”  The gaming industry is continuing to grow and capturing more and more of the global entertainment dollar ever year. At the Savannah College of Art and Design, it is possible to earn a BA, BFA, MA or MFA in a variety of disciplines.

SCAD’s Programs in Savannah, Hong Kong and Atlanta

The purpose behind a degree in interactive design and game development is to get students ready to work in the field of interactive media and/or game art.  Through this program, it is possible to go into web design, user experience design or digital installation.  This program is available in Savannah, as well as SCAD’s Hong Kong and Atlanta locations.  There is no doubt that these are three diverse locations.  As a result, this program draws talented students from not just the United States and Europe, but also from Asia and indeed around the world.

A Degree in Interactive Design and Game Development

What kind of job does one pursue with a degree in interactive design and game development?  Clearly, the job title indicates that this degree has at least a partial focus on the gaming industry.  But this is certainly not the limit to this degree or its possibilities.  Jobs that you could go into with this degree include art director, concept artist, social medial developer, game designer, instructional designer, mobile game/ app designer, and modeler.  It is important to note that many of these potential jobs and careers are ones that are expected to enjoy substantial growth in the coming years!  For example, mobile game and app designer is one booming career path.

Likewise, the companies where such a degree could be applied are not just varied, but read much like an entertainment and technology “whose who” list.  In the past, Activision, Apple, Electronic Arts, Disney, Cartoon Network and many other leading names in the field have employed graduates from The Savannah College of Art and Design.

Some courses you can expect to see through your studies are things like Digital Design Aesthetics, Modeling, Materials and Lighting, Modeling for Game Development, and Introduction to Robotics AI amongst others.

Students interested in this degree or attending Savannah College of Art and Design will likely find the city of Savannah, with its rich history, to be an interesting location.  Known as a vibrant and historic city, Savannah to this day continues to draw a robust number of tourists every year.  Is Savannah and SCAD right for you?  One fact is certain, The Savannah College of Art and Design continues to stand out as a well-known and well-respected name in the field.

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My College Guide

Are you interested in becoming a serious photographer with impressive skills?  Photography has changed tremendously in the last two decades, thanks largely to the introduction and widespread acceptance of digital photography, digital editing and the personal computer.  Of course, this art form also has roots that are well over a hundred years old.  With a photography degree, you will develop the skills necessary to not just create art, but also to potentially pursue a career in this field as well.

The BFA and MFA at Parsons

Parsons School of Design is clearly one of the big names when it comes to programs in art and design, and this school draws some of the best and most talented students from around the country and around the world every year.  Through attending Parsons, it is possible to earn an undergraduate degree BFA in Photography.  In addition, a Photography MFA is also available, which can be earned through Parson’s School of Art, Media and Technology.  This program explores how both analog and digital technology are impacted by film, design, fine art, video and sound.

Central New York City Location

Part of what makes the Parsons option a dynamic and interesting one for artists is that it is possible to partner with models, makeup artists and clothing designers at Parsons for a range of projects.  The centrally located Manhattan location allows students access to gain internships in some of the world’s best galleries, magazines and agencies.  Further, Parsons students pursuing BFA and MFA degrees in Photography have also interned for famous photographers.

An Extensive Program

Just how much do you learn in this program?  It should be noted that this is a 4-year degree.  Those who undergo the BFA will have a broad education in the field of Photography.  In other words, this isn’t a short grouping of photography classes designed to help graduates take better, crisper photos of their family, friends, pets or the occasional sunset.  Throughout your studies, you can take electives in Photography and liberal arts at The New School.  The thinking is that this type of curriculum allows students to explore a variety of interests in addition to their focus on photography and its related technology and role in society.

Original Artwork is Necessary

Before applying, you will need original artwork to submit for evaluation. You can submit your artwork online through the school’s “SlideRoom.”    You should have 8-12 pieces of art to submit to apply, as this is generally deemed the minimum necessary amount to assess your talent and skills.

The Photographic Universe: A Conference

Every year, the Photography Program in the School of Art, Media and Technology at Parson’s hosts The Photographic Universe:  A Conference.  This is a two day event that brings in some of the world’s most leading photographers and also scientists, historians, and philosophers, and it stands as one of the key additional perks that help make attending Parsons an interesting option.

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My College Guide

The bottom line is that crime isn’t going away, at least not anytime soon.  Due to this fact, you can be certain that there will continue to be jobs available in the criminal justice field.  Those interested in job security and making the world a safer place will find a major in Criminal Justice to be an interesting and appealing one to consider.  In this article, we will explore the Criminal Justice degree options at Lebanon Valley College.

Lebanon Valley College is located in Annville, PA, which is 15 minutes east of Hershey, Pennsylvania and approximately a 35 minute drive east of Harrisburg.  Philadelphia. Washington DC and Baltimore are all about 2 hours away.  The school’s convenient Annville location gives students the ability to reach many major hubs of activity within both short and moderate drives.

Lebanon Valley College-Over 30 Different Majors

The college and has roughly 1600 undergraduates and sports over 30 different majors.  As a result, the school draws a diverse group of students with varied interests.  Specifically, Lebanon Valley College offers a Criminal Justice Major.  So if you can’t get enough of watching CSI, this might just be the major for you!

A Mix of Sociology and Political Science Courses

What kind of classes can you expect in a Criminal Justice major?  At Lebanon Valley College, the Criminal Justice combines a mix of sociology and political science classes to help give students an overview of the different issues related to crime as a whole.

Real Life Experience via Relevant Internships

There are some common elements to the program that all students must adhere before graduating.  All students in the criminal justice program at Lebanon Valley College must take an internship during their studies.  The role of these internships is to give students real world experience about the profession they could be entering. These internships can be with local providers ranging from Derry Township Police Department, Domestic Violence Intervention, Juvenile Probation Office, or Lebanon County Detectives to name just a few of the available options.

Degree Options

There is a list of required courses for those getting a BA in criminal justice.  These courses include 110 American National Government, Civil Liberties & Civil Rights, Intro to Sociology, and Crime & Criminals, to name just a few.  If you are interested in this major, then these courses serve to give you a decent idea of the kind of things you will be learning throughout your degree program.  Lebanon Valley College also offers a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminal Justice, thus giving students a second significant way to approach the program.

If you’ve ever watched a crime drama on television and thought, “I could do this!” then this could be the degree for you.   There is no doubt that this isn’t a career for everyone, but keep in mind that this is a line of work where you could do a great deal of good for your community.  Those interested in pursuing this program will likely find it to be quite rewarding.

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My College Guide

Few institutions have roots quite as deep as Salem College situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Women interested in attending an historic all-women’s college will find Salem College to be a compelling option.  Salem College stands as the 13th oldest college in the United States and has an enrollment of over 1,100 students.  Salem College also holds the distinction of being the oldest female only institution in the South.

Yes, There are Men at Salem College

It should be noted that surprisingly men are admitted to Salem College.  This is done through the Fleer Center for Adult Education and through graduate programs in teacher education.  So if you are a man and you were ruling Salem College out, guess again!

An Impressive Student-to-Teacher Ratio

There are many factors that serve to make Salem College a compelling choice.  One such fact is the low teacher to student ratio.  At Salem College, the student to teacher ratio is an impressive 11 to 1.  Another distinction is that over 60% of the professors at Salem College are women.  Students who want to get to know their teachers and like the idea of smaller and more intimate classes should take note of this excellent student to teacher ratio.

MAT and MEd Degree Options

Salem College has a strong focus on teacher education and, as result, offers many teaching degrees.  There are four different teaching undergraduate degrees, including a BA and BS as well as graduate degrees including a Master of Arts in Teaching or MAT and a MEd degree.  For the MAT, there are degrees available in Elementary Education, Art, Music, Special Education as well as other options. There are M.Ed options for both Special Education and Elementary Education as well.

Innovative Majors and Licensing Programs

While teaching does get a great deal of attention at Salem College, there are other innovative programs and licenses.  One such program is a licensure program that can be built into a master’s degree program that pertains to the teaching of children from birth to kindergarten.

Likewise, the Not-for-Profit Management Major and Minor most definitely stand out as unique and innovative programs.  These programs are designed to serve the growing demand and need for graduates with specialized knowledge in non-profits.  Salem College acknowledges that the not-for-profit sector is extremely diverse.  As a result, course work can include everything from chemistry to history.  Additionally, there are ample internships available in the community.

Consistently Selected as a “Good Buy”

Those looking to get the most for their money will want to pay close attention to this next fact.  Salem College has been selected by Money magazine as one of the 10 “best buys” among all women’s colleges and a top 25 “best buy” for liberal arts colleges in the Southeast.  Another staggering statistic is the college enjoys a 100% law school acceptance and an 85% medical school rate for its graduates.  There are both Pre-Law and Pre-Med programs available.  Tuition for Salem College students who live on campus is roughly ,000 including room and board.

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My College Guide

Do you like the idea of skipping the winters?  If this sounds like an appealing idea and you want to pursue a career in the arts, then you might want to consider an education from the New World School of the Arts.  Remember, after all, that the original Hollywood wasn’t in California, but Florida!

Miami is a world-class city full of excitement.  The city offers a practically endless list of things to do with great weather, incredible beaches and, of course, lots of beautiful people.  Located in sunny Miami, the New World School of the Arts is on the campus of Miami Dade College.  This conservatory dedicated to the arts is a very unique institution of higher learning.  One interesting fact regarding the New World School of the Arts is that high school students attend this school as well.  The way this works is that high school students attend the school to finish their diploma, then can potentially continue on to receive their BFA or BA.

If you are interested in being a theater major, you will be happy to hear that the New World School of the Arts is a member of NAST or the National Association of Schools of Theater.  In addition to offering degrees in theater, the school offers degrees in dance, visual arts, instrumental music and vocal music.  You can also specialize in musical theater.

Part of what makes attending the New World School of the Arts an exciting prospect for artists is that guest-acting teachers and directors visit the school throughout the year and hold workshops and seminars.  Students can develop their theater skills and even act in experimental studio projects.  Thanks to this kind of interactivity and hands on experience, the New World School of the Arts draws a good deal of interest from prospective students.

Another exciting option for students is that they can create scripts for the New Playwrights Festival in Florida.  If you are interested in becoming a writer, then this kind of tangible experience could really be beneficial for your career.

Recently there have many interesting success stories of students who have attended the school and later went on to considerable success.  Let’s take a look at a few examples:

-Those seeking to pursue a film career in some fashion can look to Randall Emmett for inspiration.  Randall Emmett (HS ’89) is producing the million budget film “Edison,” starring Justin Timberlake, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and L.L. Cool.

-If music and the lights of Broadway are more to your liking, then there is the success of Alex Lacamoire, Charlie Sutton and Ioana Alfonso.  These former New World School of the Arts students are cast members and the Assistant Music Director for Broadway’s “Wicked.”

-Rebecca Delgado (HS ’01) produced and starred in “A Place without Seasons” for the New York International Fringe Festival.

Finding innovative arts programs can make all the difference in the world for prospective artists, and the New World School of the Arts offers up just such a program and does so in a vibrant city.  Miami itself is home to a highly active and diverse art scene, helping to make the New World School of the Arts a strong contender for anyone interested in pursuing an arts degree.

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My College Guide

Rutgers stands as one of America’s oldest universities.  Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is home to over 58,000 students who come from 125 different countries around the world.  This helps to give Rutgers a diverse student body.  Helping to underscore just how large of an institution Rutgers happens to be, the university is also home to over 13,000 staff members and a truly staggering 400,000+ alumni.  As we will outline in this article, Rutgers stands out as a unique option for those interested in a social work degree.

A Unique Distinction

Rutgers is also quite proud of the fact they are the only university in the United States to hold the unique distinction of simultaneously being a public university, while at the same time a land-grant institution and a colonial college.  For students interested in attending a university with a deep history and a simply massive alumni association, Rutgers University is no doubt a top pick.

The School of Social Work-Founded in 1954

Rutgers University located in New Brunswick, NJ has a large variety of different social work degree options.  The School of Social Work was established in 1954 and today offers a range of programs.  Students can earn more than the expected Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work, as there is also a Master of Social Work as well as a Ph.D program and even joint degrees.  The joint-degree programs include a combination law degree and Master of Social Work degree.

Rutgers-The Master of Social Work Option

The Master of Social Work degree has two different concentrations.  The first is Clinical Social Work and the second is Nonprofit and Public Management.   The Clinical Social Work degree is designed to help foster improved communication skills and to better assess and know how to intervene in problematic situations.  Helping the client is a primary aim of this degree.  The Nonprofit and Public Management degree, as the name indicates, focuses more what one needs to know to work on the management side of social work, whether one is working in a nonprofit or in a governmental organization.  Issues, such as financial management as well as fundraising, stand as core components of this degree.  Other degrees include the Addiction Counselor Training Certificate program and a part-time MSW program are also available.

Diverse Job Opportunities

A degree in social work opens up students to potential job opportunities at the local, state and federal government levels.  There are also options available at non-profits as well.  A social work degree focuses intensely on understanding the problems and needs of the poor and at-risk groups.  Understanding the role of family and conflict resolution ranks high on the agenda for those pursuing a social work degree.

Students interested in a degree in social work will no doubt find Rutgers an interesting and thought-provoking school.  There are many different options possible, including advanced degrees.

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My College Guide

Founded in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado has approximately 10,000 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.  With over 100 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs, the array of options for students is impressive.  The university is located in Greeley, Colorado, which is home to roughly 90,000 residents.  Greeley is close to the major metropolitan city of Denver.

Four Key Facts

There are some other standout facts regarding the University of Northern Colorado that prospective students will want to consider.  One of those facts is that the university consists of students from all 50 states and numerous countries.  A second interesting fact is that the student body is 60% female.  A third fact that many students will find interesting is that the University of Northern Colorado is quite focused on helping their students study aboard.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, then realize that the university offers hundreds of study aboard programs that adequately cover every major.  A fourth interesting fact, and one that is sure to garner much attention, is the fact that an impressive 93% of undergraduates of the University of Northern Colorado are or either attending graduate school or employed within one year of graduation. In an era with higher unemployment rates amongst recent college graduates, this statistic is, of course, one to note.

An Impressive Music Department

While the University of Northern Colorado offers over 100 undergraduate programs, one of the more interesting of these options is its music program.  The music program at the University of Northern Colorado has made a real name for itself over the years.  In fact, the university’s music program has been named the best US college orchestra on several occasions.  Further, the Jazz Studies program has been recognized as one of the top five jazz programs in the country.

Currently, there are about 500 music majors attending the University of Northern Colorado studying everything from opera to film scoring.  The well-respected Jazz Studies program offers a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree and a Bachelor of Music in Music Business.  There is also a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies and two Doctor of Arts options, one is in Jazz Studies Emphasis and the other is in Secondary Emphasis in Jazz Pedagogy.

While the Jazz Studies degrees stand out due to their national ranking, this is only one small part of what the University of Northern Colorado has to offer for prospective music students.  Other areas of focus include everything from Music Education to Vocals.

Clearly, if you are interested in pursuing a career in music, the University of Northern Colorado makes for an attractive option.  Those individuals considering a career in music that wish to focus on jazz in particular will find that the university ranks as a top possibility.

The overall diversity of options and programs at the University of Northern Colorado is truly impressive.  The world famous Jazz Studies and music programs are only part of what this university has to offer, including a whopping 340 days of sunshine per year!

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My College Guide