Ashworth College Diplomas
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Ashford University was founded in 1918 with the goal of providing high-quality, affordable learning opportunities and degree programs for individuals that are pursuing integrity in their lives, professions, and communities. Ashford combines a traditional liberal arts base with accelerated adult learning programs and relevant undergraduate and graduate programs that meet today's expanding fields in many diverse career areas. Students can balance their lives as they complete their online courses one at a time and can earn their degree in as little as 12-24 months.
Ashford University does not currently accept students in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, or Mississippi.
Military: Duty. Honor. Education
You make sacrifices for our nation. Fortunately, education doesn't have to be one of them. Meet your personal corps of advisors – an online community that enables you to study anywhere in the world. Take advantage of military-friendly benefits available to you from Ashford University. To start your education rolling, talk with an Admissions Counselor today.

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Career Diploma - Auto Mechanics
Earning a diploma in Auto Mechanics prepares students with the basic skills involved to diagnose and repair vehicles using hands-on, comprehensive lessons that covers the operations, components, performance standards, and inspection procedures of every automobile system. Graduates will learn through stimulating and challenging exercises and exams including reviews and vocabulary lessons for every system of the vehicle.
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Career Diploma - Basic Accounting
Earning a diploma in Basic Accounting introduces the procedures and techniques that are essential to every business and personal financial management. Courses teach students how to manage cash flow, record and post transactions, reconcile bank statements, and analyze financial statements. The hands-on training involves producing a full set of books for one complete accounting cycle for practical application and reinforcement of the techniques involved for accountants.
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Career Diploma - Basic Electronics
Earning a diploma in Basic Electronics begins with the principles of electronics in theory and practice and then advances to digital electronics, integrated circuits, power control, and more to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair various electronic devices. Students will also have the option to apply their skills to build a lab power supply, an audio amplifier, a battery charger and other electronic projects to enhance and apply their knowledge even further.
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Career Diploma - Bridal Consulting
Earning a diploma in our Bridal Consulting program prepares students in the essentials of how to create and arrange romantic and unforgettable weddings – everything from wedding licenses to honeymoon plans. Courses provide instruction in the planning processes, including ways to beat wedding stress, and managing and marketing a professional bridal consultant business. Graduates will learn how to work with caterers, florists, and photographers as well as how to create lifetime memories for the bride and groom according to their wishes and budget requirements.
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Career Diploma - Carpentry
Our diploma in Carpentry program introduces students to the various tools and equipment used in the skilled trade of carpentry. Courses will include learning the various building processes involved in this trade – from the foundation and framing all the way up to the roof and siding techniques &ndash for career opportunities in many construction fields.
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Career Diploma - Child Care Career Skills
Earning a diploma in Child Care Career Skills can prepare students to care for children in home daycare and preschool facilities. Courses provide instruction in educational games, age appropriate activities, proper nutrition, and child development that focuses on the whole child. Also included are some business related courses that include scheduling and managing a home based business.
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Career Diploma - Computer Accounting
Our Career Diploma in Computer Accounting program can prepare students for careers in the business world as they first review the fundamentals of the concepts and procedures in accounting and then receive further instruction in common computerized accounting applications. Learners can learn how to keep a general ledger, manage accounts receivable/payable, control inventory, and pay bills with the use of the software and hands-on exercises to increase their career options in many fields.
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Career Diploma - Computer Network Security
Our diploma in Computer Network Security program explores the techniques of how to assess, analyze, and respond to threats facing computer networks. Courses cover how to install, maintain, and optimize networks through intrusion detection systems and related firewall technology for maximum security measures. Graduates can learn the latest computer network security techniques from knowledgeable instructors with years of experience in their field.
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Career Diploma - Computer Networking
Our diploma in Computer Networking program teaches learners the processes and techniques involved in installing and maintaining networks in the ever-expanding field of technology. The program has been designed around courses that prepare students to take the Network+ Certification Exam and the Certified Wireless Network Administrator Exam, the industry standards for networking professionals.
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Career Diploma - Computer Programming
Our Career Diploma in Computer Programming comprehensive program teaches students how to use C#, a popular programming language that has been developed by Microsoft. Courses will cover the latest computer programming techniques taught by knowledgeable instructors with years of experience in their field. Graduates can be prepared for professional positions as a computer programmer in almost any industry.
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Career Diploma - Computer Service/Repair: Hardware
After earning a Career Diploma in Computer Service/Repair: Hardware, students can be competent in the technical areas of general computer terminology and concepts, system design and development, computer networking, computer system architecture, software fundamentals, peripheral equipment, microprocessors, digital data communications, and local area networks. In addition, this program teaches students the essential skills needed to repair and install all types of digital and electronic computer equipment including printers, microcomputers, networks, software, and numerous peripheral devices.
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Career Diploma - Computer Service/Repair: Software
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Career Diploma - Conservation
Earning a Career Diploma in Conservation can prepare students for many professional opportunities in forestry, water conservation, wildlife management, and more. Starting with lessons in basic ecology, courses will demonstrate the importance of crop management, soil preparation, effects of pesticides, and wildlife extinction. A unique feature of our program presents a series of environmental case studies that challenge students to examine and apply the concepts they are learning in real-world applications.
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Career Diploma - Electrician Training
Earning a Career Diploma in Electrician Training through our program can prepare students to read wiring diagrams, measure current, install wiring, and understand the circuitry involved in residential and commercial applications. Students will have learning activities that include examining the diagrams, photos, and schematics to build the foundation of essential power concepts. Courses will also emphasize diagnosing and repairing existing systems and the safety issues of working with live wires.
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Career Diploma - Fashion Retailing
Earning a diploma in Fashion Retailing introduces students to the industry of fashion buying and retailing. Courses will develop skills used by fashion forecasters, fashion show coordinators, and department store managers who analyze consumer trends to determine what is currently 'hot' and what is not.
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Career Diploma - Financial Planning
Our Career Diploma in Financial Planning program can teach students the techniques and strategies involved to become a paraprofessional financial planner. Courses cover ways to save, spend, invest, and manage debt so they can assist others to plan for retirement, build a good credit rating, manage major purchases, budget their resources, and more. Graduates can also learn about income tax planning, selecting insurance coverage, and planning strategies for individual client's needs.
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Career Diploma - Fitness and Exercise
Earning a Career Diploma in Fitness and Exercise involves learning about the many aspects involved in slimming down, toning up, and maintaining proper physical health. Courses include how to design workouts, prepare menus for weight and energy maintenance, injury prevention, and much more. Graduates can learn how to conduct fitness evaluations and health risk assessments to create individualized plans and personal training programs for clients.
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Career Diploma - Floral Design
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Career Diploma - Forensic Science
Earning a Career Diploma in Forensic Science can teach students the proper procedures to identify, collect, and analyze forensic evidence that can link criminals to the crime scene for prosecution. The initial investigation of a crime scene is crucial to the preservation of evidence, so courses will provide the step-by-step process involved to collect hair, fiber, fingerprints, and bodily fluids that can provide DNA samples and other evidence to include or exclude suspects from the scene.
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Career Diploma - Gourmet Cooking and Catering
Earning a diploma in Gourmet Cooking and Catering can prepare students with the knowledge and skills involved in running and managing a catering business. Courses will cover the proper handling and selecting of foods, developing menus for all occasions, planning special events banquets, and providing excellent table service. The program also includes hundreds of recipes for actual practice in food preparation and lessons in the business related end of opening an actual business.
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Career Diploma - Graphic Design
Our Career Diploma in Graphic Design program can open up opportunities in almost every business industry. Courses will teach students how to use Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe® Illustrator, and InDesign® software applications that have enhanced capabilities to create visually appealing and creative graphics for business and organizational needs. Lessons also cover ways to work with clients during the design process so that color usage, font selection, and addition of images can enhance the end-results for their specific needs and goals.
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Career Diploma - Gunsmithing
As students earn a Career Diploma in Gunsmithing they will learn how to disassemble, diagnose, repair, and reassemble various firearms. Courses also cover basic maintenance, how to install a scope, fix accuracy problems, and alter triggers and safeties for customers. Graduates will also learn about the business aspects of marketing and charging for their gunsmithing services in this specialized field.
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Career Diploma - Health Records
Our Career Diploma in Medical Records program can open doors for individuals to work in hospitals, doctor's offices, and insurance companies. Students can learn medical terminology, how to organize the patient chart, and ways to analyze records for missing or incomplete notations. Many hospitals and offices are updating systems to electronic gathering of information, so lessons will also teach how to use this technology and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.
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Career Diploma - Heating and Air Conditioning
Our Career Diploma in Heating and Air Conditioning program can prepare students to work year round with climate control systems and the mechanical and electrical processes of most common types of equipment. Students will learn about the basic components of systems, the tools of the trade, and soldering techniques as they learn how to diagnose problems, install new systems, and fix defective parts of the equipment. Graduates will learn how to work on refrigerant devices, and gas, oil, and electrical furnaces as they complete the program.
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Career Diploma - Home Inspection
Earning a diploma in our Home Inspection program can prepare students to monitor new home construction to ensure that it meets the building code specifications, as well as inspect existing homes for issues that may still arise over time, such as old wiring or insect infestation. Students will learn about the interior and exterior of the building from the foundation to the roof as well as landscaping and grading of the property for correct slope and drainage that may impact the property or adjoining properties. Graduates will complete lessons that cover the entire house and also address the energy considerations and environmental concerns that may also arise in the process.
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Career Diploma - Hotel/Restaurant Management
Earning a diploma in Hotel/Restaurant Management can prepare students with the skills and knowledge that it takes to organize and run these customer service oriented fields. Courses for the hotel portion include how to manage the front and back office, the industry structure today, and how to coordinate guest arrivals and departures based on the reservation forecasts. The courses for the restaurant portion contain lessons in services styles, managing the dining room, staffing requirements, and sanitation and safety concerns. The final lessons focus on managing techniques that are useful in both industries to hire and train staff based on foreseeable projections and trends.
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Career Diploma - Interior Decorating
Earning a Career Diploma in Interior Decorating transforms student's creative design talents into professional level skills as they combine color, texture, and motifs for home and business decor. Students will learn various styles – from traditional to contemporary, Asian to European – for clients' personal style preferences.
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Career Diploma - Internet Marketing
Our Career Diploma in Internet Marketing program can prepare students to effectively and creatively promote an organization's products and services online. Beginning with the basic marketing and advertising strategies to reach targeted consumer groups based on age and demographics, students can also learn how to strategically plan the best methods to get out their message and guide customers to their website. Graduates can also learn how to expand their e-business with promotional strategies and maintain customer service and security with the latest technology.
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Career Diploma - Introduction to Financial Statements
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Career Diploma - Introduction to Psychology
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Career Diploma - Introduction to Sales
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Career Diploma - Jewelry Design and Repair
Earning a Career Diploma in Jewelry Design and Repair can prepare students for opportunities in the business as they learn how to create custom jewelry pieces and repair and restore customer's pieces that may have been damaged or need cleaning. Lessons provide instruction on how to cut and join metals, polish and set stones, and make molds for repair or custom jewelry designs. Students can also learn soldering, engraving, enameling, and plating techniques to expand their knowledge and skills in these areas as well.
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Career Diploma - Landscape Design
Our Career Diploma in Landscape Design program can prepare students for careers working for existing companies or even to start their own business if they want. Lessons cover how to plan and present functional designs for the client's space and budget constraints. Students can learn the importance of balance, unity, proportion, and simplicity of their design along with integrating lighting, walkways, and terraces for a complete overall design. Graduates can also learn how to prepare bids and contracts, calculate materials costs, and set up pricing guidelines for maintaining and installing customers landscaping needs.
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Career Diploma - Locksmithing
Our Career Diploma in Locksmithing program prepares students for this skilled trade as they learn about manual and electronic locking systems for businesses, residences, vehicles, and anything else that can be locked. Lessons cover keys and security devices by type, manufacturer, and function. Students also learn how locking mechanisms work, how to install security systems, and how to duplicate keys manually or with a machine. Graduates will also learn how to set up their own workshop and possibly start their own business.
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Career Diploma - Marketing Communications
Earning a diploma in Marketing Communications can prepare students for a creative professional career in sales, promotions, advertising, and customer service. Courses provide a theoretical foundation of the procedures involved in building a brand, analyzing consumer behaviors, developing effective ad campaigns for targeted consumer groups, and selecting the appropriate media for the campaigns.
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Career Diploma - Massage Techniques
Earning a diploma in Massage Techniques teaches students the skills of one of the most popular of the natural healing arts used worldwide to promote and restore health. The benefits of massage therapy include pain relief, stress reduction, relaxation, and optimal body function. The program includes a fully illustrated instruction guide of massage styles along with a CD-ROM that demonstrates the various massage style techniques.
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Career Diploma - Medical Billing/Claims
Earning a diploma in Medical Billing/Claims can prepare students to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. Courses include medical terminology and human anatomy, standardized diagnosis and treatment codes, how to read and submit insurance claims, and how to comply with federal regulations.
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Career Diploma - Medical Office Assisting
The purpose of the Medical Office Assistant program is to provide educational opportunities to individuals so they can obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the areas of medical assisting. This comprehensive program covers how to assist doctors with a variety of tests, procedures and treatments, manage appointments, and other administrative duties.
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Career Diploma - Medical Transcription
Earning a diploma in Medical Transcription prepares students in the skills needed to transcribe doctor's oral diagnosis and treatment plans to written form for medical records and billing procedures. The program is a "learning through listening" course where students practice transcribing audio voices on their own computer. Training includes basic medical procedures and terminology, common disorders and diseases, and how diseases are diagnosed and treated.
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Career Diploma - Motorcycle Mechanics
Our Career Diploma in Motorcycle Mechanics program provides instruction in two- and four-stroke engines and the various systems that keep motorcycles running and functioning properly. Students will learn how to diagnose, repair, and maintain motorcycles for peak performance. Graduates will be able to replace headlights, spark plugs, tires, and signal lights and learn about career options available to them after completion.
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Career Diploma - Nutrition, Diet, and Health
Earning a diploma in our Nutrition, Diet, and Health program provides solid training in the scientific approach to nutrition in preparing foods for more energetic, less illness-prone lifestyles. Courses examine the food pyramid, menu planning, and how nutrients affect energy, wellness, and disease. Graduates can find opportunities as a nutritionist assisting food service preparers in school cafeterias and more.
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Career Diploma - Online Business Management
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Career Diploma - Paralegal Studies
The purpose of the Paralegal Studies Career Diploma program is to provide educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the area of paralegal services. The career diploma program is intended to produce graduates who are prepared for entry-level employment as paralegal professionals who assist attorneys in the research, investigation, document preparation, and writing responsibilities in legal offices, banking, insurance, engineering, medical, and personnel functions.
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Career Diploma - Pharmacy Technology
Earning a diploma in Pharmacy Technology prepares students to become pharmacy technicians that assist licensed pharmacists to fill prescriptions in retail, clinics, and other health care facilities. Courses will cover the major classes of drugs, side effects, dosage calculations, and administration methods for patients of all ages.
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Career Diploma - Physical Therapy Aide
Earning a diploma as a Physical Therapy Aide can prepare students to assist licensed therapists administer care to patients that have suffered everything from minor sprains to auto accident injuries that may require a lengthy rehabilitation process. Students will learn the proper techniques to transfer patients from wheelchairs to beds, how to steer a wheelchair, and when to use hot or cold treatments to reduce swelling and inflammation.
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Career Diploma - Plumbing
Earning a diploma in Plumbing can prepare students to learn the basic skills involved in the trade as well as the codes and regulations that govern the plumbing trade. Courses cover installation procedures, how to read and follow blueprints, when to use PVC, iron, steel, or copper tubing, and valves and joint fittings. Instruction also includes maintenance and repair of water heaters, spas and pools, and air conditioning systems as well as waste disposal and drainage considerations. The final lesson demonstrates opportunities that are available to graduates and the business aspects that affect plumbers in bids and contracts with customers.
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Career Diploma - Private Investigation
Earning a diploma in Private Investigation can prepare students for an exciting career as an investigator as they learn the various techniques that are used to gather and collect information electronically and personally. There are many types of investigations ranging from crime scene analysis, domestic and child custody cases, insurance scams, and more, so these lessons will also be covered. Courses will also cover the ethical and legal concepts that affect the business and how to work with law enforcement personnel whenever necessary as well as provide personal and retail security to increase career options.
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Career Diploma - Project Management
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Career Diploma - Property Management
Our Career Diploma in Property Management program covers the practical approaches to own and/or manage everything from single home residences to commercial and industrial properties. Lessons will cover how to select and evaluate investment properties, ways to maximize tax advantages and minimize expenses, and the safety and environmental concerns for the upkeep of the property. The business aspects are also covered in lessons that instruct students in how to manage the day-to-day operations, how to set up an administrative office, and the importance of organized record books to track expenses and payments by tenants.
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Career Diploma - Real Estate Appraisal Skills
Earning a Career Diploma in Real Estate Appraisal Skills can be a stepping stone in getting the training and experience required for professional certification as an appraiser. Students will learn market analysis, zoning principles, property inspections, and estimating values for commercial and residential appraisals. Students will also become familiar with how to follow the format of the nationally recognized Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
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Career Diploma - Retail Management
Earning a Career Diploma in Retail Management can prepare students for careers managing their own stores, an individual department, or entire large retail outlets. Lessons explore the importance of customer service for repeat business, store set-up and site selection, how to work with vendors to select merchandise, and how to price merchandise to be competitive yet profitable. Practical lessons include how to manage human resources, control costs, track inventory, and effective marketing strategies. Graduates should gain a better understanding of consumer behaviors and leadership techniques that are beneficial to businesses.
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Career Diploma - Security Services
Earning a diploma in Security Services can prepare students with ways to protect public and private assets and more importantly protect people from the threat of crime and terrorism. Lessons will cover risk assessment, electronic security devices, emergency preparedness, and how to deal with public and private law enforcement personnel. Graduates can also learn how and when to install security systems for surveillance or alarms and the legal considerations of operating within the laws.
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Career Diploma - Small Business Management
Students who earn a Career Diploma in Small Business Management will learn many aspects of planning, organizing, financing, and managing a small business. Students will actually write up a business plan that will be critiqued by our team of business experts as part of the course. Lessons will also cover advertising/marketing, managing cash flow, improving productivity, and analyzing financial statements for their organization. Graduates should gain a well-rounded foundation of what is involved in opening a new small business.
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Career Diploma - Sport Psychology
Our Sport Psychology Career Diploma is an ideal program for coaches, trainers, and athletes who want to improve their team or individual performance for maximum results. Courses teach specific techniques of goal setting, maintaining concentration, handling competitive pressure, and avoiding burnout. The program also teaches mental strategies that can be useful in guiding your team in achieving their personal best performance.
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Career Diploma - Tax Preparation
Earning a Career Diploma in Tax Preparation can train students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to not only prepare taxes for individuals, families, and businesses, but it can teach them how to assist clients during the year in tax planning, withholdings, and estimating tax payments. Lessons will cover areas such as how to report and calculate income accurately, qualified exemptions, asset depreciation, and more.
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Career Diploma - Teacher Assisting
Earning a Career Diploma in Teacher Assisting can prepare students for a career that can make a difference in childrens' lives and their futures. Lessons include child development, age appropriate learning activities, how to manage children with special needs, and ways to promote good behavior. Lessons also cover how to relate with teachers and parents, methods to promote health and safety, and how to schedule and plan lessons for the class.
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Career Diploma - Travel Agent
Students who earn a Travel Agent Career Diploma can be trained for an exciting, adventurous career as they assist clients create an itinerary for national or worldwide vacations, corporate, or incentive travel. Lessons will cover making reservations for air, cruise, lodgings, and accommodations. Lessons also cover ticketing procedures, visa and passport requirements, and group tour packages. Graduates should also gain an in depth understanding of the hospitality industry and the various means of traveling the globe.
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Career Diploma - Veterinary Assisting
Earning a Career Diploma in Veterinary Assisting can prepare students to assist veterinarians with physical exams, administer medications, provide emergency care, and even nurse orphaned and wild animals. Courses build on the scientific understanding of animal care as students learn about animal physiology, pharmacology, behavioral issues, and more.
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Career Diploma - Web Site Design
While earning a Career Diploma in Web Site Design, students will learn how to create user-friendly web sites for businesses or other applications. In as little as 6 months learners will become familiar with JavaScript, graphic manipulation, and how to activate special web page features that attract users and can result in sales and profits. Graduates will have the business knowledge and confidence they need to take their career to the next level.
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Career Diploma - Writing Children's Books
Earning a Career Diploma in Writing Children's Books can prepare students to create stories, characters, and plots for certain age groups to enjoy and that publishers prefer. Lessons cover every step of the process from assessing writing skills, beginning the process, developing plot, and creating characters for the story. Every writing assignment will be critiqued by our experienced instructor-author for feedback and suggestions. The final lessons will cover revising, editing, and submitting a manuscript to publishers, then if publication is approved, the final lesson teaches the procedures involved in preparing the manuscript for publication.
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College Prep High School Diploma - Offline
Earning a College Preparatory High School Diploma is designed for students who plan on attending college and want a more in depth, advanced level of study in core academic and complementary subjects to prepare them for continuing their education. After evaluating the credit deficits that students need to complete their diploma, individual courses can be taken to meet those requirements through exciting interactive learning activities.
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College Prep High School Diploma - Online
Earning a College Preparatory High School Diploma is designed for students who plan on attending college and want a more in depth, advanced level of study in core academic and complementary subjects to prepare them for continuing their education. After evaluating the credit deficits that students need to complete their diploma, individual courses can be taken to meet those requirements through exciting interactive learning activities.
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General High School Diploma - Offline
Completing a General High School diploma can be an important step towards a better future and opportunities. For whatever reason a student was unable to complete their high school education, it is never too late to accomplish this goal, and even move on to further education or career courses to advance their lives.
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General High School Diploma - Online
Completing a General High School diploma can be an important step towards a better future and opportunities. For whatever reason a student was unable to complete their high school education, it is never too late to accomplish this goal, and even move on to further education or career courses to advance their lives.
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Vocational High School Diploma - Computer Technology
Individuals can complete their High School Diploma AND learn Vocational Computer Technology skills at the same time in our self-paced program. Computer Programming, Network Security, Graphic Design, and more options are available to learners that are interested in getting a jump-start on a successful career while they are earning their accredited diploma. Learners who are thinking about continuing on to college can check out our college prep high school diploma programs as well.
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Vocational High School Diploma - Medical/Healthcare
Individuals can complete their High School Diploma AND learn Medical/Healthcare career skills at the same time in our self-paced program. Pharmacy Tech, Medical Billing, Physical Therapy, and more options are available to learners that are interested in getting a jump-start on a successful career while they are earning their accredited diploma. Learners who are thinking about continuing on to college can check out our college prep high school diploma programs as well.
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Vocational High School Diploma - Skilled Trades
Individuals can complete their High School Diploma AND acquire Skilled Trades career-training at the same time in our self-paced program. Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, Plumbing, and more options are available to learners that are interested in getting a jump-start on a successful career while they are earning their accredited diploma. Learners who are thinking about continuing on to college can check out our college prep high school diploma programs as well.