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12 December 2001, Singapore A Complete Pathway from USA for a Brighter Tomorrow With the recent launch of two Associate and Bachelor Degrees from Salem International University (USA), PurpleTrain.com is proud to provide today's learners with a complete education pathway totally online from Diploma up to Bachelor Degrees. Both the Associate and Bachelor Degrees are designed for Informatics Diploma graduates in Business Administration and Computer Studies who intend to expand their horizon on managerial theories and practices, and to develop learners' intellectual as well as technical capabilities. The programmes empower students with the core skills needed for professionals in this New Economy. But, why Associate Degrees? In this article, we provide some insights on the value of Associate Degrees and the opportunities it offers. Employment Benefits
The employment benefits realized by workers who have achieved different educational levels -- e.g. associate degrees, and bachelor degrees is evident in the market place today. A report released by the US National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) publication in July 2001 clearly substantiates the value of an associate degree -- two out of five employers will recruit associate degree graduates to fill their organisation's workforce needs this year, with a healthy demand for business graduates at the associate degree level. An average salary of US$29,600 per annum is projected, which is a 4 percent increase over a conventional college degree. Associate Degrees Employment or Advancement in a specific career is the main purpose of enrollment in an associate degree programme. Associate degrees are offered primarily by community and technical colleges, and most notably from Universities; 75% are vocational, focusing on business technologies and health, public, and engineering technologies. Earnings Many studies verify that education beyond secondary school results in higher earnings. Hartog (1999) reports a 5-15% rate of return in additional earnings per year of post-secondary schooling. The highest earnings benefits, however, are dependent upon certification or degree achievement. In a study of California Community College graduates in the US, for example, the greatest earnings gains were realized by associate degree completers (11% gain) (Sanchez and Laanan 1997). The earnings reward for college graduates, in general, are the highest. "According to the March 1997 report on the Current Population Survey data, median earning for all college graduates were US$40,753 in 1996. 75 percent more than the US$23,317 median for all high school graduates" (Cosca 1998, p. 2). However, not obtaining the degree results in some penalty, men and women who have some college credit but have not earned a degree earn less than associate degree holders (Hecker 1998). With a suite of powerful business and IT diplomas leading to Associate Degrees from Salem International University (SIU), PurpleTrain provides an attractive avenue for business and computing students who desire a US education that will enable them to climb up the corporate ladder or organisational hierarchy. The Associate of Science in Business Management and Associate of Science in Information Technology by Salem International University from SIU equip graduates with the competencies to tackle managerial challenges and in-depth knowledge of the values, skills and practical applications that are unique to the business/IT environments. Chairman Scholarship And the good news is, learners who sign up with PurpleTrain for a complete pathway now will be receiving a Chairman Scholarship. Existing students of PurpleTrain.com, Informatics and Thames will be granted a USD1,000 scholarship. That's not all, new sign-ups will also be receiving a USD500 scholarship upon registration. Founded as Salem College in 1888, SIU is a private, independent, non-profit American higher education institution. SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. On top of its accreditation, SIU is also listed as a Tier 2 Southern Liberal Arts College in the US News 2001 Best Colleges Reports. For more information, please visit the web site at www.purpletrain.com ABOUT PURPLETRAIN.COM PurpleTrain.com is the e-learning service provider which offers a one-stop service for business and IT education programmes, corporate training courses and education-related services. By combining innovative technology with world-class training content, PurpleTrain.com offers companies and individuals a high value, quality and effective online training solution. Over 1000 online courses are available, offering PhDs, masters, degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and IT programmes. Its e-community now stands at over 42,000 users. PurpleTrain.com is a 100%-owned venture of Informatics Holdings Limited,
a leading training and education provider listed on the Singapore Stock
Exchange. Cheryl Lee Marketing & PR Manager PurpleTrain.com Email : pr@purpletrain.com Website : www.purpletrain.com www.informaticsgroup.com All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of
their respective owners. Certain of the statements in this press release
are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated. |