Online Degrees in Illinois (IL)

Illinois leaders recognize economic growth depends on a skilled workforce able to perform tasks required in a high-tech, knowledge-based economy. According to the Public Agenda, Illinois has traditionally relied on educated individuals moving into the state to meet the need for innovators and skilled workers. However, the state is looking to change that by implementing a number of ambitious higher education initiatives to help workers get training for high demand jobs.

1. Complete College America (CCA). Illinois is a member of this national organization, which supports dramatically improving college completion rates. Illinois plans to "increase the number of postsecondary credentials and better integrate the state's research and innovation assets with colleges and universities in the state to help rebuild the economy."
2. Pathways to Results (PTR). An Illinois technical education program that leads students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers.
3. Shifting Gears. A multi-state educational effort, this program links "education, workforce development and economic development" to support bridge programs that help adult learners transition to higher education and receive training and credentials for high demand jobs.

Illinois' Public Agenda report found significant regional disparities in educational attainment in the state, with income and educational attainment concentrated in the Chicago area and around major universities. As one step toward reducing these geographic differences, the state aims to expand access to college degrees for students in rural areas or students with difficulty relocating by improving distance education options and expanding access to computers and technology.

The state has a number of initiatives and tools for online degrees in Illinois.

1. Illinois Community Colleges Online (ILCCO). This consortium of Illinois community colleges shares online courses and programs.
2. Illinois Virtual Campus. This partnership of Illinois colleges and universities provides comprehensive information about online courses and distance education offered in the state via a searchable database.
3. Illinois Online Network (ION). This network supports online education throughout the world by providing comprehensive professional development for online teaching and learning faculty and assistance for schools that want to include web-based technologies in their curricula.
4. Career and Academic Readiness System (CARS). Online coursework in basic academic skills--math, English, reading and writing--for community college students enrolled in developmental education courses, adult education students who want to transfer into higher education or advance in the workplace, or high schools students who are preparing for college-level coursework.

Manufacturing, finance, technology and agriculture are all top industries in Illinois, home to 31 Fortune 500 companies. Because of the state's central location on the Great Lakes and access to the Mississippi River as well as O'Hare International Airport, it is also a major hub for distribution and warehousing.

Illinois ranks #1 in the Midwest for exports and foreign direct investment, with exports totaling nearly $49.8 billion in 2010, according to a June 21, 2011 press release. In the press release, Governor Pat Quinn reaffirmed the state's commitment to remaining active in the global market, saying "Our state's continued economic vitality depends on our ability to build key global partnerships. To continue to grow and lead in the 21st century, we must continue to take every step necessary to increase our exports, ultimately doubling them by 2015."

In May 2011, Governor Quinn also launched the Illinois Innovation Network, which provides support for new business startups. He urged business and education leaders to "accelerate innovative economic development and job creation efforts in the state's flourishing startup sector." In response to President Obama's entrepreneurship "call to action," Illinois was the first state in the nation to launch its own Startup America initiative to support innovation and entrepreneurship by leveraging resources at the state and federal levels.

The job picture in Illinois is on the path to recovery, according to the May 2011 Illinois Economic Review, published by the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. The highest growth rates from 2011 through 2012 are expected to be in professional and business services; education and health; and trade, transportation and utilities.

For associate degree holders, the top three jobs with the most projected openings in Illinois between 2008 and 2018 are in health care occupations. For individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher, education, business and finance take the top spots, according to Department of Labor data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following 2010 mean annual salaries in Illinois for these careers with the most job openings:

• Registered nurses: $66,660
• Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants: $24,250
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $41,080
• Elementary school teachers: $59,460
• Secondary school teachers: $67,110
• Accountants and auditors: $70,970

According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, there are expected to be approximately 418,000 new jobs requiring post-secondary education in Illinois between 2008 and 2018 compared to only 148,000 for workers with no college training. Illinois is committed to helping students throughout the state get an affordable and accessible education to qualify for tomorrow's jobs.