The Best Online Degrees
The last Survey of Online
Learning by the Babson Survey Research Group shows that nearly six million
students take at least one course online. Just over 28% of students in higher
education take at least one online course, with more and more students taking
online courses at major, public non-profit universities.
Today, students attending online
colleges report the highest level of satisfaction with their college education
experience — 21 percentage points higher than students who attend
traditionally!
Students all over the world
pursue online college degrees in fields like business, information technology,
engineering, healthcare, criminal justice, and political science. Which of the
online college degrees should you choose if you hopenter a new career or
advance at your workplace? Decisions like these are challenging, so to help, we
put together this list of the 25 best online college degree programs. We base
our selections on many different factors, including salary, employer demand for
the online degree, employment growth in fields relevant to the degree,
interesting subject matter, and job satisfaction for jobs associated with the
degree. The list includes master's and bachelor's online degree programs and a
couple of associate's degree online programs.
Accounting
Best Online Associate in
Accounting Programs
Degrees: Associate in Accounting;
Bachelor's in Accounting; Master's in Accounting.
Description: Students who earn
online degrees in accounting gain a foundation in business and commerce. An
accounting degree prepares students to manage money and offer consultation in a
wide range of settings.
Graduates of accounting programs
pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and accounting for
government organizations. Accounting professionals need in-depth knowledge of
tax laws and processes to succeed. Accounting professionals ensure that the
books stay balanced and that all monetary transactions remain lawful.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Accountant - $68,150
Accounting clerk - $38,390
Budget analyst - $73,840
Financial examiner - $79,280
Financial manager - $121,750
Financial planner - $90,530
Business Administration
Degrees: Associate in Business
Administration; Bachelor's in Business Administration; Master's in Business
Administration.
Description: An online degree in
business administration prepares students for careers in leadership. At the
associate level, students develop key managerial and administrative knowledge
and skills, preparing for middle-management jobs. At the bachelor's level,
students prepare for upper-level management positions. With a master's degree,
students may lead entire companies.
Business administration programs
focus on business leadership and operation. These online college degree programs
blend leadership models with business theory and practical application. Many
include field experience opportunities and concentration options.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Chief executive officer -
$103,950
Compensation and benefits manager
- $116,240
Financial manager - $121,750
Human resources manager -
$106,910
Marketing manager - $127,560
Sales manager - $117,960
Counseling
The 8 Best Online Bachelor's in
Counseling Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Counseling;
Master's in Counseling; Master's in Educational Counseling.
Description: Online degrees in
counseling prepare students to aid clients in understanding how to succeed both
physically and mentally over a lifetime. While counselors in different areas of
practice offer different, niche services, the fundamental goal of helping
people through counseling services remains steady across all discipline areas.
Individuals interested in
studying counseling choose from programs in several areas, including general
counseling, mental health and substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation
counseling, school and career counseling, or marriage and family counseling.
Counseling programs typically incorporate theoretical and practical coursework,
as well as research and field experience.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Marriage and family therapist -
$49,170
Mental health/substance abuse
counselor - $42,150
Rehabilitation counselor -
$34,670
School/career counselor - $54,560
Criminal Justice
image of handcuffs and gavel
illustrating criminal justice
Degrees: Associate in Criminal
Justice; Bachelor's in Criminal Justice; Master's in Criminal Justice.
Description: Online criminal
justice degrees provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to
pursue criminal justice careers. For individuals passionate about maintaining
societal order, this field of study leads to lucrative, lifelong careers.
At the associate level, students
focus on the functional and practical aspects of the criminal justice systems,
including police officer and correctional officer training. Moving up to a
master's degree, students gain the knowledge required for success in
administrative roles in criminal justice. Graduates of the best online degrees
in criminal justice maintain societal order through an array of jobs and
functions on the street, in the penal system, and in government.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Correctional officer - $42,820
Crime scene investigator -
$81,490
Police officer - $61,600
Private detective - $48,190
Early Childhood Education
The Best Online Early Childhood
Education Bachelor's Degree Programs
Degrees: Associate in Early Childhood
Education; Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education; Master's in Early Childhood
Education.
Description: For individuals who
enjoy working with very young children, an online associate, bachelor's, or
master's degree in early childhood education provides entry into a rewarding
career.
Early childhood education degrees
focus on the educational and developmental needs of preschool children.
Students in these programs typically engage in a blend of coursework and field
experience. At the graduate level, students also complete research projects.
Some programs provide specialization options, allowing students to pursue study
in special education, early intervention, or early childhood care program
administration.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Childcare center director -
$45,790
Childcare worker - $21,170
Preschool teacher - $28,790
Special education teacher -
$57,910
Teacher assistant - $25,410
Education
online master's in elementary
education
Degrees: Bachelor's in Education,
Master's in Education.
Description: An online master's
in education prepares students to pursue advanced, specialized roles in
education, in addition to teaching.
Master's in education programs
assume that students already possess practical experience in teaching through a
bachelor's degree and through work experience. These programs, resulting in a
MA or MS degree, build knowledge and skills through examining theories of
education, research, and contemporary issues in education.
Students should not confuse these
degrees with an MA in teaching, which focuses primarily on the in-class
experience. Master's in education programs typically incorporate a
specialization, such as curriculum and instruction, school counseling, leadership
and administration, or higher education. Furthermore, not all master's in
education programs focus on education in schools; some focus on education in
the workplace.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Instructional coordinator -
$62,460
Postsecondary education
administrator - $90,760
Postsecondary teacher - $75,430
School principal - $92,510
Special education teacher -
$57,910
Training and development manager
- $105,830
Educational Administration
Online Master's in Educational
Administration
Degrees: Master's in Educational
Administration; Master's in Educational Leadership.
Description: An online master's
in educational administration or education leadership develops the knowledge
necessary to lead educational programs and organizations.
Students typically enter these
programs with work experience and seek to advance professionally. These
programs prepare students for administrative roles at the college level, as
well as for directing employee training programs in corporations or agencies.
The best online degrees in this field typically include a blend of coursework,
fieldwork, and research -- examining theories of education, educational
administration, and their applications.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Instructional coordinator -
$62,460
Postsecondary education
administrator - $90,760
Postsecondary teacher - $75,430
School principal - $92,510
Training and development manager
- $105,830
Finance
What Can I do with a Finance
Degree?
Degrees: Bachelor's in Finance;
Master's in Finance.
Description: As with accounting,
students who study finance gain expertise in handling money. However, while
accountants keep the books balanced, financial professionals typically focus on
how businesses or individuals use their existing money to invest.
An online bachelor's or master's
in finance prepares students to engage with finance in a variety of roles. Some
students specialize in financial analysis and examine how corporations use
their finances, offering consultation based on the analysis. Others take a more
administrative role as financial managers or focus on investment, brokerage,
and loan management. Regardless, students develop in-depth knowledge of
markets, money, theories of growth and decline, and how to employ the knowledge
safely, legally, and profitably.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Financial analyst - $81,760
Financial examiner - $79,280
Financial manager - $121,750
Loan officer - $63,650
Personal financial advisor -
$90,530
Securities, commodities, and
financial services sales agent - $67,310
Graphic Design
The Best Online Graphic Design
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Degrees: Associate's in Graphic
Design, Bachelor's in Graphic Design.
Description: With an online
bachelor's in graphic design students engage in an interdisciplinary study that
combines elements of art, design, business, and marketing.
Bachelor's in graphic design
programs blend coursework, portfolio projects, and field experience to prepare
students for a range of careers. For individuals seeking to apply their
artistic passion and skills professionally, a graphic design degree offers the
necessary technical and practical knowledge. Individuals with graphic design
degrees may find success as freelancers or in a variety of full-time positions
at corporations, marketing agencies, or non-profit organizations.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Art director - $89,820
Graphic designer - $47,640
Industrial designer - $67,790
Marketing manager - $131,180
Video editor - $59,040
Health Informatics
Degrees: Bachelor's in Health
Informatics, Master's in Health Informatics.
Description: With the constant
advances being made in medicine and the growth of the healthcare space, the
volume of data needing managed has increased. An online bachelor's in health
informatics prepares students for careers in storing, organizing, and analyzing
health data.
Health informatics sits at the
intersection of information technology and healthcare science. Health
informatics professionals must understand enough from both fields to
effectively organize, analyze, and utilize health data in diverse settings.
Students in these programs engage with curricula that combine the practical and
theoretical aspects of technology with healthcare. A bachelor's in health
informatics prepares students for careers, as well future graduate study.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Clinical informatics manager -
$135,800
Medical records and health
information technician - $38,040
Health Services
Best Online Bachelor's in Health
Services Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Health
Services.
Description: An online bachelor's
in health services degree takes a broad approach to the study of the healthcare
industry.
Though students in these programs
may immediately pursue a career, many use a bachelor's in health services to
prepare for graduate study in a specialized field. Because of this, many
bachelor's in health services programs come with specialization options in
areas like healthcare administration, medical informatics, emergency medicine,
or mental health. Regardless, students with online college degrees in this
space earn a strong foundation for roles in the health professions.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Medical and health services
manager - $96,540
Healthcare Administration
The 10 Best Online Associate's in
Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Healthcare
Administration, Master's in Healthcare Administration
Description: Online bachelor's
and master's degrees in healthcare administration prepare students for
leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
Graduates of these programs enter
careers as hospital or medical practice administrators, but may also apply
their knowledge in human resources or social services. These programs utilize
curricula that covers the intricacies of the business end of healthcare. Rather
than working as doctors or physician assistants, healthcare administration
professionals blend medicine, business administration, and insurance to oversee
healthcare staff and ensure that healthcare organizations run smoothly.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Administrative services manager -
$90,050
Human resources manager -
$106,910
Medical and health services
manager - $96,540
Social service manager - $64,680
Healthcare Management
The Best Online MBA in Healthcare
Management Degree Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Healthcare
Management, MBAs in Healthcare Management.
Description: An online bachelor's
in healthcare management prepares students to pursue managerial roles in a
variety of healthcare settings.
Students in healthcare management
programs develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform crucial roles in
the management of health clinics and hospitals. Though related to healthcare
administration, healthcare management programs emphasize the management of
healthcare services as a whole, rather than the specific management of staff.
Bachelor's in healthcare
management programs include interdisciplinary curricula, drawing on principles
of medicine and business -- as well as research and field experience
components. Some programs include unique specialization options that prepare
students for careers in niche disciplines.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Medical and health services
manager - $96,540
Human Resources
Human Resources Specialist
Degrees: Bachelor's in Human
Resources; Master's in Human Resources.
Description: Individuals with an
online degree in human resources study the lifeblood of all businesses and
organizations: people.
Human resources professionals
ensure that businesses run smoothly by taking care of the people that
constitute the business. With a bachelor's or master's in human resources
degree, students prepare for administrative or managerial careers that ensure
that employees receive fair treatment, timely payment, streamlined benefits,
and a forum for reporting. Human resources professionals exist at multiple
levels in corporations, including entry-level, middle-management, and
executive-level roles.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Administrative services manager -
$90,050
Compensation and benefits manager
- $116,240
Human resources manager -
$106,910
Training and development manager
- $105,830
Human Services
Degrees: Bachelor's in Human
Services, Master's in Human Services.
Description: As the name
suggests, an online bachelor's in human services degree prepares students to
serve others in several general and niche professions.
Online bachelor degree programs
in human services focus on the analysis and improvement of state support
systems and services. Individuals in this field study community and society as
a whole and offer services like career counseling, substance abuse counseling,
and medical assistance to clients. Many bachelor's in human services programs
offer specialization options and blend coursework with field experience.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Marriage and family therapist -
$49,170
Mental health/substance abuse
counselor $42,150
Rehabilitation counselor -
$34,670
School/career counselor - $54,560
Social and community service
manager - $64,680
Social worker - $46,890
Sociologist - $79,750
Information Technology
Degrees: Associate in Information
Technology; Bachelor's in Information Technology; Bachelor's in Computer
Science; Master's in Information Technology.
Description: In the age of cloud
computing, smartphones, cybercrime, and technological advancement, the demand
for knowledgeable information technology professionals remains high.
With an online degree in
information technology or computer science, students develop the in-depth
technical knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at meeting the
technological needs of corporations, government agencies, banks and financial
organizations, and schools. Graduates of these programs emerge with an in-depth
understanding of the operation, integration, and maintenance of computers and
technology.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Computer and information systems
manager - $135,800
Computer network architect -
$101,210
Computer programmer - $79,840
Computer support specialist -
$52,160
Computer systems analyst -
$87,220
Database administrator - $84,950
Information security analyst -
$92,600
Network and computer systems
administrator - $79,700
Management
Degrees: Associate in Management;
Bachelor's in Management; Master's in Management.
Description: Individuals holding
an online degree in management guide organizations toward growth, development,
and profit.
Online degree programs in
management cover fundamental management concepts, including personnel
management, financial management, human resources management, organizational
management, and marketing management. Many online college degree programs
provide students with concentration options to focus their studies in specific
management areas. With an associate or bachelor's degree in management,
graduates pursue entry-level management positions or prepare for future
graduate study.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Financial analyst - $81,760
Financial manager - $121,750
Human resources manager -
$106,910
Management analyst - $81,330
Marketing manager - $127,560
Sales manager - $117,960
Sales representative - $60,530
Marketing
Best Online Master's in Marketing
Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Marketing;
Master's in Marketing.
Description: Without effective
marketing, corporations fail to sell their product or services. Individuals
with a bachelor's in marketing provide the expertise necessary for implementing
successful marketing strategies.
A bachelor's in marketing online
degree program covers theoretical and practical approaches to marketing.
Graduates of these programs learn how to develop and execute marketing and
advertising strategies and campaigns, manage marketing teams, and direct public
relations. A bachelor's in marketing prepares students to enter a range of
careers and pursue future graduate study and professional advancement.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Management analyst - $81,330
Marketing manager - $127,560
Public relations and fundraising
manager - $107,320
Public relations specialist -
$58,020
Sales manager - $117,960
Sales representative - $60,530
Medical Assisting
Degrees: Associate in Medical
Assisting; Bachelor's in Healthcare Management.
Description: Medical assistants
help ensure that medical practices function effectively by performing a variety
of helpful duties.
With an online associate in
medical assisting degree, individuals earn the education necessary to enter
careers as medical assistants in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and
residential treatment centers. Medical assistants support doctors and nurses by
performing clinical and administrative duties, including greeting patients,
preparing exam rooms, updating records, and scheduling appointments.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Medical assistant - $31,540
Medical Coding
Best Medical Billing and Coding
Programs
Degrees: Associate in Medical
Coding; Certificate/Diploma in Medical Coding.
Description: With an online
associate degree in medical coding, or a certificate or diploma, students learn
to navigate the complex world of medical coding and health insurance.
Accurate medical coding ensures
that patients receive the coverage and benefits owed to them by their health
insurance providers. Medical coding professionals communicate between health
insurance companies and medical offices to determine coverage, code bills, and
settle payment and billing disputes.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Medical/clinical coder - $38,040
Nursing
Nursing Careers
Degrees: Bachelor's in Nursing
(RN to BSN); Master's in Nursing (RN required).
Description: Online bachelor's in
nursing and master's in nursing programs allow students to build on existing
knowledge obtained through becoming a registered nurse (RN) -- and to earn a
degree that expands their career potential.
Individuals may become registered
nurses through completing an associate program and passing registered nurse
certification. Without a bachelor's or a master's degree, however, many nurses
find their career opportunities limited. After earning these degrees, graduates
pursue careers as nurse practitioners, nurse instructors, nurse administrators
or managers, and as specialized nurses in a variety of areas.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Medical and health services
manager - $96,540
Nurse instructor - $69,130
Nurse
practitioner/anesthetist/midwife - $107,460
Registered nurse - $68,450
Project Management
Degrees: Bachelor's in Project
Management; Master's in Project Management.
Description: Businesses rely on
project managers to oversee projects efficiently and accurately. Online college
degrees at the BA or MA level in project management help students develop the
knowledge and skills necessary to fill crucial roles in businesses and
agencies.
Project management online degree
programs blend coursework, research projects, and field experience to engage
students with fundamental concepts in the field. Project management
professionals pursue careers in marketing, logistics, sales, technology, and
construction. Accordingly, project management online degree programs often
provide specialization options.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Construction manager - $89,300
Computer and information systems
manager - $135,800
Logistician - $74,170
Marketing manager - $127,560
Management analyst - $81,330
Sales manager - $117,960
Psychology
The Best Online Bachelor in
Psychology Degree Programs
Degrees: Associate in Psychology;
Bachelor's in Psychology; Bachelor's in Behavioral Psychology; Master's in
Psychology; Doctorate in Psychology.
Description: Students earning an
online degree in psychology pursue a wide array of careers engaged in helping
people through the application of psychological principles.
At the undergraduate level,
students engage with fundamental concepts in psychology and develop a
foundation of knowledge useful in their careers and graduate study. At the
graduate level, students engage with advanced concepts, research, and
fieldwork, often specializing in specific areas. Even for students not seeking
psychology careers, the concepts gained from earning a degree in psychology
prove useful in fields like business and law.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Marriage and family therapist -
$49,170
Mental health/substance abuse
counselor - $42,150
Psychologist - $75,230
Psychology professor - $75,730
Rehabilitation counselor -
$34,670
School/career counselor - $54,560
Public Health
Public Health degrees
Degrees: Master's in Public Health.
Description: For individuals
interested in spreading health awareness, engaging in advocacy, and pushing for
policy changes, a master's in public health may be one of the best online
degrees available.
Public health combines aspects of
medicine, community organizing, education, and public policy to maintain and
improve the health of communities. Public health professionals work in schools,
nonprofit groups, research labs, and government to serve people's health
interests. Master's in public health programs often provide routes for
specialization, allowing students to pursue careers in health education, public
policy, epidemiology, public health research, and biostatistics.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Biostatistician - $80,500
Epidemiologist - $70,820
Health educator - $44,390
Medical and health services
manager - $96,540
Medical scientist - $80,530
Occupational health and safety
specialist - $66,820
Social Work
The Best Online Doctorate in
Social Work Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's of Social
Worker; Master's in Social Work.
Description: With an online
master's in social work, students prepare to pursue careers engaged in helping
people at all stages of life.
While many graduates of social
work programs pursue careers as social workers, graduates may also perform
similar roles in different, relevant areas of practice, including counseling,
community services, and probation. Some social work programs provide
specialization options to pursue niche areas of practice. Regardless, a
master's in social work helps students assess the needs of clients and aid them
in accessing the resources that enable them to develop and achieve their goals.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Marriage and family therapist -
$49,170
Mental health/substance abuse
counselor - $42,150
Probation officer - $50,160
Rehabilitation counselor -
$34,670
School/career counselor - $54,560
Social and community service
manager - $64,680
Social worker - $46,890
Theology
Best Online Theology Doctorate
Programs
Degrees: Bachelor's in Theology;
Master's in Theology; Master's of Divinity.
Description: For individuals who
feel a spiritual calling, an online bachelor's in theology degree serves an
ideal academic path.
With a bachelor's in theology,
graduates enter religious occupations, such as the clergy, but may also pursue
careers in social work or religious education. Offered at religious schools,
bachelor's in theology programs develop in-depth knowledge of religious
concepts and texts, often include field experience, and sometimes come with
unique specialization options.
Example job titles and median
annual pay:
Clergy - $45,740
Social worker - $46,890
Teacher $55,490
⁂
What Are the Best Accredited
Online Colleges?
The Best Schools ranks the best
online colleges in the country in each state for each type of degree. Students
interested in the above programs should check out our ranking articles, such as
the 100 Best Online Colleges for 2018, to determine the school and program that
best fits their personal and professional goals.
Choosing the Best Online Degree
for You
Online degrees provide invaluable
flexibility for busy individuals seeking to advance their education. Interested
in some of these programs? Dive deeper and check out our linked ranking
articles to find the best school for you. Not seeing anything above that fits
your specific needs? No problem. Plenty of degrees at all levels are available
in the online format. Everyone should earn the degree they want from the school
they want, and online degrees make that possible. If you don't see something
above that fits you, check out our other degree and school ranking articles --
in areas like economics, information security and assurance, or graphic design,
for example.
Source : https://thebestschools.org
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