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!
Featured Online Schools
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.
Note: We source career and median annual salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The numbers quoted for median annual salary reflect data from surveys taken in 2016.
Accounting
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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/degrees/best-online-degrees/