Find your perfect college degree
In this article, we will be covering...
Historically, web-based college programs have led to fulfilling career paths, supporting the notion that the efficacy of online learning is at par with face-to-face education. Proving this, there are studies that have revealed that there are no substantial differences found between online training and classroom-style instruction.
Now, you may have encountered this question: “Should I take my classes online or should I stick to the brick-and-mortar style of learning? Will web-based education work for you? Deciding on the best college for online degrees will help shape your future.
The Lowdown
Are you at a crossroads? Don’t know what to do next? Perhaps you are like many others… You would like to earn a college degree that will get you a good return on your money. College degrees are a dime a dozen; however, not all will allow you to earn a lucrative living AND provide job security.
In addition, consider this: Online degrees are just as relevant today and the traditional campus options. So, don’t shy away from these online distance learning selections that provide college degrees that are IN DEMAND! Check them out!
Online Learning Skyrockets
In an unforeseen turn of events, universities and colleges in the United States and around the globe were urged by local and national governments to close down temporarily due to the pandemic. Reports reveal that this mandate is affecting roughly 90% of the world’s total learners.
In the wake of the nationwide college closures, educators and school administrators shifted their programs and coursework to a learning platform that ensures continuous access: online.
Although deemed a temporary solution, the rapid shift from conventional, in-person classes to digital learning is projected to create a lasting and profound impact on the country’s educational system. Experts say online learning could be the “new normal,” as students learn to acquaint themselves with it.
Even some schools and universities that already offered online classes and courses prior to the pandemic have now shifted to full-time online virtual programs.
Online Learning Benefits
One thing that would discourage you from taking online courses and earning online degrees is a lack of experience. If you’re used to the conventional setup, you are likely to be apprehensive about the prospect of online learning. You might have doubts about it.
Here are the upsides of distance learning to help you get started or keep you confident if you’re an online student earning your undergraduate degree:
Career growth
Studies show that 44% of students who studied online have reported having better jobs after completion of online study. 45% of all online students have received a pay increase, and 47% of those who graduated in online programs have received job promotions.
These statistics are realistically promising, and there are far way more opportunities waiting for you after you finish your online programs.
Cheaper Tuition
Generally speaking, online tuition fees are cheaper than campus-based education. This is primarily due to lower overhead expenses needed to operate the programs.
It follows that when you won’t need to go to the campus, you can also save up on transportation costs, and other fees for course materials.
There are also a lot of flexible options for you to complete your program in less time. One of which is through transfer credit. It is the accreditation of your previous experiences whether it’s on-job training or a previous accelerated subject.
Flexibility
In a classroom style of learning, most of the class meetings have already been fixed and set and you can’t change it so you have to work your way around the schedules.
On the contrary, with distance learning, you get to plot your own schedule depending on your availability. If you are tied up with other commitments, then this sure is the best way to go.
This allows for better time management that allows you to enjoy your life outside of school. You can even indulge in some new hobbies and live that balanced life you’re aiming for.
Networking Opportunities
Studying online elicits numerous opportunities to form networks with other students overseas. This will allow you to collaborate on some ideas and projects with different individuals coming from different continents.
It’s a win-win situation since this exposure and setup can allow you to know more about other countries’ cultures as well.
Demonstrated Self-Motivation
You’re proving that you can manage your time and be self-motivated by completing your master’s degree online, which are two of the top ten employability qualities companies look for in recruits.
You demonstrate your ability to handle numerous activities, manage priorities, and adjust to changing work situations by getting an online degree.
New Technical Skills
Your online degree also means you have extraordinary technological abilities, a major advantage for any job seeker. You’ll probably have to use digital learning resources, master new tools and applications, and solve common problems as part of your education.
An employer may trust you to know how to use popular collaborative tools, content management systems, and basic troubleshooting after a program’s worth of technological challenges, large and small.
15 Most Sought-after Online Programs
Higher education as an industry underwent drastic changes over the last few decades, primarily because of the onset of technology and tech-driven consumers or students. As you adapt to the change, you have to decide on a degree that will lead to favorable career pathways.
Below are 15 online degrees and programs that are in demand, all of which give excellent chances at employment. This list consists of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate and diploma programs that promise stable and lucrative careers.
To help you make better academic decisions, this list also highlights the high-ranking schools and best colleges for online degrees that offer such programs.
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Business Administration majors acquire education and training in the areas of management, leadership, business ethics, economics, accounting, international business, and more. This online program encompasses a broad range of topics that equip students with in-depth knowledge of business operations. A business degree is ideal for the budding entrepreneur!
An Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration qualifies you to run your own business or oversee management operations in industries such as manufacturing, banking, information systems, and e-commerce.
The job demand for business graduates with an Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree is projected to rise to 8% by 2032. The average income for this occupation is $76,850 per year and is higher than most of the median wages reported in 2022, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
These top-rated online universities offer the Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:
Illinois Online – Norwich University Online – University of Florida Online
Online Bachelor of Programming and Computer Science
If you are interested in learning about computers and in the analysis and development of software and hardware, the Online Bachelor of Programming and Computer Science is your best degree option.
According to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), there are many benefits to studying computer science, and the growth of this industry is borderless and limitless. Businesses and employers in the Information technology industry these days are continually hiring programmers and software developers.
Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the computer science field earn an average of $100,530 and this is projected to grow by 13% in the coming years until 2032.
Some of the top-rated universities that offer online computer science degree programs in Programming and Computer Science are the following:
Harvard University – University of Florida – Oregon State University
Online Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
There is continuous growth in the construction industry as demand for buildings and infrastructures, roads, and utility site projects. With a Master’s in Civil Engineering, you obtain advanced competencies for a wide range of specializations to match your interest.
The core classes focus on various engineering principles and processes in the areas of construction engineering, infrastructure management, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering. Such expertise will give you a professional advantage and land you in top engineering firms.
Now even in the comforts of your own home, you earn a Master’s in Civil Engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is said that a civil engineer earns approximately $89,940 annually and higher, depending on the firm and company you are working for.
Schools and universities that offer great quality education for a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering are as follows:
Kennesaw State University – University of Central Florida – Michigan State University
Online Master’s Degree in Data Science Program
Data Science involves extracting, analyzing, planning, and managing data to be used for insights and strategies implemented by companies. This online degree will showcase subjects in statistical analytics, risk analysis, data mining, and machine learning.
Data science also requires some basic knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and information technology, as they all collaborate together.
The job of Data Scientist is one of the highest in-demand jobs and provides a lucrative living at $108,020 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top-ranking schools offer Online Master’s Degrees in Data Science, including:
University of Denver – University of Southern California – University of Virginia
Online Human Resources Management Degree Programs
It is estimated that the demand for Human Resource Management positions will rise by 9% within the next 10 years. Businesses worldwide focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and improving employee turnover, so they continue to need HR managers who can help develop strategies that can increase employees’ productivity.
If you decide to pursue this career path, you can enroll in an Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management program featuring courses in HR laws and regulations, career management, job training, and work systems. The average pay that an HR manager earns annually is $130,000.
Look over some of the best schools that offer the Online Human Resources program such as:
Michigan State University – Walden University
Online Certified Nursing and Health Care Assistant Programs
Often called “nursing aides”, these certified nursing assistants provide health care such as bathing, feeding, and grooming patients, especially for the aging population. They collaborate along with the other front liners of the hospital.
The training online includes thorough discussions of the tasks that you need to perform as you assist doctors and nurses. Some tasks include support in diagnostic procedures and technical treatments of the patients.
If you are aiming to proceed to a nursing degree, this certification will prepare and lead you to that path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals reported earning an average of $28,000 to $46,000 per year for this job. Many healthcare professionals start as aides and transition as registered nurses.
Several high-ranking schools that offer programs in Online Certified Nursing Assistance are as follows:
University of Louisville – Pima Medical Institute – Howard Community College
Online Clinical Psychology Programs
There is a high demand for psychologists and counselors in different areas and fields of industry in society. If you prefer to follow this path, you can land a job in a private business sector, schools, or educational institutions, or you may practice being a general psychologist and open your own clinic.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary of a clinical psychologist is around $85,330 annually.
Different degree and diploma or certificate programs are available online which are specialized in Cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, child development, human psychology, and other areas of study.
Some of the top-rated schools that offer Online Clinical Psychology are the following:
Florida Tech Online – Walden University
Online Software Engineering Programs
Another promising and booming field of expertise in today’s current technological era is software development. It is the best time for you to take advantage of upgrading your skills and specializing in one of the branches of information technology.
If you enroll in this distance learning program, you will have a chance to develop additional knowledge in any agile software development techniques, Python and Java programming languages, and mobile app development for Android.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for software developers is $124,200. It is projected to grow even higher until the year 2032. Whether you are interested in computer engineering or software engineering, now is the time to earn your college degree!
Here are some qualified schools offering Online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering:
Boston University – Western Governors University – Pennsylvania State University
Online Communication Degree Programs
Having a degree in Communications depicts a wider and more diverse career path for you to take. It is all about conveying effective information to your target audience and you may work in several fields of industries. Depending on your preference, you can specialize in fields such as Journalism, Economics, and Social Media.
Communications managers earn roughly an average of $66,240 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here are some of the high-ranking universities that offer Online Communication degrees and certificate programs:
Harvard University – University of Louisville – University of Florida
Online Cybersecurity Degrees and Certificate Programs
Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand as more cyber-attacks are becoming commonplace in different industries worldwide. As much as all companies would like to build a secure server and system, no company is immune to such occurrences.
The statistics at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that jobs related to information security are bound to grow by 32% through the year 2032, and this is unsurprisingly increasing as more companies are adding digital platforms to their business operations.
There are many job occupations that you can land with this course; you can work as a cybersecurity engineer or an information security analyst which earns approximately $112,000 on average.
The following universities offer great quality education in Online Cybersecurity degrees and programs:
Drexel University – Boston University
Online Web Design Certificate Programs
A web designer is responsible for creating websites and developing associated applications and platforms. In most cases, they work as independent contractors, however; it’s possible to work for a variety of industries too.
Nowadays, businesses and companies always make sure to be visible and active on the World Wide Web, and this is why these employers need to hire web designers.
A web designing course will introduce different courses such as basic creation of webpages, computer programming, graphic design, cyber law, and web page creation. The average salary for web developers is $80,730 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top-rated online schools offer Online Web Design programs, including:
Shaw Academy – American Graphics Institute – Rappahannock Community College
Online Machine Learning Certificate Program
If you are the type of person who is up for some challenging machine learning, then this online course is compatible with you. We live in a world where automation is currently trending and everything is improvised according to convenience.
Society is changing and welcoming the new generation of AI concepts and machinery. That is why if you choose to pursue this specific expertise, you will have a plate full of career opportunities. This course conceptualizes learning algorithms, solving constrained optimization problems, ethical implications of using machines in everyday tasks.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that machine learning jobs, such as computer and information research scientists, are some of the fastest-growing and the highest-earning jobs available. Because of its high demand, more courses online are made available for students who are interested. The annual earnings are lucrative at $136,620.
Here are the top-rated universities that offer Online Machine Learning courses:
MIT Professional Education – Stanford University Online – Harvard University Online
Online Digital Marketing Certificate Programs
The job market for digital marketing is noticeably booming. The digital skills have been widened and broadened and there are many brands and businesses that have shifted from traditional marketing to digital.
There are a lot of benefits why you might want to partake in this career, considering the higher pay and wider array of job opportunities, and of course, this is continually growing and expanding in the near future.
The digital marketing course will provide you with knowledge and confidence in pursuing different marketing concepts. Similar to traditional marketing, it entails strategies to sell a brand, product, or service. But instead of sticking to the basics and classic methods, the digital platform is filled with creative and exciting ways of marketing.
The median salary for this job is $124,046 depending on certifications, years of experience, and the industry that you work in.
These are some of the high-quality education providers of the Online Certification in Digital Marketing:
Harvard Extension School – University of Wisconsin Stout – American Marketing Association
Online Blockchain Development Certificate Programs
Another information technology-related course is the BlockChain Developer Program. A blockchain developer’s job is geared towards developing and augmenting blockchain protocols.
In this course, you will learn how to create blockchain systems and create web applications with the support of blockchain technology. Choosing this as your occupation situates you at a cutting edge since the demand for this job is increasing as well.
The potential growth of blockchain in the future will have a huge impact on the way the system of businesses operates. Blockchain management is more than just dealing with cryptocurrencies. The average salaries for blockchain developers start at $110,000 annually for beginners.
Top-rank school offering an Online BlockChain Developer Program include the following:
Online Project Management Certificate Programs
Project managers have always been in high demand. They are the key person who manages and maintains the project goals and objectives to be fulfilled. There are several constraints that bind a project; therefore, it is crucial to hire someone who can deal with everything effectively. This course will enhance your organizational skills. You will acquire optimum problem-solving abilities.
The Project Management Institute reports that there is an ongoing high number of hiring for project managers by 2032. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, project managers earn an average of $98,580 yearly or more, depending on the industry they enter.
The following universities provide programs for Online Project Management Certificates.
Bellevue University, in particular, offers a number of undergraduate and graduate online degree programs for project management, as well as certificate and training programs.
University of Texas – Colorado State University-Global – Bellevue University
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an occupation “in demand?”
If you are considering degrees for the future, there are two main points that make a job “in demand,” such as:
- For many occupations, there are not enough employees to fill them… qualified personnel that is. Hence, the idea is that in order to fill them, students should consider earning a college degree or certificate with the idea that full-time employment will be available upon graduation.
- Also, job projections tell economists what the job outlook and growth rate will be in the future. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is skilled in making job growth predictions over the next ten years based on past and future trends.
What are some concentrations I should consider in a degree or certificate program?
Depending on the job description, you may need to earn a degree or consider completing a certificate program. There are many occupations to consider. They come in a wide range of educational levels, such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Communication Engineering
- Market Research Analysts
- Computer Engineers
- Chemical Engineering
- Information Systems Manager
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Construction Management
- Biomedical Engineering
- Management Information Systems
- Medical Professionals & Health Information Technology
- Data Analysis
- Industrial Engineers
- Civil Engineers
What are the top five career fields exhibiting job growth now?
According to Forbes magazine, here are the five top fields:
- Healthcare Industry
- Information Technology
- Supply Chain Management
- Financial Management
- Actuarial and Statistician
Summary Points
- Earning a bachelor’s degree can be costly; therefore, choosing an online degree that will reimburse your college tuition plus help you earn a living… a definite plus.
- There are many types of lucrative college majors for one to consider.
- A college degree or certificate program can help you begin your career, advance your career, or help you make a career change.
Additional Resources:
