online learning
Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

10 of the Most Valuable Online Degrees

online learning
Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

Having a college degree can improve your earning potential by a great deal.  But the process of gaining a degree is not always possible through traditional means. This can be true for many reasons including cost, work schedules, and other responsibilities.  Online courses can allow you to get a degree when going to a traditional school won’t work.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most valuable online degrees you can pursue. Here are ten examples, in no particular order. We’ve also included some example colleges and universities that either offer comprehensive online degree programs or distance education courses that can be put toward your overall degree.

1. Engineering

Engineering is a very lucrative field and the job outlook is always good for most types of engineers.  Some engineering degrees require lots of hands on work but most of the degree can be completed online where you would just visit the campus occasionally for lab work.  Many schools offer online Masters programs and certificate programs for professionals in this field.

Schools offering these programs:

2. MBAs

An MBA may be just what you need to advance in your job to a management position or begin a career in the business field.  There are many schools that offer online MBAs so you should be able to find a quality program that works for you.

Schools offering these programs:

3. Management (undergraduate)

A degree in management will allow you to get your start in a business career.  This can also allow you to rise in other fields such as retail and hospitality.  No matter what you choose to do in business, a degree in management will give you a well-rounded set of skills that can lead to success.

Schools offering these programs:

4. Finance

Finance is another degree that will allow you to advance in the business world.  An education in finance will give you the knowledge necessary to help organizations manage their resources and make smart investments.  This will prepare you for a variety of careers, including careers in financial services, corporate finances, accounting firms, banking and financial planning.

Schools offering these programs:

5. Marketing

e-learning
Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

A degree in marketing can lead to a career in many exciting fields.  An online degree in marketing can educate you in the areas of advertising, market research, public relations, and communications.  All companies rely on marketing in some way — from copywriting to ad campaigns to search engine optimization — meaning opportunities are seemingly endless.

Schools offering these programs:

6. Architecture

The first step in becoming an architect is gaining a degree from an accredited program.  The skills necessary to become a successful architect include physics, mathematics, and art.  Some architects find a career by joining an architecture firm while others create their own companies and are self-employed.  Architecture is a program that has traditionally required a lot of hands on work so until recently there have not been any online programs available. But more recently, some have emerged.

Schools offering these programs:

7. Nursing

Nursing is a field where there is expected to be increasing jobs in the future.  The medical field is generally a stable job market so getting an online degree in nursing could be just what you need to land a well-paying job.  A nursing degree can lead to jobs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, long-term care centers, and other medical facilities.  If you enjoy working with people and helping others this degree may be a good option. Just know that you’ll likely have to complete hands-on work on campuses in addition to the online portion of the degree.

Schools offering these programs:

8. Computer Science

Computer science is a degree that is easy to obtain online compared to some of the other programs.  A degree in this will prepare you for a job in the booming computer industry.  You could focus on software engineering or computer programming depending on your skills and interests.  With so much today relying on computer technology a degree in this field will be valuable well into the future.  Many schools offer online programs in computer science.

Schools offering these programs:

9. Mathematics

A degree in mathematics will prepare you for a variety of careers.  Mathematicians can find careers in the fields of engineering, education, law enforcement, business, banking, and statistics.  A strong background in math is very attractive to many employers.

Schools offering these programs:

10. Political Science

Political science degrees prepare you for jobs at all levels of government and in many non-profit organizations.  It is also popular amongst those who are considering attending law school.  Other exciting career paths include working for international organizations, law enforcement and teaching.

Schools offering these programs:

While the idea of getting an online degree might be appealing to you, it’s important that you understand a couple of things first. For example, you should know that even online degrees sometimes have short residency requirements where you have to be at the physical school location for a couple of weeks. While this is more affordable than long semesters abroad, it should be factored into any online degree program you choose to pursue. Also, please check each school’s or program’s accreditation before you sign up for an online degree program. Some schools are more reputable than others, meaning the degrees inherently have more value. And with online programs still new to many schools, even respected institutions might not have yet earned accreditation for their online degree programs.

What are your thoughts on online education?  Do you think online degrees compare to those earned through traditional programs?  Have you ever considered attending an online school?

Written by
Jennifer Mattern