What Degrees Can You Get Online?

Is there more you’d like to accomplish in your career? Maybe you’re in a job that doesn’t quite satisfy you, or you feel that your pay doesn’t match your potential. Consider going back to school to level up your training and education. A degree from an accredited college or university can be your gateway to an exciting new career. It’s the best way to bridge any skills gap and boost your earning potential.

We get it – earning a degree sounds intimidating. However, in this era of digital advancement, you might wonder about the possibilities of online education. “What degrees can you get online?” is a question many ask, and the answer is surprisingly broad and inclusive. You can escape the traditional classroom and take classes that fit your schedule, learning style, and career goals.

At this time, the internet is a regular part of our daily lives. So, why not use this tool for a quality education? Keep reading to learn what degrees you can earn online and how they can change your professional life.

Article Navigation: Can You Get a Degree Online? | Best Degrees to Get Online | Most Challenging Degrees to Get Online | What to Expect When Applying to an Online College | Is Going to an Online School Worth it? | Start Your Online Degree Today!

Can You Get a Degree Online?

Thanks to innovations in education technology and the internet, online education is becoming the new normal. This shift from traditional campus-based learning to virtual classrooms offers convenience and flexibility. Instead of navigating campus logistics, students can now access their education from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer. The online format, with its mix of live and pre-recorded lectures, allows learners to engage with their studies on their own terms.

When exploring what degrees you can get online, you’ll find the options are vast and diverse. From game wardens to marketers, teachers to data scientists, and professionals in various STEM fields, online degrees cater to a wide array of career goals. The scope of online education reaches across the entire educational spectrum, offering everything from undergraduate degrees to PhDs through distance learning.

Making Higher Education Accessible

Online learning first became available in the 1990s, but it was the 2020 pandemic that marked a significant turning point. As a result, many colleges and universities shifted to online learning. Despite programs returning to in-person teaching, online learning is here to stay, with many schools offering a robust online program catalog to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners.

These degrees aren’t from obscure universities, but are offered by well-respected, accredited universities. For instance, University of Florida, Stanford University, and Stetson University all offer prospective students a broad catalog of online programs, demonstrating the breadth and quality of options available.

Finally, one of the most significant benefits of online education is its ability to level the playing field for a diverse range of students. Older students, veterans, and those who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting find online education particularly exciting. It provides an inclusive environment that accommodates different lifestyles, learning paces, and commitments. For instance, veterans transitioning back to civilian life or older students balancing education with work and family responsibilities can benefit from the flexibility and accessibility of online learning.

Fully Online vs Hybrid Degrees

There are multiple program types when you search for what degrees can you get online. Here are the different options:

Fully online: These are degrees which are completely online. You won’t have to attend a single class or event in person. In fact, every aspect, from lectures to exams and projects, is conducted online. A fully online program is excellent if you have a busy schedule or live far from campus.

Partially online: Numerous degrees to get online involve both in-person and virtual elements. You may attend class each week on campus and receive material online to reinforce what you’ve learned. Students may complete lectures online and then attend live workshops throughout the semester. The delivery method formula will vary in each program.

Hybrid degrees: Many great degrees to get online are hybrid. Hybrid degrees and courses are part of the partially online umbrella. Typically, at least 50% of the program’s activities need to be online for it to be considered hybrid. These are also called blended degrees. These programs blend virtual learning with scheduled in-person sessions, offering a balance of remote convenience and face-to-face interaction.

What to Consider When Earning an Online Degree

There are many things prospective students must consider before they get a degree online. First, they must understand the format of the program, especially if travel is required for partially online or hybrid programs. Additionally, online courses can be synchronous, with set lecture times, or asynchronous, allowing for more flexibility. Choose an online degree with a delivery method that fits your needs. One method may work better for you based on your lifestyle and commitments outside class. While convenient, distance learning requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation.

Finally, consider program length, school reputation, and graduate outcomes. These necessary factors are essential in guiding your decision-making process as you embark on the journey of online education.

Best Degrees to Get Online

If you consider what degrees can you get online, the answer is simple: There are many opportunities. As we stated earlier, you can enroll in a distance program for almost any major under the sun.

Here we will highlight some of the best online degrees available. There is an immense selection of programs with advanced online capabilities. Some of these degrees can be earned fully online, while some may include some in-person elements. Here are some examples:

Computer Science

Consider this field if you want to dive into the programming and computer world. These degrees tackle fascinating topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and different technologies. Therefore, computer science programs are strongly compatible with online education. You can qualify for competitive and high-growth jobs like data scientist.

Business Administration

An associate’s, bachelor’s, or MBA in this field are popular degrees that you can get online. Since most traditional courses involve lectures and projects, students will face little difficulty transitioning to an online setting. Numerous online business programs are highly flexible and engaging. Majors include marketing, finance, accounting, and international business, to list a few. These are some of the best online degree majors for a well-rounded education.

Nursing

Nurse practitioner is a rapidly growing occupation. Their 38% projected ten-year employment growth is well above the national average. Because of the demand, a nursing program is one of the best healthcare degrees you can get online. A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) combines virtual learning with in-person labs and clinical experiences. Many institutions have organizational partnerships around the country. These partnerships make it easier for students to remain close to home while completing residency portions of the programs.

Graphic Design

Multimedia studies fields like graphic design are creative degrees that can be done online. Since many courses are project-based, it’s seamless to complete a program virtually. You can immerse yourself in tools like Adobe Illustrator at your convenience. Also, curriculums include highly visual content which can positively influence student engagement. Many graphic design programs are fully online. This means they are accessible to a wider scope of students.

Education

According to the Department of Education, every state has a strong demand for teachers. Universities paid attention to this need. Many now offer credential programs online. Also, education is one of the top degrees to earn online. You can take coursework for elementary education, special education, or for a single subject from the comfort of your home. Online certificate programs include online coursework, in-person class observations, and practice teaching. Graduates will prepare for the credential examination for the state they wish to teach.

Most Challenging Degrees to Get Online

Now that we’ve shared some of the best degrees to get online, let’s discuss the more challenging degrees to get online. Rigorous curriculums, strict graduation requirements, and extensive time commitments can make these degrees harder in a virtual setting.

Healthcare

While online education offers flexibility and accessibility across many fields, it’s important to recognize that certain healthcare degrees are less suited for a fully online format. Degrees that require extensive hands-on training, such as those in surgery, dentistry, or physical therapy, often cannot be fully replicated in a virtual environment. These professions demand a high level of practical, in-person experience to develop the necessary skills. For instance, the tactile skills required in surgery or the patient interaction skills needed in nursing are best learned through direct, supervised clinical practice.

Even though theoretical components of some of these programs can be effectively taught online, the critical hands-on experiences and clinical rotations must be conducted in person. Therefore, while some aspects of healthcare education can be complemented by online learning, it’s essential for students pursuing these specific healthcare paths to have in-person training to ensure they are fully prepared for their professions.

Engineering

There are many engineering fields you can study. Civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering are just a handful. Despite their wide availability, these STEM programs have demanding coursework. For example, online civil engineering degrees give their students strong foundational knowledge in science and math. Aerospace engineering has immersive research and specialized projects. In addition, engineering programs offer advanced training and numerous hands-on practical experiences. Consider how immensely technical these degrees are before enrolling in an online program.

Degrees in the Sciences

Some candidates pursuing a degree online may consider a science discipline. For instance, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences are highly competitive focus areas. Graduates gain expertise in their respective field and can qualify for numerous high-paying jobs. However, research is a core aspect of these degrees, and these programs include many lab experiments. Due to this, many experiences may be on campus, so you must consider travel time and expenses. On the other hand, there may be virtual options even for these courses. Certain online schools mail at-home lab kits to their students. While this is helpful,  students may need extra assistance or attention from faculty. In these situations, online learning can sometimes make it difficult to have a fully immersive experience.

What to Expect When Applying to an Online College

Initial Research and Program Selection

Enrolling in an online college begins with thorough research. Before submitting an application to a program, make sure that it aligns with your educational and career goals. Both traditional and online programs typically have in-depth websites where you can view faculty, curriculum, graduation outcomes, and application requirements. In addition, you can verify if the program is online or if there are any face-to-face requirements. Give yourself plenty of time to check into each school. Additionally, it’s important to confirm whether the program is entirely online or includes any in-person components. Dedicating ample time to this research phase, and understanding all the facets of the school and program will help you make an informed decision.

Application & Admission Requirements

Application requirements for online degrees vary, but there are common criteria across most programs. For example, qualified candidates need official transcripts, recommendation letters, and a resume to the prospective school. Certain programs require a statement of purpose, test scores and a minimum GPA. Some programs may interview candidates as part of the selection process, depending on the degree level and the institution. It’s noteworthy that graduate and doctoral programs typically have more admission requirements than bachelor’s programs. Each school has its own acceptance rates, which can give you an idea of the competitiveness of the program.

Preparing your application involves collecting various documents. This process can be time-consuming, so it’s advisable to start well in advance of the application deadline. Ensure that all your documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, are up-to-date and accurately reflect your academic and professional achievements. Pay special attention to any specific requirements like essays or portfolios that some programs may require.

Be aware that processing times and program start dates are unique to each institution. Some online colleges offer multiple start dates throughout the year, providing greater flexibility for students. Check the application deadlines carefully and plan accordingly to avoid last-minute rushes, which can lead to errors in your application.

Financial Considerations

Online degrees usually cost less than regular school programs. You might pay for things like applying, using technology, and online learning. But, you don’t have to spend money on things like travel, books, a place to stay, or parking like you would if you went to school in person. This makes studying online a good way to save money. Make sure to check all the costs of the online program you’re interested in and see if you can get financial help too.

Preparing for the Online Learning Environment

Once you get into an online program, get ready for a different kind of learning. You’ll need to learn how to use the online class system and understand how the classes work. Some classes happen live (synchronous), while others you can do anytime (asynchronous). Make sure you have a good place to study at home. Being good at managing your time and staying focused are really important for doing well in online classes.

Is Going to an Online School Worth it?

The rise in the popularity of online education is undeniable. According to a 2021 statistic from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 61% of post-secondary students took at least one online class, while 28% were enrolled fully online. Likewise, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) reports that in 2020, around 2,500 colleges offered online degrees. These numbers will continue to grow as distance learning becomes more accessible. Online learning is here to stay.

Recognition and Prestige of Online Degrees

An online degree now has the same prestige as a traditional degree. You will receive the same high quality education as its in-person counterpart. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employers have an overall positive view of online degrees. Relevant coursework, job-ready skills, and school reputation influence a job-seeker’s marketability. Many top universities now offer online degrees, further enhancing the credibility and marketability of these programs in the job market. Regardless of whether a program is online or traditional, employers will also focus on a degree’s credibility, and the best way to determine that, is through accreditation.

Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of both online and traditional degrees. It is an official recognition that a school or program meets certain standards of academic excellence. Accrediting agencies, like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), evaluate institutions based on various criteria, including student outcomes, curriculum quality, and institutional vision. Accreditation is a key factor that employers consider when assessing the value of a degree. 

Salary and Job Outlook

Graduates of accredited online programs can expect a salary and job outlook comparable to those of on-campus degrees. Since many online degrees are offered by reputable, accredited institutions, they are recognized and valued in the professional world. This equality in recognition means that an online education can provide the same potential career opportunities for graduates.

Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most persuasive arguments for online education is its cost-effectiveness. The Education Data Initiative reports that the median cost of an online degree is approximately $31,165 less than that of an in-person degree. This significant difference in cost can make online education a more financially viable option for many students, leading to a higher return on investment. The reduced financial burden associated with online programs, such as savings on commuting, housing, and other campus-related expenses, makes an online college degree an excellent return on your investment.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Online education offers unparalleled flexibility, making it an ideal choice for those who need to balance work, family, and study. The ability to access coursework and lectures from anywhere at any time allows students to tailor their education to fit their personal and professional lives. This flexibility can lead to a more balanced and less stressful educational experience, which is particularly beneficial for adult learners, working professionals, and those with family commitments.

Start Your Online Degree Today!

You can boost your lifelong income and career options with an online degree. The BLS reports the weekly median salary for workers with an associate’s degree was 18% higher than those with only a high school diploma. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, it’s a whopping 68% higher. The data is crystal clear; more education translates to higher earnings. 

It’s never too late to enroll in a degree program. Thanks to the distance learning revolution, there are fewer barriers to a high value education. Certificates, associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctorate degrees from accredited universities are accessible from anywhere in the world. Countless online programs are affordable and accepted by employers. Above all, students can tailor a degree to their goals. In addition, online degrees can cater to your lifestyle. It’s never been easier to balance work, family, and school.

Now that you have a good idea of some of the best degrees to get online, why not get started today? Get Educated’s database of respected online degrees can help you find your perfect fit.