Does it seem impossible to squeeze classes into your busy schedule? Then these flexible degrees could be right for you.
Has "earn a college degree" been written on your to-do list for quite
some time? Well, you may be able to cross this off your list if you
pursue a degree online.
But where should you start? Fortunately, Learning House released a
survey, "Online College Students 2013," which breaks down the most
popular online undergraduate degrees.
One of the key findings of this report? About two-thirds of the
students who completed an online program thought it was a good
investment of time and money.
If it's convenience you're after, online education can give you that.
But it's important to note that online learning does require hard work
and discipline and as a result, may not be for everyone.
If you're ready to make the leap to advance your education, keep reading to discover the hottest online degrees.
Online Degree #1: Business Administration
If you've considered a business administration degree, you are not
alone. According to the "Online College Students" survey, business
administration has the highest enrollment.
The Online Benefit: Michael Detzel, associate
director of online initiatives at the College of Mount St. Joseph says
pursuing a business degree online allows students to find a program
"that fits individual desires and needs, without being limited to a
small geographic area."
As Detzel notes, having access to unique concentrations that may not
be offered at a local college could make you stand out from the pack
when it comes to finding a job in the business field.
As a business administration and management student, you may learn
how to plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization,
says the College Board. Some common courses might include economics,
management information systems, financial management, and business
policy and strategy.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #2: Accounting
If you already know math is your strong point, why not pursue a
degree in accounting? By earning it online, you can balance your studies
and your busy life. Plus, you could see for yourself why it ranks
number two in popularity among online undergraduate programs according
to the "Online College Students" report.
The Online Benefit: Detzel says accounting has
always been a safe field to enter, but online learning has been tailored
to fit the accounting world of today.
"The days of the accountant with a calculator and notepad are in the
past," he says. "Advanced accounting software, complex programs, and
word processing are a few of the technologies modern accountants use on a
daily basis. Online classes emphasize and provide hands-on training in
these computerized accounting applications, while still complementing
the core accounting curriculum."
An accounting program teaches students to interpret and communicate
information on how an individual or organization is performing
financially, says the College Board. Classes for this degree might
include multiple levels of accounting courses as well as business law
and auditing.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #3: Health Care Administration
Maybe you know you are not cut out to be a doctor. But if it is in
your heart to pursue a career in health care, where you can still make a
difference, why not consider an online degree in health services
administration?
This degree is a popular choice to earn online, ranking number seven
in the survey, and it can also fit into your busy schedule.
The Online Benefit: Detzel says an online health
care administration program offers students a global perspective.
Students of this online degree may also get a leg up in the profession,
since they'll practice using software that's applied to real world
situations in their field, he adds.
"Technology is essential to health care, from the computerization of
health records to the myriad of health care software that is used in
every medical office large and small," he says.
Students of health services administration could learn about the
different responsibilities of overseeing health care facilities and the
services they provide, says the College Board. Common courses include
health care ethics, anatomy and physiology, statistics, and accounting.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #4: Criminal Justice
Has a career in criminal justice always seemed exciting to you? You
don't have to put that dream off any longer. An online criminal justice
program could prep you for a career without giving up your current job.
This degree ranked fourth in popularity for undergraduate degrees,
according to the survey.
The Online Benefit: "Computers are playing a much
larger role in criminal justice than ever before," says Detzel. As a
result, many online courses teach students the computer skills and
techniques to develop security systems, to compute and factor large
quantities of data, and to protect companies who are finding it
increasingly vital to do business online, he explains.
If you choose to pursue this degree, you may learn all aspects of the
law, crime, and the justice system, says the College Board. In this
program, you may interpret statistics and study court cases. The College
Board reports that courses might include policing society, the U.S.
criminal-justice system, and juvenile justice.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #5: Early Childhood Education
Do you like the idea of lesson-planning and grading tests? If a
degree in early childhood education has been on your radar but has
seemed out of reach, an online program may be the right choice for you.
According to the survey, early childhood education is the eleventh most
popular online program.
The Online Benefit: Detzel says early childhood education is very hot online right now because new technology allows for online simulations. "These
simulations can play a key role in courses such as child psychology.
In these courses students can use the virtual simulations to experience
situations and study reactions in ways they never ethically could
before."
As an early childhood education student, you may learn how to create
and manage a nurturing, safe classroom where every student thrives, says
the College Board. Coursework may possibly include child development,
curriculum methods, and instructional design.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #6: Graphic Design
Can you picture yourself creating a trademark design? This vision
doesn't have to feel like a pipe dream. An online graphic design program
may provide you the knowledge you need without putting too much stress
on your daily routine. According to the survey, it also ranks seventh
among the top 15 undergraduate online degrees.
The Online Benefit: An online program can offer a
student great professional experience, says Detzel. "The students
actually find themselves immersed in the material they are studying.
This assists them in building technical skills, computer literacy, and
to work on a daily basis with the technology they are learning in
class," he says.
Also, Detzel points out that most graphic design firms are working
with people from around the globe. "This means that the vast majority of
communication will be done electronically. Learning how to effectively
communicate electronically with clients, both in expressing your ideas
and providing feedback, is essential to success as a graphic designer,"
he adds.
In a graphic design program, you could learn about the principles of
good design as well as the necessary computer skills to create the look
for everything from books to websites, says the College Board. Courses
might include Photoshop for designers, history of graphic design, and
typography.
Potential Career*:
Online Degree #7: Psychology
Are you interested in a career where you can help people by listening
to their thoughts, troubles, and feelings? A psychology degree can prep
you for one of many careers where you can do just that. And if you
can't get to a college campus, don't worry. You can earn this degree
online. In fact, psychology ranked sixth in popularity in the survey of
online undergraduate degrees.
The Online Benefit: Studying psychology online makes sense in
a world where humans are interacting virtually more and more, says
Detzel. "Students of psychology often learn the majority of the program
basics through self-guided study and reading. This importance [placed]
on literature and self-study in psychology lends itself perfectly to
online education."
He adds that an online program offers the opportunity to study a
specialized area within the field of psychology. This could include
specializations such as industrial and organizational psychology, child
development, or applied behavior analysis.
As a psychology major, you could explore human and animal behavior,
says the College Board. Students might have to conduct research and
maybe even be a guinea pig themselves. Some courses may include
neuroscience, perception and sensation, and research methods in
psychology.