The Most Popular Online Degrees

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These online degrees are experiencing a lot of traction among college students.

By Terri Williams

Online education is here to stay, and it's quickly becoming the norm. In 2012, about 6.7 million college students, or 32 percent of the college student population, were enrolled in at least one online college course, according to Eduventures, a company that provides research, data, and consulting services for the higher education community.
But is online education worth it? According to a separate 2013 Online College Students survey, 12 months after completing their program of study, 66 percent of survey respondents felt that it was a good investment.
Many responded that they were already reaping such benefits as a new job, a raise, or a promotion, notes the survey, which was jointly conducted by the Learning House, Inc., and Aslanian Market Research.
If your interest has been piqued, keep reading for the most popular online degrees, according to the 2013 survey. You might just find the right degree for you to pursue, too.

Online Degree #1: Business Administration/Management

Find Degree Programs If you have natural leadership and organizational skills, you may want to consider pursing an online bachelor's degree in business administration.
You wouldn't be alone. In fact, business administration and management was ranked the most popular degree in the 2013 Online College Student survey.
Why It's Popular: Business administration is the most popular on-campus degree, so it's logical that it would be the most popular online as well, says Abraham Snell, an adjunct professor at a technical school in Birmingham, Alabama that offers both traditional and online courses.
A lot of interactions between businesses and consumers happens online, says Snell, who also earned an executive MBA in a program that combines distance learning with classroom attendance. "Learning in an online environment prepares students for these types of interactions," he explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Business Administration Program.
What You Might Learn: If you pursue an online degree in business administration and management, you'll take classes in business ethics and law, operations management, and business policy and strategy, reports the College Board.
Potential Careers:*

• Market Research Analyst
• Human Resource Manager

Online Degree #2: Accounting

Find Degree Programs Landing in the second spot of popular online degrees was accounting, according to the survey. You might want to pursue a bachelor's degree in this field, too, if you happen to love crunching numbers.
Why It's Popular: In general, accounting degrees are popular because it offers stability, says Snell. Companies will always need to hire employees with accounting skills, he explains.
He adds, "And since the degree involves web-based accounting information systems, it's perfect for an online education format."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Accounting Program.
What You Might Learn: According to the College Board, your coursework  as an accounting major might include business law, accounting information systems, and auditing.
Potential Careers:

• Accountant
• Auditor

Online Degree #3: Information Technology

Find Degree Programs If you're the person that everyone else calls to troubleshoot their computer problems, you might want to earn an online bachelor's in information technology.
And it seems that other students have the same good idea: According to the survey, this degree was ranked the third most popular online degree.
Why It's Popular: "Technology is booming, and students are attracted to the various high-paying jobs offered in this field," says Snell, who teaches information technology."
"Also, IT majors are usually online for hours at a time, conducting research, and writing computer programs, and the type of people who would enjoy working alone welcome the opportunity to learn in an online format versus a classroom setting," Snell says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Information Technology Program.
What You Might Learn: If you pursue an information technology degree, you might take classes such as C++ programming, computer networking, and database management, according to data from the College Board.
Potential Careers:

• Computer Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator

Online Degree #4: Criminal Justice

Find Degree Programs If you enjoyed playing cops and robbers as a kid, and your favorite TV shows are crime dramas, an online degree in criminal justice may appeal to your sense of justice.
The draw of this field appears to be far-reaching. According to the survey, criminal justice was ranked the fourth most popular online degree.
Why It's Popular: A criminal justice degree is a popular degree choice, online and on campus, since it offers a variety of exciting employment options, says Snell.
"In addition, coursework in such subjects as statistical analysis and legal research are well suited for an online format," he explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Criminal Justice Program.
What You Might Learn: According to the College Board, your criminal justice classes might include criminology, juvenile justice, and police and community relations.
Potential Careers:

• Police Officer
• Probation Officer

Online Degree #5: Finance

Find Degree Programs If you're intrigued by the inner workings of Wall Street or the bottom line of companies, a bachelor's in finance online might suit you. And you'd be joining many other students, as according to the survey, finance was the fifth most popular online degree.
Why It's Popular: "Many students are drawn by the lucrative salary potential [of this degree]," says Snell. "Also, an online format is conducive to working on complex computer programs, creating and managing budgets, and learning the dynamics of stocks and bonds."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Finance Program.
What You Might Learn: Ready to get started? If you pursue this major, your coursework may include investments, financial markets and institutions, and international finance, according to the College Board.
Potential Careers:

• Financial Analyst
• Personal Financial Advisor

Online Degree #6: Psychology

Find Degree Programs Psychology came in at the sixth spot of most popular degrees in the Online College Student survey. If you enjoy analyzing what motivates people to act a certain way, you might want to delve deeper with an online bachelor's degree in psychology.
Why It's Popular: Psychology is a popular degree, because it teaches highly desirable job skills, including how to interpret, predict, understand, and control behavior, according to Susan Whitbourne, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the author of the Psych Today blog.
"The content of the subject area is appealing, and the online format allows the opportunity for colleges to reach students outside their geographical area to provide challenging, rigorous and content-rich classes, which can also include case studies on current events," says Dr. Robert Stokes, assistant vice president of academic affairs for part-time and continuing studies at Villanova University.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Psychology Program.
What You Might Learn: As a psych major, you would typically take neuroscience, general and abnormal psychology, and research methods in psychology, reports the College Board.
Potential Careers:

• Social Worker
• Survey Researcher

Online Degree #7: Health Care Administration

Find Degree Programs Rounding out the list as the seventh most popular online degree in the survey was health care administration. So if you're interested in health care but don't want to be hands-on, you might want to earn an online degree in health care administration, too.
Why It's Popular: "Online education is very popular with health care administration students because it can provide a comprehensive overview of the health care delivery system and prepare students for entry-level positions in the health care field," says William Riley who is a professor and the director of the School for the Science of Health Care Delivery at Arizona State University.
"Many of these learners work full-time, and the online format provides a means to receive a top education while continuing to work."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Online Health Care Administration Program.
What You Might Learn: Health services administration majors take a variety of classes including accounting, health care law, and anatomy and physiology, according to the College Board.

Six Degrees That Will Stop Your Career in its Tracks

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If you want to have a bevy of job options when you graduate, you might want to avoid these degree programs.

By Danielle Blundell

College is all about choices, and chief among them involves picking what to study. Yes, it's important to enjoy the major you choose. But it's also crucial that you select something that's versatile, so you can pursue different avenues with your degree once it's time for you to hunt for a job.
"Employers want to hire versatile workers who are able to learn quickly, write effectively, analyze large amounts of data, think critically, and are effective problem solvers," says Alane De Luca, executive director of the center for experiential learning at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH.
De Luca explains that it's not one course of study that illustrates these skills, but a more wide-ranging educational plan that challenges students over a variety of course disciplines. In other words, there are some majors that simply appear to potential employers as too limited.
So if you think you know exactly what you want to study and what you want to do, think again, and maybe consider leaving yourself some extra options. Here are five degrees that may limit your options, and five alternatives that are a bit more versatile.

Limiting Degree #1: Bachelor's in Fashion Design

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Fashion Designer	-3%

If you're trendy, confident, and have a flair for fashion, then you might be thinking fashion design all the way for your college degree choice. But if you choose this path, you might find yourself facing a lot of competition for very few jobs and possessing skills that don't really apply to much other than conceptualizing and creating garments.
Why It May Limit Your Options: Getting a fashion design degree doesn't really prepare you for anything other than pursuing a fashion designer job, according to Peter Berner, an executive coach, career advisor, and president of Pilot Workplace Advisors, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based human resources development firm.
Worse, he says often the actual degree isn't integral to landing a job. It's who you know, not what you know, so might not want to invest time and energy here unless you've got an "in" into the fashion industry already.
"Luck, creativity, connections often are more relevant than a fashion design degree," he says, adding that there is tremendous competition for the few jobs that do exist in this field.

Versatile Degree #1: Master's in Business Administration

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Financial Analyst	16%
Computer and Information Systems Manager	15%
Securities, Commodities, Financial Services Sales Agent	11%

Possess strong leadership skills and have a solid understanding of business? Then you might be a great candidate for pursuing a master's in business administration (MBA). What's great about an MBA is that it enables you to go after a wide range of job opportunities, says Berner.
Why It May Be More Versatile: "MBA degrees are generic in that they can be applied in most business environments," Berner says, pointing out that not just financial industries, but liberal arts organizations, tech startups, and engineering firms seek MBAs to help build and strengthen their businesses.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Moreover, he adds that, "People with MBA's are often perceived to be better qualified."

Limiting Degree #2: Bachelor's in Journalism

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Reporter, Correspondent, Broadcast News Analyst	-13%
Editor	-2%
Writer or Author	3%

So you're a natural-born wordsmith and think earning a bachelor's in journalism is the way to snag a professional writing gig. But whether your preference is journalistic writing, editorial work, or even writing books or for movies or T.V., positions for those with this major are disappearing fast.
Why It May Limit Your Options: Berner identifies an alarming trend in the world of journalism - a journalism degree isn't necessary for the few jobs that still exist in this field.
"There are network news 'personalities' reporting on national newscasts who do so without journalism degrees," Berner says. "The anonymity of the online format makes degree-less reporting even more accessible." So what's the point if it won't set you apart or make you more competitive to do this type of work?
Berner adds, "While the need for professional journalism has never been greater in the arena of public discourse, news-as-entertainment is where the jobs are heading," he says. "A degree in personality, if there were such an animal, would probably open up more opportunity."

Versatile Degree #2: Bachelor's in Computer Science

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Software Developer	22%
Computer Support Specialist	17%

Are you most comfortable when coding your own site, gaming, or just plain surfing the web to look at what's being done online in terms of video and animation? Then earning a bachelor's in computer science might seem more like play than work to you.
Since virtually all companies now need web presence and computer pros to both create and troubleshoot their sites, this degree offers a lot of appeal.
Why It May Be More Versatile: This once 'nerdy' field has become mainstream over the last decade, says Kate McKeon, CEO of Prepwise.com, an educational consulting firm that helps students prepare for school admissions and plan career paths.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
She says the loss of stigma in this field just may have something to do with the bevy of careers out there that this degree will allow you to pursue, even outside of tech.
"Computer science can be used in many, many fields," says McKeon. "These students can also contribute to research teams that are not obviously technology-related such as water research. A comp-sci grad may find herself designing a process to crunch through a massive data set to identify sources of below surface water in sub-Saharan Africa."

Limiting Degree #3: Bachelor's in Philosophy

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
None Available	N/A

Your friends and family might describe you as a thinker or the strong silent type that's always got a lot going on in your head. So earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy probably sounds like a slam dunk. Unfortunately, if you aren't prepared to pursue further schooling, this degree program might be a bust in terms of the breadth of post-grad career options.
Why It May Limit Your Options: According to Berner, a philosophy degree really only prepares you to teach, and there's not a lot of opportunity to do so, especially without an advanced degree.
As far as regular companies and businesses go, the skillset that goes hand in hand with studying philosophy, he says, isn't always well-understood by employers or directly applicable to an exact job or position. "Most organizations do not have a CPO (Chief Philosophy Officer)," he says.

Versatile Degree #3: Bachelor's in Engineering

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Cost Estimator	26%
Petroleum Engineer	26%
Environmental Engineer	15%

Have you always loved figuring out how things are put together and how to make them work? You just might find pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering both fun and rewarding.
On top of that, an engineering degree can open you up to a wide range of potential career pursuits.
Why It May Be More Versatile: For McKeon, engineering is a highly versatile degree because the problem solving skills taught in this major can be applied to so many industries.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
"Engineering students are trained to think through problems systematically so they can create implementable solutions," she says. "The degree itself focuses on real world problem solving through a mix of coursework and in-field study."
McKeon points out that since some ideas that look good on paper tend to fall apart in practice, engineering students are trained for real-world situations, giving them skills that can appeal to a wide range of employers, even outside the engineering world. An engineering student's ability to assess and distill large amounts of data enhances their attractiveness to employers, McKeon adds.

Limiting Degree #4: Bachelor's in Agriculture

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Farmer, Rancher	-19%

The local and organic movement in the food and health industries may make you think the agriculture industry is booming. But the numbers tell a different story.
Why It May Limit Your Options: Berner thinks you might be more competitive for jobs in this sector by pursuing other avenues of study, especially if you want to branch out at all in your job search and qualify for more positions once you've earned your degree.
"As agribusiness continues to consolidate into mega-businesses, there will be a need for more specialized degrees and business orientations in this field," he says, rather than a bachelor's in agriculture.

Versatile Degree #4: Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Elementary School Teacher	12%
Kindergarten Teacher	13%

Do you like working with children and sharing your knowledge? Okay, a degree in elementary education is clearly preparing you for one thing, teaching kids. However, if there were ever a degree built for pursuing many opportunities in lots of different parts of the country, it just might be a bachelor's in elementary education.
Think about it, virtually every school age child needs a teacher, and according to the U.S. Department of Labor, in teacher education programs, students are taught to work with young students with a variety of backgrounds and abilities.
Why It May Be More Versatile: According to Berner, earning a bachelor's in elementary education can open up doors to lots of teaching professions such as kindergarten teacher, elementary school teacher, or even a middle school teacher.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
Furthermore, once you've got the right foundation for teaching and meet the certification requirements, it's a job, he says, that you can take anywhere geographically, where you might pursue both public or private positions for a variety of age groups. "There are lots of different levels and environments for teaching jobs," says Berner.

Limiting Degree #5: Bachelor's in English Literature

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
None Available	N/A

If you're a bookworm who's equally happy reading the classics alongside the "Divergent" series, then studying English Literature probably sounds like a good fit. But for all the critical thinking and idea generating you'll do in your classes, it may be difficult for you to find work after graduation with this degree.
Why It May Limit Your Options: Even though an English Lit degree can provide you with a well-rounded education, Berner says employers often look for degrees that are related to work a person will do, and there aren't really any jobs out there where you can get paid to read books and write about your reactions to them.
In essence, English Literature is a highly specific degree, and unfortunately, "the more specific the degree, the more limiting will be one's job options," Berner says.

Versatile Degree #5: Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Career Options*	Projected Job Growth 2012-2022**
Security Guard	12%
Private Detective	11%

How does learning the basic tenets of our justice system and how to uphold the law sound to you? If the answer is "good," then earning a bachelor's in criminal justice could be a great fit for your personality and interests.
Even better, once you graduate, you could be eligible to pursue a variety of correctional positions, as Berner points out.
Why It May Be More Versatile: Criminal justice degree holders can pursue a wide range of occupations with their diplomas, starting with security guard positions and up to police officer and detective jobs, says Berner.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
In addition, he says this field is also experiencing an uptick in jobs due to population growth. "The need for criminal justice services will always grow as a population increases," he says, and that means many more job opportunities for you to throw your hat in the ring for.

The 7 Best Entry-Level Jobs

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Wondering how to launch your career? Then check out the best entry-level jobs that could offer high pay and ample growth.

By Andrea Duchon

Whether you're graduating soon or just looking to start over, it can be discouraging to look for an entry-level gig. After all, the Wall Street Journal reported that 284,000 American college graduates were working in minimum wage jobs in 2012.
Don't want to be one of those people stuck in a minimum wage job? Then you may want to pursue one of the best entry-level jobs, compiled by the fine folks at Wallet Hub, an online personal finance resource.
They compared 109 different types of entry-level jobs based on 11 key metrics*, including the following factors:

• Median starting salary
• Number of job openings
• Unemployment rate
• Projected job growth by 2022
• Income growth potential

Keep reading to learn more about the top seven entry-level jobs that could help you launch your career.

Career #1: Web Applications Developer

Find Degree Programs Topping the Wallet Hub list of best entry-level jobs is web applications developer. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as an applications software developer, you would design and develop applications that allow people to do specific tasks on computers or other devices.
Why It's Top-Notch: The reason this job tops the list comes down to one thing - versatility. The real world skills you'd develop in this job are transferrable across industries, says Vincent Tuscano, a senior web developer and founder and CTO of Upfront, an app designed to connect influencers with their fans.
In addition to coding, you're constantly exposed to how people interact on the web in this entry-level job, which is valuable, he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Get Started: To pursue this career, you usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, says the Department of Labor. A math degree is also acceptable, and strong computer programming skills are needed.

Career #2: Information Security Analyst

Find Degree Programs Coming in hot at number two on WalletHub's list is another entry-level career that focuses on computers and the Internet, but in another capacity. As an information security analyst, you would protect an organization's computer network and systems by monitoring for security breaches, installing firewalls and data encryption programs, and researching the latest IT security trends, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Top-Notch: Companies are investing more and more into their IT teams, so now is the perfect time for someone in an entry-level position to get into the field, says Stephanie Kinkaid, a career counselor at the Wackerle Career Center at Monmouth College.
"To be a reputable organization, your customers have to trust you. Without a solid information security analyst on your team, you're opening yourself up to vulnerability and the potential loss of cash flow if your customers leave," she explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
How to Get Started: According to the Department of Labor, you would typically need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming or a related field. Employers sometimes prefer applicants with a master's in business administration (MBA) in information systems.

Career #3: Web Designer

Find Degree Programs We're rounding the bases on the WalletHub list with another tech career: web designer. If you pursue this career path, you would be responsible for how a website looks, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. As a web designer, you would create the site's layout and incorporate graphics, applications, and other content into the site.
Why It's Top-Notch: "With so many companies requiring assistance with web design, this position allows a new graduate the freedom to be creative," says Kinkaid.
"That's because every company wants to stand out from the competition with their own unique edge and look, which many times is left up to a creative web designer to advise upon and then execute," she explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Get Started: Usually, you would need an associate's degree in web design or a related field to pursue this job. For more technical positions, employers prefer candidates who hold at least a bachelor's in computer science, programming, or a related area of study.

Career #4: Attorney

Tied for number three in WalletHub's rankings, we're moving away from tech and into the world of law. As an attorney, you would advise and represent clients in court, before government agencies and in private legal matters, says the U.S. Department of Labor. You'd also be responsible for interpreting laws, presenting facts in writing, and acting as both an advocates and an advisor.
Why It's Top-Notch: A career as an attorney is a great entry-level gig, because it works across industries, says Michael Maggiano, attorney-at-law and founder of the law firm Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, Trial Attorneys.
The legal skills you'd develop in this job are in demand and could later open doors not just in the legal field per se but also in corporate America, he says.
How to Get Started: To pursue a career as a lawyer, you must have a law degree and must also typically pass a state's written bar examination.

Career #5: Software Engineer

Find Degree Programs Back to the world of tech on the WalletHub list. As a software engineer, you would research, design, and test operating systems and network software for applications in various fields, from the aerospace to business industries, reports the U.S. Department of Labor**.
Why It's Top-Notch: Software engineer is a great entry-level job, because everyone and everything is going deeper into digital, says Adam Grealish, co- founder of Roletroll, a job engine for the tech and finance communities.
"Because of this rapid digital growth, there are many more openings than there are people to fill them," he says. "And even if you don't end up as a coder your entire career, being able to communicate with developers and 'think like a programmer' will be a huge asset wherever your career path takes you."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
How to Get Started: To pursue a career as a software engineer, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related field, in addition to strong computer programming skills, according to the Department of Labor**.

Career #6: Financial Analyst

Find Degree Programs We're nearing the end of WalletHub's best entry-level jobs ranking, but not nearly the end of the possibilities. Placed sixth on the WalletHub list is financial analyst. In this job, you'd give financial advice to people on everything from investments to insurance decisions.
Why It's Top-Notch: The skills you'll acquire starting out as a personal financial advisor are valuable from your very first client until the end of your career, says Kinkaid.
"Entry-level financial advisors need to be determined and focused when it comes to building a book of clients and making them happy. A strong work ethic and long hours at the beginning of your career sets the stage for success in both the short- and long-term."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
How to Get Started: Typically, you need a bachelor's degree to pursue this career, according to the Department of Labor. While employers usually don't specify a required area of study, a degree in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law is good preparation for this profession.

Career #7: Market Research Analyst

Find Degree Programs Last but not least, market research analyst comes in at number seven on the WalletHub list. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you would spend your days monitoring and forecasting marketing and sales trends to help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and for what price.
Why It's Top-Notch: An entry-level job as a market research analyst could help you develop useful skills that are highly valued in the real world, says Kinkaid.
"No matter where your career takes you, understanding how people make purchase decisions and how to analyze data for practical use are skills that are transferrable to many industries and across many markets," she explains
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing & Communications Program.
How to Get Started: To pursue this career path, you would need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field for most positions, according to the Department of Labor. Many analysts have degrees in fields like statistics, math and computer science, while others have backgrounds in business administration, social sciences or communications.