Higher education is a great way to follow your passion and do what you love for the rest of your life. Of course, high pay doesn’t hurt, either. Wouldn’t it be great if the two could be married together, helping you do work you love AND make good money at it too? Online degree programs might be the answer.
You’re busy. You don’t have time to stop your life to get a degree. You also have no desire to move to find a program best suited for your needs. Luckily, you don’t have to. Online degree programs are appealing because they provide flexibility. You can work at a job, care for a family, and live your day-to-day life while getting a degree, too. Some online programs allow you to work at your own pace, while others follow a stricter schedule. Whatever your career goals, there’s a path for you.
How to Succeed With Online Degree Programs
A lot has changed in the last few years. Before 2020, only 19.5 percent of undergraduates took online courses. Since 2020, 98 percent of universities have moved to offer online learning.
Today, more students are turning to online degree programs because of the benefits. They offer cheaper tuition, provide more flexibility, and allow you to study at schools outside of your geographical location. No more moving and changing your life to get the desired education.
If you are considering an online program, the experience may be different than that to which you are accustomed. To succeed requires dedication to ensure you manage your time and schoolwork effectively.
Be Prepared
Online learning is primarily a hands-off experience. You will be in charge of planning and preparation from start to finish. This is where it pays to be well-organized and have a solid plan.
Stick To a Schedule
Online programs give you a chance to learn on your own time. But too much flexibility can allow for procrastination. Come up with a study plan that works with your lifestyle. Then stick to it to ensure success.
Get Support
It can be challenging to hold down a job, raise a family, and work through all your other commitments. Add in studying and attending classes, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Reach out to other students in your classes; many have created study rooms to help you stay connected via social media. You should also contact friends and family who can help and support you as you get your degree.
Get the Right Tech
Your entire learning experience will be online. That’s why it’s critical to ensure you have all the necessary tools to succeed. Schools realize the importance technology plays in success, and most will have technology departments to help you work through your issues. They should have shopping lists to ensure you have everything before you begin.
How To Choose an Online Degree Program
Once you’ve done your research, how do you know which program to choose? There are a few things to consider.
Costs
No matter where you decide to get your online degree, the cost will be one of the significant factors. While online learning is often less expensive than in-person learning, the costs can still be substantial. Spend some time researching and comparing fees for each school on your list. Be sure to add in technology and distance learning fees.
Flexibility
Flexibility may be why people select online learning, but schools define flexibility differently. If you already have college credits, will they all transfer? If you have a set work schedule, how does it work with the attendance policy? It’s also worth researching degree requirements, the school’s reputation, and how well the alumni program will help you find career placement.
Accreditation
Prospective students should only attend accredited schools. This ensures you receive a high-quality education and that employers will be excited about employing you. Many certifications require graduation from an accredited school to provide licensing. Accreditation ensures institutions meet the highest standards for educating students.
What Online Degree Program Should You Pursue?
You’re in luck if you’re looking for an online bachelor’s degree program to increase your earning potential. Some of the top-paying career programs are available at top-notch schools. Consider these online degree programs:
Management Information Systems
Focus on using computer systems to make a company’s operations more efficient and effective.
Marketing
Learn how to influence consumers’ purchasing behavior to increase a company’s sales.
Human Resources Management
Manage a company’s most important assets – people.
Software Development
Design, develop, and debug computer applications. It’s a career that continues to be in high growth.
Information Technology
Focus on the complex flow of information between technology and people.
Engineering Management
This program is designed to help you lead, manage, and coordinate engineering and business areas within an organization.
Healthcare Administration
Keep hospitals and other healthcare facilities running smoothly.
Cybersecurity
Every industry needs to ensure its technology and data are safe and secure.
Database Management
Design, implement, and optimize systems that store data.
Finance
Learn how to manage money effectively to maximize income and generate wealth.
Animation
Bring animated characters to life in movies, television shows, advertisements, and video games.
Game Design
Careers can cover conceptualization, storyboarding, scripting, animation, programming, and prototyping of video games.
Aviation Management
Learn the business management side of operating airports and airlines.
Construction Management
Gain technical and managerial skills to lead, manage, design, plan, and implement various buildings and projects.
Electrical Engineering
Understand and implement all aspects of technological design and development of electricity.
Occupational Health and Safety
Identify and regulate risks to develop and enforce procedures to keep people safe at work.
Accounting
Develop the skills to track a company’s financial activities and maintain financial health.
Natural Sciences
Study and apply anything that happens in the physical and natural world. Combine theory, history, philosophy, and the application of sciences to work effectively in a laboratory setting.
What’s the right online degree program for you?