Popular Online Degrees

  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Accounting
  • Nursing

Finding popular online degrees isn't as difficult as one might think, considering that in America, the idea of an online education is becoming mainstream. As advancements in teaching become more readily available, a large portion of Americans continue to enroll in online courses; in fact, it's estimated that around 5.8 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2014, with many of those students getting their entire degree through an online program. Here's a list of the top five degrees students can earn online.

1. Business Administration

Business Administration is the most popular online degree in the nation, with more students being enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate level than any other program. This degree is a general discipline program, meaning that students who graduate with this degree can use it to get jobs in nearly every industry. Students can learn communication, analytical, critical thinking and managerial skills, all which are sorely needed by American companies, making them great candidates for leadership positions as well as more specialized fields in government agencies and forensic accounting. The degree also has a high salary rate, with mid-career salaries topping just over $71,000 per year.

2. Psychology

Psychology is a human services degree that lends itself well to an online education, hence its popularity with non-traditional students. An undergraduate degree in the field can help students work in a variety of sectors, including marketing, criminal justice, the correctional system, and more. A graduate degree, which is needed for most specialized fields within psychology and also certification as a psychologist, opens the doors for students who want to become licensed as a counselor in one particular field. Both degrees are easily available as online programs and are a perfect fit for working students who are ready for a career transition.

3. Healthcare Administration

With so many advancements in the healthcare field, it's no wonder that healthcare administration is one of the most popular online degrees. With longer-living populations, changing healthcare regulations, a new system for healthcare records, and more, the demand for qualified healthcare administrators grows every year. With online education, students can fulfill this need while maintaining the flexibility needed in their lives in order to continue working or taking care of personal obligations.

4. Accounting

Accounting is fast becoming one of the most in-demand online degrees for students. Because every industry needs employees trained in accounting in order to keep their budgets in order and keep track of profits, the need for online programs has become critical. Students who take on an accounting online degree are not only in a great position to continue to work while studying, they are also more prepared to handle the changing trends in finance in accounting, as courses are updated every year to reflect any advancements in the industry.

5. Nursing

Nursing is a popular online degree both for job demand and for the average salary; however, it is popular for a more important reason: most nursing programs offer an accelerated RN to BSN curriculum, enabling registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in about 18 months instead of the four years it takes with a traditional program. Online programs also lead to licensure in the student's state of residence as well, preparing them to take the NCLEX exams while still in school and paving the way for them to sit for the exams after they've graduated from the program.

Students are finding that a quality online education from an accredited institution is possible. These five popular online degrees are the gateway to incredible careers, and as virtual education continues to expand, students will have more opportunities to work and study at the same time.

See also: Cheap Online Colleges and Degree Programs

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