2024 Best Online Degrees [Bachelor’s Degree Guide]

What are the best online degrees to launch you into a rewarding career? It turns out that there are many online degrees that pay well and offer employment stability in today’s job market.

If you want to advance personally, academically, and professionally, you may want to take a look at the top degree choices.

The college program that’s right for you will likely be a degree that equips students with sought-after job skills and suits your personal strengths and interests.

Best Online Degrees

Are you looking for a fulfilling job in an in-demand sector? Earning one of the best online college degrees could help you qualify for the career of your dreams. As you check out the 25 top online degree programs, consider which one would be the ideal choice for you. Along with each major, you’ll find career details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Accounting
  
• Business Administration
  
• Business Management
  
• Computer Science
  
• Counseling
  
• Criminal Justice
  
• Cyber Security
  
• Data Science
  
• Early Childhood Education
  
• Education
  
• Emergency Management
  
• English
  
• Finance
  
• Graphic Design
  
• Healthcare Administration
  
• Healthcare Management
  
• Human Resources
  
• Information Technology
  
• Marketing
  
• Mathematics and Statistics
  
• Nursing
  
• Project Management
  
• Psychology
  
• Public Health
  
• Social Work

Exploring your options may help you determine which academic path is right for you.

Online Accounting Degree

Accountants spend a lot of time working with numbers. They use careful records and mathematical calculations to keep track of financial data. Accountants may provide services for individuals or organizations.

You can expect the classes for an accounting degree to cover several different branches of this field, such as cost accounting and managerial accounting. You can also learn about taxation, financial records, and auditing. In addition to your accounting-focused classes, you might take a core set of business courses to prepare you for work in the corporate world.

Accounting majors often become accountants. Various types of accountants include public accountants and cost accountants. They can also work as auditors, who inspect financial records for savings opportunities, mistakes, or evidence of illegitimate activity. Many accounting graduates also have the expertise to do other finance-related jobs. With experience, some may even become financial managers.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Continuing your education and becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) could increase your career opportunities in this field.

Online Business Administration Degree

In a business administration program, you can gain a broad foundation for a variety of business disciplines. The skills you learn could be useful in corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, or your own entrepreneurial endeavors.

As a business administration major, you’ll learn about finance, human resources, marketing, accounting, technology, and leadership. You can also study economics, statistics, business law, and ethics. Business administration students often select a particular area of this field as a concentration. For instance, you might want to specialize in global business, healthcare leadership, information technology, or entrepreneurship.

After working as an entry-level specialist in your particular sector, you might be able to qualify for management positions. For example, some students who focus on marketing may start as market research analysts and eventually become marketing managers.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Advancing to management positions usually requires experience, and some companies may prefer candidates with graduate degrees.

Online Business Management Degree

In business management studies, you can gain skills for developing an organization’s direction, casting vision and communicating with your team. The degree is specifically designed for producing leaders.

Your curriculum in this program will focus on management, organizational structure, communication styles, and strategic leadership. Along the way, you can develop your knowledge of basic business principles in areas like human resources, marketing, and operations.

You may be able to select a concentration track for this program. Common specialty areas include human resources, healthcare services, supply chain, manufacturing, or nonprofit leadership. Graduates from this program are often on their way to becoming managers in various departments, such as logistics or public relations. This degree can also be a strategic choice for people who want to become analysts or real estate agents.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There’s typically overlap between the potential jobs for a business management degree and the potential jobs for a business administration degree.

Online Computer Science Degree

Computer science is the study of how computers process information and solve problems. In the modern world, this discipline is in high demand. Today’s organizations use technology to organize their data and streamline their operations, and they need professionals with the know-how to make it happen.

Your computer science curriculum will likely cover databases, programming languages, and operating systems. While algorithms are one of the most important topics that you’ll study, advanced math and science classes can be critical as well. For a concentration, you might choose to focus on artificial intelligence, gaming, data science, online security, or algorithms.

Jobs for a computer science major may involve databases, networking, programming, or software development. Experienced computer science professionals may eventually become computer systems managers in businesses, manufacturing companies, or financial institutions.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer science degrees are relevant for many different technology jobs throughout a variety of industries.

Online Counseling Degree

In a counseling career, you could offer a listening ear and valuable guidance to people who need help with decisions, relationships, mental health, or daily stress.

Your curriculum might include courses on abnormal psychology, human development, and personality theory. You can also learn counseling techniques, and you might even have opportunities to practice your listening and responding skills.

A master’s degree might be necessary to meet your state’s licensing requirements for professional mental health, career, or marriage counselors. Select bachelor’s degree tracks may be designed for smooth transitions into graduate studies.

If you’re not interested in licensure, this degree might also qualify you for various community service jobs. Some professionals work in social or human services organizations and even advance to management positions over time.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many counseling jobs are subject to state licensure and regulation. You can consult your state’s licensing board for specifics.

Online Criminal Justice Degree

As you study criminal justice, you can learn about law and policing. You can also get to know the court and correctional systems. Through your studies, you may gain the expertise to improve your community and uphold justice.

For this degree, you’ll take classes in criminology, which is the study of crime. Other courses can provide insights into the different branches of the criminal justice system as well as the legal structure that guides it. You may need to enroll in sociology and statistics classes too.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graduates often work in policing or investigations. Those jobs may be available at the federal, state, or local level or even through private organizations. Other jobs related to criminal justice include security guard, corrections officer, bailiff, or probation officer.

Online Cyber Security Degree

Digital data leaks can be devastating for individuals and businesses. Cybersecurity professionals make it their mission to reduce system hacks and protect valuable data. As a student in cybersecurity, you’ll take an assortment of computer-related classes. To get started, you may learn about networks, programming languages, and data structures.

Once the foundations are in place, you can delve into classes on cryptography, cloud computing, and ethical hacking. Your courses might also cover legal issues, computer forensics, and project management. During your college program, you may earn industry certifications along with your degree. Examples include the security analytics certification or network vulnerability assessment certification from CompTIA.

A cybersecurity program can help you develop in-demand skills. Graduates may pursue jobs as analysts or auditors in an IT department. With experience, some professionals become managers over other security analysts, network engineers, or digital forensic specialists.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As a cybersecurity professional, it might be your responsibility to prevent data leaks in the first place or to deal with the aftermath once they happen.

Online Data Science Degree

Data science is an up-and-coming field, and the number of data science college programs is growing. People in this field work with large sets of data and collect information from it. They can communicate that information to others or use it to make critical decisions.

As a data science student, your curriculum will likely be rich in math, statistics, and computer programming classes. You can learn about data structures and algorithms, and machine learning, data mining, and technical writing are other common topics in these programs.

Graduates with this degree often have jobs with “data” in the title. Examples include data scientist, data analyst, data architect, and data engineer. This field of study may also help you qualify for a related tech role, such as working with databases. Some professionals pursue research careers as data scientists or advance to IT management positions in the business world.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Working as an information research scientist usually requires holding at least a master’s degree, but some government agencies hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Online Early Childhood Degree

Young children are in a busy period of growth and development. You can influence their learning during this critical time. As an early childhood professional, you might work with young children in school, childcare, or community settings.

The early childhood period is usually considered infancy through age 8. As you study this age group, you can learn about child psychology, literacy, classroom diversity, and special needs. You might also discover strategies for teaching kids math and science.

If you’re in a program that leads to licensure, you’ll also be required to complete a student teaching experience. Early childhood graduates with state teaching licenses can teach early elementary grades in public schools. Non-licensed early childhood professionals may work as preschool teachers, teaching assistants, or childcare workers.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Teaching in public school settings usually requires a state teaching license.

Online Education Degree

If you were a child who always played school during the summer months, then a degree in education might be a good fit for you. In an education program, you can learn essential strategies for helping others learn and grow.

The curriculum for an education program typically includes courses on learning theories, classroom management, reading development, and special-needs accommodations. You’ll also discuss the ethics and legalities of making sure that each student receives an equal education.

Your program will probably focus on education at a certain age level. You might also specialize in a particular content area, such as history or math. To gain experience, you’ll be required to work as a student teacher. Most teachers must hold state licensure. Once you have your teaching license, you can be qualified to work in private or public school classrooms.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Your state teaching license may specify which grades or subjects you are qualified to teach.

Online Emergency Management Degree

When disaster strikes, will you be ready to help? By earning an emergency management degree, you can prepare to step up in times of crisis and support people in need.

For this degree, you will learn about different types of disasters and how to communicate during them. Your courses will likely introduce you to essential agencies and community infrastructure. Public administration and criminal justice are related fields, so your curriculum may touch on them, too.

Graduates may become emergency management specialists and then emergency management directors in government agencies, hospitals, or other organizations. They may also work in law enforcement, such as for the US Border Patrol. Other career options include supporting disaster victims through health services, fundraising, or social programs.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Since work experience is typically required to qualify for emergency management director positions, graduates may start as emergency management specialists.

Online English Degree

English majors are often skilled at using words. They know how to shape language in ways that are moving, compelling, meaningful, or informative. If that resonates with you, then earning an English degree could be a satisfying choice for your college program.

English majors study writing and literature. In this program, you’ll likely learn to conduct research and write papers. You may also practice your grammar, your creative writing skills, or your public speaking abilities. English classes include many reading assignments, and you can learn to think critically about the literature you consume.

Whether you’re studying plays, novels, poetry, or another genre, you’ll generally write response papers that reflect on your reading assignments. English majors tend to go on to become writers, editors, or journalists. If they earn teaching credentials, they can also teach language arts to students.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

English majors’ communication skills can also be valuable in many industries.

Online Finance Degree

If you’re good with money matters, then you might consider making finance your college major. At accredited online colleges, you can learn the skills for analyzing financial data and using it for wise business decisions.

Your finance curriculum may include courses on global markets, financial institutions, taxation, and investments. You can also learn how to read and evaluate financial statements. By the time you graduate, you may know how to communicate financial information to people in other departments of an organization.

Finance professionals work in investment groups, insurance companies, banks, and corporations. They may also work for the government. Some become personal financial advisors who help people manage their money and save for the future.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Finance graduates often have skills that can be useful in accounting roles as well.

Online Graphic Design Degree

If art and design are your strengths, then you might enjoy a career in graphic design. To develop and refine your skills, you can pursue an online graphic design college program.

A graphic design program can train you to recognize and create visually appealing layouts and images. That may include learning about images, fonts, spacing, and color choices. You could discuss print publications, websites, product packaging, and videos. In today’s media-rich world, digital design concepts are a top priority.

Throughout your studies, you can develop a design portfolio that demonstrates your abilities to potential employers. Professionals in this sector tend to work in animation, web design, branding, publishing, and video production. With experience, some become art directors.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In this digital world, developing your programming skills could increase your job opportunities.

Online Healthcare Administration Degree

Healthcare administrators keep hospitals and other medical facilities running. They take charge of departments and coordinate staff. If you’d like to be a team leader in a healthcare setting, then you might consider earning a health administration degree.

In this program, you can learn about the world of healthcare—how systems are structured, how facilities get paid, and how quality is maintained. You can also learn how to be an effective administrator who encourages productivity, teamwork, and organization. This field is related to business, so you may also have courses in human resources, marketing, and finance.

As you get started, you might work at the front desk of a medical office or in the records department. Work experience is often a qualification for becoming a department or facility manager.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As the demand for healthcare services increases, so, too, will the demand for healthcare administrators.

Online Healthcare Management Degree

While healthcare administrators coordinate personnel, healthcare managers might focus on the overall trajectory of the organization. A healthcare management degree can help prepare you to set the vision for a healthcare facility and lead the organization toward achieving it.

You’ll first get to know the healthcare system and how it works. After that, you’ll study topics like finance, operations, information technology, and risk management for healthcare settings. In addition, you may have healthcare research and statistics courses.

Healthcare management graduates may work in the marketing, finance, or regulatory compliance departments of medical organizations. Over time, an experienced healthcare manager may become one of an organization’s top executives. Serving as a consultant to health facilities is another possibility.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Healthcare management and healthcare administration graduates can often qualify for similar jobs.

Online Human Resources Degree

Human resources is a business specialty that focuses on an organization’s people. HR pros are liaisons between companies and their employees. They deal with issues like hiring and onboarding as well as development, compensation, and dispute resolution.

If you decide to major in HR, your curriculum will likely include classes in communication, diversity, and change management. You can learn to handle compensation and benefits plans, manage negotiations, train employees, and create an environment where people want to work.

Many human resources graduates enter the field as HR assistants or specialists. With time and experience, you may have management opportunities. You could also specialize in a particular subset of this field, such as compensation or training.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Labor relations is another field that may be open to HR graduates.

Online Information Technology Degree

Computers and networks are vital to most organizations today. If you study information technology, you may be prepared to help businesses with their computing needs.

IT programs can include courses on data management, operating systems, and cybersecurity. During your program, you may learn how to evaluate organizations’ needs, set up networks, and communicate with workplace leaders. Your courses might also equip you with skills for team leadership and project management.

Some IT majors choose a degree concentration, often related to software, data, or system security. Some graduates work as computer support specialists who help resolve tech troubles. With experience, IT professionals may become analysts, developers, or even tech department managers.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

IT graduates tend to work in business or computing organizations.

Online Marketing Degree

How do you get eyes on a brand? That’s a question that marketing professionals often ask. When you go to school for marketing, you can learn strategies for promoting products and building brand loyalty.

Common topics for marketing programs include digital media and consumer trends. You will typically learn how to conduct marketing research, manage a brand’s image, and communicate marketing principles. In various classes, you might study marketing principles for different situations, such as promoting service-based companies or marketing to other businesses.

Marketing graduates often start out as marketing specialists or market research analysts. Management opportunities could come with experience. This degree can also be relevant for roles in advertising, sales, or fundraising.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The fields of marketing and advertising are closely related.

Online Mathematics and Statistics Degree

If you love calculations and complex numerical problems, then you might consider getting your online degree in mathematics and statistics. Math is relevant to many different fields, and you can develop in-demand skills that businesses need.

Not surprisingly, you’ll take a large number of math classes in this type of program. These generally include linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations. You’ll practice doing proofs and forming logical arguments, and learning to calculate probability and model statistical data will be important too.

Mathematics and statistics majors often work in finance, computing, research, and other related fields. Industry certification could lead to work as an actuary. While entry-level jobs are available to people with bachelor’s degrees, more advanced roles may require graduate studies.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This major can also be useful for a variety of analyst positions.

Online Nursing Degree

Nearly everyone relies on healthcare, which means that nearly everyone needs nurses. Whether patients are sick, hurt, or in good health, trained nurses deliver vital care and support.

A nursing bachelor’s degree is a strategic way to start your career in this field. You’ll take courses in anatomy, physiology, patient care, and pharmacology. There are even universities online that enable you to take your nursing classes from home. Even still, you’ll be required complete in-person clinicals. Those experiences can provide hands-on training and practice.

You may be able to make arrangements with a local medical facility. Registered nurses must have a state nursing license in order to practice. They often work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient surgical centers, public health departments, schools, and other organizations.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Advanced nursing jobs, such as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Online Project Management Degree

Businesses often rely on a project-based approach to getting things done. Trained project management professionals know how to see projects through from beginning to end.

The curriculum for a project management online degree may cover contracts, procurement, cost estimates, and risk assessment. You can also learn how to communicate with others and be an effective team leader. This type of program might end with a capstone assignment in which you’ll carry out every step of a major project.

Project management professionals often specialize in certain types of projects, such as construction or IT. Training or experience could help prepare you for such industries. Project specialists can also be responsible for certain aspects of the project lifecycle, such as dealing with purchasing or cost estimation.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In addition to construction and IT, project managers often work in business and healthcare.

Online Psychology Degree

Psychology is the study of how people think and behave. If you’re curious about what goes on in people’s heads, then you might want to become a psychology student.

You’ll probably start with an introductory psychology course before exploring different branches of this field—such as child psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Other topics in your program could include human development and learning theories. You’ll probably learn how to conduct research too.

Many people who study psychology at the undergraduate level pursue master’s or doctoral degrees to become counseling or school psychologists. Professionals who hold a bachelors in the field might provide psychological insights to businesses or work for a social services agency.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Most full-fledged psychologist and therapist roles require a graduate degree and licensure.

Online Public Health Degree

Public health professionals support health and wellness at the population level. Their goal is to make communities safer and healthier by reducing disease outbreaks, providing wellness education, preparing for emergencies, or improving safety standards.

To earn a degree in public health, you’ll take classes in biology, epidemiology, healthcare delivery, and behavioral science. The curriculum can teach you to engage in research and work with statistics. In addition, you can learn to evaluate a community’s needs, plan programs, and assess a program’s effectiveness.

Public health professionals often work for government organizations, such as local health departments. They can provide community education, run vaccine clinics, or coordinate teams of public health nurses. Public health experts may also conduct research into disease trends or help communities plan for emergencies.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some public health roles, such as epidemiologist, require a masters-level education.

Online Social Work Degree

Social workers are committed to helping others and connecting people in need to supportive services and programs.

Social work degrees include classes on sociology, psychology, and behavioral science. In addition to classroom lessons on social service programs and legal guidelines, you may also have opportunities to practice working with groups and individuals.

In some states, licensure could be the next step after graduation. Your state may offer different licensing opportunities for people with different levels of education in this field. Social work jobs are often associated with social service organizations. Your social work training might also be useful for jobs with public health departments, human service agencies, or substance abuse treatment centers.

The following salary data is provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To become a licensed clinical social worker, you’re required to earn a master’s degree in social work.

How to Choose an Online Degree Program

First, your goal is to figure out which of the online college degree programs is best for you. Then, it’s time to figure out where to earn the type of degree you’ve chosen. Looking over these considerations may help with your decision:

• Accreditation. The best online colleges tend to hold regional accreditation. That can be one of the first things you look for in any school.
• Area of study. Majors vary from one university to the next, so it’s strategic to search for schools that offer strong programs in your chosen field. In addition, you may prefer a program that offers concentration tracks.
• Format. Some online colleges let students log in for coursework whenever it’s convenient for them. Others schedule live lectures or discussions, and some even hold on-campus sessions for distance students. There are benefits to all of these approaches, and you can pursue the one that’s best for you.
• Opportunities. Online school doesn’t necessarily mean forgoing common college experiences. If studying abroad, joining student organizations, or completing an internship is important to you, you can look for online schools that offer those opportunities.

If you keep your preferences in mind as you start exploring schools, a few of them may jump out as top contenders.

Are Online Degrees Respected?

Yes, you can earn a respected college degree online. The key is to make sure you choose a regionally accredited school.

All regionally accredited institutions, whether traditional or online, are held to the same standards. For that reason, you can count on getting a quality education from an online college. Your diploma won’t state that you earned your degree online. Especially if you enroll in a college with both online and campus-based courses, potential employers may not even realize that you opted for distance learning.

Getting Your College Degree Online

College offers the opportunity to grow your mind, develop your skills, and get ready for a career. With one of the best online degrees, you can graduate with enthusiasm for your chosen field and the know-how that employers appreciate. For many graduates, having a degree increases their job prospects and their salaries.

An online college program can be informative, challenging, and effective. Plus, online college classes are flexible, allowing you to take courses without relocating or rearranging your schedule. The sooner you check out top online degree programs from accredited schools, the sooner you can make plans to enroll in the major of your choice.

Ready to start your journey?

WRITTEN BY

Jordan Meeks

Jordan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and her Bachelor's in Business Administration. Jordan's research focuses on adults returning to college and online degree programs.

Last Update : December 28, 2023