Getting your online bachelor’s degree may be a great way to enhance your life for the better, and thanks to online programs, it’s easier than ever to get your foot in the door.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Going to school and getting a college education can be a big financial commitment; however, it may also be a seriously valuable investment in your life. Those with degrees tend to have better financial outcomes in the future.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
We have outlined some of the most popular bachelor degrees to give you a good overview of what you can expect from each concentration.
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Finance
- Health Science
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Management
- Marketing
- Nursing (RN Required)
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Web Development
A bachelor’s degree is worth it for many because all these fields typically offer plenty of opportunity for growth, a lot of different job prospects, and plenty of job security.
Accounting
Accounting is a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students to work in the financial sector. Those with this degree can work in either public or private companies, and some even find themselves working for the government.
Candidates usually handle the books for organizations, make sure that everything is on the level when it comes to filing taxes, and look out for any monetary red flags.
Having a strong ethical compass and a good head for numbers are beneficial traits for this field. Being meticulous, accountable, and able to work well with people on all levels of an organization are also beneficial traits to have.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Many employers desire accountants that are forthcoming and transparent, understand how to communicate tough ideas well across the board, and are not afraid of asking hard questions. Accountants generally rise quickly in their chosen field, making this a potentially lucrative and successful career choice.
Business Administration
Business administration is a popular career field because it may be used to branch off into several different specialties. It’s often an excellent backbone for those who want to enter a graduate program to get their masters or doctorate degrees in business and for those who are planning to run companies or departments.
This degree program can help you learn all about what makes businesses work, ethics involved with working in business, and how to be a good and fair manager. You may also specialize in other areas, like marketing, with this degree.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Candidates may go on to become sales managers, research analysts, or run human resource departments. Some of them start up their own consulting firms where they advise other aspiring business candidates. Discipline and a strong work ethic can help you succeed in this field. Being highly diplomatic and able to motivate people effectively can be very useful as well.
Communications
A popular bachelor’s degree choice, communications is a field that can often splinter off into different specialties with ease. You may work in journalism, public relations, marketing, or any other number of different areas. Communications majors often find themselves with a lot of choices after graduation.
Many undergraduate students go on to get higher degrees in communications or communications-related specialties, but you may make a decent living with just your undergraduate degree. There’s typically plenty of room to rise through the ranks in communications jobs. People who are naturally curious and aren’t afraid to ask hard questions often do well in communications.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Having empathy for your fellow people and dedication to dispensing information accurately and clearly are helpful traits as well. Many find journalistic ethics to be a compelling part of a successful career, and many in this field feel that they are in a unique position to be a voice to the voiceless.
Computer Science
The ever-changing world of computers means that this major is almost always in demand. Candidates usually do not have too much trouble finding employment after they graduate from these undergraduate programs, and you may use your bachelor’s degree as a springboard to get additional schooling later on.
Those who major in computer science are generally well-paid after graduation, although salaries differ depending on where you are in the country. Students in computer science learn how computer programs work, how to look at data, security issues surrounding computer systems, and trends in the industry.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Having a positive attitude and the ability to think quickly on your feet to solve problems can be beneficial in this field. Time management skills and a natural curiosity about how computer systems work can be helpful as well. Being able to communicate difficult concepts to those who are not in the field, distilling down information with ease, is useful as well.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is one of the most popular degrees for those with an interest in the legal system and a desire to do good in their communities. You may use your undergraduate degree as a springboard for other, more advanced degrees in the field.
A bachelor’s degree can help you get your foot in the door to a career in criminal justice.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Many candidates seek work in law enforcement or social work. Others might want to go into the legal field, pairing their criminal justice degree with one in social work. Having empathy for your fellow people and being able to operate with integrity are good traits to have in this field.
It is also helpful to have thick skin. Those who work in law enforcement must deal with very stressful situations.
Education
If you get your bachelor’s degree in education, you may be setting yourself up for a rewarding career in the teaching profession. Some undergraduate students prefer to get a general education degree, while others like to fine-tune their degree to suit a particular specialty in professional studies, such as early childhood education or elementary education.
If you decide to enter a graduate program to get your master’s degree, you may have even more opportunities for advancement. Being patient and having the ability to deal with stressful situations effectively can be very useful in this field. The ability to read people and understand what they need is also a useful skill to have.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
For those who pursue a path like early childhood education or elementary education, it is useful to have a tremendous amount of empathy for children and know how to engage and entertain them within a classroom setting.
Finance
A bachelor’s degree in finance is one of the most popular undergraduate programs that you can enter, and there’s an excellent reason why. Finance is typically a lucrative industry where people can make decent money, even in entry-level positions. If you are good at your job, you may also rise quickly through the ranks.
Those working on this degree typically learn about investments, accounting, economics, and how financial institutions function. They may also learn how to spot both national and global trends, and develop a real aptitude for numbers of all kinds.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Problem solvers by nature and those with a strong head for numbers often do well in this field. Being diplomatic, cool-headed, and able to explain complicated concepts to people in a language that they can understand are all useful skills to have in this field as well. Financial experts are vital to most organizations.
Health Science
Health science is a broad field that covers many different specialties. Candidates may work in health management, the medical field, social work, or helping communities thrive. Being a jack-of-all-trades can be a useful trait to have in health science. Understanding administrative functions and having excellent people skills are useful as well.
Other helpful traits for this health education field are being able to excel under pressure, practicality, having great problem-solver skills, and having excellent communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively with people on all levels of an organization and make tough decisions that positively impact entire communities can help you succeed as well.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Health sciences is not for everyone, but for the right candidate, it can be a lucrative and rewarding professional studies field.
Healthcare Administration
If you are looking for a stable and lucrative career in healthcare, healthcare administration just might be the ticket. This career path typically offers plenty of opportunities for growth. It is often a great fit for candidates with a passion for healthcare, an understanding of business, and a desire to see organizations thrive.
This field is very competitive, so if you want to succeed, you might need to pursue graduate degrees such as a master’s or doctorate, in addition to your bachelor’s, but you may still get in at the ground level with just a bachelor’s degree. You may just need to work your way up in the field.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Having exemplary leadership qualities and critical thinking skills can help you succeed in this field. This field often attracts people who are unflinchingly ethical and able to adapt quickly and well under pressure. Since people in this field are often in charge of large portions of companies, being diplomatic can be very helpful as well.
Human Resources
Human resources is a popular bachelor’s degree option and one that often leads to jobs after graduation. You may need to finish up your required course hours and an internship before graduation.
One of the significant things that can be learned from this degree program is the current employment law. This knowledge is critical to the field of human resources. Other common topics of study are how to effectively mediate conflicts and deal with any interpersonal issues before they get too big to handle.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Being extremely diplomatic and able to resolve conflicts quickly and effectively are useful traits for human resources jobs. Human resources professionals are expected to interact with people on all levels of an organization. Communication and time management skills and being able to establish good boundaries with those that you work with are helpful skills to have as well.
Information Technology
Information technology is a field that is usually growing and often hiring, so there’s a good chance that you will get a job in it after you graduate. Since technology is always changing, those who are excited about learning new systems and want to further their education even outside of the classroom may do well in this field.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
This degree program tends to attract those who are naturally drawn to information technology and avidly explore the field on their own. Tenacity, curiosity, and attention to detail are qualities that are useful in this field.
Many candidates go on to become computer programmers or architects, heads of IT departments, or software developers. Although the field is competitive, there is usually plenty of room for growth.
Liberal Arts
Many people who get their liberal arts degree find themselves working in education, but you may also develop a career as a public speaker, or head of a nonprofit. This degree is vast so that candidates can hone down their specialty to certain areas.
Many people who get liberal arts undergraduate degrees go on to get their master’s or doctorate in more specialized fields.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
This degree often attracts undergraduate students who have a love of people and a desire to serve their communities. Excellent writing and speaking skills, and understanding how to communicate complex concepts quickly and effectively to others can help you succeed in a liberal arts program. If you have an aptitude for languages, liberal arts may be an excellent degree to get.
Liberal arts programs often attract those who fully embrace the idea of lifelong learning, and want to help others be the best that they can be.
Management
Management is a popular bachelor’s degree choice as it can provide a lot of opportunities for post-graduate employment. Even entry-level management positions are often quite lucrative, and qualified candidates can work in both the public and private sectors. Some even find themselves working in the government.
You may apply your management degree to several different areas, including the nonprofit world, human resources, project management, and supply chain management. Being an excellent communicator and operating fairly at all times can help you become a good manager. Since managers are in charge of departments, or at times, entire organizations, it is also helpful to be diplomatic and able to inspire people to do their best.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Being a thick-skinned problem solver who is empathetic enough to understand the needs of your subordinates can also help you succeed in this field. People who excel in this field often find themselves in quite lucrative careers, such as project management and supply chain management.
Marketing
Getting your bachelor’s degree in marketing can help you set yourself up for an exciting and creative career. This field is immensely popular because it combines two disciplines; business and the creative arts.
Good marketers are experts at spotting trends and implementing campaigns that take companies to the next level. They are creative, deliberate, and able to help organizations stand apart in their sectors.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Marketers can be in the public or private sectors, and often it may be easy to move up in this field if you are dedicated to your work and understand the basics of positioning companies.
Creativity and a drive to excel can help you succeed in marketing. Being an excellent communicator and being able to see both the long-term and short-term benefits of projects are helpful skills as well.
Nursing (RN Required)
Nursing can be an excellent field for those who are compassionate by nature and driven to help others. Getting your RN or Registered Nurse degree may a great way to start a rewarding and sometimes challenging career in healthcare. You may also branch off further and get more advanced degrees if you wish.
Compassion is a beneficial trait for nurses to have. Nurses often deal with people who are at their worst, and being able to cope with the unique stressors of the job and show their patients’ empathy can help them succeed.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Being able to communicate effectively with people and calm them down during trying times in their lives is also useful.
Psychology
If you want to work in a field that helps people succeed in life and overcome their problems, getting your bachelor’s degree in psychology can help you do so. Although many positions may require you to have graduate degrees such as an advanced master’s or doctorate, you may be able to work in an entry-level psychology job with a bachelor’s degree.
Typical entry-level positions include social work and counseling. Those who have a lot of empathy for their fellow people and have the patience to deal with tough situations with grace and tact may do well in this field. Many psychologists are excellent problem solvers and the ultimate diplomats.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Having a strong ethical compass can help you succeed in this field. Being able to fully understand the human condition and being sensitive to the needs of others are helpful traits to have as well. Psychologists often have to make informed decisions quickly and may find it easier to perform tasks if they develop a thick skin.
Social Work
Social work is a popular field that many people find rewarding. You may use this degree to branch off in several different directions and work with individuals, communities, or entire vulnerable populations.
There are plenty of positions in social work at the ground level, and many people who graduate find that they can get work right away in their field. You may also move up quickly if you are dedicated, focused, and show definite promise in dealing with people.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Being highly empathetic, patient, and organized can help you succeed as a social worker. Social workers often have to deal with people who are behaving in less than ideal ways, so having tact and grace can be useful as well.
As a social worker, you may work as a behavioral management aide, probation officer, or caseworker. Many social workers continue on to earn graduate degrees in the field.
Web Development
Your bachelor’s degree in web development can help set you up for a lucrative and exciting career working with computers. People often major in web development because they love computer science, and they want to be at the forefront of operating computer systems and creating websites.
This degree can help you learn about web programming and design, as well as what software tools are necessary to create beautiful websites that are easy to operate. Web developers are typically in high demand, especially since this field is usually evolving and changing. Good candidates often find that their futures are very bright.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
A passion for computers and a desire to continually learn about new trends can help you succeed in this field. Being analytical, able to think quickly on your feet, and able to explain complex concepts are all useful as well.
These are just a few different types of online bachelor’s programs that you can consider. Each school is different in what they offer for online courses, so make sure you check out what’s available.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum & Courses
Every curriculum is unique, but there are a few standard courses that distance learners can expect to take with their bachelor’s degree. Many of the ones that we have listed below are core classes that can help prepare students to fulfill their basic requirements in their online learning programs. Others are general electives.
- English Composition – This course teaches the basics of writing proper English, and how to formulate a thesis using an essay format.
- History of Art – A popular elective, this course gives students an appreciation of the art world and an understanding of the trends that shape the way we interpret the world.
- Basic Economics – An important class to take if you are majoring in finance or accounting, basic economics can give you an overview of how the financial world works.
- Science – This broad class touches on different scientific principles without getting too deep into any one. You can learn about biology, chemistry, and botany with this class.
- Math – Most colleges will expect you to take at least one math course. This introductory level course gives a brief overview of mathematical concepts.
- Psychology – This course outlines the basics of psychology and provides valuable information about interacting with others.
- Humanities – Humanities deals with human culture and sometimes touches on the artistic world. All colleges have a different definition of this core class.
- Marketing – Even if you are not majoring in marketing, it’s helpful to take an introductory level class to understand the intersection of business and creativity.
- Nutrition 101 – A common elective, this class prepare students to learn the basics and building blocks of nutrition.
- Foreign Language – Learning a foreign language can give you a leg up in many different types of jobs. Many colleges offer these types of courses as electives.
Every school is different, so make sure that you check your preferred school for a full online learning curriculum guide.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Careers & Salaries
While salaries differ depending on what kind of bachelor’s degree you get and where you live in the country, bachelor’s degree holders usually make more than those without them. Below please find a list of common career paths and what you can reasonably expect to make for each. Remember, this is just a ballpark estimate.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the typical salaries associated with jobs that bachelor’s degree holders can get.
| Careers | Average Median Salary |
| Information Technology Manager | $151,150 |
| Computer Scientist | $126,830 |
| Physician Assistant | $115,390 |
| Sales Engineer | $108,830 |
| Registered Nurse | $75,330 |
| Technical Writer | $74,650 |
| Marketing Specialist | $65,810 |
| Fundraiser | $59,610 |
| Social Worker | $51,760 |
| Real Estate Agent | $49,040 |
Even entry-level positions typically pay relatively well. There are a lot of potential benefits to getting your online bachelor’s degree, and access to more rewarding and high-paying jobs is undoubtedly one of them. You may be making a significant investment in your future by taking online courses and getting a degree.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
In addition to individual majors, there are certain types of bachelor’s degrees. All majors fall under a type, although some can have more than one.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts degrees are generally seen as being representative of the more soft disciplines related to communication. Examples of these types of degrees could include classical civilization and classical studies.
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science degrees often deal with studies that pertain to math or science. Good examples of these degrees include chemistry, physics, or biology.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Bachelor of Business Administration
This popular degree prepares students for working in a business environment. It specializes specifically in administrative and management functions.
Bachelor of Education
This is the degree for teachers. Bachelor of Education degrees specifically prime candidates for the classroom, and often include some portion of real-world training as well.
Choosing an Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing where to get your online bachelor’s degree. Although every student is different, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to help you make your decision when considering many online programs.
How flexible is the class schedule? Online learners generally appreciate flexible class schedules because they allow them to be able to set their own hours and work at their own pace. This is especially important if you have other commitments like a job or family. If you can complete your classes on your own time in an online bachelor’s program, that’s a huge perk of online education.
Is the technology something that you feel comfortable using? All schools use different technology in online learning programs. Find the one that works best with your aptitude level and learning style before enrolling in online courses.
Additionally, prospective students should ask themselves how well the school prepares its students for after graduation. Are there internship programs available? What’s the job placement rate like? These are important things to know to set yourself up for a bright future.
Accreditation
Making sure the school of your choice is accredited can help ensure you’ll be able to get a job after graduation. Accreditation is done by an independent body that deems the school’s curriculum to be up to scratch.
Many employers will not hire candidates from schools that are not accredited, so it’s essential that you make sure that yours is before enrolling.
You can find the accreditation status of your school online. Simply visit the U.S. Department of Education Database and conduct a school search. Alternatively, you can check the school’s website. Accredited online colleges will have their accreditation status listed right online. If a school doesn’t have it listed or is evasive about whether or not they are accredited, consider that a red flag.
If there’s one quality that you shouldn’t budge on when choosing a school, it’s accreditation. Make sure that your school is one of the accredited online colleges before you even consider starting your classes.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
There is plenty of financial aid available for online students in any field to apply for. You may offset your bachelor’s degree cost by merely applying for financial aid that you qualify for. Often, prospective students find that they can get aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and federal student loans, even in an online bachelor’s program.
Grants and scholarships are available on regional, state, and federal levels. Some online colleges even offer scholarship programs through their universities. These programs are usually very competitive, and you have to apply early to be considered. Apply for all of the scholarships and grants that you think you might qualify for. You could be surprised!
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Loans are a different form of financial aid. Unlike scholarships and grants, which you don’t have to pay back, you do have to pay your loans after graduating. You can get loans for your classes, school supplies, or even living expenses.
Can I Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online?
These days, it’s easier than ever to earn your bachelor’s degree online. Although many students still prefer attending classes in person, there are plenty who are seeing the value of an online degree program.
Employers look at online degrees the same way that they look at traditional ones, and your online bachelor’s degree should be completely valid after you graduate. Finding the best online bachelor’s programs for you can be a great way to further your education from the comfort of home.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It generally takes four years to get your bachelor’s degree via an online program, although that time table can shift a little bit if you have other commitments.
Many online colleges offer flexible class schedules, which may allow you to complete your online degree program on your own time. This means that you can stretch out your online classes to fit your schedule.
How Much Does Online Bachelor Degree Cost?
All online education programs vary, but there are plenty of options for reducing your online bachelor’s degree cost.
You can also generally apply for different loan, grant, and scholarship programs to help pay for your online classes that can take the sting out of the financial burden for distance learners.
What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree?
Your bachelor’s degree cost may vary from others, but if you want to save some money on your bachelor’s degree, one way you may do it is to go to a community college first, earn an associate degree, and then transfer credits over to a university. This can help you take care of some of your general education courses before you start taking more advanced courses at your university.
It’s a good idea to do a school search to make sure that the program of your choice honors transfer credits before you employ this tactic to reduce your online bachelor’s degree cost.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get a Bachelor’s Degree Online?
If time is not an issue and you want to get your bachelor’s degree fast, try enrolling in a fast track education program. Many online colleges have such programs, especially for general education courses, and you may be able to get your bachelor’s degree in less than four years.
Check with your school of choice to see what options are available to you.
Are There Any Accelerated Online Bachelor Degree Programs?
Fast track educational programs can allow you to get your online bachelor’s degree in an accelerated fashion. Often, in the best online bachelor’s programs, you have to consult with the school before you can enroll.
Although these online programs might seem attractive for both distance learners and on campus students, they are generally quite intense and not advisable for those with a lot of family or work commitments.
Can You Get a Bachelor Degree Online in 2 Years?
Some colleges technically let you get your bachelor’s degree online in two years using fast track programs. These types of educational programs are highly intense experiences that realistically require a reasonably strict time commitment. Of course, if you can transfer credits from another college or university, this can be a big help.
Both on campus students and distance learners often prefer to get their degree at their own pace and stretch it out several years, but if you are in a hurry, there may be options.
Are There Any Affordable Online Bachelor Degree Programs?
There are plenty of affordable online bachelor’s degree programs. You can do a school search to find the many schools that offer financial aid or can work with you to space out your payments. Additionally, you might qualify for state or federal loans, grants, or scholarships.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Check your options to see what works for you financially, and remember, getting your bachelor’s degree is an investment in your future.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Bachelors Degree?
Often it takes four years for distance learners to complete an online bachelor’s degree, although some students might take slightly longer due to family or work commitments.
Usually, online degrees allow you to set your own flexible schedule and complete your degree on your own time.
What are The Most Popular Online Bachelor’s Degrees?
Business administration, marketing, and nursing are all popular online bachelor’s degrees, and each of them may provide excellent job opportunities after graduation.
If you want to pair your online bachelor’s degree with post-graduate work, you can always consider a major like psychology or healthcare management, which allows you to specialize in your ongoing education.
Can I Complete an Online Bachelor’s Degree While Working Full-Time?
You may complete your online bachelor’s degree while working full-time. Many online students balance family, work, and schooling. Many online programs have flexible class schedules and allow you to graduate at your own pace from their online bachelor’s programs.
Simply check what the school of your choice has to offer regarding online college degrees and go from there.
Universities Offering Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University – Saint Paul is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Dickinson State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Judson University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
LeTourneau University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maryville University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
McKendree University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Misericordia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Missouri State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Alaska – Southeast is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Valley City State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree Online
If you want to take charge of your life and set yourself up for a bright future, getting your bachelor’s degree via an online program may help. There are plenty of areas that you can specialize in for an online program, and many people find that they can combine their passion with a lucrative career that only gets better with time after earning an online college degree.
There are plenty of financial aid opportunities for online programs available to pursue as well in your college education, and you can tailor your class schedule to fit your unique scheduling needs. If you have been waiting to take the plunge, now may be the time to get your degree via online programs and transform your life.
