Best Online Degrees to Get: A Comprehensive Guide to High-Demand Career Paths

The landscape of higher education has transformed dramatically in recent years, with online degrees becoming increasingly popular and respected. As technology advances and remote learning becomes more sophisticated, students worldwide are seeking the best online degrees to get that offer flexibility, affordability, and strong career prospects. This comprehensive guide explores the most valuable online degrees available today, examining their earning potential, job growth projections, and overall return on investment.

The shift toward digital education has been accelerated by global events and technological advancements, making online degrees more accessible than ever before. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, over 7 million students are enrolled in distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions. This massive growth reflects the changing perceptions of online education among both employers and students.

When considering the best online degrees to get, several factors come into play:

• Career advancement opportunities: Degrees that open doors to promotions and higher salaries
• Job market demand: Fields with strong growth projections and low unemployment rates
• Flexibility and accessibility: Programs designed for working professionals and non-traditional students
• Return on investment: Degrees that offer competitive salaries relative to their cost
• Industry recognition: Programs respected by employers and professional organizations

Let’s explore the most promising online degrees across various fields and industries.

Information Technology and Computer Science

The technology sector continues to experience explosive growth, making IT and computer science degrees among the best online degrees to get for career-minded individuals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information technology occupations will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Popular online IT degrees include:

1. Cybersecurity: With cyber threats increasing globally, professionals who can protect digital assets are in high demand. The median annual wage for information security analysts was $102,600 in May 2021.
2. Data Science: Organizations across industries need experts who can interpret complex data to drive decision-making. Data scientists earn median salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.
3. Software Development: The continuous demand for new applications and systems ensures strong job prospects for software developers, who earn median wages of $110,140 per year.
4. Cloud Computing: As businesses migrate to cloud-based solutions, professionals with expertise in cloud architecture and management command premium salaries.

These programs typically include hands-on projects and virtual labs that provide practical experience, making graduates job-ready upon completion.

Healthcare Administration and Nursing

The healthcare industry offers numerous online degree options that combine strong earning potential with the satisfaction of helping others. The aging population and expanded healthcare access have created sustained demand for healthcare professionals.

Notable online healthcare degrees include:

1. Healthcare Administration: These programs prepare students for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Medical and health services managers earn a median annual wage of $101,340.
2. Nursing (RN to BSN): For registered nurses seeking career advancement, online BSN programs offer flexibility while increasing earning potential and leadership opportunities.
3. Health Informatics: This growing field combines healthcare with information technology, focusing on optimizing electronic health records and healthcare data systems.
4. Public Health: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public health professionals, creating new opportunities in this field.

Many healthcare programs include clinical components that can be completed at local facilities, providing both convenience and practical experience.

Business and Management

Business degrees remain perennial favorites among online students due to their versatility and strong return on investment. These programs develop critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills applicable across industries.

Top online business degrees include:

1. MBA (Master of Business Administration): The gold standard for business education, online MBAs offer specializations in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. MBA graduates typically see significant salary increases.
2. Accounting: Consistent demand for accounting professionals and strong licensing requirements make this a stable career choice. The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in May 2021.
3. Project Management: Organizations value professionals who can deliver projects on time and within budget. Project management specialists earn a median wage of $94,500 annually.
4. Supply Chain Management: Recent global disruptions have highlighted the importance of efficient supply chains, creating demand for experts in this field.

Many online business programs offer accelerated options and multiple start dates throughout the year, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals.

Education and Teaching

For those passionate about making a difference in students’ lives, online education degrees offer pathways to rewarding careers while addressing critical teacher shortages in many regions.

Valuable online education degrees include:

1. Curriculum and Instruction: These programs prepare educators for leadership roles in developing educational materials and teaching strategies.
2. Educational Leadership: Designed for aspiring principals and administrators, these degrees focus on school management and educational policy.
3. Special Education: Consistently high demand exists for special education teachers, who earn competitive salaries while making a significant impact.
4. Instructional Design: This growing field combines education with technology, focusing on creating effective online learning experiences.

Most online education programs include field experiences that can be completed in the student’s local area, meeting certification requirements while maintaining the flexibility of online study.

Engineering and Technology Management

For students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, online engineering and technology management degrees offer pathways to leadership roles with excellent compensation.

Promising online engineering degrees include:

1. Engineering Management: These programs combine technical knowledge with business administration, preparing engineers for leadership positions.
2. Electrical Engineering: Ongoing advancements in technology ensure steady demand for electrical engineers, who earn median salaries of $101,780.
3. Industrial Engineering: Focused on optimizing complex processes and systems, industrial engineers command median wages of $95,300 annually.
4. Civil Engineering: Infrastructure projects and urban development create consistent demand for civil engineering professionals.

Many online engineering programs utilize sophisticated virtual labs and simulation software to provide hands-on experience comparable to traditional programs.

Psychology and Counseling

Growing awareness of mental health issues has increased demand for psychology and counseling professionals, making these among the best online degrees to get for those interested in human behavior and wellness.

Notable online psychology degrees include:

1. Clinical Psychology: These programs prepare students for licensure and careers in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
2. Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Applying psychological principles to workplace issues, I-O psychologists earn median salaries exceeding $100,000.
3. Counseling: Specializations in marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and school counseling offer diverse career paths.
4. Behavioral Analysis: The growing recognition of applied behavior analysis, particularly for autism treatment, has created strong demand in this specialty.

Most counseling and clinical psychology programs include supervised practicum experiences that can be arranged in the student’s community.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Degree

Selecting from the best online degrees to get requires careful consideration of multiple factors beyond just career prospects:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program holds proper regional or specialized accreditation, which affects credit transferability and employer recognition
• Faculty qualifications: Research the credentials and industry experience of professors
• Student support services: Look for programs offering robust academic advising, career services, and technical support
• Technology requirements: Confirm you have the necessary hardware and software for the program
• Learning format: Determine whether synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) classes better suit your schedule and learning style
• Total cost: Consider not just tuition but also fees, materials, and technology expenses
• Graduation and employment rates: Research the program’s track record for student success

The Future of Online Education

As online learning continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the future of digital education:

• Microcredentials and digital badges: Shorter, focused programs that demonstrate specific competencies
• Competency-based education: Programs that allow students to progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time
• Artificial intelligence: Adaptive learning technologies that personalize educational experiences
• Virtual and augmented reality: Immersive technologies that enhance online learning, particularly in technical fields
• Global classrooms: Increased collaboration among students and faculty worldwide

These developments are making online degrees increasingly sophisticated and effective, further enhancing their value in the job market.

Conclusion

Identifying the best online degrees to get requires matching your interests, skills, and career goals with market demand and earning potential. The degrees highlighted in this guide represent fields with strong growth projections, competitive salaries, and good alignment with online delivery formats. Whether you’re interested in technology, healthcare, business, education, engineering, or psychology, there are numerous high-quality online programs that can help you advance your career while accommodating your schedule and lifestyle.

As you research programs, remember that the best online degree for you is one that not only offers strong career prospects but also aligns with your personal interests and professional aspirations. With careful consideration and thorough research, an online degree can be a transformative investment in your future, opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement.