Most Popular Online Degree Programs

With the number of colleges and schools offering online programs and distance learning programs, the options seem infinite and trying to do research on the best programs can be quite the task! Students often have questions about whether the programs are accredited, what it takes to be a successful online learning, what kinds of jobs are available for are available for students who graduate from online programs, and the degree programs that are most marketable.

One trend is for people who may have started their degree but did not complete their studies, online distance education seems to be the currently most flexible way to return to school to finish up their degree. The convenience is particularly important for people with fulltime jobs and/or families to take care of. Another trend is that many traditional (campus-based) colleges and universities are also offering online courses and full degree programs to cater to students who are unable to attend classes physically.

Studies suggest that while the marketability and popularity of online programs fluctuates with market needs and social trends, some areas of study have consistently remained very popular. These programs are information systems and computer technology, criminal justice, engineering, MBA and business, education, nursing, psychology, medical billing and coding, and medical transcription.

More research and evidence also suggest that increasingly, more graduate students at both the masters and doctoral level are enrolling in online degree programs given their need for flexibility and continuity in their professional endeavors.

For business degrees, the masters and bachelors programs remain very popular. The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) for example has become a requirement for most mid-level managers. This means that more business professionals are seeking to get higher qualifications and are doing so through online programs. It also means that more graduate schools are offering online MBA programs. Concentrations such as accounting, project management, risk management, human resource management and finance are capturing the interests of the students.

In the health care profession, certain areas continue to grown yet there the number of trained professionals is still below the target. Nursing, medical billing, medical coding and medical transcription are just some of the niche areas in health care that continue to experience shortages. Forensic nursing, life care planning, and legal nurse consulting careers are examples of areas in nursing that continue to experience the highest interest. Much of this interest has been generated by technological advancement in health care and the retirement of the aging baby boomer population.

Education is another area of study that still has a demand. Certain subject areas such as mathematics education, science education, and special education continue to have a great need in the school systems. There are also other areas in education that continue to have a need including educational technology, educational leadership, and educational administration.

In this information age we live in, technology continues to advance. Subsequently, degree programs in certain areas such as computer security, information technology, software engineering, and web development continue to serve this body of students who want to join various professions in this field. One advantage is that technology is being applied to all areas thus is not industry specific.

Criminal justice online degree programs are popular regardless of whether it is at the masters, bachelors, or associates degree level. The need for trained professional remains in many areas of practice including law enforcement, homeland security, forensics, investigation, paralegal and legal services, corrections, and law enforcement.

Whichever areas of study you decide to pursue, there are several issues to consider. First, keep in mind that while some degrees may not be popular with students, some industries have a need and these professions also pay quite well. Second, be sure to research and determine that the college or university you decide to attend is fully accredited. Third, conduct prior research on financial costs and available scholarships. Also be sure to check the class scheduling to ensure that you graduate on time.

Source : http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/

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