Universities don’t only make headlines with new gyms, natatoriums and fundraising initiatives these days. Each month, more schools announce plans to offer new online programs.
That’s good news for adults eager to boost their employment prospects through online degrees, which give students the flexibility to work where they want, when they want.
“When you factor in responsibilities like a full-time job or child care, there’s more possibilities for working adults with online coursework,” Chris Foley, director of the office of online education for Indiana University, said in an email. “What’s more, students have more options because they don’t have to just look at colleges that are within a commuting distance.”
Although students can earn online degrees in everything from politics to popular culture, here are a few online degrees that prepare adults for the Best Jobs of 2015. U.S. News considers a number of factors in its rankings of careers, including employment rates and salary.
Convince your employer [to pay for an online degree.]
Online MBA and Online Business Degrees
Online business degrees are the most popular degrees among graduates and undergraduate students, according to a recent study.
And perhaps for good reason: market research analyst, marketing manager and accountant are No s. 14, 15 and 16 , respectively , on the 100 Best Jobs list.
Michael Micai, who works as an IT manager in Philadelphia, says his company’s management has responded enthusiastically to his pursuit of an online MBA degree through the University of Maryland–College Park’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
“They’re giving me new tasks to take advantage of what I’m learning — and while I’m learning — from my business information analytics courses,” he said through email. “I’m expanding into more strategic tasks including managing team projects and building metrics and reports.”
Online Graduate Nursing Degree
Joining the health care industry is a good bet for those looking for career stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a high demand for health care professionals over the next decade, brought about largely by the aging baby – boom generation.
Seven out of the top 10 careers on the best jobs list are tied to the health care industry. Nurse practitioner takes the second spot, while registered nurse is No. 9.
Adults looking to advance in the field have a variety of online graduate nursing degrees available, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing (BSN Option) and a Master of Science in Nursing (RN Option).
Sean L’Huillier, an emergency department charge nurse who lives in Arizona, says he wanted to go back to school to get a family nurse practitioner degree, but couldn’t do so at a brick-and-mortar campus because he was working full time and raising three boys.
Find the right [online training to boost your career.]
He ended up enrolling in Georgetown University’s Nursing@Georgetown online nursing program , because he was drawn to the interactive real-time online classroom. “I will now have more control over my future career and be able to direct the care of my patients with the confidence that Nursing@Georgetown has instilled in me,” L’Huillier, who is in the second year of the program, said in an email.
Online IT Degrees
High salaries and low unemployment rates make careers in technology an appealing choice for adults looking for lucrative, stable careers. Among the Best Jobs of 2015, software developer took the No. 3 spot, followed by computer systems analyst (No. 7) and information security analyst (No. 8).
Those interested in programming, designing or sharing technology expertise have an array of online graduate CIT degrees to choose from, including degrees in computer information systems, computer science, cybersecurity and information technology, among others . Students can earn undergraduate degrees in info tech as well.
Online Engineering Degrees
Many believe the country is facing a shortage of employees in the STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math. Those who want to put their science and math skills to work as engineers have a variety of career options.
In the list of Best Technology Jobs, for example, mechanical engineer is No. 5 and civil engineer is No. 7.
Get [accepted to a top online engineering master’s program.]
Prospective students can earn undergraduate and graduate online engineering degrees. Among online graduate programs, they can choose between civil engineering, electrical engineering and other programs.
At the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering, for example, students can pursue over 40 online graduate programs in engineering areas, says to Kelly Goulis, senior associate dean with the school.
“The return on investment for companies that encourage graduate studies is often immediately realized within an organization and translates to their overall success,” Goulis said in an email. “With our blended model, individuals that complete their degree online are highly regarded engineering professionals, resulting in promotions or successful transitions across engineering disciplines.”
Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.
More from U.S. News
Study Abroad as an Online Student
Try Convincing an Employer to Pay for an Online Degree
6 Great Jobs You Can Get With an Online Degree
Find Online Degrees That Lead to a Top Job originally appeared on usnews.com
