Editor’s Note: Sponsored Content
People have reasons to decide to get an education online. Some do it because of family commitments. Others do it so they can work more hours. And some just prefer it to a traditional classroom. Whatever the reason, online college attendance is a growing trend in the US that likely won’t slow down any time soon. In fact, in the fall of 2016 alone, more than 6 million students took at least one online class. That was more than a 5 percent increase from the year before. So, in case you’re wondering what these students know that you don’t, here are five degrees you can get online.
Graphic design
Graphic design can be an extremely lucrative career, especially if you’re a talented artist. Many professionals in this field start out working for graphic design or advertising agencies. But they usually tend to end up in entrepreneurial ventures. This could include starting their own businesses or just freelancing on the side of their full-time jobs.
Graphic designers don’t necessarily need degrees to pursue their passion. But most find them helpful in landing higher-paying jobs. Many schools offer both associate and bachelor’s degrees in the subject entirely online.
Court reporting
Court reporting requires either a professional certificate or an associate’s degree. This usually depends entirely on the program. Schools that teach this skill typically only teach court reporting, and most offer either online or in-class programs. Students in these schools learn the skills they need to become court reporters (stenographers) in courtrooms, law offices, or other legal settings. They may also choose to become closed captioners for the hearing- impaired.
The great thing about the court reporting career is its versatility. They might work for court reporting companies in Miami, at law firms in NYC, or in courtrooms across the country. Some even work freelance and go wherever the job takes them. It’s also an always-in-demand career with six-figure salary possibilities.
Master of Business Administration
Someone with a Master of Business Administration degree might be an executive already employed and hoping to move up. Or it might be a student who recently received an undergraduate degree who wants to expand the future possibilities. MBA graduates are found in a variety of professions. They can usually specialize in finance, marketing, or accounting. But each school offers its own specialization fields. These graduates often go on to manage corporations, obtain CPA certifications, or teach undergraduate courses.
Registered nurse
With the number of baby boomers coming up, there is some concern that the demand for medical professionals will continue to far outweigh the supply. But even today, the shortage of nurses is alarming. But the good news is that this creates millions of jobs for people willing to work in the profession. It also leads to more educational opportunities, flexible schedules, and higher pay.
Many LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and LVNs (licensed vocational nurses) have found it possible to keep their careers while obtaining their RN (registered nurse) degrees online. You can receive your RN with an associate degree or you may pursue a BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing) almost entirely online. These degree programs usually allow their students to use their current jobs as practicums and simply travel to designated locations for hands-on exams.
Doctor of management
This may come as a surprise, but it is possible to earn an online PhD or other doctoral degree. And some of them don’t even require GRE tests for placement. The doctor of management degree (DM) is a degree pursued by many working executives and management professionals looking to further their careers. Students in these programs will learn theories and research techniques specific to management and business.
