Are you looking to make a career change?Going back to school online may be a good option for you.
In fact, online degrees are helping change the way people update their careers."One of the attractions to online (education) is that it's a lot more accessible to working adults who want to quit their jobs," says Pedram Mizani, president of Advanced Colleges of America.To help you sift through your online degree options, we looked to a study by Eduventures, a leading educational research firm.Based on their study, the most popular online programs for bachelor's degree.
"Online classes allow students to fit it into their lives. If they're working and they've got a family, they can't come to class every Monday and Thursday at one p.m., but they can log onto the website at nine at night after the kids are in bed," says Velvet Miscione, a counselor with California's Coastline Community College.
In fact, online degrees are helping change the way people update their careers."One of the attractions to online (education) is that it's a lot more accessible to working adults who want to quit their jobs," says Pedram Mizani, president of Advanced Colleges of America.To help you sift through your online degree options, we looked to a study by Eduventures, a leading educational research firm.Based on their study, the most popular online programs for bachelor's degree.
"Online classes allow students to fit it into their lives. If they're working and they've got a family, they can't come to class every Monday and Thursday at one p.m., but they can log onto the website at nine at night after the kids are in bed," says Velvet Miscione, a counselor with California's Coastline Community College.
If this flexibility sounds like a good fit for your future, check out these five online degrees that could help your career change.
Online Degree #1 - Master's in Business Administration (MBA)
Do you already have a strong professional resume but want to move up in your company or switch to a new, more exciting field? An online MBA degree might be just the fuel you need to help you get there.Need proof? Consider a 2010 Forbes.com report, "Best Master's Degrees for Jobs," in which an MBA scored in the top 10 degrees employers looked for.
That's likely due to the advanced business education an MBA degree provides, which could be applied to almost any industry. Among other things, MBA grads study finance, marketing, and management.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
- Human Resources Manager: $108,600; 10 percent growth
Online Degree #2 - Associate's in Paralegal Studies
If you're curious about the legal field, earning an online associate's degree in paralegal studies could help you become more familiar with the justice system and prepare you to pursue a new career as a paralegal.
And for those who love reading, writing, and conducting research, a paralegal degree isn't just interesting to study; it could also offer the fuel you need to make a career change. Paralegal studies courses might include civil procedure, legal research and writing, and ethics.
The Department of Labor notes that paralegals will be in high demand in the future, with employers hiring paralegals to increase the availability and efficiency of legal services.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
The Department of Labor notes that paralegals will be in high demand in the future, with employers hiring paralegals to increase the availability and efficiency of legal services.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant: $49,640; 28 percent growth
Online Degree #3 - Bachelor's in Accounting
If you've truly got an itch for a career switch, and you love numbers, a recent "Best Jobs in America" report by Money Magazine and Salary.com is aimed squarely at you. It based its list on three criteria: total compensation, expected job growth, and personal fulfillment and challenge.
Public accountant came in at number four.
If your current job can't top that, it may be time to pursue an online bachelor's degree in accounting, which could offer you the skills and knowledge to help you pursue a career as an accountant.
With this online degree, you'll also have the convenience of taking courses like auditing, business law, and tax accounting, when and where you want.
The number four never looked so good.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
If your current job can't top that, it may be time to pursue an online bachelor's degree in accounting, which could offer you the skills and knowledge to help you pursue a career as an accountant.
With this online degree, you'll also have the convenience of taking courses like auditing, business law, and tax accounting, when and where you want.
The number four never looked so good.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
- Accountant or Auditor: $68,960; 22 percent growth
Online Degree #4 - Associate's in Information Technology (IT)
If you enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and have good communication skills, an associate's in IT could be your portal to pursuing a new career.
With flexible online courses that might include computer networking, systems analysis and design, and web technologies, this degree could prepare you for a variety of tech-savvy careers.
What's more, the Department of Labor notes that the computer systems design and related services industry as a whole is projected to experience 45 percent job growth from 2008 to 2018, lending another attractive quality to an IT degree.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
With flexible online courses that might include computer networking, systems analysis and design, and web technologies, this degree could prepare you for a variety of tech-savvy careers.
What's more, the Department of Labor notes that the computer systems design and related services industry as a whole is projected to experience 45 percent job growth from 2008 to 2018, lending another attractive quality to an IT degree.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
- Computer Support Specialist: $49,930; 14 percent growth
Online Degree #5 - Associate's in Medical Assisting
if your career goals include working in health care, an online associate's degree in medical assisting could be for you.
You could complete this online degree from home, with courses that teach you how to assist doctors in their care for patients. The coursework in this field is broad and can include everything from taking basic medical tests to keeping medical records.
What else makes this online degree a smart option for career changers?
Health care is a growing field. In fact, the Department of Labor notes it's expected to generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018.
Possible Career, Average Earning Potential, and Job Growth Outlook from 2008 to 2018:
Medical Assistant: $29,760; 34 percent growth
Medical Assistant: $29,760; 34 percent growth
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