Accredited Top Online Degree Programs

Top Online Degrees for Marketable Careers

What are the accredited top 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 growing trend is for people who had already started their degree program but have not completed it, online programs are a worthwhile mention. They offer flexibility for people who have full time jobs or families.

For these students this is a great way to complete their degrees at their own pace. Another trend is for campus-based universities and colleges to offer online degree programs and courses to cater to students who can take some classes on campus and others online.

Online studies suggest that although the popularity and marketability of top online degree programs does fluctuate with economic and social factors, some degree programs have remained at the top of the popularity list. These programs are: Medical billing and coding, medical transcription, nursing, business and MBA, psychology, education, criminal justice and information technology degrees.

Additional research shows that increasingly, more students are enrolling in top online degree at graduate level programs of study, particularly masters and PhD programs. This is based on the fact that the students want to enhance their marketability while having the flexibility to continue working.

Business degrees are popular at the bachelors and business levels of study. In fact most mid-level and upper-level management positions now require for employees to have an MBA degree. This means that more students are opting to complete their studies online in order to keep working full time. It also means that more MBA programs have observed this need and responded by offering flexible online options. Studies in business that are marketable include accounting, finance, human resource management, project management, marketing, and risk management.

Certain areas in the health care profession have continued to grow, yet there is still a demand for certain professions. These top online degree programs are in medical coding, medical billing, medical transcription, health administration and management and nursing. Nursing in particular continue to experience acute shortages, for example life care planning, legal nurse consulting, and forensic nursing. Much of the shortage has been a result of retirement of the aging baby boomer generation and medical technology advancement.

Another area of study with a growing number of graduate degrees is education for example math education, science education, and special education. There are many areas top online degree programs and concentrations for working teachers for example educational leadership, instructional design and technology, and curriculum and instruction. There is an industry drive for administration and management positions as well as technology positions.

We live in the information age and as you can imagine the field of technology is one that continues to develop and grow exponentially. Programs that continue to experience a need are information systems, computer technology, and software engineering. Employment in these areas is not industry specific as most industries incorporate technology in one way or another.

Criminal justice courses also remain at the top of the list of popular online degrees. Criminal justice degrees have remained marketable at all levels including associates, bachelor and masters levels. Graduates of these programs go on to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal profession in areas such as immigration and homeland security personnel.

Selected Career Opportunity Employment Projections (2002-2012)
	2002	2012	% Change
Technology	2,911,000	3,954,000	35.8%
Healthcare	3,310,000	4,452,000	34.5%
Nursing	2,284,000	2,908,000	27.3%
Human Services	2,190,000	2,764,000	26.2%
Education/Teaching	8,530,000	10,639,000	24.7%
Criminal Justice	3,116,000	3,885,000	24.7%
Graphic Design	212,000	258,000	21.7%
Business	5,445,000	6,606,000	21.3%
Legal/Paralegal	1,168,000	1,357,000	16.2%
Engineering	1,478,000	1,587,000	7.4%
Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

When deciding on your future career, several things need to be considered. One is the fact that while some degrees that are not every popular with students, there is an industry need in certain areas. These areas also tend to pay quite well. A second consideration is to ensure that the college you will to attend is accredited. This consideration is paramount; otherwise you will waste a lot of time and money. Finally, determine whether the financial elements and scheduling issues will work for you. Top online degree programs are always willing to work with you on this information.