Online Degrees: Ultimate List & Tips for Studying

In 2021, online education remains one of the most searched terms. Not only can you undertake short courses, but it is now commonplace to get Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online. Is this the right fit for you? Keep reading to find out!

In this article, our custom writing team will:

• explain the benefits of getting an online degree;
• introduce the top 10 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs;
• offer valuable tips on getting an online degree.

❓ Getting an Online Degree: Is It Worth It?

Even though online programs are relatively new in the field of education, they are absolutely worth it. There are numerous pros to studying online:

• Flexibility. Online programs afford flexibility and convenience, depending on students’ circumstances.
• Accessibility. Learners can take online courses from nearly any place. Daily travels to school are not obligatory. All you need is internet access.
• Affordability. Some of the online programs cost less than on-campus studies. Usually, there isn’t much price difference. Still, the flexibility of online programs permits students to continue working while being enrolled in a college. You also save the money you would’ve used for transport.

According to the  2021 Best Colleges survey, 74% of students are contented with their online courses or prefer them over on-campus studies. Online education is growing in popularity and is definitely worth pursuing.

Top 3 Myths about Online Learning

Online degrees offer various advantages, but some people hesitate to pursue them due to myths about distance learning. Let’s examine these prevalent misconceptions and explain why they are groundless:

All in all, if you are still doubtful about pursuing your degree online, don’t let myths affect your opinion.

🌐 Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Online: Top 5 Programs

Can’t decide which program to select? To simplify it for you, we’ve made a top 5 list of the most innovative Bachelor’s degree programs.

All the programs presented here are accredited and have a high return on investment. Return on investment or ROI means the financial gain you can expect in relation to the investment cost. That is, pursuing one of the programs listed below will be advantageous for you in the future since you can earn more than you’ve spent to enroll in the course.

Top Online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Program in Business

Name of the program: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies – Business

University: University of Virginia

Course duration: 3-4 years

Annual tuition fee: $29,280

10 year ROI: $788,000

About this course:

• This program is perfect for those who seek an adaptable schedule that can be balanced with professional or family duties.
• The BIS course prepares learners to advance in their existing jobs, aim for graduate studies, or transition to a different occupation.

Advantages:

• The course guarantees flexible hours and enables students to broaden their expertise in business and management. 
• You’ll improve your problem-solving, critical, analytical, and time-management abilities.
• Besides, you may take a heavier course load and get your degree in 2 years. 
• Scholarships are available.

Top Online Bachelor Program in Computer Science

Name of the program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University: Colorado State University

Course duration: 2-4 years (depending on the intensity of learning)

Annual tuition fee: $14,280

10 year ROI: $754,700

About this course:

• If you are keen on software, algorithms, and theoretical computing frameworks, this program is for you.
• You can opt for studying AI, human-centered computing, computing systems, or network security.
• Also, you might take a breadth focus to get a wider grasp of computer science.

Advantages:

• The university prioritizes meaningful discussions. Students and instructors work cooperatively, exchanging ideas online.
• This program ensures maximum adaptability. You can learn from any place at any schedule.
• You’ll get an online access to all the needed materials.

Best Online Bachelor Program in Nursing

Name of the program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BS)

University: Mercy College

Course duration: 1-2 years full time, 2-3 years part time

Annual tuition fee: $12,875.

10 year ROI: $1,064,500.

About this course:

• This program is made for registered nurses who decide to return to school for a bachelor’s degree.
• The emphasis is on transcultural nursing and leadership and management.
• Online learning is facilitated via Blackboard.

Advantages:

• You’ll receive a chance to study advanced nursing concepts.
• This course will help you enhance your leadership skills and gain knowledge in collaboration with leading organizations and communities.
• The college offers various financial aid programs, including academic ones.
• Flexible schedules are permissible for working nurses.

Top Online Bachelor of Arts Program in Graphic Design

Name of the program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media

University: Maryville University

Course duration: 1-3 years

Annual tuition fee: $16,00

10 year ROI: $375,400

About this course:

• This course is interesting for individuals with an aesthetic sense and solid computer skills.
• It concentrates on interactive design, marketing, print production, video game development, and more.
• It’s a fantastic choice for self-employed designers with creative drive.

Advantages:

• Forbes has rated Maryville University as one of America’s best colleges. 
• You will acquire the training and proficiency to become a highly professional designer.
• The course permits studying on your own time, with no campus visits.
• You will learn by creating and receiving feedback from top specialists.

Best Online Bachelor of Arts Program in Psychology

Name of the program: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University: University of Alaska Anchorage

Course duration: 4 years

Annual tuition fee: $25,440

10 year ROI: $350,000

About this course:

• If you’re excited about research related to psychological experiences or working with patients in clinics, this option is suitable for you.
• The degree supplies diverse skills for graduate study in social or health sciences and entry-level careers in the field.
• You can try getting either a BA or a BS degree.
• The focus is on children’s mental health and behavior psychology.

Advantages:

• The university proposes flexible programs and valuable undergraduate research opportunities.
• You can receive financial support for independent research through grants, awards, and scholarships.
• A faculty advisor will supervise your work.
• You may also earn a hybrid degree.

🎓 Top 5 Online Master’s Degree Programs

If you’re a postgraduate student, you could consider getting a Master’s degree online. It can save you time and allow you to gain some work experience.

Check out this list of top online Master’s degree programs. All the courses mentioned below are accredited and guarantee a high salary. To make sure, you can look at the median salary rate, which is an average of all graduates’ wages after ten years of working in the field.

Best Online Master of Science Program in Management

Name of the program: Master of Science in Management

University: University of Colorado Denver

Course duration: 1-2 years

Annual tuition fee: $10,965

Median Salary: $186,500

About this course:

• If you wish to tailor your degree or learn how to lead a team efficiently, this program is for you.
• The course trains its graduates for leadership roles in public and private sector organizations.
• It prioritizes change management and managing for sustainability.

Advantages:

• The university gives scholarships to its students.
• Learners may opt for a dual degree in Master of Science programs.
• Moreover, you’ll have the possibility to build a network with industry leaders.

Top Online Master of Business Taxation Program in Accounting

Name of the program: Master of Business Taxation

University: University of Southern California

Course duration: 9-12 months

Annual tuition fee: $29,700

Median Salary: $155,400

About this course:

• The program is for people who already work in the tax field and intend to deepen their expertise.
• A minimum 1-year work experience is obligatory.
• It’s focused on corporate taxation, tax theory and ethics, and estate tax.
• Online learning is facilitated via Canvas LMS.

Advantages:

• An education from a top-three graduate tax program in America.
• Learners can network with professionals nationwide.
• The university guarantees a quality educational experience and has highly professional personalized instructors.
• Also, you may take selective classes depending on your goals and preferences.

Top Online Master Program in Educational Leadership

Name of the program: Master in Educational Leadership and Administration

University: The George Washington University

Course duration: 2 years (fast-track option)

Annual tuition fee: $15,375

Median Salary: $91,400

About this course:

• Choose this program if you aim to become a principal or administrator.
• The emphasis is on diverse educational communities and ways of improving students’ learning.

Advantages:

• You’ll be able to learn from instructors with over 30 years of experience.
• The university provides a variety of internships that help its students to get first-hand experience.
• The program involves group work that enables you to develop the skills required for the workplace.
• Besides, you can complete the course in an accelerated form in just 2 years.

Best Online Master of Social Work Program

Name of the program: Master of Social Work

University: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Course duration: 2 years

Annual tuition fee: $17,040

Median Salary: $70,300

About this course:

• This program can help future or current social workers who pursue an advanced degree.
• The focus is on working with families, veterans, and people with substance abuse disorders.

Advantages:

• This degree has been rated as one of the best MSW programs by SR Education Group.
• The program’s class schedules are adjustable.
• You needn’t have a BSW to enroll in this program.
• After getting an MSW, you can try to become a Licensed Master of Social Work.

Top Online Master of Public Administration Program

Name of the program: Master of Public Administration

University: California State University-Long Beach

Course duration: 22 months

Annual tuition fee: $10,656

Median Salary: $113,300

About this course:

• This program is perfectly suitable for professionals working in the public sector, public managers and administrators, city managers, public officials, or individuals who intend to advance their management skills.
• The attention is on leadership and management in the sphere of public service and nonprofit organizations.

Advantages:

• The courses are taught by CSULB faculty with years of academic and professional practice.
• You will study via interactive real-time sessions.
• It’ll help you learn the theory, skills, and ethics necessary to become an outstanding public service manager.
• The courses can be finished within 22 months in an intensive format.

🖥️ Top 5 Tips on Getting an Online Degree

Getting an education online is simpler than it might seem. Just follow the tips below to have a terrific experience and capitalize on your studies.

• Select the right program. To do it, study the lists of the best online degree accredited programs. Compare tuition fees and ROI and read about the experiences of learners who had studied there before. 
• Join online events and webinars. By attending virtual meetings, you can discover more about the program and ask questions directly to the staff. 
• Check online platforms such as Coursera and edX. There, you’ll find many accessible programs for different majors.
• Work on your time management skills. Try to devote a set amount of time to each one of your lectures and interactive activities. Also, don’t forget to save enough time for self-study.
• Find a suitable place to study. Make sure that it’s a quiet place with a stable internet connection. This way, you’ll stay concentrated and be more efficient.

We hope you found this article useful. Feel free to share it with your peers! We wish you best of luck with your online courses.

🔗 References

1. Benefits of Online Learning: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
2. Benefits of Online Education: Community College of Aurora in Colorado
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning: eLearning Industry
4. The Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2024: US News
5. How to Get Online Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Technology: Geekflare
6. 10 Myths about Online Learning: Henry Ford College
7. Common Myths about Online Learning: Grand Valley State University
8. Tips for Learning Online: Stanford University