Online education has been increasing in popularity for adult students over the past decade. Yahoo Education reports that in 2010, 27 percent of adult degree-granting institutions were seeking their degrees online and that number is predicted to go as high as 39 percent by 2015. Today, adult students can find a wealth of options for in-demand degrees that they can earn almost exclusively from the comfort of home. Check out these online degrees you can earn in just two years or less.
Business Administration
Business degrees are relatively easy to earn online and offer a variety of options in today’s workforce. Online education is an appropriate replica of the current business world since much of today’s administrative work is handled via the Internet. For those interested in a professional career in this field, business administration offers a solid foundation that opens the door to a variety of business occupations. With studies in accounting, human resources, and management, you can hone your professional skills for the 21st-century workforce without ever straying far from your home computer.
Paralegal Studies
The paralegal field is one of the fastest-growing occupations today, according to Yahoo Education. The website cites numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that predict this field to grow by 24 percent between 2008 and 2018. Paralegal professionals work alongside attorneys in their practices, conducting research, writing briefs, and educating clients about their cases. The average annual salary for paralegals today ranges from around $46,000 to $70,000.
This video gives an overview of careers as a paralegal.
Nursing
Most people don’t think of a nursing degree as one that can be earned online, due to the hands-on training that is required for this profession. However, Yahoo Education explains that for some nursing programs, only 20 percent of the coursework must be hands-on, which allows this field of study to qualify as an online program by some college standards. Nursing offers numerous options, from hospital work to positions in nursing homes and even home care. Many nurses launch their careers with an associate degree in nursing that can be earned in just two years.
Criminal Justice
A degree in criminal justice prepares you for an exciting career in the field of law enforcement, whether your goal is to work as a police officer, corrections officer, or in an administrative capacity. Yahoo Voices lists some of the coursework you can look forward to as you pursue your criminal justice degree, which includes forensics, criminal law, and ethics. While previous positions in this field were frequently obtained through on the job training, today’s criminal justice professional will have much better odds of success with a degree under the belt.
Information Technology
Adults with an interest and aptitude in computers may find the field of information technology to be a lucrative one. While some positions in this field require a four-year degree, many get their foot in the door with an associate degree from a community college. Possible options for two-year degree earners include help desk and network administration and web development. Yahoo Education states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs in this field to grow at a rate of around 30 percent through 2018.
Accounting
Online business degrees can also specialize in the financial end of business operations. An online associate degree in accounting can launch a rewarding profession as a bookkeeper. This position includes duties like maintaining accounting records and handling accounts payable and receivable. In smaller businesses, the bookkeeping clerk may be responsible for overseeing most of the financial dealings of the company. This degree program is a relatively easy one to earn online, which may be why a number of institutions across the country offer online accounting programs.
This video looks at accounting as a career.
Education
Education is one of the hottest online four-year degrees around, according to Yahoo Education. However, many adults are now entering the teaching profession with two-year degree programs as well. In many cases, the two-year degree in education prepares graduates for work in early childhood education, working in preschools, daycare centers, and after school facilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the early childhood education professionals to grow at a rate of 25 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Health Care Administration
Health care administration is a good field to consider if you are interested in working in health care, but don’t wish to work directly with patients on a daily basis. Health care administrators are typically found behind the scenes in doctor’s offices or hospitals, maintaining patient files, updating information, and working with insurance companies. These professionals continue to be in high demand, as the industry shifts to information systems for storing and updating patient records and other important information.
Graphic Design
An associate degree in graphic design can get you started in an exciting career as a web developer. These professionals work with individuals and businesses to create websites that advertise and provide information about their companies. Yahoo Education estimates the average annual salary for web designers to range from around $30,000 to $50,000.
Engineering
Two-year engineering degrees are becoming more common today, as a quick means for adults to get their foot in the door of this fascinating field. Online degrees in all types of engineering technology are now available. These degree programs can help you land positions as a drafter, machine designer, or even sales representative. Specializations might include biomedical, electrical or mechanical engineering.
Finding an online degree program is easier today than ever before, thanks to the rising demand for distance education from community college students nationwide. With many good two-year programs to choose from, you may be able to launch a rewarding new career without having to leave your home for a college campus.
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