2023 Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

If you have had even the slightest intention to get a degree as a working adult, but failed to do so due to time constraints, then we’ll like to let you know that this is no longer a valid excuse. It probably used to be one ten or twenty years ago. Completing an online degree program is now practically possible and working adults can take full advantage of this opportunity.

How does this work?

Many universities and post-secondary institutions now provide degree programs fully online (including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Associate, and certificate programs) in various areas like business, healthcare, management, and history. These online degree programs are for working adults who may want to save time in commuting fees, or processing a visa to study in another country. You can study right from home and not skip a beat.

While some of these degrees [in mention] are offered online, it is not all of them that can be completed fully online; hence some of these programs are hybrid. During the course of this exposition, we’ll go over 15 of these online degree programs for working adults that can be completed. If it is your goal this year to get a college degree without quitting your job to study, these degrees are recommended because they are less hectic compared to stronger disciplines like engineering or medicine.

So, tired of sitting in traffic for hours to get to your campus classes? Or perhaps you simply cannot fit a traditional class schedule into your already hectic workweek? Not to worry, we have compiled a list of the best online degree programs for working adults to help you achieve your academic goals. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the world of online learning.

What are Online Degree Programs?

Online degree programs are essentially virtual classrooms that allow you to take classes, earn degrees, and further your education from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you please, really). These programs are designed to meet the needs of working adults who want to earn their degrees without disrupting their already hectic schedules. Whether you’re a full-time employee, a parent, or simply someone who values your time, online degree programs provide the flexibility and convenience you need to succeed.

List of the Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Now, with that understanding, let’s take a look at the top online degree programs for working adults in 2023. We cover everything from business to healthcare and everything in between.

Business Administration
Healthcare Administration
Accelerated Nursing
Finance
General Studies
Education, Special Ed & Educational Leadership
Criminal Justice
Supply Chain Management
Marketing
Philosophy
Computer Science
Accounting
Psychology
Information Technology
Public Health & Administration.

Overview of the Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults to Consider

If any of these popular online degrees interest you, then you should continue reading to learn which schools offer you the best online education option.

1. Business Administration

If you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, a degree in business administration might just be what you need. Online business administration programs offer a wide range of courses that cover everything from management to finance and can prepare you for a variety of roles in the business world.

2. Healthcare Administration

A degree in healthcare administration can lead to a wide range of jobs in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. You can become ready for positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations by enrolling in an online healthcare administration program that normally covers topics like healthcare policy, finance, and management.

3. Accelerated Nursing

Enrolling in an online accelerated nursing program can be a fantastic choice for people wishing to switch careers to nursing or for practicing nurses looking to better their careers. These courses can be used to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and they are made to be finished faster than standard nursing programs. Many traditional colleges now offer accelerated BSN (ABSN) degrees that can fast-track your learning and compress a typical four-year nursing degree into months. Depending on what you want, accelerated nursing programs offer numerous degree options including RN-BSN, ABSN, LPN-BSN, and MSN.

4. Finance

From financial analyst to an investment banker, a degree in finance can open up several employment options. Online finance degree programs can give you the knowledge and abilities you need to succeed in the financial world. These programs frequently cover subjects like accounting, economics, and investment management.

5. General Studies

A degree in general studies can be a great option if you aren’t sure what career path you want to take. These programs provide a diverse range of courses in a variety of subjects, allowing you to pursue your interests while also receiving a well-rounded education.

6. Education, Special Ed & Educational Leadership

If you have a strong interest in education, enrolling in an online degree program in education, special education, or educational leadership can be a terrific choice. From teaching in the classroom to working as a school administrator, these programs can help you get ready for a number of jobs in education.

7. Criminal Justice

Working Adults interested in working with any organization tasked with law enforcement can enroll in online degree programs in Criminal Justice. Lots of universities offer this degree fully online. These courses can help you get ready for jobs in the legal system, law enforcement, and more. They frequently cover subjects like criminal law, criminology, and corrections.

8. Supply Chain Management

A supply chain management online degree is a great option for those interested in the logistics and operations side of the business. These programs cover inventory management, logistics, and procurement, and can prepare you for positions in supply chain management, logistics, and operations.

9. Marketing

Do you have a passion for the advertising and brand-building industries? If so, a marketing degree might be the perfect fit for you. Marketing degrees educate students for positions in advertising agencies, public relations firms, and marketing departments by placing a strong emphasis on consumer behavior, market research, and advertising. Branding, social media marketing, and digital advertising are all common subjects covered in online marketing programs.

10. Philosophy

For those interested in deepening their understanding of human existence and the world around us, a degree in philosophy may be a good fit. Online philosophy programs typically cover topics such as metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, preparing students for careers in fields such as law, academia, and journalism. Philosophy degrees can also help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills that are valuable in many different professions.

11. Computer Science

In today’s digital world, a degree in computer science can lead to a variety of professional opportunities. It is one of the most popular degree programs in the world, and it is useful to learn that many schools offer computer science degrees online. Usually, these online programs will aim to educate you in computer science terms, ecosystem, and how other themes like computer networking, computer hardware, and software, and cybersecurity interact. If you’ve always had some love stored up for computers and it’s science, then you can apply to study computer science online. It’s practically everywhere on the internet.

12. Accounting

If you love math and financial analysis and are good with those book-balancing tools like cash flow statements and balance sheets, then why don’t you consider studying accounting? You can attend online degree programs offered by top education providers and train yourself in financial analysis and modeling, and balancing a company’s books. The good news is that many online colleges offer affordable MSc degrees in accounting. And you can take advantage of those to ramp up your learning.

13. Psychology

Psychology is a professional discipline that deals with the study of the human mind and behavior. And in 2023, it is one of the most useful professions with several applications in other major fields, including sports, marketing, fashion, design, behavior engineering, therapy, counseling, organizational leadership, and more. Psychologists are generally well-paid and lead fulfilling lives. So, if you’re keen on starting out as a psychologist, there are so many options for online degree programs to select from these days.

14. Information Technology

Similar to computer science, an information technology degree can prepare students for a variety of jobs. Database management, network administration, and cybersecurity are just a few of the subjects covered in online IT programs that prepare students for employment in software development, network engineering, and cybersecurity analysis. IT degrees have increased in value in the job market as a result of the technology sector’s rapid technological development.

15. Public Health & Administration

A degree in public health and administration may be another decent option for those interested in healthcare and public policy; especially due to the fact that it is one of the most accessible healthcare degrees to get online.

Typical PHA topics will cover epidemiology, health policy, and health promotion are frequently covered in online public health programs, preparing students for careers as public health analysts, health policy analysts, and healthcare administrators. Public health degrees, with a focus on improving public health outcomes, can be useful in a variety of fields.

Where to Apply to Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Now that you have possibly identified an ideal online degree program for yourself, the next question becomes “How do you start from here?”

Online degrees are becoming massively popular. With the high number of enrollments in online degree programs each year, it is very little wonder as to why universities are now establishing online education centres. The next key step to getting your desired choice of degree online is to make up your mind on where you want to study. This could be anywhere you deem fit, depending on your educational goals. You can apply to online universities, or vocational schools, or take certificate courses from MOOCs or other post-secondary institutions. Let’s provide an overview of these options for you.

1. Applying to Online Universities

There are numerous online colleges out there that cover most of the online degree programs we have listed in this article. Moreso, some of these programs are really affordable and accessible, thanks to their low-entry requirements. However, as expected, this is the most expensive way to get an online degree.

2. Applying to Online Vocational Schools

Alternatively, you can apply to online degree programs in vocational schools. These are schools dedicated to training students in a particular area of specialization. For example, you may be interested in learning information technology. So, instead of paying higher fees in online colleges above, you may decide to go to cheaper alternative online vocational schools for information technology. Moreover, these schools typically offer their programs in significantly less completion time. Albeit, we do not recommend vocational schools for more professional disciplines like accounting, for example, as these vocational school certificates are considered less inferior to online colleges.

3. Taking Online Certificate Courses

Finally, your third option is to take online certification courses. You can do this by either applying to online certificate programs offered by online colleges (note that these are less than degree programs), or you can learn these skills on MOOCs platforms littered all over the internet. Either option you choose is another decent approach to getting the knowledge you choose. However, this option typically presents a lower certificate value. So, you can decide to start out with this but aim to get higher training to improve your competence, earn more money, and advance your career.

Popular FAQs About Online Degree Programs for Working Adults

Can I use an online degree for work?

Without a single doubt, yes you can. However, if the goal for you is not just to get knowledge, but to apply it to professional practice, then it is highly important that you enroll only in online degree programs that are accredited and provide useful, globally-recognized certifications that employers can judge your qualifications by.

What to expect from an online program?

You can expect the same variety of coursework online as you would in person. Online courses include a variety of quizzes, essays, assignments, and group discussions. Depending on the course, you may work in groups with other students, participate in peer review, or debate a variety of topics on the discussion boards.

What is the quickest time I can graduate from an online degree program?

The answer to this question is dependent on your course of study and the school offering the course. Some online degree programs take as little as 12 – 24 months to complete, while others may drag on to 3 years, like online programs offered at Liberty University.

So, when you eventually make inquiries, you will learn more about your project and coursework schedule in online degree programs.

Do online courses cost more or less?

Typically, less. However, this is subject to the school (again), and your course of study. Some online colleges are just really affordable [like the University of the People]; while others just tend to be on the high side.

Are online degree programs self-paced?

The courses in online degree programs may either be self-paced, or synchronous, depending on the school’s pattern. Self-paced learning usually features classes that have been recorded and made available to students who were unable to attend them to catch up. While synchronous learning demands that you follow the laid-out class schedule closely.

Wrapping It Up

To summarize, the advent of technology and its impact on education will forever go down in history as one of its most useful, no matter who you ask. The growing demand for remote learning, universities, and colleges have made significant strides in developing flexible, high-quality programs that meet the needs of professionals seeking further education. These programs not only provide flexibility but also provide affordable and accessible options for those who may not have the time or resources to attend traditional on-campus classes.

Online degrees range from healthcare to technology, business to education. Choosing the right program can be difficult, but with careful consideration of one’s personal and professional goals, as well as program accreditation and quality, working adults can find a program that meets their needs.