What are the popular online degrees? 

In today's fast-paced and rapidly evolving job market, learning new skills can be more important than ever before. However, not everyone has the time to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university with in-person classes. Many learners need greater flexibility and convenience, which is why online degrees are increasing in popularity.

Online degrees can provide students with the opportunity to earn a degree from the comfort of their own homes and on their own schedules. However, the purpose of earning a degree is often to enhance your job prospects.

What are some online degrees to consider? It depends on your career goals and skills, but these seven online degrees can equip graduates with the knowledge to succeed in the workplace.

1. Nursing

Nursing degrees are usually called Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. This program can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work  in the nursing profession.

Skills learned can include:

• Leadership and management skills
• Ethical decision making
• Patient-centered care
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving

Common courses can include:

• Nursing Practices
• Health Information Technology
• Integrity in Practice

Career path options can include:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Nurse Manager
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Educator

2. Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) degrees can give learners a better understanding of what it takes to run a corporate team or business. You’ll learn a variety of important business concepts like management and negotiation to prepare you for a variety of leadership roles.

Skills learned can include:

• Accounting and financial management
• Marketing and sales
• Business strategy and operations
• Leadership and management skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Common courses can include:

• Business Communications
• Organizational Behavior
• Inclusive Leadership

Career path options can include:

• Business Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Marketing Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Human Resources Manager

3. Accounting

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting can equip you with the skills to work as an accountant or in a financial management field. You’ll learn the basic principles of bookkeeping as well as business operations and ethics.

Skills learned can include:

• Financial accounting and reporting
• Cost accounting
• Auditing and assurance services
• Taxation
• Business law and ethics

Common courses can include:

• Introduction to Computer Applications and Systems
• Organizational Behavior
• Principles of Accounting

Career path options can include:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Financial Analyst
• Tax Consultant

4. Cybersecurity

A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity can give you the skills to keep a business’s information technology (IT) systems safe and secure. Learn how to prevent cyber attacks as well as how to mitigate attacks in this online degree program.

Skills learned can include:

• Network security and cryptography
• Incident response and disaster recovery
• Cybercrime investigation and digital forensics
• Cybersecurity policy and law
• Risk management and compliance

Common courses can include:

• Foundations of Security
• Computer Network Defense
• Security Scripting

Career path options can include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Manager
• Network Security Engineer

5. Communication

A Bachelor of Science in Communication degree can give learners a wide range of experience to work in industries such as media, marketing and sales. Learn the foundations of clear communication and get hands-on experience using communication tools to enhance your career opportunities in multiple industries.

Skills learned can include:

• Effective communication in various settings
• Interpersonal and organizational communication
• Intercultural communication
• Media and public relations
• Advertising and marketing

Common courses can include:

• Introduction to Communication
• Logic and Rhetoric
• Interpersonal Communication

Career path options can include:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Advertising Account Executive
• Media Representative
• Journalist

6. Education

A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education can teach you not only effective ways to teach young minds but also how to best support your students.

Skills learned can include:

• Curriculum design and assessment
• Instructional strategies and technology integration
• Classroom management and discipline
• Learning theories and development
• Collaboration and communication with parents, colleagues and administrators

Common courses can include:

• Foundations of Education
• Early Childhood Development
• Models of Instruction

Career path options can include:

• K-12 Teacher
• Instructional Coordinator
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Administrator

7. Data Science

An online data science degree can teach you the ins and outs of data gathering, cleansing, analysis and storage. This program can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to collect, analyze and interpret data to inform decision making in a variety of industries.

Skills learned can include:

• Data collection, management and visualization
• Statistical analysis and modeling
• Machine learning and predictive analytics
• Big data technologies and tools
• Business acumen and critical thinking

Common courses can include:

• Foundations of Data Analytics
• Logic for Computer Programming
• Data Programming Languages

Career path options can include:

• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Database Administrator