Today’s job market is nothing like it was even a decade ago. In order to stand out and compete for the best opportunities, you need to invest in your future and take alternative paths towards a new career. That often means going back to school, but not in the traditional way. If you’re a working adult who can’t afford to quit your job or take time off for an extended period of time, distance learning is your perfect solution. Here are 5 affordable online degrees that will get you a job in no time.
Distance learning programs are ideal for working adults because they allow students to engage with instructors and classmates online instead of being on campus during standard business hours.
What are the Best Online Degrees that will get you a Job?
Before you start your search, it’s important to understand that there are different types of online degrees. The following are the five most common types of online degrees and what they entail.
Associate – Associate degrees are typically two-year programs that offer an introduction to a specific field. While they are a great stepping stone to a bachelor degree, they typically do not qualify you for direct entry into the workforce.
Bachelor – A four-year bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry-level positions in most industries. While it is possible to complete a bachelor degree online, it is most common to find hybrid programs.
Master – A master’s degree typically requires two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. Many online master’s degree programs offer the option to complete a degree in as little as 12 months.
Doctorate – Doctoral degrees can take one to three years to complete, but the time required varies greatly between disciplines.
Read also: 7 Best Categories of Online Degree Programs That Pay Well
Computer Networking Technology
Computer Networking is the act of building and managing networks. It is a growing field with thousands of job openings each year. If you’re interested in a career in computer networking, there are very few opportunities where you can get a degree without quitting your job.
The University of New Mexico’s online computer networking degree program is a great option for working adults. The program is designed for working professionals and allows students to complete their degree in as little as 15 months.
The curriculum includes the same coursework as the on-campus program and prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ certification.
Computer Programming
Computer Programming is an in-demand skill that is used in almost every industry. From healthcare to finance, every company relies on software and IT solutions. This makes Computer Programming one of the most lucrative and in-demand careers in America.
If you think it’s time for a career change, it might be time to pursue a Computer Programming degree online. Southern New Hampshire University has a Computer Programming online degree program designed for working professionals. Students can choose from two different degree programs.
One degree prepares students for a career as a Software Engineer and the other prepares students for a career as a Web Developer. Regardless of the program, students can complete the degree in as little as one year.
Read also: How to Become a Computer Science Major: Best Guide for Beginners
Digital Marketing
The field of digital marketing is one of the most sought after careers in the modern world. Digital marketers are in high demand and industry experts predict that there will be more than 1.25 million job openings in the field over the next 10 years.
If you are interested in a career in digital marketing, there are very few opportunities where you can get a degree without quitting your job. The University of Florida’s online digital marketing degree program is one of those opportunities.
The program is designed for working professionals and allows students to complete the degree in as little as 18 months. The curriculum includes the same coursework as the on-campus program and prepares students for the certification exam to become a Certified Marketing Professional (CMP).
Information Technology
IT professionals are in demand in every industry. From banking and healthcare to government, every company relies on technology to operate. This makes a career in IT one of the most sought-after and lucrative professions in the modern world. If you are interested in pursuing a career in IT, there are very few opportunities where you can get a degree without quitting your job.
The University of Colorado Denver’s online information technology degree program is one of those opportunities. The program is designed for working professionals and allows students to complete the degree in as little as 15 months. The curriculum includes the same coursework as the on-campus program and prepares students for the CompTIA A+ certification.
Bonus: Get a Computer Networking Degree and Certification
Aside from being a growing field with thousands of job openings each year, computer networking is also one of the highest paying professions in IT. In fact, computer network engineers and architects are among the highest paid workers in the IT industry.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in computer networking, it may be worthwhile to get a degree in the field. Many computer networking degree programs also include the certification exam for CompTIA Network+ certification. This will give you a leg up over other candidates and help you get a job in the field faster.
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Bottom line
Computer networking is one of the fastest growing fields in IT. Beyond that, it also pays well and is in high demand across industries. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in computer networking, it may be worthwhile to get a degree in the field. There are very few opportunities where you can get a degree without quitting your job. The University of New Mexico’s online computer networking degree program is a great option for working adults.
