Studying Artificial Intelligence

To the outsider looking in, artificial intelligence (AI) seems daunting and maybe even downright scary. Are we creating a monster with these new advancements in machine learning?

The fact is that artificial intelligence is, in many ways, just the next logical step in the relationship between humans and computers. Already, smartphones and other devices have normalized human interaction with computers.

The amount of data we create and cultivate each year is staggering. This data has the potential to inform business strategies and decisions in a wide range of fields. The question is, how can we gather useful intelligence from a data set this big? Making sense of these massive data sets requires the use of computer technology.

Learning to interact with a computer wisely and creatively has the potential to teach us a lot about the world that we live in and the world that we humans are, in fact, creating. From a business standpoint, business analytics that makes use of artificial intelligence technology allows us to gain valuable advantages over our competitors. The intelligence we have gleaned by using artificial intelligence to make sense of data gives companies an opportunity to strategically hone their products and skills.

RELATED: What Kind of Degree Should I Get if I Want to Get into the Field of Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is so much more than just a tool to help us succeed in business. It has the potential to be whatever we need it to be to serve our purposes.

To achieve the full potential available to us with artificial intelligence on our side, we need more people with these skills to work in the world today. That’s where specialized AI degree programs come in. If we want to wield this technology wisely, we need to understand it. An online intelligence degree is ideally situated to equip students with the skills to leverage artificial intelligence technology.

RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online

What Are the Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs?

Are you looking to break into this exciting field? Check out our picks for the 20 best online programs in artificial intelligence.

The best online AI degrees on our list include programs of study at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, as well as graduate certificate programs. Whether you are just embarking on your college career or you’re ready to go back to school to advance your knowledge of artificial intelligence, there’s an AI program for you.

Some of these programs of study award an AI degree specifically. In other programs, artificial intelligence is a concentration or specialization in a broader curriculum of data science or computer science. Some of the best artificial intelligence colleges even award related degrees in areas like machine learning and autonomous systems. The title of your degree matters less than the knowledge and technical skills you develop by studying computer science and artificial intelligence.

1. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private four-year institution located in Stanford, California. With a history dating back to 1885, Stanford has a long record of academic excellence.

This prestigious university has repeatedly been ranked among the top universities in the nation. U.S. News & World Report has also ranked Stanford University on its lists of the best value schools, most innovative schools and top schools for several areas of computer science – most notably, artificial intelligence.

Studying Artificial Intelligence at Stanford University

At this time, students can’t earn a comprehensive artificial intelligence degree completely online at Stanford University. However, those who already have a bachelor’s degree can pursue a graduate certificate or professional certificate in artificial intelligence online.

Stanford University offers two separate online artificial intelligence programs. Both artificial intelligence (AI) programs are offered through the Stanford School of Engineering. These program offerings, combined with the institution’s reputation for excellence, make Stanford a great artificial intelligence school.

In the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate program, students customize a curriculum that consists of four graduate courses. Students in this program must take a required course in either machine learning or the principles and techniques of artificial intelligence. Beyond that, they complete three electives of their choice. Examples of electives in Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate program include the following:

• Introduction to robotics
• Principles of robot autonomy
• Machine learning theory
• Machine learning with graphs
• Computational logic
• Natural language understanding
• Natural language processing with deep learning
• Deep reinforcement learning
• Computer vision
• Deep multi-task and meta learning
• Mining massive data sets
• Decision making under uncertainty

Students usually finish this program in one to two years. However, they may take as long as three academic years to complete their coursework, if needed.

In the Artificial Intelligence Professional Program, students earn a professional certificate rather than a graduate certificate. The biggest difference between the Graduate Certificate and Professional Certificate programs is that the Professional program is intended for working adult students who need more flexibility than traditional graduate students. Courses are 10 weeks in length and include the following:

• Principles and techniques of artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Machine learning with graphs
• Reinforcement learning
• Natural language processing with deep learning
• Natural language understanding
• Deep multi-task and meta learning

Upon completing three of the courses included in the program, students earn their Professional Certificate. In addition to building up to a certificate, these courses count for Continuing Education Units.

View program details.

2. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, has the distinction of being the first research university in America. The school dates back to 1876 and has a long history of contributions to scientific research, including making possible the purification of water through chlorination and discovering restriction enzymes, which launched the field of genetic engineering. It’s no wonder that the institution is still known for its cutting-edge research, including in the field of computer science and, more specifically, artificial engineering.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Johns Hopkins University highly on its lists of national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and top schools for undergraduate research and creative projects.

Artificial Intelligence Studies at Johns Hopkins University

What makes Johns Hopkins University’s program one of the best artificial intelligence master’s online degrees? The curriculum does an excellent job of blending theoretical understanding with practical technical skills needed to solve real-world problems. The field of artificial intelligence research is constantly evolving, and the institution’s leading role in this research allows for the continuous advancement of the master’s program curriculum.

This is one of the first online master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence in the nation. The school is also home to the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.

The core courses in Johns Hopkins University’s artificial intelligence master’s online program include:

• Introduction to algorithms
• Algorithms for data science
• Applied machine learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Creating AI-enabled systems

In addition to these required courses, students complete six electives of their choice. Some of the electives available in this program include:

• Introduction to pattern recognition
• Human robotics interaction
• Social media analytics
• Neural networks
• Data visualization
• cloud computing
• Advanced machine learning
• Advanced artificial intelligence
• Values and ethics in artificial intelligence
• Integrating humans and technology

Johns Hopkins University also offers a graduate certificate in artificial intelligence for students who aren’t ready to commit to the full master’s curriculum.

Applicants to this program should have a background in programming using Python and the foundations of data structures.

View program details.

3. Duke University

The Duke University online degree in artificial intelligence is another of the best educational programs in the field of AI and machine learning.

The private institution located in Durham, North Carolina, has a strong reputation for excellence in both online and on-campus education. U.S. News & World Report has named Duke University on its rankings lists of best value schools, national universities, most innovative schools and top schools for co-ops and internships and for undergraduate research and creative projects.

Earning a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence at Duke University

Online artificial intelligence studies at Duke Univerisity take the form of a 30-credit Master of Engineering degree.

Coursework in Duke University’s Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence program includes:

• Sourcing data for analytics
• Business fundamentals for engineers
• Modeling process & algorithms
• Management of high-tech industries
• Deep learning applications
• Legal, societal & ethical implications of AI
• Operationalizing

Technical electives, a capstone project and a summer internship or industry project round out the curriculum. Although courses are offered online, prospective students should be aware that two on-campus residences, held in the spring of each year of study, are required.

The online master’s program at Duke University takes as little as 24 months to complete. This program is intended for part-time students. By the time students graduate, they will have compiled a portfolio full of their hands-on artificial intelligence and machine learning projects to demonstrate their skills to prospective employers.

Duke University also offers a Graduate Certificate in AI Foundations for Product Innovation online. Students can complete this program in just 15 months. Coursework begins with a summer boot camp in Python programming language and data science. Students take one graduate course per semester:

• Sourcing data for analytics
• Modeling process & algorithms
• Building products using deep learning
• AI in practice

Students who decide to further their education at the master’s level can apply the credits they earned in the certificate program to Duke’s online master’s program. This flexibility is another feature that makes Duke University a great artificial intelligence school.

View program details.

4. Northeastern University

Another school offering specialized artificial intelligence degree options is Northeastern University. The private Boston, Massachusetts, school was founded in 1898.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Northeastern University on its lists of national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools. Northeastern is a research university, as evidenced by its R1 Carnegie classification.

Studying Artificial Intelligence Online at Northeastern University

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program at Northeastern University is only available on campus. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Northeastern also offers a multidisciplinary machine learning online masters degree. This degree offering makes Northeastern University a great artificial intelligence school.

In Northeastern’s online Master of Professional Studies degree in Applied Machine Intelligence, students can focus their studies on one of four fields:

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Human resources
• Business ventures

The combination of experiential courses and a curriculum that spans introductory through advanced levels of study in artificial intelligence make this artificial intelligence online program uniquely engaging and effective at preparing the next generation of AI experts. Core coursework in this professional master’s program in Applied Machine Intelligence program includes:

• Data management and big data
• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• Applications of artificial intelligence
• AI system technologies
• Usability and human interaction

In the AI for Healthcare Concentration, coursework includes:

• Data mining applications
• Healthcare/pharmaceutical data and applications
• Healthcare information processing
• Advanced analytical utilization
• AI communication and visualization

The AI for Finance Concentration encompasses coursework in the following topics:

• Data mining applications
• Finance information processing
• Advanced analytical utilization
• AI communication and visualization
• Accounting fundamentals for financial institutions

In the AI for Human Resources Concetnatrion, students take classes such as:

• Data mining applications
• Human resources information processing
• Advanced analytical utilization
• AI communication and visualization
• Workforce Analytics

The AI for Business Ventures Concentration requires studies in the following areas:

• Data mining applications
• Advanced analytical utilization
• AI communication and visualization
• Issues in education
• Enterprise Information Architecture

No matter which concentration students choose, they should expect to devote some of their studies in this professional master’s program to experiential learning opportunities.

View program details.

5. University of Colorado Boulder

If you’re serious about finding the best artificial intelligence online options, don’t limit your search exclusively to programs that include AI or machine learning in the title. Some excellent options in the field of artificial intelligence are actually part of the best online IT degree programs. That’s what puts the University of Colorado Boulder on our list of great artificial intelligence school options.

This public university dates back to 1876. The school’s considerable research efforts have garnered global recognition. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Colorado Boulder on its lists of top public schools, national universities and best value schools, among others.

Studying Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder

The relevant online program at the University of Colorado Boulder isn’t an artificial intelligence degree program specifically. Instead, it’s a Master of Science in Computer Science program that incorporates machine learning and other AI-related subject matter into a broader curriculum. As such, students gain a breadth of knowledge not only in the topics related to artificial intelligence but also in how this field fits into the larger discipline of computer science.

In this 30-credit computer science degree program, students take at least one course in the foundations of data structures and algorithms and one in an area that represents software architecture for big data. Beyond these requirements, computer science students must take breadth courses in the principles and practice of network systems; computing, ethics and society; and – most importantly, for students interested in AI – a course in machine learning.

Machine learning coursework in this computer science degree program includes:

• Introduction to machine learning (supervised)
• Unsupervised algorithms in machine learning
• Introduction to deep learning

Students customize their curriculum through their elective courses, to which they devote 15 credits. Elective coursework for this computer science program includes several areas of study relevant to artificial intelligence, such as:

• Data mining methods
• Modeling of autonomous systems
• Robotics
• Deep learning and natural language processing
• Deep learning applications for computer vision

View program details.

6. Colorado State University

A second Colorado institution deserves a spot on our list of the best artificial intelligence degree programs: Colorado State University. Colorado State University is a public university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The school was founded in 1870.

The online extension of Colorado State University is CSU Global. CSU Global offers more than 40 fully online programs of study. The institution bills itself as “the nation’s first 100% online, public, not-for-profit, regionally accredited online state university.”

U.S. News & World Report has included Colorado State University on its lists of national universities, top public schools and best value schools.

Colorado State University’s Master’s in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

The online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at CSU prepares students for roles like AI engineer or machine learning engineer. Students can also use this degree to break into broader careers like software developer, computer systems designer and computer and information research scientist.

In the 30-credit program, students learn to use and apply principles of software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The objective of the program is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop and refine solutions to real-world problems that successfully model human behavior.

Core coursework in the program includes:

• Principles of programming
• Management for the computer science professional
• Ethical leadership in software development
• Principles of software development
• Design and analysis of algorithms
• Foundations of operating systems
• Foundations of artificial intelligence
• Foundations of computer vision
• Principles of machine learning

A capstone course also gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned about machine learning and neural networks.

View program details.

7. Lewis University

Another top school for an artificial intelligence online degree is Lewis University. The private university was founded in 1932 as a Catholic institution. Lewis University is headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, about 35 miles from Chicago. The school has a total enrollment of 6,500 as of 2023.

U.S. News & World Report has included Lewis University on its lists of the best regional universities in the Midwest, the best value schools and the best colleges for veterans.

Studying Artificial Intelligence at Lewis University

Lewis University doesn’t offer an online degree program in artificial intelligence specifically. Instead, the school offers an Artificial Intelligence Concentration within its Master of Science in Computer Science program.

Core coursework in the Master of Science program includes studies in the following areas:

• Programming fundamentals
• Computer organization
• Algorithms and data structures
• Discrete structures
• Operating systems
• Communications and networking

Students devote six credits to research coursework in computer science, including a master’s thesis or project.

Students take as many credits in their concentration as they do in core computer science coursework. This means that, in spite of the general computer science degree title, students have plenty of exposure to their field of specialization. The concentration coursework required for artificial intelligence students includes:

• Artificial intelligence 1
• Artificial intelligence 2
• Statistical programming
• Supervised machine learning
• Natural language processing
• Robotics

Total credit hours for Lewis University’s online Master of Science in Computer Science program amount to anywhere from 33 to 51.

By the time students complete the program with an artificial intelligence concentration, they will have the skills to design intelligent and autonomous systems that draw upon machine learning techniques.

View program details.

8. Drexel University

For an excellent graduate artificial intelligence degree online, don’t overlook Drexel University. The private Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, institution is a prestigious school that dates back to 1891. Drexel is a research university that has been awarded R1 status for its very high level of research.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school highly on numerous fronts. Drexel has landed a spot on the publication’s lists of national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools.

The Master’s in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at Drexel

Drexel offers its Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning both online and on-campus formats. The curriculum encompasses 45 quarter credits.

Coursework consists of five required classes, split into computational and applied courses. Computational courses include introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning. Applied coursework includes an introduction to programming, applications of machine learning and applied artificial intelligence. A capstone course is also required.

Students complete one required elective course of study in each of three areas:

• Data science and analytics
• Foundations of computation and algorithms
• Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning

Students fill up their curriculum with seven free electives. Examples of electives include:

• Applications of machine learning
• Game artificial intelligence
• Applied machine learning for data science
• Explainable artificial intelligence
• Human-artificial intelligence interaction

Full-time students finish Drexel’s master’s program in two to three years. Part-time students generally take two to four years to complete the program.

View program details.

9. University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology is, as the name suggests, all about tech. It should be no surprise that a university with a focus on advancing cutting-edge technology is also a great artificial intelligence school.

The school offers more than 20 technology degrees in fields like cyber security, creation and simulation, digital arts, game studies and software engineering. There are also tech-related degrees in business and innovation.

This for-profit institution of higher learning may not be nationally known, but it has a strong regional reputation. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school #32 in the nation on its Regional Colleges West list as of 2023. The school is also regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Studying Artificial Intelligence at the University of Advancing Technology

The University of Advancing Technology’s artificial intelligence degree is a Bachelor of Science program in the category of software engineering degrees. Coursework in this program includes the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to achieve the following objectives:

• Design machines that learn
• Develop AI-powered tools for real-world applications and specific industries
• Create physical smart devices that use AI
• Integrate into AI tools cloud databases and voice and facial recognition
• Use advanced coding skills and knowledge of multiple programming languages to create original algorithms

Foundational courses introduce students in this artificial intelligence program to the principles of programming and the skills for programming using Java, C# and C++. Skills development courses, of which students take at least 12 credits, may expand students’ knowledge of programming or cover topics like the following:

• Databases
• Software engineering principles
• Software quality assurance
• Data structures and algorithms
• Mobile platform software development
• Artificial life

The curriculum also includes a Synthesis Core in which students may take classes in AI theories and techniques, special topics in artificial life and advanced software development.

Online students at the University of Advancing Technology pursue their studies through the school’s SyncFlex Learning approach. This learning model is designed with adult students in mind and emphasizes project-based and experiential learning.

View program details.

10. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private college that dates back to 1866. The Grand Rapids, Michigan, school is a career-focused no-for-profit institution that first began offering online courses over 20 years ago.

U.S. News & World Report has included Davenport University on its lists of regional universities in the Midwest and top performers on social mobility.

Undergraduate and Graduate Courses in AI at Davenport University

What makes Davenport University a great artificial intelligence school for both graduate and undergraduate students is its inclusion of AI coursework in computer science programs at both levels of study.

In the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, artificial intelligence is one of three possible specialties. Other specializations students can consider include computer theory and algorithms and gaming and simulations.

Undergraduate students begin their computer science coursework with foundational courses in areas like programming, database design and discrete structures. They devote 51 credits to major coursework that includes studies in the following topics:

• Concepts of program languages
• Operating systems
• Software engineering
• Data structures and algorithms
• Security foundations
• Parallel and distributed systems
• Assembly language and computer architecture
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer vision
• Game design
• Biometric fundamentals

For the artificial intelligence specialty, coursework includes:

• Pattern recognition
• Deep learning
• Design and analysis of algorithms
• Special topics: Advances in biometrics

Computer science majors at Davenport University also complete a capstone course and a computer science internship or field experience.

The graduate degree in AI at Davenport is a Master of Science degree. Artificial intelligence isn’t a distinct concentration area within the school’s online computer science master’s degree. Instead, AI – along with machine learning and pattern recognition – fit under the umbrella of the traditional computer science concentration. The other concentration available to students in this program is security.

The core curriculum of Davenport University’s Master of Science in Computer Science program includes graduate courses in the following areas:

• Theory of computation
• Operating systems
• Data communications and network
• Design and analysis of algorithms

In the Computer Science concentration, students take the following classes:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer vision
• Secure software analysis and design
• Pattern recognition and machine learning

Graduate students at Davenport also complete either a thesis or a master’s project.

View program details.

11. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

If you’d like to situate your knowledge of artificial intelligence within the broader context of computer science or data science, consider a master’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. This technical university dates back to 1865. The Worcester, Massachusetts, school has always emphasized the practical application of technical knowledge. That’s one reason the computer science and artificial intelligence courses WPI offers today are project-based. This emphasis on project-based learning for graduate students makes Worcester Polytechnic Institute a great artificial intelligence school.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Worcester Polytechnic Institute on numerous of its best schools lists, including national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and best schools for co-ops/internships and senior capstone experiences.

AI-Related Degree Programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute doesn’t offer an artificial intelligence degree, per se, but the school does incorporate concentrations in AI into two separate online master’s degree programs.

The Master of Computer Science program begins with foundational courses in systems and network programming and an introduction course that covers programming concepts, data structures and algorithms. The Design Core curriculum within this computer science degree includes the following topics of study:

• Algorithm design and analysis
• Software systems design
• Database management systems
• Human-computer interaction
• Mobile and ubiquitous computing

Computer science students who choose the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Focus devote nine credits to this specialization. AI coursework includes:

• Artificial intelligence
• Knowledge discovery and data mining
• Deep learning

This computer science master degree program doesn’t require a thesis, but it does require a capstone project.

In Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Master of Science in Data Science program, students start their education with coursework in math foundations for data science and introductory studies in programming concepts, data structures and algorithms. Again, the Design Core is a major component of students’ coursework. Data science graduate students complete coursework in the following areas:

• Introduction to data science
• Statistical methods for data science
• Big Data management
• Database management system
• Data mining business applications
• Business intelligence
• Machine learning
• Big data analytics
• Knowledge discovery and data mining

The Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Focus track in the Data Science program includes six credits of coursework in areas like the following:

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Knowledge discovery and data mining
• Big data management
• Data visualization

For either program, a computer science undergraduate degree is not required. That feature makes WPI a great artificial intelligence school for aspiring career changers.

View program details.

12. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public university that was founded in 1956. The school, which encompasses more than 23,000 students and 213 academic programs, prizes affordability and educational opportunities for all age, grade and career levels.

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers extensive online learning options. The school, which bills itself as the state’s largest online education program,” offers 47 degree and certificate programs that can be completed entirely online. All told, the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers close to 900 online classes.

U.S. News & World Report has awarded the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee spots on rankings lists including national universities, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

Studying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Online at the University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers its Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Graduate Certificate both on campus and online. The 15-credit program costs around $14,000 total, regardless of whether you live in-state or out-of-state. One benefit of studying AI online at the University of Wisconsin is the ability to “stack” this program with another graduate certificate program to add up to a master’s degree.

Required coursework for this program includes either an introductory course in database systems or a class in programming for machine learning. Students must also take either an introduction to machine learning course or a course on machine learning and applications. Students also take at least two and potentially three Application Elective courses. The subjects of these courses include the following:

• Advanced machine learning
• Advanced digital signal processing
• Artificial intelligence planning techniques
• Natural language processing
• Image processing
• Robotics
• Intermediate control systems
• Text retrieval applications in biomedicine
• Optimal control theory
• Operations research in engineering management

Students must generally complete the program within three years. However, students can complete this coursework in as little as one year.

View program details.

13. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University has an excellent reputation for research. In fact, the private university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is particularly well-known for its programs in computer science, engineering and other areas of technology.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Carnegie Mellon University highly on several of its college rankings lists, including national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools. As of 2023, the publication had awarded Carnegie Mellon University the first-place spot (tied) for the subject of computer science and several of its subfields – most notably, artificial intelligence.

Studying AI Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University

At Carnegie Mellon University, students can pursue an online Graduate Certificate in a specific but valuable niche. The AI Engineering Fundamentals for Mechanical Engineering equips established mechanical engineers with the technical skills to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to the practical problems they encounter on a daily basis. The 100% online program is taught by the same Carnegie Mellon University instructors as on-campus coursework. It takes nine months to complete this program, which consists of just two graduate-level courses taught in a live online format:

• Machine learning & artificial intelligence for engineers
• Deep learning for engineers

The objectives of this program emphasize preparation for real-world engineering challenges, so the hands-on nature of the curriculum makes perfect sense. By the time students finish their certificate, they have developed proficiency in the use of AI and machine learning techniques in engineering design and how deep neural networks apply to engineering.

Carnegie Mellon does offer a more extensive curriculum in artificial intelligence – the Masters of AI Engineering for Mechanical Engineering program. However, this program is only available on campus for full-time students.

View program details.

14. University of San Diego

If you want to dig deeper into the applications of artificial intelligence studies, the University of San Diego may be for you. The private Catholic institution has a strong reputation for research as well as education.

U.S. News & World Report has included the University of San Diego on its lists of national universities, best value schools, best colleges for veterans and top performers on social mobility.

Studying Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is home to an online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program.

Courses in the program include the following:

• Probability and statistics for artificial intelligence
• Introduction to artificial intelligence
• Data analytics and Internet of Things
• Ethics in artificial intelligence
• Fundamentals and applications of machine learning
• Neural networks and deep learning
• Natural language processing
• Computer vision
• Machine learning operations

In addition to their coursework, students must complete a capstone project that simulates real-world application of AI. The capstone course also requires students to compile a portfolio that showcases the work they have done over the course of earning a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.

Although the program emphasizes application over theoretical knowledge, the curriculum won’t shy away from bigger questions about the field. The University of San Diego views its program as a “ thought leader” in the field of AI and aims to ensure that its graduates practice “ethical and socially responsible” use of artificial intelligence technology.

The 30-unit program takes only 20 months to complete. Because students take one seven-week course at a time, they can devote their full attention to each class. Students should expect to devote 15 to 20 hours to their studies each week.

View program details.

15. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public institution located in Madison, South Dakota. Although Dakota State University began as a teacher education school in 1881, it now offers more than 40 academic programs through four colleges.

More than 1,700 of the school’s 3,200 total student body are online students. Other notable facts are the school’s placement rate for graduates and its 76% rate of students who receive financial aid.

RELATED: 50 Top Artificial Intelligence Degree Scholarships  

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Dakota State University on its lists of regional universities in the Midwest, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

Dakota State University’s Bachelor of Science in AI program

The online artificial intelligence degree option at Dakota State University is intended for undergraduate students. In the school’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, coursework covers everything from theoretical underpinnings of the field to practical technical skills, ethics and the social impact of AI.

Dakota State University’s AI degree program is offered through the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Required coursework for this bachelor’s degree includes studies in the following subject areas:

• Introduction to computers
• Introduction to AI
• Computer science
• Programming for analytics
• Predictive analytics
• Concepts in artificial intelligence
• Artificial intelligence tools and frameworks
• Applied artificial intelligence
• Applications of deep learning
• Algorithms and optimization
• Mathematical foundations of AI
• Data structures
• Special topics in AI
• Ethics in computer security
• Foundations of scripting programming

This major isn’t for those who despise math. Besides their core major coursework and general education coursework, students complete 15 credits of Support Courses in mathematics, including statistics, linear algebra and calculus.

Built into the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence curriculum at Dakota State University is the opportunity to minor in another area of interest. Students may apply 18 credits of coursework to meet the requirements for a minor in any area outside of AI and machine learning. Minoring in another subject, with options ranging from business to science and more, can help students build up valuable content knowledge that can put them on a path to applying their AI knowledge to their field of interest.

View program details.

16. Indiana University

Indiana University is a global leader in research and education. This public institution encompasses more than 930 academic programs and 90,000 students across nine campuses. The Bloomington campus is not only the largest and oldest campus but also the most highly ranked. U.S. News & World Report has included Indiana University—Bloomfield on numerous rankings lists, including national universities, top public schools and best value schools.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence at Indiana University

The online artificial intelligence program at Indiana University is a bachelor’s degree. AI degrees at this level are rare as it is, but even more unique is that this program is a Bachelor of Arts, not a Bachelor of Science.

Students core courses make up only 13 credit hours of this 120-credit bachelor’s degree program. These courses include:

• Introduction to artificial intelligence
• AI ethics
• Recent trends in AI
• Collaborative human-AI systems
• Introductory data science

Human-centered computing AI courses make up considerably more of the program’s curriculum. This coursework includes studies in the following areas:

• Programming
• Social Impact of Bots and Automation
• Social informatics
• Mathematical foundations of informatics
• Information infrastructure
• Information representation
• Applications of data mining
• Cognitive automation and bots development
• Deep learning neural networks
• Enterprise cognitive automation
• Natural language processing

In addition to these major courses, students also choose four AI Selective courses. Examples of these courses include Internet-of-Things interface design for business innovation, visualizing information and web mining.

Students who earn the Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence degree at Indiana University can go on to work in roles such as the following:

• Artificial intelligence architect
• AI UX researcher
• A bots developer
• Conversation developer
• Human factors engineer
• Software applications developer
• Business intelligence analyst

View program details.

17. Kansas State University

Located in Manhattan, Kansas – otherwise known as the “Little Apple” – Kansas State University dates back to 1863. The longstanding public college has an undergraduate enrollment of more than 15,000.

Kansas State University offers more than 100 online programs of study. The online division of the school boasts a 97% job placement rate.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Kansas State University on its lists of national universities, best value schools and top public schools.

The Bachelor’s in Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems Program at Kansas State University

Most artificial intelligence programs are offered at the graduate or post-baccalaureate level. At Kansas State University, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems. The fully online degree program prepares students for roles like the following:

• Artificial intelligence engineering
• Machine learning engineer
• Big data engineer
• Artificial intelligence data analyst
• Data scientist
• Data mining analyst
• Business intelligence developer

Major requirements for the Bachelor’s in Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems degree program include the following:

• Applied data analysis and tools
• Fundamentals of visual literacy
• Survey of machine learning and autonomous systems
• Applied data analysis and tools
• Supervised learning in autonomous systems
• Unsupervised learning in autonomous systems
• Reinforcement learning in autonomous systems
• Introduction to automata and cybernetic systems theory
• Computer systems studio
• autonomous systems senior capstone

The program encompasses two tracks: Web Development and Computational Core.

Students who choose the Web Development Track take classes in subjects such as:

• Programming
• Computing principles
• Web fundamentals
• Hardware and network fundamentals
• System and software fundamentals
• Database systems
• System administration
• Web development project
• Data structures for machine learning

In the computational Core Track, students can expect to take classes such as:

• Introduction to Computing
• Fundamental computer programming concepts
• Advanced programming
• Full stack web development
• Data structures and algorithms
• Web page development
• Database essentials
• Computer systems administration
• Applied data science

Students can further focus their studies through the major electives they choose. Options include robotics programming, machine vision, fundamental methods of biostatistics and programming techniques for data science.

View program details.

18. Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University is a private institution located in Dallas, Texas. The school, which was founded in 1911, is known for its research and community service, among other attributes.

U.S. News & World Report has included Southern Methodist University on its lists of national universities, best value schools, top performers on social mobility and more.

Concentrating on Artificial Intelligence at Southern Methodist University

At Southern Methodist University, students have the option of completing a Master of Science program online with a concentration in AI. The core coursework for the general Computer Science program includes studies in two of the following areas:

• Operating systems
• Algorithm engineering
• Computer architecture
• File organization and database management

For the artificial intelligence and machine learning specialization, the required coursework includes the principles of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Python. Students customize their coursework within their area of concentration through Specialization Depth electives that may include two of the following subjects of study:

• Data mining
• Advanced data mining
• File organization and database management
• Information storage and retrieval
• Information retrieval and web search
• Logic programming
• Machine learning and neural networks
• Mobile applications for sensing and learning

Students can complete this 30-credit program in as little as 20 months. Both thesis options and coursework-only options are available.

Southern Methodist University also offers an online AI Boot Camp through its Continuing & Professional Education division. This non-credit program of study equips students with proficiency in the most cutting-edge AI tools and technologies in just 24 weeks.

View program details.

19. Maryville University

Maryville University is a nationally recognized, regionally accredited private institution of higher learning founded in 1872. The St. Louis, Missouri, school has embraced online education for more than a decade. Maryville University offers upwards of 65 online programs of study at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Maryville University on its lists of national universities and top performers on social mobility.

The Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Maryville University

Maryville University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program that is 100% online. The program can be completed in as little as two years. Features like no GRE requirement, no application fee and three start dates spread across the calendar year make it easy for students to start their education at Maryville.

Coursework in the MS in Artificial Intelligence program at Maryville follows a project-based learning format. Students complete core courses in the following areas:

• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• Mathematics for artificial intelligence
• Ethics of artificial intelligence
• Python
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Deep learning

Elective courses in this program include studies in the following areas:

• Applications of artificial intelligence
• Advanced artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Image processing
• Text mining

Students also complete a capstone course that requires them to apply what they have learned to a data science project based on real-world problems.

By the time students finish their coursework in this program, they will have the skills to use computer programming tools like Python, R and C++, as well as tools like Amazon Web Services and Google Colabroratory. Students also have the opportunity to earn two built-in professional certificates in the course of their studies.

Maryville also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and, beginning in the Fall 2023 semester, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Artificial Intelligence.

View program details.

20. University of California, Berkeley

It might surprise you that one of the best online degree options for artificial intelligence is offered out of a business school rather than a science or engineering department. That’s the case at the University of California, Berkeley. Here, the online Executive Education in Artificial Intelligence program focuses on Business Strategies and Applications of AI. The program is offered out of the Haas School of Business.

UC Berkeley is a public institution dating back to 1868. It’s a well-respected school, particularly in the fields of computer science, engineering and business – all of which are relevant to the school’s AI programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of California, Berkeley among its lists of the top public schools, national universities, best value schools and most innovative schools. The publication also awarded this school the ranking of tied for first in the nation for the subject of computer science (current as of 2023) and recognized the institution for several subfields, including artificial intelligence.

Studying Artificial Intelligence at UC Berkeley

Online options for artificial intelligence studies at the University of California Berkeley are intended for experienced professionals in the tech industry or other areas of business.

The Executive Education in Artificial Intelligence program is a short-term educational program intended for senior business leaders, mid-career workers looking to advance and data analysts who need to expand their skill set to include how AI applies to data analytics.

This online program requires just four to six hours per week and takes only two months to complete. As such, it doesn’t cover the study of artificial intelligence to the same depth as a full-fledged degree program. Rather, it provides knowledge of the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning for business applications. Students take courses in topics like the following:

• AI and business
• Machine learning basics
• Neural networks and deep learning
• Computer vision and natural language processing
• Robotics
• AI strategy
• Building AI teams in business organizations
• The future of AI in business

Students complete this program with a capstone business project in which they develop and test the implementation of a plan to integrate artificial intelligence into one or more aspects of their business or organization.

While this program doesn’t provide the same level of credentials as a full degree program, it offers plenty of bang for your buck. The entire program costs less than $3,000 and equips students with practical knowledge of how to apply this cutting-edge knowledge to the business world.

UC Berkeley also offers a Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. This program is also offered at the executive education level. In this program, students devote six months to the development of specialized skills. The program is more demanding and requires students to devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their coursework.

First, students learn the foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence. This program includes coursework in the following areas:

• Introductory machine learning
• The fundamentals of machine learning
• Introductory data analysis
• The fundamentals of data analysis
• Practical applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence

Next, students cover coursework in machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. This section of the curriculum includes coursework in the following:

• Clustering and principal component analysis
• Linear and multiple regression
• Feature engineering and overfitting
• Model selection and regularization
• Time series analysis and forecasting
• Classification and k-nearest neighbors
• Logistic regression
• Decision trees
• Gradient descent and optimization
• Support vector machines
• Practical applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques

Students finish their program with a series of advanced coursework and a capstone project. The advanced topics embedded into the curriculum include:

• Natural lagnauge procesisng
• Recommendation systems
• GBM, XGB and Random Forest ensembled techniques
• Deep neural networks

Upon finishing this program, students receive a certificate of completion.

View program details.

Choosing the Right Schools for Artificial Intelligence Degrees

So many highly respected institutions now offer online artificial intelligence degrees and certificates. In some ways, choosing a school for AI and computer science is more difficult than ever. Students interested in this field should dig deeper into what they want from a degree and career in artificial intelligence.

Do you want the broader contexts of a computer science program that incorporates AI into the curriculum? Or are specialized artificial intelligence programs more in line with what you want out of your studies?

Are you interested in being at the forefront of AI research? Or would you rather spend your workdays integrating existing AI technology into systems and solutions?

Do you need a degree? Or will certificate programs provide what you need to advance your career?

Ultimately, there are no objective right answers. Choosing the right artificial intelligence program comes down to individual students’ goals and interests. Students interested in AI research should pay attention to whether a school has an artificial intelligence lab. In an artificial intelligence laboratory, students can participate in AI research projects.

What about students who would rather learn to apply existing artificial intelligence techniques? They may prefer non-thesis programs, for one thing. These students should also look for programs that incorporate internships and experiential learning.

Students may opt for a computer science degree program if they want to develop more of a breadth of knowledge. Artificial intelligence programs are better for students interested in gaining specialized knowledge.

Whatever background you’re approaching from or career objectives you’re aspiring to, the great artificial intelligence school options on our list can help you reach your goals of working in artificial intelligence research and application.

The post The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1.) University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. Their current student enrollment is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. They have been accredited by the Southern Association of colleges and Schools Commission since 1913. According to Carnegie, the University of Florida is a uesearch university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students, UF offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, and distance learning opportunities. The University of Florida continues to rank as one of the top public universities in the nation. In fact the university ranks as the 30th best school in the nation and highly for undergraduate teaching, business programming, undergraduate engineering, value and more all according to the US News and World Report. In recent years, UF has expanded their their offerings to include online programming for both undergraduate and graduate level students. In fact, undergraduates may pursue an online bachelors degree in biology and graduate students may pursue an online masters in electrical engineering just to name a few.

UF offers an online Master of Fisheries in Aquatic Sciences. This is a 32 credit hour program 16 of which must be fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. The remaining credits may be chosen from the school of forest resources and conservation. Some of the core courses include the following: algae biology and ecology, fission crustacean nutrition, ecology and restoration of invaded ecosystems, and surveying and mapping practices. Electives may be taken from other departments including in environmental engineering, soil and water science, aquatic animal health and more. If you’re looking for a flexible online program with emphasis and fisheries in aquatic life this is a good match for you.

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2.) University of Houston – Clear Lake

University of Houston Clearlake is a public four year institution that enrolls nearly 10,000 students. The university has campuses in Pasadena and Houston Texas as well as branch campuses that are located in the Texas medical center.According to Carnegie UHCL is a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers disability services veteran services, academic and career counseling and distance-learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. UHCL currently offers over 100 degree programs. Some of their online options include their online bachelors degree in finance, as well as their online masters degree in computer software engineering among others.

The University of Houston Clear Lake offers a master of science in environmental science. Thisdegree may be completed either on campus or online. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the three following areas: environmental biology, environmental chemistry, and environmental geology. Prior to admission to the program students should complete general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics and calculus. The environmental science thesis option is a 36 credit hour program and includes course material in environmental scienceas well as a master’s thesis. The environmental science research project course option culminates with a graduate seminar. Some of their electives include aquatic toxicity testing, environmental biotechnology, ichthyology and coastal and estuarine ecology. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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3.) North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public four year institution that enrolls over 36,000 students. NCSU is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Their students to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. NSUR has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1928. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the region and highly for veterans, value, innovation, public schooling, business programming, computer science, undergraduate engineering programming and more. In recent years, the university has developed their online presence and currently offers online programming for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students.

If you have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline then you may wish to pursue an online master of environmental engineering. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in either civil engineering environmental engineering or construction engineering and management than you may have to complete additional coursework prior to entering this program. Citizens have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to be accepted to this program if you have an undergraduate degree in engineering from a US institution then the GRE requirements are automatically waived. This is a 30 credit hour program that offers courses at the 400, 500 or 700 level. At least 24 hours of this program must be at the 500 level or above and 400 level courses must be outside the discipline of civil engineering. Half of your program will focus on environmental engineering students have the option to complete a final project a project as part of their degree program. All remaining courses come from other departments. For more information about this program check out their website.

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4.) University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland global campus is a public four-year institution that’s headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland. UMGC currently enrolls nearly 60,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1. According to Carnegie UMGC is a masters college with larger programming. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1946. As a global campus, UMGC is ranked regionally and currently has the ranking of ninth for the most innovative school in the region. According to the US News and World Report, University of Maryland College Park is currently ranked the 58th best school on the nation and highly for veterans, value as well as social mobility, business programming, undergraduate engineering and much more. As you can see the University of Maryland has grown to include a global campus and currently offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to pursue their degree online. The global campus features hundreds of online degrees for associates through doctoral degree seeking students. Some of their most popular online programs are in the fields of information science, psychology, and business management.

University of Maryland Global Campus currently offers a masters degree in environmental management. All courses are available online. However, students may select to pursue a hybrid format. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion and students may transfer up to six credits. Some of the courses include : waste collection, recycling and environmental monitoring, ARCGIS software, ecological risk assessment, and environmental management among others. All students culminate with a capstone experience. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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5.) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is a public four year institution that enrolls over 8000 students. UWSP offers Associates Bachelors Masters and Doctoral degree as well as the option to pursue programming online. To support the success of the students, UWSP offers academic and career counseling as well as dual credits and more. The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1922. Stevens Point also offers online programming. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students may pursue programming online. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is ranked regionally and highly for veterans, value, and social mobility.

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point offers a master of science in natural resources. Students may select to emphasize in one of the following areas: forestry, wildlife, fisheries, water resources, environmental education interpretation, soil sciences, and waste management. There are additionally a number of special out reach and extension programs available including the outdoors woman program and the Center for Land-use Education, the Center for Watershed Science and Education among others. The fisheries and water resources department includes course material in lake and river management, storm water, water treatment, hydraulic wetlands science. Each area of interest has a different focus. For more information about their programming check out their website.

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6.) University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield is a public four year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.UIS currently enrolls over 4000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1. According to Carnegie UIS is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, distance learning opportunities, study abroad experiences and more. The University offers online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some of their online offerings include their online bachelors in business administration and management, as well as their online masters degree in computer science.

The University of Illinois At Springfield offers an online master of science in environmental sciences. This is a fully online program that maybe completed in any location across the world. This is the same program as their on campus option. Some of the courses include: Environmental national sciences, environmental social sciences and humanities, and research methods in environmental sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. For the masters courses students are required to complete one of the three closure options: The culminating experience in the form of a thesis, a carefully designed graduate project, or a finish in a while research draft of an environmental legislation policy. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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7.) East Central University

East Central University is a public four year institution located in Ada, Oklahoma. ECU enrolls just over 3000 students and has a student faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The university offers bachelors and masters degrees as well as some professional certifications. Carnegie classifies this institution as a masters college with larger programming. The student support services include academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of the visual arts, Parks and Recreation, business management, and education. Some of their online offerings Include their online bachelors degree in criminal justice as well as their online masters degree in educational leadership.

East Central University offers a Master of Science in water resource policy and management. This program may be completed in two years and is 30 credit hours in length. Each course is eight weeks long. This program accepts nine transfer credits. The degree is divided into three main component parts: required courses, elective courses and optional courses. The core courses include the following: policy research methodology, water law, water resource economics, and international environmental policy. Some of the elective courses are in the following areas: Advanced Native American law, public organization theory, and Hydro geology. When it comes to the optional courses students may select the internship in water resources, complete a thesis, or complete a seminar in water resources policy in management. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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8.) Utah State University

Utah State University is a public four-year institution located in Logan, Utah. The institution offers associates through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certification. Utah State currently enrolls over 27,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1. Student support services include academic and career counseling ROTC, study abroad opportunities and distance-learning programming. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue programming online. According to Carnegie, USU is a doctoral university with high research activity. USU Ranks nationally as the 241st best school in the nation and highly for computer science, engineering programming, business programming, and more. Their academic offerings include programming in agriculture, education, engineering, visual and performing arts and much more. Some of their online offerings include their online bachelors in agricultural business management as well as their online masters degree in agricultural teacher education.

USU offers the master in natural resources program. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career that’s focused on the great outdoors than this program might be for you. This program is offered entirely online and it’s 33 credit hours in length. Some career options include: forrester, range land scientist, wetland ecologist, natural resource manager and more. The courses include ecological foundations, wetland ecology in management, ecology of animal populations, data management and manipulation using R, introduction to environmental federal laws and policies, and principles of remote-sensing of natural resources among others. Students participate in an integrative capstone. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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9.) University of Missouri-Columbia

The University of Missouri at Columbia it’s a public institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. Missouri has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. This public research institution is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, ROTC, teacher certification, and distance-learning opportunities among others. In recent years, the University of Missouri has expanded their online offerings to include programming for undergraduate as well graduate students in areas like business management, education, health services, human computer interaction, psychology, and much more. In fact, Mizzou offers a number of opportunities for nontraditional students.

The University of Missouri offers a master of arts/master of science in environment and behavior. This program is offered entirely online and is 30 credit hours in length . This is a master of science or master of arts in architectural studies that has an emphasis in environment and behavior. This program emphasizes research interior design and environmental design. Master of arts is project-based and the master of science is research-based. Some of the emphasis areas include: aesthetics of design, sustainable design, facility management and design, housing a neighborhood design, design education and more. Missouri utilizes the semester based system. The program is designed with working professionals in mind. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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10.) University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is a public flagship institution located in Moscow, Idaho. There are over 11,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio 16 to 1. Carnegie designates this institution as a doctoral university with high research activity. The University of Idaho has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1918. To support the success of their students the institution offers teacher certification opportunities, academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, distance learning opportunities and much more. In recent years their distance programming has grown to include online programming for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students. Some other online offerings include a certificate in natural sciences, and online masters degree in electrical electronics engineering and more.

The University of Idaho offers a number of online masters degrees and certifications in natural resources. Students pursue a master of science and environmental science online or a master of natural resources online. The master of science in environmental science online includes both a thesis non-thesis option.The non thesis option it’s 27 credits of coursework 12 which are the core requirement and 21 are from the 500 level on course requirements. Three credits are devoted to the thesis research project. To be eligible for this program he must have earned a bachelors degree from an accredited institution with the final GPA of 3.0. Course material is divided as such: depth requirements, breath requirements, and a research requirement. The depth requirements include biological science classes the school science and social sciences. Complete this flexible online degree at you own pace. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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11.) American Public University System

American Public University System is a distance learning institution based in Charlestown, West Virginia. This institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. APUS en rolls over 45,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. Carnegie classifies this university is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling. As a distance-learning university all programs are offered online. Some of their most popular offerings are in the fields of computer information sciences, business management, Parks and Recreation and liberal arts and sciences.

APUS offers an online Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. In this program you will study environmental management tools and deepen your knowledge in renewable energy, ecosystems management industrialization, landscape conservation and much more. The program teaches you how to incorporate ecological economic and social factors when making environmental management decisions. This is a 36 credit hour course that is divided into following components: a concentration area, a requirement area, general electives, and a final program requirement. The concentration areas are as follows: environmental planning, environmental sustainability, fish and wildlife management, general, global environment management and national environmental policy act. The national environmental policy concentration focuses on environmental impact analysis, intermediate environmental impact analysis and advanced environmental impact analysis. This concentration area is 12 semester hours. This is a highly flexible program that may be tailored to meet your needs. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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12.) Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public four-year institution that offers bachelors masters and doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. Texas Tech’s enrolls over 30,000 students and is classified as a doctoral University with very high research activity according to Carnegie. Accordinb to the US News and World Report Texas Tech University is currently ranked the 217th best school in the nation and highly for social mobility, undergraduate engineering, business programming computer science and more. To support the success of their students, Texas Tech offers distance learning opportunities, academic and career counseling, employment services for students, ROTC, weekend/evening college options, and study abroad programming.

The online university office the professional science masters degree in environmental sustainability and national resource management. This interdisciplinary program prepares you for a career in business, nonprofit or government sectors. Students may follow one or two tracks: the ecology and environmental sustainability track, and the natural resources management track. Ecology and environmental sustainability track is offered through the department of biological sciences as well as the College of Art and sciences. The natural resources management track is offer through the department of natural resources management and the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources. The curriculums ranges from 30 to 34 credit hours. 15 credit hours are elective courses meaning students have the option to tailor their degree to meet their specific interests. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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13.) Colorado State University

Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This public institution enrolls over 33,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Colorado State offers Bachelors Masters and Doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Colorado State is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Additionally, according to the US News and World Report, Colorado State University ranks as the 153rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, veterans, social mobility, public schooling, engineering, business programming, computer science and more. To support the success of their students Colorado State offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, as well as distance learning opportunities. Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue programming online.

Among their online offerings is the online environmental sustainability program. This degree prepares you for a career in a wide array of sectors including environmental stewardship in planning, natural resource and forestry management, Rangeland conservation, restoration ecology, conservation biology, plant wildlife and soil research, and teaching. Additionally there’s an online masters degree with a focus on environmental sustainability. Some of the core courses include: ecosystem science and sustainability, wildlife conservation biology, natural resources, natural resource recreation and tourism, and more.. Colorado State offers a wide variety of online degrees in this area. We recommend taking a look at their website for more information.

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14.) Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University it’s a four-year public institution located that enrolls over 22,000 students. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, this institution has been classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the university offers distance learning opportunities, remedial services, academic and career counseling, employment services for students. According to the US News and World Report, Mississippi State ranks highly for engineering programming, social mobility, business programming, computer science and more. When it comes to online offerings, students may pursue programming in business management ecology, education and more.

Mississippi State Online offers a Master of Science degree in geosciences with a concentration in environmental geosciences. This is a 30 credit hour program that is 10 courses in length. This program includes the study of Ocean science, climatology, GIS and hazards. The majority of this program may be completed entirely online except for the final capstone experience. The capstone course is a field-based course which is offered through an on-campus workshop during the summer semester. For more information about this program check out their website.

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15.) Troy University

Troy University is a public institution located in Troy, Alabama. This is the parent institution of Troy University which is located across the state. The institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Troy University is a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of the students Troy offers academic and career counseling, distance-learning opportunities and credit for life experience. Some of their most popular programs are in the field of business management, criminal justice, counseling and psychology, and registered nursing.

Troy University offers a Master of Science in Environmental and Biological science. Studnets may follow either a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track includes course material In food microbiology, population ecology, field botany, toxicology, conservation of some and much more. The program includes core courses as well as concentration elective courses. The thesis option includes core courses and fewer customization elective courses as well as six hours of thesis for a total of 36 hours. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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16.) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public four-year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The institution enrolls 8,778 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. According to a Carnegie Slippery Rock University is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of the students SRUP offers academic and career counseling as well as study abroad opportunities, ROTC, teacher certification and distance-learning options. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue a degree entirely online.

Among their online options as the master of education in environmental education. This program has been accredited through the North American Association for Environmental Education. This is a 30 credit hour masters program that’s offered exclusively online. The coursework focuses on theoretical as well as practical applications of experiential an inquiry-based environmental education. Upon completion students may attempt an 18 credit hour internship opportunity. Students may become certified through the North American Association for environmental education. Certification is not required but may help you to advancing your career. The degree includes course material in aquatic systems, terrestrial systems, wildlife education, environmental issues, environmental education, and parks and recreation/environmental education internship.For more information about this program check out their website.

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17.) Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public four year institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. The student population is over 31,000 and the student faculty wish she was 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Oregon State University is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling along with distance learning opportunities, study abroad options, ROTC, and teacher certification among others. The US News and World Report ranks Oregon State University as the 153rd best school in the nation and highly for innovation, public schooling, value, veterans, social mobility, engineering and more.

Oregon State offers a Master of Science in environmental sciences. This is a 45 credit hour program. Students may choose from a number of specialization tracks in the following areas: bio geochemistry:, climate change, ecology, environmental education, natural resources, social science, quantitative analysis, and water resources. The program is divided into the following five areas: core courses, numerical skills, concentration area courses, elective courses, and a thesis or project. The core courses are in environmental perspectives and methods, environmental analysis and intercampus environmental conference which takes place on the Corvallis campus. This program is highly customizable. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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18.) Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a public institution located in Spearfish, South Dakota. BHSU offers associates, bachelors and masters degrees as well as professional certifications. The student population is 38,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Carnegie classifies this institution has a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may follow the course of study entirely online. Some of the most popular online options are in organizational behavior studies, curriculum and instruction, secondary education training, and photography among others.

Black Hills State University office a master of science in sustainability. This program is suitable for city planners, architects, policy analysts, lawyers and more. Some of the required courses include fundamentals of sustainability, science for sustainability, human dimensions of sustainability, environmental law and policy, quantitative methods and sustainability, and resources environmental economics. This program culminates with a capstone experience. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for professions that focus on sustainability. With a degree from Black Hill State you’ll have the option to join in this ever going field. For more information about this program check out their website.

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19.) University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public four year institution located in Lawrence. KU offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is 27,552 and student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. According to Carnegie KU classifies as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Their student services include academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities, distance learning options, ROTC, and much more. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Kansas rank as the 124 best school in the nation and highly for value, innovation, public schooling, engineering, business programming, computer science more. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of biology and biomedical sciences, education, health, psychology, and computer information sciences.

The University of Kansas offers a professional science masters in environmental assessment as well as certifications in the same area. The Masters program is a 33 credit hour course that includes the following components: core courses, professional skills courses, science electives, and a capstone experience. This program is flexible and is offered online, on site, as well as in a hybrid format. The GRE is not required for students who have a 3.0 and above undergraduate. students may follow an accelerated 4+1 masters option. Students will learn about environmental restoration, environmental justice, regulatory compliance, community resilience, environmental impact assessment, and the firemen on policy. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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20.) Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University as a public four year institution located in Alpine, Texas. The institution enrolls 2,406 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1. Sul Russ offers bachelors and masters degrees. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, employment services, study abroad options, teacher certification courses, credit for life experiences and distance-learning opportunities. Undergraduate students and graduate students may both pursue programming online. Some of the most popular online degrees are in the field of education, business management, and parks and recreation.

Sul Ross offers the natural resource management program. Students may pursue an online degree in one of the following areas: agricultural business, conservation biology, range management, sustainable ranching, wildlife management and more. The conservation biology program is an action oriented science degree that focuses on protection and restoration. The wildlife management program is for individuals who are interested in learning how to manage North American resources with a special emphasis on game species. The range management program focuses on How to manage range lands for sustainable purposes. For more information about these programs and to apply please see their website.

• Program Website

Related Resources:

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

The post The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Indiana University

Indiana University is located in Bloomington Indiana and enrolls over 43,000 students. This public institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. The student to faculty ratio is 16 to 1. According to Carnegie, Indiana University is a Doctoral university with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report, Indiana University is the 76th best school in the nation and ranks highly for veterans, innovation, value, business programming and computer science. In fact their business programs are some of the best programs in the country including number four from entrepreneurship and number six for accounting. To support the success of the students at this rigorous institution the university offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences and distance learning opportunities. In recent years, the university has offered online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Indiana university offers an online bachelors degree in nutrition. This program includes course material in nutrition and exercise, theory and practice of translating nutrition, human nutrition throughout the lifespan and health promotion and disease prevention. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public institution located across the state of Arizona. Their campus immersion is headquartered located in Tempe Arizona. The current student enrollment is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 20 to 1. ASU offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree‘s as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, ASU ranks as a doctoral university with very high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks ASU as the number one most innovative school in the nation. Their innovation ranking stems from their assessment of curriculums, faculty and students and technology used in the curriculums. In recent years, ASU has grown an entirely online university known as Arizona State University online. ASU offers hundreds of online programs for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as those returning to school to seek professional certification. Their online offerings are considered to be some of the best in the world.

One of their online offerings as the online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship. This is the inter-disciplinary program that features manufacturing marketing and management programming with a food twist. The food and nutrition degree courses include microbiology, anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of writing for digital media, accounting and financial analysis and an introduction to chemistry. From this program you’ll be able to start a career as a food quality control technician, food scientist, a chef, a certified health education specialist a restaurant manager public relations manager and more. Graduates from this program will have the knowledge to address challenges from the industry. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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3. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University TWU is located in Denton, Texas and is a public institution that enrolls over 15,000 students. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1923. The university offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and according to Carnegie is classified as a doctoral/professional university. To support the success of their students, the University offers academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities, and distance-learning opportunities. According to the US News and World Report, Texas Women’s University is nationally ranked.

TW offers a Bachelor of Science and Nutrition with an emphasis in dietetics. This is a 120 to 130 credit our program and when taken full-time may be completed in four years. In this program you’ll study food nutrition sciences and as well as how to manage and create nutrition programs. The course features small classes and a knowledgeable faculty. This is a hybrid course that takes place on TWU Denton campus with some online course options. This degree does prepare students to take the national registration examination for dietetics in Texas and licensure through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians. The curriculums focuses on 53 credit hours of nutrition and dietetics and 35 hours of electives. Students also complete a Dietetic internship which takes 6 to 24 months. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public four-year institution that’s located in Columbus, Ohio. The University enrolls over 60,000 students and offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. The student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. According to Carnegie, Ohio State University is a doctoral university with very high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Ohio State University OSU as the 53rd best school on the nation as well as highly for veterans, undergraduate teaching, value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, business program in computer science learning communities and much more. In recent years, Ohio State University has expanded their online offerings and includes programming for undergraduate as well as graduate students. In fact OSU has some of the largest online offerings in the world.

Among their online offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences that’s offered through the college of medicine. This program format is entirely online. Some of the sample courses include: health promotion and disease prevention, application of ethical decision making in healthcare, individual differences in patient/client relationships. This program prepares students for a health related career such as in physical therapy occupational therapy medicine dentistry etc. OSU is military friendly. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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5. SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta is a public four year institution located in Oneonta New York. The institution enrolls over 6000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. SUNY Oneonta offers bachelors and Masters degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, the institution is a masters college and university. The university has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1949.

The university features the Bachelors of Science in Dietetics. This program is structured to meet the requirements of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. The program prepares you for the registered dietitian exam. This is an interdisciplinary program that specializes in human biology and bio chemistry as well as food science and how the body utilizes nutrients for optimal health throughout the lifecycle. The program prepares you for a career in dietetics or to pursue the master of science in nutrition and dietetics. This program has been accredited by the Accreditation Counsel for Education and Nutrition and Dietetics Education. The course features some of the following core courses: dietetics profession seminar, advanced nutrition, food science, design layout and operations, food service systems management. Students will study bio chemistry, cellular perspectives in biology, sociology psychology, statistics and more. As you can see this is an inter-disciplinary degree. For more information and to apply to check out their website.

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6. Rutgers University

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public four-year institution and enrolls over 50,000 students. New Brunswick university affers associates bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s and professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a doctoral university with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report ,Rutgers University New Brunswick is the 63rd best school in the nation and ranks highly for veterans value social mobility engineering business programming, computer science and much more. When it comes to public schooling Rutgers University is among the top in fact is ranked 23rd in the nation along with Pennsylvania State University and the University of Connecticut. To support the success of their students in this rigorous institution Rutgers offers academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities. In fact, undergraduate students and graduate students may pursue programming online.

Rutgers offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program features a flexible online model that leads to the DTR designation. This program has been accredited by the accreditation Council for education and nutrition and dietetics. This program will take 2 to 3 years to complete and requires 42 to 53 credit hours. Additionally students will complete 1200 hours of supervised practice in their geographic location. This program is intended for credentialed dietetic technicians who are looking to advancing their career and build on their previous education. This is an inter-disciplinary program that features health sciences and pre-professional courses as well as clinical opportunities. The curriculum features the following: nutritional microbiology, preventative nutrition, and advanced nutritional physiology among others. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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7. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is located in Tucson. The institution enrolls over 44,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1. Arizona offers bachelors masters in doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. To support the success of the students the institution offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling in distance-learning opportunities among others. According to Carnegie, Arizona ranks as a doctoral University with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Arizona ranks as the 97th best school on the nation and highly for value, computer scienc,e engineering, business programming and much more.

Among their online offerings is their Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in either dietetics or nutrition. If you follow the dietetic synthesis then you are allowed to apply for dietetic internship and become a registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The nutrition emphasis focuses on careers and graduate studies in food science, dentistry, nursing, nutrition, physical therapy even veterinary medicine. The nutritional emphasis gives you a few options and combines medicine along with food chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and nutrition and foods. The dietetics emphasis prepares you to work in disease prevention and management, community health and wellness, counseling, and food science in the food industry. Some of the courses include sports nutrition, community nutrition, lifecycle nutrition, diet genes and disease experiential learning and nutrition, and foundations of medical nutrition therapy. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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8. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is located in Greenley, Colorado. The institution offers bachelors and masters degrees as well as professional doctoral programming. UNCO enrolls over 12,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio 17 to 1. According to Carnegie, UNCO is a doctoral/professional university. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. According to the US News and World Report UNCO is a nationally ranked institution and is one of the top performers in social mobility. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, remedial services, and distance-learning opportunities. Undergraduate as well as graduate students may pursue a degree entirely online.

UNCO extended campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. This program has been accredited by the ACEND and adhered to competencies as they are described in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students have two options when pursuing distance-learning in the dietetic programming they may pursue the DND only which is a certification program for the dietetic special or bachelor of science for individuals who are seeking to complete their bachelors degree or complete a second bachelors degree. The core curriculum is 31 credit hoursand follows a 16-week semester format followed by a summer term which is eight weeks long. Some of the courses may include an introduction to food lives, nutritional applications in food service, food service systems management, and medical nutrition intervention. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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9. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is located in Columbia, Missouri. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctorale degrees and is classified according to Carnegie as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Mizzou enrolls over 30,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Missouri ranks as the 124th best school in the nation and highly for veterans, value, public schooling, engineering, business trade gaming, computer science, agricultural programming and much more. In recent years, Mizzou has expanded their programming to offer Mizzou online. Undergraduate as well as graduate students may pursue programming online.

Missouri Online offers an online bachelor of science in health science. This is a non-clinical degree that helps you prepare for a health-related field. This is a 100% online program that’s been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The total number of credit hours is 120 and students may transfer up to 64 credit hours. This online course covers health professions and leadership and an introduction to health professions as well as healthcare in the United States and introduction to research, clinical ethics hands-on learning experiences and public health principles as well as practice. The program prepare students for a health related career. For students interested in pursuing a clinical graduate or professional program they should take pre-requisite science courses. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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10. Weber State University

Weber State University is a public four year institution located in Ogden, Utah. The institution offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certification. Currently, Weber enrolls over 29,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. To support the success of their students the university offers credit for life experiences, dual credits, academic and career counseling, and distance learning opportunities. According to Carnegie, Weber University is classified as a Masters College University with larger programming. Some of their most popular academic programs are in the fields of Business health and liberal arts. Cording to the US News and World Report Weber State University is regionally ranked.

Weber offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education. This this major allows students to concentrate in integrative or sports nutrition. The integrative nutrition option may be completed fully online focuses on sustainable cooking, the lifespan, fitness and current issues. Students may complete elective courses in a related discipline such as botany, child and family studies, exercise and sport science, communications, physical education, psychology and more. The sports nutrition concentration focuses on sports nutrition advanced human nutrition, anatomy physiology, chemistry and other related subjects and athletic training. The degree program is 120 credit hours in length 60 credit hours must be from the major. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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11. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four year institution that offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degree‘s as well as professional certifications. The student population is over 20,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. Kansas State University is located in Manhattan Kansas and has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. According to Carnegie, Kansas State University is a doctoral university with very high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Kansas State University as the 170the best school in the nation as well as highly for engineering, business programming and computer science. To support the success of their students Kansas State University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities.

Kansas State Online offers a bachelors degree in dietetics. If you’re looking to become a registered dietitian and are interested in pursuing that online than this is the degree program for you. This program has been accredited by the ACEND and leads to eligibility to apply for supervised practice. As a registered dietitian you may have a career in one of the following settings: hospitals, clinics or extended care facilities as well as in community and public health organizations or universities researching and teaching. The curriculum of this program includes course material in basic nutrition, human nutrition, management and dietetics, nutritional assessment, lifespan nutrition, clinical nutrition. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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12. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public institution located in Tuscaloosa. The university offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree‘s and enrolls over 38,000 students. According to Carnegie UA is a doctoral university with very high research activity. The U.S. News and World Report ranks UA as the 143rd best school in the nation and highly for value, social mobility, business programming, engineering and more. To support the success of their students the University of Alabama offers academic and career counseling, study abroad programming, and online offerings. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue a degree entirely online. Bama by Distance is the University of Alabama’s online school.

One of their online offerings is the Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition. This 120 credit hour program may be completed entirely online. If you are passionate about nutrition then you may wish to follow this accredited program. This program has been designed for working adults. This program satisfies part of the requirements that will lead to a registered dietitian credential. The required major courses include the following: an introduction to human nutrition, nutrition in the lifecycle, food science, community nutrition, nutrition counseling, applied nutrition, food service management, quality food production service, and much more. The required science courses are in chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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13. Azusa Pacific University

The Azusa Pacific University APU is a private institution located in Azusa, California. APU enrolls over 9000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Azusa university is a doctoral institution with high research activity. To support the success of their students the institution offers credit for life experiences as well as professional and academic career counseling. According to the US News and World Report APU is a nationally ranked university the ranks highly for a first year experiences and social mobility. Additionally, APU offers a wide array of online offerings including in the fields of business, education, nursing and more.

APU offers an online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Allied Health. To determine which pathway is right for you determine your career goals. The bachelor of arts provides prerequisites for careers in cytotechnology, nursing, nutrition and dietetics and more. The bachelor of science provides the prerequisites for chiropractic, clinical laboratory science, and physician assistance coursework. This program has been accredited by the WSCUC. Additionally, the university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Health with an emphasis in business. The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Health includes course material in the following areas: physics for life sciences, human growth and development, kinesiology, the psychology of personality, and stress and coping. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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14. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is a public four year institution located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The institution enrolls over 17,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. EMichigan offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree is as well as professional certifications and is currently classified according to Carnegie as a doctoral University with high research activity. The institution has been accredited by the higher learning commission since 1915. According to the US news and world report Eastern Michigan University ranks Nationally. To support the success of their students Eastern Michigan University offers academic and career counseling credit for life experiences and distance-learning opportunities. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue an online degree a degree online. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of business education engineering and health.

The School of Health Sciences college of Health and Human Services offers the Bachelors in Dietetics and Human Nutrition. This program teaches you how health and nutrition affects the performance of the body. The program leads to the RDN credential. Students may pursue both a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics as well as the Master of Science in Dietetics. Their Bachelors of Science in Dietetics includes course material in nutrition of the lifecycle, integrative medicine, development of the entrepreneurial dietitian, nutritional therapy, food service systems management, nutrition nutrient metabolism: micro nutrients, as well as a number of seminars in dietetics. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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15. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution that enrolls just over 12,000 students. The institution maintains a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. UAA offers associates bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well professional certifications and is classified according to Carnegie as a master college with larger programming. The University of Alaska Anchorage is regionally ranked according to the US News and World Report and as the 75th best school in the west and ranks highly for undergraduate engineering, social mobility, business programming, computer science and more. To support the success of their students, the university offers academic and career counseling, study abroad programming, ROTC, and distance learning opportunities for both undergraduates and graduates like.

The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics ACEND. This degree provides the prerequisite requirements necessary to complete a dietetic internship and to be eligible to take the registered dietitian nutritionist RDN examination. The purpose of this program is to preparestudents for supervised practice. The course material includes a strong science foundation along with courses in management food science therapeutic nutrition, nutrition and development, clinical and community nutrition, as well as courses in management. As you can see, this is an inter-disciplinary program that would be appropriate for anyone applying to work in a clinical setting or for private practice. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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16. Pacific University

Pacific University is a private four-year institution located in Forest Grove, Oregon. The university enrolls 3,832 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1. Pacific University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree‘s as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Pacific University is a doctoral/professional university. To support the success of their students the university offers academic and career counseling along with distance-learning opportunities. This institution has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1929. According to the US News and World Report Pacific University is a national institution that also ranks highly for veterans, value, and social mobility. Some of their most popular online offerings are in the fields of health.

Pacific University offers an online Bachelor of Health Science. This program has been designed for working professionals and is formatted online with live weekly interactive sessions. Upon completion, students may puruse a career in one of the following settings: hospitals, healthcare systems, health insurance companies, public health agencies, dental and medical practices, nurse facilities and more. This program follows a cohort model and has 40 credits. The course material was developed both by faculty as well as practitioners in healthcare. The curriculum focuses on the following areas: healthcare finance and accounting, research methods, healthcare strategic planning and marketing, and includes an internship. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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17. University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word is a private institution located in San Antonio, Texas. This is a doctoral/professional university according to Carnegie and it is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. To support the success of their students the institution offers remedial services as well as academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, study abroad programming, ROTC teacher certification and distance-learning opportunities. The most popular programs are in the fields of business, health, and visual and performing arts. In recent years, the University of the Incarnate Word has expanded their programming online and offers online degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students.

UIW offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Students may choose from two concentrations including: administration, and general studies. The administration concentration prepares you for four nationally accredited healthcare certifications including in cardiac rhythm analysis, certified billing and coding, certified electronica health, and certified medical administrative assistance. General studies concentration includes 18 or more transfer credits in allied health or the appropriate military training. Some of the core course material includes: medical coding, healthcare organizations in administration, healthcare communication, healthcare ethics and law, HIPPA compliance and certification, an introduction to the electronic health record, and healthcare ethics in law and third-party payment systems. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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18. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public four year institution that offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The university enrolls 4,700 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1. According to Carnegie, Clarion is a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities, ROTC, teacher certification options, as well as distance-learning opportunities. The school has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clarion offers an online Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership. Are you looking to become a healthcare manager? Than this is the program for you. Additionally this online degree allow students to pursue a career in healthcare education, medical sales, healthcare services management and more. As you can see, this is an inter-disciplinary program. This program has been designed for working professionals who need to balance work and life responsibilities and includes course material in financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial management, leadership and more. Like with most bachelors degrees, students will complete liberal education credits as well as the profession in the science as well also science proficiency. Additionally as this is an inter-disciplinary program, students must complete course material in micro and macro economics. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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19. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private four-year institution located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. SMHU as a very large institution that enrolls over 100,000 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1. SNHU is considered to be one of the most innovative schools in the world. According to the US News and World report, Southern New Hampshire University ranks as the most innovative school in the north. Their innovation core takes into account curriculum, faculty, students, campus life as well as technology and facilities. SNHU is known for its online offerings. In fact, students may select from hundreds of online programs from the undergraduate and graduate level.

SNHU offers a Bachelors in Health Science online. Students may transfer up to 90 credits of this 120 credit our program.SNHU features affordable programming that is accredited by the NECHE as well as no application fee. SAT/ACT scores are not required. Students may also apply credits from their associates degree in allied health. The purpose of this program is to meet the growing need for non-management roles in healthcare. Students may pursue a career in one of the following areas: cardiovascular technology, diagnostic medical technology, radiography, restoration therapy, and much more. The current curriculum includes course material in health and sciences, healthcare finance, healthcare reimbursement, healthcare delivery systems and more. All students must complete an introduction to anatomy and physiology as well as statistics courses for healthcare professionals. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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20. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The institution offers comprehensive programming as well as professional certifications. Their current enrollment is over 38,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 24 to 1. According to Carnegie, Purdue Global is a baccalaureate college that features diverse fields. To support the success of their students Purdue global offers academic and career counseling along with their distance learning opportunities. Their online offerings center on in demand fields such as health, education, computer information sciences, and Homeland security.

Purdue University Global offers a Bachelor of Science in nutrition. The course focuses on nutrition science and healthcare and highlights foundational knowledge as well as exposes you to research methods and applications that prepare you for a career in healthcare and nutrition. The major requirements include core courses in food safety, nutritional analysis and assessment, nutritional coaching counseling, food science says with a lab as well as a bachelors capstone and nutrition. The total credit requirements of this program is 180. All students must complete a mathematics social science science and arts and humanities requirement along with their general education electives.The majority of the credits are in open electives in fact, students for must complete 75 open up elective credits. Open electives give students the opportunity to expand and tailor their degree to match their interests. For more information about this program, check out their website.

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The post The 20 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees In Nutrition appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Nurses are extremely demanded and the field is expended to grow tremendously in the coming years. They’re also compensated at a much higher level than the average American. Here’s some facts about the profession from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Nurses had a median pay of $71,730 annually, or $34.48 per hour.
• In 2018 there were 3,059,800 working nurses.
• This was expected to rise by 12% between 2018-28, leading to 371,500 new roles in the field.

The RN to BSN programs on this list were ranked based on their tuition cost, national or regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report, how much they were designed for Adult Learning, and special features like scheduling flexibility.

All of the programs on the list require students to be registered nurses before beginning these programs, having previously earned either an Associate’s degree in Nursing, or another diploma program that certified them as registered nurses.

Let’s explore the schools that made the list!

1) University of Alabama

Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama is an iconic public institution known for its superb academics, thriving sports programs, and passionately committed students, faculty, and alumni. Currently there are over 33,000 undergraduate students attending UB. U.S. News & World Report has given the school several accolades for 2020, including ranking it 153rd among National Universities, and 129th in Best Value Schools. Popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Communication, Journalism, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, and Health Professions. It maintains an average freshman retention rate of 87%, a sign of how happy students are to attend the school.

Alabama offers two online options for people who want to improve their career in nursing: an RN to BSN, and an RN to BSN/MSN program. These programs are designed for registered nurses who have an associate degree or a nursing diploma. In the RN to BSN program students will take take a core curriculum that meets Alabama requirements, then gallop through 25 credit hours of nursing courses. In the RN to BSN/MSN program students have an accelerated opportunity to complete their master’s degree. They can also opt for a concentration as a Nurse Administrator. These programs can be taken full or part-time. All classes are offered online, and students do clinical work locally.

• Tuition: $375 for undergraduate courses $420 for graduate courses (10th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

2) Clemson University

Clemson is a public, research university headquartered in Clemson, South Carolina. It has been named a “Doctoral university [with] highest research activity”. Clemson was founded in 1889, and is the second largest university in the state. There’s just under 20,000 undergraduate students at Clemson, which is made up of of seven colleges: Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; Business; Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences; Education; Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences; and Science. USNR ranks Clemson 70th in National Universities for 2020 (a top 5 ranking for this list). The school is committed to improving its community through combatting bullying, improving irrigation systems, and much more.

Clemson offers an accelerated online RN/BS Completion Program (RN/BS Program) to help students who are registered nurses or hold associate degrees in nursing earn their Bachelor’s. For those that want to this program can be completed in 12 months, although there are part-time options available as well. This program is concentrated on socialization, making ethical decisions, inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and much more. There are courses in health care genetics, community nursing, family nursing, professionalism in the field, nursing research, and much more.

• Tuition: $550 per credit hour (19th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3) University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public research university that was founded in 1894. Just over 14,000 undergraduate students attend the school. UMass-Lowell is renowned for its degrees in healthcare, engineering, criminal justice, music, science, business, education, and technology. U.S. News & World Report ranked UMass Lowell 179th among National Universities in 2020. It has risen precipitously on this list in the past decade. It’s also ranked at 147th on USNR’s ranking of “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” In 2013 Forbes rated UMass Lowell the 10th best value among all universities and colleges in the country, and Forbes and Payscale.com have consistently praised the school for its value and return on investment for students.

UMass-Lowell offers a hybrid RN to BS program that combines on-campus and online courses. It can be finished in as little 15 months. Applying and getting accepted to this program puts 39 credits on your current Massachusetts RN license. Up to 75% of this degree’s credits can be transferred, in case you’re interested in working as a nurse in another state. There’s also a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid available in this program. Students will fine-tune their critical thinking skills, learn cutting-edge information about the American healthcare system, study the significance of research on health policy and practice, study ethics, and much more.

• Tuition: $380 per credit hour (11th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4) University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock is a public university that was founded in 1927. It then joined the University of Arkansas System in 1969. Currently there are just under 8,300 undergraduate students at the school. In 2020 USNR ranked it in the 293-381st bracket among National Universities. Little Rock is known for its research, stellar faculty, flexibility and internship opportunities. There are 173 distinct undergraduate and graduate programs at Little Rock, and 10% of its Bachelor programs are offered online. If you’re a military student you’ll enjoy in-state tuition and won’t have to pay an application fee.

Little Rock offers a RN to BSN program that can be completed online. Students will need to be registered nurse graduates of either a diploma or associates program to qualify for this degree. It takes 34 credit hours to complete, and can be finished in 12-18 months. Students will be immersed in areas like health advocacy, economics, leadership, research, assessment, and much more. Students need to earn a C or higher on each course in order to graduate. You’ll be able to continue working throughout attending this program.

• Tuition: $280 per credit hour (3rd)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5) University of Wisconsin-Madison

This public university was founded in 1848 on the southern shores of Lake Mendota. Wisconsin-Madison has over 32,600 undergraduate students, and boasts a ranking of 46th on USNR’s 2020 National Universities list (which is second best on this ranking). Students have incredible options in programming and can choose between 130 undergraduate, 144 graduate, 109 doctoral and 14 professional degree programs. Madison, Wisconsin is ranked among the best communities to live in in America. The school is unique in that it doesn’t require freshman to live on campus.

Wisconsin-Madison offers a RN to BSN program that can be taken mostly online. Applicants will need an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing to qualify. There are some in-person requirements, including a half-day on campus and 135 hours of clinical work (which can often be done close to where students live). The school also offers an 18-credit School Nurse Certification Program that can be used to work in Wisconsin schools. Students in the RN to BSN program can complete some of the courses for this certification during their degree program. The RN to BSN program requires 33 credits and can be completed in 1.5-2 years.

• Tuition: $425 per credit hour (13th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

6) Liberty University

Liberty is a private, non-profit, research university. Founded by Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty is a Christian school known for its online programming. The school is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia and was founded in 1971. Nearly 46,000 undergraduate students attend Liberty. The school is among pioneers of distance learning, going back to 1985. It has over 280 online degrees students can choose from in areas like health, business, theology, computer science, and much more. USNR ranks it in the 230th-381st bracket among National Universities for 2020. Liberty is founded on the belief that the secret to success comes with a strong commitment to biblical truth. It also touts itself as the nation’s largest nonprofit online university.

Liberty offers an online RN to BSN program that comes in two tracks: a standard track and a Global Studies track for students who want to do international nursing. Students can also choose between part and full-time education. This program is for registered nurses who want to expand their experience, education, and job opportunities. In this program there’s an automatic minimum of 39 credit hours you can transfer towards your current nursing licensure, no challenge exams required. This program promotes a Christian perspective to nursing in addition to traditional training and skills-building.

• Tuition: $330 per credit hour (7th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

7) University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university founded in 1910. It’s based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Between 1910 and now it’s grown from a small teachers college to a sprawling research and doctoral university. Just over 11,900 undergraduate students attend the school. The school is known for its scores of student organizations, and degree programs in health, psychology, criminal justice, and business. Currently USNR ranks USM in the 293-381st bracket among National Universities. Nursing programs are among its most popular majors.

USM’s online RN to BSN program was created to help registered nurses improve their education and career options while working. It can be completed in as little as three semesters, and doesn’t require chemistry coursework (for students who can’t stand chemistry)! Students can begin this program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer. Students can also choose between 8, 10, or 16-week options to tailor the program to their schedules. Sample courses include Psychiatric Nursing, Population Health Nursing, Role Development as a Nurse Scientist, and much more.

• Tuition: $370 per credit hour (9th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

8) Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Penn State is a public, research university with campuses throughout Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1855, and has been called a “Public Ivy” because of its excellent education. USNR ranks it 57th among National Universities, good for the third-highest ranking on this list. Over 40,300 undergraduate students attend Penn State. It’s also known for its thriving online wing, the Penn State World Campus. The World Campus was founded in 1998, to bring the world-renowned Penn State education to students outside of Pennsylvania. PSWC was born from the experimentation of Professor Michael G Moore, who built and taught some of the world’s first online courses.

The World Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It’s designed to help you keep up with changes in healthcare, prepare you for a graduate education, and reach new career heights. There’s an accelerated and regular format for this program. Graduates will be prepared to work in pharmaceutical sales, social work case management, research, education, community and public health centers, and much more. You’ll work on communication skills, build leadership experience, among other indispensable traits and abilities. There are also options for certifications in Nursing Management, Nursing Informatics, or Nursing Forensics.

• Tuition: $617 per credit hour (26th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

9) George Washington University

GWU is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It was established by Congress in 1821, as an homage to George Washington itself. The school is known for its degrees in healthcare, journalism, computer science, international affairs, and government. GWU has a close relationship with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which both have a presence on campus. USNR ranks it 70th among National Universities, which is fifth-best on this list. Over 12,500 undergraduate students attend GWU. For students that want to work in government or form healthcare policy, GWU presents limitless opportunities to network and connect with government agencies, representatives, and the people who work for them.

George Washington offers an online RN-BSN program that can be completed in 15 months over four part-time semesters. Students will be able to work as they complete this program. There are many scholarship opportunities available for prospective students to help pay for this degree. During the program you’ll have the chance to earn 9 credits towards one of GWU’s Master of Science in Nursing specialization areas. George Washington has partner agreements with 11 community colleges that give some students guaranteed admission to this elite program.

• Tuition: $660 per credit hour (29th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

10) Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a public research university in Statesboro, Georgia. GSU was established in 1906, and is a member of the University System of Georgia. It’s the biggest higher education center in the southern half of the state, and has over 23,100 undergraduate students. USNR ranks it in the 293-381st bracket of National Universities. GSU lets students access over 100 majors, in political science, nursing, business, and much more. Georgia Southern has been labeled a Doctoral and Research Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It has a strong online wing of the school that grown significantly since its founding in 2008.

GSU offers an online RN to BSN program. It can be completed in less than 12 months (2 semesters), or in up to five years depending on student needs. Georgia Southern boasts the most affordable tuition of any school on this list. This program was created to help graduates achieve leadership positions in nursing, or work in desired specialization areas. This also means greater job security and higher pay. Sample courses include Nutrition and Health, a hefty credit-load of Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Research, and much more.

• Tuition: $186 per credit hour (1st)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

11) Ball State University

Ball State University is a public research university in Municie, Indiana. It was founded in 1918. It serves over 22,000 students. USNR has ranked Ball State 192nd among National Universities, and also 53rd in Top Performers on Social Mobility for 2020. Ball State offers around 180 undergraduate majors, and an entrepreneurship program. David Letterman is a former graduate, and has opened a new Communication and Media Building. Recently Ball State has earned the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Ball State offers an online RN to BS nursing degree. It blends liberal arts courses with nursing. This includes the psychosocial, and physical aspects of nursing alongside fine arts, literature, communication skills, and more. It has been designated a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, which only a few programs in America can claim. There are three semester and six semester options for this program. Sample courses include Management and Leadership, Nursing Foundation and Issues, Community Health, and Applied Nursing Concepts. For those already holding an associate degree in nursing, it’s likely you have completed some of the prerequisite liberal arts credits required in this program.

• Tuition: $551 per credit hour (20th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

12) University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota is a public university and the state’s first. UND was founded in 1883, six years before North Dakota became a state. Over 10,500 undergraduates attend UND. Students can choose from programs of study in over 225 fields at the undergraduate and graduate level. It’s especially known for its programs in areas like engineering, aerospace, unmanned aerial systems, medicine, nursing, education, social work, business, and the arts. USNR has ranked the school 263rd among National Universities, and 128th in Top Public Schools. Its School of Medicine and Health Sciences is also highly regarded.

UND offers an online nursing completion RN to BSN program. It’s for registered nurses who are interested in earning their Bachelor’s degree. The program requires at least 30 credit hours and can be finished in 1-2 years. You’ll learn how to deliver healthcare and strategize on providing care in different environments and for populations with disparate experiences and needs. This program is interdisciplinary, and rests on collaborating and advocating for patients through online coursework and clinical experiences.

• Tuition: $513 per credit hour (18th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

13) University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst is a public research university founded in 1863. It offers over 100 majors to choose from, including a customizable option known as BDIC: Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration. UMass Amherst is a member of the prestigious Five College Consortium, which includes Smith, Mount Holyoke, Amherst, and Hampshire. Students have the option to take courses at these highly respected institutions. UMass Amherst has also been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a school with the highest level of research activity. Over 23,500 undergraduate students attend UMass-Amherst. USNR ranked it 64th among National Universities in 2020, up from 70th the year before.

UMass Amherst offers an online RN to BS program. It requires 120 credits, 52 of which are non-nursing and must be completed before beginning this program. Then 30 credits are awarded for RN licensure, and 30 can be earned online or at an onsite nursing program. The program culminates in a capstone project that reflects what students have learned over the course of it. UMass Amherst is a leader in nursing education, and has an outstanding faculty to match.

• Tuition: $585 per credit hour (23rd)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

14) Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is a public research university with multiple locations in Texas. It was founded in 1876 as the first public higher learning institute in the state. Over 53,700 students attend A&M. USNR has ranked it 70th among National Universities in 2020. Texas A&M offers over 130 undergraduate programs and almost 270 graduate degree programs, along with professional degrees in law, veterinary medicine, dentistry, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and public health. It’s tied at first in the country for graduates that become CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

A&M offers an online RN to BSN program. There’s a required two-day in-person conference for new students at the College Station campus before the program begins. There’s also in-person practicum requirements that can be completed wherever students live. Students can opt to complete their online 30 credit hour curriculum over 3, 4, or 5 semesters depending on their wants and needs.

• Tuition: $1700 per credit hour (36th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

15) University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university founded in 1946. It has nearly 24,400 undergraduate students. The school features 139 undergraduate majors with 75 programs that confer Bachelor’s degrees, 65 Master’s degrees and 24 Doctoral degrees taught by seven colleges including its excellent Health & Human Services school. Almost 85% of its full-time faculty have reached the highest degree in their field of instruction. USNR ranks UNC Charlotte 228th among National Universities, and 109th in Top Public Schools in 2020. It has also reached 84th in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

UNC Charlotte offers an online RN to BSN Completion Program. Like the others on this list, you’ll need to have completed an associate’s degree or diploma program in nursing to qualify. There are no compulsory visits to campus to complete this program, which was designed to be completed in 12 months. It has been approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing in addition to the CCNE. Sample courses include Aging and Health, Enhancing Clinical Judgement, and Information Technology: Applications in Healthcare.

• Tuition: $612 per credit hour (25th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

16) Drexel University

Drexel is a private research university that has three campuses in Philadelphia. It began serving students in 1891, after being opened by the philanthropist and financier Anthony J. Drexel. A unique feature of Drexel University is its cooperative education program. Each year students are sent to work for 1,600 employers across the world for six months to get paid for work that supplements their education. Almost 13,500 undergraduates attend Drexel. In 2020 USNR ranks it 97th among National Universities. It has the nation’s largest private medical school.

Drexel offers an online RN to BSN nursing program. It focuses on the latest technology and practices in nursing. Students will find the practical skills and precise clinical education essential to their career advancement. This program can be completed in as little as 12 months, or take longer if you need to. There’s a 3-year tuition lock that lets students keep the same tuition rate over three years if they need that long to finish. Graduates will be prepared to work as Case Managers, Nurses that work in various departments and settings, among other positions. There are no on-campus requirements in this program.

• Tuition: $556 per credit hour (21st)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

17) Old Dominion University

Old Dominion is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia. It was established in 1930. ODU offers over 150 distinct degrees, and serves more than 24,000 ODU students. It’s one of the biggest distance learning providers in the country. ODU is a very military-friendly school, with 25% of its students having a direct connection to the military. It’s known for its research, especially linked to entrepreneurship. Old Dominion University initiatives contribute almost $2.6 billion to Virginia’s economy each year. Old Dominion University has over 100,000 alumni in all 50 states and 67 countries. USNR ranks it 263rd among National Universities, and 128th in Top Public Schools.

ODU offers an online RN to BSN. The school has been delivering distance nursing education since 1987. A major focus of the program is building a professional portfolio to help graduates reach their potential in the field. The school features a guaranteed admission program between Virginia Community College System (VCCS) students to make transferring from your initial nursing degree program into this one. Students must take at least 30 credit hours with ODU as part of this program, of a total 120 that are required for a Bachelor’s degree. Graduates work in nursing management, administration, for non-profits, in pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales, and much more.

• Tuition: $407 per credit hour (12th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

18) Western Carolina University

Western Carolina is a public university that was founded in 1889. It serves over 10,000 undergraduate students. Its mission has a heavy emphasis on service and community engagement. There are over 115 undergraduate majors for students to choose from. It boasts the countries’ first accredited four-year emergency medical care program. There are also over 40 graduate-level programs students can choose from. USNR ranks Western Carolina University 23rd in the Regional Universities South category.

Western Carolina offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in four semesters. North Carolina students can complete this degree for approximately $3,500. The program aims to build leaders in nursing, give students a better understanding of modern clinical practices, and potentially go on to study nursing at the graduate level. You’ll build communication and reasoning skills, use the latest technology in the field, and much more. Students can begin this program in either January or August.

• Tuition: $1416 per credit hour (34th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

19) Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays is a public university in Kansas. It was founded in 1902 as an agricultural school, and has grown to one of the largest schools in the state. Over 15,000 students attend FHSU. It offers degrees through 31 academic departments, including a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Fort Hays State University is known for its affordable online programs. Over 95% of its graduating students find a job or go on to graduate school after completing their degree. Professors serve as instructors and mentors to students, helping them in innumerable ways. USNR ranks FHSU in the 117-153rd bracket in the Regional Universities Midwest bracket, and 119th in Top Performers on Social Mobility in 2020.

FHSU offers an online RN to BSN that can be finished in as little as three semesters. It requires clinical practicum work, and helps students get clinical work across the country. You’ll need a license in the state you want to do your clinical work, so in rare cases if FHSU can’t find a facility you can work in in your state you’ll need a license to practice in Kansas. Sample courses include Health Promotion, Community-Focused Care for the RN, and Healthcare Quality Improvement for the RN.

• Tuition: $218 per credit hour (2nd)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

20) Webster University

Webster is a non-profit private university in Webster Groves, Missouri. It was founded as a Catholic’s women’s college in 1915. Today it’s an independent, non-denominational university with branch locations across the United States. Webster University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, fine and performing arts, teacher education, business and management. Nearly 2,500 undergraduates attend Webster. It has educated more than 170,000 graduates globally. In 2020, USNR ranks it 56th among Best Value Schools, and 17th among Regional Universities Midwest universities.

Webster offers an online Nursing BSN program. Students will strengthen their communication and analytical skills while improving their professional credentials. The program was designed to cater to working adults. There’s part-time enrollment, and eight week terms. Students can also opt for an on-campus version of this program, which can be finished in two to two and a half years. Required courses include Population Health: Clinical Prevention with Families and Communities, Concepts of Professional Nursing, and Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses. It culminates in students building a Capstone Portfolio to showcase their education and experience.

• Tuition: $350 per credit hour (8th)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The post 20 Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1.) Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young university Idaho as a private institution located in Rexburg. BYUI is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Currently, the university enrolls almost 40,000 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19 to 1. According to Carnegie, BYUI is a baccalaureate college. In fact, all students enrolled are undergraduate students. BYUI is ranked regionally. According to the US news and world report, the institution is 16th in the region and highly for social mobility as well as undergraduate engineering programming. When it comes to academic offerings, BYU I offers programming in a wide variety of fields many of which are high demand including the fields of education, health and business. In recent years, BYUI has expand their programming to include online offerings. Associate- seeking and bachelors-seeking students may pursue a degree fully online.

Brigham Young University Idaho offers the online marriage and family studies degree. Students may pursue this program if they are interested in a range of human service professions especially those that serve children and youth as well as their families. According to the department of labor, these jobs are growing faster than the national average. In the first year students will focus on the following core courses: merit skills, family relations, and introduction to psychology, child development and others. In the second year students continue in those studies. Finally in the third and fourth year students may choose from one of the following areas of specialization: child and family advocacy, human services, or parent and family education,. The child and family advocacy specialization focuses on public speaking where are the human services certificate focuses on family and community as well as helping individuals cope with stress, drug abuse and more. The parent and family education certification helps couples navigate marriage difficulties and teaches parenting skills, parent education as well as early and middle child development. For more information about this online degree check out their website.

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2.) California State University- East Bay

California State University East Bay is a public four-year university located in Hayward, California. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s and enrolls over 16,000 students. According to Carnegie, California State University East Bay is a Masters College. To support the success of the students the institution offers credit for life experiences. Their academic offerings are varied and include programming in ethnic studies, business, education, health, physical sciences, social sciences, and more. In recent years, CSU East Bay offers online degrees for undergraduate as well as masters seeking students. Some of their most popular programs other online bachelors in business and ministration, as well as their online educational masters degree in leadership.

The human development and women’s study department at California State East Bay offers a Bachelor of Arts in a wide variety of areas. Their online program is in human development. Each class in this program is online with occasional hybrid classes. Additionally, the online program offers concentrations in the following areas: early childhood development, women’s development, and adult development and gerontology. This program is suitable for transfer students. The curriculum includes course material in the following areas: research methods in human development, futures and careers for human development, theories of human development, mid life transitions, and much more. The curriculum will vary depending on your area specialization. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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3.) Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public institution located in Tempe, Arizona and across the state of Arizona. ASU currently enrolls over 50,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. The institution offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as a number of professional certifications. According to the Carnegie Institution, ASU is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. In recent years, ASU has ranked number one in the nation for innovation according to the US News and World Report. This is largely due to their vast online offerings. In fact ASU offers hundreds of online degrees for undergraduate as well as graduate students. Students may pursue an online bachelors degree in urban planning for example as well as an online masters degree in speech communication and rhetoric. These are just some examples of the wide array of fields one may pursue through ASU online.

ASU Online offers an online Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development. The total credit hour requirement is 120 and each class is 7.5 weeks long. In total students are required to complete 39 classes. Some of the courses that are included in the curriculum are family ethnic and cultural diversity, research methods, personal growth in human relationships, and human development. The human development and family degree focuses on cognitive and social as well as emotional development of individuals as well as families across their lifespan. Professionals in this area of work provide solutions that improve family relationships and outcomes. This program may lead to certified child life specialist designation. Although students do not receive this designation at ASU you may take a series of courses to meet the requirements for the CCLS eligibility. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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4.) Washington State University

Washington State University is a public four-year institution located in Pullman. Their current enrollment is over 30,000 and the student to faculty ratio 16 to 1. WSU offers bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, WSU ranks highly for veterans, value, engineering programming, computer science, and business programming. Additionally, to support student success the University offers credit for life experiences as well as distance learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some of their most popular programs by enrollment are in the field of family consumer science, engineering, and Business.

Washington State Online offers a bachelors degree in human development. This program is offered entirely online and may lead to a certificate in early childhood education or gerontology. The early childhood education certificate includes the following required courses: an introduction to early childhood, parent child relationships, child development, guidance in early childhood programming, and others. The gerontology certification offers course material in the following areas: family stress and coping, adult development, gerontology, families in poverty, cognition and memory, and more. For more information about these programs and to apply check out their website.

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5.) University of North Carolina-Greensboro (UNCG Online)

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public university l that enrolls over 20,000 students. UNCG offers bachelor’s masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1. According to Carnegie, UNCG is a doctoral university with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks UNCG as a national university and highly for social mobility as well as public schooling business programming computer science and more. Additionally, UNCG offers a wide variety of online offerings for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students as well as those pursuing professional certification. Some of their most popular programs are in the field of education, family sciences and human development, and health.

Among their online programming is the Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. This program is fully online though some of the programs take place during lunchtime or in the evenings. This program prepares you for a career in early childhood settings. Some of the course material includes courses in human development, family diversity, issues and parenting, infant and child development, and leadership in early childhood education. This program prepares students for North Carolina licensure to teach from birth to kindergarten with the birth to kindergarten teacher licensure program. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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6.) Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution that enrolls over 33,000 students. The university is well known for its innovation and wide variety of programming and according to Carnegie is a doctoral institution with very high research activity. The current student to faculty ratio it’s 14 to 1. To support student success the University offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences and distance learning opportunities. According to the US News and World Report Colorado State University ranks nationally and highly for value, social mobility, public schooling,engineering programming, business programming and computer science. Their distance learning opportunities include programming in business education engineering and more.

Colorado State University Online offers the human development and family studies bachelor of science in human development and family studies. Participants may choose from 1 to 5 concentrations: early childhood professions, leadership and entrepreneurial professions, pre-health professions, prevention and intervention sciences, and human development and family studies. Additionally, students have the option to minor in gerontology. In this program you’ll learn how to observe, develop and implement programming, write grants for success, Inform policy decisions and understand the cultural distinctions that make up a wide diverse array of populations. You will learn to engage with individuals from across the lifespan. The curriculum includes course material in family development, infant and child development, lifespan intervention and prevention, and couple and family studies.

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7.) University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public four-year institution located in Tucson. Arizona offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as a number of professional certifications. Their current enrollment is over 44,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. According to Carnegie, Arizona ranks as a doctoral university with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Arizona is the 97th top school in the nation and ranks highly for value engineering programming, business programming and computer science. To support the success of their students the University offers credit for life experiences, study abroad programs, academic and career counseling and distance-learning opportunities. Arizona offers distance learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students. Additionally students may pursue professional certifications entirely online.

The University of Arizona offers the bachelor of science and family studies in human development. If you are interested in a profession and devoted to improving quality of life for individuals across the lifespan and their families in this program may be for you. This major is a good fit for anybody interested in working in Social Work or other healthcare settings. Some of the example courses include the social science and human behavior adolescence infancy and child development, family studies and human development, and much more.

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8.) University of Texas of the Permian Basin

University of Texas Permian Basin is a public four-year institution located in Odessa, Texas. The student population is over 5000 and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. UTPB offers bachelors and masters degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, UTPB classifies as a masters college and university with larger programming. Their student services include academic and career counseling and distance learning opportunities. Students my pursue undergraduate or graduate level courses online. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of business education and communication.

The University of Texas at Permian Basin offers the online Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies. This undergraduate program will take about four years to complete. The program is 120 credits at least 30 of which must be completed at the UT Permian Basin. Students complete 37 credit hours of a child and family studies course work. Course material focuses on parent child education, curriculum development, social services, grant writing and more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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9.) Utah State University

Utah State University is a public four year institution located in Logan, Utah. USU offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degree as well as professional certifications. The University currently enrolls nearly 30,000 students and it’s classified as a doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks USU nationally and highly for public education, social mobility engineering programming and more. To support the success of their students USU offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. In fact, associates and bachelors and Masters seeking students may all pursue programming online.

Among these online options is the undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Students may complete either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts.. The program has four emphasis: family and community services, child development, family finance and human development lifespan. The family and community service program prepare students to work with families across the lifespan. The child development emphasis teaches about the physical and social emotional development of children. The family finance program prepares you to work with families teaching them to invest, budget, and create better financial opportunities. The human development lifespan looks at development across the ages. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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10.) University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public institution located in Tuscaloosa. This institution enrolls over 38,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree‘s and is currently listed as a doctoral University with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The University of Alabama is known for academic programming as well as athletic programming. The university boasts a wide range of opportunities for students both on campus and online. According to the US news and World Report the University of Alabama ranks as the 143rd best school in the nation as well as highly for veterans, value, public schooling, engineering and much more.

Bama by distance is the college of continuing studies offered through the University of Alabama. In recent years Bama by distance has grown to become one of the largest online presence is online higher education presence is in the world. Among their online offerings is there bachelor of science and human development and family studies with a concentration in child life. This program is 120 credit hours in length and is offered entirely online. As a child life specialist you’ll become an interdisciplinary member of the child’s healthcare team. Your help children and their families cope with living with the disability illness or hospitalization. I made your courses are 15 hours in length the total amount of course the time amount of hours required for the major is 15 and the child life concentration is an additional eight courses. The child life coordinate concentration the child life concentration includes course material and medical terminology, creative experiences for young children, centers and programs hospitalize children use, loss embarrassment, child life internship and a medical ethics perfect course. Additionally students will study anatomy and physiology along with general education classes. For information about this degree and to apply check out their website.

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11.) Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F Austin State University is a public four-year institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The university offer bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. To support the success of their students SFASU offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences and distance learning opportunities. Both undergraduate and graduate students may pursue course material online. According to the US News and World Report Stephen F. Austin State University is the 298th top school in the nation and ranks highly for business programming as well as undergraduate engineering programming.

SFASU office the bachelor of science in human sciences with an emphasis in human development and family studies. This program takes an in-depth look at changing development for children and adults. The program” material and family and schooling parenting early childhood sexuality in the context of family and much more if you’re interested in child development in this program is for you for more information to apply check out their website.

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12.) University of Wisconsin-Stout

The University of Wisconsin Stout is a public four year institution located in Menomonie, Wisconsin. There are 8400 and students enrolled and their student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, the University of Wisconsin- Stout is a masters college. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Some of their most popular programs are in the field of business and education. In recent years, the university has grown to offer online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students. There are over a dozen programs from which to choose. The University of Wisconsin at Stout is ranked regionally and highly for engineering, veterans, value and computer science programming according to the US News and World Report.

The University of Wisconsin Stout office a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. If you enjoy helping other people than this program could be for you. The purpose of this program it’s to teach students how the developmental process across the lifespan affects human outcomes for individuals and families. This program features award-winning instructors as well as opportunities to apply learning in a professional networking environment. The program is 120 credit hours in length. The major studies are 62 credits and the concentration or minor is 15. Some of the major courses include human development: early childhood, lifespan sexuality, healthy couple relationships, critical cultural competence, family policy, family research and methodology, and abnormal psychology among others. For more information and to apply to this program check out their website. Additionally students have the opportunity to design their own emphasis or minor for an additional 15 credits

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13.) Concordia University- Saint Paul

Concordia University St. Paul is a private institution that enrolls over 5000 students. CSP offers comprehensive programming as well as professional certifications. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. Concordia University of Saint Paul has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences, and distance learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. In fact, the majority of their programming is offered online. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of business administration, educational leadership, nursing practice, kinesiology and exercise science, psychology, and more.

CSP offers a Bachelor of Arts in Family Science. This is a 40 credit hour degree that covers development family systems as well as family law. The required courses include programming in family life, filming decision-making and resource management, family system structures in relationships, adolescent development, family science fieldwork experience, parent education, and culminates with the capstone experience. In addition, all bachelor seeking students must complete the general education requirements. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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14.) Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. Their current student population is 31,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. OSU has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1924. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling along with distance learning opportunities. According to Carnegie, Oregon state university is a doctoral university with very high research activity. In fact,the US News and World Reports ranks OSU nationally and highly for value, innovation and social mobility.

OSU offers an online Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. This is an 180 credit hour program that requires four years to complete. The format is online. 60 of the credit hours are upper division credit. Some of the courses you will take during this program include: adult development and infant, children and youth with disabilities, families in poverty, family studies, human sexuality, family violence and neglect, infant and child development, and much more. If you feel called to pursue a helping profession than this course may be for you.

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15.) American Public University

American Public University is a distance-learning institution that’s headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. The institution currently enrolls over 45,000 students and offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. APU is accredited by the Distance Education Commission as well as the Higher Learning Commission. The institution offers comprehensive programming for individuals seeking online degrees in a wide variety of fields including business, education, homeland security, parks and recreation, computer information sciences and more. American Public University is classified as a Masters College University with larger programming according to Carnegie.

APU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies. This program is 120 credit hours in length. Students may transfer up to 90 credits. East course is eight weeks long and starts monthly. This degree is broken down into the four following areas: general education requirements, major requirements, general electives, and the final program requirement. The major requirements include course material in child development, human sexuality, child and adolescent development, parenting, family development, research methods for sociology, human lifespan development, and more. The final program requirement is a senior seminar and child and family development. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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16.) Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University EKU is a public institution located in Richmond, Kentucky. The student population is 14,900 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1.EKU offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. Carnegie classifies EKU as a Masters College and University with larger programming. The university has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges in School since 1928. To support the success of their students in addition to high-quality academics the institution offers academic and career counseling, distance learning opportunities, and more. In recent years, EKU has expanded their programming to include online opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students may pursue an online bachelors degree in psychology as well as an online masters degree in criminal justice. As you can see there’s a wide range of opportunities available both on campus and online.

EKU offers a bachelors degree in child and family studies. There are multiple programs from which to choose including the bachelors degree in child and family studies with an emphasis in child development or the infant/toddler care education certification as an early childhood director. Terms are eight weeks long and their programming features personalized graduation planning. Credits that count towards the child development associate can be applied toward your state credential. This program has been ranked by the US and World Report among the best universities that offer online degrees. The bachelors in child development requires 120 to 125 credit hours to complete which includes curriculum on development across the ages. For more information and to apply just check out their website.

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17.) Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four year institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. The university offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications and currently enrolls over 20,000 students. According to a Carnegie, Kansas State is a doctoral University with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report Kansas State University ranks as the 170th best school in the nation and highly for social mobility, public schooling, engineering, business programming, computer science and more. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. To support the success of their students the university offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. Students may pursue an online bachelors, masters or doctorate degree as well as an online professional certification.

Kansas State University offers an online Bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Science. This program is 120 credit hours in length and is offered fully online. The curriculum includes course material in integrative health and human sciences as well as the professional core. The professional core includes courses such as middle child and adolescent human development and aging, family and diversity, working with parents, basically attrition, early childhood, and much more. Additionally students may pursue a number of areas of concentration or complete an HDFS internship. All students, culminate this degree with the capstone experience. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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18.) North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public four-year institution located in Fargo, North Dakota. NDSU offers a bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree as well as professional certifications and currently enrolls over 13,000 students. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. Since 1915, NDSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. According to Carnegie, NDSU is a doctoral university with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks NDSU nationally and highly for social mobility, public schooling, undergraduate engineering, business programming and computer science. To support the success of their students NDSU offers a wide array of student support services including academic and career counseling and distance learning opportunities. In fact, NDSU offers online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students alike.

NDSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science. This program is for anyone who is interested in child development, adolescent development, gerontology, hospital child life, financial and consumer literacy, family life education and more. Like with many bachelors degrees this is a 120 credit hour program that may be completed across four years. Students must complete general education classes as well as major course requirements including in the following areas: human development and family sciences, diversity in multiculturalism, individual and family life, psychology, children and families in public policy, and more. Additionally students will complete a field experience. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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19.) Amridge University

Amridge University is a private four-year institution headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama. This is a distance-learning institution that enrolls just over 800 students. The student to faculty ratio is 13 to 1. Amridge University offers Associate, Masters and Doctoral degree ‘s. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1989.Amridge University offers online programming in the following fields: business management, family consumer science, health professions, homeland security, liberal arts and sciences, philosophy and religious studies, and theology and religion. The institution is affiliated with the Church of Christ.

Amridge offers a bachelor of science and human development. This program is designed to transition students into the master of science degree with a concentration in family therapy and counseling. The course requirements include general education classes electives as well as required courses. Some of the required courses focus on child development psychology abnormal psychology motivation and performance as well as diversity. This program is 128 semester credit hours 40 of those credit hours are devoted to general education classes and 40 are devoted to progress to civic courses. The remaining 48 classes are electives giving each student the opportunity to tell her their degree to meet Their interests. To be eligible for this program must have an average GPA up to .0 or higher. For more information or to apply check out their website.

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20.) Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private four year institution that’s located in Manchester, New Hampshire. SNHU enrolls over 100,000 students and maintains a students to faculty ratio of 22 to 1. The university offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications at every stage. To support the success of their students SNHU offers credit for life experiences, dual credits, academic and career counseling, and distance-learning opportunities. In fact, the majority of students pursue programming online. SNHU has some of the largest online offerings of any institution in the world including a wide array of courses in business, education, family and consumer sciences, health, and much more. SNHU currently ranked number one in the region as the most innovative school in the north according to the US News and World Report.

As an SU offers an online bachelors degree in human services. This is a 120 credit our program where students may transfer up to 90 credits. Students may pursue one of the three following concentrations: a bachelor of arts and Child and family services, a bachelor of arts in gerontology, and a bachelor of arts and substance-abuse. The bachelor of arts and Child and family services concentration explore social issues that affect families. Upon completion you may become a case manager, a child focused advocate, a home visitor, community health worker and more. The gerontology option is for individuals who are interested in caring for the aging. You’ll look at wellness and disease issues and policies that affect the elderly long-term care anymore. The substance abuse concentration and focus is on addictions as well as prevention methods. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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The post The 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Family Studies appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a land-grant public research university with a main campus in Gainesville, Florida. Known for highly competitive sports, UF is also a great school. Some of the top ranked programs within the university include their programs in communications, education, business, medicine, engineering, law, and others. It’s typically thought of as one of the top 30 public schools in the nation and offers a huge range of degrees from the bachelor’s through doctoral levels. In recent years parts of the university have made a push online, including their master’s in communications. 

The University of Florida’s fully online master’s in communications blew us away for the range and quality of academic programs. Individuals can pursue a wide range of specializations catered to the 21st century including audience analytics, digital strategy, global strategic communication, political communication, PR communication, PR, social media, as well as web design. For students not wichin to pursue an entire master’s program, or wishing to level up in more than one discipline a handful of these specializations are also available as graduate-level certificate programs. Degrees may be finished in under two years and boast robust placement in the job market. 

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2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the best public universities in the nation and is considered a Public Ivy school. Formed in the late 1700’s, UNC has a long tradition of excellence. Today over 30,000 students call the university home, making it a large university. With its ample endowment, however, UNC is able to maintain small class sizes and a great deal of one-on-one attention for students to pursue a degree there. Particularly at the graduate levels, students have the ability to learn from award winning and nationally renowned individuals within their field, and the online communications masters is no different!

Known for their up-to-date, real world programming, UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media offers a fully online master of arts in digital communication perfectly suited to the PR and communications needs of the 21st century. With two courses most semesters, individuals are able to work full time pursuing this degree. The final project is a non-traditional thesis, which allows individuals to build a portfolio with a semester-long project. Courses include digital-specific concerns such as media law online, usability, multimedia design, visualization of information, among others. 

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3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, U of I is a second Public Ivy school in our list. Though the list of accolades for U of I could go on for several pages, some highlights include the second largest university library in the world, a massive research park that is home to over 90 start-ups, and impressive alumni including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer and Turing Prize winners, among others. Over 50,000 students attend U of I, with a majority at the undergraduate level. 

For potential students looking to jump into corporate or brand communications, U of I offers a fully online program that may be just for you. The masters in strategic brand communication as well as additional certificates and courses in the subject matter are led by real world experts and provide immediately applicable knowledge. With a 16 months time until degree, students can expect to be able to jump back into the workforce very quickly (or pursue the degree while working). For individuals presently working in communication, U or I is happy to work with your employer to try and line up employer sponsorship for the degree as well. 

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4. Columbia University

Columbia University of New York is an Ivy League institution located at one of the hearts of modern communications. One of the nine colonial colleges founded in the Declaration of Independence, the university has a long history of excellence. Today the university has one of the largest endowments in the world, enabling the school to provide great levels of support and small class sizes even for its size. While it is the first private institution in our list, and therefore has an expensive “sticker price,” a “need blind” financial aid policy means the school tends to cover excess financial need for potential students. 

Columbia University’s renowned school of professional studies offers a unique master’s level communication degree. This Executive Master of Science in Strategic Communication is specifically for individuals who have a decent amount of experience in the field. This means that the program can start with more advanced topics and skip intro material. This also means that the program can be completed part time and in as few as 16 months. We should note that this is not a 100% online degree, but rather provides most courses online with a few in-person meetups that simulate key communications settings in the real world. 

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5. Purdue University

The flagship university of the Purdue University system, this university holds designations as a sea-grant and space-grant institution. Home to over 43,000 students, in recent years this prestigious university has started to open some degree programs up to online delivery methods. Particularly noteworthy programs include their overall undergraduate experience as well as engineering degrees. In recent years Purdue has been among the 20 top public schools in the nation and last year was honored by being named one of the five most innovative universities in the United States. 

Purdue University’s online masters in communications is impressive for the range of specializations offered as well as how quickly one can achieve the degree. Students may choose how quickly they want to finish their degree, with average times ranging between 12 and 20 months. A range of specialization options include the intersection of communication and leadership, advertising, public relations, or health. No GRE or residency requirements mean you can jump right into the application and don’t have to disrupt your life or career to progress through the program. 

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6. Florida International University

Florida International University is a relatively young (56 years old) public research university that’s located in accordingly named University Park, Florida. Despite its age, the university holds the highest designation for research activity. Up until 2005, the university placed an emphasis on growth in student body size. But in years since the focus has shifted on continually improving the quality of education being offered. With this said, this is still quite a large university with close to 60,000 students attending. With an estimated undergraduate cost per year after aid of $8,000, it’s also one of the most affordable schools we surveyed.

Florida International University offers a fully online master of science in global strategic communications. This university is particularly well suited to provide such an international degree given it’s proximity to the Carribean, Latin, and South America. This degree is interdisciplinary and offered by the innovative college of communication, architecture, and the arts. The program is also one of the most accelerated available on our list, and only requires 12 months of study, all online.  Additionally students may start the program in the Fall or Spring semesters. 

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7. American University

This private research university located in Washington, D.C. is associated with the United Methodist Church, and was founded to promote public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism. Known for its connection to the political action within D.C., the university is a great location to learn international affairs, diplomacy, communications, and law. A wide range of politicians have passed through this school, and it’s one of the top five producers of members of the U.S. Foreign Service, Congressional Staff, as well as Ambassadors. With “just” 5,000 postgraduates who attend the university, courses can be kept relatively small in size leading to increased interactions and quality. 

American University builds on its unique position within the center of United States politics and governance to present a world class master of arts in strategic communication. We like this degree for the unique range of specializations that individuals may pursue. These focus areas include advocacy and social impact, digital communication strategies and analytics, international strategic communication, and corporate communication and reputation management. Speaking of reputation, American University is well known throughout the world and particularly in governance circles. 

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8. Michigan State University

This public land-grant university is the flagship university of the Michigan State University system. Founded in the mid 1800’s, MSU was originally an agricultural college, and served as a model for many of the agricultural colleges that were created after it. It is one of the largest universities in the nation by enrollment. And graduates can draw from over 600,000 living alumni as connections across the world. With an 80% graduation rate at the undergraduate level (typically a marker of academic quality), it ranks among the best of the surveyed schools, particularly accounting for the relatively more affordable tuition when compared to private universities. 

Michigan State University offers a fully online master of arts in strategic communication. We like this degree program for its affordable nature and flexibility. Students may choose from one, two, and three-year tracks. Each of these tracks is 100% online. Additionally students may choose three specialization areas. These include: digital media, media analytics, and organizational leadership and communications. No GRE requirements and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 keep this program accessible to many individuals. Additionally, students may begin their studies in fall, spring, or summer. 

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9. Johns Hopkins University

This private research university is one of the most prestigious in the United States, commonly ranking among the 20 best schools in the world. Located with a main campus in Baltimore, Maryland, the undergraduate colleges are kept relatively small. Though it’s postgraduate work that the university is most well-known for. As a space-grant institution located close to many aeronautical and governmental centers in the region, many of their engineering programs stand out. Proximity to D.C. also bodes well for connections for students who want to pursue opportunities in government, politics, and industry. Additional clusters of excellence within the university include medicine-related degrees, education, international studies, and foreign policy. 

The ability to attend schools of the caliber of Johns Hopkins fully online is rare. That’s part of what makes Johns Hopkins online master of arts in communication a great find. Additionally, three start dates (fall, spring, summer) and an adjustable time until degree ranging from 12 to 24 months make this program flexible enough for many individuals working full time. Nine segments help to build up versatility in graduates. These segments include writing and editing, publishing and media, brand management, political communication, content strategy, public relations, and advertising and marketing. 

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10. Eastern Illinois University

Originally established as a teacher’s college, today Eastern Illinois University offers a wide range of degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level. Home to roughly 8,600 students of whom 1,600 study at the graduate level, courses are able to be kept small in order to promote quality engagement. With a solid graduation rate for schools within its tier, the university is a “best buy” in terms of offering affordable tuition at all levels. 

The fully online master of arts in communication studies offered by Eastern Illinois University is impressive for its great job placement rate as well as its range of concentrations individuals can specialize with. 86% of graduates find a job within the field of communications within three months of graduation. Students within the program can jump into a range of concentrations including strategic communication, media and critical studies, communication and leadership, interpersonal communication processes, as well as a pedagogy option. Additionally, a graduate certification is available for individuals who don’t want to pursue an entire master’s. 

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11. University of Missouri

This public land-grant, space-grant and research university is the flagship location of the University of Missouri System. As the first public university to be erected west of the Mississippi River, Mizzou has long held a prestigious place among midwest universities. Journalism and communication have been at heart of their offerings for over 100 years, as the first school in the United States to open a school of journalism (likely the second in the world). At around 30,000 students, the university is large but not overwhelming. Around 7,000 of these students study at the postgraduate level. 

The University of Missouri’s online masters in strategic communication provides a great option for individuals who want to balance work with school. Slower paced than other programs in our ranking, students may take one or two courses each semester. This leads to graduation in two or three years, but is likely easier to handle if working full time. One campus visit is required, so technically this is a “blended” degree. With that said, all courses are available online. This degree is offered by the school of journalism. 

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12. Colorado State University

This public land-grant university is located in Fort Collins, Colorado within view of the front range of the Rockies. In recent years, however, Colorado State University has heavily pushed online education as well. Not to be confused with a separate school in the same system that is 100% online (Colorado State University Global), Colorado State University also offers some of its own degrees online. Originally an agricultural and mechanical college, the university has made a name for itself in environmental sciences, cancer research, and as a location for the origination of the Peace Corps. 

Colorado State University Online’s fully online master of communications and media management provides a take slightly different from others in our ranking. The focus on management of media can be great for individuals looking to move up the communications ladder. A focus on technical skills in electives as well as building a professional network and learning applied knowledge is great for individuals looking to build on the degree directly within their career. This degree may be completed in two years and offers financial aid for graduate students who need it. 

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13. Texas Tech University

The main institution within the Texas Tech University System,this public research institution is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. Over 150 courses of study are offered and the university provides more than 60 research centers. With over 40,000 students, the university is one of the largest in the region, and alumni have gone on to achieve prominence in many fields and particularly in government, science, business, and sports. 

Texas tech University’s College of Media and Communications offers a fully online masters in strategic communication and innovation. This degree focuses on the digital environments that most communications occur in today. Additionally, students not wishing to pursue a full master’s degree may opt for a graduate certificate in the same subject matter. Asynchronous courses provide the ideal amount of flexibility for working students. Additionally, four start dates are available and students may choose to pursue two or three courses for each semester in the program. 

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14. University of Michigan – Flint

Operated under the board of regents of the University of Michigan system, the University of Michigan at Flint is one of two regional counterparts to the flagship schools. Rated as a Doctoral/Professional University, emphasis is not on research but on applied professional degrees moreseo. A regular of the “Best Midwestern” schools category in national rankings, the school provides a great value with one of the cheapest cost per credit hour after financial aid of schools surveyed. The school is a mid-sized university with only 1,400 postgraduates and an additional 6,000 undergraduates. 

The University of Michigan at Flint offers small class sizes and supportive student services for their online masters in communication studies. Three emphasis areas allow students to craft a degree of their choosing. These focus areas include professional communications, media studies, and speech communication. Speech communication is a unique offering among schools we’ve ranked, and focuses on generalist communication as well as cultural connections, and interpersonal matters. 

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15. Northeastern University

This space-grant, private research university is one of the top schools in the nation. With a main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, in recent years the university has expanded to industrial and governmental hubs with a range of satellite campuses as well as online. Satellite campuses are presently in Charlotte, Seattle, San Jose, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Portland (ME) as well as London, England. With 27,000 students, it’s a fairly large private school. But with this said, a commitment to high quality classes and a large endowment enables small manageable class sizes where students may interact or get more one-on-one instruction. 

Northeastern University is known for their professional studies education, and this communications degree entirely fits within that focus. The fully online master’s in corporate and organizational communication can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis with the part time program only requiring 18 months for completion. The accelerated full-time program may be completed in a year entirely online so you can get back to your career quickly. Six concentrations allow for additional focus areas to be added to the degree. These include public and media relations, cross cultural communications as well as social media. 

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16. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama may best be known for their athletics, but their academics also rise to the top of their region (if not nationally in fields). This sea-grant and space-grant very high research activity university is presently home to around 38,000 students. Particularly noteworthy schools within the university include their law school, business school, education school, and engineering school. In recent years they’ve made a push into online education by growing their “Bama by Distance” program. Their offerings in journalism are particularly well fleshed out in these distance offerings. 

Bama by Distance’s fully online master of arts in communication studies with a specialization in organizational leadership places highly in our ranking due to its flexibility, price, and quality. While all students will focus on the organizational leadership component of communications, students may choose a professional or academic option, depending on whether they would like to pursue further education in the subject matter or jump back into their career. The primary difference is that the academic option requires a comprehensive exam, while the professional option requires an applied capstone portfolio project. Three start date windows as well as affordable tuition make this program more accessible to all. 

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17. Mississippi College

One of the first religious colleges in our list, Mississippi College is a private Baptist college with a main campus in Clinton, Mississippi. It holds the honor of being the oldest college in the state of Mississippi as well as the second oldest Baptist college in the United States. While designated a college due to the institution’s primary focus on undergraduate education, some graduate degrees are offered. Of the 6,300 students, roughly one quarter of them study at the postgraduate level, either in Mississippi College’s law school or additional graduate programs. This medium-sized private school is able to offer quality student-to-faculty ratios, meaning that students get plenty of attention and support. 

If you’re a student looking for a Christian-based education in communication, Mississippi College could be a great choice. We like this program for its range of concentrations. Concentrations available include: an applied generalist degree, an applied journalism degree, an applied theater degree, an applied health-centered communication degree, a sports communication degree, and a PR and corporate communication degree. Presently the generalist and health concentrations are the only concentrations available online. 

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18. University of Denver

This private research university is the oldest private university within the Rocky Mountain region. Home to almost 13,000 students, the university is somewhat large for a private organization. This allows for the school to host a wide range of research programs. The university is classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, school. Some of their top ranked programs are related to communication, with one of the best creative writing programs in the nation as well as one of the top International Studies degree programs. In recent years this university has pushed to gain a larger footprint online, and offers many quality degrees by this delivery method. 

Denver University offers a fully online masters in communication management degree. This could be a great option for individuals who already hold practical communications skills and would like to move up the ladder within a communications organization. Focus areas include data-driven storytelling, strategic communication, organizational change, and interpersonal conversations. Semesters last 10 weeks and individuals do not need to take a GRE or GMAT for acceptance into the program. Students may elect to pursue a 6-month long certificate program, a longer 12 month certificate program, or the entire 18 month-long master’s degree. 

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19. Gonzaga University

The first Catholic university in our list is located in Spokane, Washington. This top 100 university in the United States is particularly well known in the west, where it makes the top 30 universities. Noteworthy programs include engineering, among others. A mid-sized student body allows the school to boast particularly quality student to faculty ratios. At present roughly 7,500 students attend the school with 2,200 at the graduate levels. The university has a handful of online degrees of which a masters in communications degree is one. 

Gonzaga University’s master’s in communication and leadership is available fully online and provides a unique focus on research, analysis, and problem solving. It provides one of the widest ranges of concentrations of programs we have seen in this year’s ranking. Concentrations presently available include change leadership, college teaching, digital media strategies, global leadership, servant leadership, and strategic and organizational communication. A range of domestic immersion experiences as well as study abroad opportunities are available if students choose to pursue them. 

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20. Syracuse University

This private research university was originally established by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and still maintains a relationship with the United Methodist Church (though it is described as nonsectarian). One of the top 100 schools in the nation, this space-grant university is home to close to 23,000 students with a majority of them at the undergraduate level. Though the main campus is in Syracuse, New York, a growing range of degrees are offered fully online. Among their most noteworthy programs are their social science degrees, design degrees, architecture degrees, information studies, management, law, among others. 

Syracuse University provides a top-ranked fully online master of science in communications that focuses on public relations. We like this program due to the national name recognition of Syracuse, quality of courses as well as flexibility-enhancing program components. The degree may be completed in as few as 15 months and no GRE or GMAT scores are required. Unlike some programs that are asynchronous, these courses are live and taught by the world class faculty of Newhouse college. Additional concentrations include advertising, journalism innovation, and media management. 

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The post The 20 Best Online Master’s In Communications Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

With this in mind, an international business background is commonly required for upper-level employment in international tourism agencies. And even to work in the industry domestically, management positions are reserved for professionals who have specialized backgrounds in business management. 

Given the specialized requirements of high-end positions in the job market, it can be tremendously difficult for professionals to work their way up the professional ladder without the proper degree to back them up. A Master’s of Hospitality Management is designed specifically for this purpose–to position students to take on the upper-level and most lucrative jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

1. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) has produced industry-leading professionals in the hospitality and tourism space. The FSU Dedman College of Hospitality is designed specifically to prepare students to not only excel as professionals, but to thrive as industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Dedman College of Hospitality offers various undergraduate and graduate degree paths that confer a different focus or specialization–each of which consistently rank among the best of their kind. 

The College however, offers one graduate level program–a fully online Master’s of Entrepreneurship in Hospitality Management. Offered through a collaboration between the Dedman College of Hospitality and the College of Entrepreneurship, the program is designed to cultivate students’ capacity of innovative thinking and strategic business strategizing. 

Students will build toward expertise by progressing in the following areas of coursework:

• Accounting and Finance for Entrepreneurs
• Ethics in Management
• Strategy Formulation
• Foundation in Entrepreneurship and Leadership
• Hospitality Colloquium
• Entrepreneurial Lodging
• Legal Environment of Hospitality and Tourism Operations
• Marketing Strategy

Learn More 

2. The University of Alabama

Whether for its popular sports programs, its massive network of research facilities, or its robust degree offerings, University of Alabama (UA) is a well known name in higher education. Through the online degree programs offered by College of Continuing Education, UA reaches more students than ever before. These programs are designed to jumpstart students’ careers in flexible yet academically rigorous programs that can be completed by full-time workers and first-time college students alike. 

The UA College of Continuing Education offers a Master of Science in Hospitality Management that is designed for students coming from one of two backgrounds: students coming from a bachelor’s program who look to specialize in hospitality career, or professionals coming from the hospitality industry who look to build the necessary expertise to take on managerial roles and upper-level employment. 

Students will progress through a thesis or non-thesis track of business-oriented curriculum that prepares them for positions of management. Specifically, students will delve deeply into the following areas of coursework: 

• Research Method
• Leadership in the Hospitality Industry
• Hospitality Law
• Management in the Hospitality Industry
• RHM 596 Seminar in Hospitality Management
• Financial Management and Hospitality Operations
• Special Problems in Hospitality Management

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3. Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) is a prestigious institution that has driven industry-changing innovation in higher education. For FIU the word ‘international’ is not just marketing slang but a core pillar of the University’s aspirations. Where applicable FIU incorporates global awareness, international business studies, and worldwide internships. This statement is particularly true in the case of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. 

In 2006, FIU unveiled the first American Hospitality and Tourism School in China. Today students can take advantage of this resource to facilitate Chinese business networking opportunities as well as internships–specifically with the Marriott in Tianjin, China. Through the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students can earn one of two Master’s degrees. 

Specifically, students can enroll either in the Master of Science in Hospitality Management or in the Executive Master of Science in Hospitality Management. The former will be the most common choice for students enrolling after completing a bachelor’s degree and can be completed entirely online in just one year. The executive program however, is designed for students who have demonstrated success working in the hospitality industry and can be completed in just 10 months entirely online. 

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4. Purdue University

Purdue University is a name associated with academic prestige and pedigree, a reputation conferred by its tremendously talented faculty who work at the forefront of their respective specialties. Faculty leverage their expertise and inside-knowledge of industries to position students to capitalize on market needs and opportunities after graduation. With the development of its online degree programs, more students are able to benefit from Purdue’s high standard of education. 

Purdue Online offers a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Purdue has been recognized for offering the #1 Master’s and Doctoral Degree Programs for hospitality management education in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education. Graduates of these programs can leverage the high level of prestige for higher levels of competitiveness in the job market. 

One reason for the excellence of these programs is the commitment to research-centric studies. Students will explore the ins and outs current industry statistics, market interactions, and employer needs. So upon graduation students will have the complete tool kit needed to excel as professionals and leaders. 

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5. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers more than 200 hundred degree programs that are designed to represent the real-world needs of the job market. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management is positioned in the #1 tourist destination in America, Florida. The College leverages this position to tap into global tourism networks and professional connections, so that students can find professional opportunities and internship opportunities both at home and abroad. 

Specifically the College offers a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management that can be completed entirely online. The program is taught by international faculty who bring different backgrounds and specialties to the conversation. Students of the program can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. 

The thesis track is meant for students who wish to establish a specialization or niche area of expertise. The non-thesis track is meant for students who are not quite sure or ready to establish a specific focus, and as such will spend more time covering foundational concepts more comprehensively. 

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6. San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) has evolved in recent years to accommodate the rising demand for degree programs to accommodate working adults. Specifically, SDSU’s College of Extended Studies mentions in its mission statement that 34 million American adults hold college course credits but do not hold the relative certification. SDSU’s online degree programs are designed to accommodate adult professionals and working students who wish to work toward professional advancement amidst even the busiest of schedules. 

SDSU’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is designed for mid-level managers with five to fifteen years of experience, who wish to advance to the next level of leadership–that is, as a general manager, director, CEO, or hospitality company executive. Specifically the School offers a Master’s of Hospitality Management that can be completed entirely online. 

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7. University of Houston

The University of Houston (UH) boasts a storied history of innovating in the distance education space, stretching back as far as 1953 when the University founded the nation’s first educational TV station. Today UH leverages an extensive catalogue of online degree programs to accommodate both busy professionals and working students who wish to work toward professional advancement amidst even the most demanding schedules. 

UH offers a unique graduate hospitality program that is designed to groom students for upper-echelon positions in the job market. Specifically, students can earn an Executive Master of Hospitality Management (M.H.M). The ‘executive’ designation refers to the focus of curriculum on the upper-end challenges and concerns of management and executive leadership in the hospitality industry. 

While the program accepts students from various backgrounds with various levels of professional experience, the program curriculum is tailored to meet a student’s individual level of preparedness and aptitude. The program leverages its various corporate partnerships to customize curriculums for mid-level and senior leaders. This allows the program to simultaneously accept novice leaders and veteran leaders alike. 

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8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the largest institutions of online higher education in the world. To date the alumni body consists of a whopping 500,000 professionals and academics. Students looking for efficient and affordable online degree programs taught by academic scholars with industry clout will find ASU to be a seductive option. 

Specifically ASU offers a Master of Sustainable Tourism (MST) which uniquely positions the hospitality curriculum in the context of environmental, economic, and societal considerations. The United States Agency for International Development has supported more than 123 sustainable tourism projects in 72 countries.

The program positions students to capitalize on market opportunities in this same vein–working as managers with sustainability expertise, as industry consultants, or sustainability research experts. As such students can expect a research-oriented curriculum, designed to prepare students for a profession that is essentially a blending of research sustainability science and hospitality management. 

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9. Monroe College

Monroe College offers a host of student-centric policies and services to ensure that online students graduate with the same grooming and support as their on-campus counterparts. Students have unfettered access to 24/7 online tutoring; program advisors help students make the best choices in navigating degree programs; and Monroe is recognized as one of the ‘best value’ colleges in the country. 

Monroe College’s King Graduate School employs a research and project focus in curriculums that facilitates the skill-building that is so attractive to employers. Monroe offers an MBA program designed to prepare students to accell as managers in the hospitality industry. While the curriculum does not directly focus on the hospitality industry, students are free to establish this specialization through the freedom and flexibility of electives, research projects, and thesis work. 

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10. University of Louisiana – Lafayette 

The University of Louisiana – Lafayette employs a unique strategy in its graduate level education programs for aspiring managers. All of its management-based programs are housed under the AACSB-accredited B.I. Moody III School of Business Administration. The School is designed to value students’ time and most programs can be completed in as little as 15 months. Program curriculum is informed by the most current industry research and corporate best practices.

Specifically, the B.I. Moody III School of Business Administration offers a MBA in Hospitality Management that can be completed entirely online in as little as 15 months. The total tuition cost is around $12,800, making it one of the most affordable MBA programs on the market. 

The affordability of the program is not gained at the expense of academic rigor. Students of the program will build the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain employment in the following sectors of the hospitality industry: 

• Guest Experience Manager
• Hotel Director
• Global Development Manager
• Tourism Coordinator
• Director of Sales and Marketing
• Director of Financial Planning

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11. University of Nevada – Las Vegas 

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a thriving urban research institution that has leveraged its explosive growth in expansion in the digital learning space. Its online degree programs are defined by research-centric curriculums that are designed to represent the real-world needs of the job market and industry trends. 

UNLV offers a fully online Master of Hospitality Administration (M.H.A.) that is completed at a self-paced schedule. The program is designed specifically for hospitality professionals who wish to advance to upper positions of leadership and management. 

The dynamic curriculum provides students with a host of choices and research opportunities that facilitate the building of specializations and focused skill sets. Students will conclude their time in the program in choosing between an entrepreneurial project or a professional paper that represents the student’s chosen professional focus. 

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12. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a member of the National Council of Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), an organization founded to ensure a high standard of education. This standard of academics represents a core pillar of UNT’s philosophy of education, that is, students at UNT can be sure that their degree program is being held to a high standard of excellence. 

The UNT College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism offers a fully online Master’s of Science in Hospitality Management. The program consists of 36 credit hours and comes with a price tag of about $16,300 for Texas residents. Tuition rates will vary for students from other states. 

A defining characteristic of this program is its commitment to global awareness and to cultivating a sound foundation in international business considerations. Graduates of this program will be dynamically business-minded professionals ready to take on roles of management and leadership in the hospitality industry. 

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13. Auburn University

Auburn University (AU) is a large public institution of higher education whose name conferrs academic clout and professional preparedness to its alumni. AU’s College of Human Sciences houses a catalogue of various degree programs that all hold one thing in common–they look to create a sense of global awareness and humanistic responsibility. At the College of Human Sciences, students will learn how to leverage professional roles of their career path to enact positive change in the world around them. 

The AU College of Human Sciences offers both an on-campus option and a fully online Master of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, HRMT. The on-campus track involves a thesis track which comprises a total 30 credits. The online program track forgoes the thesis option in favor of more comprehensive coursework totalling at 33 credits. 

Students of the program will develop skills in assessing and addressing specific problems faced by the industry. As such students will become experts of conducting marketing research and analysis, and will learn to employ their managerial skills to implement responsive strategies in a given organization. 

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14. Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) is consistently recognized for its top-tier degree programs and world class faculty. CSU offers flexible online degree programs that accommodate working professionals, adult learners, and others with demanding schedules that make traditional on-campus programs untenable. 

CSU Offers a fully online Master of Tourism Management (M.T.M.) that builds a foundational knowledge of business practice as well as the specific challenges and factors most central to the tourism industry. The program curriculum is designed to train students to view tourism organizations as business ventures defined by financial forces and variables, so that upon graduation students will be able to lead tourism businesses to financial success. 

CSU’s M.T.M. program is unique in that it allows an opportunity for students to specialize in ski area tourism. Given CSU’s proximity to the ski-capital of America, students who choose this track will engage with CSU’s professional network and corporate partners who are leaders of the ski-tourism industry in Colorado.

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15. Temple University

Temple University is a school built around the mission of turning students into innovators and creative thinkers. Temple’s degree programs challenge the status quo and emphasize out-of-the-box critical thinking. By building skills of creative problem solving, graduates of Temple University are able to tackle a host of challenges–not just those typical to the chosen degree or career path. 

Temple University offers two separate online graduate degree options for those interested in the tourism and hospitality industry. The first is a standard Master of Science in Hospitality Management, which delivers a curriculum based on the foundational concepts of hospitality and tourism organizations. The second option is a Master of Science in Tourism and Travel, which delivers a curriculum more focused on industry trends and statistics in the tourism industry. 

In other words, the tourism and travel program is more focused on research and independent study–making it an excellent option for professionals who may not want to take on traditional management responsibilities in the workplace. In either program students will benefit from faculty who are plugged into the industry and who provide a host of student-development services, such as resume critiquing and professional counseling.

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16. George Washington University

The George Washington University School of Business has maintained a global presence of business leadership for nearly 100 years. The GW School of Business houses internationally recognized faculty who have demonstrated real-world success in their industry of focus. The School’s forward-thinking curriculum positions students to capitalize in current and future market opportunities as well as the needs of employers. 

 The GW School of Business has expanded its reach to more students through its online degree offerings. Among these is a fully online Master of Tourism Administration that positions students to take on high-end roles of management and leadership in the tourism industry. 

Students of the Master of Tourism Administration will not only learn from world-class faculty, but will also benefit from the program’s guest-teaching program where industry-leading professionals who tool their insider knowledge to jumpstart students’ careers. 

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17. Louisiana State University – Shreveport

Louisiana State University – Shreveport is a proud member of the Louisiana State University System that distinguishes itself by providing top-tier degree program options for a fraction of the cost of comparable programs. These programs do not sacrifice quality for affordability–students will learn from expert faculty, 80% of which hold the highest degree in their field. 

LSU Shreveport offers hospitality professionals two graduate level degree paths housed in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Specifically, students can choose between a MBA with a Hospitality and Casino Management Concentration, or an MBA with a Hospitality and Casino Management Specialization. 

Students interested in entering the casino industry will be hard-pressed to find a better option. Students who graduate from this program will be perfectly positioned to take on management positions in the hospitality and casino management industry. 

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18. University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans (UNO) College of Business Administration is an internationally recognized school of academic excellence and measurable professional advancement. The College of Business Administration consistently ranks among the industry’s best with its degree programs brandishing various metrics of impressive success. 

Of most relevance to this ranking is the metric relating to the Online Executive Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Specifically, an astonishing 100% of graduates of this program are employed in their industry by the time of graduation. This speaks to the program’s success in cultivating the skills and knowledge that are most valued by employers. 

Students will build specialization by progressing through coursework in the following areas: 

• Survey of the Hospitality & Tourism Industry
• Special Topics in Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Marketing Applications for the Hospitality & Tourism Industry
• Hospitality & Tourism Finance & Revenue Management
• Tourism Destination Development
• Technology for Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Hospitality & Tourism Operations Analysis
• Change Management for Hospitality & Tourism
• Hospitality & Tourism Research Methods
• Hospitality & Tourism Industry Strategic Management 

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19. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment provides students with a career-focused, research-informed curriculum that is designed to facilitate industry knowledge and market understanding. This positions students to accel in the job market by capitalizing on industry-wide opportunities and employer needs. 

Specifically the College’s Department of Retailing and Tourism Management offers students two graduate level degree options in hospitality and tourism–a Master of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles, and a Master of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism. 

Regardless of the program path, students will benefit from expert faculty who facilitate professional development. Specifically, faculty will assist students in lining up internship opportunities that are most aligned with a student’s unique career goals and professional aspirations. 

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20. Schiller International University

Schiller International University is a global force in online education and services students from more than 130 countries. What distinguishes Schiller is its student-centric services and consumer-friendly practices. Foremost among which is the ‘try it and see’ model where students can choose to make a single partial payment to try one course, or two try a group of four within a specific major-path to ensure it is the correct path. 

Schiller International University offers an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management that can be completed entirely online. A distinguishing element of this program is its commitment to a curriculum that embodies global business awareness and international tourism trends. 

Students of the program will progress through coursework that emphasizes the foundational concepts of advanced business administration and hospitality management. Options for specialization are offered through a catalogue of electives and research projects. 

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The post The 20 Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Is a Degree in Environmental Science?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary area of work and study that applies the principles and practices of sciences like biology, physics and geography to the natural environment. Environmental problems and the search for effective, often innovative solutions are critical parts of the field of environmental science.

Degrees in environmental science are college-level programs of study with curricula that are dedicated to the field of environmental science. Naturally, an online environmental science bachelor’s degree will include plenty of environmental science courses that cover topics ranging from environmental theory to practices of environmental sustainability and renewable energy generation. Environmental science degrees exist at every level, from associate’s through doctoral degree programs.

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Not all degree programs related to environmental studies are environmental science degree programs. Our list of the best online environmental science bachelor’s degree programs includes traditional environmental science degrees as well as degrees in environmental sustainability, environmental policy, environmental geosciences, environmental management and environmental studies.

RELATED: What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies?

Although our list doesn’t include any programs in the field of environmental engineering, which is a subfield of the civil engineering discipline, this design-focused major, too, is worth considering for prospective students who want to develop practical solutions to environmental issues.

Any program related to environmental science will include some science coursework. However, programs with slightly different titles may allow students to focus on distinct areas of interest, such as public policy or sustainable resource management.

What Can You Do With a Degree From an Environmental Science Program?

Because the curriculum of bachelor’s in environmental science degrees tends to be interdisciplinary in nature, environmental science graduates can work in any area that pertains to studying, preserving, protecting or restoring the environment. Land management, renewable energy sources and environmental hazards are among the more popular fields an environmental scientist might pursue.

Some areas of environmental studies may require a more advanced degree beyond the bachelor’s. For example, if you are interested in environmental law, you might major in environmental science as an undergraduate before going to law school to qualify as an environmental lawyer.

RELATED: How Advanced a Degree Do I Need for a Career in Environmental Science?

An environmental scientist or specialist might work in nature centers, nonprofit agencies, environmental consulting firms, research laboratories, government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the health and safety field.

RELATED: What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Which School Offers the Best Online Environmental Science Degree?

Today, online environmental science degrees, as well as degree programs in similar fields of study, are common at four-year colleges and universities. Environmental issues like climate change, finite natural resources and the need for effective pollution management efforts have brought attention to the need for knowledgeable environmental scientists, planners, conservationists, managers and policymakers.

Online environmental science bachelor’s degrees offer students of environmental science convenience and flexibility. Studying online is a particularly good option for working students, adult students going back to school and students juggling family and other obligations.

What to Look for in Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

With so many excellent environmental science degree programs available in online formats, how do you determine which ones are the best? To compile our list of the best online environmental science programs, we looked primarily at four criteria.

The Quality of the Curriculum

Most importantly, we evaluated the curriculum of each environmental science program. What specialized environmental science courses can students expect to take, and how do those courses prepare students for the breadth of jobs available for environmental scientists and specialists?

Most environmental science bachelor’s degree programs include coursework in areas like natural sciences, environmental issues like global warming, renewable energy, applied ecology and the scientific and digital tools, like geospatial technologies, that environmental science professionals utilize in their work.

In particular, we looked at the ways students could customize their online degree –through both formal concentrations and informal elective coursework – so they can build areas of expertise in the aspects of environmental science that most interest them.

Affordability

Another factor we consider in ranking the best online environmental science bachelor’s degree programs is affordability.

Environmental science is a noble pursuit, and environmental scientists and specialists earned a median salary ($76,530 in 2021) that is well above the median wage for all occupations ($45,760), according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Still, environmental scientists and specialists earned a median salary that is several thousand dollars less than that reported for physical scientists as a whole.

RELATED: What Is the Wage Potential with a Degree in Environmental Science?

Many prospective students understandably don’t want to get deep into debt to start their careers as environmental scientists, even if their future earning potential is strong.

We assessed the tuition costs reported for schools that offer a degree in environmental science online. Keep in mind, though, that these tuition rates don’t explain exactly how much you will pay for your degree. Any financial aid you receive will reduce how much you pay now to enroll in an online program, if not the total cost you pay to earn an environmental science bachelor’s degree.

Financial aid for environmental science students may come from many sources, including the institution you attend, the government and external scholarships awarded by third parties like businesses and nonprofit organizations. Loans are a kind of financial aid that must be repaid later – typically with interest – while grants and scholarships are free money toward your online degree.

In assessing affordability, look at the full tuition rates and fees for the online schools you are considering, but take the time to also explore financial aid opportunities. Financial aid packages could potentially make even a school with a high sticker price surprisingly affordable.

Institutional Accreditation

When you’re pursuing an online degree, in particular, you want to know that the college or university you enroll in is legitimate and has a good reputation. Every school on our list of the best online bachelor’s degrees in environmental science is accredited by a regional accrediting organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The Student Online Learning Experience

The best online environmental science programs provide students with educational experiences akin to what you would expect from a traditional, in-person program but with the convenience of online learning.

We looked especially for online environmental science bachelor’s degree programs that include innovative options for completing laboratory coursework in the physical and natural sciences, experiential learning activities, project-based learning and internship and fieldwork opportunities.

1. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at American Public University

American Public University in Charles Town, WV, is part of the American Public University system, along with American Military University.

The private, for-profit, online university system offers an online degree that can prepare students to work as environmental scientists in several different areas of concentration.

Core courses in the environmental science degree program at American Public University include biology and chemistry, as well as water science and soil science. Students also take environmental studies courses that focus on policy, regulation, law, ethics and management. With the 46 general elective hours built into the curriculum, students may build expertise in an area of personal or professional interest and pursue a formal minor or certificate. A senior seminar serves as the final program requirement.

Students in American Public University’s program must choose a concentration. A general concentration is an option for students interested in forging their own paths by selecting courses of their choosing from all concentration areas.

Coursework in a Sustainability concentration focuses on resource and energy sustainability. A concentration in Regional and Community Environmental Planning equips students with the skills to assess and solve land use issues. Specializing in Fish and Wildlife Management allows students to focus on resource management and possibly prepare to become fish and wildlife managers. Students who choose the Environmental Technology and Management specialization learn about methods of environmental hazard mitigation and pollution management.

RELATED: What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability?

Under the current tuition rates, students at American Public University paid a tuition cost of $285 per credit. Active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and dependents, along with National Guard members and Reservists, receive a military grant that reduces the cost per credit hour to $250. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree also receive a university book grant that allows them to access the textbooks and eBooks they need for the program at no cost.

American Public University and the American Public University system as a whole are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

View program details.

2. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management at Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University‘s College of Safety & Emergency Services offers an online bachelor’s degree in environmental management. A curriculum that includes 12 semester hours of program electives and 42 semester hours of free electives, in addition to the 30 hours of general education courses and 36 hours of required major coursework, gives students plenty of control over their studies.

The program is formulated to provide both depth and breadth of knowledge in environmental science and management and to equip students with knowledge of theory as well as practical and technical skills.

Core coursework for the major includes classes like Environmental Law, Environmental Assessment and Environmental Issues. Other major coursework encompasses introductory studies in workplace safety, the fundamentals of occupational safety and health, waste management, hazardous waste management, interactions between hazardous materials, air quality, pollution prevention and toxicology.

The program electives students can choose from include classes in environmental strategies, environmental technology, risk management, accident investigation, training and development and the legal aspects of safety and health.

Despite being a private, for-profit online institution, Columbia Southern University is one of the more affordable options on our list. The current tuition rate for the online BS in Environmental Management program amounted to $245 per credit hour, and the school promotes itself as charging “less than half the cost of our competitors” in tuition costs. Additionally, all eTextbooks are included in the cost of tuition, which saves environmental science students even more money.

Columbia Southern University is located in Orange Beach, Alabama, and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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3. The Online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geosciences at Fort Hays State University

The BA in Environmental Geosciences program at Fort Hays University in Hays, Kansas, is a little different from other online environmental science degree options, with a stronger focus on geology and geography.

One thing we love about the program – aside from it being one of the most affordable colleges out there for online students – is that students can customize their curriculum to their interests and career goals. Depending on the courses you choose to take, you can use this environmental science degree as a launching point for all kinds of careers, ranging from Environmentalist to Park Ranger and from Earth Scientist to Environmental Lawyer.

Offered out of the Department of Geosciences, the environmental geosciences program requires core coursework such as Introduction to Geology, Elements of Physical Geography, Cultural Geography and Environmental Geology. Students learn technical skills in using geographic information systems through classes like Introduction to GIS, Intermediate GIS and Remote Sensing. Coursework in writing for the sciences and in some form of statistics, like geostatistics or biostatistics, rounds out the core curriculum.

When it comes to upper-division courses, aspiring environmental scientists take classes in the areas of their choice among topics like U.S. Geography, Geologic Hazards, Urban Geography, Kansas Geography, Climatology, Hydrology and Water Resources, Climate Change, Aerial Photographs and Remote Sensing and Field Studies in Geography. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship in geosciences.

The program also includes 19 hours of required cognates in areas like world geography, physical science and global environmental issues.

Between their general education courses and the coursework required for their major, students of environmental science develop competencies in areas like written and oral communication, information literacy, computing literacy, quantitative literacy and critical thinking, as well as technical skills using GIS technology.

The environmental studies degree at Fort Hays University is one of the most affordable options out there. Under the school’s 2022-2023 tuition and fee schedule, online undergraduate students pay $226.88 per credit hour, not counting fees. This tuition rate is, as the institution noted, “ranked among the lowest in the U.S.”

Fort Hays University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the institution as tied for 98th place on its list of the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest.

View program details.

4. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences at Oregon State University

With its distance-learning Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences program, Oregon State University in State Corvallis, OR, takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmental education.

The curriculum prepares students well for graduate study (leading to a master’s or doctoral degree) or for careers in research labs or government agencies such as the United States Forest Service or Fish and Wildlife Service.

RELATED: The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies

Oregon State University offers seven specializations within its online environmental science bachelor’s program:

• Applied ecology
• Aquatic biology
• Conservation
• Resources and sustainability
• Earth systems
• Environmental agriculture
• Environmental policy and economics
• Environmental water resources.

The Environmental Sciences and Humanities Core includes an Environmental Sciences Orientation and an Environmental Assessment capstone course. Students choose their courses to satisfy required coursework in the areas of Humans and the Environment, Environmental Economics and Policy, Environmental Ethics, Human Environment and Environmental Management.

Environmental science majors also take at least one course in each type of natural environmental system: atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere.

Every student completes some form of experiential learning, which may include an environmental science internship, a thesis or research and scholarship activities. Students have 27 credits built into the curriculum to use to complete a specialization, an approved minor in education or a certificate in either Geographic Information Science or Scientific, Technical and Professional Communication.

Major coursework for the program builds upon the general education core coursework, which the school breaks down into categories. For example, the Skills coursework includes studies in writing and mathematics, and Perspectives coursework includes science lab courses and classes pertaining to cultural diversity, literature and the arts and social processes and institutions.

Students take one course in Difference, Power & Discrimination and two Synthesis courses – Contemporary Global Issues and Science, Technology and Society – as well as a major-specific writing-intensive course like Environmental Writing.

Undergraduate students seeking an online bachelor’s in environmental science degree from this higher education institution will pay tuition costs of $346 per credit under the school’s 2022 through 2023 academic year tuition rates.

Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school as tied for 8th place on its list of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

View program details.

5. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Southern New Hampshire University

In the online environmental science bachelor’s degree program at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH, students study the natural and physical sciences and so much more.

The curriculum focuses on building a variety of skills, including skills in oral and written communication, quantitative analysis, applied statistics, the application of ecological principles and field methods and research methods.

Among their major courses, students in the bachelor’s degree in environmental science program at Southern New Hampshire University have a lot of options to customize their curriculum. All students take science courses like General Biology I, the Principles of Physics, Geology and the foundations of environmental science. They also choose between studies in either Hydrology and Watershed Management or Global Climate Change.

Other required courses include Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Science Research Methods, Ecological Principles and Field Methods, Field Methods and Technologies and a Senior Seminar.

To meet their chemistry course requirement, students may choose to take either General Chemistry or Fundamentals of Chemistry. They also choose between studies in either Hydrology and Watershed Management or Global Climate Change.

Students in Southern New Hampshire University’s environmental science program may choose from two concentration areas.

In the Data Analytics in Science concentration, students learn how to use statistics to help the environment through courses in Applied Statistics II for STEM, Gathering Requirements and Collecting Data and Introduction to Structured Database Environments.

In the Natural Resources and Conservation concentration, coursework focuses more on the relationship between humans and nature, with courses in Conservation Biology, Global Climate Change and Energy and Society.

RELATED: The Top 10 “Green” Careers for Nature-Lovers  

Studying environmental science online at SNHU is convenient. The online classrooms are available 24/7, and there are no set class times for the online program. Experiential learning methods adapted to the distance learning model ensure that students don’t miss out on important aspects of their education just because they happen to be studying remotely.

Experiential learning is utilized in SNHU’s online bachelor’s degree in environmental science program across six topics: field experience, citizen science, research experiences in science, certifications and licenses, animal behavior, and grant writing in science.

An environmental science program does, of course, require considerable science coursework, including lab science classes. Students living in the 48 continental states can complete their laboratory course requirements using lab kits that can be shipped to them, along with the resources, materials and interactions available in their online classrooms.

However, due to shipping restrictions that apply to the lab kits, students who live outside of the continental United States will have to take laboratory courses at a local college and transfer those credits to SNHU.

Undergraduate students in SNHU’s online environmental science bachelor’s degree programs paid $320 per credit, or $960 per course, in tuition under current tuition rates. The school doesn’t charge an application fee at this time, and the graduation fee is just $150. All told, students can expect to spend around $9,600 per year in tuition, bringing the total cost for the entire four-year to less than $40,000.

Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which was formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC). The school earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report‘s list of the 2022-2023 Best Regional Universities North and was ranked second in the nation on the publication’s Most Innovative Schools in the North list.

View program details.

6. The Online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment at Florida International University

The online BA in Sustainability and the Environment degree program from Florida International University in Miami, FL, emphasizes skills and knowledge for sustainable management of natural resources.

Another aspect of Florida International University’s online bachelor’s degree program that we love is that every student is paired up with a personal success coach who provides one-on-one guidance to help students make the most of their online education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment online degree is a multidisciplinary program offered out of the School of Environment, Arts and Society. The curriculum includes required upper-division courses such as Applied Field Ecology, Ecology of South Florida and Energy Flow in Natural and Man-made Systems.

Other coursework found in the program includes Earth Resources, Environmental Resources and Pollution, Earth Ethics, Population & Environment Issues, Human Organization & Ecosystems Management, Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Sustainable Resource Development.

The 120-credit program includes 23 credits to be put toward elective courses of the student’s choice, although 9 of these credits must be in areas like business, communication, journalism or public administration. The curriculum also includes 6 credits of coursework in the area of sustainability and the environment.

High-performing students should consider applying to the Honors College. The Honors College offers honors courses for online students during both the fall and spring semesters. Participation in the Honors College offers benefits like exclusive opportunities for internships and research experiences and makes the student a more competitive candidate for financial aid like scholarships.

Transfer students are welcomed into the program, although to have the best chance of success, they should have already completed an introductory statistics course, a microeconomics course and two semesters of study in a foreign language.

In-state students at Florida International University paid a tuition rate of $228.51 per credit hour, not counting fees, under current tuition rates. For out-of-state students, the tuition rate is $345.87 per credit hour.

Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school has appeared on numerous U.S. News & World Report rankings listed, including tying for 21st place among the Best Global Universities for Environment/Ecology in the United States and ranking #1 on the publication’s list of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

View program details.

7. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management at the University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland in Adelphi, MD, offers an online environmental management bachelor’s degree program that consists of 120 credits of college coursework.

Required courses for the environmental management major include Environment and Ecosystems Principles, Human Health and Disease, Environmental Health, and Global Environmental Management Issues. Either as part of their general education coursework or as electives, students must take classes in introductory statistics, pre-calculus and environmental chemistry.

The curriculum allows students to pursue one of two areas of focus. In the Toxicology and Hazard Control focus, students complete courses in Risk Assessments in Environmental Health and Safety, Hazard Management in Emergency Response Operations and Air Quality Management. The Sustainability focus includes courses like Pollution Prevention Strategies, Introduction to Urban Watersheds and Stewardship and Global Environmental Challenges.

All courses in the University of Maryland’s online environmental science bachelor’s degree program are available fully online, but for students who live locally and want some in-person exposure, some hybrid courses are available in the major.

Both online and on-campus students at the University of Maryland are invited to join the school’s Environmental Awareness Club. Although some club activities, like local cleanup efforts and field trips, are best suited to students who live locally, even students who live far from campus can benefit from the opportunities to virtually meet and learn from alumni and established environmental management professionals.

Under the current tuition rates, in-state students pay $312 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $499 per credit. A military tuition rate discounts the cost to $250 per credit for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children.

The University of Maryland is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. U.S. News & World Report named the University of Maryland on its 2022-2023 Best Regional Universities North Rankings list and ranked it as tied for 16th place on the publication’s list of the Most Innovative Schools in the North. Newsweek listed the University of Maryland in 21st place on its 2022 list of America’s Best Online Learning Schools.

View program details.

8. The Online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, VA, markets its online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies program to students who are passionate about environmental issues, particularly environmental threats relating to the way humans fit into the natural world and our relationship to the environment.

A generous transfer credit policy that allows undergraduate students to transfer up to 96 credits from other institutions makes this program an excellent option for degree completion. If you already have some college coursework under your belt and can’t wait to get a jump-start on your career in environmental science, the fast pace of this program may be particularly appealing.

RELATED: How Fast Can I Earn a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science?

By structuring your program strategically and devoting just 18 to 24 hours per week to your coursework, you may be able to graduate in as little as 12 months – depending on how many credits you transfer into the program.

We also love that this is a military-friendly program. Virginia Wesleyan University is a designated Yellow Ribbon school at which you can use your GI Bill benefits to pay the cost of tuition and fees. The school employs a dedicated Veterans Service Team to help students who have served with issues involving financial aid advising, academic scheduling, disability counseling and other needs.

Online environmental science students at Virginia Wesleyan University complete science courses in areas like environmental geology, environmental biology, meteorology and energy and the environment. As a Bachelor of Arts degree program, the curriculum includes a significant focus on non-science courses like Environmental Ethics, Environmental Writings, Environmental Policy Analysis, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students also must take either Ecopoetry or Topics in Sustainability as well as complete an internship in environmental studies.

The current cost per credit hour reported amounted to $399. For veterans in Virginia, the combination of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the VA Yellow Ribbon Program and the Virginia Wesleyan Yellow Ribbon Match allowed qualifying students to cover the full tuition cost for the 2022 through 2023 academic year without having to pay out-of-pocket.

Virginia Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View program details.

9. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy at Wilmington University

Highlights of the online Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Wilmington University in New Castle, DE, include small class sizes and affiliation as a member institution of the NASA-funded Delaware Space Grant Consortium.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy offered through Wilmington University’s College of Online and Experiential Learning and College of Health Professions & Natural Sciences prepares students to “think like an environmental scientist, write like a policy maker.”

The curriculum encompasses at least 35 credits of Environmental Science Core coursework in areas like Pre-Calculus, Inferential Statistics, Biology I, Biology II, Ecology and a Science Major Senior Seminar.

Students have some latitude to customize their core coursework. They can choose between classes in Earth Science or Climate Dynamics, between Physics or Physics I and between Applied Chemistry and Chemistry I. They also choose whether to take Geographic Information Systems Science & Technology, Environmental Informatics or Integrating Excel into Business Problem Solving.

The program also includes Public Policy Core coursework that encompasses classes in Environmental Planning, Environmental Compliance, Energy and Environmental Policy, American Politics and Marine Science and Policy. Students choose whether to round out their public policy core coursework with Calculus I, Data Science, Introduction to Programming with Python or Intro to Artificial Intelligence.

The curriculum also allows for at least 9 credits of core electives in areas that include chemistry, policy and sociology courses, as well as at least 9 free electives.

Under Wilmington University’s 2022-2023 Tuition & Fees schedule, online students pay tuition rates of $399 per credit hour, no matter where they live.

Wilmington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school landed a spot on U.S. News & World Report‘s 2022-2023 Best National University Rankings list.

View program details.

10. The Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management at Everglades University

Everglades University in Boca Raton, FL, offers a BS in Environmental Policy and Management. This BS degree program can be completed in 41 months, so it’s a solid option for students who want to get out into the environmental science workforce quickly.

However, there is no room for free electives in the 123-credit curriculum. If you like having the option to customize your education and focus your studies specifically on your areas of interest, this environmental science program may not be the right fit for you.

Major coursework in the BS in Environmental Policy and Management program includes 54 credit hours of upper-division courses. Highlights of the curriculum include courses like Energy and the Environment, Coastal Environmental Management and Global Climate Change – Science, Impacts and Sustainable Solutions.

On the business side of this environmental management major, students take courses such as international business, operations management, marketing management, critical thinking in business and the science of persuasion and negotiation. An Environmental Policy and Management Capstone Course rounds out the major coursework for the degree program.

Students do get some flexibility in their selection of Interdisciplinary Studies courses, which encompasses 21 credit hours. However, recommended courses that meet these requirements include Introduction to Environmental Change, Organization and Technology of Information Systems, Principles of Supervision, Principles of Business, Introduction to Marketing, Financial Management and Macroeconomics.

Under the current fee schedule, full-time online students at Everglades University paid $800 per credit hour, or $9,600 per semester, in tuition costs. Counting the costs of textbooks and fees, the total estimated cost of the degree program amounted to $116,850.

Everglades University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report ranked Everglades University as tied for 94th place on its 2022-2023 Best Regional Universities South Rankings list.

The online environmental science degree at Everglades University can be completed 100% online, but the school also offers the curriculum in a traditional in-person format at its campus locations, which include Boca Raton, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota and Tampa.

View program details.

Related Resources:

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

The post Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Knowing you want to earn your degree online is one thing, but figuring out how to go about it and what school to attend is another. You want your degree to be affordable, but more importantly, you want it to be a good value: a quality education from a respected, accredited school. Our list of the top 25 cheapest online bachelor’s degree programs consists exclusively of schools that have earned regional accreditation, so you know that every one of these institutions meets the high standards of one of the major regional accreditation organizations in the country. Many of them have earned recognition from publications like U.S. News & World Report, and several have features like support services, accelerated courses and career or adult learning focuses that set them apart.

These 25 online colleges prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great education, or a great value.

1. Winston-Salem State University 

For residents of North Carolina, particularly those with some college or vocational training already, there may be no better value in online undergraduate education than Winston-Salem State University. The public research university offers only a few fully-online bachelor’s degree programs, but these programs fulfill specific niches at an unmatched price. WSSU’s online undergraduate degree programs include:

• Bachelors of Science – Clinical Laboratory Science, for students who have already finished an accredited Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program but want the additional skills and qualifications of a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN), in which registered nurses can complete the requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree and advance their careers
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, for students who have already completed two years of college but not enough credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. This program offers a broad, well-rounded education in the arts and sciences, as well as the opportunity to develop communication, problem-solving and creative and critical thinking skills.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked WSSU highly, naming it 15^th among historically black colleges and universities, 25^th among the top public schools and 60^th among regional universities. The school has separate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, even when it comes to distance learning. Students who live in North Carolina will pay $106 per semester hour (plus a $51.50 charge if they take over 11 credit hours per semester), for a grand total of under $3,300 per year. Out-of-state students pay $428 per credit (again, with a $51.50 charge to take over 11 credit hours per semester), or around $12,942 for the year.

Cost:  $106 per semester hour, or $3,289 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

2. Fort Hays State University

One of the schools with the “best online bachelor’s programs” across the nation – at least, according to U.S. News & World Report – is also among the most affordable. Fort Hays State University is a rural Kansas public institution that offers 25 fully-online bachelor’s degree programs in majors such as business education, management, health studies, nursing, education, information networking, philosophy, sociology and other traditional subjects in the arts and sciences. On the off-chance that you can’t find a major to match your interests or career aspirations, you can customize your own curriculum while earning a Bachelor of General Studies degree – completely online, of course, through FHSU’s Virtual College.

Regardless of which degree they choose to pursue, all undergraduate students enrolled in FHSU’s Virtual College pay the same low tuition rate – just $115 per credit.

Cost: $115 per credit, or $3,450 for one year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

3. Thomas Edison State College

As an adult student, you need something different from your education than what a kid fresh out of high school might want. You want flexibility, relevant information that will enhance your career as well as your personal knowledge and a self-directed learning style that allows you to discover knowledge for yourself instead of just mindlessly copying down lecture notes. Trenton, New Jersey-based Thomas Edison State College, which bills itself as “exclusively for adults,” can provide you with a distance learning education worthy of your life experiences. In addition to offering online courses, the school awards credit for training and knowledge you already have, even if you gained it outside the classroom, The New York Times reported. The school offers 30 fully-online bachelor’s degree programs in subjects ranging from the humanities to engineering and criminal justice to general business management.

For in-state students who intend to study full-time, the school’s comprehensive tuition plan offers a great value of up to 36 credits per year for a flat fee of just $5,871. Out-of-state residents pay a still reasonable $8,647 for the same plan. Part-time students who pay by the credit — $1,221 per credit, or about $3,663 per class, for in-state students – may end up paying substantially more than their full-time counterparts. 

Cost:  $1,221 per credit, or $5,871 per year of full-time study (up to 36 credits) with the comprehensive tuition plan (in-state)
Regional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

4. Western Governors University

Imagine a school cares as much about keeping higher education affordable as you do. That school is Western Governor’s University. The Salt Lake City, Utah-based online school offers 23 different distance learning programs for aspiring teachers, businesspeople, information technology specialists and healthcare professionals. Formed from a collaboration of 19 state governors, the online school was created to emphasize competency-based education, in which working professionals can get credit for the relevant knowledge and skills they already have, saving them time and money.

For years, the cost of college tuition and fees across the nation has increased significantly faster than the rate of inflation. Last year, the cost on average increased between 2.9 percent (for public institutions) and 3.7 percent (for private institutions), according to The College Board. Yet Western Governors University hasn’t raised tuition since 2008. The school actively tries to keep college affordable, and it succeeds. Students enrolled in undergraduate online programs in business, teaching and information technology pay just $2,890 per term and can take as many as 12 competency units in a semester. Even the more costly nursing programs ($3,250 to $4,250 per term) are a great value.

Cost:  $2,890 per term, or $5,780 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

5. Baker College

If advancing your career is your primary reason for pursuing a degree, you want to choose a school that’s as career-focused as you are. Baker College, which prioritizes real-world experience and provides all students with access to employment experts, is one such school.

A private institution based out of Flint, Michigan, Baker College offers 20 fully online bachelor’s degree programs. Whether your interests lie in business, health and nursing, computers and information technology, psychology or criminal justice, you can rest assured that the school was ranked among the best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News & World Report. Students pay the same tuition, just $230 per credit, for all undergraduate online courses. The Lifetime Employment Assistance program provides graduates with additional value that includes free help with networking, résumé writing and interview preparation throughout every state of their careers.

Cost: $230 per credit hour, or $6,900 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

6. Ball State University

Indiana residents, in particular, will find a great value in a degree in business, education or nursing from Ball State University. The public institution’s campus is in Muncie, Indiana, but it also offers four fully-online degree programs for students who already have some college education:

• Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree
• Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree
• Bachelor of General Studies Degree
• Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (RN to BS)

Each offering is a degree completion program, designed to help students who started but never finished college finally get their degrees. The flexible, 100 percent online format and support from academic advisors make it easier even for working students who are busy balancing professional and family responsibilities to get the degrees they need to advance their careers. Even though Ball State University offers just a few completely online undergraduate programs, those programs are highly rated and well-respected. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ball State University 34^th on its list of the best online bachelor’s programs across the country, as well as including the college on its lists of the best schools for education, nursing, psychology and other subjects.

Ball State University has separate distance learning tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. Indiana residents can choose to pay $284 per credit (up to the first 11 credits) or a flat fee of $3,694 a semester for up to 18 credits. Out-of-state students pay $499 per credit for the first 11 credits. Full-time out-of-state students pay the same $3,694 flat rate as in-state students plus an additional $215 per credit hour.

Cost: $284 per credit/$3,694 for up to 18 credits, or $7,388 per year of full-time study
Regional Association: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

7. Norwich University

If you already earned your associate’s degree but now find that you need a higher degree to get ahead in your career, Norwich University could be the right choice for you. The private Northfield, Vermont-based institution offers three fully online bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
• Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Each degree path builds upon the education and professional knowledge the student already has, so it’s not like starting back at square one. In addition, online students at Norwich University have a full support network of advisers, program directors, tech support staff and distance learning librarians to whom they can turn for help.

In addition to making U.S. News & World Report’s list of the nation’s best online bachelor’s programs, Norwich University also earned recognition among the best regional universities and took 29^th place on the list of the best colleges for veterans.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis degree program will pay just $250 per credit, while those pursuing undergraduate degrees in criminal justice or cyber security pay $375 per credit in tuition. Active military personnel are eligible for a tuition discount of more than $100 per credit on a criminal justice or cyber security degree.

Cost: $250 per credit, or $7,500 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

8. Charter Oak State College

If you’re a nontraditional student, perhaps a nontraditional college is exactly what you need. Charter Oak State College is a small public institution in New Britain, Connecticut. The school understands that learning happens in many different formats and situations, not just through formal lectures in a college classroom. Students can earn credit toward their bachelor’s degrees through online classes, standardized tests, military or civilian professional training and independent and experiential learning. Online degree offerings include:

• Cyber Security
• Health Care Administration
• Health Information Management
• General Studies, with a choice of more than a dozen concentrations in fields like business, psychology, political science and public administration

Charter Oak State College charges different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates even for distance learning students. Connecticut residents will pay $263 per credit, while students in other states will pay $346 per credit. The education is a great value either way, especially considering that U.S. News & World Report ranked Charter Oak State College among the best online bachelor’s programs in the country.

Cost: $263 per credit or $7,890 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges

9. Graceland University

Students who want to earn an undergraduate degree in business or healthcare may find their perfect academic match at Graceland University. The small, private Lamoni, Iowa-based institution offers five fully-online bachelor’s degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership Program
• Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
• Bachelor of Arts in Online Dual Major in Business Program

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Graceland University as among the best online bachelor’s programs as well as the best regional universities. Tuition varies by degree program. Undergraduate business students will pay $295 per credit hour, while health care management students pay $395 and nursing students pay $465.

Cost:  $295 per credit, or $8,850 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

10. American InterContinental University

For students with an interest in business, information technology, criminal justice or healthcare management, studying at American InterContinental University will allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field of study with a tuition cost of less than $10,000 per year. The Schaumburg, Illinois-based school prides itself on providing an industry-focused education that gets students the right knowledge for their careers from instructors with plenty of real-world professional experience. American InterContinental offers 27 fully online bachelor’s degree programs.

Business students can choose from 11 specializations, from marketing to accounting and finance to project management. Healthcare management students can specialize in health services administration or gerontology. Information technology includes degrees in digital investigations, network administration, information assurance and security and software analysis and development. Criminal justice students can major in forensic science, law enforcement, corrections and case management, homeland security and crisis management or general criminal justice. All undergraduate online programs cost just $302 per credit.

Cost:  $302 per credit, or $9,060 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

11. University of Massachusetts Online

At the University of Massachusetts Online, undergraduate students can choose from 32 distance learning programs in subjects of study as diverse as information technology and gender studies. Whether you’re looking to advance a nursing career, climb the corporate ladder in the business world or major in a general field like liberal arts, global affairs, general studies or English, you’re sure to find a degree path to help you get ahead.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Massachusetts locations at Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell highly. The school’s various campuses have placed on lists such as:

• Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• National Universities
• Regional Universities
• Top Public Schools
• More than a dozen individual subject areas

The cost of earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Online varies from one major to another. Undergraduate tuition at the University of Massachusetts ranges from $125 to $1,980, but online programs generally cost anywhere from $304 to $525 per credit.

Cost: $304 per credit, or $9,120 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

12. Capella University

Unlike the typical student fresh out of high school, you have real-world professional and life experience. You deserve credit for the things you already know and a flexible learning environment that will let you study at your own pace. After all, you’re not just sitting in a classroom and taking notes while an instructor drones on in a monotonous lecture. You’re actively learning through interactive modules and assignments, and balancing it all with your work and home responsibilities. Capella University is a primarily online institution that awards competency-based credit and allows students the freedom of its FlexPath self-paced learning style (note: Capella University’s FlexPath option is available for certain programs, not all).

Undergraduate students at Capella University can choose from more than a dozen degree paths in subject areas like business and information technology, healthcare, nursing, and psychology. The per-credit tuition for Capella University’s online bachelor degree programs ranges from $336 to $394, depending on the major and course level. Often, lower-level courses in the 1000 to 2000 level cost around $336 per credit, while upper level courses (3000 to 4000 level) cost $394 per credit. This means the cost of education may increase by as much as a couple thousand dollars toward the end of the student’s academic career.

Cost: $315 per credit, or $9,450 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Southern New Hampshire University

Even though you’ll have to work independently to earn your degree online, you don’t have to do it all alone. Some schools, like Southern New Hampshire University, offer a wide range of support services to help students succeed. SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution based in Manchester. With more than 80 online bachelor’s degree offerings in business and the liberal arts, students are sure to find a program to fit their academic and career needs. Whether you want to study accounting or creative writing, economics or American history, nursing or Web development, there’s a degree path for you.

No matter which major you choose, you will pay the same, affordable tuition cost when you earn an online degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Students pay just $320 per credit, or $960 per class. Active-duty military personnel get a discount of nearly $100 per credit, making this school an especially great value for those currently serving our country in the armed forces. Adding to the value of an education at SNHU is the breadth of support services available to students. From the admissions counselors that help students choose the right majors to the career advisors that help students make the most of their education and career preparation, students will have help throughout the process of earning their degrees.

Cost: $320 per credit, or $9,600 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and College

14. Colorado Technical University

The path you have taken in your private and professional life is personal – shouldn’t your education be, too? At Colorado Technical University, it can be. The Colorado Springs-based school features adaptive learning technology it calls Intellipath that personalizes your academic experience so that you spend less time rehashing the information you already know and more time learning valuable new knowledge and skills.

Colorado Technical University, which U.S. News & World Report ranked among the best online bachelor’s programs, offers degree paths in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, cyber security, healthcare management, information technology, project management, psychology and nursing. Within these degree programs, students can choose from numerous concentrations. Business administration students have 12 concentrations to consider, ranging from organizational behavior to digital marketing. Criminal justice students can study cybercrime, homeland security or human services. IT students can specialize in web development, security, data management and software application programming, among other possibilities.

The wealth of options available mean that students can earn the degree that will be most relevant to their careers and interests – and with tuition costing just $325 per credit, regardless of degree program, they can do it without breaking the bank.

Cost: $325 per credit, or $9,750 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

15. California University of Pennsylvania

Some students already know what they want to do, and that a specific degree is necessary to reach their goals. They don’t need a plethora of general degree programs to choose from, but they do need a high-quality program in a specific niche. At the California University of Pennsylvania, distance learning students can choose to study the following 100 percent online bachelor’s degree programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language and Culture
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice (Homeland and International Security)
• Bachelor of Arts, Jurisprudence in Land Management
• Bachelor of Arts, Jurisprudence in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN – BSN)
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: Social Deviance
• Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Fitness

The school has earned national recognition for its online programs in particular. U.S. News & World Report not only ranked California University of Pennsylvania among the best online bachelor’s programs in the country, but also awarded high rankings to the school’s online graduate programs in education and nursing.

Undergraduate students enrolled in one of the Cal U Global Online degree programs can expect to pay tuition of $332.20 per credit if they live in Pennsylvania or $347.20 if they live out-of-state, though this is the minimum tuition charge. Some programs may cost more.

Cost: $332.20 per credit for in-state students

Regional Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

16. Removed

17. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

If you know your interests lie in the field of psychology, why not choose a school that specializes in the subject? The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers fully online Bachelor of Arts degrees in general psychology and in the following four concentrations:

• Child and adolescent psychology
• Business psychology
• International psychology
• Social services

The private, nonprofit institution is primarily a graduate school, offering undergraduate degrees exclusively online to help working students get started on an education in psychology. No matter which concentration you choose to pursue, you will pay a reasonable tuition cost of $385 per credit hour to earn your degree online. 

Cost:  $385 per credit hour, or $11,550 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

18. Adventist University of Health Sciences

Seeking a career in healthcare? At the Adventist University of Health Sciences, based in Orlando, Florida, students who already have some college experience can earn an online undergraduate degree in subjects like:

• Nursing (R.N. to B.S.)
• Radiologic Sciences
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography

All of these distance learning bachelor’s degree programs are degree completion programs, meaning that they’re designed to help students who have started but never finished college succeed in earning their degrees. Often, students who have completed  a few semesters of school elsewhere already can transfer their credits to Adventist University of Health Sciences and complete their remaining degree requirements is as little as five terms. The undergraduate cost per credit hour at Adventist University of Health Sciences is $395.

Cost: $395 per credit or $11,850 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

19. Bellevue University

Among the best advantages of earning a degree online is freedom. Not only do you have the flexibility to study where and when it’s convenient for you, but you have the freedom to choose any major you want from among countless colleges. One school that offers online students plenty of freedom is Nebraska-based private institution Bellevue University. At Bellevue University, students can choose from nearly 50 fully online bachelor’s degree programs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Bellevue University among the best online bachelor’s programs, also ranking the school’s graduate programs highly. Distance learning undergraduate students at Bellevue University will pay tuition costs of $395 per credit during the 2015 to 2016 school year – a modest increase of just $10 per credit from the previous year, so students don’t have to worry too much about massive tuition jumps from one year to the next.

Cost: $395 per credit hour, or $11,850 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

20. New England College

New England College, a small, private liberal arts institution in rural New Hampshire, offers the following eight fully online programs at the bachelor’s degree level:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Human Services
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Though the Henniker, New Hampshire-based school may not offer dozens of degree options for distance learning students, the programs that it does offer 100 percent online have earned national recognition for their quality. U.S. News & World Report named New England College among the best online bachelor’s programs in the country. Students in all undergraduate online programs pay the same tuition cost of just $395 per credit hour.

Cost: $395 per semester hour, or $11,850 per year of full-time study
Regional Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

21. Eastern Kentucky University Online

At Eastern Kentucky University, distance learning students can choose from 10 fully online bachelor’s degree programs ranging from the very general to specific niche programs of study:

• Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
• Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation
• Fire Protection Administration
• Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
• General Studies
• Homeland Security
• Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Occupation Safety
• Police Studies
• Psychology

The school also offers a partially online hybrid program in Paralegal Studies/Paralegal Science, in which students can complete most of their work through distance learning courses but must take at least ten semester credits of traditional format legal specialty courses. The Richmond, KY-based school has earned high marks for quality. U.S. News & World Report ranked Eastern Kentucky University among the best online bachelor’s programs, the top public schools, the best colleges for veterans and the best regional universities.

Tuition for most online degree programs at Eastern Kentucky University is $400 per credit. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree pay slightly more, $425 per credit hour.

Cost: $400 per credit hour, or $12,000 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

22. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is among the most well-known online colleges, and for good reason. The school offers plenty of options for undergraduate students, with more than 70 bachelor’s degrees available in the arts and sciences, business and management, criminal justice and security, education, nursing and healthcare, psychology and technology. Many of the University of Phoenix distance learning degree paths offer students the opportunity to pursue specific concentrations or earn certificates in addition to their bachelor’s degrees, adding something extra to their résumés.

During the early years of their education, students will pay $410 a credit for their lower division courses. The tuition cost for upper level courses increases slightly, to $435 per credit.

Cost: $410 per credit, or $12,300 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

23. Herzing University

When you consider various colleges, part of you decision process should include how much time you want to spend in school each semester. At some schools, the overall cost for a full-time student is significantly cheaper than that for part-time students. If you plan to study full-time, you can save hundreds of dollars per credit at Herzing University. The career-focused Madison, Wisconsin-based college offers more than two dozen fully online bachelor’s degree programs in fields like business, design, healthcare, information technology and public safety. Herzing University provides both quantity and quality, with U.S. News & World Report ranking the school among the best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.

Tuition: Estimated expenses for academic year 2019-2020 (IPEDS): $14,200 (Tuition and fees)

Regional Accreditation: Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413, www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400.

24. Removed

25. Benedictine University

Benedictine University is proof that it’s sometimes better to excel at just a couple things than to do an unremarkable job at many things. The private Lisle, Illinois-based school offers just two online bachelor’s degree programs – the Bachelor of Arts in Management and the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership – but it still ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country. The school also offers a free Success Strategies course to help enrolled students get acquainted with the online education process and platform.

Online students at Benedictine University will find their first two full-time years of school, in particular, to be affordable, with a tuition cost of just $430 per credit. Once students complete 60 credits and are taking upper level courses, though, they’ll face a tuition increase to $630 per hour.

Cost: $430 per credit hour, or $12,900 per year of full-time study

Regional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Conclusion

Just as there’s more to a school than the cost of its tuition, there’s more to your college decision than numbers. In addition to weighing the tuition charge – along with the other costs that aren’t included in this list, like various fees and supply expenses – you should consider what factors are the most important to you personally.

If you already work in the field in which you want to earn a degree, you might find competency-based courses to be a bigger priority. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about splitting your attention between multiple classes at once, the opportunity to take an accelerated course schedule might matter to you. No matter which of these schools you choose to explore further, you can rest assured that all of them are legitimate, regionally accredited institutions, and that all of them provide a great value for your money.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?

What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?

The post 25 Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

For students interested in the file of firefighting and fire protection services, an education beyond a high school diploma can be valuable. Many schools today give students the opportunity to earn a bachelors in fire science online. Through these programs, online students can deepen their knowledge of firefighter safety and prepare for a variety of careers within and outside the fire department.

Prospective students are sure to find some excellent programs to consider on our list of the best online fire science degree options in the nation.

What Is a Fire Science Degree?

The most common title for programs of study that pertain to firefighting and fire protection services is fire science. In a fire science degree program, students may take coursework in everything from fire dynamics and fire hazards in building construction leadership skills for managing fire service organizations.

Studies in fire science and fire prevention may also make up part of the curriculum in degree programs in emergency management, fire protection and fire safety engineering.

Most institutions that offer a fire science degree, a degree in emergency management or other fire-related programs of study cover a comprehensive curriculum that includes coursework in areas like the following:

• An overview of fire and emergency services
• Firefighting
• Fire prevention and protection techniques
• Fire inspection

RELATED: What Classes will I take in a Fire Science Bachelor’s Degree ?           

The focus of a degree in fire science doesn’t always revolve entirely around understanding fire behavior and ways to protect people and property from fire. Many fire science programs at the bachelor’s degree level provide graduates with more general skills needed in the emergency services workforces, including financial management and fiscal responsibility, human resource management and technology. In general, fire science degree programs prepare students to enter the public service and public safety workforce after graduation.

The Best Bachelor’s in Fire Science Degrees Online

There’s no question that having an associate or bachelor’s degree in a field like fire science can give your career in fire services a boost. Whether you want to rise through the ranks of your local fire department or get a job with a more emergency management organization like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your education will be an asset. For many prospective students, the question isn’t whether they should pursue a degree in fire science but rather where they should go for their education.

What do the best colleges for fire science have that set them apart from the rest? For one thing, they are recognized and highly respected schools in other fields as well as fire science. Often, this includes having a long history of academic excellence, an engaged student body, strong institutional rankings and regional institutional accreditation.

At the best schools for fire science, the online fire science curriculum strikes a balance between breadth and depth, equipping students with the knowledge and technical skills they will need for life after graduation. Ideally, the program should earn either Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Recognition or accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Read on to learn more about the top 10 fire science degree programs online.

1. University of Florida

Leading our list of the best fire science colleges is the University of Florida. This public university in Gainesville, Florida, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Florida

The University of Florida boasts an enrollment of more than 55,000 students as of Fall 2021, including more than 5,000 online students. The school is one of the largest single-campus universities in the United States. The campus consists of 2,000 acres and is home to upwards of 900 buildings. Approximately 180 research centers and institutes are part of the college, as are 16 individual academic colleges.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized the University of Florida on its lists of national universities, top public schools, best value schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of Florida offers more than 300 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. More than 200 programs are available online, including both bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs in fire and emergency services

Coursework in the University of Florida’s Fire & Emergency Services Program

In the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services, students develop skills for a variety of careers in emergency services. This degree program is offered through the Rinker School of Construction Management, part of the College of Design, Construction and Planning.

Required coursework for this degree includes studies in the following areas:

• Principles of fire and emergency services management
• Strategic planning for fire and emergency services
• Fire and emergency services financial management
• Disaster planning and control
• Communication and informational technology
• Fire and emergency services public relations
• Fire and emergency services ethical practices and leadership

The program offers a Fire Specialization, along with an Emergency Management Specialization and Emergency Medical Services Management Specialization, that allows students to focus their coursework. Core coursework for students pursuing the Fire Management Specialization includes:

• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Management of fire prevention programs
• Community risk reduction for emergency services
• Command and control at catastrophic fire-rescue incidents
• Fire and emergency services human resource management
• Applications of fire research

The bachelor’s degree in fire science program is open to both new students and transfer students.

The Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences program is a 33-credit graduate program that encompasses 11 courses. This non-thesis program covers courses in areas like the following:

• Fire suppression systems
• Disaster mitigation
• Emergency planning
• Technological innovations for fire and emergency management
• Homeland security

RELATED: What Are My Master’s Degree Choices in Fire Science?         

The online fire science programs at the University of Florida are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

View program details.

2. Fayetteville State University

Another of the top online fire science degree programs is offered out of Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. This Historically Black university was founded in 1867, making it the second-oldest state-supported institution in North Carolina. The public institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why Study Fire Science at Fayetteville State University

U.S. News & World Report has included Fayetteville State University on its college rankings lists of top public schools, regional universities int he South, Historically Black colleges and universities and top performers on social mobility.

Today, the student body at Fayetteville State University numbers 6,500 students. Fayetteville State University is best known for its programs in teaching and nursing, but the school offers more than 60 total bachelor’s and master’s degrees out of four colleges:

• College of Education
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Broadwell College of Business and Economics
• Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology 

The school also offers a number of online degree completion programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration program.

Coursework in Fayetteville State University’s Fire and Emergency Services Administration Program

The online Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration degree at Fayetteville State University is a FESHE-Recognized program. The curriculum, which is offered through the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, includes coursework in the following areas:

• Fire prevention organization and management
• Community risk reduction for fire and emergency services
• Fire service organizational dynamics
• Fire service personnel administration
• Fire-related human behavior
• Managerial Issues in an all hazards environment
• Fire dynamics
• Fire investigations
• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Applications of fire research
• Advanced fire administration
• Applied fire service ethics

Fayetteville State University’s fire science bachelor’s degree is intended for students who have an associate’s degree and/or fire service work experience.

View program details.

3. New Jersey City University

Another school where students will find a top-notch fire science bachelors degree online is New Jersey City University. This public institution located in Jersey City was founded in 1927.

Why Study Fire Science at New Jersey City University

U.S. News & World Report has included New Jersey City University on its rankings lists of top public schools, regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

Although New Jersey City University was originally established as a teaching school, the institution now encompasses four colleges and schools:

• The Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
• The William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences
• The NJCU School of Business
• The College of Professional Studies

Close to 8,0000 students attend New Jersey City University. The school now offers more than 47 programs for undergraduates and 30 programs for graduate students. Additionally, its online offerings include nearly two dozen bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and certificate programs. The most popular and largest programs at New Jersey City University include music, nursing, psychology and early childhood education. For students who are interested in fire and emergency services, though, the most noteworthy program of study is the online Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science

Coursework in New Jersey City University’s Fire Science Program

The Fire Science Department at New Jersey City University and its programs are accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Coursework in the Bachelor of Science in Fires Science program includes studies in subjects like the following:

• Introduction to fire science
• Problems in fire engineering
• Introduction to ladder company operations
• Introduction to engine company operations
• Fire officer company management
• Emergency personnel fitness
• Fire prevention & related codes
• Fire detection & suppression systems
• Fire department organization & administration
• Firefighting strategies
• Firefighting tactics 
• Hydraulic technology
• Fire investigation & arson
• General fire insurance
• Building construction 
• Hazardous materials
• Transportation & industrial fire hazards

Through this program, students prepare for roles that range from firefighters to fire investigators, code enforcers and jobs in the fire protection systems industry.

View program details.

4. Columbia Southern University

Another of the best online fire science degree programs can be found at Columbia Southern University. This private, for-profit higher learning institution is an online college that is headquartered in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Why Study Fire Science at Columbia Southern University

At Columbia Southern University, online programs aren’t an afterthought. The was founded in 1993 for the purpose of educating adult learners through convenient and affordable online education. Over the school’s 30-year history, it has educationed upwards of 60,000 students and awarded more than 100,000 degrees. Today, Columbia Southern University employs 1,000 faculty and staff and educates nearly 16,000 students.

Columbia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school is also a member of the American Council and Education and has historically been accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. To keep improving the quality of the online education it offers, Columbia Southern University is taking steps to implement Quality Matters (QM) standards into its programs.

With nearly 100 active online degree programs and more than 450 online courses available, online learners at Columbia Southern University have plenty of academic options. Programs of study include associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates and certificates. One of these programs is the Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration.

Coursework in Columbia Southern University’s Fire Administration Program

Columbia Southern University’s fire science bachelor’s degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program recognized by FESHE. Students in this program can acquire the expertise required to become firefighters. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers fire protection and fire prevention strategies. The 36 semester hours of fire science major coursework includes studies in the following areas:

• Principles of fire and emergency services
• Principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival
• Introduction to fire prevention
• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fire prevention organization and management
• Fire protection structure and systems
• Community risk reduction for the fire and emergency services
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Fire service personnel management
• Political and legal foundations of fire protection
• Building construction for fire protection
• Applications in fire research

Students also devote 12 semester hours to program elective courses. Options for these courses include the following:

• Fire dynamics
• Human behavior in fire
• Fire protection and code enforcement
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
• Fire ground tactics
• Management of incident command systems
• Terrorism incident management and emergency procedures
• Legal aspects of emergency services

Southern Columbia University also offers a Master of Science degree in Fire Executive Leadership. This program allows students to choose one of four concentration areas:

• Emergency Services Management.
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Public Administration
• Human Resource Management

This program emphasizes decision-making and managerial skills for working in the field of fire science and protection.

View program details.

5. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh also offers a great online fire science bachelor’s degree program. This public institution of higher learning dates back to 1871.

Why Study Fire Science at the Univesity of Wisconsin

At this school, the students – of which there are well over 12,000 – can choose from close to 200 programs of study. The degrees at the bachelor’s master’s and doctoral levels of study. The University of Wisconsin also offers more than 30 online programs of study.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh on its lists of national universities, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

The University of Wisconsin is best known for its programs of study in biology, nursing and elementary education. It also is home to an excellent fire science degree for online students.  

Coursework in the University of Wisconsin’s Fire and Emergency Response Management Program

The online program in fire science at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is known as a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree. The major’s official title is Fire and Emergency Response Management, or FERM. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s curriculum is both FESHE-recognized and accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Core coursework for the program as a whole includes:

• Intro to public administration
• Intro to leadership
• Critical thinking and writing
• Fire & emergency services leadership
• Public personnel administration
• Services personnel
• Mentoring for emergency
• Budgeting for managers
• Conflict resolution for the emergency services
• Administrative law
• Government and economy
• Applied research in emergency management

Students who choose the Fire Service Management Emphasis take classes such as:

• Management of emergency services
• Fire prevention organization and management
• Community risk reduction for fire & emergency services
• Occupational safety and health in emergency services
• Intercultural communication

Learning outcomes of completing this program include the ability to apply theoretical leadership concepts to real-world fire services management, utilize systematic planning in emergency response management, understand the natural science behind fire response and approach fire and emergency practice from the diverse perspectives of fire.

View program details.

6. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is another school that offers a great fire science bachelor degree online. UNC Charlotte is a public university established in 1946.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of North Carolina

UNC Charlotte isn’t only the third largest university located in North Carolina. The school also bills itself as the fastest-growing college in the state. The total enrollment in Fall 2021 amounted to over 30,000, including more than 6,000 graduate students.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on college rankings lists including national universities, best value schools, top public schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte encompasses seven academic colleges, plus a Graduate School and an Interdisciplinary Studies division. The academic colleges at UNC Charlotte include:

• Belk College of Business
• Cato College of Education
• College of Arts + Architecture
• College of Computing & Informatics
• College of Health & Human Services
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• The William States Lee College of Engineering

All told, there are over 170 bachelor’s degree programs of study and more than 150 graduate programs at UNC Charlotte. The online division of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, UNC Charlotte Online, is where working professionals study through the School of Professional Studies. Students can choose from more than 50 online programs of study, including the Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology degree.

Coursework in UNC-Charlotte’s Fire Safety Engineering Technology Program

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s online undergraduate degree in fire services focuses on engineering technology, particularly as it pertains to fire safety. As such, this program is as well suited for students interested in roles like fire inspector, fire prevention officer, building code official and corporate safety specialist as it is for aspiring firefighters.

Coursework in the program includes the following areas of study:

• Fire dynamics
• Active fire protection
• Fire safety in the built environment
• Risk management
• Electronic circuits and devices
• Industrial hazards & electricity
• Industrial hygiene
• Environmental pollution control
• Advanced fire service administration
• Command and control of major disasters
• Engineering economics
• Research investigation
• Adult learning theory in safety
• Fire and safety capstone

This fully online program of study is a degree completion program. The 61-credit curriculum is designed to build upon an Associate of Applied Science degree in fire science, fire protection or a related program of study.

RELATED: What is the Difference in a Fire Science vs. Fire Protection Engineering Degree?

UNC Charlotte also offers an online professional development certificate program known as Fire & Rescue Management Institute. This program is intended for established fire and rescue personnel. The curriculum covers a variety of aspects of professional development, including leadership, communication, strategic planning and team building.

View program details.

7. Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Next on our list of the top online fire degrees is Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Why Study Fire Science at Colorado State University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a public institution founded in 1870.  This Tier 1 Research institution is celebrated as one of the best research universities in the nation. Students and faculty at Colorado State University work hand-in-hand to explore infectious illnesses, innovations in environmental science, mysteries of atmospheric science, and breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. The school also reports an 85% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Colorado State University among the top public schools, best value schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans.

Colorado State University educates more than 33,400 students, and its faculty is growing to match. The school is home to eight colleges Students can choose from close to 300 academic programs. CSU Online, the college’s distance learning division, offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in the following fields:

• Agricultural sciences
• Arts and music
• Busienss and communications
• Computer science and technology
• Education
• Engineering
• Government studies
• Health, biology and social sciences
• Natural resources management and tourism
• social work
• Student affairs
• Exploratory studies

 The Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration at Colorado State University is part of the Natural Resources Management and Tourism area of study.

Coursework in Colorado State University’s Fire & Emergency Services Administration Program

Working professionals with prior college credits to transfer and a background in fire and emergency services can complete the bachelor’s program in fire and emergency administration at Colorado State University in as little as two years.

The core curriculum for this program consists of 37 credits of coursework in areas like the following:

• Fire emergency services administration
• Essentials of emergency management
• Fire service leadership
• Trends in fire science technology
• Structure influence on tactics and strategy
• Proposals/reports in fire service management
• Human resources for fire and emergency
• Fire and emergency services budgeting
• Legal considerations in fire and emergency

Students also complete elective coursework in areas such as:

• Industrial process and fire protection
• Fire protection through model building codes
• Emergency medical service management
• Indident command system s
• Prevention program management
• Policy and public administration
• Training management program

Students in the program learn to successfully apply the academic knowledge they gain to managerial and administrative roles in fire and emergency. In doing so, they not only develop the skills to improve their career in their current workplace settings but also prepare for future career advancement.

View program details.

8. The University of Nebraska at Omaha

Another institution to consider for a fire science degree is the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This school’s interesting history dates back to 1908. Although the University of Omaha was initially a private school, the college was made a public institution – which it remains today – in 1930.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

More than 15,000 students are enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. To teach and serve these students, the school employs nearly 2,100 faculty and staff.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has been recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The school is home to six colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
• College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• College of Information Science & Technology
• College of Public Affairs and Community Service

the school offers more than 60 online undergraduate degree, graduate degree and certificate programs. One such program is the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a Concentration in Fire Service Management.

Coursework in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Emergency Management Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s fire science online program is technically a degree in emergency management. Fire Service Management is one of more than a dozen areas of concentration students can pursue within this online program.

The core curriculum for the emergency management degree includes coursework in the following areas:

• Introduction to emergency management
• Introduction to public administration
• Emergency management strategies and communication
• Disaster response and recovery
• Preparedness/planning and risk mitigation
• Agency collaboration during disasters
• Political and legal foundations in emergency services
• Applied statistics and data processing in the public sector
• Internship in emergency management
• Capstone project in emergency management

Students in the Fire Service Management Concentration take the following classes:

• Fire prevention, organization, and management
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Strategies and tactics in fire and emergency services
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Codes and inspections

Students in the emergency management degree program at the University of Nebraska Omaha complete two separate 15-credit concentrations, amounting to 30 total l credits of concentration coursework. Among the secondary concentration options students may wish to pair with their fire services coursework are Natural Disasters, Public Administration and Management, Planning and Preparing for Urban Hazards and Nonprofit Management.

Students must earn120 credits to graduate with their emergency management degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha. 

View program details.

9. American Public University System

If you’re not opposed to earning your fire science degree online from a for-profit institution, turn your attention to American Public University. The American Public University System is a private online system that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Why Study Fire Science at American Public University

In addition to housing American Public University and its fire science degree program, the American Public University System also encompasses the American Military University. The parent company behind the American Public University System is a private-sector organization called American Public Education, Inc.

The American Public University System is best known for offering programs in areas like business, homeland security and disaster management and liberal arts and humanities. Currently, the American Public University System teaches 89,291 students and employs more than 1,600 faculty members. The school offers more than 270 academic programs, including certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral programs. These programs are offered out of the following academic schools within the American Public University System:

• Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business
• School of Arts, Humanities & Education
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
• School of Security & Global Studies

APUS offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management program is offered through

Coursework in American Public University’s Fire Science Management Program

Students pursuing online fire science degrees from American Public University complete 66 semester hours of required courses for the major. Subjects of required study include:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fire dynamics
• Fire prevention
• Principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival
• Fundamentals of fire protection
• Fire protection systems
• Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
• Fire protection structure and system design
• Fire protection in building construction
• Community risk reduction for the fire and emergency services
• Community fire mitigation and protection
• Emergency planning
• Emergency and disaster incident command
• Managerial issues in hazardous materials
• Fire administration and finance
• Fire regulation, policy, and law
• Fire safety and risk regulation
• Incendiary fire analysis and investigation
• Applications of fire research
• Psychology of disaster

The curriculum of this program introduces students to students fire suppression methods, safety, protection and fire prevention as well as firefighting leadership and management. American Public University ystemsS’s bachelor’s degree in fire sciences and management is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

View program details.

10. Anna Maria College

Completing our list of the best fire science schools at the bachelor’s level is Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.

Why Study Fire Science at Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College is a private, nonprofit Catholic college founded in 1946. Its 260-acre campus is less than an hour from Boston. The school is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report has included Anna Maria College on its lists of the top regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

for the most recent year for which Anna Maria College currently has data available (2019), total enrollment amounted to more than 1,400. Online students accounted for nearly one-quarter of the total student population (175 undergraduate and 177 graduate students).

At Anna Maria College, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid. That’s a big consideration for prospective students who are on a budget, especially since not all roles in the fire protection services are well paid.

The institution offers undergraduate programs of study in more than 30 areas, as well as graduate degrees and certificates. Among the online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available online from Anna Maria College is a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program.

Coursework in Anna Maria College’s Fire Science Program

If you want to ascend to roles like fire investigator, fire chief or fire marshal, Anna Maria College’s fire science degree may be for you. The FESHE-recognized curriculum encompasses 60 credits of coursework.

Required courses for the online fire science program include studies in areas such as:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fundamentals of fire prevention
• Principles of emergency services
• Fire protection systems
• Building construction for fire protection
• Fire protection hydraulics & water supply
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Applications for fire research
• Fire service ethics

Students also take six elective courses, seminar courses, an optional internship course and courses that meet college-wide requirements in areas like writing and quantitative reasoning. Together, this requirement adds up to 20 total courses.

Anna Maria College’s online program is intended as a bachelor’s degree completion program. Applicants should have either an associate degree or 60 credits of prior college coursework. Professional work experience and certification in roles like Fire Officer I is also valuable.

Prospective students who want to take their education even further may be interested in Anna Maria College’s fast-track Master of Public Administration program. Under this program, students in their final year of the bachelor’s degree program take some graduate-level courses that apply to both their bachelor’s and master’s programs. This allows them to complete the MPA curriculum in just one additional year of study instead of two. The Master of Public Administration program with a Fire and Emergency Services Specialization includes studies in labor-management relations, policy and strategy and customer service in addition to public policy, strategic planning and executive leadership.

View program details.

The post The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is perhaps most meaningful about this avenue of societal improvement today is that education is no longer limited to the classroom. Students can now earn bachelor’s degrees online and entirely from the comfort of their own home. 

Career paths available to educators have also multiplied over the years, as many industries now employ education professionals in a variety of workplace stratifications to accomplish incredibly diverse tasks depending on their position–some of which are positions that simply did not exist even a decade ago. 

A Degree in Education is a Degree in Versatility

For example, earning a Bachelor’s of Education might lead into a number of different careers such as that of a guidance counselor, a corporate policy education specialist working in a human resources department, or even that of an industry-specific education consultant within the sphere of politics. What is most important to grasp about a degree in education is that it is versatile and can find value within any industry where the exchange of valuable information is streamlined in education.

Put simply, if something can be learned and if there is tangible benefit to that learning, then there is a market for an education professional within that field. The question then becomes, how do you best prepare for a career within your chosen field of specialization? 

Methodology for Ranking Best Undergraduate Education Degrees

To help you choose the best undergraduate bachelor’s degree we have scoured the internet and the hundreds of options therein. To narrow the list from hundreds of options to twenty we structured this ranking according to the following metrics:

• Online Degrees 

Sometimes a traditional degree program presents too many hindrances–in the form of physical location requirements and demanding class schedules. These hindrances are often enough to deter individuals looking to earn a bachelor’s later in life, or those who wish to earn a degree amidst demanding responsibilities in life. With this in mind, we have limited this ranking to online programs which should be most accessible to the largest number of prospective students. 

• Number of Options 

As mentioned above, much of the incredible value of a degree in education is that it can take you almost anywhere. But what this means for students is that they must be able to find a program tailored to where they want to go professionally. With this in mind, we have structured this ranking to direct students towards programs with the most robust offerings in education.  

• Reputation 

Reputation has always been a determining factor in the perceived value of an education. For education professionals this is all the more important, so that future employers and partners will see you as qualified to provide an education for others. With this in mind, we have only ranked schools on this list with stellar national reputations. 

20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Education

1. Valley City State University

Recognized as one of America’s best college for 23 consecutive years by U.S. News, VCSU takes the number one spot for a multitude of reasons. Founded in 1890 as a “normal school” or a teacher’s college, VCSU has become one of the most reputable and respected producers of educators in the country. 

But what really makes VCSU stand out within the context of this ranking is that it has so readily adopted online learning, particularly in undergraduate education. At VCSU you can earn an online Bachelor’s of Education in any of the following seven specializations: business education, career and technical education, elementary education, english education, history education, social science education, and technology education.

This means that VCSU is not only a great destination for students looking to move into traditional careers in k-12 education but also for students interested in more modern paths in technology and business. Further adding to the value of VCSU’s education programs is the robust online graduate programs available as well–meaning students can easily transition from undergraduate to graduate studies entirely from the comfort of home. 

Click here for more info. 

2. Wilmington University

WilmU is one of the rare examples of a school that is able to achieve the size and infrastructure of a larger state school while still maintaining focus on delivering resources to individual students, which is an intimacy more commonly associated with private schools. This is most apparent in the University’s student-to-faculty ratio of 1:17 that is upheld despite the growing size of the student body, which currently sits above 20,000. 

Prospective students of education will be pleased to learn that WilmU is a well-respected destination for all levels of education in K-12. Where WilmU really steps up its offering for these students however, is in its offered specializations within this focus. While many comparable programs would divert resources to create specializations outside the K-12 focus, WilmU doubles down on this focus to allow K-12 educators to become the best at their chosen area of speciality. As such students can pursue any of the following Bachelor’s of Education:

• BS in Early Child Education (preschool)
• BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
• BS in Middle Level Education (6-8)
• BS in Skilled and Technical Sciences 

Click here for more info. 

3. Athens State University

Athens State’s mission is to deliver on its core mantra of “friendly, affordable, and convenient” education. While certainly smaller than many schools on this list–enrolling only about 3,000 students each semester–Athens State University differentiates itself by offering a level of individualized care and support for its students that smaller schools are so often hailed for, which means that despite its smaller size undergraduate students have numerous options in specializing in different fields of education. 

Students have a wealth of fully online bachelor’s of education programs available to them and can choose from the following options: 

• Career and Technical Education
• Educational Studies
• Technical Education: Early Instructor 
• Technical Education: Instructional Design 
• Technical Education: Military Instructor 
• Technical Education: Post-Secondary Instructor 
• Technical Education: Secondary Instructor 

Click here for more info. 

4. Mayville State University

MSU is a school that commits itself to developing students into leaders, a commitment that is all the more important for educators who are implicitly required to lead those who they teach in the classroom. Moreover MSU offers a wealth of fully online and distance-learning bachelor’s degrees to make its programs that much more accessible. 

What makes MSU stand out even more is that its online education programs receive praise and recognition year after year. As a school that jumped on the opportunities of online education many years ago, MSU has had more time than many schools to refine and polish its online offerings. Prospective students can pursue any of the following online undergraduate education programs: 

•  B.A. in Early Childhood 
• B.S.ED. in Early Childhood Education 
• A.A. of Early Childhood
• B.S.ED. in Mathematics Education
• B.S.ED. in Special Education 
• Undergraduate Certificate in Online Digital Teaching

Click here for more info. 

5. University of Missouri

Mizzou is a school that stays ahead of the curve, which is most clearly demonstrated in its handling of online education. Today Mizzou Online offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees, which are delivered with the same commitment to academic rigor and merit that has made Mizzou a distinguished leader of higher education for decades. 

For prospective students of education, Mizzou Online offers a Bachelor of Educational Studies (BES) with an interdepartmental focus. What this means is that while some comparable programs approach education by offering separate and highly specialized programs, Mizzou doubles down on fundamentals, theories, and industry research so that graduates of this one program will be qualified to pursue their own unique career paths. 

Click here for more info. 

6. St. Petersburg College

SPC is known for its top-tier education programs, which deliver such quality that their graduates are offered many benefits right out of the gate including paid internships and a guaranteed job offer within the local school district. SPC employs a combination of highly specialized course curriculum and more generalized theory and elementary education philosophy. 

As such, graduates of these programs will demonstrate both specialized skills in their chosen area of focus and the meta-theory which is crucial in a versatile career in elementary education that might take many different forms. Specifically, the elementary education program consists of two different degree paths, a B.S. in Elementary Education, and an Elite Educator program as a more competitive B.S. in Elementary Education. 

Click here for more info. 

7. University of Cincinnati

UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) offers a host of well-rounded degree programs consisting of both traditional degree programs and fully online alternatives. The CECH operates according to its five central values of innovation, partnership, diversity, leadership, and support. What differentiates UC’s CECH from comparable schools is its commitment to community engagement and activism, that is, even online students will see opportunities fostered by CECH’s outreach program. 

Prospective education students will want to check out the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Bachelor’s program. Students will learn to master the fundamentals of working with young children from the point of birth to age five, and as such will be prepared to work in a variety of positions upon graduation. 

Click here for more info. 

8. University of Alabama

Even if you’re not a ‘Bama football fan you have probably heard of the University of Alabama. And if you haven’t heard of it, its most distinguishing characteristic is its reputation. Alabama is consistently recognized as one of the best places to earn a degree in the Southeastern United States, and over the past ten years has broadened its accessibility to all students who access to the internet through the Bama by Distance initiative. 

The College of Continuing Education offers a fully online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education. Course curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with children from birth to age eight, in order to guide, teach, and develop these children into bright and well-functioning adolescents. While many programs constrict early childhood education to a cutt-off at age 5, this program gives professionals more leeway to work with a wider age range (up to 8 years old).

Click here for more info.

9. Ball State University

BSU has demonstrated its academic excellence year after year which can be measured in its countless awards and rankings. What is most notable about BSU’s accolades is that they tell a pretty clear story: BSU is one of the best options for earning a Bachelor’s degree online, particularly in education. Both the online Bachelor’s and online Master’s of education programs consistently rank among the nations best each year. 

Prospective undergraduate students will be able to earn a fully online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education (ECE). The focus of the curriculum is aimed at working with children from birth to age 5. The program is delivered by award-winning faculty with impressively competitive tuition pricing, making it an excellent option for anyone interested in an ECE career.  

Click here for more info. 

10. University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW Stout employs a philosophy of education which seemingly rests on a core pillar of flexibility in delivering academic excellence. In other words, UW Stout distinguishes itself from its many competitors through the amount of sheer choice offered in its available program paths. Students can choose to earn a reputable degree in a traditional format in the classroom, or online, or in a hybrid combination of the two. Furthermore, classes can be taken fulltime or part-time, so there is a program to fit virtually any lifestyle. 

Prospective students interested in becoming educators have a number of options to choose from–some of which offer all three formats of traditional, online, or hybrid. While some are limited to online, none are limited to traditional, meaning you can enroll in any of the following programs while living anywhere in the country: 

• B.S. in Career and Technical Education and Training
• B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• B.S. in Marketing and Business Education 
• B.S. in Special Education 
• B.S. in Technology Education 

Click here for more info.

11. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

UA Little Rock is a research university that employs curriculum built around two central tenets–real world experience and critical thinking. For this reason, degree programs at UA Little Rock are exceedingly well-known for creating excellent professionals in various fields and industries. 

Of note to this ranking is its recent dedication to developing distance learning programs, which are designed to offer all of the academic rigor and career-focused philosophy of its in-classroom programs without the inconvenience. UA Little Rock offers two main undergraduate education programs that can be completed entirely online. These include a B.S. of Health Promotion and Education, and a B.S.E. in Middle Level Education. 

Click here for more info.

12. University of Southern Mississippi

USM offers a surprisingly diverse host of online degree programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate level with a number of additional certificate programs available as well. It should be made note of that while there is an online undergraduate program in education, the large majority of USM’s online degree offerings are graduate programs.

What’s great about this is that graduate-education-minded students can enroll in the undergraduate program in order to benefit from a seamless transition into their graduate studies. And even if this is not your plan, the online B.S. of Elementary Education stands on its own merit. What distinguishes this program is that it delivers a curriculum specialized for teacher’s assistants, so that students can get into a classroom and in front of students as efficiently as possible. 

Click here for more info. 

13. University of Wisconsin-Superior

Founded in 1893 as a “normal school” or teacher’s college, UW Superior has built a tradition of academic achievement in its students and professional success in its graduates who go on to become teachers. Given the success of its traditional programs, it should be no surprise that its online degree program expansions have been met with similar praise. 

Around 90% of graduates from these programs find employment as PK-12 educators, while others go on to pursue graduate education or to work in the private sector. The three primary online undergraduate degree paths are as follows: 

• Elementary Education (k-9)
• Early Childhood Education 
• Special Education 

Click here for more info. 

14. Western Governors University

WGU Tennessee represents a partnership between WGU and the state of Tennessee that was built on the promise of connecting distance learning technology with top-tier education in order to give students more ways to jumpstart their careers efficiently and affordably. WGU’s education program leads the nation in producing STEM teachers, which are often the most demanding teaching positions. 

The main online undergraduate program in education is offered in the form of a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. While some programs only prepare students for pursuing licensure within the state of the parent-program, WGU’s B.A. in Elementary Education is designed to prepare graduates for earning licensure in all 50 states. 

Click here for more info. 

15. Western New Mexico University

WNMU offers a variety of online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. What really sets it apart though is its exemplary commitment to supporting online education. This commitment is demonstrated most clearly in the following features: 24/7 technical support, 24/7 online tutoring, and fully online student advisors provided to each student. WNMU is combining all the technology and digital functionalities of the modern age to bring online education to the next level. 

WNMU further distinguishes itself by not only offering highly supported online degree programs, but also by offering programs in a diverse range of subjects. Students interested in an online Bachelor’s of Education will be able to choose from any of the following options:

• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education 
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education 
• Bachelor of Mathematics Education 
• Baccalaureate in Secondary Education 
• Bachelor of Science in Special Education 

Click here for more info. 

16. Granite State College

Despite its relatively recent inception, GSC has carved out an excellent reputation for its online education programs. GSC was founded on the idea of providing top-tier affordable degree programs for adult learners. This means that GSC offers a remarkable number of student-friendly policies such as a flexible credit-transfer system, flexible course formats, and competency-based testing. 

In the case of the education student, all of these systems and policies are designed to get the student into the classroom as a professional educator as quickly as possible. GSU accomplishes this fast-paced education without sacrificing quality by focusing on specific areas of study within k-12 education. Students interested in a career-focused and fast-paced undergraduate program in education can pursue any of the following options: 

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies – Education and Training 
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts 
• Bachelor of Arts in Math Studies 
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies 

Click here for more info. 

17. North Carolina A & T State University

NC A&T University recently celebrated its 129th anniversary in higher education. NC A&T has used each of those years to build toward realizing a single mission–that is, offering quality education that uses state of the art technology. This mission is finally being realized due to the University’s recent expansion into online education. NC A&T offers relatively few degree programs and certificates as compared to many of its counterparts, however this limited focus represents a strategic commitment of resources to ensure its fewer programs have the highest quality. 

Specifically within the education, NC A&T offers a degree specialization which is relatively rare, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. While this specialization will be of niche interest, the program’s curriculum is delivered by some of the country’s top agriculture education researchers, and as such represents one of the best options for those interested in building a career in this area. 

Click here for more info. 

18. Fort Hays State University

Over one hundred years ago, FHSU began by helping rural teachers with the professional development they needed to increase the expansion of education in areas that needed it. Today FHSU is carrying forward that history by offering both affordable and efficient education available to prospective teachers at the graduate and undergraduate level. One distinguishing factor of FHSU is that it displays a sincere dedication to providing top of the line education technology, so distance learning students can expect the industry’s best. 

FHSU offers undergraduate education programs focused on cultivating expertise in prospective teachers of k-12 with each degree path representing an area of  focus. These areas of focus are delivered in these Bachelors of Science in Education: 

• Early Child Unified 
• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Elementary Education (K-6 / Special Education)
• Secondary Education

Click here for more info. 

19. University of the Cumberlands

With a rich history dating back to 1913, the University of the Cumberlands offers students a number of reasons to consider pursuing one of its degrees. A reputation for stellar education programs and academic excellence in its students has driven a widely held respect for the University of the Cumberlands. Among its alumni are university presidents, five military generals, judges, and many more professionals of outstanding character and achievement. 

In the case of its program for education, the undergraduate degree on offer is a fully online Elementary Education degree. While some comparable programs break up the areas of focus within elementary education into separate degree paths, the University of the Cumberlands offers one degree with several options for teaching specializations such as the following: 

• English/Communications
• Interdisciplinary
• Social and Behavioral Studies
• Special Education

Click here for more info. 

20. Southern Utah University

SUU positions itself with a passionate stance in its education philosophy in educating the future generations of teachers. That is, SUU is staunchly opposed to social injustice within the realm of the education system, and as such prospective students can expect curriculum to incorporate techniques, strategies, and histories relevant to combatting and correcting such injustice. 

Specifically, this philosophy is incorporated in a fully online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education. This program is designed to prepare graduates for teaching K-8 within the school system of their desired locale. It should be noted that applicants will need to be endorsed by the applicant’s local k-6 school that will allow the applicant to complete practicum assignments specific to that school–since the SUU Elementary Education program was originally designed specifically for the Utah school system. 

Click here for more info. 

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post The 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A complaint lodged against liberal arts programs is that they are lofty, artsy operations that enforce a disconnected way of thinking about reality. The truth is that a liberal arts school is just simply not for everyone. Some students will thrive in an environment that encourages the philosophical integration of one’s studies while others might prefer to stick to purely quantitative considerations of a technical school.

The counterargument is that thinking is a skill, as much as math skills or any trade skill. A liberal arts program enforces a format of thinking that trains students to solve problems with creativity and originality–and well, problem solving is a central concern of any effort in life, professional or otherwise. And today, the stigma surrounding online education is nearly non-existent and totally negligible when it comes to online degrees from reputable schools.

The Allure of a Liberal Arts Master’s 

The allure of a liberal arts master’s degree is that at the level of depth that one reaches in graduate school, programs incorporate comprehensive examinations of topics in both qualitative and quantitative formats. This can be an excellent approach to research-heavy or calculations-dense subjects, because it allows students to incorporate highly logical knowledge in a student’s unique personal perspective. In a sense, it allows room for a student to make knowledge their own. 

And in subjects that are innately philosophical–such as anthropology, psychology, or legal studies–a liberal arts education in second to none. Oftentimes the reasoning behind a concept is more important than memorizing the concept itself. And this is exactly what an advanced liberal arts degree will teach you–not just what the core concepts of a subject are, but how these concepts were arrived at in the first place. 

Moreover a liberal arts degree from one of the schools on this list will confer tremendous academic and professional clout. As mentioned above a liberal arts degree is a program that teaches you how to solve problems, and this is doubly true of a liberal arts Master’s which is able to develop actionable expertise in students so that they are prepared to tackle real world problems. 

Top Online Liberal Arts Master’s 

1. Rutgers University

Rutgers University’s liberal arts programs provide the tremendously valuable balance of a liberal arts program with a career-centric scope of focus. Students of Rutgers programs are taught how to think, but more importantly are taught how to think in a way that generates actionable results on one’s career. One needs to only look at the extensive catalogue of alumni–who are not only leaders but innovators in their respective fields–to see the Rutgers’ liberal arts philosophy validated. 

The Rutgers Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program can be completed entirely online or on-campus, and is meant to inspire intellectual engagement. The purpose of the program is highly flexible, and can be tailored to reflect a professional’s unique interests–whether that be to increase one’s qualifications, to broaden one’s understanding of a particular subject, or to improve one’s competitiveness in the job market. 

Students of the program will participate in a comprehensive philosophical and quantitative examination of the following subjects: 

• Literature
• History
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Social sciences
• Arts

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2. University of North Carolina – Greensboro 

UNC Greensboro is one of the original three schools of the UNC system, which was originally established to offer doctoral degrees. UNC Greensboro’s established history in providing advanced studies of the arts and sciences contributes to a strong reputation and academic clout. 

Specifically students can earn a Master of Arts in Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) that can be completed entirely through online coursework. The program challenges traditional conceptions of what an arts and sciences education format means. The ‘applied arts and sciences’ designation refers to the programs focus on actionable, project-based learning where students will build the skills that are most valued in the real world workforce. 

The program looks to balance theoretical and intellectual explorations of subjects with data-based learning and the quantitative evaluations of key-areas of interest, specifically of interest to future employers. In other words, UNC Greensboro looks to provide the quintessential arts and sciences graduate education, while positioning students for professional success. 

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3. Harvard University

There is a reason that Harvard University is a household name synonymous with academic excellence and paramount professional achievement. Harvard’s alumni have gone on to become presidents, governors, generals, and CEOs of the most influential companies in our economy. Its faculty are leading experts in their field, often setting the paradigms which are followed for years, or even decades, to come. 

With the advent of online education, Harvard has expanded its degree program options to be accessible by students all over the world. The Harvard Extension School is designed specifically to accommodate working students and adult learners who are self-directed and responsible students. 

Specifically, students can earn a Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies in one of twenty areas of study. Most relevant to this list is the Arts Literature & Media program where students can pursue the building of speciality in any of the following areas:

• Creative Writing & Literature
• Dramatic Arts
• English
• Journalism
• Museum Studies

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4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is an innovative force in higher education, and has spurred tremendous growth in the sector of professional advancement for adult learners. ASU designs degree programs to reflect industry trends and employer expectations, so that program graduates are perfectly positioned to capitalize on market opportunities. 

ASU offers an Online Master of Liberal Studies through the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Students of the program will explore a comprehensive integration of the humanities with key scientific queries across various cultural contexts. 

The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts empowers students to pursue personal and professional areas of interest through independent research projects. In fact, the College expended $140 million toward research projects and initiatives. For students looking to delve deeply into a specific area of interest, ASU is a top-notch program. 

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5. University of Michigan – Flint

The University of Michigan Flint is dedicated to providing students with affordable options for professional and academic advancement. Particularly, a formative pillar of UM Flint’s online programs is providing “affordable excellence” so that students can pursue professional dreams without sacrificing financial stability. Online program tuitions can be brutal for out-of-state tuitions, but UM Flint offers an out-of-state tuition that is just 10% more than in-state, a tremendously affordable rate. 

UM Flint offers a fully online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in American Culture. The program is offered through the nationally renowned Rackham School of Graduate Studies, which is acclaimed for its student-centric curriculums and free-form independent research. 

Students of the Liberal Studies in American Culture program will cover interdisciplinary explorations of various subjects, most of which will be chosen by individuals to reflect unique professional goals and interests. 

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6. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) demonstrates consumer-friendly, student-focused policies and strategies that nurture students in their striving for success. University assets are commonly reinvested into student research projects or expansions into new degree programs. This student-focused educational philosophy is particularly present in the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) Degree program. 

The 31 credit MLS degree program is designed to be flexible, so that busy students and working adults can complete coursework amidst even the busiest of schedules. Coursework is designed to represent industry trends and market opportunities, where students can choose specific degree concentrations that will enhance one’s professional position. 

Available concentration options depend on the current industry trends, but currently students can delve into any of the following concentration tracks: 

• Global Studies
• Corporate Communications
• Literary Arts
• Political Leadership
• Public Administration
• Health Sciences

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7. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University School of Professional Studies (SPL) is an institution of advanced higher education that specializes in providing top-end preparation at the graduate and postgraduate level. These programs emphasize the transition from ‘theory to practice’ that is so crucial to facilitating professional success in students with a liberal arts background, while catering to the busy schedules of working students and adult learners. Students can take advantage of this tremendous flexibility to progress through programs in a format that best matches one’s schedule–choosing from asynchronous, synchronous and hybrid formats. 

The Stony Brook University School of Professional Studies offers a fully online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. The program functions on a core tenet, that is that students excel professionally when their studies promote personal growth as well. 

Emphasizing this student-centric philosophy is the program’s commitment to empowering students to design their own curriculums. Specifically, students will choose from a robust catalogue of interdisciplinary topics and string them together in such a way as to most effectively lay the foundation to one’s chosen career focus 

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8. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis global degrees program (UofM Global) is an internationally recognized and attended institution that prioritizes flexible and affordable education. UofM Global leads the charge in ‘best practices’ for online education, providing students with 24/7 student support services. These services ensure that students are able to make the most of their time in the program, while enjoying the same care and personalized counseling that on-campus students receive. 

The UofM Global College of Professional & Liberal Studies Human Resources offers programs in the following areas: Leadership, Liberal Studies (Master level), Liberal Studies (Doctor level), Strategic Leadership, and Training and Development. The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) is completed entirely through online coursework at a pace and schedule that best accommodates students. 

Students will also tailor coursework to reflect their desired area of expertise or career focus through submitting an academic proposal. Academic advisors will then structure particular students’ curriculum to facilitate building the necessary expertise.  

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9. SUNY College at Brockport

Founded in 1835 in the College at Brockport boasts a storied history of academic excellence. The College now offers a host of more than 50 graduate degrees and advanced professional certification program options. Brockport is dedicated to providing students advanced degree options with exceptional value and academic merit. 

The College at Brockport offers students a fully online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Students of the program will engage in a comprehensive exploration of perspectives through the lens of the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. 

A distinguishing element of this program is its flexible curriculum that is meant to empower students to pursue key topics of professional interest. To put this flexibility in perspective, the core curriculum of the 30 credit program takes up only 12 credits, while students will choose 18 credits worth of electives coursework to complete the program with a desired concentration. 

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10. University of Massachusetts

UMass Online is an industry leader in online education with an established history in distance learning programs dating back more than 25 years. Today, more than 180 UMass degrees are available online delivered through 1500 courses annually. UMass Online is managed by some of the most prestigious faculty in higher ed who hold distinction such as the following:

• Pulitzer Prize
• Nobel Prize
• National Book Award for Poetry
• Draper Award in Engineering

UMass Online offers a liberal arts type degree that doubles down on analytical foundations. Specifically, students can earn a Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking (CCT) that can be completed entirely online. The program is designed to groom the next generation of thinkers who are able generate positive change in their environments. 

The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare students to excel in any industry or discipline. This flexible curriculum builds student expertise through the following research projects: Processes of Research and Engagement; Action Research for Educational, Professional & Personal Change; and Synthesis of Theory and Practice.

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11. SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire was established in 1971 to break the mold of higher education by designing an education program around mentorship-based learning. By providing counsel and advisement services, students are able to make the most of their time in each degree program. Faculty mentorship is meant to not only help students integrate knowledge more readily, but also to help students frame what they learn in terms of professional actionability. 

SUNY Empire offers a fully online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Students of the program will design coursework to reflect particular career goals and interests. The program culminates in a comprehensive final project that is meant to fulfill a dual-purpose of demonstrating students’ expertise and functioning as the start of a professional portfolio that works to showcase this expertise to future employers and collaborators. 

Before delving deeply into one’s individual area of expertise, students will build foundational knowledge in the following subjects:

• Seminar in Liberal Studies
• Perspectives on Interdisciplinary Study
• Literature Review: Explore the research relevant to chosen concentration

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12. American Public University

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, American Public University (APU) offers more than 200 degrees and certifications. The average APU student is 32 years old and 88% of students are working adults–APU’s key demographic. The University looks to assist working adults in advancing careers and actualizing professional goals. 

The APU School of Arts and Humanities offers a fully online Master of Arts in Humanities. Students of the program will tread the path of comprehensive study of arts, sciences, and philosophies from antiquity to modern day. 

Unlike many of the programs on this list, the Master of Arts in Humanities employs a more structured curriculum. Students will progress through topics and projects in an order and cadence that is meant to enhance each subsequent topic respectively. 

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13. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is an internationally renowned institution of research-based education. Few degrees will confer the clout that a degree from JHU will, and this is for good reason. JHU faculty are responsible for industry-defining research and paradigm shifting practices in various fields and disciplines. At JHU students can enjoy confidence that they are learning from the best of the best. 

The John Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences prepares students to excel in careers and thrive as professionals. The Krieger School offers a fully online Master of Liberal Arts that is the first of its kind. The program is designed to inspire intellectual expansion, build analytical expertise, and facilitate professional competence in interdisciplinary projects and problem solving. 

Specifically, students will progress through unique and inspiring topics in the following courses:

• Deep Ecology: Environmental Ethic
• Philosophy of Beauty
• Existentialism: Philosophy and Social Critique
• Critical Theory
• Race and Jazz
• Social History of Medicine
• What is History?
• Ways of Knowing: Historical and Epistemological Foundations of the Liberal Arts

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14. Western New Mexico University

Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to servicing adult learners and underprivileged students through consumer-friendly and student-centric policies. WNMU’s student body is more than 50% hispanic and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

WNMU students can earn a fully online Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. The program is designed to enhance one’s professional or academic endeavors by building targeted academic concentrations in key areas. Specifically students will choose between two program format options. 

Students can choose between either a 2-concentration track or a 3-concentration track. WNMU allows students to build concentrations around any other existing degree track programs. This level of academic freedom is virtually unparalleled and allows students to truly build unique degree programs. 

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15. Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University (TCU) is unique in that it looks to preserve traditional chrisitan values in modern educational philosophies. Particularly in the TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts was founded way back in 1869 on the idea of providing students simultaneous cultivation and advancement–both as students and as men and women. 

The TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts offers a fully online Master of Liberal Arts program designed to accommodate both lifelong learners and ambitious professionals looking to broaden their intellectual horizons. Students will choose from a catalogue of research opportunities and electives to build expertise in targeted areas. 

Some examples of course topics include: world cultures, the American cinema, parapsychology, music history, or the American West. Research projects provide the additional depth and flexibility for students to establish expertise outside of available electives. 

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16. Union Institute and University

Union Institute and University offers students avenues for professional advancement and intellectual empowerment. Few universities boast a vision that is so innately aligned with the core tenets of liberal arts philosophy. At Union students learn from faculty who challenge students to see issues from new cross-cultural perspectives to engage in creative problem solving. 

Union’s Online Master’s program is designed to jumpstart students’ careers through meaningful coursework. Union graduate students will learn from expert faculty who have real-world professional experience, who dip into cutting-edge research to inform students’ direction of study. For students looking to stay on top of industry trends and needs, Union is a great option. 

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17. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma (UO) Extended Campus leverages the extensive academic resources of the University of Oklahoma to offer world class online education to students from countries around the globe. UO Extended Campus is built around six central values: quality, integrity, innovation, inclusivity, student-focus, and service-focus. 

UO Extended Campus offers a Master of Arts in Integrated Studies that is designed to employ graduate level analysis to explore various disciplines and topics of research. Students of the program will become particularly skillful in academic and analytical writing. Students will write about various theoretical, historical, and cultural issues to glean valuable conclusions. 

Students will progress through coursework in the following topics:

• Research methods in interdisciplinary studies
• Addressing diversity in the United States
• Volunteering in the 21st century
• Interdisciplinary studies foundations
• Cultural communication in leadership
• Volunteer management

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18. Kent State University

Kent State University Online is a pioneer of online education and distance learning programs. Kent State Online offered its first online degree program more than 15 years ago, and today offers more than 60 program options. Kent State Online services students from around the globe with flexible programs that can be engaged anytime or anywhere. 

Kent State Online students can earn a Master of Liberal Studies through the College of Arts and Sciences’ Center for Comparative and Integrative Programs. This program is arguably the most flexible program on this list. Students are only required to take one preformatted course–just one! 

The remainder of coursework is chosen from an extensive catalogue of electives and research projects. This flexibility allows students to pursue virtually any line of study in order to build a targeted professional expertise. The program consists of 30 credit hours with class start-dates in January, May, and August. 

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19. Adams State University

Adams State University is built around the concept of the “Adams Experience,” which refers to the idea that a true education isn’t bound by classroom walls–it occurs when students engage with the world around them and integrate into their lives what’s being learned in the classroom. The “Adams Experience” will be of particular interest to students who wish to enroll in a program authentically rooted in liberal arts philosophy. 

While not a traditional liberal arts degree path, Adams State University offers a Master of Arts in Public Administration. Coursework is largely organized around core liberal arts concepts and theories, but with the foundational commitment to grooming students for positions of leadership in the public-services sector. 

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20. University of Toledo

UToledo Online has been servicing distance learners for more than 20 years and today offers more than 50 fully online degrees and certifications. These programs are designed to accommodate working students and adult learners who will benefit most from being able to complete coursework anytime or anywhere. Programs are designed to be innately flexible with fewer coursework requirements than other schools so that students can focus on topics that are most valuable in the context of individual career goals. 

This is particularly true of UToledo’s Online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Students will engage in broad course topics that provide opportunities for research and exploration in student-centric projects. Students can build toward specialization by organizing projects to reflect professional aspirations and career goals. Course topics include the social sciences, visual and performing arts, natural sciences, the humanities, and interdisciplinary research methods. 

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The post The 20 Best Online Masters in Liberal Arts Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market of special education is set to grow 8% by 2026, making it one of the fastest growing teaching positions in the US. Though as opportunities grow, so does the competition looking to capitalize on them. 

The most lucrative and prestigious teaching positions are reserved for only the most qualified educators. Building the necessary expertise to claim these positions will require either a well-established work history in a representative school district or an advanced degree in education. 

The field of advanced special education research continues to grow year after year, as the tangential sciences of neuroscience and psychology generate greater insights to aid in the educator’s task. With this in mind, there has never been a better time to earn a Master’s in Special Education–where you can build mastery over even the most advanced sciences in order to become a better teacher for your students. 

A General Master’s V. Specialization 

When deciding to pursue a Master’s in special education the next major consideration is whether a general curriculum best matches your career goals, or if you might be better served enrolling in a program with specialized areas of focus. 

A general Master’s in Special Ed curriculum will likely work best for teachers who want to work in a variety of roles and school environments. On the other hand, a specialized Master’s in Special Ed will aid teachers in building the expertise needed to pursue specific teaching jobs, such as educators looking to work specifically with children who battle autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

School Ranking Methodology 

Unfortunately not all degree programs are created equal. Faculty resumes, program graduation rates, and alumni career outcomes all contribute to the reputation of the program. And the reputation of a degree program weighs heavily on the perceived value of the degree upon entering the workforce. 

While certainly a somewhat truncated process, it is still crucial to evaluate your degree program to ensure there is a return on investment. But don’t worry–we have done the leg for you and combed through hundreds of programs and filtered them down to the best of the best by way of the following methodology:

• Reputation 

We determined the program’s reputation through an aggregate score consisting of other rankings and accolades. 

• Number of Specializations

A graduate degree is often the highest degree one will earn in life, so it is crucial that the program offers the options for specialization that meets one’s long term career goals. 

• Graduation Rate 

A graduate degree is a huge investment of time, effort, and money. Whether students commit to a degree program until graduation is–at least partially–a good marker for the value and quality of the program. 

25 Best Online Master’s in Special Education

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a national leader in creating the next generation of educators. UF’s College of Education offers a number of education degrees housed in the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood. Among these degree offerings is a Master’s of Education in Special Education through the Teach Well program. 

This program focuses on preparing educators to not only excel as special ed teachers, but to function as role models and advocates for their students. The Teach Well Special Ed program can be completed in just two years through taking two courses per semester (including Summer). The program can be completed entirely online so as to accommodate the busy schedules of working teachers. 

Further distinguishing UF’s Teach Well program is the availability of specialization tracks. Students can choose any of the following areas of focus:

• Foundations of Literacy: Development and Dyslexia 
• Dyslexia: Language and the Brain
• Dyslexia: Assessment for Intervention 
• Dyslexia: Intervention Methods 
• Dyslexia: Practicum in Assessment and Intervention 

Click here to learn more. 

2. Indiana University – Bloomington

Indiana University – Bloomington is regularly recognized for employing the best teachers of the state. And who better to teach the next generation of educators? Bloomington is a hotspot for students pursuing a degree in education at any level–from certificates and licensure programs to undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate options. 

Particularly of note is the M.S.ED. in Special Education which offers both a traditional-residential option and a fully online option. A primary mission of this program is to prepare educators to work with mild-to-high-incidence disabilities across various contexts of engagement. Students can also choose whether to earn a licensure in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention during their time in the program. 

Given the exceptional reputation of Bloomington and its faculty, this program will prepare you to accomplish any of your career goals as a professional educator. 

Click here to learn more.

3. University of Washington

The University of Washington is one of those schools that can really elevate your teaching career to the next level. What makes UW stand apart from the rest is its stellar faculty and commitment to industry-relevant research. That is, most of UW’s education faculty are instructors by night and professionals by day. So students can take pride in knowing that they are learning materials which are really useful to professional success in the workforce. 

Specifically UW offers a fully online Master’s of Education in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis. While preparing students to become top notch special ed teachers, the program simultaneously prepares students to become a board certified behavior analyst. 

RELATED: The 20 Best ABA Online Masters Programs (Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees)

This program is an unparalleled opportunity for any student who wishes to participate more directly in the diagnostic elements of special education. As a teacher with a behavior analyst certification, you will be able to take on a more active role in the lives of your students. 

Click here to learn more.

4. Purdue University

What is great about Purdue University’s special education program is that it fully commits to not only developing skills to teach children with special needs, but it also fully committed to the belief that special needs children have exceptional potential–a potential that can be unlocked when special education professionals do their job to the fullest. 

With this in mind, Purdue has developed a Master’s of Special Education (MSEd) program that is meant to do just that–unlock the potential of children with special needs. In order to prepare educators for this responsibility, the program offers numerous concentration options. So that upon graduation students will be confident to work with a specific set of challenges that their students face. 

The MSEd program can be completed entirely online, and the available areas of concentration are as follows:

• Non-Licensure (Master’s only)
• Initial Mild Only Licensure 
• Initial Mild & Intense Licensure 
• Additional Mild Only Licensure
• Additional Mild & Intense Licensure 
• Additional Intense Only Licensure 

Click here to learn more.

5. George Washington University

GWU is located in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and as such is one of the most well-connected schools of higher education in the world. Education students at GWU will be plugged into the most prominent research institutions and will engage with communities that actively change local and national education policy. 

As an educator there are very few options that will offer such a jumpstart to a prestigious career. GWU ensures this jumpstart by narrowing the program focus to only on what the faculty can teach at the highest level. Specifically, GWU offers a Master’s of Arts in Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners.  

If you are interested in a special education career that works to include students from all cultures and backgrounds, this program might be the ideal opportunity. Specializing in cultural and linguistic diversity opens up career opportunities in jobs such as the following: 

• Compliance Coordinator 
• Curriculum Development for Special Education 
• Policy Research
• Diversity Coordinator 

Click here to learn more.

6. Michigan State University

MSU’s College of Education proudly boasts of more than 57,000 alumni, a group of industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. The College of Education focuses on global and urban education, specifically in developing a philosophy of education that prioritizes evidenced-based practices and values innovation of any outdated methods. 

With such a focus on the future of education, MSU is a great option for any student who desires to make positive change in the industry. Graduates of MSU will also have the background in research and the reputational clout that is required to make such change. 

MSU’s College of Education offers a fully online Master of Arts in Special Education, with a number of specializations and graduate certification options such as the following: 

• Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Specialization in Learning Disabilities (LD)
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis 

Click here to learn more.

7. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

NCSU at Raleigh is a rare example of a state institution with longstanding traditions of excellence that has migrated its degree offerings to formats that grant accessibility to the greatest number of students. That is, NCSU Raleigh offers residential programs, fully-online programs, and hybrid programs that combine elements of both. 

NCSU Raleigh’s College of Education offers a Master’s of Education in Special Education with all three program track options. Moreover students can choose whether they wish to enroll in the program fulltime in order to complete the program in just 1.5 years. Otherwise students can complete the program on a part-time schedule in order to accommodate more demanding personal responsibilities.

Click here to learn more.

8. Holy Family University

Many educators cite their faith as one of the primary drivers of their passion for working with children of special needs. With this in mind, HFU is a great option for prospective students interested in earning a graduate degree in education within the Catholic belief system. Founded in the 1950s HFU is a relatively young University that has had no trouble building national recognition for its ability to cultivate top-tier educators.

These educators are produced through a number of programs, but of most note in the context of this ranking is the Master’s of Education. Students can complete this program in two primary capacities–either by completing the master’s with an area of specialization, or if the student already holds a Master’s of Education they can choose to earn only the specialized certification. 

Students in the program can choose any of the following specializations or certifications:

• Special Education 
• Reading Specialist 
• Education Administration (Pennsylvania Principal Certification)
• ESL Program Specialist 
• Autism Endorsement 

Click here to learn more.

9. Bethel University

Founded in 1871, Bethel University is one of the premier faith-based institutions of higher education in the country, particularly in the case of earning a degree in education. Bethel University embodies an evangelical doctrine of Christianity, which sees the path of education as a calling to fulfill God’s mission. As one might imagine, this means that Bethel devotes tremendous resources to offering a top-notch education program. 

Specifically Bethel offers a Master of Arts in Special Education. One distinguishing element of this program’s curriculum is its focus on compassion-based teaching philosophy. That is, Bethel clearly looks to cultivate a generation of educators who are both passionate and compassionate in life and the classroom alike. 

Students of the program can pursue specialization in any of the following degrees:

• Learning Disabilities 
• Emotional Behavioral Disorders 
• Other Health Disabilities 
• Developmental Cognitive Disabilities 
• Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Click here to learn more.

10. Saint Joseph’s University

SJU is a Jesuit institution with a stellar record of academic excellence going back 160 years. Today SJU holds an alumni group of more than 66,000, consisting of many organizational leaders, innovators of technology, and nationally recognized educators. A defining element of SJU’s philosophy is its pride in community and commitment to collaborative networking–at SJU your fellow alumni are more than just a professional network; they are a family, which is an ideal that many universities strive for but fall short on. 

SJU offers a fully online Master of Science in Special Education that delivers a curriculum based on the Response to Instruction and Intervention program (RtII). This program is a research-based initiative that has demonstrated measurable success in school systems across America. 

Furthermore students can tailor their degree to match career goals by pursuing a specialization in any of the following areas:

• Applied Behavior Analysis 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement 
• Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness for PK-12 Endorsement 
• Wilson Reading System Certification 
• Special Education Certification 

Click here to learn more.

11. Ball State University

BSU is an exceptional institution that spearheaded the development of online degree offerings before many other comparable universities. What this means is that they have been able to finetune their online degree protocols and curriculums to ensure that students receive the best education possible. 

Some distinguishing elements of BSU’s online degree programs include individually assigned online advisors to guide students in decision making, and a guarantee that the faculty in the classroom is the same faculty delivering online education. So students can rest assured that they are receiving the same education as their peers in the classroom. 

BSU offers a fully online Master of Arts in Special Education with the following graduate certificate options: 

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Autism 
• Disabilities for Postsecondary Settings with an Emphasis in Autism
• Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Certificate 
• Multi-Tier System of Supports / Response to Intervention 

Click here to learn more.

12. George Mason University

Currently enrolling more than 37,000 students, GMU is Virginia’s largest public research institution and has been recognized as one of the top research universities in the nation for its contribution to various industries. This focus on research is continued even in its education programs where future teachers learn the most cutting-edge techniques for creating a productive and healthy classroom for those who need it most.

A distinguishing factor of GMU’s fully-online Master of Special Education program is that its curriculum is designed for educators to work with special needs children and adults alike. That is, graduates of this program will be able to work in special education programs for individuals of all ages. 

In order to build expertise in a certain area of this career, the program offers two graduate degree certification paths in the form of an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, and Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate. 

Click here to learn more.

13. University of Missouri

Mizzou Online offers more than 150 graduate, undergraduate, and certification programs to distance learners around the country, and around the world for that matter. Despite the size of its online education program, Mizzou guarantees that the same faculty who teach in the classroom will deliver the course online to distance learning students. This works to alleviate any worries online students might have about receiving a ‘lesser’ education than their on-campus peers. 

Mizzou Online offers a Master of Arts in Special Education that consists of 33 credit hours and can be completed on a part-time or full-time schedule. This flexibility will be of particular value to any employed educator looking to earn this degree amidst a demanding work schedule. Similar degree options are as follows: 

• Master of Education in Autism 
• Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 
• Master of Education in Gifted Education

If you are a first, second, or third year teacher in a school district partnered with MPER then you might qualify for a scholarship that pays a whopping 50% of the Master of Special Education program’s tuition.  

Click here to learn more.

14. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is one of the most well known institutions of higher education in the southeast United States. Known for its rich history and its zealous football community, it has also demonstrated its proficiency at generating some of the best teachers in the country–who are commonly recognized with various accolades in school districts around the nation.

In recent years, UAB dedicated resources to developing its online degree offerings which are now housed under the Bama By Distance program. Of these degrees is the Master of Arts in Special Education that can be completed entirely online. This program prepares educators for taking on classrooms in the k-12 range. 

Students can choose which age group they wish to specialize in working with by choosing one of two graduate certification options–either a Collaborative K-6 Certificate, or a Collaborative K-12 Certificate. 

Click here to learn more.

15. University of Houston

The UH College of Education is a tier one research institution, known for its innovative work across numerous areas of research. An impressive example of this dedication to research is its “50 in 5” initiative, which aims to increase scholarly activity by 50% in five years–a figure that is all the more ambitious when you consider that UH is already one of the most productive research universities in the country. 

Within the context of its education programs, UH is pushing forward a model for community engagement that will be of interest to any teacher who enjoys connecting with local communities. The Advancing Community Engagement and Service Institute looks for opportunities to put research to work in local communities, which often allows education students to work in local schools or other teaching capacities to develop expertise that they might not find otherwise. 

Students can earn a Master of Education in Special Populations entirely through UH’s online classroom technology, and may choose from any of the following concentration options, though some have at least partial on-campus requirements: 

• Special Education Emphasis (Online)
• Special Education Certification Emphasis (Hybrid)
• Educational Diagnostician Certification Emphasis (Hybrid) 
• Gifted and Talented Emphasis (Online)
• Special Education Leadership Emphasis (Hybrid)

Click here to learn more.

16. University of North Dakota

Few institutions can claim a more rich history in distance education than UND, which began its first distance education program back in 1911 by offering coursework through mail correspondence. Today though, UND has taken online education to the next level by offering a combination of flexible coursework and real time online classroom events that allows students to interact with the instructor as if they were in a traditional classroom. 

UND offers an impressive Master’s of Special Education that distinguishes itself in the available degree paths on offer. That is, students may choose to build specialization in any of the following nine areas: 

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Also offered as a certificate 
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
• General Special Education (GSE)
• Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
• Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
• Learning Disabilities (LD)
• Special Education Strategist (SES)
• Visual Impairment (VI) (This is the only online VI program in the country)

Click here to learn more.

17. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

SRU began as a “normal school” or teacher’s college in 1889, and has committed itself to cultivating some of our schools’ best teachers. In recent years SRU has redoubled its efforts to deliver an education curriculum to prospective teachers by developing a robust online degree program. 

SRU offers both a Master of Education in Special Education and a Doctorate of Education in Special Education, making it an excellent option for any students who would benefit from a seamless transition into postgraduate study. Within the Master’s program students have a number of options to develop specialization in any of the following areas: 

• Master of Education – Special Education (Birth to Grade 8)
• Master of Education – Special Education (Grades 7 to 12)
• Master of Education – Special Education Supervisor
• Master of Education – Special Education (Autism) 
• Autism Endorsement 

Click here to learn more.

18. Georgia College and State University

GCSU began as a women’s educational center in 1889 and has striven to build independent and driven professionals ever since. Today, GCSU distinguishes itself through an impressive commitment to community engagement and self-actualization. That is, GCSU faculty work hard to help students realize their potential and how to reach that potential. 

GCSU offers a variety of online degree programs based on career-focused objectives. Among these is both a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, and a Master of Education in Special Education, though only the former is completed entirely online. 

Click here to learn more.

19. Webster University

Webster University might just be the most unique institution on this ranking. Webster is a global, private, non-profit university that clearly values diversity and inclusivity, as it hosts students from more than 100 students outside of the United States. Webster attracts such a diverse student body due to its focus on delivering curriculums within a global context, that is, it tends to avoid falling into the educational trappings of a university bound by cultural myopia. 

For any student looking to learn more about education and teaching philosophy within a global context that incorporates many different cultural virtues, this might be the ideal place to earn a graduate degree. Students can earn a Master of Arts in Special Education, or a Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Special Education. 

Beyond these two primary degree paths, students can choose to specialize in any of the following areas: 

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Dyslexia
• Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
• Severe Developmental Disabilities
• Trauma-Informed Education and Intervention

Click here to learn more.

20. Texas Tech University

TTU provides a high level of choice and flexibility to its distance learning students by offering online programs for individuals K-12, for those interested in bachelor’s and master’s programs, and for lifelong learners looking to build a new skill set or earn a professional certification. 

Of particular note is the fully online Master of Education in Special Education, which is offered through the TTU College of Education. This graduate program empowers its students to pursue the exact area study that best matches career goals and personal interests by offering a . As such, students can choose from any of the following specializations: 

• Autism 
• Applied Behavior Analysis 
• Deafblindness
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Educational Diagnostician
• Generic Special Education
• Orientation and Mobility
• Visual Impairment

Click here to learn more.

The post The 20 Best Masters’ in Special Education Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

As colleges and universities work to attract more students, the variety of bachelor’s degrees made available to students has increased over time. With this rapid increase in available degree programs comes a unique problem. With more choices comes more confusion as many students are unsure which degree programs are worth pursuing and which degree programs best match their educational needs and desires. Gone are the days of limited choices. As more competition has entered into the market so have more options.

For students interested in the best online bachelor’s degree, DegreeQuery has compiled a list of our twenty-five favorite online bachelor’s degrees. On this list you will find degree programs that we have determined will provide students with an education of value that will also increase student’s chances of gainful employment. In determining which programs to feature on this list, we took into consideration the projected job growth and median salaries as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as what degree programs were more suited for online classes as opposed to in-person classes. These are our top twenty-five best online bachelor’s degree programs organized by expected industry job growth.

1. Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Nurses an integral and important part to the field of healthcare and health services. Students interested in entering into the field of nursing should choose a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree as the best online bachelor’s degree of choice. To become a nurse, a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree is really the only way to begin the journey towards that career. Through this degree program, students will work to gain the critical skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of healthcare. Students will learn about health promotion, disease prevention, as well as using evidence-based care in order to enhance their clinical practices. This program also works to help students build their leadership and professional skills in order to help prepare them to move on to more senior-level positions within the field of nursing. This program of study will have students learning the crucial skill of managing oneself in a complicated work environment. Often times, it is expected of a nurse to be able to work in a fairly autonomous manner in order to ensure the rapid pace of a healthcare environment such as a hospital is not interrupted.

Students interested in a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree should be assured that they are entering a field of work that is experiencing a large amount of job growth. According to the Institute of Medicine, it is believed that in order to meet the demand for nurses, that those enrolled in Bachelor’s in Nursing degrees will have to increase by 80% by 2020. This is incredible job growth and almost assures that students will be able to find employment upon the completion of a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. Students can also expect to find opportunities for upward mobility within their field as they move into more senior-level nursing positions and become in charge of other nurses below them.

For those interested in making a difference in the field of healthcare and wanting to work towards promoting health amongst those in need, a Bachelor’s in Nursing is the best online bachelor’s degree for students to choose.

2. Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration

Healthcare organizations and facilities can be massive enterprises with many moving parts that need to seamlessly interact with one another. To facilitate the operations and day-to-day activities of healthcare organizations, students can gain a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration to learn the skills needed to ensure that these processes move along without a hitch. One of the best online bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration degree is great for students interested in management level positions with in the field of healthcare. By enrolling in a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration, students will learn how to plan, direct, and coordinate a variety of different health services within a healthcare organization. They will learn how to properly oversee a large staff of medical professionals while working to ensure that the needs of patients are met in a an efficient and positive manner. Often overlooks, management positions within the healthcare field are of major importance in order to ensure the smooth operation of these massive organizations.

Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration degree can be assured that they are choosing a career path that will reward their educational efforts with strong career options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administration positions will see a growth of up to 20% by 2026. This is massive job growth when compared other industries. Not only is job growth strong in the field of healthcare administration, but students can also expect to earn annual salaries averaging approximately $96,000/year. Students can find employment working for hospitals, health insurance companies, as well as smaller facilities like physician offices.

The Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration degree is the best online bachelor’s degree for students to enroll in. If you are interested in the field of healthcare and want to pursue a job in management, a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration is a great degree for you to begin your new career.

3. Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science

With amazing opportunities for high-earning, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science is one of our best online bachelor’s degree program. One of the fastest growing industries in the United States, a Bachelor’s in Computer Science readies students with the proper skills and information needed to find employment in this ever-expanding job market. Through a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, students will learn a variety of different computer programming languages including Python, C++, Java, and more. They will also gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which computers work and the variety of different operating systems available. Students would also learn the various different methods of software development and testing in order to prepare themselves to work in software development.

Through the completion of a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, students will gain an introductory understanding of the topics needed to enter into the industry of software development.  Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of computer science will experience at least a 17% growth by 2024. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers have a median annual salary of over $100,000/year. A Bachelor’s in Computer Science is one of the best online bachelor’s degrees when considering a return on investment. Students will be poised to enter into a job market willing to pay them incredibly high salaries as compared to other potential bachelor’s degrees.

The Bachelor’s in Computer Science degree is an amazing online bachelor’s degree for students to choose. Those interested in computers and technology should look no further than a Bachelor’s in Computer Science to begin their steps towards a fruitful career in software development.

4. Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

To begin studying criminology and the criminal justice system, students should consider a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice as the right bachelor’s degree program to start their journey. A Bachelor’s in Criminal one of our top online bachelor’s degrees for students to enroll in. By enrolling in a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, students will begin to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of today’s criminal justice system. Students will gain an understanding in topics including criminology, criminal law, sociology, and much more. Those students who are looking to make a difference in our society’s social justice systems should first begin by gaining an education in Criminal Justice. In a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree,  students will examine a variety of different cases and scenarios to better understand the ways that are laws are applied in different situations. This will prepare students to work in a variety of different positions including law enforcement, correctional services, security, and community service management.

The field of Criminal Justice work is an expanding job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Management positions are expected to grow by 16% by the year 2026. This is great for those looking for a potential career path with higher-than-average job growth. A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is a great degree for students hoping to provide themselves with some form of job security through their education. By gaining this degree, students will be able to effect real change in their local communities through their jobs while engaging in careers that pay well.

A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is one of our best online degree program for students to consider. If you are somebody interested in the criminal justice system, this is a great degree program to consider.

5. Online Bachelor’s in Public Health

Public health is a very wide field of study that encompasses a variety of different topics. However, if you are a student has found that they want to work in policy to help promote the health of populations big and small, a Bachelor’s in Public Health degree is a great first step towards accomplishing this goal. Through the pursuit of one of our best online bachelor’s degree, students will work to gain an understanding of the skills needed to promote wellness in communities while also learning the skills needed to interpret and shape public policy in regards to health promotion. Students will study topics including epidemiology in order to understand the patterns that govern the spread of disease and contagion through communities.  They will work to gain a better understanding of current health programs and ways that they can be changed or adapted to better suit different populations in order to promote their health. Through this program students will examine the various disparities among different social and economic classes when it comes to access and quality of healthcare and work to create programs and systems that work to alleviate these imbalances and improprieties. They will also work to learn the skills needed to effectively communicate in order to properly disseminate knowledge needed for populations to maintain their own health.

By completing a Bachelor’s in Public Health degree, students will have gained an education that has primed them to enter into the field of healthcare and medicine in order to be a force for change. Students will have the skills needed to help work towards disease prevention, health promotion and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health services managers and health educator job positions are expected to grow by about 16% by the year 2026. This amount of growth is indicative of a healthy job market and means that students entering into this field of work should expect to be able to find some kind of gainful employment.

If working towards effecting public policy change in order to promote health and prevent disease is something of interest to you, a Bachelor’s in Public Health degree might be the best online college degree for students to enroll in.

6. Online Bachelor’s in Social Work

Supporting families, children, and marginalized people through trying times in order to help people succeed is a noble and important function within our society. If you are someone who wants to work to help vulnerable groups succeed, a Bachelor’s in Social Work is the best online bachelor’s degree to enroll in to being this process. Students in a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree will work to gain insight in ways that they can improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Through this program of study, students will study the a variety of social and political factors as well as historical precedent that has helped to shape, for better or worse, the issues and obstacles that face different populations. Students will learn about a variety of different cultures and populations to better understand the ways that they can properly reach and help people of all backgrounds in order to provide them with support and services needed to ensure there success. Through this program, students will gain interpersonal skills as well as communication skills needed to work with those suffering from substance abuse, problems at home, issues with employment, and many other types of issues that people run into.

Upon completing a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree, graduates will be able to enter into a variety of different positions including crisis intervention specialist, community outreach worker, caseworker, and much more. Students can continue to work in the field of social work or use their degree as a means to pivot into the field of psychology, public administration, human resources, and other related fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for positions related to social and community service is expected to increase 16% by 2026. This is great job growth and will help to ensure that graduates of this type of program will be in a position to find meaningful employment.

If you are somebody who is interested in working to help different types of people at different points of their lives in order to improve their well-being, a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree is a great best online bachelor’s degree to choose to enroll in.

7. Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

Interested in the inner workings of the mind? Want to work to help those with mental illness towards leading a better, healthier life? If so, a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. Students interested in learning more about the way the human mind works and the ways that we can work to help fix the problems that ail the human mind, should enroll in a  Bachelor’s in Psychology degree.  Through this program of study students will gain a deeper insight into the way the mind works and how to help those with mental illness. Students can choose to work in social psychology, mental health, child development, and much more. Through the study of a Bachelor’s in Psychology, students will study the different theories of personality, while gaining a deeper understanding of cognitive processes, neuropsychology, social psychology, and much more. Students will also learn how to design, perform, and interpret research designed to test different hypotheses in regards to the study of psychology. A Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is a great liberal arts degree that provides students with a well-rounded education while also preparing them to enter into the field of psychological studies.

Students who complete a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree will have gained a strong liberal arts background that can either act as a starting point for a variety of different careers or can act as a solid foundation for graduate-level studies. If working as a clinical psychologist is the ultimate goal, students will need to pursue additional education beyond their initial Bachelor’s in Psychology degree. However, if students want to enter into the workforce immediately they can find positions in human resources, administration, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in psychology are expected to grow by 14% by 2024.

A Bachelor’s in Psychology degree is the best online bachelor’s degree for students interested in beginning a career towards working with people to better understand the mind and alleviate the illnesses that can plague it.

8. Online Bachelor’s in Health Information Management

An often overlooked but crucial component to the healthcare industry, a Bachelor’s in Health Information Management degree teaches students the information needed to manage the vast amount of  patient’s records and information generated by healthcare facilities. Sitting at the intersection of information technology and healthcare, the Bachelor’s in Health Information Management degree is one of our best online bachelor’s degrees. In this program of study students will work to understand the ways that healthcare organizations collect, maintain, and store patient records in the United States. Patient record storage is an incredibly important aspect of healthcare and has much governmental oversight applied to the policies and standards that govern data storage. Students will have to become well versed in the variety of different laws and regulations that dictate the handling of patient records. A Bachelor’s in Health Information Management degree will teach students the information needed to become stewards of massive information systems.

A Bachelor’s in Health Information Management degree is a fantastic degree for students interested in both computer sciences and healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected that jobs within the health information management industry are expected to grow by 13% by 2026. Gaining an education in Health Information Management ensures that students will be poised to enter into a growing industry. With this degree students can expect to get jobs as health information technicians, database administrator, public health information analyst, and much more. Through this degree, students will set themselves for a fruitful career in a growing job market.

One of the best online bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s in Health Information Management degree is a great degree for those interested in both information technology and healthcare. A growing industry, students who pursue this degree can look forward to promising job growth within their field.

9. Online Bachelor’s in Accounting

One of our best online bachelor’s degrees, the Bachelor’s in Accounting is an excellent choice for many students who are interested in entering the world of accounting. This program of study will have students working to build an understanding of the information needed to begin their education towards becoming an accountant. Typically offered as a four-year program, a Bachelor’s in Accounting will have students studying a wide variety of different courses including Cost Accounting, Financial Statemen Analysis, Auditing, and much more.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in accounting are expected to experience an 11% increase by 2024. Students in a Bachelor’s in Accounting can also expect to make upwards of $65,000 on average.

Accountants are an integral part to many organizations and a high-level of education is demanded from organizations when it looks to hiring its accountants. By earning a Bachelor’s in Accounting, students are effectively communicating to businesses and potential employers that they are ready to hit the ground running and meet an organizations accounting needs. Students who have a proclivity towards math and statistics should heavily consider a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

A Bachelor’s in Accounting is one of our best online college degree program that students can pursue and be assured that they will have a high probability of finding gainful employment upon it’s completion.

10. Online Bachelor’s in Environmental Science

If you’re interested in environmental issues and ways to help preserve our natural world, a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science degree is a great place to start your studies towards realizing this career goal. One of our top online bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science degree will allow students to work towards gaining a deeper understanding of a variety of environmental issues and ways that they can help to mitigate them. By studying topics like climate change, overpopulation, and biodiversity loss, students will begin to understand the problems that face our natural world. Through the study of these topics, students will begin to work towards understanding ways that they can work to help preserve our planet and the natural life on it. Students will learn about natural physical sciences while learning the advantages of clean energy technologies. Through this program students will learn to be at the vanguard of environmental conservation.

Upon completion of a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, students can expect to pursue a variety of different career paths including environmental scientist, geographic information systems specialist, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientist jobs are expected to grow by 11% by the year 2026. This is a great job outlook in comparison to other industries that are not experiencing these levels of job growth. A Bachelor’s in Environmental Science degree is a great way for students interested in environmental sciences and the natural world to focus their interests into a promising career path that affords them a multitude of job opportunities.

Another one of our best online bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s of Environmental Science degree is a great option for students interested in working to preserve our natural world through the study of environmental issues.

Click here for a list of our top online Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science. Learn  more about the 5 best careers in environmental science.

11. Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration

Want to work in public service? Interested in facilitating and maintaining public programs and services? If so, a Bachelor’s in Public Administration degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. Students thinking about enrolling in a Bachelor’s in Public Administration should consider whether they are interested in working within the public sector in order to administrate a variety of different public programs. Through this program, students will gain information on the way that government is structured while learning skills in budgeting, policy-making, administration, and much more. A Bachelor’s in Public Administration degree has students gaining an understanding of basic sociology concepts, politics, research methodology, and much more. Through this program students will develop their critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in order to become well-rounded individuals prepared for a variety of different roles within the public sector. Choosing to enroll in this degree is indicative of a desire to shape and maintain the public policies and services that help to serve our society.

By completing a Bachelor’s in Public Administration degree, students will be prepared to work at the local, state, and federal level in a variety of entry-level to mid-level positions within the the government. Students will also be able to enter into nonprofit work as well as work within other organizations such as hospitals and universities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs as administrative services managers are expected to increase by 10% by 2026. This means that this job market has great potential for growth and students can be assured that they will have good odds of finding work upon completion of this program

By earning a Bachelor’s in Public Administration degree, students will have earned the best online bachelor’s degree that prepares them for a career of shaping and maintaining public services and policies.

12. Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration

Becoming a successful member of management can be a difficult task. Those who are interested in this challenge should consider enrolling in a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. One of our favorite online bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration focuses on developing the necessary skills and competencies that students will need upon graduation in order to enter into management positions in a variety of different companies and organizations. Students will gain a broad knowledge of the various parts of companies and the ways that they interact with one another. They will also work to hone their communication skills as well as their decision-making and mediation skills.  A major component to becoming a successful member of management is the ability to think quickly and clearly, and to be flexible to changes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics positions related to a Bachelor’s in Business Administration are expected to receive a 9% increase in growth by 2024. This means that one of our best online college degree is a great option for students looking to enroll in something that will help them to achieve financial security. If you have an interest in management, communication, or working on maintain interpersonal relationships in the workplace, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree is a great place to focus your attention. Gaining a Bachelor’s in Business Administration opens many doors to students and prepares them to enter into a variety of different job positions.

One of our best online bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration is a great degree for those looking to enter into the field of business management.

13. Online Bachelor’s in Marketing

Part of maintaining a successful business is the ability to market and communicate to people the goods or services that a business can offer to consumers. If you are somebody who has enjoyed helping sell people on ideas or concepts, a Bachelor’s in Marketing degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. By studying a Bachelor’s in Marketing degree, students will begin to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which marketers succeed to communicate the benefits of products and services to consumers. Students will study topics including consumer behavior, market research, brand communications, online marketing, and much more. Through this degree program, students will receive an education that is career-oriented and provides students with the necessary skills and experience to hit the ground running upon graduation. Upon completion of this program students will have a greater understanding of the marketing mix, how to build strategic marketing plans, as well as interpreting data in order to properly position a new product within existing and emerging markets. This degree program helps students to build their written and oral communications skills while honing their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

After completing a Bachelor’s in Marketing degree students will have learned the necessary skills to enter into a variety of marketing-related fields including branding, communication, advertising, sales, business, and much more. This degree program is great preparation for students to enter into variety of different job positions at both the entry and mid-level position.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions within advertising, promotions, and marketing are expected to grow by 9% through 2026. This is a healthy amount of growth for this job market and can help to ensure that students will be poised to find gainful employment upon completion of this degree program.

Students interested in the best online bachelor’s degree that allows them to learn how market and sell products to people should look no further than a Bachelor’s in Marketing degree. (Learn more about how much you can make with a degree in digital marketing.)

14. Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership

The ability to lead people in a business environment is imperative to the success of any business or organization. Once believed to be an innate quality, know students can learn the skills needed to be effective leaders in the world of business and become the business leaders of tomorrow. Through the pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership degree, students will find themselves in the best online bachelor’s degree program designed to help them prepare to become successful business leaders. As businesses and organizations continue to grow in size and complexity, it is important that those in leadership roles learn how to become more effective and efficient leaders. In this program of study, students will work to gain a deeper understanding of the skills needed to lead effectively. Students will study topics including organizational structure, group dynamics, power, culture, and much more. By completing this program of study, students will have an understanding of what is needed to effectively communicate with employees, motivate them properly, and set themselves up for success. They will also learn how to think critically and problem solve in order to guide businesses through crucial business decisions.

By completing a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership degree, students will have gained an education that prepared them to enter into a variety of different leadership and managerial positions in businesses or nonprofits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected that jobs within management will experience a growth of about 9%. This is a healthy amount of growth for this industry and indicates that those who complete a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership degree will have picked the best online bachelor’s degree that has set them up for success in the job market.

Students looking for the skills needed to lead a variety of different organizations and businesses should choose one of our best online bachelor’s degree similar to a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership degree in order to begin their path towards a successful career.

15. Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Another one of our best bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s in Communication degree is a great degree program for students interested in learning what constitutes great messaging and strong communication. A Bachelor’s in Communication degree runs the gamut of providing students a variety of different skills in a variety of different mediums of communication. Students will gain an understanding of interpersonal communication skills, communication through media, public relations, as well as theories that govern the way people communicate with each other and through different technologies. By working towards a Bachelor’s in Communication, students will learn about emerging technologies – learning the ways that new technology like social media is used for communication.

Those students who are interested in gaining a deeper insight into the way that we communicate and would like to leverage their burgeoning communication skills into a career should consider a Bachelor’s in Communication. A Bachelor’s in Communication is a very flexible degree that offers students variety of different career paths to choose from.  Students can pursue careers in public relations, social media strategy, corporate communications, advertising, and much more. If you are interested in writing or multimedia, a Bachelor’s in Communication is a great degree for students to continue their education to gain a deeper understanding of a variety of different communication skills. Through the completion of this program students can work as copywriters, journalists, public relation specialists, social media specialists, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in communication are expected to grow 9% by 2024.

Another favorite online bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor’s in Communication is a versatile degree for students interested in leveraging their ability to communicate with others to create unique ways to reach people and consumers.

16. Online Bachelor’s in English

If literature and the English language is your bag, a Bachelor’s in English might be the best selection from our best online bachelor’s degrees for you. Students interested in pursuing their love of reading and writing should look no further than a Bachelor’s in English degree. Through this program of study, students will engage in the study of the English language on a much deeper-level to learn how to think critically about literature. Students will also work to develop their writing skills in order to learn how to best express themselves creatively through writing. Through this program students will learn how to analyze texts, research, and synthesize a variety of different texts to best understand the meanings of classic pieces of literature. At the end of this program, students will have learned how to write in an effective manner, as well as how to interpret literature.

A Bachelor’s in English degree provides students with a multitude of career options upon its completion. A broad liberal arts degree, a Bachelor’s in English degree helps students cultivate clear writing and communication skills as well as helps to strengthen critical thinking. These types of skills can applied quite broadly to a variety of different career paths. Students can become English teachers as well as apply their skills towards marketing or communications. A Bachelor’s in English degree can also be used as a foundation for a career in the arts as a writer or an historian. The career options are vast when completing a Bachelor’s in English degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in English are expected to grow 8% by 2024.

By completing a Bachelor’s in English degree, students will have earned one of our top online bachelor’s degrees and have afforded themselves a very flexible degree from which to springboard a variety of different careers.

17. Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources

The most critical component to any business or organization is often times considered to be the people that work there. As businesses and organizations continue to grow, it has become imperative that these groups find people skilled in the art of managing people and their organizational structure in order to ensure that employees are working the most efficient ways while maintaining their well-being and quality of life. If you are a potential student who likes to work with people and want to work to become an effective leader of people, a Bachelor’s in Human Resources is the best online bachelor’s degree for you to choose to pursue. Through the study of a Bachelor’s in Human Resources, students will focus on learning the skills needs to work in Human Resources management. Students will gain a deeper understanding of managing compensation and benefit systems, while working to understand the intricacies of employee and labor relations. In this program, students will be tasked with working to build their conflict management skills while learning how to help employees adapt to change within an organization. Upon completing this program, students will find that they have greatly increased their capacity for problem-solving and critical-thinking.

After completing a Bachelor’s in Human Resources, students will be prepared to enter into the job market in search of a position within the field of human resources management. Students will be prepared to enter into a variety of entry-level to mid-level position offered at a variety of different types of organizations of different sizes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected that job growth for positions in human resources is expected to be between 7%-9% by 2026, depending on the position. This is great prospects for job growth so for those who complete this degree program should be relieved to know that that the industry their entering is experiencing healthy growth.

A Bachelor’s in Human Resources degree is an excellent choice for students looking for the best online college degree who also like to work with people to help them find success in the workplace.

18. Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management

The unsung hero of industry and a crucial component to the smooth operation of large business and organizations, is those working in the field of supply chain management. If you are somebody who is interested in what it takes to coordinate the logistics and movements needed within a company to ensure that the supply chain stays moving, a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. Through this program of study, students will gain the expertise needed to effectively maintain supply chains of various sizes.  This means working on understanding how to manage projects, control inventory, lead logistics teams, and analyze the supply chain. Much of supply chain management involves using analytical skills to asses the efficiency and weaknesses of a given supply chain in order to fix and improve the ways that these systems operate. Through a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management, students will develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while also honing their leadership, managerial, and communication skills.

Through the completion of a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management degree, students will be prepared to enter into a career in logistics in both the private sector as well as applying their skills to work within the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, logisticians jobs are expected to increase by 7% by 2026. As markets continue to globalize and supply chains become larger and more vast, businesses are more frequently looking for people who are experts in supply chain management and logistics.

If you are interested in overseeing large supply chains and managing massive logistical operations, a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree program for you.

19. Online Bachelor’s in Education

A Bachelor’s in Education degree is fundamental to creating a workforce of teachers and educators who are knowledgeable in the topics needed to properly teach the next-generation of students. One of our best online college degrees, the Bachelor’s in Education degree is a great fit for students interested in entering into the field of professional educator. Teachers are a crucial part of an educated society and by engaging in a Bachelor’s in Education, students are entering into one of the noblest professions. Through the study of a Bachelor’s in Education students will learn how to teach a variety of different age groups including pre-kindergarten, K-8, and high school aged students. Students in these programs will also be able to specialize in the teaching of a variety of different content areas including math, English, History, and more. This degree program also ensures that students learn education theory in order to best understand how to reach students.

Employment options in the field of education are promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary education is expected to grow by 6% by 2024. Earning a Bachelor’s in Education degree will help to ensure that students are able to find employment in a variety of different teaching positions. As education is a must in our society, students can expect to have a job that is almost immune to the shifts and changes in our economy. No matter what the economic climate, teachers are always going to be in demand in some capacity.

One of our best online bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Education degree is the right degree for students interested in becoming a teacher or educator. By enrolling in this program, students will begin their journey towards realizing this career goal.

 20. Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design

Fascinated by technology and its ability to change the way we create art? Have a knack for design? Want to work to create new types of art in new and exciting ways? If so, a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. In choosing to enroll in a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree, students will begin down a path that will prepare them to work as graphic designers within a variety of industries. Tapping into your creative side, students will learn the fundamentals of design by studying topics including typography, color theory, principles of layout, and much more. While developing these design fundamentals, students will also work with the latest in graphic design software in order to build their familiarity and skill level with industry-standard applications. This typically means that students will be working with programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign to create a variety of different digital media. Students will learn valuable communication skills needed in order to best assess what a client might need in order to best understand their creative vision and execute.

By gaining a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree, students will be prepared to take their graphic design skills into a variety of different industries.  Students can find jobs working in marketing and advertising, working in positions such as art director and graphic designer. They can also find themselves working in packaging design or using their skills to create graphics for the Internet. A Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree affords students a wide array of different career paths in which they can apply their graphic design skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in graphic design are to grow by 5% by 2024.

If you are someone who is interested in the creative pursuit of communicating through thoughtful visual media, a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you.

21. Online Bachelor’s in History

Students who found studying history of interest to them in high school might want to consider a Bachelor’s in History degree when it comes to choosing the best online bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s in History degree affords students to ability to dive deeper into the exploration of the events of our past while developing critical skills such as comprehension, reasoning, and critical-thinking. With a Bachelor’s in History degree students will get the opportunity to go beyond the broader study of history by spending more time delving deeper into particular topics in regards to history. Students will also look and examine the ways that our past has shaped our present day society and use this information to gain a better perspective on where we’re heading as a people. Through this degree program, students can choose to specialize their study of history by choosing to study World History, American History, European History, or the history of any region or time period. This specialization allows students to become experts in the history or a particular time period or region.

Choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s in History degree opens students up to a wide variety of different career paths. Those interested in continuing their education in to a graduate-level should consider a Bachelor’s in History as it gives students the proper base knowledge to enter into studies in history, law, education, and other liberal arts fields. Students can use their Bachelor’s in History degrees to become historians or move into related fields such as journalism, education, business, market research, and communications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, historian jobs are expected to undergo up to 5% growth by the year 2026. Using a Bachelor’s of History degree to enter that field of work may prove to be very fruitful for future graduates.

A Bachelor’s of History degree is a fantastic option when it comes to the best online college degrees. By choosing to study a Bachelor’s in History degree, students will be setting themselves up to enter into a variety of different fields of work while also preparing themselves to continue their education into graduate studies if they so choose.

22. Online Bachelor’s in Political Science

If you’ve found yourself intrigued by politics and civic engagement, a Bachelor’s in Political Science is the best online bachelor’s degree to choose to begin your pursuit towards a career within the massive field of politics. By studying a Bachelor’s in Political Science, students will gain insight into the complex political systems that makeup the government at the local, state, and federal level within the United States. Students will study case studies to gain a deeper understanding the techniques and methods used by political parties and agents to maintain influence and maneuver themselves closer towards their political goals. Through this program, students will learn to analyze the current problems facing our society and the ways that political systems can be used to effect change and help work towards solving these problems. This program will help students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills invaluable to a career in politics. Students will also gain a greater ability in oral and written communication in order to learn how to gain influence and effectively persuade audiences. A degree in Political Science is equal parts knowledge and understanding of political political system, and the ability to move, motivate, and persuade people towards action.

Through the completion of a Bachelor’s in Political Science degree, students will gain a variety of different skills and competencies that are applicable to numerous potential career paths. Students can choose to work in political advocacy, campaign strategy, government at the local, state and federal level, as well as working to analyze public policy. A Bachelor’s in Political Science is also a great start towards pursuing graduate level studies.  Students have many options open to them as they can head into politics, business, law, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in political science are expected to grow by 2% by 2024.

The Bachelor’s in Political Science degree is the best online bachelor’s degree for students interested in entering into the field of politics and who want to work towards effecting public policy to effect change.

23. Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

If the ways that groups of people interact and the ways that influences human behavior is a topic of great interest to you, choosing to study a Bachelor’s in Sociology degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you to enroll in. By studying a Bachelor’s in Sociology degree, students will study human society and the rules and theories that govern the way that people interact with one another and the ways that these interactions change the individual. Students will study social institutions such as the family, romantic relationships, the workplace, and more to gain a better understanding of the forces at play in these types of institutions and the ways that they change human behavior. Through the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, students will look at societal issues in order to understand their root causes and to find ways that they can be remedied. Learning major theoretical perspectives, students will gain the insight needed to understand social problems and inequalities in order to find ways to work towards solving these issues. A Bachelor’s in Sociology degree will help students take abstract concepts and use them to make sense of real-world events.

Through the study and completion of a Bachelor’s in Sociology degree, students will have gained a strong liberal arts background that can be applied towards a variety of different career paths. A Bachelor’s in Sociology degree is also a great springboard for students to use to launch into graduate-level studies in related topics. If you are interested in entering into the workforce after completing this degree, students can find employment working in social advocacy, health centers, and a variety of different government positions. Students can also work as case workers, community health organizers, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in sociology are expected to grow by 0% in 2024.

A Bachelor’s in Sociology degree is the best online bachelor’s degree for those interested in studying the ways that people interact with one another on a societal scale and would like to apply these theories of interaction towards improving society.

24. Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship

Interested in striking out on your own? Want to start your own business? Have a great idea for a new product? If this sounds like you, a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship degree might be the best online bachelor’s degree for you. While studying for a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship degree students will learn to develop their skills as entrepreneurs to prepare them for the often time challenging and tough life of being an entrepreneur. In this program of study, students will learn strategic knowledge needed to guide their new business to success. By learning strategies and critical business skills, students will be prepared for all the facets of entrepreneurship.  From assessing and understanding opportunities for venture capital, to analyzing franchising plans and consultancy arrangements, those working towards a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship will be poised to exit with a degree that has prepared them to be successful entrepreneurs.

By earning a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship, students will gain the foundational knowledge to run a successful small business and succeed as entrepreneurs. Naturally, choosing to be a small business owner and entrepreneur does not follow the same type of job security and job outlook as more traditional career paths. However, choosing to be an entrepreneur provides a certain sense of ownership over your own destiny that many other jobs don’t provide. If you’d like to apply what you have learned through this program to a more traditional job, these skills can be easily applied towards finding a job in more traditional work environments.

A Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship degree is the best online degree program for students interested in learning what it takes to start their own small business.

25. Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies

For some students, it might seem near impossible to decide what degree is right for them. They may enjoy academic pursuits but are just unsure what road they should head down and what education is right for them. For those who are interested in pursuing a higher-level of education but are unsure of what subject they would like to study, a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies degree is a great best online bachelor’s degree for students to choose from. By enrolling in a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies degree, students are essentially choosing to pursue a higher education while affording themselves the flexibility to create a plan of study that allows them to find exactly what career path might be of interest. Through this degree program, students can either design a schedule that allows them to survey a variety of different topics that will help them to learn about a variety of different topics in order to find what interests them most, or they can create a custom-tailored degree that provides them an education in the exact topics and classes that they believe they’ll need for whatever career they desire to enroll in.

By completing a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies degree, students will have a wide variety of different job opportunities and career paths available to them. By the sole virtue of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, students will have increased their potential earnings by approximately 67% over those without a Bachelor’s degree. Due to the nebulous nature of what somebody’s studies as a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies degree might actually be, it’s hard to forecast specific career paths for those enrolled. However, this is also the beauty of this type of degree as it is really a clean slate from which students can create their own career path and educational goals.

If you are somebody who knows they are interested in pursuing an best online bachelor’s degree but is unsure of what program they’d like to enroll in or are unable to find a program that suits your specific needs, a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies is a great degree program to enroll in.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

Top 25 Medical Schools

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?

The post 25 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

To conduct this aspect of the library’s business, library professions need to be savvy in sales, budgeting, and cost-analysis. Tied to the purchasing of the library’s materials is the decision of what materials to stock in a library–because the books of a library will ultimately determine its public image and the extent to which customers interact with the library. 

 And this brings us to the third major area of the library science profession–librarians and library managers will determine the policies and standards for book rentals, purchases, etc. They will also determine the general structure of how to service and interact with library members. This also often leads to public events, fundraisers, and other forms of community engagement. The key takeaway here is that libraries businesses and so library science is more business-oriented than one might first suspect.

Why Earn an Online Master’s of Library Science 

Library management professionals might find success with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, however there is no denying that the best positions–with the best salary packages and professional clout–are reserved for library professionals with a graduate degree or even a doctorate of library science. 

Why is this? Well the main reason is that the most prestigious libraries are either large scale state or federal operations, or they are located on premier campuses at universities around the country. In either case, the competition for jobs is stout and is firmly rooted in academic merit. 

Thankfully many of the Master’s of Library Science programs today can be completed online and on a flexible schedule, accommodating even the busiest of professionals. Moreover these programs often offer a cadence of coursework that allows for students to graduate quicker than traditional programs, and come with extremely reasonable price tags. As such our researchers have done the leg work and have ranked what online Master’s of Library Science programs are the best options for you. 

Best Online Master’s of Library Science 

1. University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Information is a powerhouse for creating innovative and industry-shifting professionals. Its programs cover an array of subjects in informatics, data science, and library science. Program curriculums are designed to represent the real-world challenges and needs of specific industries, so that by graduation, students will be prepared to enact positive change in their chosen field. 

Students at the UW School of Information can earn a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) that is completed entirely through online coursework. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program as the second-best program in the country, but due to the program’s industry-awareness and career-focused curriculum we thought the program deserved a bump up. 

Students of the program learn from world-class faculty who have held library management positions around the world, conducted international research, and who have demonstrated tremendous success as educators. Students earning their MLIS at the UW School of Information will enjoy the confidence that they are learning from the best of the best. 

Learn More

2. Indiana University – Purdue University

The Indiana University Purdue University (IUPU) School of Informatics and Computing distinguishes itself through a commitment to facilitating the universal applicability of information sciences and technology. Built into the School’s mission statement is the idea that students will be groomed for positions of leadership in their chosen field, and will learn how to employ the tools of technology and information to spur positive change in their careers. 

Students at the IUPU School of Informatics can earn a Master of Library and Information Science entirely online. In the program, students will become experts in navigating challenges related to meta-data management, information literacy, and the modern challenges of a technology-based world. 

In other words, students will learn about technology in a broad and universal sense which confers value and expertise beyond the traditional conception of a librarian. Alumni of the program go on to develop innovative programs and businesses for library patrons, large corporations, and civic groups.

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3. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State’s online programs are taught by the same stellar faculty who teach the on-campus programs. The main strength of Appalachian State’s online programs is its commitment to facilitate both professional and personal growth. A central tenet of the University is that the best learning occurs when it is framed in a context that is meaningful to one’s personal life and personal growth. 

For students interested in a graduate of library science program that encourages personal thriving, look no further. Appalachian State University offers a fully online Master of Library Science that prepares students to take on roles of management and  leadership in the library and information industry. 

Students of the program will progress through a strategically designed curriculum that embodies the interests and standards of the accrediting agencies. Specifically, the Master of Library Science program is recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

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4. University of Illinois

The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign School of Information Sciences is internationally acclaimed for academic excellence in its faculty, students, and alumni. Students at the School of Information Sciences will learn from faculty who are at the cutting-edge of their fields and who often present new paradigm-shifting models or theories. And alumni of the program go on to work at the highest levels of their fields, carrying forth the School’s reputation of excellence. 

It is for these reasons that US News & World Report ranked the School of Information Sciences’ Master of Science in Library and Information Science as the best program of its kind. In the program students will not only cover the foundational coursework of the profession, but they will also have the freedom to build personal interests and expertise. 

Specifically, the program facilitates internship opportunities, professional field training experiences, and collaborative research projects with the program’s top notch faculty. If you have a stand-out academic background and wish to work at the forefront of library science, then this program has few competitors. 

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5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University’s core mission is to ‘outlast and achieve’ and this mission is carried on by its students as well. At FHSU students will learn how to go beyond their conception of giving 100%, so that they learn how to give 110% when the stakes are high. This is why FHSU students go on to tremendous success and maintain positions of leadership in their respective fields. 

Students at FHSU can earn a Master of Science in Education with a Library Media Specialist concentration. This program is designed specifically for students or education professionals who hold a teaching license. For students interested in combining a career of education with a career in library science, this program is second to none. 

Students enrolled in the Library Specialist Track will complete coursework in the following areas: 

• Innovative Technology Integration 
•  Educational Research
•  Educational Leadership
•  Data Analysis & Assessment
•  Instructional Design & Assessment
•  Cultural Diversity

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6. San José State University

The San José State University School of Information grooms IT, data science, and library science professionals. Students at the School are taught how to apply theoretical models to practical problem solving. Programs are constructed around career-centric curriculums that emphasize industry and market opportunities available to students. 

The San José State University School of Information offers students a Master of Library and Information Science. The School ensures that its students have the same care, guidance, and opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. Curriculum is delivered through a flexible course format that is largely asynchronous, meaning that students progress through the program at their own pace. 

Students of the program will also enjoy the opportunity to build key specialities. Students choose from a robust catalogue of coursework that reflects the burgeoning areas of the industry. 

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7. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) iSchool is a future-facing program that positions students to capitalize on burgeoning trends and opportunities in the job market. The UW iSchool informs its degree programs with the current research and best-practices from accrediting bodies, so that online students can enjoy the confidence that they are learning from the best of the best. 

The UW iSchool offers students a Master’s of Library and Information Science that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual students. Students can build experience and expertise in key areas by participating in research projects, community engagement, and collaborative coursework. 

Specifically, students can pursue specialization in any of the following areas: 

• Librarianship
• Digital archives
• UX & information technology
• Data/information management & analytics
• Organization of information

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8. University of Houston – Clear Lake 

The University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL) College of Education is a premier institution in the higher education industry. Its programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and grooms students for positions in schools, libraries, and even IT companies. 

Specifically, the College of Education offers a Master of Science in School Library and Information Science that can be completed entirely Online. Curriculums emphasize the training of education professionals to work closely with elementary, middle, or high school teachers to integrate technology and information science. 

Graduates of the program will excel in library science and library management positions. Students of the program will also establish the necessary prerequisites for a number of prestigious certifications–specifically, the Texas School Librarian Certification, and you will have the option of adding Texas Master Technology Teacher certification. 

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9. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland (UMD) College of Information Studies houses some of the most prestigious and acclaimed degree programs in the country. Many of its programs rank in the ‘Top 5,’ which is likely due to the quality of faculty who are industry leaders and professional experts in their respective fields. The UMD College of Information offers top tier programs in the following areas: 

• Library and Information Science
• Digital Humanities
• Computational Archival Science
• Data Privacy and Sociotechnical Cybersecurity
• Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices
• Social Networks and Online Communities
• Data Science, Analytics, and Visualization
• Information Justice, Human Rights, and Technology Ethics  

Specifically the UMD College of Information Studies offers an online Master’s of Library and Information Science that is ranked as one of the best programs in the United States. It is ranked #2 in online programs of its kind, and #8 of all MLIS programs (both on-campus and online).

Aside from its impressive catalogue of accolades, students can earn degree specializations in several key areas. Specializations provide coursework direction in the following areas: 

• Archives and Digital Curation
• Youth Experience 
• Intelligence & Analytics 
• Diversity and Inclusion 
• Legal Informatics 

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10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Online has worked hard to guarantee online students the same learning outcomes and professional development offered to their on-campus counterparts. Degree programs consist of rich curriculums filled with various teaching philosophies and multimedia formats that are meant to engage students with varying predispositions toward different learning formats. 

Particularly in the case of the online Master of Information and Library Science, students will engage coursework that is presented in video, lecture, and peer-collaboration projects. To encourage peer collaboration the program is delivered primarily through synchronous scheduling, so that students of the program will progress through work at the same time. 

The program consists of 36 credits and is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The program also offers students a capstone project in lieu of a thesis project where students can begin to establish a professional focus, which can function as the beginning of a professional portfolio. 

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11. Murray State University

The Murray State University College of Education and Human Services does not just educate students, the College trains students to become leaders and advocates for civic good and social progress. The College offers a number of excellent programs in a range of fields in formal and non-formal education, such as social work, criminal justice, and early childhood education. 

The College of Education and Human Services offers a fully online Master’s of Education in Library Media. As the name of the program suggests, curriculum is based on a foundation of topics and philosophies of education. Graduates of the program will become librarians who are experts at teaching students how to use technology to better engage digital resources. 

There are two program tracks: one for certified teachers that can be completed in just 30 credit hours, and one for non-certified teachers that can be completed in 40 credit hours. Students of the program will become librarian experts who excel in the following professional responsibilities:

• Inquiring
• Including
• Collaborating
• Engaging
• Exploring
• Curating

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12. Texas Woman’s University

With approximately 15,000 students, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the largest university that is mostly focused on servicing female students in the United States. Its online degree offerings look to give women a leg up in professional achievement and academic development. Programs are meant to prepare women to capitalize on key market opportunities, which will be particularly advantageous to those looking to capitalize on burgeoning opportunities in the library science industry. 

The TWU Master of Library Science program can be completed entirely online and is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation. A distinguishing element of this program is its offering of various specialization track options. 

Specifically, students can establish professional expertise by enrolling in one of the following degree specialization tracks: 

• Academic Libraries 
• Public Libraries 
• School Libraries 
• Special Libraries 
• Health Science Libraries 
• Information Technology 
• Technical Services/Cataloging
• Community Informatics 

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13. Louisiana State University

The LSU College of Human Sciences & Education is a nationally recognized College of academic excellence and professional innovation. Students at the College are taught how to value health, personal growth, and intellectual inquiry over one’s lifespan. Moreover students at the College are taught how to leverage academic expertise to find professional success–in other words, students are taught how to put theories into practice. 

The LSU College of Human Sciences & Education offers a fully online Master’s in Library Science and Information. The program has been fully accredited since 1931 and is the only ALA-accredited program in Louisiana, making it the oldest and most prestigious program of its kind in the region. 

Students may complete the 36 credit hour program on a full-time or part-time basis, completing coursework which is primarily taught by full-time, expert faculty. More than 80% of all coursework and electives is taught by the program’s full-time faculty, a benefit which few programs can compete with. 

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14. University at Buffalo

At the University at Buffalo (UB) Department of Information Science students will have the singular opportunity to participate in international research. The department’s faculty participate in some of the nation’s most renowned research efforts, which often result in paradigm-shifting models, theories, and conclusions. The UB Department of Information is an excellent destination for any student looking to participate in a research-focused degree program. 

The UB Department of Information Science offers a Master’s of Science in Information and Library Science. The program is accredited by the American Library Association, but also prepares students to work in a variety of professions in the information industry–even those seemingly unrelated to library science. 

This points to the versatility of the program’s curriculum. Specifically students can pursue specialization in any of the following degree paths: 

• Music Librarianship
• Law Librarianship
• Special Projects 
• Directed Studies (Builds real-world experience)

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15. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) online has earned national recognition and acclaim for its student-first, consumer-friendly practices and policies. UNT Online offers a number of accelerated degree programs that can be completed in as little 12 months. Moreover many of its degree programs offer extremely competitive tuition packages, which are designed to be particularly accessible to out-of-state students. 

UNT Online offers a Master of Science in Library Science that is completed through 36 credit hours of digital coursework organized into 12 total digital classes. The program is designed to prepare students for professional achievement in a wide-array of fields in library science and related careers. 

Evidencing this is the program’s dynamic curriculum, which prepares students for various paths to success in the following degree specialization options: 

• Archival Studies and Imaging Technology
• Information Organization
• Law Librarianship and Legal Informatics
• Music Librarianship
• Youth Librarianship
• General Program of Study

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16. Texas A & M University

The Texas A&M University Commerce (TAMUC) College of Education & Human Services looks to improve the quality of life in the United States by creating responsible, engaging, and innovative professionals. The College boasts some of the most impressive post-graduation certification and professional examination success rates in educators. The College is known for producing more superintendents and high school principals than any other university in Texas. 

The TAMUC College of Education & Human Services offers a fully online Master of Science in Educational Technology of Library Science that prepares the next generation of leaders and educators in the field of library science. The program is completed through 36 credit hours spaced out through coursework over 2 years. 

Students of the program are given the option of completing the full Educational Technology Library Science program, or they can complete the graduate certification program separately. The graduate certification program can be completed in as little as a year to earn the ‘School Librarian or Library Media Specialist’ certification.

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17. Sam Houston State University

The Sam Houston State University (SHSU) experience is built around the foundational motto “The measure of a Life is its Service,” which translates into socially aware degree programs which are designed to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and facilitate the skills to bring about civic good in one’s community–professional or otherwise.

The SHSU Master of Science in Library Science can be completed entirely online and is meant to prepare students to become professional school librarians. Students of the program will also complete a School Librarian Certification so that they are professionally accredited to take on any professional role within a school library. 

Specifically, the program curriculum is designed to cultivate skills which are of high-demand in the industry currently, such as: managing large digital and physical catalogues of multimedia and employing an interdisciplinary command of technology and information science to successfully run the day-to-day operations of a library. 

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18. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri (UCMO) is an institution of strong ethical standards and operates according to a teaching philosophy that is fundamentally student-centric. That is, UCMO employs the motto, “Learning to a Greater Degree (LTAGD),” which refers to its commitment to its students–faculty work not just as educators but as mentors. Alumni are more than just social network connections; they are peers, partners, and collaborators. 

UCMO offers a fully online Master of Science in Library Science and Information Services. Students of the program will become accustomed to the industry’s most popular technologies and the ‘best practices’ for employing such technologies to enhance the operations and functionalities of a library. 

The program curriculum builds off foundational concepts teach-education and education philosophy. As such graduates of the program will be groomed for success in teaching in any of the following environments: 

• K-20 Classrooms
• Libraries
• Military Training
• Corporate Training
• Private-Sector Education Groups 

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19. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is one of the most successful institutions of higher education in the southwest. USC alumni are proud, USC faculty are international recognized experts, and current students are groomed to turn dreams into achievement. USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities, and its students will be among the privileged few who can participate in industry-shifting–and even world-changing–research projects and initiatives. 

USC offers a fully online Master of Management in Library and Information Science that is truly unique. The Master of Management designation is meant to provide key preparation for students who wish to take on mid-to-upper level employment in a library. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to take on employment in the country’s most large, prestigious, and respected universities. 

But emphasized in the program’s curriculum is the diversity of the librarian’s professionals skill set. Graduates of the program will learn how to employ their skills in a variety of other work environments and industries as well–from corporate offices, to IT groups, to governmental agencies. 

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20. Valley City State University

Valley City State University (VCSU) is a technology-literate University that looks to prepare students for the future of their chosen industry or professional focus. VCSU students learn how to cultivate a variety of interdisciplinary skills that will help them succeed in the ever-changing environment of the job market. 

For this reason, VCSU designs coursework to reflect the demands of the job market, so that program graduates are appealing to future employers and competitive in various job markets. VCSU offers a fully online Master’s of Library & Information Science that confers the North Dakota Library Media Specialist Certification as well. 

Students of the program will progress through coursework in the following areas: 

• Applied Research in Current School Library Issues
• Literature & Literacy for Children & Young Adults
• Contemporary Cataloging for the School Library
• Collection Development for the 21st Century School Library
• Using Information Resources
• Collaboration, Management, & Leadership
• Administering & Evaluating Program Resources
• Integrating Information Literacy & Research Standards

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The post The 20 Best Online Master’s in Library Science Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

In this day and age there are more ways to earn an accredited undergraduate degree online than ever before–and many of these options offer a trifecta of value: affordability, flexibility, and academic rigor. It is certainly a buyer’s market for those prospecting an online degree, meaning that students can prioritize programs with certain features that offer the most value in the context of an individual’s life and goals. 

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

For adult learners and working students, flexibility is often as important as any other metric. In the modern economy it is not uncommon for undergraduates to manage side-hustles or even full-time employment while pursuing a degree. And with this in mind, a traditional four year format is not always accommodating. 

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options

Thankfully our researchers have done the legwork for you and have ranked the 20 best online programs that offer affordability and academic rigor, packaged in a program that offers the utmost of flexibility in order to accommodate even the busiest of the students and the most hectic of schedules. These programs will meet each student on their own terms to ensure that their bachelor’s program enables professional advancement without disabling a comfortable work-life balance. 

1. Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

By Trine’s own words, excellence is the bedrock of its programs. At Trine University specially trained faculty instruct students in how to aspire to excellence and then achieve it. In recent years, Trine has transitioned its traditional programs with more than 130 years of academic excellence online so that more students can benefit from its programs. 

Trine Online offers a selection of accredited degree programs–associates, bachelors, and masters. Trine’s expert faculty are specially trained in working with online students and non-traditional students. This means that each program’s curriculum is designed to accommodate students of various lifestyles with different goals and expectations. 

Specifically, Trine Online offers a catalogue of Bachelor’s programs in the following areas: 

• Business Administration
• Human Resource Management
• Criminal Justice
• Engineering and Technology
• Information Systems
• Manufacturing Technology
• Healthcare 
• Leadership

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2. LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University offers a modernized Christian-based framework for online education, which translates into program curriculums built around social activism, civic responsibility, and value-based leadership. It is important to note though that these programs do not emphasize any one denomination and are welcome to students from all belief systems–secular or not. 

LeTourneau’s online Bachelor’s programs are ideal for students who wish to elevate online studies with values-based curriculums. Online undergraduate programs are also centrally focused on providing a value proposition based on professional return. That is, instructors constantly rework curriculum formats to reflect current demands of the job market and to offer the flexibility needed to accommodate working students.

LeTourneau University offers a selection of online degree programs, which for the most part are organized under business, healthcare, and faith-based studies departments.

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3. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University boasts a rich and successful history of offering career-minded programs to students. This tradition has carried forth into the modern day with amazing success–evidenced by the stat of more than 96% of graduates finding employment or enrollment into graduate school, which are ultimately the goals of any undergraduate.

Over the last decade, Jefferson has redoubled its efforts to provide the innovation needed to modernize its degree programs. As such, online students benefit from comprehensive curriculums built with interdepartmental collaboration. This means that students are empowered to pursue unique professional interests and research projects, which might not have been available in programs with more rigid curriculums.

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4. Clarkson College

The story of Clarkson College is the story of adaptability and innovation, which has been brought to fruition with its recent expansion into the online education space. Clarkson has dedicated considerable resources to developing its online programs from the ground up to offer flexibility and academic integrity. 

Clarkson’s online programs make use of the industry’s best technology so that students can communicate with each other and with instructors. This technology also allows students to work on group projects and presentations. Clarkson also offers hybrid course options for students who want to participate in on-campus activities while also shifting a bulk of the workload online. 

Clarkson offers degrees in the following subjects:

• Community Health
• Education & Leadership 
• General Education
• Healthcare Management & Administration
• Health Information Management 
• Nursing
• Physical Therapist Assistant 
• Radiography & Medical Imaging
• Professional Development 

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5. Baker University

Baker University is a premier private university that caters to adult learners and working students by offering online degree programs that emphasize affordability and flexibility, so that students can enroll in online Bachelor’s programs no matter where they are in life. At Baker University, students are encouraged to embrace creativity and analytical thinking to achieve clear perspectives in their careers, so that they can identify and travel the road to success. 

Baker offers a decent selection of online degree programs at the bachelors and masters level. Specifically, students can earn any of the following online bachelor’s:

• Bachelor of Business Administration | Major in Business Leadership
• Bachelor of Business Administration | Major in Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration | Major in Marketing
• Bachelor of Science with a Major in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology

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6. Endicott College

Endicott College delivers affordable, convenient, and professional degree programs which are meant to prime graduates for success in the job market. By narrowing its focus to servicing adult-learners, the Endicott College Van Loan School of Professional Studies is able to raise the bar of its programs and ask more of its students. This allows faculty to deliver academically rigorous programs delivered at a demanding pace.

The Endicott College Van Loan School of Professional Studies employs the latest in online learning technology to keep students engaged throughout their programs. For instance, online lecture technology allows students to collaborate with peers and instructors and to complete group projects. 

Students interested in earning a Bachelor’s degree can earn any of the following: 

• Business Management Program (B.S.)
• Business Program (A.S.)
• Business Program (Spain)
• Computer Science Program (A.S.)
• Criminal Justice Program (A.S.)
• Criminal Justice Program (B.S.)
• Integrated Studies Program (A.S.)
• Liberal Studies Program (B.A.)
• Liberal Studies with Concentration in Educational Studies (B.A.)
• Liberal Studies with Montessori Learning Concentration (B.A.)
• Psychology Program (B.S.)

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7. Liberty University

Liberty University is a fully accredited evangelical liberla arts institution that is quickly becoming one of the largest of its kind. Today Liberty services more than 100,000 students through more than 700 programs, more than half of which are available online to students anywhere in the world (roughly 450 online programs). Whereas faith might take a backseat in some nonsecular universities, the Christian faith is positioned at the bedrock of Liberty University. 

As such, students should expect program curriculums to be framed in such a way as to represent Christian values and the love of God. Beyond a faith-based learning format, Liberty looks to strike the balance between theory, research, and hands-on training. As such, curriculums are built to prepare students to be adaptable above all, so that they will be prepared to adapt to the constantly evolving and changing job market. 

While Liberty University offers an amazingly robust selection of online Bachelor’s programs, here are their self-reported 10 most popular programs:

• Accounting (B.S.)
• Aviation (B.S.)
• Business Administration (BSBA)
• Criminal Justice (B.S.)
• Elementary Education (B.S.)
• History (B.S.)
• Information Technology (B.S.)
• Psychology (B.S.)
• Religion (B.S.)
• Social Work (BSW)

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8. Trevecca Nazarene University

Since 1901 Trevecca has been cultivating leaders and helping students actualize their professional dreams. In recent years Trevecca has moved more of its programs online, and now offers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral programs entirely online. A whopping 98% of Trevecca students earn financial aid of some sort, which is a god-send for students looking to earn a bachelor’s on a budget. 

And similarly impressive is the fact that 92% of Trevecca’s instructors hold the highest degree in their respective field. Trevecca invests in its students by hiring qualified faculty who combine high-end credentials with real-world experience, who then pass on their experience to students. 

Trevecca online programs are delivered in an asynchronous format one class at a time, which makes it incredibly accommodating for adult learners and busy students. Students can earn any of the following bachelor’s programs:

• Business
• Business Management (Associate of Science)
• Christian Ministry
• Criminal Justice
• Health Care Administration

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9. Ohio University

Ohio University is a large public university that has quickly taken the mantle of one of the number one providers of online education in the state of Ohio. Ohio University now services more than 7,900 students through more than 60 degree programs. Ohio’s online programs are built with flexibility in mind with a number of accelerated tracks and malleable specialty options.

Ohio also offers a number of pathways for customizing degree programs, which allows students to choose from an exclusively online format, an on-campus format, or a hybrid format which combines elements of both. Similarly, Ohio offers online students options for independent studies which can empower students to pursue areas of study that might otherwise be unavailable. 

Students for looking a traditional curriculum structure can enroll in any of the following online bachelor’s programs:

• Applied Management
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Customer Service Leadership
• Hospitality Management
• Human Services
• Integrated Healthcare Studies
• Interior Architecture
• Psychology
• RN to BSN
• Technical and Applied Studies
• Technical Operations Management

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10. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) is another institution that has brought its rich history of demonstrable Christian values to the online education space. The University is the official educational institution of the East Central Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene. As such, students can enroll in flexible and affordable degree programs that implement value-based learning based on Christian values. 

MVNU offers liberal arts curriculums that are designed to be accessible to students around the country, if not the world at large (online student body is from 10 other countries). MVNU has been recognized for offering top-tier flexibility and affordability in numerous trusted publications. 

Students can earn of the following Bachelor’s online: 

• Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
• Bachelor of Arts in Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts in Chrisitan Ministry
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration 
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (P-5)

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11. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJCME) is an intimate, more modestly sized private Catholic that looks to combine faith-based education with academic excellence. SJCME is a premier location for earning a degree for entering the theological industry, and particularly specializes in offering culturally specialized degree programs. 

SJCME applies its philosophy of intimate education to the online environment, where each student is given the care and attention as they would receive on campus. Specifically, students can earn any of the following degrees entirely online: 

• Catechism for Catechist (non-credit)
• Catholic Theology
• Certificate in Catholic Catechesis
• Health Administration
• Long-Term Care Administration
• Pastoral Ministry to Black Catholics
• Pastoral Ministry to Latino Catholics

Click here to learn more

12. Adelphi University

Adelphi University has built a tremendous reputation for catering to non-traditional students over the last 45 years. Adelphi has validated this reputation twofold in recent years, represented in the investing of building innovative online degree programs that cater to non-traditional students. These programs offer the utmost of flexibility and allow students to engage degree programs at any cadence that enables a comfortable work-life balance.

Despite the flexibility offered, Adelphi employs technology to preserve the livability of the on-campus classroom within the context of online education. Similarly, Adelphi’s Faculty Center for Professional Excellence invests in faculty in order to provide them with the necessary resources needed to take their programs to the next level.

Students can earn any of the following undergraduate programs online:

• AS in Emergency Services Administration
• BA in Social ScienceBS in Business
• BS in Emergency Services Administration
• RN to BS in Nursing 

Click here to learn more

13. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University is known for its student-centric education programs which prioritize small classrooms where students can receive the care and attention needed to excel in life and career. In addition to its student-centric philosophies, Chaminade offers experiential learning pathways which are designed to keep online students engaged and involved in their program. 

Chaminade offers 10 different undergraduate majors that can be completed entirely online. The online programs are arranged into 10 week terms, which can be individualized to accommodate the needs and expectations of students. The majors available are as follows:

• Business Administration
• Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Education
• English
• Historical and Political Studies
• Liberal Arts
• Management
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Teaching

Click here to learn more

14. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers a number of online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. If you are on the fence about online education, SDSU offers a number of resources to aid students in deciding if it is a good match. Specifically, you can take this survey, which will help you identify your goals and figure out if online education can help you actualize those goals. 

SDSU also utilizes a generous credit system, which enables a high level of upward mobility. This means that some online degree programs will offer credits that can be applied when enrolling in a higher level program (particularly for the Laboratory Science program). SDSU’s entire catalogue of online bachelor’s is as follows: 

• Early Education and Care (B.S.)
• General Studies (B.G.S.)
• Geographic Information Sciences (B.S.)
• Geography (B.A./B.S.)
• Human Development and Family Studies (B.S.)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.)
• Medical Laboratory Science (Upward Mobility) (B.S.)*
• Nursing (RN to B.S.N.)
• Psychology (B.S.)
• Sociology (B.S.)

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15. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams’ University College is an institution that is built on a foundation of catering to the needs of students. This foundation is built upon so that Roger Williams can offer student-centric degree programs to students from all walks of life that can accommodate even the most demanding of schedules. UC’s online degree programs are so flexible that students can progress through coursework anytime and anywhere. 

In fact, beyond self-paced coursework, students work closely with instructors and advisors shortly after enrollment to design a tailor-made schedule that maximizes the efficiency of the program while offering a comfortable work-life balance. This is an excellent feature for students who might have wildy irregular schedules that require special consideration. 

Consider Roger William’s full catalogue of online bachelor’s: 

• Applied Psychology
  • Bachelor’s Degree
• Criminal Justice
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
• Cybersecurity & Networking
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
• Emergency Medical Services
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
• Health Care Administration
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
• Healthy Communities
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
• Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
• Individualized Concentration
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree
• Paralegal Studies
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
• Policing, Public Safety and Security
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
• Public Administration
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
• Technology, Leadership and Management
  • Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Undergraduate Certificate

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16. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is one of the world’s premier institutions of online education. WGU was among the earliest adopters of online education technology, and as such was perfectly positioned to offer programs to the rising number of students seeking nontraditional education. This extensive experience allowed WGU to iterate on program structure and curriculums to maximize their effectiveness in the context of online education. 

Similarly, WGU has invested in the best of the best online learning technology as it is the cornerstone of the university. Whereas some universities offer online modes of delivery for programs, WGU offers only online degrees. So you can rest assured that you are benefitting from the best program that the University has to offer. 

WGU offers nearly 30 fully online undergraduate degrees through four different colleges: College of Business, College of Information Technology, College of Health Professions, and the Teachers College. 

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17. TN Reconnect College Programs

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar grant program that is designed to facilitate the professional advancement of nontraditional Tennessee students who may have decided against college to build real world experience. TN Reconnect grants college credits for this real world experience, provided of course that a student is able to complete the appropriate tests and exams. 

While the program is not free, the costs associated are on average much lower than the typical tuition costs associated with the same number of credits awarded. The example provided is as follows: 

“You could pay $80 for a CLEP examination and earn 3 credit hours [through the TN Reconnect program]. It could cost you $500 or more to earn the same credits in a traditional classroom.”

Click here to learn more

18. Purdue University

Purdue University’s name is one that comes with prestige and academic clout. When earning a degree from Purdue, you can be sure that future employers will look on your alma mater with favor. And thankfully, Purdue Online has recently made many of its most successful programs accessible to online students at a more affordable rate–making it an excellent option for any student considering an online bachelor’s degree. 

Purdue’s catalogue of available online degree programs are offered as a collaboration between the colleges in the Purdue University System: Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Fort Wayne and Purdue Northwest, to Purdue Global. Each school has its own set of specialties and degree programs on offer. You can explore these options at the link below.  

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19. Excelsior College

When it comes to distance education, Excelsior College is one of the country’s most veteran and well-established institutions of its kind. Having specialized in distance education as far back as 1971, Excelsior College has fine-tuned its approach over subsequent decades. While newer programs might suffer a lack of iteration, Excelsior’s degree programs are among the most accommodating and flexible of their kind. 

Excelsior is a not-for-profit and fully accredited institution that offers a wide variety of degree programs. Programs start every 8 weeks, which provides busy students with plenty of entry points to accommodate busy schedules. Excelsior also provides a beneficial experiential learning credit system, which rewards adult learners with previous professional experience.  

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20. Walden University

In 1970 Walden University began its pursuit of building a school to specialize in the education of adults and nontraditional learners. Today Walden has an alumni network of more than 153,000 students who have gone to build successful careers in countless fields and industries. More than 300 of Walden’s faculty have been recognized for ‘Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship.’ 

Meaning that Walden students can enjoy the confidence that they are learning from some of the industry’s best educators. Walden is also accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, which maintains high standards for academic excellence–standards which Walden strives to overachieve. 

Additionally, Walden offers one of the most robust catalogues of online bachelor’s in the world. And each program offers a high level of flexibility, wherein students can progress through asynchronous formats at a pace that best matches their goals and desired cadence of coursework. 

Click here to learn more

The post The 20 Most Flexible Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Thankfully in 2021 there are more options than ever before to hone the writer’s craft–no matter the level of your skill. Online writer’s bootcamps, fully digital undergraduate, graduate, and even doctorate programs empower writers from all walks of life to pick up the pen professionally. But even as an indulgence of hobby or passion, the quality and variety of creative writing programs available is sure to meet the needs of your desires. 

Particularly for writers interested in graduate-level education, a staggering number of the country’s best programs have moved program offerings online. Whether in response to the unique demands and challenges of the world pandemic, or as a demonstrative embrace of the digital age, more top-tier creative writing programs have online options than ever before. 

Thankfully, our researchers provide the assist when it comes to sorting through all your available options–they have done the legwork and compiled 20 of the most promising options available. The below programs all offer fully-online graduate creative writing degrees that have been ranked according to metrics we believe will be most meaningful to prospective students–that is, overall prestige of the institution, graduating rate, tuition cost, specialization options, as well as aggregate scores from parallel education rankings. 

1 Harvard University

Harvard University is one of those schools whose name carries the weight of tremendous achievement just by the merit of having earned a degree there. Harvard University is one of the most formidable entities in higher education in the world–it’s faculty and students represent the best of the best, and are often positioned at the forefront of their fields, conducting paradigm shifting research and establishing benchmarks for the rest of the higher education industry.

Harvard University’s Extension Program offers a number of creative writing programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. And surprisingly, the cost of Harvard’s online programs are extremely reasonable after factoring in financial aid, which makes this the premier option on this ranking–given the prestige and professional clout conferred by a degree from Harvard.

Any student holding a four year bachelor’s degree is welcome to apply. It should be noted that the curriculum does avoid–to some extent–discussions surrounding poetry and any thesis work concerning it, as it is not a primary focus of the program.

Net Price: $16,000

Learn more about Harvard’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing degrees here

2 National University

National University was founded on the idea of providing career-centric programs to students interested in quality, efficient, affordable professional advancement amidst full-time employment. As such, National University has become a leader in online education, whose specialty is servicing adult and distance learners who wish to progress through top notch degree programs without sacrificing a healthy work-life balance. 

National University’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing can be completed entirely online, and at a pace that best accommodates the busy lives of individual students. Moreover, National University was the first program of its kind in the nation–so students can enjoy the confidence that National University is a successful innovator in this area. 

Students of the program will learn from published authors and acclaimed authors who have demonstrated continued professional success. Instructors look to pass on their skills and knowledge to help aspiring writers actualize their goals and professional aspirations–whatever they might be. 

Net Price: $18,319

Learn more about National University’s top online Masters of Creative Writing degrees here.

3 University of Houston – Victoria

The University of Houston at Victoria is a well-respected branch of the University of Houston system. UH Victoria specializes in offering students a selection of degree programs designed to offer both flexibility and affordability. The University’s earned accolades demonstrates the success of this chosen specialization. 

UH Victoria offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing, which is designed around a student-centric ideal. Students of the program will note that the program’s systems have been designed with convenience in mind–so that students can complete the program without the burden of unwanted stress. 

Students of the program will be able to progress through coursework on a schedule that best matches individual circumstances and goals, which is probably ideal for creatives who are notoriously poor micromanagers of schedules and time.

Net Price: $10,000

Learn more about University of Houston’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

4 University of Denver

The University of Denver is a prime example of a school that has devoted its resources to meeting the diverse array of needs of students in vastly different life-circumstances. On the one hand, the University of Denver displays the large network and resources of a state institution, but on the other hand it demonstrates the level of personalized care and attention you might expect from a small liberal arts college. 

This is particularly true for the University of Denver’s professional creative writing program. Students can choose from a variety of program format options in order to choose the one that best matches their intent and goals. For example, students can choose from any of three following program paths: 

• 4 course certificate that can be completed in as little as 6 months ($11,680 before aid)

• 6 course certificate that can be completed in as little as 12 months ($17,520 before aid)

• Master’s degree track that can be completed in as little as 18 months 

Net Price: $10,319

Learn more about University of Denver’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

5 Bay Path University

Bay Path University is an upcoming independent, not-for-profit university that is a formidable member of the feminist community, and is an active member in the Women’s College Coalition. The University prides itself on being able to provide women with the necessary skill set needed to succeed in a challenging world. 

This is particularly true for the Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction Creative Writing that can be completed entirely online. The program’s focus on nonfiction writing allows instructors to narrow their focus to only the most meaningful information, as the nonfiction and fiction industries play by totally different rules. 

To this end, the program’s instructors are all at the top of their game as memoirists, food and travel writers, journalists, editors, and publishers with years of real world experience. Graduates of the program will be armed with a repertoire of skills and tools to succeed in bringing their written work to the masses. 

Net Price: $20,000

Learn more about Bay Path University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

6 Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary’s University has been offering graduate degrees since the 1930’s and have carried forth the rich history into meaningful modern policies and practices. MSMU’s degree programs are designed to propel men and women into the next phase of their careers and goals. As such, programs are designed to cultivate a sense of leadership and service to society in students. 

MSMU offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing that is designed to support writers with a variety of interests and professional aspirations. A distinguishing component of this program is that it supports study in a variety of genres and writing-formats under the belief that writers can succeed in multiple genres–something on which not all MFA creative writing programs will agree.

Students will progress through the program’s following coursework in order:

• Fiction 
• Poetry
• Writing for Screen and Television
• Creative Nonfiction Writing
• Advanced Screenwriting
• Playwriting I 
• Fiction Writing II
• Poetry Writing II
• Screenwriting II
• Creative Nonfiction Writing II
• Poetics
• Playwriting
• Thesis
• Publishing Seminar
• Thesis Continuation

Net Price: $28,000

Learn more about Saint Mary’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

7 Oregon State University Cascades

Oregon State University Cascades is a school that invests in each of its students by fostering the unique strengths of the individual while teaching students how to compensate for weaknesses. This is particularly valuable for aspiring writers whose entire craft is based off of cultivating the unique strengths that make up their writing talent.

Oregon State University Cascades offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. A distinguishing element of this program is commitment of program faculty to cultivating the unique development of each student. In the program description, it states that students will be developed professionals across all the complex vectors that make up an individual–including the social, aesthetic, spiritual, physical, and political.

Students will be asked to commit to a genre, but will be free to study cross-genre and to engage a cross-genre thesis. Coursework and thesis options can be organized in the following categories: 

• Fiction
• Poetry
• Creative Nonfiction

Net Price: $20,000

Learn more about Oregon State University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here

8 University of Texas El Paso

The University of Texas El Paso offers a robust catalogue of online degree programs that are designed with convenience and flexibility in mind. Even graduate programs can be completed online from anywhere in the world. The University of Texas El Paso designs its graduate programs to reflect market needs, so that graduates of these programs can capitalize on the needs of the job market. 

The University of Texas El Paso offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The degree’s program format can be broken up into the following components: 

• 48 hours of coursework
• 42 hours of workshops 
• 14 hours of literature classes 
• 6 hours of thesis

Students progress through coursework in a variety of topics that is meant to adequately represent the depth and complexity of literature and its vast array of subjects. As such, coursework covers radically different topics from “Form of the Short Story” to topics in “Asian American Poetry.”

Net Price: $9,000

Learn more about University of Texas El Paso top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

9 Bennington College

Bennington College is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian college that is fully accredited by the appropriate governing bodies, specifically the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Bennington distinguishes itself through a demonstrable commitment to building a strong understanding of theory combined with practical skills and execution. 

Bennington College is a prestigious school known specifically for producing skilled and successful professional writers and novelists, and offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in a rigorous two-year exploration of the writing craft. Students can direct their studies in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, and may work in a dual-genre as well. 

It should be noted that this program does have low-residential requirements, so some campus visits will be required to maximize the value of the program. 

Net Price: $29,000

Learn more about Bennington College top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

10 Fairfield University

When evaluating potential degree programs, prospective students often look to recent graduates to demonstrate what the program has to offer. In the case of Fairfield University, alumni go to demonstrate a high level of professional success, particularly in the writing industry. In the past three years alone, graduates of Fairfield’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing have published over 80 books–not to mention hundreds of articles, stories, poems, and essays. 

Fairfield University’s low-residential Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative program offers a number of degree paths that will cater to a variety of unique career aspirations. The program’s studies can be organized into the following areas: fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. 

Within these genres, students can further fine tune specialization by pursuing one of the following concentration tracks–some of which are not found in many, if any, other programs: 

• Publishing/Editing
• Spiritual Writing
• Literary Health
• Healing 

Net Price: $40,000

Learn more about Fairfield University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

11 Emerson College

Emerson College offers hospitable degree programs for students at every level of skill and professionality with many of its online graduate programs forgoing GRE requirements. Among these is a Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing. The program is ideal for aspiring novelists who want an education that informs a strong understanding of publishing dynamics. 

One of the biggest roadblocks for new writers is bringing their work to the masses. Self-publishing was a boon in many ways but it has also led to a highly congested market, meaning traditional publishing can be superior in many situations. This program is designed specifically to help students understand how to take advantage of the current market’s environment to maximize one’s chances for success. 

This is one of the few programs that builds in publishing to the program itself. If students are working on a piece of work, they will be paired with an advisor who will assist in lining up a publishing process. In this case, the high tuition could pay for itself if students have a promising piece of work to build off of. 

Net Price: $44,000

Learn more about Emerson College’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

12 University of Nebraska at Omaha

University of Nebraska at Omaha combines a number of flexible degree programs to accommodate students from different backgrounds and circumstances. As such programs are delivered in residential, online, and low-residential formats. Low-residential means that programs are completed online for the most part, but will require some on-campus components. 

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a Master of Fine Arts in Writing with low-residential requirements. The majority of courses are completed through 4 semesters of 16 weeks that are completed online at-home, combined with 5 ten-day conference-style residencies. 

Students of the program will be able to build speciality in poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, fiction, creative nonfiction, or young adult genres. 

Net Price: $14,000

Learn more about University of Nebraska’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

13 Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University has earned many accolades over the years, most notably grouped into recognition of its affordability and flexibility. Programs can be completed online, on-campus, or through a combination of formats designed to offer the most flexibility for students who might be working full-time or have equally demanding commitments. 

Lindenwood University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Writing program that can be completed entirely online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. Classes are led by instructors who are published authors, journalists, and editors with demonstrable real-world success. 

Countless ranking institutions have recognized this program as one of the best of its kind. And given its reasonable tuition costs, this program is an ideal consideration for any aspiring writer looking for graduate education. 

Net Price: $18,000

Learn more about Lindenwood University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

14 Queens College of Charlotte

The Queens College of Charlotte College of Arts and Sciences offers top-tier programs helmed by award-winning faculty who have demonstrated success in the real world, and bring their unique experiences to the classroom for the benefit of students. The College’s curriculums are designed to offer research opportunities, innovative coursework, and mentorship. 

The Queens College of Charlotte College of Arts and Sciences offers an online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program that has some low-residency requirements. The program offers an amazing selling point of a 4:1 student:faculty ratio, so that students can receive the level of attention and care befitting a true mentorship program.

This level of care is exceedingly rare in higher education unfortunately, so this factor alone makes it a tremendous option for aspiring writers who want a little more investment on the part of program faculty and instructors. 

Net Price: $21,000

Learn more about Queen College’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

15 Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers a unique approach to tutelage of aspiring writers. Beyond a host of traditional writing degree programs, the University hosts a graduate level program through the Bluegrass Writers Studio that seeks to develop innovative solutions to historical shortcomings of similar programs. 

Students pursuing a program through the studio will participate in a variety of group web-classroom discussions, community engagement projects, residency workshops, and even international cultural experiences. Faculty at the studio take an active role in facilitating the success of students, and will help aspiring writers make the necessary connections to actualize their dreams and professional desires. 

Net Price: $14,000

Learn more about Eastern Kentucky University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

16 Drexel University

Drexel University is a premier player in the online education space, and was among the first universities to build a university entirely based on the distance education model. As such, Drexel has one of the most robust catalogues of online degree offerings at every level–associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. Among these are several english and writing degree programs to consider. 

Specifically, Drexel offers a fully online Master’s of Creative Writing that is completed through four 10-week quarters per year, which means students take more courses in a shorter time period than similar programs. Students work closely with peers and faculty, many of whom are esteemed authors, established film industry screenwriters,  and successful writers. 

Net Price: $34,000

Learn more about Drexel University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

17 Lesley University

Lesley University brandishes a unique commitment to developing the humanitarian component in students. The University’s programs are most notably located at the intersection of education, counseling, and the visual arts–with particular attention allocated to those in the fine arts, particularly those in english and creative writing. 

Lesley University offers a mostly online Master of Fine Arts with some low-residential requirements in the form of on-campus workshops and conference-style residencies. Students of the program will learn from top-tier instructors who are award-winning writers themselves. 

Students at the program will work closely with highly invested faculty, who will function as mentors in the cultivation of students. 

Net Price: $32,000

Learn more about Lesley University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

18 Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University has demonstrated continued success in producing top-tier writers who go on to achieve the goals that many of us dream of. Despite the relatively small size of the program and resulting alumni groups, over the past five years alone graduates have produced 28 book-lengths of award-winning fiction. Graduates of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s have landed the following awards and accolades for their works: 

• New York Times Bestseller
• African American Book Prize
• Colorado Book Prize for Biography

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing which can be completed mostly online. Students will want to evaluate the residential components because they do have some unique values. 

The close proximity of the school to New York City which is the publishing heart of the world means that students will be plugged into the ideal environment for professional networking. 

Net Price: $22,000

Learn more about Fairleigh Dickinson University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

19 Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD is a school that is a well-known and respected name in any field relating to arts and design, as chances are there is an influential SCAD graduate in that field. This is likely due to the fact that SCAD has chosen its niche and speciality, and continually invests in delivering the best education programs in this capacity. SCAD is an ideal candidate for consideration for aspiring writers who want a career-centric program with industry-awareness outside the bounds of traditional writing programs. 

SCAD offers an online Master of Fine Arts in Writing that covers an array of subject matter in the arts. This unique approach is positioned in such a way so that students learn to view writing as an artform, and as such will delve into topics surrounding the history and nuance surrounding all the various elements of a career as a professional artist. 

For example, students will delve into coursework organized into the following curriculum:

• Contemporary Art
• Art Criticism
• Writing for Digital Communication
• Nonfiction I: Analysis of Creative Nonfiction
• Nonfiction II: Mastery of Style, Voice, and Subject
• Persuasive Writing
• History of Rhetoric
• Professional Writing for Business Applications
• Freelance Writing for Publication
• The Publishing Process
• Public/Media Relations Writing and Strategy
• Graduate Internship
• Graduate Internship
• Writing M.F.A. Thesis

Net Price: $42,000

Learn more about Savannah College of Art and Design’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

20 Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a premier institution in the online education space, and brandishes one of the largest online student bodies in the world. SNHU is a private, non-profit university that holds more than 130,000 online students currently. As such, SNHU was named one of the most innovative universities in the country in 2020. 

Among its other degree program offerings in english and writing are a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. No application fees or GRE scores are required for admission. The program is 100% online without any residential requirements and is completed through a total 48 course credits.

Throughout the program students will learn how to excel in the following areas of professional writing:

• Business and technical aspects of professional writing 
• Navigation of the publishing ecosystem
• Brand development
• Marketing work to decision makers
• Book promotion
• Identify agents, editors or other industry professionals for publishing
• Teaching writing

Net Price: $40,000

Learn more about New Hampshire University’s top online Master’s in Creative Writing here.

The post The 20 Best Online Master’s in Creative Writing appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

And due to the recent and near-ubiquitous adoption of online education over recent years, there are more options for prospective economics than ever before. Even some of the most traditionalist and conversative universities around the world have recently adopted online education in response to the worldwide pandemic, which has led to many of the best master’s of economics programs shifting offerings to the digital education space. 

This widespread adoption of online education has simultaneously unraveled cynical skepticism toward online education on both the side of employers and educators, meaning that there have simultaneously never been more options and these options have never had such acceptance and approval. So with this in mind, our researchers have done the legwork and compiled some of the best options to consider for earning your master’s of economics online. 

Our researchers have organized this ranking according to metrics that we believe will be most meaningful to prospective students–including overall prestige of the institution, graduation rate, tuition costs, and aggregate scores from parallel education rankings. 

1 West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers a renowned economics program that can be completed as a fully online master’s degree. The program has racked up numerous accolades that recognize it for outstanding standards of excellence and promising outcomes for program graduates. Students of the program will master the skills needed to succeed in careers of economic and financial consulting and advising in either the private or public sector. 

The program can be completed through 36 to 45 credit hours of coursework that is completed through an asynchronous schedule. The program also offers excellent flexibility for students who wish to progress through the program while holding down full-time employment. As such, hard working professionals have up to six years to complete the program so as to ensure a comfortable work-life balance.

Net Price: $13,185

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degree in Economics at Texas A&M University here.

2 Purdue University

The Purdue University Krannert School of Management is one of the most prestigious and respected business schools in the country and beyond. Students of the Krannert School of Management go on to achieve their goals through exemplary careers. Among other top-notch degree programs, the Krannert School of Management offers a fully online Master of Science of Economics.  

Students of the program will learn from top-tier faculty who specialize in cutting-edge quantitative and empirical instructional methods. As such, students will progress through a high-tech curriculum that enforces study in the following areas: econometrics (big data, machine learning), statistical software applications, modern computational and programming tools (Python), business outcome-forecasting, game theory and more.

Students of the program will be able to choose from a four degree specialization tracks: 

• Business and Data Analytics
• Financial Economics
• Public Economics and Policy
• Advanced Theory

Net Price: $12,527

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Purdue University here.

3 University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a number of career-centric degree programs that are designed to propel students to the next threshold of professional advancement. Particularly in the case of the College of Arts and Sciences, programs are designed to position graduates to capitalize on market needs and job market opportunities. Specifically, the College offers a fully online Master of Arts in Economics. 

Esteemed faculty cultivate students’ skill sets with hands-on learning opportunities meant to cultivate mastery in the following areas: public sector business development, international trade, international finance, economic development.

Students who graduate from the program will be prepared to take on employment in any of the following roles (evidenced by recent graduates who hold these titles):

• Data Scientist
• Director of Institutional Research
• Economic Development Incentive Specialist
• Energy Markets Manager
• Lecturer in Economics
• Quantitative Modeling Analyst

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at University of Missouri here. 

Net Price: $18,480

4 University of Detroit Mercy    

The University of Detroit at Mercy College of Liberal Arts & Education offers some of the most recognized and awarded degree programs on this list. This particularly true for one program in particular, the fully online Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics has racked up numerous accolades recognizing it for its top-tier education and promising outcomes for recent graduates. 

While not listed as an economics program in the name, the program is specifically designed to position students within the field of global economics. In fact, the data analytics curriculum represents a well-informed strategy to position students to capitalize on the rising prominence of data-centric strategy in economic careers. 

For students interested in the technical side of global economics, few programs replicate this commitment to a high tech, career-centric curriculum.

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at the University of Detroit here.

Net Price: $20,415

5 Ohio University

Ohio University offers a globally-minded, STEM-designated Master of Arts in Economics that is particularly accommodating to international students. The STEM designation allows for a program classification, which grants up to 24 months of extra training after graduation for international students. 

The program can be completed at jaw-dropping pace, with completion in as little as one year. Class sizes are kept to a small number to encourage full integration and engagement between students. This is meant to convey a focus on socially aware collaboration, which is an integral part of the economist’s profession. 

Specifically, graduates of the program will be prepared to excel in any of the following career paths: 

• Data Analyst
• Research Analyst
• Financial manager
• Policy analyst
• College instructor

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Ohio University here.

Net Price: $6,677

6 Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University is a school that confers tremendous clout to graduates of its programs. JHU is at the forefront of research in countless fields, and produces industry-shifting professionals year after year. Most of its programs commit to industry-relevant research methods, so that graduates enter the job market armed with knowledge of the current market needs and opportunities. 

JHU’s Online Master of Applied Economics offers one of the most flexible and accommodating degree programs on this list. Students can choose from a robust catalogue to facilitate building a unique profile of training. Students will be able to choose from 7 concentrations and 27 electives in order to build the program that is best suited to individual career aspirations. 

Moreover, students can complete the program in as little as 12 to 24 months. Making this one of the most prestigious, flexible, and efficient programs on this list–which more than justifies the comparatively high tuition costs. 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Johns Hopkins University here.

Net Price: $30,701

7 American University

American University is a school that focuses on providing students with a foundation to build professional thriving and success. Its online programs are helmed by top-tier faculty who hold at least 20 years of experience in their respective specialties, and who work to stay on top of the most current trends and opportunities.

American University offers a host of online degree programs, among which is a fully online Master of Arts in Economics. As with many of its programs, American University offers tremendously affordable tuition rates which are further tempered by generous financial aid packages and transfer credit policies. 

American University is an ideal option for students who want quality education that can bring them into the job market quickly and affordably. From enrollment to graduation, students of the program will complete the following required courses: 

• Introduction to Mathematical Economics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Applied Econometrics I
• Applied Econometrics II
• Economics MA Capstone Seminar

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at American University here.

Net Price: $9,656

8 Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University offers a fully online Online Master of Arts in Financial Economics Program, which is designed to accommodate students with even the busiest of work schedules. The program’s curriculum is designed to cultivate an awareness of global economics and international business, so that students can analyse data sets from all angles. 

To this end, coursework is strongly positioned in data science fundamentals in the context of financial analyses. As such students will become well-accustomed to research methods and protocols for assessment of an entity’s financial operations–which will position graduates for success in both public and private sectors. 

Students will complete the following required courses:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• The Economics of Financial Markets and Institutions
• Econometrics
• Research Seminar
• Finance for Decision Making
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Corporate Financial Management
• Securities Analysis

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Youngstown State University here.

Net Price: $11,595

9 Georgia Southern University

The Georgia Southern Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies provides students with a strong career-centric foundation from which to build professional advancement. Specifically, students at the College will have the opportunity to earn a fully online Master of Science in Applied Economics (M.S.A.E.). 

Students of the program will delve deeply into topics relating to business development, performance metrics, and financial analyses. As such, graduates will be prepared to work in any industry which participates in economic development, public utilities, or federal and state regulation. 

For students interested in a curriculum that tackles state and federal regulation practices and policies this program is an ideal option. 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Regent University here.

Net Price: $15,795

10 University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a research-centric school that leverages a large network of research partners and facilities to offer industry-aware programs that capitalize on market opportunities. This is particularly beneficial in degree programs that benefit the most from cutting-edge research methods, such as is the case with the fully online Master’s in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics.

The program is completed through 30 credit hours either online or on-campus, which typically takes around 2 years. Students of the program will build toward specialization in key areas such as the following:

• Econometrics
• Statistical analysis
• Utilizing industry standard software (such as STATA)
• Programming languages (such as ‘R’ and Python)
• Operational Metrics 

Learn more about the Top Online Master’s Degrees in Economics at Regent University here.

Net Price: $15,970

For Further Reading:

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

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1. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public four year institution located in Newark Delaware. The institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The University of Delaware currently enrolls 23,808 students and maintains a student a faculty ratio of 15 to 1. According to Carnegie, the University of Delaware it’s a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the University of Delaware offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States commission on Higher Education.

University of Delaware offers an online undergraduate program in mechanical engineering. In addition to the mechanical engineering majors students may elect to concentrate on aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, or manufacturing systems. Additionally, the University of Delaware offers two minors: biomechanical engineering and integrated design. The curriculum for the mechanical engineering major includes core courses, technical electives minors and concentrations as well as a senior design project. The required coursework is that in the following areas: introduction to engineering, maker series, statics, mechanics of solids, machine design, fluid mechanics, thermal labs and a senior design project. The senior design project is a final six credit capstone design course that is structured to imitate a real world scenario. For more information about this degree and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public four year institution located in Tempe Arizona as well as campuses across the state. The university enrolls over 53,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. ASU offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees and professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. According to Carnegie ASU is a doctoral university with very high research activity. US News and World Report ranks ASU as their 103rd best school in the nation as well as highly for undergraduate teaching, veterans, value, business, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and innovation. In fact, ASU ranks number one in the nation for their innovation score meaning that they have ranked highly for curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and more. In recent years, ASU has expanded to create one of the largest online universities in the world. In fact, students may select from hundreds of programs both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Egineering. Students from this program have the option to choose from one of two concentrations: computational mechanics and energy and environment. This is one of several online engineering programs offered at ASU. Some of the critical courses include those in chemistry, calculus, mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, physics, mechanics of materials, and thermodynamics. The program is 120 credit hours in length and includes course material in nano materials, computer control systems, economic analysis, and much more for more information about this degree and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is a public four-year institution located in Flagstaff. There are over 30,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. NAU offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. According to the US News and World Report, Northern Arizona University ranks highly as a national institution and highly for undergraduate engineering programming. To support the success of their students NAU offers academic and career counseling as well as undergraduate and graduate distance learning opportunities. Some of their most popular online programs are in the fields of business, communications, education, and health.

NAU offers the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program includes undergraduate research opportunities as well as hands-on experience. The program has been accredited by the engineer ring accreditation commission of ABET. This program includes course material and design for practice, mechanical engineering, liberal studies, and electives. Students choose electives from the breath and depth electives. The breath electives are courses from engineering, the natural sciences, business and mathematics. The depth electives are mechanical design or fluid/thermal sciences courses. The main chemical engineering courses focus on mathematics as well as computer science and engineering. Additionally, students round out their degree with general elective courses. To complete this degree students must complete 124 units of credit. For more information about this degree check out their website.

• Program Website

4. Siena Heights University

Siena Heights University is a private four-year institution located in Adrian Michigan. According to Carnegie, Sierra Heights is a masters college and university with small programming. The university offers associates, bachelors and masters degrees. Their student enrollment is 2337 and the student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. Siena Heights university is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. To support the success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experience and distance learning opportunities. According to the US News and World Report, Siena Heights is ranked regionally as the 91st best school in the region and 118th for social mobility. Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue their programming online.

Siena Heights University offers a standalone general engineer in program. Siena heights is partnered with UND to include a bachelors degree in mechanical electrical or chemical engineering. Students are expected to produce a portfolio to show their learning along the way. The program is based on active learning. This is a unique hands-on program. In addition students engage with internship opportunities. Internship opportunities offer students away to apply their knowledge to real-world settings. Along with the University of North Dakota Siena Heights offers a dual degree program. Students graduate with a bachelors degree from Siena Heights as well as an additional bachelors degree from UND. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

5. University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public four-year institution that enrolls nearly 30,000 students. UNCC offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The institution has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. According to Carnegie, UNCC is a doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks the University of North Carolina Charlotte as the 227th best school in the nation as well as highly for business programming, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. To support the success of their students UNCC offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. Some of their most popular online programs are in the field of education, health, and public administration.

UNCC offers a bachelor of science in engineering technology with a focus on electrical engineering or fire safety. The electrical track includes a curriculums with the following coursework: linear circuits, digital logic and systems, microprocessors microcontrollers and embedded systems, electronic circuits and systems, control systems, power systems. T

hose interested in pursuing the fire safety option will study fire behavior, building fire safety, industrial hazards in electricity, risk management, applied fire engineering design, professional leadership, and more. For more information about these two programs check out their website.

RELATED: The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs

• Program Website

6. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a public four year institution located in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to Carnegie, Indiana State is a doctoral/professional university. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 12,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. This university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To support the success of their students the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling, ROTC options, distance-learning and much more. Indiana State University ranks nationally according to the US News and World Report as well as highly for business and computer science. In recent years, Indiana State has expanded their online presence to offer undergraduate and graduate students online learning opportunities.

Among their online options is the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The program focuses on two areas: design and management. The the design portion of this degree focuses on mechanical tools machines and products. Graduates of this program may enter into a career ain design insulation, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, technical sales, maintenance or management of mechanical systems and processes.This program requires course material in the following areas: applied statics, engineering and technology, strength of materials, fluid power technology, manufacturing processes, and science and math required courses. For more information about this online degree check out their website.

• Program Website

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public four year institution located in Grand Forks. The institution offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The student population is 13,581 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. According to Carnegie UND is a doctoral university with high research activity. UND has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To support the success of their students, the university offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences and distance learning opportunities. According to US News and World Report UND ranks highly for social mobility, business programming, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming.

The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This is a 128 credit hour program 36 of those credits must be 300 or above classes. The program is divided into five main areas: essential required courses, mechanical engineering required courses, program required electives, college of engineering and mines requirements, and requirements outside of the college and engineering and mines course including those in calculus and physics. Additionally students have the option to select from the following concentrations: mechanical design, thermal sciences and manufacturing and materials. The aerospace concentration requires 133 credit hours for completion. The main mechanical engineering courses include the following: mechanical engineering, design lecture and design labs, fluid mechanics, design of machinery, thermo dynamics, manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering seminar, and engineering design. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

8. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public four year institution that offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. It is located in Tuscaloosa and currently enrolls over 38,000 students. The student to faculty ratio is 20 to 1. UA has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1897. According to Carnegie, the University of Alabama is a doctoral university with very high research activity. According to the US News and World Report the University of Alabama is a nationally ranked institution that ranks highly for veterans, value, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, the University of Alabama has expanded their programming to include distance learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. Their most popular online programs are in the fields of education, business, family consumer science is, health, and public administration.

The University of Alabama Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This is a 126 credit hour program that is offered primarily online. The program has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology ABET. The curriculum includes general education courses, computer courses, mechanical engineering and technical elective courses, humanities and social sciences courses, writing courses in the mechanical engineering core. The mechanical engineering core courses include the following: engineering foundations, thermodynamics, statics, engineering materials, fluid dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, mechanical engineering design and much more. Studnets may also choose a number of electives which are approved by their advisor. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

9. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is public four year institution located in Lowell, Massachusetts. There are 18,300 enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The university offers associates bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a doctoral university with high research activity. To support the success of its students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities.UMass Lowell has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1975. In recent years, UMass Lowell has extended their programming to include a very large distance learning campus. Their online campus includes course material in education, business, psychology, engineering and more. According to the US News and World Report UMass Lowell ranks as the 176 for school in the nation and highly for veterans, social mobility, business programs, computer science and undergraduate engineering.

UMass Lowell offers an Online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The strength of the program is hands-on experience. UMass Lowell uses the methodology of design build test where students build and test their own designs. This program has been accredited by the engineering accreditation commission. The course material includes those in kinetic projects, mechanical engineering, a computer aided design, aerospace, thermodynamics, materials science for engineers, applied strength of materials, kinematics of mechanisms, control of mechanical systems, conduction and radiation heat transfer, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

10. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is a public institution located in Kennesaw Georgia. They enroll over 37,000 students and have a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. The institution offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Kennesaw State is a doctoral university with high research activity. To support the success of the students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experiences, and distance-learning opportunities. In recent years, Kennesaw State has expanded their online offerings to include a wide array of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate the like. Some of the most popular courses by enrollment are in marketing, education, and engineering. According to the US News and World Report, Kennesaw State is a nationally ranked university.

Kennesaw State offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering BSME. This program requires training in basic science and engineering principles as well as computer aided design, instrumentation and planning and managing projects. The curriculum includes 42 credit hours of general education courses as well as course material in the lower division major math, and science classes upper division major, and upper division technical electives for a total of 130 credit hours. The upper division major requirements including material and fluid mechanics materials, electronic circuits, machines, dynamic assistance in control theory as well thermodynamics and others. All students are required to complete a senior design project. From our information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

The post The 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Getting your degree online can have many benefits. Most importantly an online degree is more flexible and better able to fit your life than a traditional degree. You can work on it from home and at night or in your spare time.

With that said, we know that many future students have never taken a course online. Even if you’re interested in the idea of an online degree, you likely have a number of questions before “jumping in.”

In this guide, we’ll aim to address many of the most common questions and concerns potential students have about gaining a degree online.

If you already know you’re interested in an online degree. Be sure to scroll down to our online degree ranking section to take a look at some of the top-ranked schools for online degrees.

What’s it Like to Get an Online Degree?

For some an online degree is a golden ticket, helping them return to school and finish a degree while balancing work and life. For others, online degrees require too much self-discipline, leading to frustration and (unfortunately) dropping out.

With that said, all online degree programs are different. Professors provide different levels of support. Different online universities have different expectations and services.

This means that one of the most important things you can do before starting an online degree is really researching the school and program you’re interested in.

Though a great deal depends on what university and program you choose, there are a number of common elements shared by most schools offering online courses.

Before we jump into the specifics of what online education is like, we’ll need to make a distinction. The two main types of online degrees include synchronous online degrees and asynchronous online degrees. There are pros and cons to both. Though for individual students, one option generally suits learning styles and needs better than the other.

For now, all you need to know is the following:

• Synchronous Online Degrees require students to log on at certain times. Students attend “live” classes, and participate through instant messaging, video chat, or voice chat.
• Asynchronous Online Degrees do not require students to attend live classes. Class sessions are likely still recorded, and often required. But students may work through course material on their own time. This doesn’t mean that everything is self-paced. There are due dates on assignments. But students don’t have to work on coursework at any one time in the day.

As you can see “what it’s like to get an online degree” depends greatly on whether you’re enrolled in a program that is synchronous or asynchronous.

Below we’ll describe online degrees of types as well as their similarities.

What Asynchronous Online Degrees Are Like

• Log on when you can to watch videos of courses or read e-books.
• “Attend” courses before work, or after the kids are in bed, or on your lunch break.
• Interact with “on-call” tutors. Often available 24/7.
• Communicate with class mates on message boards.
• Work through a variety of online resources to learn material.
• Less centered on “lecture-time” and teacher interaction than traditional degrees.

What Synchronous Online Degrees Are Like

• Required to “log in” to class at specific times.
• Ask questions and talk to classmates and instructors via video chat, text chat, or voice chat.
• Get to know classmates and professor similarly to brick and mortar schools.
• Get “called on” to answer questions in class.
• Class sizes similar to “traditional” universities.

What Asynchronous and Synchronous Online Degrees are Like

• Have access to a wider range of digital resources than most brick and mortar degrees.
• Browse a digital library, schedule counseling or tutoring appointments online.
• Annotate digital learning materials with notes, questions, or bookmarks.
• Utilize productivity tools online.
• Obtain the same degree available at brick and mortar universities.
• Obtain the same financial aid as brick and mortar universities.
• Ditch a commute or the need to move to obtain a degree.

The Benefits of an Online Degree

For many students, online degrees can be a “God-send,” allowing successful returns to school while juggling work and family life. Online education has definite trade-offs with brick and mortar schooling. Recent advancements in testing and support services, however, have made online and traditional schooling more similar.

• No need to move to obtain a degree.
• Most programs are built for adults and non-traditional students.
• Obtain the same degree offered in brick and mortar programs.
• Self-motivated students can often accelerate time until graduation.
• Access to online support services including tutoring, counseling, and more.
• Access to 24/7 study help (in many cases).
• More online learning resources than traditional degrees.

The Downsides of an Online Degree

While online education has become increasingly popular, it was initially plagued with lower graduation rates than traditional schooling. On the flip side, access to education through online means has provided a vehicle for many to gain education otherwise impossible. Only education can work (very well), but you must determine whether you have the proper mindset to make it work.

• No one “looking over your shoulder” ensuring you do work.
• Relies on self-motivation more.
• Often less interaction with classmates and professors.
• Limited access to on-campus events (if a school has on-campus events).
• Learning format many students aren’t used to or haven’t experienced.

The Cost of an Online Degree

Higher education is a large investment. And online higher education is no different. With that said, online education can be much more affordable than traditional education.

Even in the event tuition rates are identical for brick and mortar and online programs, online students save through

• Access to e-textbooks
• Heightened ability to work while pursuing a degree
• No need to move to the location of school
• No commute times and associated costs

The conditions above are often summarized in a school’s “total cost of attendence.” Tuition is just one component of what makes many schools expensive. Tuition is generally similar in online and brick and mortar programs.
Average Tuition Cost By Degree Level

• Public Two Year College (Per Year): $3,570
• In-State Four-Year Public College (Per Year): $9,716
• Out-of-State Four-Year Public College (Per Year): $21,629
• Four-Year Private College (Per Year): $35,676

The total cost of attendance for online education, however, is much less expensive.

Brick and mortar programs support a large number of initiatives and programs through fees. A sampling of on-campus fees that may be added to tuition includes:

• Athletics Facilities
• Legal Counseling
• Student Health
• Renewable Energy
• Religious Facilities
• Student Recreation

Scholarships for Online Degrees

Scholarships can come from a variety of sources. Some of the most common include the institution you’re enrolled at, social clubs, non-profits, state of federal government, governmental agencies, businesses, and employers.

A vast majority of these scholarship sources give out scholarships to online students just as they would to students of brick-and-mortar programs.

While similar levels of scholarships are available to online and brick and mortar students at most degree levels. One area exists in which financial aid is quite different. Graduate students at brick and mortar institutions often lower their cost of attendance by becoming teacher assistants or instructors. This isn’t possible with most online programs. Similarly, undergraduates may often gain a work study to offset some of their tuition. Online programs often don’t offer these opportunities.

Also, keep in mind that scholarships are just one part of your overall financial aid. Nearly all reputable colleges and universities provide a great deal of financial aid to most students enrolled.

One way to ascertain exactly what financial aid may be available is to fill out your FAFSA application before enrolling in a school. With your results — which include your “expected family contribution” — reach out to the financial aid department at the university. Most reputable schools have financial aid departments that are willing to work with you to make college more affordable.

And finally, remember that very few undergraduate students pay the “full sticker price.” If a university is telling you will need to pay full tuition, you may want to look elsewhere.

Accreditation for Online Degrees

Online degree-offering colleges and universities are accredited by the same bodies as “traditional” institutions of higher education.

Note that there are two types of accrediting bodies that ensure that academic programs are top notch. Both play a crucial role in helping students to determine if a degree is quality.

• Regional Accreditation is the gold standard for accreditation of US colleges and universities. This form of accreditation looks at institutions as a whole. There are seven regional accrediting bodies that accredit for a region of the nation.
• National Accreditation, also called programmatic accreditation look at a specific type of program nationwide. After you’ve determined whether an institution is regionally accredited, you may want to look to see that the program you are interested in is programmatically accredited. Though not every program of merit does hold a national accreditation.

A good rule of thumb is to look for regional accreditation first and foremost in your search for an online degree.

Regional accreditation is offered by the following bodies:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commision
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

You should be able to easily discover if a college of university is regionally accredited by looking around their home page or searching the name of the school you are interested in along with “regional accreditation.”

Regional accreditation ensures that employers will view your degree as “valid,” that you can apply for Federal financial aid, and that you can transfer credits to other regionally accredited institutions. Very important!

Secondarily, national accreditation can be a mark that individual programs are highly regarded. There are many, many national or programmatic accrediting bodies. A sampling includes the following:

• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• The National Bar Association (Law)
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Council on Social Work Education
• And so on

What Degrees can you get online?

The short answer is that you can obtain almost every type of degree you can gain in-person, online.

Over the last thirty years, online degree offerings have grown from experiments in distance education to an educational option that many students expect.

Online degrees are particularly prevalent in certain disciplines. Disciplines that readily adopted and promoted online education include many in which students often return to school with a family or job. Online education was a particularly good fit in these fields due to the increased flexibility online offerings can offer.

Some of these disciplines that adopted online education early and today provide many options online include education, theology, business, and computer science-related fields.

There are some gaps in online education offerings. Degrees that require a great deal of hands-on experience or time in lab settings are less common online. These degrees include physics, engineering, medicine, and law. There are universities that offer online degrees in these disciplines, but not many.

Additionally, many of the highest-ranked universities in the nation do not offer online degrees except for in education and business.

If you are interested in pursuing a degree that requires in-person training, practicums, or lab work, you should still inquire about online degrees. Many degree programs that require in-person experience will arrange for you to take all academic coursework online while arranging a practicum location local to where you live. In this sense, these degrees aren’t entirely “online.” Though they are at least offered online and with local experiential learning (even if the university offering the degree is in another state).

A second option that is prevalent at many universities is what is called a “hybrid” or “blended” delivery degree. Hybrid or blended degrees offer a great deal of your academic work online, with periodic meetings in-person. Common examples of this include MBA programs that meet once a month on a weekend in-person. Or, teacher education programs that meet online during the school year and in-person during the summers.

If you need to be able to pursue your degree 100% online, be sure to verify the delivery method with your university of choice. Many programs are 100% online. Yet many also require occasional visits to campus or other learning environments.

Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?

Education is the foundation of many careers. Holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree often gets your “foot in the door” in many fields. And many recruiters will not grant you an interview without the requisite degree.

With that said, what many employers truly care about is whether or not you can perform your tasks at work. This is shown through past experience, the interviewing process, and personal attributes.

All this is to say that degrees matter, but many employers care much more how you perform on the job.

In recent polls, a majority of employers do not distinguish between online and in-person degrees. And in some cases, employers report that online degrees are more impressive due to the level of self-motivation online degrees require of many students.

One final note on how employers view online degrees is that employers often don’t know whether a degree is gained online or not. Colleges and universities don’t note whether a degree was gained online or not on your diploma. When you graduate from an online program, you graduate from the exact same program as students that attended “in-person.”

How are Online Degrees Flexible?

One of the major reasons students opt for online degrees is that they are often much more flexible than traditional programs. Though opportunities for flexible academic programming vary between university, there are many opportunities for the following in online programming:

• Life, work, or military experience credits
• Transfer in prior college credit
• Test out of subjects you already know
• Log in when you would like to attend class
• Proceed through courses as quickly as you would like
• Year-around academic programming to accelerate time-until-degree
• No commute time
• Instant access to e-learning tools
• 24/7 tutoring and support services
• Interact with classmates around the world
• Access to counseling and support services from home

Fast Online Degrees

Some people want to earn their degree faster than usual, and online programs are especially well suited to help speed things along. Many only programs are accelerated, and some allow you to set your own pace. Below is a list of some of the fastest programs by degree level.

Fastest Online Degree Programs Ranking
Fastest Online Associates Degrees Ranking
Fastest Online Bachelors Degrees Ranking
Fastest Online Masters Degrees Ranking

Easy Online Degrees

Some online programs are easier than others and below we’ve tried to help you out but highlighting some of the easier online degrees to attain.

Easiest Online Associates Degree Rankings
Easiest Online Bachelors Degree Rankings
Easiest Online Masters Degree Rankings

Affordable Online Degrees

College is not cheap. But some online schools are more affordable than others. To help you choose an online degree within your budget, we’ve gathered together the following lists:

The Most Affordable Online College
The Best Free Online College Courses
The Cheapest Online Bachelors Degrees
The Cheapest Online Masters Degrees
The Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools

Best Online Bachelors Degrees by Subject

If you know the subject you want to study for a bachelor’s degree, you should browse through the following rankings to find our ranking of the best online bachelor’s degree programs available in your field.

The Best Online Bachelors in Marketing
The Best Online Bachelors in Environmental Science

Best Online Masters Degrees by Subject

If you know the subject you want to study for a master’s degree, you should look at the rankings below to find our ranking of the best online master’s degree programs available in your field.

The Best Online Masters in Recreation, Tourism, and Coaching
The Best Online Masters in Cyber Security
The Best Online Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
The Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Degree Programs

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The Best Overall Online Degree Programs

If you’re still trying to choose the right degree for you, these guides should come in handy.

Best Online Degrees Ranking
Best Online Associates Degrees Ranking
Best Online Bachelors Degrees Ranking
Best Online Masters Degrees Ranking
Best Online Business Degrees Ranking
Best Online Social Science Degrees Ranking
Best Online Medical Degrees Ranking

Miscellaneous Online Rankings

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Ranking
Highest Paying Online Degrees Ranking

Online Degree FAQs

• How difficult is it to earn a bachelors degree online?
• Do online schools accept transfer college credit?
• How do online colleges accelerate bachelors degree programs?
• How fast can you complete a bachelor’s degree in business online?
• Should I earn a masters in social work online?
• What are the highest paying online degrees?
• Are online degrees credible?
• What should I consider regarding online degrees?
• Are onling MBAs easy?
• Will an online MBA help my career?
• Are online MBAs worth it?
• Are online MBAs respected
• How much is an online MBA?
• Are online MBAs accredited?

The post Online Degree Rankings appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

The field of marketing is one that has continuously evolved alongside the business world and the world economy. But one thing is certain–it isn’t going anywhere, and in fact the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that management-level marketing positions are growing at a rate of 6% which is nearly double the national average. A skilled marketer will always have a number of professional opportunities to consider. Working in freelance, joining a respected agency, or starting your own marketing agency–these are all viable options for marketers.

And it is this optionality and sheer flexibility that makes the field of marketing an excellent destination for professionals and students of all levels. And for those looking for a quick and affordable entrypoint into the industry, a four year degree may not always be the best answer. 

RELATED: The 20 Best Online Marketing Degrees (Bachelor’s)

Quick and Affordable Online Marketing Certificate Programs

Marketing certificate programs have always been a popular choice for both current and prospective marketing professionals. Certificate programs are often built around key skills and specialized areas of study, so that students can focus all of their attention on what is most beneficial in the context of professional advancement. 

In many cases, employers might enroll their marketing employees in these programs to improve efficiency and productivity. And likewise, independent marketers often enroll in certificate programs if they feel they need to improve in a certain area. Thankfully, the process has never been more simple, and can often be completed while maintaining full-time employment and a comfortable work-life balance. 

Our researchers have compiled the best programs available according to metrics which we believe matter the most to you, the student–affordability, academic integrity, efficiency, and overall reputation (as measured by the program’s performance in rankings of trusted publications).

1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education program is designed for working students, adult learners, and other nontraditional students who need results-driven education. The UW Professional & Continuing Education program is designed to propel students into successful careers by building high-value skills that are of high value in the job market. UW distinguishes itself through this commitment to providing career-centric programs, which prepare students to seize on the real-time demands of their industry. 

The UW Professional & Continuing Education Department offers a for-credit Certificate of Digital Marketing. The program’s curriculum has been designed from the ground up to represent the current needs of the industry, and the expectations of future employers. The program can be completed on any schedule that best accommodates a student’s needs–self-paced online, online with real-time meetings, or a traditional classroom format.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences where students will engage projects like the following:

• Learning to leverage Google Analytics to gain exposure
• Learning to use other digital marketing tools
• Developing a paid-media plan and strategy for a mock company
• Creating a comprehensive digital marketing plan for a real local company, which is added to each student’s portfolio on completion

Learn more about the program

2. University of South Florida-Main Campus

The University of South Florida (USF) is a booming university system that ranks as one of the nation’s most prolific research investors with an annual budget of $1.6 billion. As such, USF leverages this extensive network of research facilities and initiatives to offer modern programs informed by USF’s cutting-edge research. The USF Executive Education program takes this to the next level, and specifically designs programs using current industry-data to create pathways for students to become highly competitive and successful professionals on an accelerated schedule. 

The USF Muma College of Business offers a number of business and marketing programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, among which is an online Marketing Certificate. The program is self-paced so that students can earn their certificate amidst full-time employment and demanding schedules. 

Students of the program will develop valuable skills and strategies such as the following:

• Develop strategies applying to your business
• Break through silos in order to bring your unify your organization on behalf of your customers
• Eliminate barriers and develop a customer-centric mindset of innovation
• Gain customer insights, and convert theories into action

Learn more about the program

3. University of California-Los Angeles

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is a name that is recognized around the world, a name associated with academic excellence and professional innovation. No matter your chosen program, at UCLA students work at the forefront of their fields to become future-minded professionals who have the tools needed to build lifelong success. 

The UCLA Extension program was built to bring the University’s most successful programs to more students around the country, and even around the world. Among these is an online Marketing Certificate with a Concentration in Digital Marketing. The program offers a comprehensive introduction into the following areas:

• Digital analytics
• Digital and social media marketing
• Influencer marketing and content strategy
• Advertising in the digital age

Learn more about the program

4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Illinois Online offers a number of accessible programs that are built with the student and their career in mind. As such, its programs are delivered through a range of modalities in order to meet students where they are, no matter where they are in life. Illinois Online’s certificate programs however, are designed specifically for those wishing to pursue professional advancement. 

Illinois Online offers a Digital Marketing Certificate through the prestigious Gies College of Business. The Digital Marketing Certificate (Coursera MasterTrackTM Certificate) offers a curriculum that teaches students how to engage consumers in a global economy. The program offers one course at a time, so that students can comfortably progress while maintaining full-time employment. 

Specifically, the program is built around the following course schedule:

• Marketing in a Digital World – Spring, 4 weeks
• Digital Marketing Analytics – Summer, 8 weeks
• Digital Marketing Channels – Fall, 8 weeks
• Marketing in an Analog World – Fall, 4 weeks
• Digital Marketing Capstone – Fall, 2 weeks

Learn more about the program

5. University of California-Irvine

Established in 1962, the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) has a storied history of servicing adult learners and working students who want to elevate their career trajectories. Today, the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) offers more than 80 industry-relevant certificates and specialized programs–either on campus, online, or at a corporate site. The Division’s certificate programs leverage the University’s network of strategic partnerships so that online students benefit from hands-on learning experiences. 

The Digital Marketing & Communications certificate program is completed entirely online through coursework which is designed to prepare students to capitalize on career opportunities. Students of the program will polish their skills of research, writing, design, and analytics–all of which are highly sought after by employers in the field of marketing. 

This program differentiates itself in the special attention paid to digital marketing and computing technology. Students of the program will learn how to leverage the latest tools to become as efficient and productive as possible. 

Learn more about the program

6. Ozarks Technical Community College

The Ozarks Technical Community College breaks the mold for what many think of when considering a community college. Ozarks Technical offers an array of future-facing, career-focused degree programs that are designed to propel graduates into successful careers. Ozarks Technical employs a value-based learning paradigm built on the following tenets:

• Quality
• Opportunity
• Accessibility
• Learning
• Inclusion
• Innovation
• Community
• Respect
• Integrity
• Personal growth

If these values resonate with you, you might want to consider enrolling the College’s online Business and Marketing Certificate. The program differentiates itself from similar programs through its focus on business education. Students of the program will be introduced to the foundational concepts of marketing framed within the context of business operations. 

Specially, the certificate program is made up of the following courses:

• Principles of Accounting I
• Principles of Business
• Principles of Marketing
• Business Communications
• Principles of Management
• Technology & Digital Literacy
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Composition I With Support

Learn more about the program

7. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia Online has earned a national reputation for producing innovators and leaders. The University of Virginia develops its programs to appeal to working professionals and adult learners. As such, students will find that Virginia Online’s programs maintain a high bar of academic rigor, while focusing on coursework that is most valuable in the context of one’s profession. Upon graduation students will be prepared to not only compete in the job market, but to win in the job market. 

The University of Virginia offers a graduate certificate in Digital Marketing that can be completed entirely online. Students of the program will master the various tools of the trade and will build the practical skills needed to retain customers in the modern marketing field.

The program is built upon the following curriculum:

• Digital Marketing Tools & Technologies 
• Strategic Database Marketing 
• Customer Relationship Management 
• Legal Aspects of Digital Marketing 
• Web Marketing: Building Awareness on the Internet 
• Social & New Media in Digital Marketing 
• Mobile Marketing Strategies 
• Introduction to Project Management 

Learn more about the program

8. Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown Community College (HCC) was founded in 1946 as Maryland’s first community college, and today has become a well-respected provider of student-centric online programs. Today, HCC offers a number of fully online programs designed for university transfer, career preparation, and/or personal development. At HCC students engage curriculums which are designed to reflect the real world needs and demands of the job market, so that graduates have what it takes to win over future employers. 

HCC offers an online Marketing Certificate that combines entry-level college courses with professional experience and skill development. Students of the program will engage course material that counts as credit towards a business or marketing Associate’s degree. 

Specifically, the program is built around the following curriculum:

• Principles of Management (3 Credits) 
• Marketing (3 Credits) 
• BUS 101 – Introduction to Business Organization and Management (3 Credits) 
• Public Speaking (3 Credits) 
• Technical Writing (3 Credits) 
• Introduction to Information Technology (3 Credits)  
• Macroeconomic Principles (3 Credits) 
• Microeconomic Principles (3 Credits)  
• Any Management (MGT) course (3 Credits)
• Any Entrepreneurship (ENT) course (3 Credits)

Learn more about the program

9. University of Vermont

The University of Vermont (UVM) Department of Continuing and Distance Education specializes in offering high-end programs for future-minded students. UVM built its online programs long before the industry began to embrace ‘remote learning’ due to the pandemic, and as such online students at UVM benefit from years of program iteration and polishing. 

Among these polished online programs is an Online Digital Marketing Fundamentals Professional Certificate. The program is led by industry experts who deliver the program in a bite-sized format of just 8 weeks, making it accessible to professionals on any schedule. Despite its short format, students will delve into a variety of topics and projects:

• SEO (Search Engine Marketing)
• PPC (Paid Search & Pay Per Click)
• Web & Marketing Analytics
• Email Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Display Advertising
• Mobile Marketing
• Capstone

Learn more about the program

10. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a prime example of a large public university that has leveraged its success to expand into online learning. Today, OSU Online services nearly 30,000 international students around the world and designs its programs to offer the utmost accessibility to adult learners and working professionals. OSU Online offers more than 100 areas of study that can be pursued online or in a hybrid format that combines on-campus elements. 

Oregon State University specializes in convenient certificate programs that offer a high level of academic rigor and professional integrity. Among these programs is a Digital Marketing Certificate and a Digital Brand Management Certificate. The courses of each are as follows:

• Digital Brand Management Certificate
  • Search Engine Optimization & Search Engine Marketing
  • Digital Brand Strategies
  • Building Digital Content Strategy
  • Developing a Social Media Plan

• Digital Marketing Certificate
  • Audience Segmentation
  • Content Marketing Strategy
  • Transmedia Storytelling
  • Business-to-Business Marketing

Learn more about the program

11. Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College is another College that is shaking up our conception of what a community college is capable of, and in fact, Macomb Community College is demonstrating a level of success that many large universities would like to replicate. Today, Macomb Community College services more than 38,000 students annually through its more than 200 degree and certificate programs. 

Among these programs is a Digital Marketing certificate that can be completed entirely online. The program has a number of amazing selling points, one of which is the partnership with Burning Glass, which empowers students with the most current and relevant industry data. Additionally, the program employs a career-insights tool which allows students to explore promising areas of the job market.  

Learn more about the program

12. Montgomery County Community College

Montgomery County Community College (MC3) earns consistent national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence demonstrated through world class faculty and use of technology. Today MC3 boasts an alumni group of more than 65,000 alumni, many of which have gone on to work at the highest levels of their fields. MC3 invests heavily in each of its programs so that it provides the best chances for each student to actualize their professional goals. 

MC3 offers a marketing certificate that can be completed either on-campus or online. Students of the program will master key marketing concepts within the context of a global business environment. The program is built on the following foundational curriculum:

• Survey of Accounting, Writing for Business and Industry, or Principles of Management (3 credits)
• Legal Environment of Business (3 credits)
• Introduction to Public Relations (3 credits)
• Ethical Decision Making in Business (3 credits)
• Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
• Personal Sales Management (3 credits)
• Advertising and Promotion (3 credits)
• Digital Marketing (3 credits)
• Management, Marketing, or Entrepreneurship Elective (3 credits)

Learn more about the program

13. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the southeast’s most reputable and successful providers of education programs–with degrees and certification tracks available at all levels. And with the University’s expansion into online education, more students can benefit from these programs than ever before. In particular UGA’s Terry College of Business has partnered with industry experts in Silicon Valley in order to create top of the line programs that will prepare students to succeed in the job market. 

Specifically, students can choose from three marketing certificate programs:

• Digital Sales and Marketing Basics (3 month course)
• Digital Marketing for Marketing Professionals (6 month course)
• Digital Marketing for New Media Professionals (6 month course)

These programs are designed to propel students into prosperous areas of the job market, and improves the competitiveness of students’ portfolios by acting as sufficient preparation to sit for the Online Marketing Certified Associate (OMCA) or Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) designation exams.

Learn more about the program

14. Cornell University

Cornell University is a name that confers tremendous academic and professional clout to its alumni, which in many cases is as valuable as the education itself. In short, Cornell University opens doors for its students, which is why it’s an internationally respected destination for pursuing a degree or other form of professional advancement. Over the last decade, Cornell Online has invested heavily in bringing more of its top-tier certificate programs to students.  

Today, students can choose from a robust catalogue of fully online certificate tracks that employ the latest strategies and online learning technologies helmed by some of the world’s most celebrated faculty, who have worked at the highest levels of their fields–both academically and professionally. 

Specifically, students can choose from a selection of online marketing certificate programs–one of the most extensive lists available:

• Digital Marketing Certificate
• Digital Marketing 360 Certificate
• Social Media Marketing Certificate
• Growth Marketing Certificate
• Marketing Strategy Certificate
• Brand Management Certificate
• Product Marketing Certificate
• Marketing AI Certificate
• Marketing Analytics Certificate
• PR Strategy Certificate
• Integrated Marketing 360 Certificate
• Corporate Communication Certificate
• Data Privacy Strategy Certificate
• Hospitality Digital Marketing Certificate
• Strategic Hospitality Marketing Certificate

Learn more about the program

15. Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College (SCC) provides student-centric programs that engage adult learners and working students with intellectually rigorous curricula. Today SCC has grown to service more than 10,000 students annually through 100 degrees and 60 certificates, many of which can be completed entirely online from the comfort of one’s own home. For three consecutive years, SCC has been eligible for the prestigious Aspen Award for Community College Excellence.

SCC offers two marketing certificate programs, an Online Marketing Certificate and an Online Social Media Marketing Certificate. The Marketing program is made up of the following courses:

• Introduction to Business (3 credits) 
• Principles of Marketing (3 credits) 
• Computer Usage and Applications (3 credits) 
• Survey of Computer Information Systems (3 credits) 
• Workplace Communication Skills (3 credits) 
• Advertising Principles (3 credits) 
• Principles of Sales (3 credits) 

Learn more about the program

16. Community College of Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) is Philadelphia’s largest institution of higher education and to date has serviced nearly 700,000 of the city’s inhabitants. CCP provides students with a number of flexible pathways to actualize professional and academic development. Its programs are designed to offer the highest level of academic integrity while preserving the flexibility needed to accommodate adult learners and working students.

CCP offers an online Digital Marketing Certificate which begins monthly in order to accommodate students’ of all backgrounds and schedules. The program aligns with the Online Marketing Certified Associate (OMCA) credential, which is a significant accolade in the field of marketing.

Students who enroll in the program will engage a comprehensive investigation of the central tasks of the marketing profession:

• Social media messaging
• Website ads
• Facebook marketing campaigns
• Google Adwords

Learn more about the program

17. Harvard University

Harvard University has always been a pillar of higher education in the United States, and the world at large. Its programs consistently rank as the most prestigious and academically rigorous of their kind, and often produce industry leaders who set the course of markets for years to come. Today, the Harvard University Extension program looks to make their quality programs available to students all over the world.

Among these programs is an online Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Certificate which is typically completed over 1.5 years on average. The program is designed for the working and distance student in mind, with 83% of enrollees working full-time and 29% living outside of the U.S. 

The program’s curriculum is formatted as follows:

• Foundations course (choose one course from select group)
• Digital Tools (choose one course from select group)
• Elective courses (choose two courses from select group)

Learn more about the program

18. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) School of Continuing Education is the largest provider of professional development in the region, and its year-round program structure enables students to engage flexible programs at a cadence that best facilitates learning and professional development. UWM emphasizes lifelong learning, so that its programs instill in students a frame of mind that contributes to success long after graduation.

UWM offers a fully online Digital Marketing Certificate which is based on a skill-building approach, which is meant to offer value to marketing professionals of all levels. Specifically, students who enroll in the program will engage the following curriculum format:

• Building an Integrated Digital Content Strategy
  • $924
• Foundations for Effective Digital Marketing
  • $924
• Improve Marketing Results Using Advanced Analytics Techniques
  • $374
• Introduction to Digital Marketing Analytics
  • $374

ELECTIVE COURSES

• Adobe Illustrator – Basics
  • $250
• Adobe InDesign – Basics
  • $374
• Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp
  • $374
• Advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Other Social Platforms
  • $374
• Email Marketing Best Practices
  • $374
• Google Ads: Getting the Most From Paid Search
  • $374
• Google Tag Manager
  • $374
• SEO: Keyword Research, Link Building and Content Optimization
  • $699
• Storytelling Films: How to Make an Emotional Connection With Your Audience Through Video
  • $374
• Write High-Impact Copy for Your Website
  • $374

Learn more about the program

19. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) offers future-minded, career-focused degree programs that aid students in reaching the next level of their careers. The PCE program leverages partnerships on the local, national and international level in order to maintain the most current and career-relevant strategies in each program. 

The PCE program offers a number of certificate tracks that can be completed entirely online such as the Strategic Online Marketing Certificate. The program is designed for entry level to advanced marketers who want to improve their skills of online marketing. Specifically, the program is built around the following courses:

• Building Your Brand and Website Foundation
• Principles of SEO and Onsite Optimization
• Offsite SEO Strategies
• Content Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Online Advertising
• Web Analytics
• Capstone Project Presentations

Learn more about the program

20. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business is one of the world’s premier destinations for business and marketing education. Its programs consistently hit the top spots of rankings in trusted publications, and alumni often go on to work at the highest levels of business–running large international corporations, or heading prestigious marketing agencies. And with its adoption of online education, these top-tier programs are more accessible than ever before. 

One such program is the online Digital Marketing Certificate which cultivates on-demand skills and strategies in students:

• Omni-channel marketing
• Marketing analytics
• Social media strategy and analysis
• Data-driven & customer-centric strategies for customer retention

The program is helmed by some of the industry’s top experts, who employ their specialties to guide and assist the advancement of students. Areas of faculty expertise include: 

• Digital marketing
• Viral marketing
• E-commerce
• Online shopping behaviors
• Sales forecasting

Learn more about the program

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