1. Ph.D. in Astronomy

Astronomy is the scientific study of the stars, planets and other bodies that make up the universe. The scientists who work in this field, called astronomers, use data to develop theories about how the universe operates and when and how the celestial bodies came into existence. There are a number of specialized job roles within the field of astronomy, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Some, like cosmologists and extragalactic astronomers, seek to understand the history and development of the universe as a whole. Others specialize in the study of galaxies (galactic astronomers), planets (planetary astronomers), stars (stellar astronomers) or the sun (solar astronomers). There are also high-energy astrophysicists who work with energy rays. Some types of astronomers are categorized by the tools they use to study space rather than what phenomena they study. Optical and observational astronomers view their objects of study through optical telescopes, while radio astronomers utilize radio telescopes instead. Coursework in a doctoral astronomy program typically includes high-level math classes such as statistics, calculus and linear algebra as well as advanced studies in general astronomy and in subfields such as cosmology or planetary astronomy.

Some 60 percent of careers at NASA fall into the category of Professional, Engineering and Scientific roles. Since astronomy is literally the study of stars and space objects, what degree path could better prepare you for a career in the field of space exploration? To work for NASA, aspiring astronomers need a Ph.D. in astronomy. Astronomers who work as NASA scientists gather and analyze data and use their findings to better understand space and the celestial bodies that compose it, the BLS reported. They use a variety of equipment, including telescopes based on earth and probes in outer space, to study the universe. Like other scientists, astronomers conduct research to test theories, but astronomers face the additional challenge of being very far – lightyears, even – from the bodies they’re studying. About 26 percent of astronomers across the U.S. work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $104,100

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Astronomy, Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics

2. Ph.D. in Physics

If you’ve ever wondered how the universe works, studying physics can help you learn the answers. Physics is the scientific study of matter, energy, time and space. Physicists study everything from tiny atoms and molecules to the workings of matter and energy across the universe. Subfields of physics include condensed matter, particle physics, nuclear physics and medical physics. Some of the studies of physics are theoretical, ccomonceptualizing how matter works. Other endeavors constitute applied physics, in which physicists put what they know about matter and energy to practical use improving medical technology, communications infrastructure, navigation systems and household electronics. In their work, physicists develop theories based on existing data and complex mathematical calculations and conduct experiments with the help of equipment such as lasers, particle accelerators and electron microscopes. In a Ph.D. program in physics, students choose a concentration such as condensed matter physics or astrophysics to study in-depth as well as taking math and science courses.

The specialty of physics is closely related to the specialty of astronomy, according to the BLS. Like astronomers, physicists who wish to work for NASA need to earn a doctoral degree. In particular, NASA offers employment opportunities for plasma physicists. These are scientists who study plasma, a type of matter that is found naturally in stars but that is also used on earth as components in television screens and neon signs. While many plasma physicists who work outside the field of space exploration focus more on ways to harness plasma as an energy source for the future, NASA plasma physicists may work more on understanding how the sun affects weather in space. Their findings can be used to safeguard satellites launched into space as well as the communication systems and power transmissions used in spacecraft. About 18 percent of astronomers across the U.S. work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $111,580

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Physics, Master’s or Ph.D. in Astronomy

3. Bachelor’s in Atmospheric Science Degree

When you think of meteorologists, it’s most likely the weather forecasters who predict weather conditions here on earth for broadcast or digital media that come to mind. Actually, though, there are numerous types of atmospheric scientists, and not all of them focus solely on earthly phenomena. In addition to familiar jobs like broadcast meteorologist and weather forecaster, atmospheric and space scientists include atmospheric chemists, climatologists, atmospheric physicists, climate scientists, forensic meteorologists and research meteorologists. Given the wide range of career roles available in atmospheric science, the subjects of study in the field can vary significantly. While many atmospheric scientists focus on predicting weather and climate events, some instead focus on historical weather or on new methods of collecting weather data. In their studies and research, atmospheric and space scientists gather data with the help of equipment such as satellite images, weather balloons and radar systems. Undergraduate students of atmospheric science study meteorology, atmospheric science, math, physics and computer programming, according to the BLS.

Atmospheric scientists who are interested in a career in space exploration could seek out a role as a NASA scientist. At NASA, meteorologists and other types of atmospheric scientists use their knowledge of weather and climate factors to study the weather conditions in space. They analyze data to develop both short-term and long-term space-weather forecasts, according to the BLS. Some NASA atmospheric scientists study other phenomenon, like trade winds and the Northern Lights. Atmospheric scientist is the one type of scientist prominently employed by NASA that requires only a bachelor’s degree. However, if you don’t want to spend four years in school, you might also be able to attain a NASA job with just two years of study. An associate’s degree from a technical school or community college can help you attain a job as a meteorological technician or meteorological aide. About 26 percent of atmospheric scientists work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $89,820

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Geology or Physics or Associate’s Degree in Earth Sciences or Meteorology  

 4. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms. When you study the natural or biological sciences, you learn about the growth, structure, evolution and function of various organisms. There are a number of different focuses of study available in the biological sciences. If you’re interested in the study of animals, you might become a wildlife biologist or zoologist. Scientists who study tiny organisms such as viruses and bacteria become microbiologists. Many scientists who work in biology hold interdisciplinary roles such as biochemist or biophysicist. A degree in biology or biological sciences can open a lot of career paths to you, including roles with the federal government. About 21 percent of wildlife biologists and 12 percent of microbiologists work for the federal government, according to the BLS. The executive branch of the federal government is also the industry that employs the highest number of biological scientists working in other unspecified roles, the BLS reported.

At NASA, a bachelor’s degree in biological science is one of the educational paths you can take to become an astronaut. Some Other options for preparing for a career as an astronaut include physical science, engineering, computer science and mathematics. However, aspiring astronauts should know that it takes more than an undergraduate degree to achieve the dream of visiting outer space. Just 45 of NASA’s more than 17,000 workers happen to be astronauts, the BLS reported. In fact, there have only been 338 U.S. astronauts sent into space since 1959. In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you will need years of experience flying aircraft just to qualify for the astronaut candidate program. Then you will spend another two years in the program, preparing for your mission into space. Astronaut candidates need to go through rigorous military water survival training as well as training in robotics skills and space physiology and medicine, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $77,190

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Physical Science or Mathematics

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

In addition to scientists, NASA employs a large number of engineers, professionals who apply scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems. Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers typically choose one of two specializations. Aeronautical engineers design, create and test aircraft that stays within the earth’s atmosphere, such as jet planes. Astronautical engineers focus on developing the technology used in spacecraft that travels through the earth’s atmosphere and into space. In an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program in aerospace engineering, students take coursework in specific subjects such as propulsion, mechanics, structures and stability and control as well as general engineering principles and how to apply them. Undergraduate aerospace engineering students must develop their knowledge of aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of the interaction between air and moving objects such as rockets, airplane wings and even kites, the BLS reported.

NASA aerospace engineers work primarily on designing and constructing missiles, rockets and other forms of spacecraft. At NASA, aerospace engineers solve problems that aeronautical never have to deal with due to differences between the atmosphere in earth and the conditions found in space. For example, the lack of airflow in space means that the jet engines that work within the earth’s atmosphere would fail to work in a spaceship, according to the BLS. To meet this challenge, aerospace engineers devised rockets that run on liquid oxygen and propellant. Once a NASA aerospace engineer comes up with a design idea, he or she must create a prototype to test the design’s performance and safety. Because a failure could put astronauts’ lives in danger, it’s very important that spacecraft designs work in practice and not just in principle. About 13 percent of aerospace engineers work for the federal government, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $107,830

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Systems Science

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering

Another branch of engineering is computer hardware engineering. Computer hardware engineers apply the principles of engineering to computers. Unlike software developers, who focus on programs and applications, computer hardware engineers work on the physical components of computer systems. They develop the circuit boards, processes and memory devices used in individual devices as well as the networks and routers used to connect these computers. Undergraduate computer engineering students complete coursework that combines electrical engineering principles and practices with extensive studies in computer science. The very technical coursework required for this degree means that students must have a strong foundation in science and mathematics to build on during their undergraduate studies. Because computer technology is constantly and quickly evolving, aspiring computer hardware engineers should plan on lifelong learning to keep pace with new technological developments. Most computer hardware engineers work in industries like computer systems design, computer equipment manufacturing and electronics component manufacturing, but the federal government employs about six percent of computer hardware engineers, the BLS reported.

The spacecraft, instruments and equipment used in space exploration often rely heavily on computer technology. After all, these instruments are used to measure activity and matter in space – sometimes from the earth’s surface. Given the high-tech nature of space exploration equipment, it’s no surprise that NASA needs skilled computer hardware engineers who understand how the physical components of these computers and computer systems work. Specifically, computer hardware engineers who work for NASA are responsible for the research and development of computer equipment used to collect data both in space and from earth. In addition to developing the design of data-collecting equipment, NASA computer hardware engineers also create a working prototype that they can test to make sure the instrument works as intended. Computer hardware engineers at NASA don’t just design computer equipment for themselves to use. They must make their designs accessible for other NASA personnel by noting down in detail how the product works.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $111,730

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

7. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering

Computer hardware is far from the only kind of technology engineers develop. Electronics engineering is the branch of engineering that involves the design and construction of electronic equipment. Electronics engineers must determine how to design and construct complex electronic systems, components and devices that meet the functional needs of the user without being too expensive to produce, too difficult to maintain or too unwieldy to use. The work of electronics engineers plays a role in a wide variety of industries, from medical treatment to military purposes. There is often a lot of overlap between the disciplines of electronics engineering and a related branch of engineering called electrical engineering. In an ABET-accredited electronics engineering degree program, students cake coursework in differential equations, electrical circuit theory and digital systems design. Electronics engineers can begin working in entry-level roles without attaining state licensure, but many choose to earn their Professional Engineering (PE) license during the course of their careers, the BLS reported.

The electronics engineers who work for NASA specialize in designing and developing electronics used in space exploration. Satellites and the instrument panels and broadcast and communications systems are just a few of the projects electronics engineers may work on when employed by NASA. The environmental conditions in space differ from earth and can be much harsher, exposing the equipment to radiation as well as extreme temperatures. The instruments a NASA electronics engineer designs must be capable of withstanding these conditions. While developing new equipment systems and components is an important part of a NASA electronics engineer’s responsibilities, it’s still only one part of the job description. Electronics engineers also need to plan ahead for maintaining the equipment and develop in-depth procedures for safe and effective maintenance practices. In addition to coming up with a design for the equipment, electronics engineers inspect, test and maintain existing electronics for safety and performance. The federal government employs 13 percent of electronics engineers, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $95,230

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Electronics Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

8. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Engineers are problem-solvers – and mechanical engineers are perhaps the most versatile problem-solvers of all. Mechanical engineering is among the broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing the creation of various kinds of mechanical devices, the BLS reported. Among the wide range of devices mechanical engineers develop are batteries, electric generators, escalators and elevators, engines, conveyor belt systems, medical devices, appliances, tools and turbines. Mechanical engineers aren’t just the brains behind these products. Mechanical engineers use computer technology that analyzes data and simulates machine testing as they build, test and tweak prototypes of their designs to perfection. The end result is a product that functions precisely as needed to solve the problem at hand. To earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, students need to take a variety of math and science classes in addition to their engineering and design courses. For mechanical engineers, a state-issued Professional Engineering license is beneficial and, in some cases, mandatory, according to the BLS.

When it comes to space exploration, mechanical engineers play an important role. Successful space missions depend on engines, tools, sensors, machines and other equipment that function optimally. With skilled mechanical engineers on the NASA team, the space exploration program can be sure that the equipment they use has been designed with all of the potential space-related challenges in mind. Mechanical engineers don’t always work alone. Often, they collaborate with engineers who specialize in other disciplines. At NASA, it’s not unusual for mechanical engineers to work alongside aerospace engineers, combining their expertise to make sure every tool and machine onboard a spacecraft meets its users’ needs. The steering mechanism used on rocket nozzles is just one example of the work mechanical engineers – along with their collaborators in other branches of engineering – do for NASA, according to the BLS. About six percent of mechanical engineers work in aerospace parts manufacturing roles, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $83,590

Similar Degree Programs: Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology

9. Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology

Aerospace engineers who are working on major projects can’t do everything themselves. Technicians – engineering professionals who have formal technical training but not an extensive academic education – often work in roles that support the efforts of full-fledged engineers. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians get their training from a technical school or junior college. ABET, the same entity that accredits science and engineering programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels, also has a separate Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission that awards accreditation to engineering technology degree programs. To earn ABET accreditation, an aerospace engineering technology degree program must include classes in science, college-level algebra and trigonometry, according to the BLS. Community colleges are more likely to offer more studies in the theory of aerospace engineering technology and in the liberal arts and sciences and to award associate’s degrees. Technical schools, on the other hand, more commonly focus on practical applications of aerospace engineering technologies and may award a certificate or diploma instead of an associate’s degree, the BLS reported.

While most of the careers involved in space exploration require at least an undergraduate degree, aerospace engineering and operations technician is one NASA job you can get with only an associate’s degree. In a role at NASA, aerospace engineering and operations technicians assist engineers and scientists with their projects to design, develop and especially test spacecraft. Aerospace engineering technicians contribute toward building spacecraft by installing the instruments and components engineers design. Technicians also create the conditions necessary to rigorously test spacecraft and the systems they employ. An aerospace engineering technician’s role in testing aerospace equipment can take many forms, from building test facilities and installing components to calibrating test equipment and actually running computer simulation tests and recording the results of various tests. Due to their close involvement in testing spacecraft, aerospace engineering technicians play an important role in the safety and quality assurance. One-third of aerospace engineering technicians work in the industry of aerospace products and parts manufacturing, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $66,180

Similar Degree Programs: Technical School Diploma or Certificate in Aerospace Engineering Technology

10. Associate’s Degree in Avionics Technology

When the complex electronic equipment onboard aircraft and spacecraft needs to be fixed, who works on it? A type of installation, maintenance and repair professional called an avionics technician fulfills this vital job duty. Avionics technicians perform both regular scheduled maintenance procedures and urgent repairs that result from a malfunction or other problem. Unlike the related roles of aircraft mechanic and repairmen, avionics technicians specialize in maintaining and fixing the electronic systems onboard a plane or spaceship. They work with aircraft and spacecraft equipment such as voltmeters, circuit testers, oscilloscopes, navigation aids, radio communication devices and radar systems, according to the BLS. As part of their testing, avionics technicians need to review flight test data for signs of malfunction. If they encounter any performance problems, they need to know how to fix or replace the malfunctioning part to avoid any risks to the safety of the aircraft or spacecraft’s occupants.

Like aerospace engineering technicians, avionics technicians can land a job at NASA with just an associate’s degree. While a role as an avionics technician might not require a comprehensive academic background, it does require strong mechanical skills and a great deal of troubleshooting skills and physical dexterity. A NASA avionics technician needs to be comfortable working with a variety of tools, ranging from hand tools to power tools and even soldering irons, according to the BLS. Part of an avionics technician’s job is to assemble parts like electrical controls and junction boxes and install new and replacement instrument panels as needed. Avionics technicians must also be familiar with digital technology so they can effectively maintain the computer systems that are utilized by the spacecraft’s electronic instruments. About 30 percent of avionics technicians work in the aerospace parts manufacturing industry, and another 11 percent work for the federal government, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $58,540

Similar Degree Programs: Military Training or Certificate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School

11. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Not all jobs with NASA are based in engineering or the sciences. For example, accountant is one of a number of professional roles needed at NASA. Accountants are the business and financial professionals who are responsible for an organization’s financial records. They create many types of financial statements and documents, including income statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flow and statements of changes in equity. An accounting professional must also review financial statements for accuracy, identifying any indicators of intentional fraud or unintentional accounting or mathematical errors. In a bachelor’s degree in accounting program, students take courses such as the principles of accounting and auditing, internal auditing, business communications and business law, according to U.S. News & World Report. Accountants may also study various types of accounting and may pursue a concentration in a subject like taxation, financial accounting, cost accounting or management accounting. Many accountants choose to spend a fifth year in college to earn a master’s degree and prepare to earn the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.

Accountants play an important role in many types of industries, and a government entity like NASA is no exception. As a large and busy organization, NASA has a lot of financial transactions going on at any given time. There are checks to process, receipts to write up and budget and cost data that someone must keep track of to prevent any inaccuracies in financial recordkeeping. Accountants are the personnel with the skills and education to organize all of this information into a financial report that captures this information. NASA has an accounting system which is used to keep track of cost and budget data. The organization’s accountants may be responsible for entering, analyzing and processing using this system. Accountants who work for NASA may also serve on organizations and committees within the space exploration program in financial roles such as treasurer, NASA reported. About eight percent of accountants work for the government, the BLS reported.

Occupational Grouping: Professional

Median Salary: $67,190

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Auditing or Business Administration 

12. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

NASA also needs skilled media and communications professionals to publicize the space exploration program’s findings and achievements. Technical writers play an integral part in NASA communications. These media and communications professionals need to be experts at communicating complex technical information in a way that readers who don’t have a background in science can understand. They use various formats to distribute this technical information, ranging from journal articles to instruction manuals and how-to guides. While the term ‘writer’ implies that these communications professionals express information only in written text, that’s not the case. Technical writers are sometimes called technical communicators and are responsible for creating imagery and other non-written materials used to communicate technical ideas. A bachelor’s degree in communications or a related subject often is sufficient to meet minimum education requirements. However, technical writers also need knowledge in the technical field they plan to write about, such as medicine or engineering, the BLS reported.

The technical writers who work for NASA interact with a variety of scientists and engineers in the course of their job duties. Technical writers research the science they need to write about and speak with the scientist and engineers who designed and developed the product so that they clearly understand what it does and how it works. Then they translate that knowledge into written format. Some of the work NASA technical writers might create includes operating and assembly instructions for space exploration equipment. Technical writers must break complicated findings about space exploration down into organized chunks of information, and they must develop a style of writing that is clear and specific. Often, the use of imagery can help make the technical space exploration findings discovered by NASA scientists easier to understand. NASA’s technical writers are also responsible for creating these visual materials, such as charts, animations, drawings and diagrams, as well as attaining pictures taken by NASA photographers. Technical writers must often undergo some short-term on-the-job training when they begin working at NASA, according to the BLS.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $70,240

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in English or Journalism

13. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations

When a government entity is as well-known as NASA, there’s bound to be a lot of public interest in its projects. Public relations specialists are media and communications professionals who cultivate a positive reputation for a company, organization or individual. They accomplish this goal through carefully managing the company’s written communications, speeches and other messages that promote a favorable image of the company. In a bachelor’s degree program in public relations, students take courses such as the foundations of public relations principles and practices, design for public relations messages, public relations writing, strategic communications, media relations, marketing and advertising and journalism. In addition to learning public relations theory, students in public relations degree programs will develop a portfolio of the work they have completed over the course of their college education, the BLS reported. It’s often beneficial for public relations majors to gain some real-world work experience, and make contacts within the industry, by completing an internship experience.

Public relations specialists who work for NASA make sure that discoveries made in the field of space exploration can find their way into public consciousness. Through the work of a public relations specialist, news media outlets across the country are made aware of NASA’s activities and findings so they can report on the story. Public relations specialists at NASA are responsible for devising and implementing a communication strategy that paints the space exploration program in a positive light. Press releases and news releases, articles, media advisories and blog posts are just a few of the types of content public relations specialists at NASA might create. They also assist with speeches, coordinating opportunities for speeches, fielding requests from schools for educational speakers and writing the speeches company representatives give, according to the BLS. Some NASA employees who work in public relations go by slightly different job titles, such as public affairs specialist or press secretary.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $56,770

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Communications or Business

14. Bachelor’s Degree in Film

You probably associate producers and directors more with blockbuster films or Broadway plays than with space exploration, but these entertainment professionals also play a role in NASA’s educational efforts. Directors and producers are the creative minds behind a performing arts production, whether it’s a much publicized high-budget movie or an educational film for students. While directors and producers don’t themselves appear on camera as actors do, their vision for the projects is what determines the look and feel of the film. Producers focus more on the financial aspects of securing funding and keeping expenses within budget, while directors typically are more involved in the artistic aspects of the film. A bachelor’s degree in film or cinema is the most common educational path for producers and directors, the BLS reported. In these degree programs, students study topics such as screenwriting, film history, the filmmaking process, editing and cinematography, according to the BLS.

Producers and directors who work for NASA focus their efforts on creating educational videos about space exploration. NASA’s educational videos cover subjects such as science concepts, inventions and innovations made possible by NASA for youth and adult audiences. These videos make complex concepts and technical processes, like assembling a telescope, easier for an audience to understand, according to the BLS. The directors involved in a NASA video project are responsible for choosing the creative elements of the film, like what subjects to film and how actors should portray their characters. Producers, on the other hand, take the role of overseeing the budget and production schedule. They hire a crew and ensure that the entire filmmaking process goes smoothly so that the final product is ready when it’s supposed to be ready and without going over the budget. Both the director and producer may have a hand in choosing the cast members who appear in the educational film.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $68,440

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Acting, Writing, Communication, Business or Art Management

15. Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

If you’re good with a camera, your photography skills could be your ticket to a career in the field of space exploration. Professional photographers make a living taking pictures. Some photographers specialize in portraits of individuals or groups, while others create photographs as a form of fine art or for commercial, news or scientific purposes. For aspiring photographers, having strong natural artistic abilities and a “good eye” for what makes a photo aesthetically pleasing is more important than pursuing a formal college education, the BLS reported. However, earning a degree in photography can help students develop their skills and learn the technical aspects of the art, including what makes a photograph good and how photography equipment works. Photography majors often take classes in photography techniques, processes, equipment and design and composition, according to the BLS. Perhaps more importantly, they begin developing a portfolio filled with their best photos that they can show to prospective employers or clients. 

At NASA, experienced photographers are necessary for capturing the space exploration program’s milestone events and discoveries. NASA photographers aren’t the ones who take photographs of space phenomena, because these media and communication professionals are based here on earth. However, their work in photographing the activities of NASA scientists and engineers plays an important role in preserving the history of the space exploration program and showing the progress NASA has made. Technically, even NASA photographers don’t necessarily need a college education. A highly skilled photographer with only a high school diploma may have a good aesthetic eye, strong artistic abilities and an impressive enough portfolio to attain a role taking pictures for NASA. However, photojournalists and scientific photographers are among the types of photographers that most often need a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS. Whether or not they have a bachelor’s degree, NASA photographers typically need some long-term on-the-job training to succeed in their career.

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $31,700

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Art

Editor’s Note: Choosing the right degree path is only one part of preparing for a career in the field of space exploration. While none of these majors can guarantee you a future working for NASA, they can help you take the first steps. For more information about space careers, check out this article by the BLS, the federal bureau which served as the source for the salary, occupational grouping and degree information data found in this article. Please note that the data contained above reflects salary data and job duties for these occupations in general and is not specific to NASA employment.

For Further Reading: 

Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astrophysicist?

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

The post 15 Degree Paths for Out-of-This-World Careers in Space Exploration appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What to Know About Online Degree Programs

The first thing you should know about pursuing a college degree online is that, while convenient, online courses aren’t “easy.” Students of legitimate, accredited online colleges need to meet the same sorts of admission and graduation requirements as students attending classes on campus.

For example, you need a high school diploma or a GED to be accepted into most online programs. In the best online degree programs, you will take the same rigorous coursework as on-campus students take. The only difference is that you complete your coursework in an online format, often on your own schedule and from anywhere in the world.

Another fact students should be aware of is that online learning isn’t always cheaper than studying on campus. Tuition for online degree programs certainly can be cheaper, especially if you are looking at institutions where you will be charged a higher out-of-state tuition rate. However, that’s not always the case. For many online students, the biggest source of savings isn’t the direct cost of tuition and fees but rather not having to live on campus or commute to school.

Finally, prospective online students need to be particularly vigilant about choosing accredited schools and programs to avoid investing their time and money in a degree that turns out to be worthless. Students should look for colleges and universities that are accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):

1. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

2. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Aside from the regional accreditation status of the school as a whole, students should consider programmatic accreditation, or accreditation of individual degree programs. Programmatic accreditation is particularly important for degrees in certain subjects.

For example, students pursuing a degree in any branch of engineering should ideally choose a program accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Earning an engineering degree from a program that isn’t ABET-accredited may prevent you from getting licensed later in your career. On the other hand, programmatic accreditation in degree programs that typically don’t lead to licensure is nice to have – because it demonstrates that the program meets high standards set by external organizations – but is less critical.

How Much Money Can Graduates of Online Programs Earn?

It’s true that virtually all of the highest-paying occupations in America, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), require more than a typical, fully online education. That’s because the vast majority of the most lucrative jobs in America are medical doctors in different areas of specialty or jobs – like nurse anesthetist or airline pilot – that otherwise require extensive clinical or hands-on training.

There are currently no fully online medical (MD or DO) degree programs that lead to licensure in the United States. While there are online degree programs in nurse anesthesia and aviation, these programs include a great deal of hands-on experience – clinical hours and flight hours – that you must complete in person.

RELATED: What Is the Difference Between an Anesthesiologist vs Nurse Anesthetist?

Still, online degree programs can put students on the path to a diverse array of lucrative jobs, many of which are in high demand. Some graduates of online degree programs even go on to eventually make upwards of six figures, and many earn salaries equal to or above the median annual salary for all occupations across the United States.

If you want to maximize your earning potential with an online education, you need to think carefully about your choice of college major. Certain programs of study are both closely connected to high-paying jobs and easily transferrable to online learning practices. These programs are the best online degrees to consider when it comes to salary potential.

What Are the 20 Highest-Paying Online Degrees?

Generally speaking, the highest-paying online degree programs tend to fit into either the field of business or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects that don’t require a great deal of clinical experience. Management positions offer particularly high earning potential.

While most of the highest-paid positions you can get with online degrees require at least a bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s degree, some online programs at the associate’s degree level can also offer exceptional earning potential.

Below are 20 of the online programs with the highest earning potential.

1. Management Science

The more responsibility you hold in an organization, the higher your earning potential. As such, management skills are particularly valuable if you want to boost your salary. A degree in management science will prepare you for a breadth of different management positions.

These leadership-focused degrees can help you move up in the world of business administration or build upon your skills in another technical or specialized area so that you can take on a management role within your field. Coursework in master’s degree programs in management science commonly includes:

• organizational leadership in business operations and operations management
• methods of business analytics and data analysis

Some master’s degree programs in management science are more STEM-oriented, while others focus on business leadership skills more generally.

A master’s degree in management science can help you move into management positions of all kinds. Management roles in different occupations each have their own sets of distinct job duties and corresponding earning potential. In general, though, management occupations as a whole had the highest median annual salary of all occupational groups in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median salary for all management roles amounted to $102,450.

The more senior or more specialized your role in management, the greater your earning potential. One less specialized – yet lucrative – group of management roles to look at is top executive, which according to the BLS encompasses both chief executives and operations managers.

In an operations or general manager position, you will typically focus more on the routine leadership and administration tasks that keep your organization running productively. Chief executive roles tend to involve more focus on strategic planning and determining the larger direction of the organization.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Operations managers, general managers, chief executives, STEM managers and top executives

Median Earning Potential: $97,970 (for general and operations managers) to $179,520 (for chief executives)

2. Computer Science

If you’ve got strong computer skills or an interest in computer technology, you’re in luck. Several of the most lucrative jobs available to online college graduates are roles in the computer science or information technology field.

Computer science is a broad field related to computer technology that encompasses the theory, design and development of computers and computer programs. Online students of computer science focus more on computational theory than their peers in related areas like computer engineering and more on the design of networks, operating systems and software programs than their peers in the computer information technology or computer information systems fields.

Online degrees in computer science and related fields of study exist at both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels. Among the areas you might study when pursuing online degrees in computer science are:

• algorithms
• computer programming languages
• artificial intelligence
• software development
• computer systems and networks
• cybersecurity
• databases
• numerical data analysis

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

The median annual salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported for jobs in the computer and information technology field as of 2022 was $85,000.

Computer science management positions are some of the highest-paying roles you can get with this online degree. For computer and information systems managers, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $159,010 as of 2021.

It isn’t only management roles in computer science that pay well. Jobs that require strong analytical skills, too, tend to be lucrative. For example, the median salary the BLS reported for the computer systems analyst occupation as of 2021 was just barely shy of the six-figure range.

A computer systems analyst typically performs more analytical and technical work than professionals in computer and information systems management roles, whose work more commonly emphasizes managing computer-related projects and overseeing an organization’s computer technology workforce.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer systems analysts, chief technology officers and other computer and information systems managers

Median Earning Potential: $99,270 (for computer systems analysts) to $159,010 (for computer and information systems managers)

3. Computer Information Technology

If you’re more interested in the practical applications of computer technology than the theoretical underpinnings of computer science, information technology (IT) may be a better fit for you.

Work in the field of information technology tends to emphasize the selection, installation and troubleshooting of existing computer technologies for practical purposes. As a computer information technology professional, you’re likely to be involved in setting up and configuring computer networks and systems to meet an organization’s technological needs rather than designing new hardware components or software programs yourself.

RELATED: What Degree Do I Need to Be a Computer Technician?

If you want to focus your online education more narrowly, you might consider majoring in computer information systems rather than information technology. Computer information systems emphasizes the use of computer technology for business purposes. Online degree programs in computer information systems management typically include more business coursework along with coursework in computers and information systems.

This background, like a degree in computer science, can prepare students to eventually advance to high-level management roles with lucrative median salaries. Earning potential for non-management roles in this field is still high, although perhaps not as high as roles that fit under the domain of computer science. For the job of computer systems administrator, for example, the BLS reported a median salary in the $80,000 range.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer systems administrators, IT directors, chief information officers, and other types of computer and information systems managers

Median Earning Potential: $80,600 (for network and computer systems administrators) to $159,010 for IT directors, chief information officers and other types of computer and information systems managers

4. Computer Engineering

Another field with a great deal of overlap with computer science is computer engineering, which is essentially the application of engineering design principles to computer systems. Computer engineers design and develop computer hardware (physical components) and software (programs). Although their designs are informed by the principles and practices of math and science, computer engineers focus less on theory and more on practical design applications.

In a computer engineering online bachelor’s degree program, students will typically complete core coursework in general engineering as well as classes more specific to their major. Computer engineering is a subfield within electrical and electronics engineering.

Many online degree programs in computer engineering introduce students to the principles and practices of both computer hardware engineering and software engineering. Students interested in computer hardware engineering would pursue more coursework in areas like:

• computer hardware
• computer architecture
• microprocessor systems
• circuit boards and other components

For students interested in software engineering, courses in common computer programming languages and writing computer algorithms, including the programming of artificial intelligence software, are more relevant.

Both hardware engineering and software development are lucrative fields, although skilled hardware engineers report a slightly higher median annual salary than software engineering professionals, according to data from the BLS.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer software developer, software engineer and computer hardware engineer

Median Earning Potential: $120,730 (for computer software engineers and developers) to $128,170 (for computer hardware engineers)

5. Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Computers are far from the only aspects of electrical and electronics engineering that you can pursue through an online program. The field of electrical engineering encompasses computers and much more, from electric motors and power generation equipment to communications equipment and navigation equipment.

In electrical and electronics engineering degree programs, students complete courses in information and signals, the foundations and applications of electric and electronic circuits and digital logic design. Often, students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering have the opportunity to focus on a specific area of application, such as:

• energy, optics and photonics
• electronic devices
• security
• privacy
• circuits and systems

Electrical and electronics engineering is a lucrative branch of engineering, with a median salary at or above the $100,000 mark for engineers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Even at the associate’s degree level, an online degree program in electrical engineering can offer considerable earning potential.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology can qualify you to work as an electrical and electronic engineering technologist or technician. The median annual salary for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians in 2021 was $63,640, the BLS reported. That’s a considerable increase over the $963 per week, or $50,076 per year, that the BLS reported as the median earnings for American workers with only an associate’s degree.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Electrical engineering technicians or technologists, electrical engineers and electronics engineers

Median Earning Potential: $63,640 (for electrical engineering technician or technologist) to $100,420 (for electrical engineers) and $104,820 (for electronics engineers)

6. Petroleum Engineering

A non-management median salary of over $130 with only a bachelor’s degree? It may sound too good to be true, but that’s what you can expect when you leverage your online college education to become a petroleum engineer.

As the name suggests, petroleum engineers apply science-based principles of engineering design to the petroleum industry, and particularly to safely and efficiently extracting oil and gas deposits from the Earth. Some of the common jobs in petroleum engineering, according to the BLS, include:

• drilling engineers
• completions engineers
• production engineers
• reservoir engineers

In an online program in petroleum engineering, students learn about the properties of reservoir rock and petroleum fluid and the practices of logging, testing and completing the construction of wells. Lecture and laboratory work, which may be done online using simulators, allow students to grasp the principles and practices of drilling engineering, production engineering and reservoir engineering.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Petroleum engineers

Median Earning Potential: $130,850 (for petroleum engineers) to $165,480 (for petroleum engineers working in management)

7. Aerospace Engineering

Online programs in aerospace engineering, the application of engineering design principles to aircraft and spacecraft, are more popular at the master’s degree level than the bachelor’s degree level. Depending on which aspect of the field a student chooses to pursue after they complete their undergraduate degree, they may become aeronautical engineers, who design aircraft and related components, or astronautical engineers, who design spacecraft.

Students pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering take courses in flight dynamics, rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, space systems and airfoil and wing theory. They also build on their existing knowledge of mechanics and dynamics acquired during their undergraduate studies with intermediate to advanced coursework in fluid mechanics, dynamics and quantum mechanics.

With a median annual salary above $120,000, according to the BLS, aerospace engineering is among the highest-paying engineering fields. If your goal is to take online courses that allow you to make six figures even without advancing to a management role, aerospace engineering could be the degree for you.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Aerospace engineer

Median Earning Potential: $122,270 (for aerospace engineers overall) to $128,020 (for aerospace engineers working in scientific research and development)

8. Chemical Engineering

Another engineering discipline with a median annual salary in the six-figure range, according to the BLS, is chemical engineering. Chemical engineers apply engineering principles to solutions and innovations that pertain to chemicals – materials, processes, manufacturing equipment, safe operations procedures for facilities and more.

Many online programs for chemical engineers are offered at the graduate level as an opportunity for working professionals in the field to develop advanced skills. Online students pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering will commonly take classes in areas like:

• chemical engineering analysis
• biochemical engineering
• advanced transport phenomena
• advanced thermodynamics
• chemical reaction engineering
• chemical engineering process modeling
• bioseparations
• polymer science
• materials processing

A few colleges and universities offer online undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering. In an online bachelor’s degree program in chemical engineering, students can expect to complete core engineering studies, general education coursework and major-specific classes in this discipline of engineering. Major coursework for aspiring chemical engineers may include:

• fundamentals of chemical engineering
• chemical product design
• chemical engineering thermodynamics
• chemical engineering reactor design
• transport phenomena
• process dynamics and control
• experimental design

Students should be aware that some online bachelor’s degree programs in chemical engineering require on-campus laboratory work – typically condensed into a short residency period of one to two weeks during the summer – even if the rest of the coursework is conducted online. For example, three major-specific laboratory courses in the University of North Dakota‘s online Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering program must be completed in person, while other laboratory coursework may be completed online.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Chemical engineers

Median Earning Potential: $105,550 (for chemical engineers overall) to $152,430 (for chemical engineers working in the engineering services industry)

9. Biomedical Engineering

Taking online classes in biomedical engineering can prepare you to make a difference and a near-six-figure median salary. Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles – including the principles of all major engineering disciplines, from chemical and electrical to mechanical – to the development of healthcare solutions and innovations.

RELATED: Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

As you might expect, skilled biomedical engineers – and their life-changing and often life-saving breakthroughs – are in high demand. The BLS predicts that job opportunities for bioengineers and biomedical engineers will grow by a faster than average rate of 10% between 2021 and 2031.

Online bachelor’s degree programs in biomedical engineering are interdisciplinary programs that bring together foundational coursework in areas like:

• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• chemical engineering

Also, specialized coursework in:

• biomedical engineering problems
• biomedical instrumentation
• biochemical engineering
• biomaterials processing
• biomedical imaging

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Biomedical engineer

Median Earning Potential: $97,410 (for chemical engineers overall) to $108,690 (for chemical engineers working in the electromedical instruments manufacturing industry)

10. Engineering Management

Engineering roles as a whole are lucrative, but the highest-paying engineering careers are in the field of engineering management. Engineering managers earned a median annual salary above $150,000 as of 2021, according to the BLS. Engineering managers work in all disciplines of engineering, performing job duties such as project management and planning, hiring and supervising engineers and taking projects from concept to completion.

Online degrees in engineering management are most commonly found at the graduate level. Although you can become an engineering manager with only a bachelor’s degree, you also need considerable work experience as an established engineer. Becoming an engineer in the first place requires a bachelor’s degree in some discipline of engineering, so online students in an engineering management program typically already have a bachelor’s degree.

In online master’s degree programs in engineering management, students take classes in:

• engineering decision-making
• engineering economics
• strategic risk management
• project management
• facilities management
• systems in engineering management
• skills for managing engineering teams
• engineering law and ethics

Notably, unlike a Master of Science (MS) degree in any branch of engineering, the focus of a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree is less on developing technical skills and more on cultivating the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage people and projects in the technical area of engineering design.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Engineering manager, engineering program manager, project engineering manager, engineering director

Median Earning Potential: $152,350 (for architectural and engineering managers overall) to $187,240 (for engineering managers working in the scientific research and development services industry)

11. Construction Management

Related to the role of engineering manager is construction manager. A construction manager’s job is to plan and supervise a construction project – such as building a residential home, a development of residential homes, an industrial complex or a bridge – from start to finish. Although you may not think of construction as being a high-paying field, the median annual salary for construction management roles amounted to nearly six figures in 2021, according to the BLS.

In online bachelor’s degree programs in construction management, students typically begin their major coursework by studying the fundamentals of the construction industry. More specialized coursework includes construction project management and administration, planning and scheduling for construction projects, construction cost accounting and finance, building construction systems and codes, project building systems, building energy systems for construction managers and construction safety.

RELATED: Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

In addition to their major coursework in construction management, students pursuing this online bachelor’s degree should expect to complete general education courses in a variety of subjects.

An online education in construction management is a particularly good choice for experienced carpenters, masonry contractors and other construction workers who don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is considered the minimum entry-level education for most construction manager roles, according to the BLS. By choosing an online education program to pursue their bachelor’s degree, experienced contractors can better balance work and their studies so that they can eventually advance to a management role.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: construction managers, general contractors, construction project managers

Median Earning Potential: $98,890 (for construction managers overall) to $100,260 (for construction managers working in nonresidential building construction) and $100,310 (for construction managers working in heavy and civil engineering construction)

12. Business Administration

Online degree programs in business administration are popular at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Business administration is one of the best online degrees for its versatility. Generally, a degree program in business administration – whether offered at the bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level – encompasses core business studies across disciplines within the field of business as well as focused coursework in an area of concentration.

Two common online education programs in the field of business administration are the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

A bachelor’s degree in business administration can prepare you for entry-level positions in the field of business. Through your bachelor’s degree curriculum in business administration, you will learn the basics of business practices and build knowledge of business operations and the foundations of accounting, finance and financial management, marketing and business communications.

Elective courses in a business administration bachelor’s degree program might include international business and project management. Like other bachelor’s degree programs, BBA online programs typically take four years to complete.

In a Master of Business Administration program, students complete more advanced coursework in these areas. Core coursework in an online MBA program might include graduate-level studies in:

• quantitative business analysis
• managerial accounting
• information management
• international business economics
• management of teams and human capital
• marketing management
• supply chain management

Most full-time online MBA programs can be completed in two years. However, some master’s degree programs in business are accelerated, allowing for completion in as little as one year, while others are structured on a part-time basis that takes longer to complete.

One aspect that makes business administration ones of the best online degrees is the program’s ability to prepare students for a variety of high-paying roles. In the business field, some of the potential jobs you could find with this online education include:

• accountant
• management analyst
• financial manager
• marketing manager
• human resources manager
• chief executive

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Accountants, Management analysts, financial managers and chief executives

Median Earning Potential: $77,250 (for accountants) and $93,000 (for management analysts) to $131,710 (for financial managers) and $179,520 (for chief executives)

13. Finance

Business administration is the broad field of business study, but majoring in one of the subfields within business can be just as lucrative, if not more so. One of the most lucrative subfields of business you can study is finance, the area of business concerned with the management and growth of wealth.

Even non-management roles in finance, including in areas like financial analysis and personal financial management, have median salaries that approach the six-figure range, according to the BLS. The best-paying positions fit into the financial manager occupation.

Financial manager roles encompass jobs like controller, finance officer and treasurer, the BLS reported, and the median salary for these roles was more than $130,000 in 2021. A financial manager doesn’t necessarily need an advanced degree but typically does need at least five years of relevant work experience, the BLS reported.

In an online bachelor’s degree program in finance, students typically take courses in:

• financial analysis
• corporate finance
• international finance
• the foundations of financial management
• intermediate financial management
• financial markets and investment
• portfolio analysis

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Personal financial advisors, financial analysts, Financial managers, controllers, treasurers, finance officers, credit managers and cash managers

Median Earning Potential:
$94,170 (for personal financial advisers) and $95,570 (for financial analysts) to $131,710 (for financial managers overall) and $158,820 (for financial managers employed in the management of companies and enterprise industry)

14. Human Resource Management

Human resources isn’t one of the more lucrative areas of business, particularly at the non-management level, but skilled workers in this area are in high demand. Human resources manager roles are the most lucrative, with a median salary – $126,230 – that more than doubles the $62,290 median annual salary the BLS reported for HR specialists in 2021.

RELATED: What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

The field of HR is concerned with building and maintaining an organization’s workforce. Human resources specialists are involved in recruiting, hiring, and training workers, as well as resolving interpersonal conflicts among workers or between workers and management and overseeing efforts to retain employees. In some organizations, particularly smaller companies, human resources personnel are also involved in payroll and benefits administration.

Human resource management roles still prioritize the building and maintenance of the company’s workforce, but human resources managers focus more on overseeing an organization’s HR department and its efforts. HR managers supervise the work of human resources specialists and generalists while also working closely with senior management.

“Several” years of human resources work experience, along with a bachelor’s degree (and, for some roles, a master’s degree), are required for most HR manager jobs, the BLS reported.

In an online HR management program of study, students take classes in:

• the introductory concepts of human resources management
• employment law
• staffing and recruitment
• training and development
• compensation and benefits
• organizational development
• global HR management

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Human resources specialist, human resources generalist, human resources manager, human resources director

Median Earning Potential: $62,290 (for human resources specialists overall) and $76,920 (for human resources specialists in the professional, scientific and technical services) to $126,230 (for human resources managers)

15. Supply Chain Management

An online bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management prepares students for work in planning and coordinating the logistics of procuring, manufacturing and transporting materials for an organization.

Not all jobs in supply chain management are actually management roles. Rather, recent graduates of supply chain management programs often start out as logisticians, who focus on the flow of movement of the materials an organization needs and on the storage of those materials. Supply chain managers, on the other hand, oversee the supply chain more broadly, including but not limited to the logistics that a logistician coordinates.

Students in an online bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management typically study:

• logistics management
• supply chain strategy
• global supply operations and management
• business decision models
• planning and control systems for supply chain management
• lean and quality management
• research and negotiation

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Logisticians, supply chain managers and supply chain directors

Median Earning Potential: $77,030 (for logisticians overall) and $88,710 (for logisticians employed by the federal government) to $98,230 (for supply chain managers)

16. Marketing

Marketing is the area of business that refers to promoting a company or product. There are many aspects of work in business marketing, from the quantitative market research side to the creative side of crafting marketing messages and advertising campaigns.

The most lucrative roles in marketing are marketing management positions. A marketing manager oversees marketing efforts and personnel in the marketing department. Marketing managers may be involved in everything from identifying products and services to develop or expand and estimating the market and demand for these offerings to the development and implementation of marketing campaigns for these offerings. For marketing managers as a whole, the BLS reported a median salary above $135,000.

Among non-management roles in marketing, market research analyst is among the best-paying career paths. Market research analysts are concerned with the statistical analysis of data pertaining to business markets. By researching consumer needs, purchasing habits and attitudes, as well as competitors’ offerings and methods, market research analysts can provide insight on how (and whether) to develop, price and promote a company’s goods and services.

The median salary for a market research analyst is less than half of that of a marketing manager, the BLS reported.

Online students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing will likely take courses in:

• marketing principles
• marketing strategy
• marketing research and consumer behavior
• business strategy
• business writing
• management concepts

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Market research analysts and marketing managers

Median Earning Potential: $63,920 (for market research analysts overall) and $79,640 (for market research analysts employed in management) to $135,030 (for marketing managers overall) and $155,470 (for marketing managers in the Professional, scientific and technical services industry)

17. Healthcare Administration

Many of the most lucrative careers in America are in the medical and healthcare industry, but roles like physician, physician assistant and nurse practitioner require a great deal of in-person clinical work. One of the best online degrees for working in healthcare facilities is healthcare administration.

This bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program emphasizes the development of both general and specialized knowledge to apply business administration principles and practices to the unique environment of healthcare facilities, the BLS reported.

Students in a healthcare administration program take classes like:

• health care policy and economics
• finance for health care
• information systems for health care
• strategic planning for health care
• organization and management for health care
• operational analysis
• quality improvement in health care
• health care leadership and ethics

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Healthcare administrators and healthcare executives

Median Earning Potential: $101,340 (for medical and health services managers overall) to $119,450 (for health administrators employed by hospitals)

18. Actuarial Science

Our list of the best online degrees has included numerous programs in science, technology and engineering, but there’s still the “M” in STEM: mathematics. Actuarial science is a field at the intersection of mathematics and business that focuses on the statistical and mathematical calculation of risk.

Actuary is a high-paid career with a six-figure median salary, and for a good reason. Becoming an actuary isn’t easy. Not only do actuaries perform complex mathematical calculations, but they also must pass a sequence of difficult professional certification exams over the course of their career, the BLS reported. A less challenging (although also less lucrative) career path you could pursue with a background in actuarial science is insurance underwriter, for which the BLS reported a median salary in the mid-$70,000 range.

In an online actuarial science program, students should be prepared to take a great deal of math coursework, including a sequence of calculus courses and studies in linear algebra and differential equations. Major coursework for actuarial science students blends math and business studies, with classes in:

• financial mathematics
• probability
• financial statistics
• business finance
• financial and managerial accounting

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Insurance underwriters and actuaries

Median Earning Potential: $76,390 (for insurance underwriters) to $105,900 (for actuaries overall) and $110,590 (for actuaries employed by the government)

19. Mathematics or Statistics

Actuarial science isn’t the only practical application of a mathematics education. If you’re interested in math, you can earn a surprisingly lucrative salary with an online mathematics or statistics degree. Mathematicians earn a median salary in the six-figure range, and statisticians earn almost six figures, the BLS reported.

If you major in mathematics or statistics as an online student, your major coursework will, obviously, be very math heavy.

Mathematics majors take a series of calculus courses along with classes in linear and modern algebra, abstract mathematics, mathematical models and real analysis. They are encouraged to take elective courses in areas such as:

• differential equations
• statistical techniques
• geometry
• number theory and topology
• computational methods
• finance

Statistics majors focus less on areas like calculus and algebra in their major coursework and more on methods of statistical analysis and their underlying concepts. An online statistics degree program might cover introductory coursework in mathematical statistics, probability theory, regression methods, experimental design and variance analysis and methods of statistical consulting. Popular electives among statistics majors include:

• statistical analysis system programming using languages like R and Python
• applications of statistical methods to data management, epidemiological research, clinical trials and genomics

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Statisticians and mathematicians

Median Earning Potential: $95,570 (for statisticians overall) and $108,100 (for mathematicians overall) to $114,770 (for statisticians employed in the scientific research and development industry) and $129,800 (for mathematicians employed in the professional, scientific and technical services industry)

20. Environmental Science

Rounding out our list of 20 high-paying online programs is an interdisciplinary STEM subject that allows graduates to make a difference in the world around them. Environmental science encompasses all aspects of the scientific study of the environment and the development of scientific solutions to environmental problems, including pollution and climate change.

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

Most online environmental science programs require students to build a background in the foundations of biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics. Major coursework builds upon this basic science background in areas like:

• natural environmental systems
• ecology
• soil science and geology
• hydrology
• environmental policy
• environmental management
• environmental ethics

RELATED: Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Environmental scientists, climate change analysts, industrial ecologists and environmental chemists

Median Earning Potential: $76,530 (for environmental scientists overall) to $103,530 (for environmental scientists working for the federal government)

Where Can You Work With an Online Education?

As you can see from our list of the best online degrees, online education prepares students for a variety of different fields and levels of seniority. New graduates without extensive work experience can use their online degrees to land their first entry-level positions in a field that requires a college education. As they gain experience, these professionals can advance to roles where they have more responsibility and, in turn, a higher earning potential.

For established professionals, online degrees can allow for career advancement without having to leave the workforce. This may be the case for workers who have experience in a technical area but no formal college degree or only a minimal level of study, such as an associate’s degree. Taking online classes offers working professionals in fields like engineering, construction, computer technology and business an opportunity to develop skills in leadership and project management while continuing to thrive where they are. That’s why many of the best online degrees are master’s degree programs.

Because graduates of online degree programs work in different fields and at different levels of seniority, the industries and environments where they may find work are almost limitless. Many graduates of online programs work for for-profit businesses in a variety of industries, including engineering services, the finance and insurance industry, construction and manufacturing. Some graduates of online education programs work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Your job opportunities with an online education are plentiful, and where you take your career depends on what you want to do.

For Further Reading:

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What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

The post Top 20 Highest-Paying Online Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What to Look for in the Best Interior Design Schools

Top professionals in the interior designer occupation tend to come from the best interior design schools. Having a natural eye for design is valuable, but it takes more than this to become an excellent interior designer. Students need a formal interior design education to develop skills in formulating a design strategy, researching clients’ goals and project requirements, keeping work costs within the project budgets and managing the entire design project from start to finish.

What makes an institution a top interior design school?

It’s not the type of institution or degree awarded that matters most. Our list of the 10 best interior design schools includes everything from art and design schools to research universities and liberal arts schools. The degrees offered by the best interior design schools include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees, as well as certificate programs. Among schools that offer graduate programs, students can choose from Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs, as well as doctorate degree programs.

Whether you choose a flexible or focused program, you should look for an option that includes experiential learning opportunities and training in the latest technology for design professionals. The right interior design program for you will nurture your artistic and design interests and equip you with the tools practicing interior designers use to prepare construction documents and use changing technologies in both the creative and less creative aspects of the field.

Among schools that offer online classes or an online degree program for design students, online bachelor’s programs are popular. Students may also look for distance learning options at the graduate levels, including an MA online degree program, an MS online degree program and an MFA online degree program.

The curriculum of an outstanding interior design program should include foundation art coursework that covers the concepts and methods of visual arts, classes in the theory and principles of design and coursework in the use of technical software like computer-aided design programs. Students should have the opportunity to explore the principles and practices of residential design and pursue commercial design work in a variety of areas, including retail design and health and wellness design. Collaborative work, such as group projects, may be part of your design or arts program. You should also expect to put in plenty of hard work advancing your artistic talent and building your portfolio.

RELATED: What Computer Programs Should I Learn Before Starting a Degree in Design Studies?

The best interior design programs also offer opportunities to build practical skills in the field. Through integrated design studio coursework, undergrad students practice their creative and technical design skills. Practicum experiences, internships and co-ops enable students to get real-world experience under the supervision of professionals in the field.

Ideally, prospective students should look for interior designer programs that are accredited by outside organizations. In the interior design field, two of the major accrediting bodies are the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

RELATED: What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture?

Top 10 Interior Design School Rankings

After careful consideration and research, we have identified the following institutions as some of the 10 best interior design schools in the United States. All the schools listed below provide interior design education options that produce interior design industry experts.

1. Rhode Island School of Design

With a name like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), it should be no surprise that this institution has one of the top interior design programs in the United States. As one of the most widely admired interior design schools in the nation, RISD has earned recognition from publications such as Architectural Digest and Azure Magazine, among many others.

The interior design programs offered at RISD include options at the certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. RISD allows students to take courses in-person and online, offering plenty of flexibility for students who are juggling a lot of responsibilities or who can’t uproot their lives to move to a reasonable commuting distance.

RISD’s Interior Design Certificate Program

The interior design certificate program at RISD begins with core courses in drawing, design and digital design techniques that prepare students for a variety of careers in the interior design field. After completing their core courses, students pursuing an interior design certificate learn about lighting, building materials and even the differences between designing for private and public spaces in their concentration courses. At the end of this program, students will design a portfolio that will help them with potential job opportunities.

While this program does not satisfy either the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) or American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) eligibility requirements, it quickly provides students with formal design skills without the academic demands or price tag of a full degree.

For the entire program, the school reports a tuition price of only $9,140.

RISD’s Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design Program

Most interior design majors are more interested in bachelor’s degree programs than certificate programs. RISD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Studies: Adaptive Reuse program is a baccalaureate-level program that emphasizes the skills for repurposing existing spaces for new uses.

In this traditionally four-year interior design BFA program, students complete courses in drawing, design and digital design techniques, much as students in the certificate program do. However, through the more in-depth coursework involved in this program, students explore topics like building structures, the history of interior architecture and scheme detailing in more detail. Students’ coursework in building structures and systems for adaptive reuse, in particular, will cover how the concepts of structural design and the mechanical systems used in building structures can be applied to preserving, adapting and rehabilitating existing buildings.

Students finish this program with a completed portfolio of their design work. Tuition for the bachelor’s interior design program at RISD for the 2022 through 2023 school year amounts to $28,218 per semester or $56,435 for the whole academic year.

RISD’s Master’s Degree Options in Interior Design

In addition to the BFA, graduate degrees offered at RISD include two types of master’s programs. The Master of Arts (MA) in Adaptive Reuse is a 1-year, 45-credit program that serves as a student’s first architecture degree. The school’s Master of Design in Interior Studies (MDes) programs are 2-year, 75-credit degree programs.

Students in the Master of Arts in Adaptive Reuse program take courses in the theory of adaptive reuse, the principles of adaptive reuse and applied building systems for adaptive reuse. Master of Design in Interior Studies degrees are offered in both adaptive reuse and exhibition and narrative environments.

In the Master of Design in Interior Studies: Adaptive Reuse program, which qualifies students to sit for the NCIDQ exam, coursework includes energy systems, human factors of ergonomics and acoustics, and studio coursework on codes and details. Coursework in the Master of Design Interior Studies: Exhibition and Narrative Environments program covers special topics in the use of interior design for storytelling purposes, particularly in museum settings.

The graduate interior design programs at RISD are the same cost as the undergraduate programs, coming in with a tuition of $28,218 per semester, or $56,435 for the whole year.

View program details.

2. New York School of Interior Design

NYSID isn’t just a liberal arts or design school that happens to offer an interior design major. The entire New York, NY, institution (and all of its academic programs) specializes solely in interior design. As one of the best interior design schools in the country, NYSID has received accolades from publications like Architectural Digest.

Undergraduate and graduate programs of study at the New York School of Interior Design range from a certificate program that introduces students to the field to five separate graduate programs to help interior designers advance their professional careers.

NYSID’s Basic Interior Design Certificate

The basic interior design certificate covers just what you would expect: the basics. Students take classes on topics like:

• basic drafting
• visual concepts
• the design process
• historical styles
• construction documents
• colors and textile design for interiors

Upon graduating from this certificate program, a student who is interested in taking their education further may transfer these credits into NYSID’s associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.

The tuition rate for all courses offered in the certificate, associate and bachelor’s programs for the 2022 through 2023 school year was $1,150 per credit.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree at NYSID

Through the institution’s Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design program, students can start their path in the field of interior design while covering prerequisite courses. Associate degree credits can then be transferred to the bachelor’s program, which will prepare students to enter the profession of interior design.

NYSID’s Bachelor’s Degree Program

In the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program, students can look forward to receiving a more well-rounded education in interior design. Coursework in this program may include:

• furniture design
• kitchen and bath design
• sustainable design for the built environment
• light source design and selection
• material sourcing

Graduate Program Options at NYSID

At the graduate level, NYSID offers two non-specialized master’s degree programs and three more focused programs.

Students from different degree programs and academic backgrounds might pursue the Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design as their first foray into interior design education. An interior designer interested in expanding their overall knowledge in the field should consider the Post-Professional Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design.

The specialized master’s degree programs available include the Master of Professional Studies in Healthcare Interior Design, the Master of Professional Studies in Lighting Design and the Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments.

For all five programs, graduate students’ tuition is billed on an annual basis and amounts to $19,500 for the fall and spring semesters.

View program details.

RELATED: What Are the Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Degree in Interior Design?

3. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a research institution, not a liberal arts college per se, yet interior design students here can expect to receive a broad liberal arts education as part of the curriculum. Interior design majors at Syracuse are part of the College of Visual & Performing Arts.

Despite the research focus of the university as a whole, the interior design program at Syracuse is one of the best interior design programs in the nation, endorsed by Architectural Digest.

Syracuse University’s Bachelor’s in Environmental and Interior Design

There is only one interior design program of study at Syracuse, but its unique area of specialization makes it stand out from the crowd. The undergraduate program is called Environmental and Interior Design, and it awards a BFA degree.

Syracuse University’s program is a bit broader, as it aims to teach students how to incorporate the principles and practices of interior design to work with a wide scope of environments, but as the degree title suggests, the curriculum has a strong focus on environmental design. Major requirements include completing three levels of environmental design courses, three levels of environmental factors courses and an environmental design capstone project.

Studying Interior Design at a Visual College

Being offered out of a visual arts college, the interior design program at Syracuse includes plenty of fine arts studio courses. These lengthy classes allow students to engage in hands-on projects in interior design practice, develop their artistic and technical design skills and begin creating the designs that will make up their portfolio.

Students also complete 15 credits of art history classes, as well as required coursework in the liberal arts and sciences.

A study abroad experience taken during students’ junior year of study is highly recommended. Students may choose to travel to London, UK, or to Florence, Italy.

View program details.

4. Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City, is a private university known for its programs in art, architecture, design and the liberal arts and sciences. Interior design course offerings at this institution are offered out of the School of Design.

This institution was one of the first in the nation to offer a formal education in interior design, according to Architectural Digest, and it remains among the best interior design schools today. Graduates from the school have a history of finding employment relatively quickly. Most students find jobs within just seven months of graduating.

Pratt’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

Undergraduates who are preparing to become interior designers should consider Pratt’s Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Major areas of focus in this undergraduate program are interior architecture, spatial design, surface embellishment, design practices that blend interior and exterior settings and design for the urban environment – with particular emphasis on how humans interact with their environments in urban settings.

This program gives students plenty of opportunities for practical instruction and the development of practical skills in design. Studio coursework is integrated into the curriculum as early as students’ sophomore year. Throughout their studies, students will gain hands-on experience through internships and professional practice coursework.

Undergraduate tuition for the 2020 through 2021 academic year amounted to $51,754 annually for students taking between 12 and 18 credits per semester.

A Minor in Interior Design

Some students are interested in interior design but aren’t ready to fully commit to the program. Ideal for these students is Pratt Institute’s 15-credit interior design minor that allows undergraduate students from any field of study to get a taste of the world of interior design.

The Master of Fine Arts Degree

Pratt Institute also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design for interior designers interested in research and academics as well as in advancing their careers in professional practice. Some students use this degree to become postsecondary teachers of interior design courses.

Within the MFA program, students may choose to focus on an area of concentration such as:

• interior design theory and criticism
• emerging technologies for interior design
• exhibition design
• environmental quality
• design of ecological and sustainable environments

For both full-time and part-time graduate students, the tuition rate for the 2020 through 2021 school year was $1,847 per credit.

View program details.

5. Parsons School of Design at the New School

The New School, a university in New York, NY, is made up of seven schools. One of these schools is Parsons School of Design, which is one of the best interior design schools in the country. Here, interior design students will find programs ranging at levels ranging from undergraduate certificates to graduate degrees.

Certificate in Interior Design

The undergraduate certificate program at Parsons offers students a quick but thorough introduction to the field, providing them with a solid foundation in interior design.

Offered in an online format in which students complete eight online classes over the span of just six to nine weeks, this program includes coursework in areas like:

• basic drafting and interior space planning
• color theory
• residential and commercial design

Through the special focus on collaborative work at Parsons, you can expect to complete group projects and share studio workspaces with students from other art and design programs.

The cost for the complete certificate program is $6,760 as of 2022.

Associate Degree in Interior Design

The Interior Design Associate of Applied Science offers a more in-depth introduction to the field. The curriculum of this two-year, on-campus program includes courses in 2D and 3D drawing of interiors, environmental design and construction documents, as well as a sequence of design studio courses.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

The interior design BFA degree program at Parsons that will best prepare students to begin their careers in the field of interior design is the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Like the associate’s degree program, this four-year baccalaureate program is offered on-campus.

The curriculum goes well beyond that of the associate’s degree program, encompassing coursework in:

• the history of architecture
• human ecological theory and design for interiors
• sustainable systems
• the interaction between light and surfaces

Integrative studio and seminar courses begin as early as the first semester of students’ first year of study.

Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

The Interior Design Master’s of Fine Arts program at Parsons is a two-year, on-campus program that will help graduate students prepare to further their careers in interior design or enter the field as educators.

The MFA curriculum includes classes in environmental design, ethnography and design, the theory of the interior and fabrication and processes, as well as advanced design studios and a thesis.

View program details.

RELATED: Where Are the Best Paying Jobs with a Degree in Interior Design?

6. Savannah College of Art & Design

At Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA, students interested in interior design can pursue a bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate minor or a graduate degree. The institution is one of the best interior design schools in the nation, with features like SCADpro, the SCAD collaborative learning center design studio, setting it apart from other programs.

SCAD’s BFA in Interior Design

The BFA in Interior Design covers everything undergraduate students need to begin pursuing a career in interior design. You might not expect a traditional liberal arts degree experience from an art and design college like SCAD, but in this program – as in the institution’s other bachelor’s degree programs – students complete core courses designed to help them develop strong critical thinking skills and communication abilities.

In addition to these core courses, students will develop their abilities in interior design with courses in different aspects of interior design, such as the history of the field, drawing techniques and design studio work. As of 2022, program locations for the interior design BFA include SCAD’s Savannah main campus and its Atlanta campus.

Undergraduate tuition rates for one year of study at SCAD amounted to $39,105 during the 2022 through 2023 academic year.

Interior Design Minor Requirements

Undergraduate students pursuing a different undergraduate degree at SCAD may study interior design as a minor. In this 25-credit minor, students get an overview of the field of interior design.

At the Savannah and Atlanta campuses, students start their minor coursework with an Introduction to Interior Design class and continue with classes on topics like:

• interior materials
• graphics for the building arts
• form, space and order

One design studio course, which focuses on exploring people and space, is included in the requirements for the minor.

Master’s Degrees in Interior Design

SCAD’s interior design programs at the graduate level include both MA and MFA programs. The MA is a 45-hour program that includes classes in theory and criticism of interior design, environmental psychology for interior design, emerging materials for interiors and research methods in the field. Students complete a final project in preparation for graduation from the MA program.

The Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design program is significantly longer, consisting of 90 hours of coursework that includes multiple internships and a master’s thesis. Coursework includes the same classes found in the MA program, along with a series of studio design courses that focus on topics like inclusive design, design for live-work settings and the design of environments for public interaction.

The cost of this program is not much more than the undergraduate program, coming in at $40,050 for the 2022 through 2023 school year.

View program details.

7. University of Cincinnati

Another one of the top interior design schools is the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Ohio. The public research university has received accolades from Architectural Digest – even though the publication once singled out the campus’s Crosley Tower as one of the Ugliest University Buildings in America.

Through the University of Cincinnati’s School of Architecture and Interior Design, part of the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), students can pursue both bachelor’s and master’s programs in interior design.

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at UC allows students to grow their skills in a studio environment and take advantage of the option to study abroad. This program isn’t quick, but it’s thorough, and students complete their studies with considerable paid work experience under their belts.

Finishing this Bachelor of Science program takes five years instead of the typical four years required to earn a bachelor’s degree, including taking classes over the summer semesters. The reason this program takes so long to complete is that it incorporates valuable co-op experiences into the curriculum.

Other courses in the major curriculum include:

• architectural history
• interior lighting
• construction materials and fibers
• design science in building construction
• furniture design and millwork

In-state tuition for this program for the 2022 through 2023 academic year was only $6,588 per semester, though non-resident students would pay $14,255 per semester. 

Master’s Degree in Interior Design

For students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in the field from an accredited interior design school, the University of Cincinnati’s post-professional Master of Interior Design (MINTD) can expand not only your knowledge of the field but also your career opportunities.

With this degree, which includes coursework in research methods in the field and the completion of a master’s thesis, experienced practitioners can develop the skills and qualifications for teaching students at the college level. The degree can also help you expand your skills as a practitioner.

As part of this two-year program, students can study abroad in Switzerland, Germany, Turkey or India. The program’s curriculum also includes a graduate-level internship and design studio work.

View program details.

8. Fashion Institute of Technology (part of the State University of New York – SUNY)

Don’t let the name fool you; aside from its fashion design programs, the State University of New York (SUNY)’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is one of the top interior design schools, and it has the praise from Architectural Digest to prove it.

Located in New York, NY, FIT offers two programs in interior design, an associate’s program and a bachelor’s program. At either level of study, the robust interior design program is designed for teaching students the skills needed to enter the world of interior designer careers.

Associate’s Degree

It’s true that most interior designers have a bachelor’s degree, but the interior design associate’s degree program at FIT is still worth pursuing. Without further study, you could leverage this degree to become an interior designer assistant or an interior decorator at most interior design firms.

You can also use this program to prepare to earn a bachelor’s degree in interior design, which would qualify you for a wider range of career roles in the interior design field.

The major coursework in this program includes classes in visual representation, interior design theory and criticism, the history of interior design, design technology and a sequence of design studio courses. Other classes in this program include art history courses and classes that fulfill general education requirements, which serve to educate well-rounded artists.

The tuition rate for this program differs for in-state vs. out-of-state students. For the 2022 through 2023 program, students living in New York were charged $2,645 per semester, while non-resident students were charged $7,935.

Bachelor’s Degree

FIT’s CIDA-accredited BFA in Interior Design program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for a number of careers in the interior design industry. The curriculum for this four-year multidisciplinary program combines a couple of art history courses and some general education courses with more of an interior design focus overall than the associate’s degree program has.

For example, students take classes in lighting design and advanced methods and applications of design technology, as well as a more robust catalog of design studio courses.

FIT’s interior design education is a particularly good option for New York residents. The cost of a semester’s worth of study in the bachelor’s degree program for in-state students for the 2022 through 2023 school year was $3,585. Out-of-state students would pay $10,846 per semester for this program.

View program details.

9. Kansas State University

If you’re looking for an interior design degree in the Sunflower State, Kansas State University is the place to go. Not only is K-State among the best interior design schools in the country (a claim backed up by the rankings and praise from publications like Architectural Digest), but it’s also the only college in Kansas to offer a CIDA-accredited four-year interior design program.

Through courses in computer-aided visual communication, students gain technical knowledge of the use of computer modeling and design software programs in interior design.

K-State prides itself on its small class sizes and use of technology in the classroom as a way to help all students learn. The school also possesses a 93% employment rate among graduates of its interior design bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design

The undergraduate program for interior design can be completed in four years, or 120 credit hours. For students at the bachelor’s level, the majority of the curriculum (aside from general education classes) is focused on professional studies courses that cover a range of topics for interior design.

Major coursework in this program includes interior design history, behavior in the interior environment and interior design practices and procedures. Students pursuing interior design degrees from K-State also study:

• lighting
• textile design
• construction methods and materials
• environmental systems for interior design
• the principles and practices of design for supportive environments

Students also need to take a lot of professional electives that cover a wide range of areas within interior design, professional application, and professional application. Elective courses allow students to customize their creative education and develop expertise in areas of interest.

Some of the electives offered in this program include advanced studies in design and behavioral aspects of residential or commercial design, advanced interior design theory, design for aging in the modern world and an interior design study tour.

Experience is an important part of Kansas State’s interior design program. Students in the program are encouraged to take part in an internship, taking advantage of K-State’s connections to intern in top architectural design firms all over the country. Internships are typically done in the summer between undergraduate students’ third and fourth years but can, along with the practicum, occur after their second year.

For the 2021 through 2022 school year, Kansas residents only needed to pay $316.30 per credit hour for tuition, while nonresidents were charged $852 per credit hour.

Master’s Degree Options in Interior Architecture

Kansas State University’s graduate programs in this field are master’s degrees in interior architecture. The Master of Interior Architecture and Product Design (MIAPD) degree is offered in both a post-baccalaureate track for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and a non-baccalaureate track for students without a bachelor’s degree.

The post-baccalaureate track Master of Interior Architecture degree is a comprehensive two- to three-year master’s degree program that typically takes six semesters to complete. The CIDA-accredited and NASAD-approved program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field, so you don’t need prior studies at interior design schools to be accepted.

The curriculum of the master’s degree program includes classes in visual communication, the history of the designed environment, building construction systems and structural systems in architecture and architectural technology. Design studio and workshop coursework is a big part of the graduate-level curriculum. Students also study topics like:

• materials and finishes
• lighting
• furniture design
• environmental and interior design

The non-baccalaureate track Master of Interior Architecture is a five-year program ideal for students entering college with only a high school education. Like the post-baccalaureate program, this degree program is CIDA-accredited and NASAD-approved, and it covers many of the same courses as the post-baccalaureate program, plus the material needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Ultimately, students in this program will complete 170 credits of study. They will also shave a year or more off of their education compared to if they had spent four years earning a bachelor’s degree in a traditional program and then another two or more years of graduate school.

At the graduate level, the tuition cost for the 2021 through 2022 academic year was $428.90 per credit hour for in-state students and $959.10 for out-of-state students.

View program details.

10. Auburn University

At Auburn University in Alabama, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design.

Auburn isn’t just one of the best interior design schools, nationally ranked by publications like Architectural Digest and Design Intelligence. The interior designer program at this school is also competitive – so much so that students cannot enter the program directly as freshmen.

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design

Both first-year students and transfer students must start out in the school’s pre-interior design program. After they complete the first year of coursework, pre-interior design students are evaluated based on their performance to see whether they actually get into the full interior design major. To be admitted, students must prove their design abilities by submitting samples of their best work in accordance with the program’s portfolio requirements.

The interior design program at Auburn is part of the Consumer & Design Sciences department within the school’s College of Human Sciences. The CIDA-accredited 123-credit program awards a Bachelor of Science degree.

During the pre-interior design year of study, Auburn students take classes in design principles, the history of interior design, consumer culture and introduction to interior design, as well as general education courses. Generally, BS programs require fewer general education courses than BA programs do, which means that aspiring interior design students can devote more of their common curriculum to matters of academic study that relate to their intended job directly.

Since the Pre-Interior Design program covers most of the general education courses, students will focus primarily on core courses and elective courses related to their major once they are accepted into the BS in interior design program. Major coursework in the interior design bachelor’s degree program includes:

• spatial design and planning
• lighting
• interior materials and components
• mechanical and environmental systems
• project management for interior design

Through studio courses, students develop their skills in using computer-aided design software and design for different types of spaces, including residential, commercial, hospitality and health and wellness environments.

An internship is important in this curriculum, as is an advanced design project completed in the design studio.

Undergraduates in the Interior Design program enjoy a maximum class size of only 40 students. This is one bachelor’s degree program that, for many students, really does take just four years to complete. According to Auburn University’s statistics, the average time it takes to graduate from the interior design program is 4.1 years, and 49% of students who matriculated to the pre-interior design program during the 2016 through 2017 academic year graduated in four years.

To put that in perspective, just 41% of college students nationwide graduate within four years, CNBC reported in 2019 (and even that statistic shows a big jump from the 1996 cohort, just 33.7% of which graduated within four years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics).

Undergraduate tuition for this program for the 2021 through 2022 school year came in at $5,913 per semester for Alabama residents and $15,993 for non-residents.

View program details.

RELATED: What Career Path Do I Have Ahead of Me With an Associate’s in Design Studies?

Top-Ranked Art and Design Schools Abroad

Our rankings list of the best interior design colleges is nationally focused, but there are plenty of excellent educational options outside the U.S., as well. There are schools for interior design that are ranked highly all around the world, offering certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, in-person and online master’s degree and doctorate degree options.

For example, at the Chelsea College of Art & Design at the University of the Arts in London, England, students can seek a bachelor’s degree or a graduate diploma in interior design.

Florence Design Academy in Italy is another global standout school. An interior designer (or aspiring interior designer) with a bachelor’s degree can pursue one of two graduate programs here: a Master of Interior Design or a dual master’s program that combines interior design with graphic design or industrial design.

Related Resources:

Do I Need a Degree to Be an Interior Decorator?

Can I Become an Interior Designer Without a Degree?

What Degree Do I Need to Become an Interior Designer?

The post Top 10 Interior Design Schools in the U.S. appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

Despite the reputation that these two-year degree programs have of being “easier” than a bachelor’s degree program, many community college students don’t graduate on time or at all, Inside Higher Ed reported. While associate’s degrees have traditionally required just 60 semester hours of study – half of what’s needed to earn your bachelor’s degree – the number of credits required to graduate has been creeping up in recent years. In fact, many associate’s degree programs now ask students to complete 64, 70 or even more credits. Those increasing demands translate to an extra semester or two, at least, even for full-time students.

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options

The harder your program of study, the more difficult it will be for you to earn your degree on time – or even to graduate at all. You can improve your chances of success by choosing one of the easiest online associate’s degrees to earn. Some of these degree programs are easy in that they offer an unusually flexible curriculum, while others prepare you for a growing and well-paid career with half of the work it would take to earn a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline. Of course, how easy you personally find your coursework will depend on your abilities and learning style, and even the easiest online associate’s degree programs will still require your best efforts if you want to succeed.

1. General Studies

Designed for students who haven’t yet decided what they want to do or what they want to study, general studies degree programs focus mainly on coursework that is, well general. Students complete general education courses in a variety of disciplines, including communication, science, math, social science, humanities, history and literature. In some general studies associate’s degree programs, close to one-third of the credits required to graduate are elective courses, which means that students can basically choose whatever class they would like to take. A general studies degree program helps students cultivate important and versatile abilities such as communication skills, analytical and critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. This field of study also helps students to learn the foundations of college-level concepts in the physical, life and social sciences and mathematics. However, don’t expect an online associate’s degree in general studies to offer much in the way of career preparation. This program is meant as a transfer degree, one that will allow you to explore your interests at community college so that you can go on to earn a more specific, and hopefully more marketable, degree at a four-year institution.

An associate’s degree in general studies is the one degree you can earn if even just choosing a college major is too difficult for you. General studies degree programs have a broad liberal arts focus, and their emphasis on developing communication and critical thinking skills, rather than any sort of in-depth or technical knowledge of a specific discipline, makes the degree seem easy. Having the option to choose nearly a third of your courses based solely on what sounds appealing to you, rather than what fulfills a requirement or quota, adds to the impression that general studies is an easy major. Keep in mind, though, that unlike more specialized majors, students in a general studies degree program can’t just avoid a subject that they are weak in and focus on a discipline in which they are strongest. These students have to perform at least reasonably well in every subject – math, science, literature, art and more – in order to succeed.

What Makes It Easy: A general focus, plenty of electives, no need to choose a major, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused

The Hardest Part: Needing to develop skills and flesh out knowledge in every discipline

Career Opportunities: Just about anything – but only with further studies

2. Liberal Arts

Only slightly more specific than general studies is the liberal arts major. An online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree prepares students mainly for further studies at a four-year liberal arts school or university. Liberal arts programs require students to attain knowledge in a breadth of different fields of study, rather than an in-depth grasp of any one academic discipline. Students who are enrolled in an online liberal arts associate’s degree program should expect to take courses in communications, humanities, mathematics, science, social science, history, computer literacy and diversity. While a liberal arts degree program often includes many semester hours of elective courses, students may not have as much flexibility to freely choose their elective classes as they would in a general studies degree. Often, they have to pick from classes offered in a limited number of academic disciplines or departments, rather than choosing whatever courses they want to take.

Rather than striving to prepare students for a narrow career path, a liberal arts degree program focuses on learning for the sake of learning. In many ways, what you’re studying in an associate’s degree program in liberal arts is how to learn effectively. Students practice their skills in thinking critically and communicating their thoughts. These skills can be useful when learning on the job or going to a four-year school or eventually graduate school. However, because the degree program has such a broad focus and places so much priority on developing these soft skills, it has earned a reputation as an easy degree program. However, online students who major in liberal arts still have to take at least basic mathematics and science courses, so there’s no getting away from formulas, equations and scientific theories. With the writing-intensive coursework you need to complete, you also can’t shy away from open-ended questions and essay assignments. You may not know as much about any one thing as a student who pursues a more specialized major, but you will learn a great deal more about many different subjects and have a more comprehensive educational foundation to build on in the future.

What Makes It Easy: A general focus, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused, an emphasis on building soft skills

The Hardest Part: Needing to develop skills and flesh out knowledge in every discipline

Career Opportunities: Just about anything – but only with further studies

3. Child Care and Education

Different associate’s degree programs in education focus on caring for children at different ages or grade levels. You might choose to study education at the early childhood level, the elementary school level, the middle school level or the high school level. Most of the classes you will take in an online associate’s degree program in child care are likely to be general education courses. You will need to study the fundamentals of subjects such as mathematics, science, social science, communication, history and humanities. However, typically one-quarter to one-third of the courses these students will take are core courses required for the major. In a program focused on early childhood education, for example, students might take classes that cover the roles of an early childhood professional, the historical foundations of education, infant and toddler development, instructional technology in education, the psychology of exceptionality and a practicum or field experience in early childhood education.

As it is, education is widely considered one of the easiest degrees you can earn, especially when your focus is on the lower grade levels. Even at the bachelor’s degree level, students in more rigorous science or math degree programs are likely to scoff at classes that emphasize learning through play, creative educational activities and decorating a classroom. The fact that education majors leave school with the highest average GPAs only reinforces the idea that education is, as CBS News put it, “the nation’s easiest college major.” When you study child care and education at the associate’s degree level, however, you’re still years away from being prepared to attain your license and begin teaching. Without a teacher certification, this program of study prepares you mainly for low-paying child care careers, such as instructional aide, teacher assistant or child care practitioner. Many child care programs at the associate’s degree level do encourage or require students to complete some sort of practicum or field experience. Still, the simple-sounding courses, low-paying associated career paths and need to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a full-fledged teacher combine to give the perception that an associate’s degree in child care is easy.

What Makes It Easy: Fun courses, creative projects, lack of high-paying career options without further studies

The Hardest Part: Completing field experiences in classrooms and child care centers

Career Opportunities: Teacher assistant or instructional aide

4. English

An associate’s degree program in English is usually considered a liberal arts major. Students take their full complement of general education courses in subjects such as basic English composition, science, math, social science, history and humanities. In some English or literature associate’s degree programs, students take few major courses and fill out their curriculum with liberal arts electives, while other English programs have more extensive writing and literature requirements. Some of the classes students in an associate’s degree program in English might take include journalism, Western literature, British literature, 19^th century American literature, 20^th century American literature, Shakespeare, African-American literature, children’s literature, themes in literature, poetry and creative writing. By the time they graduate with their associate’s degree in English, students will learn how to analyze and evaluate written text, produce their own original pieces of writing and express their opinions and assessments through oral discussion and written critical essays.

Delving into and criticizing the work of the English-speaking world’s most celebrated writers might not seem easy. Neither is developing the skills to thoroughly analyze literature. On the surface, though, it’s understandable that outsiders may consider an English degree to be less than demanding. Students pursuing an online associate’s degree in English devote two years to studying the language they’ve been speaking for years, if not all of their lives. They spend time reading materials that were published for entertainment and enjoyment, rather than textbooks that focus on fundamental principles or facts to memorize. As in many other liberal arts majors, the skills you develop in an English degree program might be useful life skills that help you learn and communicate better, but they aren’t marketable job skills in and of themselves. That’s why you often hear critics scoff at the notion of earning an English degree, and why outsiders tend to consider English an easy major despite the reading- and writing-intensive courses you have to take.

What Makes It Easy: A broad liberal arts curriculum, course materials that are fun to read, a focus on soft skills rather than career preparation, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused

The Hardest Part: Analyzing difficult texts and backing up your criticism or point of view

Career Opportunities: Writer, journalist, teacher or lawyer (with further study)

5. Foreign Language

Many community colleges offer online studies in foreign languages as well as English. American Sign Language (ASL) degree programs are common at the associate’s level. Your school may also offer majors in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian or Spanish. Studying a foreign language online can be tricky, according to U.S. News & World Report. Because you don’t have the benefit of regular face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom, you have fewer opportunities to practice conversing in your new language with your fellow students. However, the best online associate’s degree programs in a foreign language strive to be as interactive as possible. As an online student of a foreign language, you might find yourself utilizing learning materials such as video clips, hands-on exercises, interactive textbook materials and face-to-face lessons via Skype video chats. Some associate’s degree programs emphasize learning the foundations of a foreign language in preparation for further study at the bachelor’s degree level, while others focus more on equipping students with the skills to converse as fluently as possible in the language.

To some students, learning a new language really is easy. These students seem to have a natural ear for understanding languages as well as great memorization skills to help them learn the foreign language equivalents of words and phrases. Even though developing true fluency in a language isn’t as easy, focusing your coursework on the study of one language, rather than digging deeper into intermediate studies of a subject area such as science, mathematics or history, can come across as an easy curriculum. However, many students struggle when studying foreign languages, and few ever really become fluent, even after years of study. The fact that an associate’s degree is often not enough to prepare you for foreign language careers such as translator or interpreter adds to the notion that an associate’s degree in a foreign language is an easy field of study.  Still, knowing another language and learning about its culture expands the horizons of your world both personally and professionally.

What Makes It Easy: Learning through memorization, a lack of required science and mathematics courses

The Hardest Part: Developing a thorough enough familiarity with the language to converse and write fluently

Career Opportunities: Interpreter or translator, government intelligence agent, business professional

6. Communication Studies

In an associate’s degree program in communications, you can expect to develop exceptional communication skills of all kinds, from public speaking to media writing. In addition to completing general education courses in subjects such as math, science, social science, history and the humanities, students take a range of courses in communications, journalism and the media. Students complete required coursework in basic composition and public speaking, introduction to mass media and introduction to public relations. Some associate’s degree programs in communications also allow students to choose an academic track or concentration, such as creative writing, communication arts, journalism, public relations and radio, television and film. Though most two-year associate’s degree programs are meant as a stepping stone to earning a bachelor’s degree, students will gain some important skills and knowledge by the time they graduate with their associate’s degree. For example, the conflict resolution skills you develop studying communications can be useful in the business world or in your personal life, and your understanding of media influences and practices provides you with a balanced perspectives that most readers and viewers don’t have.

Since just about every job requires some interpersonal interaction, strong communication skills are important regardless of your college major or your field of employment. However, to students in other disciplines, whose communication skills may be developed just well enough to get by, devoting two entire years of study to improving your writing and speaking skills may seem like taking the easy way out. They don’t realize that you’re studying complex media theories or public relations strategies, rather than taking only general reading and writing courses. A communications degree is versatile enough to help you get started in just about any career field, but it doesn’t particularly prepare you for any one occupation, which adds to the belief that communications degrees are easy and impractical. However, even aspiring doctors, lawyers and business leaders may choose to start off their education in the field of communications so that they will be prepared for the intensive reading and writing work that awaits them later in their college careers.

What Makes It Easy: Focus on versatile skills rather than technical career preparatory knowledge, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused

The Hardest Part: Learning the complexities of media practices and communication strategies, practicing communication skills that are outside your comfort zone

Career Opportunities: Public relations specialist, internal or external communications specialist, journalist or writer

7. General Business

When you study general business at the associate’s degree level, you will take courses in a variety of business topics. Unlike more specialized programs such as accounting, students in a general business degree program will complete a broad curriculum of classes. Coursework in business law, marketing, accounting, management, business communication and microeconomics and macroeconomics are common in online associate’s degree programs in business, according to U.S. News & World Report. General education courses are also typically required, and some online associate’s in business degree programs offer or encourage students to gain hands-on work experience outside the virtual classroom through an internship with a business in their geographical area. By the time business students complete their associate’s degree program, they will understand the inner workings of financial systems, the fundamentals of marketing and sales, the principles of managerial accounting and how to create and present business reports and manage projects and people ethically and effectively.

Degrees in the larger field of business may be some of the most sought-after, but when it comes to general business programs like business administration, they’re also some of the easiest. The broad focus of a general business degree program makes this degree similar to a liberal arts degree. You might need to take elementary statistics and some basic math courses in an associate’s degree program in business administration, but you’re unlikely to encounter the more complex number-crunching needed in advanced accounting and finance courses. Business programs at the associate’s degree level typically require students to take only the small amount of science technology courses needed to meet basic general education requirements. However, this program isn’t as simple as it sounds. Students have to succeed in learning the fundamentals of every aspect of business, rather than focusing only on one in which they already perform well. For students who chose an online education due to their busy schedules with family or work obligations, finding the time to complete an offline internship, which may offer far less flexible hours, can be a challenge.

What Makes It Easy: A broad focus on developing a diverse group of versatile skills, a lack of required science and mathematics courses

The Hardest Part: Gaining hands-on experience as an online student, excelling in different facets of business studies

Career Opportunities: Administrative assistant, office manager, payroll coordinator, executive assistant, operations manager or compliance officer

 8. Humanities

The humanities are the collection of disciplines that study the human experience. Essentially, fields of study that fall into the classification of humanities address questions such as what it means to be human, according to the Huffington Post. At the associate’s degree level, majoring in the humanities means taking a mix of interdisciplinary courses. You might study art and art history, music, theater, classic literature, linguistics, foreign languages and cultures, history, philosophy and religious studies. Humanities is often a subdivision of a liberal arts department or school, and as such, the program of study typically requires students to complete general education requirements in a wide range of subjects, including science and mathematics. While studying the humanities can help you develop versatile skills and valuable insights that can benefit you in many lines of work, this associate’s degree program is typically best for students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

A humanities degree emphasizes the aspects of a liberal arts education that are more human-focused. Liberal arts already has a reputation for being an easy degree path, but humanities doesn’t even have the focus on science and math that makes the program seem more difficult. Another factor that adds to the perception of an associate’s degree in humanities as an easy education is its lack of focus on job preparation. Broadly studying topics like art, literature, and culture may help students cultivate a variety of skills in how they think about ideas and interact with others, but it doesn’t fit into the requirements for most job descriptions. However, some of the coursework within a humanities degree program can be complex. You will need to delve into religious and literary texts and develop a deep understanding of different cultures and time periods as well as how those factors affect human choices and behaviors. Studying the humanities can require a great deal of reading, writing and thinking.

What Makes It Easy: A broad focus, a lack of required science and mathematics courses, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused

The Hardest Part: Developing familiarity with different cultures and perspectives

Career Opportunities: Politician, business professional, historian, writer or editor, teacher or professor, social services manager or lawyer

9. Social Science

Social science is the application of scientific methods and framework to studying human social relationships and societies. As a liberal arts major, social science degree programs often include general education requirements, such as studies in the physical and life sciences, mathematics and humanities. Your degree-specific coursework might include classes such as basic statistics, psychology, sociology, government, economy, anthropology and geography. Studying social science at the associate’s degree level is a fairly broad course of study. If after earning your Associate of Arts degree in social science you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you will most likely choose a narrower discipline, such as sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, history or psychology. You might notice that there’s a great deal of overlap between the social sciences and the humanities. While the subject matter of these two fields of study is often similar, they explore these disciplines from different perspectives. Studying social science means using a more scientific approach to your studies, including designing experiments based on the scientific method to gather empirical evidence that can be used to explain events and occurrences.

Like related studies into the liberal arts and humanities, degree programs in the social sciences may seem easy. However, the social sciences still require a strong understanding of the scientific method and both quantitative and qualitative research methods. There may not be as many complex formulas and equations in the social sciences are there are in physics, biology and chemistry, but the field is still rigorous in its own way. While the broad focus of a social science degree may make the program seem easier than delving more deeply into a single discipline such as sociology or political science, it’s worth noting that students can find it challenging to divide their concentration between numerous different disciplines. Many careers in the social sciences require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, so an associate’s degree in social sciences may not be the most marketable education unless you intend to pursue further studies at the bachelor’s level.

What Makes It Easy: A broad focus, a lack quantitative data and technical formulas in research

The Hardest Part: Learning scientific and research methods

Career Opportunities: Social worker, psychology, sociology or lawyer

10. Psychology

Psychology is, in essence, the study of human thought and behavior. When you earn an associate’s degree in psychology, your coursework typically includes introductory coursework into the fundamental principles of psychology as well as classes in areas of the discipline such as social psychology, abnormal psychology, human growth and development, psychological counseling and psychology of personality. By the time you complete an associate’s degree program in psychology, you will understand the basics of psychological research methods and ethical considerations involved in psychological research as well as different theories of psychological development. A two-year associate’s degree program is often a liberal arts program and typically requires students to complete general education coursework in science, social science, mathematics, composition, history and the humanities in addition to core classes required for the major. If you’re interested in working in the field of psychology or in applying your knowledge of psychology to a marketable field such as business, you should plan to transfer to a four-year school and advance your education with a bachelor’s degree.

Generally speaking, psychology isn’t considered an easy field of study. In fact, graduates of bachelor’s degrees in psychology have one of the lowest average GPAs of all degree programs, on par with students of biology, chemistry, math and economics. This suggests that the discipline is actually one of the hardest college majors, according to CBS News. However, at the associate’s degree level, psychology is a liberal arts major that includes more studies in general education than in psychology subject matters, which makes studying the subject at this level of education somewhat easier. Additionally, an associate’s degree in psychology does not provide much in the way of career preparation. Even with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, most graduates will go on to find careers outside the field of psychology. To actually work in the field of psychology, you typically need at least a master’s degree, if not a doctorate degree like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.

What Makes It Easy: Broad focus, liberal arts degree program, little in the way of career preparation focus

The Hardest Part: Studying psychological research, learning a variety of psychological theories and perspectives

Career Opportunities: Psychologist, school counselor, marriage and family counselor, substance abuse counselor, sociologist or mental health counselor

11. Sociology

Sociology, the study of human society, is a liberal arts major. At the associate’s degree level, completing this two-year program typically leads to an Associate of Arts degree. Students in an associate’s degree program in sociology typically complete a great deal of general education coursework in subjects such as composition, science, mathematics, history, the humanities and computer literacy. They also take core program courses such as introduction to sociology, introduction to social work, introduction to social science research methods, social problems, introduction to marriage and family relationships and social constructions of difference. Students might also have the opportunity to choose from more specialized sociology courses, as well, such as sociology of religion, sociology of crime and sociology of death and dying. Students who complete an associate’s degree program in the field of sociology will develop the skills to begin to understand why people collectively behave in the ways that they do.

Like the social sciences, the humanities and other liberal arts degree programs, sociology has a reputation for being one of the easier subjects of study, especially compared to a degree program in the hard sciences, mathematics or technology. Part of that notion stems from the subject’s perceived lack of scientific rigor. While research and statistics certainly play a role in sociology, social science research methods differ somewhat from the data collection methods used in chemistry and biology. Sociologists need a fundamental understanding of statistics, but they don’t often do the same advanced equations that a physicist or mathematician might do. To outsiders, it may seem that students of sociology are devoting their education to studying something that we all experience every day: society and social interactions. While all students, regardless of academic major, live their lives in the context of society and social norms, most students don’t think critically about how societies work on a regular basis. Finally, many careers related to the field of sociology require a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree.

What Makes It Easy: A broad liberal arts focus, a lack of required science and mathematics courses, a reputation for being less practical or career-focused

The Hardest Part: Developing knowledge of social science research methods, learning to think critically about social constructs, norms and interactions

Career Opportunities: Domestic violence advocate, social services assistant, drug or alcohol counselor, family counselor, human resources specialist, marketer or sociologist

12. Mass Media Studies

In an Associate of Arts degree in mass media studies, you will learn about the history and theory of media communication as well as practical skills like creating text and multimedia content for mass media communication. In addition to taking a broad range of general education courses and basic classes in public speaking and composition, students complete coursework in speech communications, society and mass communications, writing for mass media and mass media design. Generally, students who pursue an associate’s degree in mass media plan to move on to a bachelor’s degree program in a similar subject of study, such as journalism, communications, public relations, advertising or media studies. However, students who choose not to seek a higher level of education have the basic skills to write, design and create content for small media organizations. To advance to higher-level roles or media creation roles in larger media organizations, these students will need either a great deal of work experience or an additional degree.

An associate’s degree program in mass media studies has a slightly narrower focus than a communications or English degree. Rather than devoting their time to studying classic literature or creative writing, students in a mass media degree program are thinking critically about factors such as what print, broadcast and online content is in demand among media organizations and how an audience will interact with that content. This focus makes the degree seem somewhat more marketable than, for example, an English literature degree. However, this educational path is still a type of liberal arts degree program, and it still emphasizes the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, writing and speaking skills. While these abilities are versatile, enhancing your job prospects in just about any career field, the work cultivating these skills often comes across as being far easier than learning advanced technical skills or working on complex scientific and mathematical formulas.

What Makes It Easy: A broad liberal arts focus, a focus on developing soft skills, a lack of required science and mathematics courses

The Hardest Part: Learning to think critically about mass media biases and agendas, developing content creation skills that may be outside your comfort zone

Career Opportunities: Broadcast news analyst, reporter editor, advertising manager, public relations specialist, marketer, writer or advertising sales agent

13. Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is the study of government efforts to prevent, reduce and punish crime. In an associate’s degree program in criminal justice, students study the basic fundamentals of the American criminal justice system. Required courses in an associate’s degree program in criminal justice may include foundations of the justice system, American policing, criminal law, criminology, criminal investigation, criminal procedure, corrections, psychology and ethics and community relations, according to U.S. News & World Report. However, much of a criminal justice student’s coursework at the associate’s degree level will revolve around completing general education requirements in a broad range of subjects, including science, mathematics, history, art and English. It’s not uncommon for students enrolled in online criminal justice degree programs to have to complete a capstone experience such as an independent research project in order to graduate, according to U.S. News & World Report. An associate’s degree can be sufficient to allow you to attain an entry-level job in the field of criminal justice.

Because criminal justice degree programs at the associate’s degree level include a great deal of general education coursework, this degree program can come off as an easy field of study. Even in programs that offer specialized academic tracks or concentrations, students may still spend as much or more time completing general education courses as they do actually taking criminal justice courses. Unlike many of the other degrees on this list, an associate’s degree in criminal justice is marketable and can be all the formal college education you need to begin working in the field. However, that factor almost works to the disadvantage of the degree field. Rather than causing outsiders to value the difficulty of the degree program more, it actually makes them consider the program even easier. Perhaps part of the reason for this reputation as an easy degree is because the jobs that an associate’s degree in criminal justice does prepare students for typically aren’t lucrative. The median salary for graduates of an associate’s degree in criminal justice program is just $37,000 at entry-level roles and $49,000 at midlevel roles, according to U.S. News & World Report.

What Makes It Easy: Broad general education focus, a lack of required science and mathematics courses, a lack of high-paying career options without further studies

The Hardest Part: Learning the inner workings of criminal procedure and punishment

Career Opportunities: Police officer, detective, correctional officer or security guard

14. Paralegal Studies

A paralegal, or legal assistant, is a legal professional who helps attorneys with work such as research, writing legal documents and organizing files. In an associate’s degree program in paralegal studies, you will take classes that teach you practical skills such as performing legal research and drafting legal documents as well as academic courses in different kinds of law, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your core courses in an associate’s degree in paralegal studies might include introduction to law, legal research and writing, litigation assistant procedures, law office management, family law, bankruptcy law, wills and estates, real estate law, personal injury litigation and trial advocacy. Your degree program may require or encourage you to complete an internship that allows you to gain relevant work experience in an attorney’s office. While students in paralegal studies programs still need to complete some general education courses, they’re likely to spend a great deal more of their studies in program courses than students pursuing a degree in a liberal arts subject would.

Learn more about what degree you need to be a paralegal.

What makes a degree program in paralegal studies easy isn’t so much the coursework or even the career opportunities it prepares you to attain. It’s more a matter of being an easy path into the legal industry. Earning an associate’s degree is paralegal studies is an excellent choice if you want to work in law but don’t want to go to law school. Paralegals have to understand the fundamentals of law, and their work is often fast-paced, deadline-driven and at times stressful. However, the curriculum of an associate’s degree program in paralegal studies doesn’t compare to the rigors of a Juris Doctor degree program. Of course, the cost of an associate’s degree in paralegal studies is also far less than that of a law school education. The $49,500 median salary of a paralegal, too, is just a fraction of what a licensed attorney would earn annually ($118,160, according to the BLS).

What Makes It Easy: A quick and affordable path into a career in the legal industry 

The Hardest Part: Learning the intricacies of different kinds of law and legal research and writing practices

Career Opportunities: Paralegal, legal secretary, licensing examiner or title searcher

15. Health Science and Health Care Studies

If you’re interested in finding a career path that will allow you to work in the booming health care industry, you might look for an associate’s degree program in health science, health care studies or health care management. These associate’s degree programs typically focus on aspects of the health care industry other than direct patient care, including maintaining patient records and medical billing and coding. Some health science degree programs, on the other hand, are intended for working health care professionals who have a certificate and license but no college degree. The courses you might take in an online associate’s degree program in health care management include medical terminology, medical law and ethics and medical document production, according to U.S. News & World Report. You might also take important courses not focused on health care, such as accounting, management and software applications. Some health science programs will require you to take courses such as anatomy and physiology and to complete some sort of in-person work experience requirement, even if the program isn’t clinical in nature.

In many ways, studying health sciences is similar to earning a degree in paralegal studies – and that’s what makes the program seem easy, even if the coursework might not be so simple. The degree program effectively provides a quick, low-cost entry into the health care industry. It doesn’t require the massive time commitment or tuition cost of going to medical school or earning a master’s degree in nursing to become an advance practice registered nurse – but nor does it bestow the same earning potential or level of prestige on the health science graduate. Graduates of an associate’s degree program in health care management or a related field often earn annual salaries in the low to mid-$30,000 range, according to U.S. News & World Report. Earning potential can be significantly higher if the student goes on to attain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field as well as years of work experience.

What Makes It Easy: A quick and affordable path into a career in the health care industry 

The Hardest Part: Learning medical terminology

Career Opportunities: Medical assistant, medical secretary, medical records and health information technician or medical and health services manager

16. Dental Hygiene

An associate’s degree in dental hygiene is widely considered the appropriate entry-level credential to work in a dentist’s office as a dental hygienist. These health care professionals work directly with patients in capacities such as cleaning and examining teeth and taking dental x-rays. Most dental hygiene programs at the community college level are strongly career-focused and award graduates an Associate in Applied Science degree. It’s important that students choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, or they may face challenges in attaining a license. Students in a dental hygiene degree program typically take classes such as anatomy and physiology, head and neck anatomy, pathology, radiography, nutrition, periodontics, medical ethics and patient management, according to the BLS. Unlike a traditional two-year associate’s degree, it often takes three years to earn an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, the BLS reported. In addition to their studies in the (virtual) classroom, dental hygiene students have to take laboratory classes, which can sometimes be completed online, and clinical experiences, which must be completed in person.

Learn more about the best major for dentist: What major do you need to be a dentist?

Does it seem unfair that a degree program that requires an extra year of study – plus laboratory science courses and a clinical field work component – would get a reputation for being an easy subject of study? As associate’s degrees go, a dental hygiene program certainly has its share of challenges. However, like studying health sciences or paralegal studies, studying dental hygiene is a comparably quick and low-cost path into a career field – dentistry – that is often associated with higher earnings and a level of prestige. For only needing three years of school compared to a dentist’s four years of dental school beyond earning a bachelor’s degree, dental hygienists can earn great salaries. The median wage for dental hygienists is $72,910, according to the BLS. Perhaps part of the reason this degree path has a reputation for being easy despite its demanding nature is because people often confuse dental hygienists with dental assistants, a career path that requires about a third of the education needed to be a hygienist and pays about half the salary. While students can earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, it’s often not necessary. In fact, dental hygiene is one field that it’s often better to study at the community college level, according to U.S. News & World Report. If spending just three years in school to attain a job that pays more than twice the median wage for all salaries is easy, at least it’s easy in a good way.

What Makes It Easy: High-paying career opportunities with only an associate’s degree, a quick and affordable path into a career in the dental industry 

The Hardest Part: In-person clinical requirements, an extra year of study compared to most associate’s degrees, required laboratory science classes

Career Opportunities: Dental hygienist

17. Radiation Technology

An Associate in Applied Science degree in radiation therapy or radiologic technology is a career-focused degree program. While students in a radiation technology degree program take some general education courses, they spend more of their semester hours taking required program classes that equip them with practical entry-level skills to work directly with patients as radiographers and medical imaging technicians. Coursework in a radiologic technology degree program include medical terminology, radiologic physics, principles of imaging, clinical radiography, radiographic procedures, patient care in radiologic sciences, radiation biology and protection, advanced modalities and bioethics. Students in a radiation technology or radiologic technology degree program might focus their studies on a specialty of medical imaging, such as abdominal sonography or breast sonography, according to the BLS. By the time they complete the program, associate’s degree holders will understand how to safely use radiography equipment such as the machines used to take x-ray images, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and ultrasound or sonogram imaging.

What makes an associate’s degree in radiation technology easy is its ability to get graduates into high-paying health care jobs without the need for further college studies. In fact, U.S. News & World Report listed radiation technology and medical imaging as one degree that’s actually better to earn at a community college instead of a four-year college or university. Bachelor’s degrees in this field are available, but don’t currently lead to a big boost in pay or better job prospects, especially with the rapid job growth currently going on in the field. Radiation technology is one example of an in-demand associate’s degree that can quickly lead to a high-paying career. In fact, diagnostic sonographers earn a median salary of $65,860, while nuclear medicine technologists earn $70,180 and radiation therapists earn $77,560, according to U.S. News & World Report. After just two years of study, graduates from a radiation technology degree program can attain a job for which the median salary is $20,000 to $30,000 higher than the median wage for young adults who hold bachelor’s degrees.

What Makes It Easy: A quick and affordable path into multiple high-paying careers in the health care industry 

The Hardest Part: Required science and health care courses, clinical requirements

Career Opportunities: Diagnostic medical sonographer, radiation therapist or nuclear medicine technologist

18. Medical Assisting

 As the job title suggests, medical assistants help medical doctors in their work. These health care workers assist physicians on both the administrative side, scheduling appointments and maintaining electronic patient records, and the clinical side, checking and recording vital signs. An associate’s degree program in medical assisting equips students with the skills needed to do this work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and doctors’ offices. Over two years of schooling, if studying full-time, students take course in pharmacology, anatomy and  physiology, medical terminology, clinical procedures, medical coding systems and billing, medical ethics and law and medical office management, according to U.S. News & World Report. Prospective students should be aware that even online medical assisting degree programs can’t be completed fully online, according to U.S. News & World Report. Completing a supervised clinical practicum at a health care facility is an essential part of a medical assisting education.

The coursework of an associate’s degree program in medical assisting may not sound easy, especially when students have to complete mandatory clinical practicum experiences in order to graduate. In fact, most of what makes the degree seem easy is the fact that it doesn’t prepare you for a high-paying career. The faster than average expected 31 percent increase in job opportunities over a decade might seem positive, but the median salary for medical assistants is only $29,000 per year, according to U.S. News & World Report. That’s thousands of dollars below the median salary for all occupations in the United States and a difficult wage to live on in many areas. Of course, since students in an associate’s degree program in medical assisting aren’t putting in the several years of time and hundreds of thousands of dollars of tuition costs for medical school, they can’t expect to earn the large salaries that physicians can eventually look forward to making. However, the low rate of pay can lead to undervaluing medical assistants themselves and the degrees they attained to qualify for the job.

What Makes It Easy: A lack of high-paying career options

The Hardest Part: Required science and health care courses, clinical requirements

Career Opportunities: Medical Assistant

19. Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistant

When a patient suffers an injury or illness that leaves him or her with a disability, that patient may need to undergo physical and occupational therapy to rehabilitate their body and regain functioning and independence. Physical therapy focuses primarily on improving the patient’s mobility, while occupational therapy strives more to help the patient engage in daily activities such as dressing themselves. While the health care professional who oversees rehabilitation is a highly educated physical or occupational therapist, these professionals need help with tasks that are both directly and indirectly related to patient care. Physical and occupational therapy assistants help in direct patient care roles, such as leading the patient through stretches and exercises, while physical and occupational aides handle duties indirectly related to patient care, such as setting up equipment and handling billing paperwork. Associate degree programs in physical therapy typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology and first aid, according to the BLS. Occupational therapy assistant degree programs require studies in biology, pediatric health and psychology, the BLS reported. Both programs require students to complete in-person fieldwork or clinical work.

Earning your associate’s degree in a physical or occupational therapy assistant program might not seem all that easy. The coursework includes required science courses like biology, anatomy and physiology. Even online students have to complete their fieldwork experiences face-to-face in a supervised clinical setting. A large part of what gives this program a reputation for being easy is that it doesn’t impart the earning potential or prestige of a degree program that would allow you to become a full-fledged physical or occupational therapist. Physical and occupational therapy aids earn wages in the mid- to high- $20,000 range, less than the median wage for all occupations, the BLS reported. On the other hand, physical and occupational therapy assistants – the roles you’re most likely to hold if you have an associate’s degree in these subjects – earn closer to the mid- to high-$50,000 range. This salary may still be a far cry from the low- to mid-$80,000 salary range of physical and occupational therapists, but considering that it takes just two years of study to prepare for the role, it’s not too shabby.

What Makes It Easy: No need for years of further study to get a job, a quick and affordable path into a career in the health care industry 

The Hardest Part: Clinical fieldwork requirements, science and health care courses

Career Opportunities: Physical Therapy Assistant or Aide or Occupational Therapy Assistant or Aide

20. Technical Studies

An Associate in Applied Science degree in a subject like Technical Studies is technical in nature, but its structure and vague degree title are the reason it rounds out our list of the 20 easiest online associate’s degrees. Students may take technical courses to apply toward their degree. However, the program is often intended for students who already have technical work experience and want to apply that life and professional experience to their college education. Students in a technical studies associate’s degree program still take some general education courses, including basic composition classes, public speaking, English, math, humanities, social sciences and introduction to computers. However, technical or occupational core credits make up a good portion of the credits they need to graduate. Students attain these technical or occupational core credits through methods of what’s called prior learning assessment. These are methods of evaluating a student’s knowledge on a subject and may take the form of a professional portfolio or a standardized test.

The point of a degree program that awards credit for competency is to make it easier to earn your associate’s degree – but that isn’t a bad thing. After all, your job training and professional skills are valuable in the real world of the technology or business industry, so why shouldn’t they be valued at the college level, too? When you already know the material you would need to know to be awarded an associate’s degree, it doesn’t make sense to waste extra time – perhaps a year of it, if not more – sitting in a classroom going over the same old subject matter. Instead, you could be out there in the professional world, putting your knowledge to work or even working toward a bachelor’s degree that will give your career a major boost. An associate’s degree program in technical studies is a great choice for smart students who already have a marketable skillset and who would rather work smarter than harder.

What Makes It Easy: Gaining college credit for work and life experience

The Hardest Part: The need for considerable past work experience in technology or business

Career Opportunities: With further studies, any business or technology career path

Editor’s Note: There are all kinds of factors that can lead to a degree being considered easy. Students should always take into account factors such as the required curriculum of a program, any in-person components to an online program of study and, of course, their own career goals, strengths and weaknesses. It’s also important that, even in the easiest associate’s degree programs, students have realistic expectations about what it will take to earn a college degree online.

For Further Reading:

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

15 Affordable Degrees in Dental Hygiene (Associate’s and Beyond)

20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Crime Analyst?

What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

The post Easiest Online Associate’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Associate degrees are commonly called two-year degrees because that’s how long it traditionally takes to earn them. However, in some cases, you can get an associate degree faster. 

Here are 25 accelerated online associate degrees that you can earn in less than two years.

RELATED: Easiest Online Associate’s Degrees

1. Associate of Science in Construction Project Management

Are you interested in overseeing a construction project from start to finish? Do you want to be involved in the details of planning and design? The rising career path of construction project manager might be for you. With this associate degree, you can quickly prepare for career paths like construction manager, building inspector and trades supervisor. 

Where to Earn a Construction Management Associate Degree Fas

If you want to fast-track your construction project management associate degree program, consider enrolling at Penn Foster College. The private, for-profit higher education institution located in Scottsdale, AZ, offers an accredited online Construction Technology Associate Degree. This self-paced program is one of the fastest options for an associate degree. While the average time to complete the program is as little as 11 months, highly motivated students who choose the fast-track format can get an associate degree in as little as five months. That makes this a rare example of being able to earn an associate degree in 6 months online. 

2. Social Science 

Do you have a love of fields like history, sociology and political science? Consider majoring in social science. An associate’s degree in social science helps students build foundational skills and knowledge upon which they will build when they advance to their bachelor’s degree studies. Among the areas you will study when you major in social science at the associate degree level are: 

• History
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Anthropology
• Geography
• Political science
• Economics

Where to Earn a Social Science Associate Degree Fast

Social science is one of three accelerated online associate degrees students can pursue at Tidewater Community College. Tidewater is a public community college based in South Hampton Roads, VA, and has five campuses in addition to its online offerings. The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The accelerated social science degree, as well as the school’s other accelerated online associate’s degrees, can be completed in just one year. 

3. Associate Degree in Business Administration

Business administration is one of the most common associate degree programs. It’s also one of the fastest degrees you can get online. It is possible to get your degree in just 12 to 18 months – or less if you have credit hours to transfer.

Students in an accelerated online business administration program will study a wide range of business topics. Core classes for a business administration associate degree may include: 

• Introduction to business management
• Financial accounting
• Managerial accounting
• Economics
• Principles of management 
• Marketing fundamentals 
• Business law
• Management information systems 
• Business communications 
• International business

When you earn an associate degree in business administration, you’re equipped with the skills for entry-level positions in the business world. 

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Degree?

Where to Earn a Business Administration Associate Degree Fast

One of the fastest associate business degree online programs can be found at Truckee Meadows Community College. The program, which is available in a traditional two-year format and an accelerated one-year format, is proof that you don’t have to go to a four-year university to earn an associate’s degree fast. A community college can have a similar program for less time and money.

Truckee Meadows Community College is based in Reno, Nevada. The school is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Through the school’s Business FastTrack Program, students take two online courses per five-week term and study year-round, with new classes starting nine times per year. It’s a whirlwind for sure – but a productive one, as students can complete their 2-year degrees in half the time without transfer credits. 

Another school where students can earn an online business administration associate degree quickly is Liberty University. Liberty University is a private Christian school based in Lynchburg, Virginia, with extensive online offerings. Online business courses are eight weeks long. By studying over the summer, students can finish their associate degree in one and a half years.

What if you have credit hours to transfer? The right associate degree program will allow you to slash the time it takes to earn your associate degree. Liberty University has a generous transfer policy through which students can apply up to 75% of the credit hour requirement for an associate degree. Prospective transfer students should also consider Purdue University Global’s business administration associate degree. Students transferring the maximum number of credits can complete their associate degree in just four months. 

4. Associate of Arts in General Education or Liberal Arts

Maybe you don’t know yet what you want to study. You just know that having a degree will open doors to opportunities that you might not have with only a high school diploma.

If you haven’t decided on a specific major, it’s not a big deal. You can earn a degree in general education or liberal arts. This program is often considered the easiest associates degree, but it’s also one of the fastest associate degrees to earn. 

These programs provide a broad foundation of college-level education for you to draw from. A general education or liberal arts major can be the perfect stepping stone for a career that doesn’t require a specific path of study or for earning a bachelor’s degree at a later time.

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options

In an online associate degree in general studies or liberal arts, students take courses in a wide range of subjects. Examples include: 

• Human development
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Science
• Economics
• Finance
• Philosophy
• Mathematics
• Business 
• Humanities

Where to Earn a Liberal Arts Associate Degree Fast

General studies is one of the accelerated online associate degree programs at Tidewater Community College that can be completed in just one year. Students complete a breadth of coursework that draws from all of the major disciplines. The program offers optional specializations in professional communication and teacher preparation. 

Another school that offers AA degrees online in general education is Florida State College at Jacksonville. By taking eight-week courses throughout the year, students at the public higher education institution can complete their associate degree in general education in just 18 months. Florida State College at Jacksonville is part of the Florida College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges. 

5. Associate’s in Nursing

Good nurses are consistently in demand. Whether you’re already licensed as a vocational nurse or fresh out of high school, an associate degree can help you get ahead in this critical role in the healthcare industry. 

Associate degrees in nursing, or ADN programs, typically prepare students to provide patient care according to the nursing model and to pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLE-RN) test. Even in online programs, students should expect to have to gain hands-on experience through in-person labs and clinical courses. Depending on your online program, you may have to visit campus for these requirements or find a local clinical site where you can fulfill your clinical requirements. Consider these programs to be generally hybrid options rather than fully online associate degree programs. 

Where to Earn a Nursing Associate Degree Fast

Suppose you’re currently a licensed vocational nurse but haven’t yet earned a degree. Howard College in Big Springs, TX, offers a primarily online 12-month Transition Associate Degree Nursing Program. The school is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

If you don’t yet have experience or a license, don’t worry. A number of colleges offer accelerated 2-year online degrees in nursing. Herzing University‘s Associate in Nursing program, for example, can be completed in 20 months. Students should note, however, that this isn’t a fully online program and requires some in-person coursework at one of Herzing’s campuses in Alabama, Florida, Ohio or Tennessee. The Associate Degree in Nursing Program from American Career College is another 20-month program. Although some of the coursework is offered online, some of it must be completed on campus at one of the college’s locations in Los Angeles or Anaheim, California, or in Ontario, Canada.

6. Associate of Science in Health Information Technology

Would you like to start a new career in healthcare service in as little as 15 months? The field of health information technology brings together the disciplines of healthcare and computers and IT. Students in health information technology associate degree programs take coursework in areas such as: 

• Medical billing and coding
• Electronic health record management
• Disease classification
• Healthcare procedural codes in hospitals and other healthcare facilities 

Graduates from a health information technology associate degree program can pursue roles that range from medical coder and medical transcriptionist to health information technician. 

Where to Earn a Health Information Technology Associate Degree Fast

Fremont University in Cerritos, CA, is one school that offers a fast online degree in health information technology. The private for-profit college l caters to working adult students, so it’s no surprise the school offers a program that allows for quick entry into this rapidly growing field. Fremont College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Students can complete their online health information technology associate degree program in just 15 months. 

7. Associate of Arts in Accounting

If you think an accounting career is out of reach, think again. You don’t need to spend years in school or earn an advanced degree to get started. An associate degree can be the first step to your career. Students in an online associate degree for accounting will learn the theoretical and accounting standards and fundamentals. They also develop skills for the practical application of accounting procedures.

Through their coursework, students in accounting associate degrees become familiar with:

• Equities
• Liabilities
• The process of preparing financial statements and records
• Accounting’s role in business decisions

Graduates from an associate degree in accounting program may be able to qualify for some entry-level staff accountant roles. They can also seek positions in auditing, financial data analysis and payroll administration.

Where to Earn an Accounting Associate Degree Fast

How fast can you finish an accounting associate degree online? At Lorain County Community College, the accelerated pathway for this program can be completed in just 15 months. To speed up their progress toward the degree, students in the accelerated pathway take eight-week and ten-week courses. 

8. Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems or Information Technology

Do you have an interest in technology? An associate’s degree in computer information systems or information technology can help you find a job in a rapidly growing field. Some of the coursework students may take in computer information systems and IT associates degrees online includes: 

• Computer system analysis and design
• Programming in Java, Visual Basic and C/C++
• Software design and development

Where to Earn an Information Technology Associate Degree Fast

Lorain County Community College in Elyria, OH, offers a number of 15-month associate degrees online for computer and IT fields, including: 

• Computer and digital forensics 

• Computer applications integration specialist

• Computer maintenance and networking 

The community college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Another school to consider for online associate degree programs in computers and IT is ECPI University in Manassas, VA. Among the institution’s accelerated online associate degree programs are:

• A 16-month Associate of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Cyber and Information Security Technology
• An 18-month Associate of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Software Development

ECPI University – which stands for East Coast Polytechnic Institute – is a private for-profit institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Associate of Science in Marketing

Good marketing leads people to buy a product, service or brand. The field is ideal for students who are creative, strategic and analytical. An associate degree could be the first stepping stone into a rewarding marketing career.

An associate program in marketing typically combines core business studies, some focused marketing coursework and a background in liberal arts. Students learn how to plan, create and evaluate advertising and marketing campaigns. By the time they graduate, students know the basic principles of marketing and have the skills to work for an established or start-up organization.

Where to Earn a Marketing Associate Degree Fast

Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, offers a 17-month fully online marketing associate degree. The school, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, doesn’t just repurpose an on-campus curriculum for an online audience. Instead, Ferris State University builds its online courses for the virtual learning environment from the ground up. The online associate degree in marketing is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

10. Associate of Arts in Psychology

Do you have an interest in human behavior? Do you wonder why people think, feel and act the way they do? Consider pursuing a fast online associates degree in the field of psychology. Some institutions of higher learning allow students to get an associate degree in psychology in just one and a half years. 

An associate’s degree in psychology will prepare graduates to work in entry-level jobs in psychology. This includes jobs in environments such as:

• Mental health facilities
• Substance abuse and rehabilitation centers
• Childcare facilities
• The criminal justice and legal system

Where to Earn a Psychology Associate Degree Fast

Liberty University offers an online Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology program that students complete in one and a half years, on average. The program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree eventually. Because there are no required login times or on-site intensives for this program, Liberty’s online associate in psychology degree is ideal for students who need flexibility.  

11. Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

If you are interested in a law enforcement career, having an associate’s degree in criminal justice can give you an edge over candidates starting out with just a high school diploma. By earning your degree quickly online, you won’t have to sacrifice years of your life to prepare for your new career.

In associate programs in criminal justice, students will typically learn about the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system in the United States. They will gain exposure to topics in criminology and criminal law. 

This fastest associate’s degree program in criminal justice gives students the education employers are seeking. With an associate degree in criminal justice, you can pursue entry-level positions in: 

• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Investigations
• Probation
• Corporate security

Where to Earn a Criminal Justice Associate Degree Fast

Criminal justice is another type of associate’s degree students can pursue at Purdue University Global. Purdue’s program isn’t an accelerated program per se, but it’s an excellent choice for students who have past experience to draw from. These students can make their way through the curriculum faster not only by transferring prior college credits but also by receiving credit for any military service work they have completed. If you transfer in the greatest possible credit hour amounts, military service credits and work experience credit, you can finish this program in just four months. 

12. Associate Degree in Web Programming

Do you enjoy the technical side of web applications? There’s considerable money, as well as career flexibility, in programming. Employers and clients are looking for trained professionals who know how to use the essential tools and techniques for coding websites and software applications. Knowledge of programming languages like the following are in high demand: 

• HTML
• Java 
• JavaScript
• Visual Basic 
• CSS
• SQL databases

Where to Earn a Web Programming Associate Degree Fast

How fast can you build the skills for web programming? The New England Institute of Technology offers an 18-month online Associate of Science degree in Software Engineering and Web Development. The school, which is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, emphasizes not only proficiency in programming languages and visualization tools but also how computer systems and applications can address real-world business problems. 

13. Associate of Applied Science in Health Science: Medical Office Management

Maybe you want to break into the healthcare industry but not in a clinical role. Can you see yourself in an office management role instead?

You don’t need years of education and experience to prepare for the responsibilities of keeping an office organized and running efficiently. An online associate degree in medical office management can help you prepare for this career quickly. Through this course of study, students will learn skills for the following tasks: 

• Managing office operations
• Scheduling appointments
• Managing patient records
• Handling billing, coding and insurance paperwork

Medical office managers need strong communication and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of billing and coding procedures and healthcare record management. Online associate degree programs in medical office management help students cultivate these skills. 

Where to Earn a Medical Office Management Associate Degree Fast

Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa, FL, offers a Medical Administrative Assistant associate degree program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The school, which is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), also offers an 11-month diploma program if you want to get into this career even faster. By the time you finish this short online associate degree, you will be prepared to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) examination. 

14. Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Do you love working with kids? An associate degree in early childhood education could be your first step to a career such as:

• Pre-kindergarten teacher
• Childcare worker
• Learning center administrator 

Whether you intend to make a career out of childcare work or eventually earn a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed teacher, this fastest associate in early childhood education degree can be a stepping stone to achieving your dreams.

In an associate degree in ECE program, students can expect to cover subjects like:  

• Child development
• Childhood education
• Classroom management 
• Teacher preparation

15. Associate of Arts in Graphic Design

Do you have an eye for design? You can be more than a “starving artist.” With an associate degree in graphic design, you can apply your creativity to a career as a designer.

During associate degree programs in graphic design, students learn to communicate ideas and messages through visuals. They apply communication, critical thinking and computer skills to a design setting. Throughout the program, students build a portfolio of their own designs that can showcase their talents to potential employers and clients. 

Coursework in a graphic design program is likely to cover the techniques of traditional art and multimedia design, including:

• Color theory
• Photography
• Typography
• Print design
• Interactive media
• Editing audio and video clips 
• Designing for the optimal user experience

16. Associate’s in Human Resources

In every industry, businesses and organizations need to recruit, train and manage talent. Human resources personnel are professionals who specialize in hiring workers and developing their skills. An associate degree in human resources can give you the skills you need for this versatile career.

Human resources students can expect to take classes in the following: 

• Management and training of employees
• Employment law
• Change management
• Benefits administration

17. Human Services Associate Degree

Do you feel a calling to help other people who are struggling through difficult life problems? An education in human services could put you on the right path.

Studying human services will prepare you for roles like:

• Community health worker
• Social and human service assistant
• Social or community service manager
• Community and social service specialist

18. Associate of Science in Software Application Development

Are you tech-savvy? If your computer skills are matched only by your creativity and resourcefulness, you could find great success as a software application developer.

Software development is a rapidly growing industry. An associate degree can help you get started sooner rather than later.

RELATED: Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

To cultivate the skills for a career in software development, you should expect to take courses such as: 

• Software design
• Smartphone app development
• Programming in languages like Java and C++
• Networking 
• Cybersecurity 
• Cloud solutions 

Where to Earn a Software Development Associate Degree Fast

ECPI University offers an 18-month software development associate degree that’s 100% online. In addition to teaching students the tools, technologies and processes of the field, this program also builds their communication skills and knowledge of ethical best practices in the industry. 

19. Associate of Science in Engineering Technology

Engineering applies the principles of math and science to the design and development of solutions to all kinds of real-world problems. Although you need a bachelor’s degree to become an engineer who undertakes the design process, an associate degree is enough to land you a role as an engineering technician. Engineering technology associate degree programs exist in various engineering disciplines. Coursework in these programs typically encompasses the most relevant background knowledge and a great deal of practical and technical skills. 

Where to Earn an Engineering Technology Associate Degree Fast

ECPI University offers online associate degrees in both mechanical engineering technology and electronic engineering technology. Both programs can be completed 100% online in 18 months. The curriculum of each program is tailored to the current needs of the respective discipline. By the time they graduate, students have the theoretical knowledge and technical know-how to succeed in technician-level roles in the engineering field. 

20. Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

Just because you have an interest in the legal system doesn’t mean that you want to spend seven years or more pursuing a bachelor’s and then a law school degree. Fortunately, there are other ways to get a job working in the field of law. A paralegal supports lawyers through work that includes the following:

• Conducting legal research
• Drafting legal documents
• Maintaining files for civil or criminal cases

The bar to entry for paralegals is much lower than for attorneys. An associate degree is sufficient preparation for entry-level jobs for paralegals. 

RELATED: What Degree Do You Need to Be a Paralegal?

Where to Earn a Paralegal Studies Associate Degree Fast

Herzing University, a private institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers an online paralegal/legal assisting associate degree. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and features a career-focused curriculum that students can complete in 20 months. 

For students with prior college credit, Purdue University is an option for finishing your associate’s degree in this field faster, too. Again, although the program is intended as a two-year program, the online school’s generous transfer policy ensures that credit previously completed at other institutions won’t go to waste. Purdue’s program awards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Legal Support and Services that allows students to apply transfer credits and gain credit for prior work experience in relevant roles. 

21. Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services

Are you looking for your place in the healthcare industry? Perhaps medical assisting is the career path for you. Medical assistants work alongside doctors and nurses in clinical patient care. Their work may include measuring vital signs, drawing blood and managing medical records.

Where to Earn a Medical Assisting Associate Degree Fast

Herzing University offers a medical assisting program that takes just 20 months to complete. This associate degree is a hybrid program. While students take all of their courses online, they must meet face-to-face with a proctor at a health facility for some hands-on clinical experiences and complete a 180-hour externship at a medical clinic or doctor’s office. 

22. Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling

Substance abuse and addiction remain a major problem in the United States. If you want to be part of the solution, consider a career in addiction counseling. 

In online associate degree programs in addiction counseling, students take coursework in areas like: 

• Theories of addiction 
• Addiction and the family
• Assessment  and treatment planning 
• Co-occurring disorders 
• Individual and group counseling 
• Motivational counseling and interviewing 
• Case management 
• Crisis intervention 
• Trauma recovery 
• Ethics in addiction counseling

Where to Earn a Design Studies Associate Degree Fast

Beal University in Bangor, ME, offers a 100% online associate degree in addiction counseling. The private for-profit institution is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The school also offers an accelerated online diploma in addiction counseling that takes 14 months to complete and a 42-month bachelor’s degree. 

23. Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management

Healthcare businesses rely on professionals with excellent management skills to keep them running efficiently and operating at their best. With an associate degree in healthcare management, you can break into the exciting, fast-growing field of managed healthcare. By combining studies in both healthcare and business, online associate degree programs in healthcare management give students the tools to succeed. Coursework typically includes topics like: 

• Organizational structure of healthcare
• Trends in modern managed healthcare
• Ethics in the medical field

Throughout their coursework, students seeking associate degrees develop skills for a wide range of management tasks, like planning and staffing. By the time they graduate, students will be ready to work in roles such as:

• Medical administrators
• Case coordinators
• Office managers
• Risk managers

Where to Earn a Healthcare Management Associate Degree Fast

At Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque, NM, the healthcare administration associate degree program takes 20 months to complete online. This institution is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Students who already have some healthcare education can transfer as many as 28 credits into this online associate program. 

24. Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical insurance plays a major role in today’s healthcare system, at least in the United States. The need for doctors’ offices and hospitals to handle a massive amount of extensive insurance forms has created positions dedicated solely to insurance billing and coding. That reality makes billing and coding a strong career choice. 

Associate degree holders with a background in insurance billing and coding can work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, outpatient medical facilities, nursing homes and home healthcare services. Students can use this college degree to prepare for jobs such as: 

• Insurance billing and coding specialist
• Medical clerk
• Insurance claims analyst
• Medical office assistant
• Health information specialist

Associate degree programs in this field typically include coursework in:

• Medical terminology
• Coding for procedures and diagnoses
• Computer databases for managing patient information

Where to Earn an Insurance Billing and Coding Associate Degree Fast

Herzing University offers an Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist online associate program. The curriculum takes 20 months to complete and prepares students for professional certifications such as: 

• The National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Certification 
• The American Academy of Professional Coders’ Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification
• The American Health Information Management Association’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Certification

25. Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

Another online associates degree to consider is an associate degree in fire science. Studying fire science at the associate degree level prepares graduates for a variety of firefighting and emergency services roles in their communities. Through a fire science curriculum, students typically take classes in the following areas: 

• Fire prevention
• Firefighter safety
• Defense planning
• Firefighting strategy
• Hazardous materials management
• Building codes and code inspection

RELATED: The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs

Where to Earn a Fire Science Associate Degree Fast

The fastest online associate degrees in fire science currently available are programs that welcome transfer credit hours and award credit for work experience and military service. 

Take the associate in fire science program offered through Purdue University Global as an example. Purdue’s fire science associate degree is technically a two-year program, but students can finish faster if they have prior education or work experience to apply. If you already have some firefighting experience gained through serving in the military, you might be interested in Purdue’s PME2Degree, in particular. Your military service experience can help reduce the time it will take you to get an associate degree. Even better, the U.S. Fire Administration also recognizes Purdue University as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education institution (FESHE), so students can trust that they’re getting a great education. 

Another option to consider for a fast associate degree in fire science if you have prior college coursework is the American Military University. American Military University is part of the American Public University System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Although AMU’s 60-credit online Associate of Science in Fire Science program normally takes two years to complete, the school allows transfer students to bring up to 45 credits of prior college coursework with them. With the maximum amount of transfer credits, you could finish your degree in just one term. This program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. Courses can be eight to 16 weeks long.

Conclusion

For students who are eager to earn a degree quickly, accelerated associate’s programs are a fast way to achieve this goal.

RELATED: 50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Taking advantage of accelerated programs, competency-based curricula and transfer credits can help you earn your associate degree faster than you ever thought possible.

Our Fast Degree Series

– Fastest Overall Programs
– Fastest Online Associates Degrees
– Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degrees
– Fastest Online Master’s Degrees
– Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

Related Resources: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Information Technology Specialist?

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

If you look at the U.S. Labor Department of Statistics you will notice the percentages of projected employment growth are all in double digits across the board. That’s excellent news for job seekers currently holding a healthcare-related degree as well as students trying to decide on their career path.

RELATED: The Best-Paying Jobs in Health Care: Top 15 Highest-Paying Medical Specialties

All salaries, education requirements and projected employment growth were sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. If a particular career was not featured on the BLS site, Payscale.com was used for median salary.

1. Optometrist

Read the top line. Now the next line. Can you read the smallest line? Are you reading it with glasses, or your own naked eye? If you’re reading with glasses, odds are, you’ve met an optometrist. (You might have met an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor who treats eyes; an optometrist is Doctor of Optometry, specializing in corrective lenses, not medicine.) Optometrists check vision, prescribe lenses, and sometimes prescribe medications for minor eye disorders; some even do basic surgeries.

If you want to help people see better, but you’re not so interested in doing surgery or treating major diseases, consider optometry. It’s a very rewarding career, in the good you can do patients and the income you’ll make.

Median Salary: $97,000
Education Level: Doctorate
Projected employment growth: 24% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse hits that sweet spot where schooling, pay, and responsibility balance out. You can become a registered nurse with an associate’s degree and a license, in only two or three years, and pay is high for such a low level of schooling. You spend a lot of time directly with patients, assessing their well-being, keeping them comfortable, and doing all of the many tasks that come up (medicines, needles, monitors, and bandages). You can specialize in areas such as pediatric, emergency, intensive care, and labor/delivery, or you can work as a school or camp nurse. Some nurses choose lucrative traveling positions.

It’s not a cushy job – you’ll be on your feet a lot, and during your shifts, stress can get pretty high. You’re responsible for people’s lives, after all. But there is no shortage of work for good nurses, and the more experience you get, the more in-demand you’ll be, and the higher pay you can negotiate for.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Respiratory Therapist

Take a deep breath. Appreciate that? What if you couldn’t do it? For millions of Americans, breathing is a daily struggle. Whether from asthma, COPD, emphysema, or any number of other disorders, difficulty breathing calls for a specialist who can help relieve symptoms, do therapy to strengthen the lungs, and practice preventative care. That specialist is a Respiratory Therapist.

Although Respiratory Therapists need to continue their training and education throughout their career, as new technologies and therapies emerge, RT is one of the best-paid professions you can get with only an associate’s degree. Many respiratory therapists work with premature births, children, adults with chronic lung disorders, and the elderly, all demographics, and there is no expectation that the need for RTs will diminish; if anything, the profession is expected to grow.

Median Salary: $56,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Hospital Administrator

An exploding medical sector means an unprecedented demand for Hospital Administrators. These are the people who keep the hospital in compliance with regulations, financially stable, staffed, and housed. They may not have direct contact with patients, but they make sure the hospital is there, and that qualified people are on call to take care of the sick and injured.

This is a job with significant responsibilities; whether it’s for-profit or non-profit, a hospital is an expensive operation, and the administrators are the ones who make sure the hospital is making money and staying afloat. Anything that goes wrong is on the heads of the administrators, so they often have to talk to the press and be available during emergency situations. And for that responsibility, they’re very well-paid. A Master’s of Business Administration is recommended, though some administrators are going for Public Health, and even Doctor of Public Health degrees.

Median Salary: $97,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 23% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Biomedical Engineer

Part of the excitement of working in medicine is using all of the amazing machines, tools, and gadgets that are being developed every day to heal people. Obviously, those incredible inventions don’t design themselves – that’s what Biomedical Engineers are for. Any innovation that has transformed some aspect of medicine in recent years, from brain-controlled prosthetics to imaging machines that can show the hair on a growing fetus, started out in a biomedical research and development facility.

If you like the idea of working in a lab, creating things that will improve and save lives, consider biomedical engineering. You only need a bachelor’s degree to get started, and pay is excellent for the education level.

Median Salary: $87,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 27% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Dental Hygienist

Can you get past the fact you will be poking around in stranger’s mouths all day long? If so, you’re golden. You clean some teeth, examine for gingivitis and other oral diseases, maybe you do some sealant work and assist with fillings, round it out with patient education and you’ve got your shift in a nutshell.

A Dental Hygienist works for a team with Dentists and Dental Assistants. So for obvious reasons, you need to have excellent social and communication skills. Hygienist are paid very well given the fact that only a 2 year degree is the required amount of schooling for this position.

Median Salary: $70,210
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 33% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Dermatologist

Who loves their skin? Really, sees no flaws and has no qualms? That’s why dermatologists will always have a job. But it’s not all smoothing wrinkles and removing unsightly moles. Dermatologists treat life-threatening skin cancers, correct disfiguring scars and damage, sooth painful skin conditions that make life miserable, and help patients learn good preventative habits to avoid future suffering.

You’ll have to do a lot of schooling first – a dermatologist is a medical doctor, not just a simple certification. But you’ll have no trouble paying back your student loans, either. Median income is up around $300,000, and in California, where good skin goes on your resume, it can be even higher. Makes you wonder why you’re not a dermatologist already, doesn’t it?

Median Salary: $300,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 18% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat disorders of the spine, along with all the muscles and nerves that go with it. To the layman, that means a lot of stretching and joint-cracking. As a chiropractor, you do a little of everything; a session may require working with computer imaging, doing some therapeutic massage, and stretching patients on equipment that looks kind of medieval. You can’t be afraid to try some unconventional treatments, because every patient’s pain is different.

If you want to go into a medical profession, but you’re kind of a lone wolf, chiropractic might be a good choice. Most chiropractors work in private practice. But that, of course, means you have to wear a lot of hats, so it wouldn’t hurt to have some skills in business and marketing in addition to your medical degree. Take a video course and you can even shoot your own late-night local TV commercial.

Median Salary: $66,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 16% increase between 2012 and 2022

9. Podiatrist

Frankly, the human foot is a disaster. It just can’t handle all we put it through, with all our running around, on hard floors and sidewalks, in poorly-designed shoes. Not to mention all the weight we keep putting on them. It’s a wonder they hold up as well as they do. But pretty much everyone experiences foot pain or illness at some time in their lives. The Podiatrist is the one who treats that pain and illness, whether it’s as simple as warts and bunions, or as complex as diabetic feet or deformities like club foot.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor?

Those Baby Boomers, patron saints of the medical field, just insist on staying active as they age, and that’s a very good thing for podiatrists. Every woman in her 60s whose heel spurs keep her from training for a marathon needs a podiatrist. Every man of a certain age who breaks his ankle rollerblading needs one. So it’s no wonder the profession is growing steadily, or that it pays so well. Anything to keep us on our feet.

Median Salary: $116,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 23% increase between 2012 and 2022

10. Physician Assistant

If you’ve ever been to an urgent care center, you’ve seen a Physician Assistant. You may not have even realized that he or she was not technically a doctor, because PAs are trained to do virtually everything a doctor does – perform exams, diagnose illnesses, even write prescriptions. They have some limitations; they can only assist in surgery, not perform it, for instance. But for your day-to-day sickness or injuries, a Physician Assistant can do it all.

When you become a PA, you can work in any speciality a doctor can, from neonatal to geriatric. You’ll answer to a medical doctor as part of a team, but the responsibility will be yours. Plus, it’s only a master’s degree, which means you’ll get there much faster and with a lot less student loan debt.

Learn more about the top 25 physician assistant (PA) degree programs 2022.

Median Salary: $90,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 38% increase between 2012 and 2022

11. Speech Pathologist

You may think of a speech pathologist helping people overcome stuttering, or learn to speak without a lisp, but speech pathologists treat a wide range of disorders. They help children born with cleft palate or developmental delays, and adults with strokes or Parkinson’s. Surprisingly, speech pathologists can even help treat problems with infant feeding, such a difficulties sucking or swallowing.

Speech Pathologists often work with as part of a team, such as with an audiologist or educators, and they are commonly employed in schools and senior facilities. This is another profession that requires only a master’s degree, and while it may be difficult, it is also very rewarding to help someone who has lost, or never had, the ability to communicate, break through.

Median Salary: $69,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

12. Pharmacist

Ever walk into a pharmacy, see the pharmacist counting out pills, and think, “Must be nice to get paid for counting out pills all day”? Well, you don’t know the half of it. Pharmacist is a highly technical job, and people’s health and well-being, even their lives, are in the pharmacist’s hands. The doctor may diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment, but it’s up to the pharmacist to put that prescription together correctly and inform patients how to use it.

Since the pharmacist profession is so important, a pharmacist must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and it’s nearly as demanding as a medical doctorate. You’ll have to spend some time working in a pharmacy as a student for hands-on experience, and be licensed. The upside is, you won’t have the pressure and stress of working in an emergency room or dealing with blood and fluids. A patient may sneeze on you asking where to find the cold medicine, but otherwise, it’s a clean, safe job with a lot of responsibility and the income to match.

Median Salary: $116,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 14% increase between 2012 and 2022

13. Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist is a straightforward job: you give radiation treatments, usually for patients with cancer (though a few other, rare diseases benefit from radiation). That means working with oncologists to develop a treatment plan, using the equipment to administer treatments, interpreting the results, advising patients on treating side effects, and judging when treatments need to stop or continue.

That’s a major responsibility, and a high pay rate, for only an associate’s degree. Think of it – you could be saving lives in only two or three years. If that appeals to you, Radiation Therapist is one of the fastest ways to get there.

Median Salary: $77,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 24% increase between 2012 and 2022

14. Nuclear Medicine Technician

This is another medical job that requires only an associate’s degree, has a lot of responsibility, and can be explained pretty simply. A Nuclear Medical Technician gives a patient a radioactive drug, uses imaging equipment to perform a scan, and analyzes the results on a computer to determine where abnormalities show up. That includes tests for disorders of the intestinal tract, heart and blood vessels, and brain.

As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you’ll probably work in a hospital, though some work for physicians or in clinics. Nuclear medicine is growing and improving all the time, so there’s no bad time to get in.

Median Salary: $70,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 20% increase between 2012 and 2022

15. Audiologist

Many people worry about hearing loss, whether it’s their own golden years, or their children’s yearly ear infections. Just about everyone has had a hearing test at some point in their life, and that’s probably all they know of audiology. Of course the audiologist performs hearing tests, but they also treat tinnitus (ringing in the ears), balance issues caused by inner ear disorders like Ménière’s disease, and all forms of hearing loss. They fit hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Thanks to iPod earbuds and Beats by Dre, audiologists don’t have to worry about running out of patients any time soon. The profession is growing much faster than the average rate, and advances in hearing recovery are coming quickly as technology like cochlear implants become more common.

Median Salary: $69,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 34% increase between 2012 and 2022

16. Physical Therapist

A child injured in a car accident learns to walk on crutches; a young baseball pitcher tears a ligament and needs recovery; a grandmother has a hip replacement and needs to practice walking on her new part. All of these people need a Physical Therapist.

Physical therapists work with all kinds of people, often in specialties like sports medicine, geriatric, or orthopedics. PTs use a variety of techniques, often in creative ways, to help improve their patients’ mobility, range of motion, and quality of life. It’s a doctorate degree, so it won’t be obtained easily, but physical therapy is a great choice for those who want to work directly with patients and help them see visible improvements.

Median Salary: $79,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 36% increase between 2012 and 2022

17. Nurse Practitioner

Whether you already have your BSN, or if you’re just getting started in a nursing program and feel ambitious, Nurse Practitioner is worth considering. A Nurse Practitioner is a master’s-level program which goes beyond the basic tasks of nursing. A Nurse Practitioner has many of the same responsibilities of a doctor, including diagnosis and prescribing treatment, though under the supervision of a doctor.

Many NPs work in hospitals, urgent care centers, schools, and nursing homes, and with the added education and responsibility comes a higher pay. Like all medical fields, Nurse Practitioner is a growing job, and there is no shortage of work in sight.

Median Salary: $96,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 31% increase between 2012 and 2022

18. Occupational Therapist

For millions of people, daily tasks, from brushing teeth to cleaning up after meals, are difficult because of some physical or mental disorder. Occupational Therapists are the experts who help patients do the things they want and need to do to make their lives better. For instance, OTs may help autistic children curb repetitive, destructive behaviors by teaching them more constructive habits; they may help elderly people with limited mobility rearrange their household goods to make them more easily accessible; they may help adults with brain damage re-learn basic life skills while working around their injuries.

To become an Occupational Therapist, you will need a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. You may work for hospitals, clinics, group homes, and other settings where people experience physical limitations, writing up treatment plans and sometimes overseeing a team of assistants.

Median Salary: $75,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 29% increase between 2012 and 2022

19. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

One of the most thrilling moments in a new parent’s life is seeing the sonogram image of their baby for the first time. A Sonographer is the person who makes that miracle possible. A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses imaging equipment such as ultrasound to check on the development of a fetus, to look for damage to organs such as the heart or intestines, or to find breast cancers. Some Sonographers assist with surgeries.

Some people may be nervous about working with this equipment all the time, but unlike X-rays, sonography uses no radiation and is totally safe for operator and patient. And with only an associate’s degree, sonography is a well-paid profession with a reasonable entry point.

Median Salary: $60,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 39% increase between 2012 and 2022

20. Radiologic Technologist

The first time Wilhelm Rontgen saw human bones with x-rays, it must have seemed like magic. Now, all it takes to look through people’s skin is an associate’s degree and certification. So why not consider becoming a Radiologic Technologist? As a technician, you will work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and sometimes even in private practice, if you save up your pennies for your own machine.

The Radiologic Technologist profession also allows for areas of specialization; for instance, you may move on to become an MRI Technologist, a job that usually pays more. You may focus on sports medicine, pediatrics, or mammography as well.

Median Salary: $56,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 21% increase between 2012 and 2022

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Optometrist?

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Speech Therapist?

Can a PA Prescribe Medication?

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Top 25 Medical Schools

The post Top 20 In-Demand Healthcare Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Whether you want to work with nature directly or you would just prefer to work in a field that allows you to get plenty of fresh air, you’re sure to find a fitting career match among the 30 best jobs for people who love the great outdoors.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Environmental Science? 

The 30 Best Outdoor Careers

Do you want to work in relation to the outdoors in some way but don’t know exactly what you want to do? Here are 30 excellent career options for those who want their work to take them on outdoor adventures.

1. Agricultural Engineer

Most work in agriculture or farming necessarily encompasses spending time outdoors. Agricultural engineering is a largely outdoor engineering occupation. Agricultural engineers apply the science- and math-based concepts of engineering design to the field of agriculture. An agricultural engineer may design and develop solutions to technical problems with machinery, structural problems in the agricultural process and environmental issues that can impair crop or animal production.

To prepare for a career as an agricultural engineer, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural or biological engineering, according to recommendations from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, agricultural engineering is an interdisciplinary field of practice. You could also major in a broader – but still relevant – engineering discipline like mechanical or industrial engineering and seek out elective coursework, internships and fieldwork opportunities that pertain to the agriculture industry.

Salary: $82,640 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

2. Agricultural Scientist

Another outdoorsy occupation with an agricultural focus is agricultural scientist. Agricultural scientists are scientists rather than engineers, which means that they approach their career field from a background in basic science and scientific research rather than engineering design.

However, many agricultural scientists tend to focus on applied science efforts to address real-world problems rather than theoretical research performed solely to advance scientific knowledge of the field. As such, agricultural scientists may share many common goals with agricultural engineers, working to improve productivity, sustainability and innovation in the agricultural industry. Agricultural scientists primarily work in laboratories, but they do conduct visits to farms and processing plants to oversee how new projects are being implemented.

To become an agricultural scientist, students should try to find an agricultural science and food science degree program or take agricultural science-related courses as part of a degree program in biology or chemistry.

Salary: $74,160 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

3. Archeologist

The efforts of archeologists may not pertain directly to the natural world, but outdoor fieldwork is a critical aspect of the field. Archeologists study ancient civilizations. Often, these efforts include working outdoors to identify and preserve sites of archeological importance and collect samples that archaeologists can analyze to learn more about ancient civilizations’ cultures and origins.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree will only allow you to work as either an assistant or a field worker, not a full-fledged archaeologist. To become an archaeologist yourself, you will need to earn at least a master’s in archaeology.  

Salary: $61,910 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

4. Botanist

If your love for the outdoors arises out of a love of plants, botanist could be your ideal outdoor career. Some botanists work indoors, but there are plenty of options for the outdoor types in the botanist career.

Botanists study plants. Some botanists search to discover new plant species and learn their properties and characteristics, while others study how known plants interact with other living organisms and nature.

This career requires a bachelor’s degree. While a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree specifically in botany would be ideal, degrees in biology or chemistry can also help you enter this profession. 

Salary: $71,228 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com

5. Civil Engineer

The outdoors comprises more than natural ecosystems. It also includes the built environment – which is the domain of the civil engineer.

Like other types of engineers, civil engineers apply the principles of engineering design, which are based on science and mathematics, to solve problems. Civil engineers focus on problems and solutions pertaining to infrastructure and, often, the construction field. These engineers design and plan construction projects, taking into consideration costs, regulations and other factors. During the design phase, civil engineers work indoors in an office, but once the project is underway, they typically work on-site.

To prepare for this career, you should earn a bachelor’s in civil engineering, according to the BLS. 

Salary: $88,050 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

6. Coach

One outdoor job you might not have considered is being a coach. Although not particularly concerned with the environment, this career involves plenty of time spent outdoors. Sports that are most commonly played outdoors, like football, baseball, softball, lacrosse and track, are particularly good coaching career opportunities if you want to spend much of your workday outdoors.

While the educational requirements might vary depending on the location and type of coach, many coaches have a bachelor’s degree, according to the BLS. This is especially true for high school coaches, who are typically working as high school teachers during school hours.

Salary: $38,970 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS (often part-time work)

7. Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientist is a great career choice for those that want to work outside in forest settings and who have a passion for environmental maintenance and protection. According to the BLS, conversational scientists establish plans to manage forests and oversee activities implemented for the purpose of conserving the forest and its inhabitants.

Many scientist careers require a graduate or doctoral degree, but you can enter this scientific field with only a bachelor’s degree, the BLS reported. Aspiring conservation scientists should major in forestry, natural resources, rangeland management or agriculture. Some colleges and universities offer a cross-disciplinary bachelor’s degree in conservation science specifically.

Salary: $63,750 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

8. Construction Manager

The field of construction is a great area for those who enjoy working outdoors but aren’t necessarily committed to environmental causes. Construction managers typically work on-site as they oversee progress on construction projects. Exterior projects like roofing, siding installation and exterior painting naturally occur outdoors, but even interior construction projects often require outdoor work cutting and preparing construction materials.

While some construction managers only have an associate’s degree and experience working in construction, many construction managers pursue bachelor’s degrees in programs such as construction or business engineering, according to the BLS. 

Salary: $98,890 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

9. Ecologist

If you become a field ecologist, you will definitely be working outdoors. Ecology is the study of relationships between living organisms and their environments. Field ecologists spend time out in the field – that is, in natural ecosystems like bodies of water, mountains, wetlands and deserts – where they collect data and analyze living organisms in their natural environment.

You need at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or a related field of study to enter this field. However, having a master’s degree can expand the job opportunities available to you.

Salary: $46,937 average annual salary for 2021, according to Salary.com

10. Environmental Engineer

Several engineering disciplines and subdisciplines offer opportunities for outdoor exposure as part of fieldwork, but none are quite as concerned with the natural world as environmental engineering.

According to the BLS, environmental engineers come up with solutions to all sorts of problems involving the environment and environmental sustainability. Improvements in recycling and waste disposal, systems for purifying unsafe drinking water and methods of combatting climate change are all among the types of projects that call fall under the purview of an environmental engineer. Environmental engineers split their time between offices where they design and develop solutions in collaboration with other engineers and the field, where they conduct field research that informs their designs.

Becoming an environmental engineer requires a bachelor’s in environmental engineering degree. You might also prepare for this career by majoring in civil engineering or chemical engineering.

Salary: $96,820 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

11. Environmental Engineering Technologist and Technician

If you want to work on the type of projects that an environmental engineer works on without spending as much time in school, you could consider a career as an environmental engineering technologist and technician. These technologists and technicians help carry out the plans developed by environmental engineers and only need an associate’s in environmental engineering technology, according to the BLS.

Salary: $96,820 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

12. Environmental Science and Protection Technician

If you want to do more fieldwork outdoors than environmental scientist roles typically allow, then you might want to pursue a job as an environmental science and protection technician. Environmental technician jobs are hands-on roles that you can often attain with a lower level of education.

Environmental science and protection technicians work in labs and offices, but they also spend a lot of time in the field – and on their feet – collecting samples or performing tests in this physically demanding job, according to the BLS.

This job typically only requires an associate’s degree in environmental science, but a bachelor’s can open up more job opportunities for you.

Salary: $48,390 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

13. Environmental Scientist

You won’t spend as much of your time working outside in an environmental scientist role as you would in other careers on our list, but you will have an extraordinary opportunity to help the great outdoors.

Environmental scientists analyze environmental data to assess environmental threats and develop strategies to prevent, stabilize or fix these problems, according to the BLS. Although collecting specimens to analyze is technically part of an environmental scientist’s job, most of this work is done in indoor labs, and the fieldwork is often delegated to technicians.

RELATED: Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

To enter this field, you will need a bachelor’s in environmental science degree or a degree in a related field. You may need a master’s degree for the best prospects for career advancement. 

Salary: $76,530 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

14. Forest Ranger

One of the best outdoor careers for people who would like to work in a forest environment is forest ranger.

A forest ranger’s job is to protect natural resources in forests, such as National Parks. Forest rangers also work with people, advising them on how to live effectively in a forest atmosphere, including planning for agriculture and crops harvesting, managing soil erosion and preventing and putting out forest fires.

Some forest ranger jobs are more focused on the law enforcement side of protecting the environment. Forest rangers in these roles may serve as police officers, and some may even carry guns.

Degrees in conservation law enforcement, natural resources, environmental management and agricultural science can all prepare you for this career field.

Salary: $45,487 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com; ​$59,000​ average annual salary for 2021 for National Forest Rangers, according to The Houston Chronicle

15. Forester

Another great option for working in forests is the career of a forester. Foresters focus on supervising the forests themselves. A forester’s job duties may entail monitoring tree regenerations, planning sites for the planting of new trees and being part of the team on the ground working to extinguish forest fires.

The BLS links the forester occupation with the conservation scientist occupation, in part because of the similar educational requirements for these roles. A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related subject is ideal for this career path.

Salary: $64,110 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

16. Geological Engineers

The natural world is full of resources. If you’re interested in making a career out of hunting for these natural treasures, consider working as a geological engineer. Geological engineers search for viable mining sites that allow for the extraction of metals and minerals. Naturally, these minerals are typically found outdoors, often deep underground.

A bachelor’s degree in geological engineering or geoscience will help you get your start in a career in geological engineering.

Salary: $97,090 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

17. Geologist

If the study of the Earth itself is what appeals to you about the outdoors, consider becoming a geologist. Geologists conduct geological surveys to find new resource reserves or deposits, plan land use and management efforts and protect people from the dangers of natural disasters.

A bachelor’s in geology will help you start your geologist career, but a graduate degree may be needed to earn a top position. 

Salary: $64,301 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com; ​$104,395​ average annual salary for 2020 for geologists employed by the federal government, according to FederalPay.org

18. Geoscientist

Geologist isn’t the only type of career in the geosciences. Geoscientist is a broader occupational group that includes not only geologist but also geochemists, geophysicists, petroleum geologists and other experts in the Earth sciences.

Each distinct role in the geosciences has its own objectives, but the common thread that connects them is the job duty of conducting field studies that pertain to the Earth sciences. Geoscientists’ work is split between fieldwork, which is performed outdoors, and laboratory work analyzing the samples they have collected.

For aspiring geoscientists, the BLS recommends earning a bachelor’s degree in geoscience, physical science, or natural resources.

Salary: $83,680 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

19. Land Surveyor

Land surveyors enjoy a good mix of office and fieldwork. Their job is to analyze areas of land to identify and record the boundary lines between properties. Land surveyors must work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions and travel to different locations.

The best preparation for a land surveyor career is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering or natural resources. Surveyors must be licensed by the state, according to the BLS.

Salary: $61,600 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

20. Landscape Architect

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If you love spending your time in outdoor parks, enjoying the combination of manmade and natural beauty, a career in landscape architecture may interest you. Landscape architects design parks and other outdoor recreational places. While landscape architects visit their job sites, they spend most of their time in offices, creating plans, graphs and other documents needed to plan and carry out the project.

Landscape architecture programs are offered at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels of study, according to the BLS. 

Salary: $67,950 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

21. Marine Biologist

Biologists are scientists who study living things. Marine biologists, who focus on the scientific study of animals, plants and other living organisms in the ocean, are among the types of biologists who spend the most time working outdoors. Marine biologists study animal species in and near the ocean, as well as the ocean waters. Many marine biologists find themselves working for state or federal governments, where the results of your research can help shape laws and regulations. 

Many colleges offer undergraduate degrees in marine biology that can prepare you for this career exploring the seas and studying the creatures found in them. Learn more about what degree you need to become a marine biologist.

Salary: $79,675 median annual salary for 2022, according to the Economic Research Institute

22. Marine Engineers

Another marine-focused job is marine engineer. Marine engineers draw upon the principles and practices of engineering design to devise and develop marine equipment. Most marine engineers split their time between visiting marine sites to inspect equipment and oversee its repair and working in an office to create their designs. Some marine engineers will work on a ship out on the sea.

For aspiring marine engineers, the BLS recommends earning a bachelor’s in marine engineering at a maritime academy to pursue this occupation. 

Salary: $93,370 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

23. Naval Architect

The career of a naval architect is so closely related to that of a marine engineer that the BLS groups these two occupations together. The difference is that naval architects are responsible for designing the structure and interior of ships, specifically, while marine engineers develop the internal systems, equipment and machinery found within ships.

Naval architects work outside – often, in a shipyard or on deck aboard a boat – when they evaluate progress on the ship but indoors in an office when developing the design. Like marine engines, naval architects may spend time working at sea.

Aspiring naval architects should pursue a naval architecture bachelor’s degree, ideally from a maritime academy.

Salary: $93,370 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

24. Oceanographer

Maybe it’s not marine life that fascinates you but the water that makes up the ocean itself. Oceanographer is a type of geoscientist who focuses on the study of ocean water. The motion and circulation of the water and waves, as well as the chemical and physical properties of the ocean and how these properties affect the environment, fit into the field of oceanography.

Oceanography is a specialized career path, so a bachelor’s degree in oceanography may be the best preparation. A general geoscience degree could also help give you the tools for success. 

Salary: $72,933 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com

25. Paleontologist

If you have heard of paleontologists, you probably associate these scientists with dinosaurs, whose fossils they work to excavate. In fact, paleontologists dig deep into the Earth to study all kinds of fossils of animal and plant life that have existed throughout the geologic history of the Earth, not only those pertaining to the dinosaurs.

Fieldwork that consists of collecting samples from dig sites, making notes and carefully excavating buried fossils is an important part of work in paleontology and is sometimes undertaken in harsh conditions. An outdoorsy person is best suited for the work of a paleontologist.

To become a paleontologist, you will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree in geology or biology and then pursue your PhD.

Salary: $96,003 average annual salary for 2022, according to the Economic Research Institute

26. Petroleum Engineer

What else can be found below the Earth’s surface? Along with metals, minerals and fossils, the oil resources that exist there are valuable. A petroleum engineer’s job is to come up with ways to extract oil and gas from below the Earth’s surface safely, cost-effectively and with as little environmental disruption as possible. Petroleum engineers often work outdoors at drilling or well sites.

While a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is ideal, students can also prepare for this career with an undergraduate degree in civil, chemical or mechanical engineering, according to the BLS. 

Salary: $130,850 median annual salary for 2021, according to the BLS

27. Resort Manager

A job as a resort manager allows you to combine your love of the outdoors with a passion for recreation. Resort managers look after the operations of their resort and make sure everything runs smoothly. For instance, ski resort managers look after winter recreational hills and make sure the ski season is fun for guests and successful for the business.

A business or hospitality degree can help you enter this field. Some schools offer specialized ski business and resort management programs that equip you with the skills needed to succeed. 

Salary: $78,541 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com

28. Soil Scientist

A soil scientist analyzes the quality of the soil for land use. Much of the work of a soil scientist involves making sure storm water will drain properly.

The easiest way to become a soil scientist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in soil science.   

Salary: $74,798 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com

29. Volcanologist

Some natural phenomena may capture your attention more than others. If you are interested in volcanoes, you might be interested in becoming a volcanologist.

Volcanologists visit volcanoes and study volcanic eruptions. They predict future eruptions based on scientific methods and warn people of potential hazards.

While an undergraduate degree can help get you started, most volcanologists hold a graduate degree in some area of volcanology, such as physical volcanology, seismology or volcanic gas geochemistry.

Salary: $118,590 average annual salary for 2022, according to the Economic Research Institute

30. Zoologist

If it’s not only the natural beauty of the outdoors that appeals to you but also the animals that populate an ecosystem, consider becoming a zoologist. Zoologists conduct studies and collect data pertaining to the population dynamics of animals and how they interact with other animals and humans.

Zoology, wildlife biology and natural resource management are all majors that can prepare you for this career. To conduct independent research or teach at the university level, you will typically need to earn a PhD, according to the BLS.

Salary: $76,530 average annual salary for 2022, according to Salary.com

The Top 30 Outdoor Majors

Now that you have explored the best careers for outdoors lovers, let’s look at the breadth of subjects you might study if you’re planning a career that takes you outside.

1. Agriculture Business

A major in agriculture business merges business skills with technical skills in the agricultural sciences. Generally, the business side of the program is geared towards small businesses, which are typical in agriculture. The science focus can prepare students for a career as an agricultural scientist, though outdoors lovers could also pursue this major to become farm or ranch managers.

2. Archeology

Archaeology is the obvious major for students who want to become archaeologists. Courses in this program will help students understand how to bridge the past and present, which is fundamental to the world of archaeology. You will also learn about cultures and peoples around the world.  

3. Botany

Through a bachelor’s degree in botany, you can acquire knowledge of all aspects of plants. This knowledge will help students work in fields like agriculture, ecology and horticulture.

4. Conservation

An educational program in conservation biology will go over how to save individual species and entire ecosystems from becoming extinct. Students entering this program may acquire hands-on experience working with ecosystems located near their school of choice. Aspiring forest rangers may seek a degree in conservation law enforcement.

5. Construction Engineering

One specialized degree option in civil engineering is construction engineering. A program in construction engineering will cover subjects of both engineering and construction, preparing you to be an engineer in the construction field.   

6. Construction Management

If you are looking to be in charge of a construction site, a bachelor’s in construction management is the degree for you. Through this program, you will learn about the machines and materials used at job sites, as well as how to effectively manage your workers.

7. Environmental Engineering

One of the most versatile academic programs for nature enthusiasts is a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. While an associate’s degree in environmental engineering technology will prepare you to become an environmental engineering technologist, a bachelor’s degree paves the way for engineering careers such as an environmental engineer, agricultural engineer, or geological engineer.

8. Environmental Science

With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, students can jump right into entry-level jobs in the workforce or pursue graduate studies. Coursework in the environmental sciences is the perfect fit for an aspiring environmental scientist. Other career options with this degree include ecologist and environmental science and protection technician.

9. Environmental Studies

By choosing a bachelor’s in environmental studies program, people who like being out in the natural environment can get an education that aligns with their passion. Some environmental studies programs offer concentrations in areas of interest such as forestry or agriculture. Aspiring land surveyors often choose this major, but those looking to work in agriculture or local and state parks can also benefit from pursuing a degree in environmental studies. 

10. Forestry and Wildlife Management

A degree in forestry is a perfect fit for lovers of the outdoors. Through this degree program, you can learn how to care for forests and address global challenges such as climate change, conservation and sustainable energy. A forestry degree can prepare students for careers such as conservation scientists and foresters.

RELATED: What Can I Do With a Forestry Degree? 

11. Geology

A bachelor’s degree in geology is an excellent choice for students interested in a science-related job that has an outdoor component. Understanding geological processes is crucial for outdoor careers like geologist. Prospective students can also use a geology background to enter the field of petroleum engineering or become another kind of geoscientist. 

12. Geosciences

If you enjoy studying rocks and volcanoes, a program in geosciences would be a great fit for you. Your courses will also help you understand how ecology, hydrology and geology impact the surface of Earth. A bachelor’s program in geosciences can prepare you for roles like geoscientist, oceanographer, environmental engineer, environmental scientist and hydrologist.

13. Landscape Architecture

The first step to becoming a landscape architect is obtaining a bachelor’s in landscape architecture. In a landscape architecture program, you will not only learn about the architectural side of landscaping but also the engineering side of designing built outdoor spaces.    

14. Land Surveying

If the career of a land surveyor appeals to you, consider obtaining an associate’s in land surveying degree. This curriculum will prepare you for collecting data about the land as well as mapping it out. In many states, students will also be prepared to attain professional certification upon completion of the program. 

15. Marine Biology

Ocean lovers should consider a major in marine biology. Coursework in this program will focus on the study of all life in the oceans, from plankton to whales. This education can prepare you for a career as a marine biologist or aquarist. You might also use this degree to work at aquariums and zoos. 

16. Natural Resource Management

With a bachelor’s in natural resource management degree, you can prepare for outdoor careers such as a conservation scientist, forester, forest ranger, land surveyor, zoologist and geoscientist. In a degree program focused on natural resource management, you will study natural ecosystems and develop the skills to identify and describe natural resources and flora and fauna. 

17. Paleontology

Because the field of paleontology is a subfield of geoscience, many paleontology degree programs are only offered at the graduate level. To apply, students must have a solid background in geological sciences. If your interest in the outdoors is digging for fossils, this path will prepare you to become a paleontologist.

18. Plant Science or Agricultural Science

For plant lovers, plant science may be the most fitting degree program. A graduate degree program in plant science will cover areas such as plant breeding, plant pathology and plant physiology and systematics. Earning a Master of Science in plant science could lead to advancement in a career as a conservation scientist, forester, forest ranger or agricultural scientist.

19. Oceanography

If your passion for the outdoors centers around the ocean, a degree in oceanography could be the right fit for you. The curriculum of an oceanography program covers each of the four subdisciplines of the field: physical oceanography, geological oceanography, chemical oceanography and biological oceanography. This program is the perfect first step to becoming an oceanographer.

20. Outdoor Education or Outdoor Recreation

An outdoor recreation degree can help you pursue a career in the fields of outdoor recreation and outdoor education. You will learn leadership skills as well as how to set up outdoor recreational activities. After completing this program, you can obtain outdoor jobs such as camp director, park manager or outdoor educator. 

21. Outdoor Leadership

If you’re aspiring to any outdoor leadership position, you might consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in outdoor adventure leadership. The leadership qualities you develop through such a program can be valuable if you wish to coach outdoor sports, leading a team from the sidelines during games and preparing them for victory during practices. You can also use an outdoor leadership development or outdoor adventure leadership degree to develop skills in leading outdoor adventure recreational sports, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and hiking in mountain ranges.

RELATED: What Can I Do With a Degree in Parks & Recreation? 

22. Petroleum Engineering

A Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering has a fairly narrow focus: preparing students to become a petroleum engineer. With a degree in petroleum engineering, you can enter the world of the energy business. The curriculum of a petroleum engineering program will cover topics such as the procedures for drilling wells, evaluating geological formations and their resources and designing systems for producing and handling fluids. 

23. Ski Business and Resort Management

A more general degree in business or hospitality could prepare you for a resort manager role, but the benefit of a focused ski area business management degree program is that you can gain specialized knowledge in managing skiing resorts in the mountains. In addition to coursework that is specially designed for the skiing industry, this program covers the business side of the day-to-day operations of a resort. 

24. Soil Science or Crop Science

Majoring in soil and crop sciences can pave the way to becoming a soil scientist. Students will learn about soil and crop principles and how to apply them to different issues, from local problems to global issues. Your courses will dig into topics such as soil conservation and soil restoration.

25. Structural Engineering

Structural engineering courses typically fall under civil engineering, but some colleges and universities offer more focused degree programs in structural engineering – especially at the graduate level. A graduate program in structural engineering covers structural aspects of resources such as concrete, steel, and masonry. A structural engineering degree can prepare you for roles like civil engineer, structural engineer and agricultural engineer.

26. Sustainable Food Systems

Sustainability is huge for those that want to preserve nature. Schools are increasingly offering degree options in sustainability. A Bachelor of Science in sustainable food systems can help you find a job in the food industry and may offer studies in areas of specialization such as procurement or nutrition. Other sustainability degrees can help you work in other aspects of nature. A degree in sustainable agriculture can help you become an agricultural scientist.

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

27. Volcanology

If you are looking to focus your studies on volcanology, you will probably need to wait until graduate school. To get into a graduate program in volcanology, you will most likely need an undergraduate degree in a field like Earth sciences, geographical sciences or geosciences.  

28. Wildlife Biology

If you love being outside and want to work with animals, a wildlife biology degree could be the right fit. Students in a wildlife biology program study wildlife sciences and often have opportunities to gain research experience. With a degree in wildlife biology, you can become a zoologist, environmental scientist, conservation biologist or park ranger. 

29. Wildlife Ecology

Nature-loving students who pursue a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology take classes in wildlife ecology, wildlife management and how to apply the scientific methods in wildlife experiments. A degree in wildlife ecology can help you prepare for a career as a conservation scientist.

30. Zoology

A major in zoology could prepare you to become a zoologist, a zookeeper or even an aquarium or museum director. The curriculum of a zoology program covers different aspects of animal biology as well as how to interpret scientific data.

Colleges for Outdoor Career Preparation

Once you have picked a major and a general career path, you still have to choose a school to attend. Below are some of the best colleges for outdoor enthusiasts.

What to Look for in a College for Outdoor Education Studies

Naturally, looking at school rankings, accreditation and degree and concentration options is an important part of your college choice. However, if you are factoring in your love of nature as part of your education planning, there are a few more things to consider.

Look for a school with a location that is appealing to you. That may mean choosing a college that is within walking distance of a hiking trail, boasts a beach campus or is in close proximity to a national forest. Consider researching schools that offer regular outdoor trips and those that are big on outdoor sports.

Gaining experience as a student can help make your job search much easier after graduation. Find out what sort of opportunities for internships are available through your school with organizations like the Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and state parks and landmarks.

The Best Colleges for Outdoor Lovers

Some of the best colleges and universities to consider as a lover of the outdoors include the following.

Appalachian State University, Boone, NC

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, is all about sustainability. This environmentally friendly school is one of the best colleges for outdoor supporters due to its concern about its global impact and how to preserve nature for generations to come. Appalachian State University offers numerous sustainable development programs for students to choose from so they can find a concentration that aligns with their interests.

Local nature attractions: Blue Ridge Mountains

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Berry College, Mount Berry, GA

Located on Mount Berry, Berry College’s 88 miles of hiking trails through woodland, meadow, and stream ecosystems make the school one of the best colleges for outdoor fans. The campus is home to a 16,000-acre Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Berry College’s Department of Recreation offers an outdoor recreation program to assist students in taking advantage of the many outdoor activities located locally. Besides these outdoor recreational activities, Berry College also offers outdoor career majors such as environmental science, environmental studies, geology and outdoor leadership development. 

Local nature attractions: Little River Canyon National Preserve, Red Top Mountain State Park, Appalachian Mountains

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Boise State University, Boise, ID

Boise State University is located in Idaho’s largest city. For those that enjoy being near water, the school’s campus is next to the Boise River.  Nature lovers can find degree programs in environmental studies and geosciences at Boise State University. 

Local nature attractions: Boise National Forest, Boise River

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College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME

Students at the College of the Atlantic in Maine can pursue coursework in areas of interest that include climate change and energy, community planning and ecological policy, environmental laws and policies, farming and food systems, field ecology and natural history, marine science and sustainable business.

Local nature attractions: Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island

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Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 

Colorado State University is one of the best colleges for outdoor, adventurous students who want to explore the Rocky Mountains. Colorado State University offers majors such as agricultural business, anthropology with an archaeology concentration, environmental engineering, geology, soil and crop sciences and zoology. Colorado State University is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in close proximity to several hiking trails. 

Local nature attractions: The Rocky Mountains, Cache la Poudre River, Lory State Park

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Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Outdoorsy students should consider studying at Humboldt State University, also known as Cal Poly Humboldt, part of California State University. Majors of interest include botany, environmental resources engineering, environmental science and management, environmental studies, fisheries biology, forestry, marine biology, oceanography, rangeland resource science, recreation administration, wildlife and zoology.
Local nature attractions: Redwood National and State Parks

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Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Or

The Portland, Oregon, campus of Lewis and Clark College includes 137 wooded acres in the Pacific Northwest for students to experience. If that isn’t enough to make this institution one of the best colleges for outdoor lovers, Lewis and Clark College also offers a comprehensive College Outdoors program that includes activities ranging from hiking and cross-country skiing to mushroom-hunting and nature mediation. Lewis and Clark College’s bachelor’s program in environmental studies can help you prepare for an outdoor career to help make a difference in the world. 

Local nature attractions: Tryon Creek State Park

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Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT

One of the greatest colleges for outdoor enthusiasts is Middlebury College. The Middlebury, VT, institution is home to the country’s oldest winter carnival, having celebrated its 99th Annual Winter Carnival in early 2022. Each year, Middlebury students come together to have bonfires, enjoy fireworks, and even partake in snow skiing. Students pursuing a degree program that will allow them to enter an outdoor career can choose from bachelor’s programs in environmental studies, Earth and climate sciences and geography.

Middlebury Outdoor Programs, a division of Student Activities, encourage students to develop their outdoor skills. Students can get involved as part of Middlebury Mountain Club, MiddFly Flyfishing Club and Midd Climbers.

Local nature attractions: Chimney Point State Park, Green Mountains, Lake Champlain Valley, Adirondack Mountains

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Montana State University, Bozeman, Mt

With tons of options for nature lovers, Montana State University is one of the best colleges for outdoor admirers. Students have options to earn bachelor’s degrees in agricultural business, conservation biology and ecology, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, geology, paleontology and soil and water science. There are even graduate options for plant sciences or land resources and environmental sciences. Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree can also earn a minor in soil science. Montana State University also boasts an Outdoor Recreation Center.

Local nature attractions: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Parks, local rivers with fly fishing opportunities

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Northland College, Ashton, WI

Northland College is a private liberal arts college located in northern Wisconsin. The school’s location near Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, makes it ideal for water sports like kayaking and skiing. What makes Northland College particularly well-suited for outdoor adventurers is its optional (but encouraged) Outdoor Orientation trip. 

Local nature attractions: Lake Superior, Chequamegon National Forest

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Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Stanford University, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is one of the best colleges for outdoor enthusiasts on the West Coast. Students who want to dig into the past will be happy to know that Stanford University offers Archaeology programs at the bachelor’s level as well as a minor option and an honors program. Prospective students will also find undergraduate degree options in civil and environmental engineering, Earth systems, environmental systems engineering, geological sciences, geophysics and sustainability among the 69 majors offered at Stanford University.

Expect to spend your free time as a Stanford University student at the Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center, swimming, climbing the rock wall, learning and playing and working out in the 75,000 square feet of indoor recreation space. About six hours north of Stanford University by car is Redwood National Forest, located in Northern California. 

Local nature attractions: Redwood National Forest

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University of Arizona

Outdoors-related majors at the University of Arizona include agricultural sciences, animal and veterinary sciences, biological science and environment and sustainability.

Local nature attractions: Saguaro National Park, Santa Catalina Natural Area, Tucson Mountain Park

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University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

The University of Wyoming’s 200+ areas of study include many majors of interest to outdoorsy students, such as agricultural business, biology, botany, ecology, energy resource management and development and environment and natural resources.

Local nature attractions: Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge in the Laramie Plains, Medicine Bow National Forest

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Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC

Also known as the “Adventure Sports Capital of the Southeast,” Warren Wilson College is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. Nature lovers that choose Warren Wilson College will enjoy plenty of hiking trails on campus as well as their Outdoor Programs, which rent equipment out to students and run beginner trips for those seeking to try something new. Students seeking an outdoor career can choose from majors such as sustainable agriculture, environmental studies, conservation biology, archaeology and outdoor leadership. 

Local nature attractions: Blue Ridge Mountains, Swannanoa Valley

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Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA

With programs focusing on geology, environmental studies and environmental science, Western Washington University is one of the best colleges for outdoor enthusiasts. The campus of Western Washington University is located on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, and the school expresses the deepest respect and gratitude for its Indigenous neighbors. The Outdoor Center at Western Washington University offers an Excursions Program and a Challenge Program for outdoor adventurers, as well as a bike shop and gear rentals. 

Local nature attractions: Mount Baker, the Chuckanut Mountains, Larrabee State Park

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Skills to Learn If You’re Eyeing an Outdoor Job in the Natural World

Preparing for an outdoor job isn’t all about academics. You should also develop your skills in a variety of outdoor sports and activities – not only for fun but also because, if something goes wrong while doing fieldwork in the great outdoors, these skills could help you get to safety.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing relies on your own motion to traverse snowy terrain when there’s no ski lift in sight.

Rock Climbing

Developing rock climbing skills can get you out of a tough spot in the great outdoors, and it can be practiced either outside or inside on rock-climbing walls.

Mountain Biking

Developing your skills in mountain biking allows you to ride a bicycle over rough terrain, either offroad or on mountain biking trails.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving, or underwater diving with the use of Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) equipment, allows you to stay underwater for longer than you would otherwise be able to hold your breath. This breathing equipment allows divers to go farther and deeper in a body of water than they could otherwise.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a form of fishing that involves the use of a lightweight lure intended to imitate flies, as opposed to live bait or other types of lures. Fly fishing uses specialized equipment and techniques.

Mountain Horse Riding

Horses can provide a faster means of transportation than walking on foot. Riding also offers a different perspective. Learning equestrian skills can prepare you for leading mountain horse riding tours in mountain resort areas and other attractions.

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is the paddling of a small, narrow personal watercraft that is specially intended for use in the open waters of the ocean or a lake or bay.

For Further Reading:

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What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post 30 Great Outdoor Jobs Requiring a College Degree appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Some careers are friendlier to that entrepreneurial spirit than others. If the opportunity to eventually run your own business is important to you, then you need to start your career with the right education. The following 15 degrees can prepare you for the kind of jobs where workers are most likely to be self-employed.

1. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

A college degree in agriculture, agricultural business or agricultural sciences prepares students for success in the world of farm management. Most agriculture and related degree programs combine studies in business and science with a focus on framing. Coursework in farm management, agricultural economics, sustainable farming practices, plant breeding, dairy science and animal science is common, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Graduates of agriculture degrees will understand the process of running a farm or a group of farms as a business, from its financial operations to its marketing strategies. They develop familiarity with the laws and policies that govern farming. Some agriculture degree programs include opportunities to gain hands-on experience managing college-run farms and selling the produce. Some programs include a special focus on sustainability in farming. Agriculture degree programs are available at both the associate’s and bachelor’s level and are offered both on campus and online.

An agriculture degree is excellent preparation for a job as an agricultural manager. These professionals oversee the daily operations of farms, ranches and greenhouses. The vast majority of agricultural managers – 70 percent – are their own bosses. In fact, agriculture degree programs often offer required or elective courses in farming entrepreneurship. As bosses, agricultural managers make the decisions about what the farm produces, how it is run and where and for how much to sell the product. While a college degree isn’t an absolute requirement for this job – which often starts with professional experience as a farm worker – an education is becoming increasingly important, the BLS reported. Both efficient farming and effective business management has become more complicated, resulting in the need to know more about both subjects than what can be easily taught on-the-job. Some agricultural managers seek the Accredited Farm Manager certification from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers to demonstrate their knowledge.

Most Likely Job Title: Agricultural Manager

Salary: $64,170

Self-employment by the numbers: 70 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Sustainable Farming 

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Art

When you earn a college degree in art, you take foundational through advanced courses in studio art of various kinds. Coursework often includes study in creating art through drawing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, painting, photography, sculpting, printmaking and digital design. Creating an extensive portfolio of your work is integral to success in an art degree program as well as your professional life after college, the BLS reported. A strong portfolio contains a collection of the artist’s best work, but it must have pieces that are distinct enough to show the breadth and depth of the artist’s skills and styles. In addition to taking a multitude of art and design classes, students take core general education courses required for graduation. Undergraduate studio art degrees can be categorized as either Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees or Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees. Some art students choose to go on to graduate school and pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

What can you do with an art degree? You can work for yourself – and still make a decent living doing so. Two of the most entrepreneurial and profitable art jobs are art director and multimedia artist and animator. Half of all art directors and more than half of all animators are self-employed. Some work from home, but many work in the offices of motion picture production companies, advertising agencies, publishing companies and design services companies. Art directors, who earn higher salaries, develop the big-picture design and style of the visual elements used in film, magazines, newspapers and advertising campaigns. They oversee the artists who create those images and visual elements. Multimedia artists and animators, on the other hand, create effects, models and animations used in movies, television shows and video games. Animators work on a project from the storyboard phase to the finished sequences of animation and computer generated images.

Most Likely Job Title: Multimedia Artist, Animator or Art Director

Salary: $63,970 – $89,760

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Computer Graphics, Graphic Design 

3. Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science

Degree programs in mortuary science cover the technical skills needed to prepare bodies for memorial services and burials, including restorative techniques and embalming. They also include coursework in the laws and ethics of the funeral services business as well as grief counseling strategies to help funeral service workers in their interactions with bereaved family members. Mortuary science degree programs are available on campus at junior colleges as well as online. Many mortuary science degree programs require students to complete a one-year internship or mandatory clinic embalming assignments in order to gain hands-on work experience as well as prepare for common state licensing requirements. More than 50 mortuary science degree programs are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which is important because a degree from an accredited program is required for licensure in most states. Associate’s degrees in mortuary science are more common, but bachelor’s degree programs in the subject are also available, the BLS reported.

A mortuary science degree is a good choice for those who aspire to be their own bosses because half of the 60,400 funeral workers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. They may run the business in its entirety, managing the day-to-day operations of the funeral home and handling business decisions like financial planning and staff recruitment and training. They also do the work of meeting with families to plan the memorial service and the burial or cremation, filing legal documents such as death certificates, embalming or otherwise preparing the body of the deceased and writing obituaries. Since funeral service workers are often on call in the evenings and on weekends and must be able to make preparations quickly following a death, being your own boss is beneficial in this industry because it allows for a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of the business and its clients.

Most Likely Job Title: Funeral Service Manager or Funeral Director

Salary: $53,390

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Funeral Service 

4. Exercise Physiology

If you pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, you’ll take a variety of classes in science and health subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, biomechanics, nutrition and kinesiology. Specific courses in subjects such as introductory exercise physiology, sports injury management, exercise pathophysiology, sports epidemiology and principles of strength and conditioning are common, as well. Programs that have earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs often include required clinical hours in a setting such as a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation facility. A number of schools offer master’s and even Ph.D. programs in exercise physiology and related studies. While most states don’t currently require exercise physiologists to be licensed, a number of states are considering implementing licensing requirements, the BLS reported. However, graduates from exercise physiology degree programs can seek the Exercise Physiologist Certified certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists or the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist credentials from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Given that around half of all exercise physiologists working in the United States are self-employed, a degree in exercise physiology is a great choice for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a knack for science and a passion for fitness. The reason exercise physiologists need such a strong background in science and health subjects is that their job responsibilities differ significantly from that of a fitness instructor or athletic trainer. Exercise physiologists are part of the healthcare industry. Doctors often refer patients who have chronic medical conditions to exercise physiologists for the purpose of developing a fitness routine that will help them improve their overall health and work toward recovery. To accomplish this work, an exercise physiologist must understand the patient’s medical history and use medical equipment to conduct tests, check vital signs and develop an exercise plan that works with the patient’s limitations and achieves the necessary health goals, like increasing cardiovascular function.

RELATED: How to Become a Personal Trainer: What Degree Should I Get?

Most Likely Job Title: Exercise Physiologist

Salary: $47,010

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Kinesiology, Exercise Science 

5. Music

Degree programs in music can take a number of forms. There are programs in music theory, music composition, music performance and music conducting. Programs exist at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A degree program in music theory encompasses music analysis and research as well as hands-on training in music skills. Composition degree programs include music training and studies in the elements of music and composition techniques with the goal of preparing students to create original music of their own. Degrees in applied music or music performance focus on cultivating a professional level of performance skills in one or more musical instruments. Orchestral conducting degree programs, which are often master’s degree programs, tend to involve a lot of study of musical scores, private lessons in leadership and rehearsal techniques and hands-on experience conducting actual professional choirs and orchestras. Music programs at the college – and especially the graduate – level can be very selective, particularly since these degree programs often include some form of private music lessons.

A degree in music isn’t necessary for all music careers. You don’t need a piece of paper to write a popular hit song or start a band that does local gigs. However, you do need more than a good ear. Professionals who work in the music field need training – like the hands-on music training offered in music degree programs – to learn to play their instruments well. A solid understanding of music theory and the elements of good music composition, whether gained through formal or informal education, is also essential for success at writing original songs. While two out of every five musicians, singers, composers and music directors work for themselves, having a music degree is often essential to get respected and well-paying work in music. For example, musicians who perform classical pieces, sing opera or direct a choir typically need a bachelor’s degree in music, while orchestral conductors often need a master’s degree, the BLS reported.

Most Likely Job Title: Music Director, Musician

Salary: $49,820

Self-employment by the numbers: 40 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Dance, Theatre 

6. Doctoral Degree in Psychology

There are different kinds of psychology degrees that can prepare candidates for different roles. Most psychologists need a doctorate, which typically requires five to seven years of study, to officially use the title “psychologist,” the BLS reported. A Ph.D. in psychology, which is the traditional doctoral degree in the field, focuses heavily on research and studies in experimental procedures and statistics. Students must design the procedures for and conduct their own original psychological research and then present those findings in a written doctoral dissertation. On the other hand, students who want to focus on working with patients in clinical settings may prefer to pursue a Psy.D., a professional program that focuses more on experience through practical work and exams and a yearlong internship. Some professionals in the field of psychology instead pursue a master’s degree, which can often be completed in just two years and typically focuses on clinical psychology, counseling psychology or industrial/organizational psychology.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

About one-third of the 173,900 psychologists in the United States are self-employed, the BLS reported. Psychologists who run their own practices manage the business aspects of the practice as well as the clinical or counseling work. They may handle administrative tasks like handling billing procedures, insurance company paperwork and appointment scheduling themselves or delegate those tasks to the employees they hire and train. Besides being the boss, self-employed psychologists are responsible for working with patients. Clinical psychologists do the work of diagnosing and treating the mental and emotional health conditions of their patients. Counseling psychologists use the counseling strategies they have cultivated in school and through work experience to help patients cope with and work through problems in their life and relationships. Since psychology professionals without a doctoral degree typically must work under the guidance of licensed psychologists, those with a Psy.D. and a focus on clinical or counseling psychology are most likely to become their own bosses.

Most Likely Job Title: Psychologist

Salary: $72,580

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy 

7. Doctor of Chiropractic

A Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C., degree is what trains chiropractors in the art of spinal adjustment and manipulation for health benefits. Earning a D.C. usually takes students four years of full-time study. A D.C. is both a professional and postgraduate degree program, the BLS reported. As a professional degree, it prepares students for practical application of chiropractic techniques in a healthcare setting.  You might be surprised to learn that, even though it’s a postgraduate degree program, you don’t necessarily have to have a bachelor’s degree to earn your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Applicants to D.C. programs need just 90 semester hours, or three years of full-time study, at the undergraduate level to apply. However, many chiropractors do complete their bachelor’s degrees before they begin their chiropractic studies. While there’s no specific major students should pursue to prepare for a D.C. program, studying biology, physics, chemistry and the liberal arts can be helpful. The relatively few Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs that have earned accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education include coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology as well as clinical training in diagnosing and assessing spinal problems and using spinal adjustment techniques.

One out of every three chiropractors is self-employed, the BLS reported. There are definitely benefits to running your own private chiropractic practice. Many chiropractors offer flexible appointment schedules, including evening and weekend appointments, for the convenience of their patients. A self-employed chiropractor can set his or her own hours and determine what days and times the practice should be open. Chiropractors who are their own bosses can also decide if they want to offer additional services, like rehabilitative exercise and massage therapy, and if they want to sell health and wellness products, like sports braces, in their practice. They must also be able to hire, train and oversee the staff working in their office. In order to prepare students for the challenges of running a practice as well as providing chiropractic services, some Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs incorporate coursework in business, particularly in management, finance and billing practices, in addition to traditional chiropractic subjects of study.

Most Likely Job Title: Chiropractor

Salary: $64,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

8. Hospitality

Hospitality management is a great field to go into if you want to work in tourism and develop your leadership skills. A hospitality degree program will often combine coursework from a number of disciplines, ranging from business management to laws and ethics and even food safety and nutrition. However, you can’t learn everything there is to know about tourism management from a book or a lecture in the classroom. Because many of the skills needed for success in the tourism industry – and in business management – are practical skills, most hospitality degree programs include hands-on training. Some programs require students to complete internships at hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations. Others run their own on-campus or off-campus lodging and dining establishments, where students can gain hands-on experience in every role of hospitality management. Depending on the school you choose to attend, your hospitality degree program could be part of a business college, human services department, agriculture and life sciences school or even its own distinct department or division.

A hospitality degree can prepare you for a variety of different jobs in the tourism industry, but two of the most common hospitality occupations are also among the most likely to be their own boss. Lodging managers are the professionals who oversee the operations of hotels and resorts. Food service managers run the business sides of restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments. In both of these vocations, one in three professionals is self-employed, the BLS reported. While a college degree isn’t necessary to work in food service or in a hotel, the business and management skills you learn in a hospitality degree program are invaluable. When you run your own hotel or restaurant, in particular, it’s essential that you know how to make sound financial decisions, keep accurate financial records and manage staff, customer expectations and business logistics. You must also understand the importance of all of the roles involved in the day-to-day operations of a restaurant and hotel – a kind of familiarity you won’t develop just by working as a host, wait staff or concierge.

Most Likely Job Title: Lodging Manager or Food Service Manager

Salary: $48,690 – $49,720

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Hotel Management or Food Service Management

9. Film

In a good film and media arts degree program, your coursework will prepare you for a career in the entertainment industry. Coursework often includes studies in subjects such as introduction to film studies, film history, screenwriting, film theory, television, new media, cinematography and video editing software. Some degree programs or concentrations within those programs focus more heavily on cultural topics, like how race and gender are depicted in film, while others emphasize stylistic techniques in film or storytelling through screenwriting. It’s not unusual for a film degree program to incorporate coursework that covers the theoretical foundations and practical applications involved in every part of the filmmaking process, from writing the script to doing makeup and wardrobe and from decorating the set to directing the action on stage or before the camera. Many schools provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills through real experience – as well as their professional portfolios – while working on campus television stations or short film projects and challenges.

A film degree is an excellent starting place if you want to become a director or work as a film and video editor or camera operator. Film editors and camera operators are more likely than directors and producers to become their own bosses. About 30 percent of film and video editors are self-employed, the BLS reported, compared to just 20 percent of directors. Directors and camera operators and video editors work in the film and entertainment industry, but each serves a different role. Directors determine the creative choices that go into producing a motion picture or television show, overseeing the actors and personalities who appear in front of the camera as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing the script to life. As the job title implies, camera operators and video editors do the work of actually recording the stories being told in the film and skillfully editing shots and sequences to tell that story in a meaningful way.

Most Likely Job Title: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operator, Director

Salary: $55,740 — $68,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 to 30 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Broadcasting, Acting, Journalism, Communications 

10. Dental School Degree

Completing dental school results in the award of one of three possible degrees: the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.). Whether you choose a D.D.S., D.M.D. or D.D.M. degree program, dental school requires a solid background in the sciences, including undergraduate coursework in chemistry and biology. A competitive score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is often necessary to gain acceptance into a program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Once admitted, students learn about anatomy, radiology, use of local anesthesia for dental procedures and periodontics, the study of oral health and diseases, the BLS reported. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Dental school students attain clinical experience by diagnosing and treating real patients under the guidance of experienced dentists. After earning their dental school degrees, aspiring dentists must attain a license to practice in their state. Those who wish to specialize must also spend two to four years completing a residency in their intended dental specialty.

One in four dentists – more than 37,800 total – run their own private dental practice, the BLS reported. Some self-employed dentists work alone in their solo practices. Others hire reception staff and dental hygienists to assist with administrative duties and patient care. Still others manage group practices, where they work with partner and associate dentists. A dentist who is self-employed makes the big-picture business decisions. He or she may handle overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice personally, or may delegate administrative, billing, bookkeeping and staff recruitment and training tasks to an office manager. While the dentist’s primary responsibility is caring for patients’ oral health by fixing and removing damaged teeth and using imaging equipment to check for problems, you can’t ignore the administrative duties when you are the one in charge of keeping the business running smoothly. Opportunities for dentists – and for opening your own dental practice – are increasing rapidly. The BLS expects career opportunities for dentists to increase by 18 percent over a decade, compared just 7 percent job growth expected across all occupations.

Most Likely Job Title: Dentist

Salary: $158,310

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: M.D. in Oral Surgery 

11. Interior Design

A degree program in interior design will teach you the fundamentals of developing indoor spaces that are both aesthetically appealing and functional. Most college degree programs in interior design include coursework in drawing and computer-aided design as well as the theories and applications of interior design principles. For example, interior design students may take courses in lighting and textiles to learn about the materials and light fixtures they can choose from when designing a space as well as classes in residential and commercial design practices. They learn to create two-dimensional designs on paper and three-dimensional digital models of their design ideas. As with other fields of study, whether a degree program has earned accreditation from a reputable agency can speak to the quality of the program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and the National Kitchen & Bath Association are all agencies that accredit interior design degree programs, the BLS reported.

One-quarter of all interior designers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. Perhaps that’s because several aspects of the career lend themselves to the flexibility of being your own boss. For one thing, interior designers often work non-standard hours, like evenings and weekends, for the convenience of clients who may have a more rigid work schedule. They also need to travel to the space they are designing to understand the location and its advantages and limitations. Interior designers’ success has a great deal to do with the quality of their people skills and design work, so skilled interior designers are often able to make a living working for themselves. As in other art and design careers, interior designers need to show their skills to get paying work – and that means compiling a portfolio of their most impressive designs. Of course, self-employed interior designers still need to handle the management and administrative tasks of keeping their business running.

Most Likely Job Title: Interior Designer

Salary: $48,840

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Industrial Design 

12. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration degree program typically includes graduate-level courses in a variety of business subjects, including accounting, business law, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Often, an MBA degree program will provide students with the chance to specialize in an academic track or concentration that’s of interest of to them in addition to taking core general business courses. MBA programs may combine studies of business theory with practical problem-solving skills developed both in business scenarios explored in the classroom and through hands-on internship experiences. While two years is the typical length of time to complete a full-time MBA degree program, some schools offer accelerated one-year programs, while others offer part-time study options that allow working students to learn at their own pace without leaving the workforce. In addition to traditional MBA programs where classes take place on campus, online MBA programs have become popular among busy students juggling family and work responsibilities.

RELATED: What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Business Administration?

Of course, studying business management is an excellent idea if you’re going to run a business of your own. Such a degree program can teach you important skills, like how to manage your company’s finances, use sound accounting processes to keep accurate financial records, publicize your business to draw in new clients and handle the complicated logistics of coordinating work schedules and supply delivery. However, an MBA degree is particularly valuable for students who aspire to be self-employed because it can also prepare you for profitable business careers that lend themselves to entrepreneurship, like management consultant and management analyst. These professionals use their extensive knowledge of effective business practices to help companies improve efficiency, decreasing wasted time and money and increasing profits. One in five management consultants works for themselves, the BLS reported. They set their own hours and spend much of their worktime with clients at the sites of the businesses they are trying to improve.

Most Likely Job Title: Management Consultant, Management Analyst

Salary: $81,320

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Bachelor’s Degree in Business 

13. Bachelor of Architecture

In the United States, top Bachelor of Architecture degree programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In dozens of states, having earned your degree from an accredited program is a requirement for obtaining an architecture license after graduation. Undergraduate architecture programs blend studies from a variety of subjects. When earning a Bachelor of Architecture, you can expect to study everything from the liberal arts to the physical sciences, from math to design. Of course, aspiring architects also study more specialized subjects, like construction methods, building structures, foundational theories of architecture, building design, architectural history and the use of computer-aided design software. While what you learn in the classroom is important, much of an architecture student’s development occurs in the design studio, as students develop their own building designs through sketches and three-dimensional models. Unlike most bachelor’s degree programs, a Bachelor of Architecture degree is designed to take five years of full-time study.

Of the 112,600 architects who are working across the United States, 20 percent happen to be their own bosses, the BLS reported. A benefit to entrepreneurship is that self-employed architects get to set their own schedules, which is a substantial advantage in an occupation that often includes tight deadlines and long hours. They may also choose to work from a home office, cutting out the daily commute and making it easier to work odd hours when necessary. Architects already need to be able to balance multiple job duties, such as interacting with clients, creating functional and visually appealing designs, collaborating with other professionals involved in the project and traveling to construction sites to assess the work being done. Those who are also running their own company must expand these existing multitasking and time-management skills to make sure that both the big-picture business decisions and the company’s daily operations are going smoothly.

Most Likely Job Title: Architect

Salary: $76,100

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Landscape Architecture, Engineering

14. Graphic Design

In an undergraduate degree program in graphic design, students take a variety of basic art and design courses. Common coursework ranges from design principles to printing techniques and studio art to computerized design, the BLS reported. Due to the importance and prevalence of computer graphics and design layout software systems, many graphic design programs involve courses that make use of these technologies. Coursework in color theory, typography, digital layouts and web design are also popular. Graphic design students often complete courses to develop their business knowledge, marketing skills and writing abilities, as well. For many graphic design students, cultivating a portfolio of professional-quality designs is nearly as important as the principles and practices they learn in the classroom. The portfolio is what will convey the student’s skills and artistic style to potential employers and clients after graduation. Graphic design degrees are offered at associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels, both on campus and in distance learning formats.

One in five graphic designers is self-employed, the BLS reported. Graphic design and entrepreneurship often go well together. Graphic designers develop the visual elements of publications, advertisements and product packaging. They create the art that conveys meanings and the layouts that organize the visual elements on the page. While some graphic designers are part of a team at a publishing company, advertising firm or design agency, it’s not unusual for a graphic designer to work alone. Graphic designers do, however, meet with clients directly to discuss new projects and the progress of ongoing projects. Being self-employed is an asset in these instances, because the graphic designer is free to alter his or her work schedule as necessary to fit in meetings with clients. Graphic designers who run their own firm often devote at least some time to finding new business by searching for and applying for new jobs, presenting their skills and ideas to potential clients and bidding on contracts for paid work.

Most Likely Job Title: Graphic Designer

Salary: $46,900

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Art 

15. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree isn’t an easy task. To even be admitted to one of these competitive doctoral degree programs, you will most likely need an undergraduate education with a background in science courses such as anatomy, animal science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology and zoology. In a degree program that has earned accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, you will spend four years on your veterinary studies. For the first three years, your learning will take place in the classroom, in the lab and in clinical settings. During the fourth and final year of veterinary school, you will gain hands-on experience as you perform clinical rotations at a veterinary hospital, the BLS reported. Students in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program learn about that anatomy and physiology of various kinds of animals. They receive the training needed to prevent diseases and diagnose and treat medical conditions in pets, livestock and other types of animals.

About one in six veterinarians chooses to become their own boss, according to the BLS. Like doctors who work with human patients, self-employed veterinarians often run private solo practices. Some open group practices where they work with partner veterinarians or hire associate dentists. Self-employed veterinarians may set their own hours, often including occasional weeknight or evening appointments for the convenience of the human owners of their animal patients. Some veterinarians, particularly those who work with farm animals rather than exclusively with companion animals, may have to travel to owners’ homes or workplaces to care for animals that can’t be easily transported, like horses, or with groups of animals, like a brood of chickens. Though rewarding, the work of a veterinarian can be demanding and even hazardous. Sick and injured animals might not react tolerantly to being examined, while interacting with distressed pet owners can be emotionally draining. However, candidates who have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a love for animals can make the most of a career as a self-employed veterinarian.

RELATED: How to Become a Veterinarian: What Major Do You Need to Be a Vet?          

Most Likely Job Title: Veterinarian

Salary: $88,490

Self-employment by the numbers: 17 percent

Editor’s Note: Of course, no degree or occupation guarantees success in entrepreneurship. However, the degrees and careers listed above are associated with high self-employment rates. Being your own boss can be both challenging and rewarding. For more information on any of the occupations listed in this article, visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which was the source for salary, career outlook, education and self-employment data. You can also learn more about entrepreneurship from the BLS Career Outlook article Self-Employment: What to know to be your own boss.

Related Resources:

Do I Need a Degree to Be an Interior Decorator?

Where Are the Best Paying Jobs With a Degree in Interior Design?

What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

For Further Reading: 

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Is an Interior Designing Degree?

Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

The post 15 Degrees That Are Perfect for Becoming Your Own Boss appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Introverts do well in calm environments and work spaces that tend to be more private. As an Introvert, you probably don’t want to go into an aggressive, outgoing position like sales or stock trading. Introverts are more analytical and observational and find their energies are heightened with moments of reflection and lessen with too much interaction. There are certain careers that align with the Introverted person more than others. Highlighted below are what we found to be the Top 10 Careers for Introverts. The featured occupations not only present an ideal work surrounding for Introverts, they are more in demand nationally and have annual salaries that are relatively high.

Keep in mind though that it was also Carl Jung who said,

“There is no such think as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.”

Of course, people’s behaviors can often fluctuate; if an Introverted job is not working out for you, maybe you’re more Extroverted than you think. In that case, check our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts!

1. Land Surveyor

Anytime new construction takes place, a surveyor is sent out to measure distances and angles. They research land records, previous survey records and land titles. They locate boundary lines and record their results. Precision is the name of the game. The data of a survey must be accurate as their findings indicate where a new building can or cannot be built.

All information is prepared in the form of a report or various maps and presented their clients. Clients might be private, public companies or government agencies.

Surveying includes fieldwork conducted outdoors with camera-like heavy duty equipment as well as indoor office work. You may work on a team; however, a lot of the job is a solo gig. You will have to travel to the project location and stand for long periods of time. Sometime work will be in remote areas with very little communication with anyone. You did say you were an Introvert, no?

Median Salary: $56,230
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Librarian

The library – the only place where you can legitimately tell people to shut up without seeming like a nut. It’s a world made by introverts, for introverts, and it can be yours to rule.

That may be an overstatement. But Librarian is an ideal job for the more introverted among us. Sure, you work with the public some, checking in and checking out books, giving recommendations, and helping with research, but much of your time is spent shelving books, cataloguing and filing, repairing damaged volumes, and other good recharging tasks. And if you’re so introverted the mild public interaction is too much for you, you can always specialize in something like archival or digital media, where your only company is rare books or computers.

Median Salary: $55,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 7% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Animator

Bringing drawings to life has always been the domain of focused, even obsessive, introverts. Sure, it takes many animators to make something like an animated feature film, but even in those large teams, most of the work in done individually, with an editor and director bringing all of the pieces together into a finished film.

Of course, the internet has created a new world of animation, much of which can be managed by just one animator; think of the little Google Doodle animations that make obscure historical dates and holidays so much fun. Same goes for video games – someone had to animate the characters in your favorite time-killing app. And odds are, that person is an introvert.

Median Salary: $61,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Forensics

So you’d like to work in law enforcement, helping keep citizens safe and earning a tidy pension and retirement, not to mention reliable benefits. But you’re an introvert – there’s no way you’re walking a beat or patrolling the streets where you’ll have to interact with all kinds of people (especially people who don’t like you). Maybe a desk job, but that still means a lot of demanding, very stressed people to work with. And forget about prison guard. Sheesh.

There’s still a way to put away criminals from a safe space: forensic science. Plus, there are many specializations you could follow so you’re doing something interesting to you, such as digital forensics analyst (if you like computers), forensic pathologist (if you like biology), and print examiners (if you like – well, fingerprints). You may work in the field collecting evidence, or in a lab examining evidence, but in either case, it’s mostly just you and the evidence. Just the way you want it.

Median Salary: $52,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Food scientist

A food scientist studies food. Scientifically.

Well, there you go. Nothing more to see here.

Okay, there’s a lot more to it. Some Food Scientists perform basic research learning about the biology and chemistry of the plants and animals we eat, to try and better understand how food affects our bodies, how to preserve and process foods effectively, and how to make food more sustainable. Others work in applied research, using the insights gained by basic researchers to make the products we see in our grocery stores.

As a laboratory-based profession, Food Scientist can be appealing to introverts who work better in small groups or with partners, but not with a lot of social interaction.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 9% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Marine Biologist

Do you get along better with dolphins than with people? Is that a weird question? If you think it’s a weird question, move on. But if it struck a nerve, you may want to consider becoming a Marine Biologist.

As a Marine Biologist, you won’t be completely on your own; Jane Goodall might have gone to live with the apes, but going to live with the fish is another thing entirely. Most Marine Biologists will have to work in teams, since studying marine life requires a lot of equipment and specialized knowledge that no one person could be expected to have. But they will usually be small groups of trusted colleagues, not the general public, and much of your work will be with creatures who don’t expect you to make small talk. You don’t even have to be interviewed by National Geographic, if you don’t want to.

Median Salary: $57,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 5% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Information Security Analyst

You really don’t need an explanation about why a computer career is good for introverts. You’re here already, on your computer. What you may not realize is that security is one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying careers that only requires a bachelor’s degree, and that doesn’t require you to sweet-talk or sell anyone anything. Security is its own selling point.

An Information Security Analyst keeps hackers out of networks, makes sure sensitive information is encrypted and protected, looks for weaknesses in security, and creates standards for others in an organization. They will periodically report to administrators, but for the most part, they’re at the computer, building and using tools to make sure no one steals your PIN number or SSN.

Median Salary: $87,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 37% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Organic Farmer

If you’re happiest with a little dirt under your nails and a little sunburn on your arms, you know where you belong. And if you love the earth and distrust all the unnatural processes of industrial-scale farming, you may find yourself happiest as an Organic Farmer.

Let’s not mince words – there is nothing easy or lucrative about being a farmer. Organic farms are mostly small, family farms, and even if you’re doing well enough to hire workers, you’re going to be doing most of that work yourself. And farming is sun-up to sun-down, year-round hard labor. You have to do it for love. But, if you’re in the right market, where organic produce is appreciated, and you find a clientele who is willing to pay the extra price for quality, you might just make it. And you’ll do it on your own terms.

Median Salary: $31,000
Education Level: n/a
Projected employment growth: n/a

9. Technical Writer

You like to write, and you’re good at it, but moving to New York and living the Rent lifestyle doesn’t appeal to you. Way too many parties for you. There’s a way to write, make a solid income, and never, ever have to sing a show tune. Technical writing.

The Technical Writer writes all the things that no one thinks about someone writing – instruction manuals, FAQs, and data reports. To be a good technical writer, you need to be skilled in taking complex or confusing information and making it clear and accessible to the intended audience. Some skill with drawing or computer graphics is helpful too, as you will often make your own diagrams and charts to help readers visualize your instructions. It’s not romantic, but it pays better than slam poetry.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 15% increase between 2012 and 2022

10. Astrobiologist

Many an introvert has looked up at the stars, wondering how we got here and whether there’s anyone else out there wondering the same thing. Introverts are often dreamers like that. But there’s a job where dream meets reality, and that job is Astrobiologist.

No, it’s not just a career that exists on Star Trek. Astrobiologists combine astronomy, biology, and other scientific fields in a search for the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. It’s a research field, largely in universities or NASA facilities, and while there may be some teaching involved, most of your career will be spent in books, at computers, at telescopes, and in laboratories. You can be just as social or antisocial as you want; if you want to be a conference star or the next Neil Degrasse Tyson, you can do it, but if you want to be alone with the secrets of the universe, go for it. They’re yours.

Median Salary: $106,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

Related Resources: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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The times, they have a-changed.

Yes, technology will continue to rapidly change, but it is here to stay. And let’s face it – everyone uses it. This means there are plenty of employment opportunities in the Computer Science field, often known as IT.

All salaries, education requirements and projected employment growth were sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. If a particular career was not featured on the BLS site, Payscale.com was used for median salary.

1. Software Engineer

Chances are, you have a software program up and running right this very second on your computer screen. Maybe you are playing a game, or maybe you are entering an invoice in your trusty business program for your own small business. These types of programs are all designed and developed by Software Engineers. An Engineer applies their years of studying the rudiments of computer science and mathematical analysis to then create, test, and assess the software applications that we all use daily. Do not confuse them with programmers, who actually create the codes to make a program run. It is the Software Engineer that creates the designs that the programmer implements.

Median salary: $93,350
Education level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 22% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Web Developer

One of the most popular websites is The Oatmeal; it’s basically a comics and articles website created by a young guy from Seattle. The website gets 4 million unique visitors a month, so chances are you’ve seen it, or seen someone you know share a cartoon. It’s no surprise people like it so much. It is graphically pleasing and it has great content. You know who we can thank for that? The Web Developer.

A Web Developer designs and creates websites. They are totally responsible for the looks, technical aspects as well as the performance of a website. They also know how much a website can handle, figuring out bandwidth and how much traffic a particular site can handle. And finally, they often create or manage the content for the site. It’s a big job with a lot of responsibly. Don’t worry though – compensation is usually generous.

Median salary: $62,500
Education level: Associate’s degree
Projected employment growth: 20% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Data Modeler

Obviously there is this mass of data we are dealing with in any give computer system; someone needs to translate and separate all of it to make it useful for businesses or institutions. Here steps in the Data Modeler. They are essentially System Analysts with a focus on reducing redundancy of data within a particular computer system, improving it, and getting this data moved to other systems. Data Modelers are dedicated to computer architecture; they work with a team to implement data flow strategies.

Say what, say who? Listen, these are special people with special brains. If you understand the above lingo, you’re a technical wizard and you need to seek out this career!

Median Salary: $79,680
Education level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 25% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Cloud Architect

Everybody is cloud crazy. The old style of computing is that you relied on massive computers to store data. Now computer systems are moving from real physical storage to this this thing called Cloud Service. So instead of the old model, you’re using a service powered by a group of hardware somewhere in the world and delivered in a shared capacity to your actual unit over the Internet.

The Cloud Engineer is responsible for understanding server administration, networking and running applications on these virtual and non-virtual platforms. Creating resilient cloud infrastructure is the next big topic amongst those in this field. When a cloud goes down and all the data storage from, say, a big online company like Amazon is in limbo, the Cloud Architect needs to know the right fix because we all know downtime equals lost dollars. Very important job here; expect future demand to only increase.

Median Salary: $102,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 26% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Lead Programmer

Just like your title explicitly says, you are the Leader of a team of programmers. Don’t get a big head though, because sometimes it’s just for one particular project. Other positions may have you permanently chosen as Lead. Don’t be surprised if the title varies employer to employer.

Yes, you’ll be expected to know how to program; that of course means you possess the technical skills and knowledge of multiple programming languages. However, you will also be part manager, as you lead your team in things like code release coordination, troubleshooting and of course being available for emergency responses.

The Lead Programmer is also a resource for other IT staff, working closely and providing advice and technical support for a variety of projects. You’ll be mainly working with web-based applications. Administrative, organizational and managerial skills are a must.

Median Salary: $80,037
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 8% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Database Administrator

A Database Administrator (DBA) sets up databases dependent on a company’s needs. They have to work with programmers and managers fine tuning and testing any alterations as needed. Data within a company has to stay sensitive for security reasons, so a Database Administrator’s primary job is to ensure that safety. They protect, more than any other IT professional within a company, this precious data. It is imperative that they make sure this data is available only to authorized users and secure from any unauthorized access.

DBAs are also responsible for all the technical parts of the database. They may install upgrades and applications; they may have to write code or de-bug or patch programs. In the event of a power outage, a DBA makes sure a back up system is in place and guarantees data safety.

Median Salary: $77,080
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 15% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Systems Analyst

The Systems Analyst is like the buyer for a business or company, at least concerning their computer configuration. You’ll have to stay within a budget, and select the most optimal software, hardware, internet and networking tools to accomplish the goals of the company. You’ll work side-by-side with a Systems Engineer, but you will be more concerned with your customer or end user rather then the designing aspect.

To be a good analyst, you’ll apply accounting principals, business skills, and stellar communication skills. You’ll compare businesses of similar sizes to hone in on your company’s needs. The programmer and engineer then come along and build this carefully chosen system. However, you are never in the clear, as these systems have to constantly be tweaked, assessed, and updated frequently.

But that’s a good thing! It keeps you employed!

Median Salary: $79,680
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree; however an MBA is most helpful
Projected employment growth: 25% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Information Security Analyst

If hackers are the creeps trying to sneak into your internet club, then Information Security Analysts are the bouncers. These IT professionals try to stay ahead of a would-be cyberattack. They need to monitor their organization’s networks, investigate possible violations, and make sure all efforts are made to protect their clients’ sensitive information.

Security is the name of their game. Day in, day out, they are heavily immersed in preventative measures. Sometimes that’s direct computer work; other times that means managing others in the IT department. However, they themselves report to the Chief Officer (CO). A bulk of your time will be spent attending cybersecurity conferences as well, so be prepared for some traveling!

Median Salary: $86,170
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 37% increase between 2012 and 2022

9. Systems Engineer

First we have the Systems Analysts doing their job, which requires an immense amount of research. Then they basically buy up this amazing, meets-your-needs, totally affordable computer system for the company. Well hey, now someone needs to build it.

Call the engineer, stat!

A Systems Engineer’s job is like a designer or a builder of this newly acquired computer system that was previously ordered by the Analyst. The Engineer then works their magic in setting up the hardware, software and applications. Sometimes the roles are blurred within the different IT professions. Many need to have the same knowledge concerning the computer system. Depending on your particular company’s job descriptions, you may or may not share the same duties.

Median Salary: $65,251
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: N/A

10. Business Analyst/ Project Managers

Allen Hackman, a Senior Director of Information Technology at Tyco International, called the Business Analysts “one of the most critical roles in the info tech space”. “It starts with them and ends with them”, Hackman says.

Wow, okay. That’s some big shoes to fill!

The Business Analyst are the problem solvers, the go-to guys. They are less tech, more business. Analysts need to have this strong business background because their main job is to tweak a company’s system and make it more usable and, more importantly, effective. They’re not sitting around with an open motherboard or tapping away piles and piles of data. These Analysts, also known as Project Managers, are taking on projects within a company. Say a company needs to make cutbacks; these specialists problem-solve and find a resolution, such as eliminating duplicate or nonessential jobs. Hey, nobody said it would be easy.

Median Salary: $78,600
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

11. Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator’s whole job centers around keeping the organizations’s equilibrium. No simple task, mind you. There is communication, work flow, and then all the technical things that can go awry.

Businesses need everything to run smoothly with the computer systems, the networks, as well as the equipment and software. Systems Administrators identify issues and fix them. One of the main concerns on a daily basis for a Systems Administrator is making sure the email, central data storage network and employee workstations are all configured correctly. They set up servers and train new employers on the system. With the growing trend for some jobs going remote, it is important for a Systems Administrator to help employees connect outside the workplace.

Median Salary: $72,560
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 12% increase between 2012 and 2022

12. Mobile Developers

In a 2013 study by Internet Trends, it was reported that smartphone users check their phones 150 times a day; of course that’s between apps, texts, voice calls and utilities. Another report estimates 127 minutes of use. These numbers matter because where there are viewers, there is money to be made. Advertisers, game companies, app developers and anyone else with something to market want your attention.

The Mobile Developer is the designer and coder of programs and applications running on phones and tablets. They make sure everything from the regular computer website translates to its mobile counterpart. They are essentially software developers for the mobile market.

Median Salary: $71,071
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: N/A

13. Java Developers

Java is a computer programming language; developers of Java write software using the language that runs adequately on a variety of computers.

You may remember Netscape Navigator, the old web browser from the mid-nineties? Well, Java powered that browser. A Java specific developer is really an application developer who happens to specialize in Java. They integrate their code with software written in other languages (think HTML, C++). They have to be versed in all program languages.

Median Salary: $70,280
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 8% increase between 2012 and 2022

14. Business Intelligence Developer

A Business Intelligence Developer is the data expert in the IT world. They try to make sense of data a business already has. A strong programming background and knowledge of SQL is needed, as working with software and databases are the two main components of a BI Developer. BI Developers apply data mining algorithms and create and design charts and tables. This is a highly technical field of computer science; they figure out how to use all the data and then they execute a report.

Median Salary: $79,680
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 22% increase between 2012 and 2022

15. Data Scientist

Data Scientists are similar to Analysts, but slightly less technical. A Data Scientist typically has a computer science degree coupled with a strong business astuteness. They look at things multi-faceted, not just though the eyes of a typical IT worker. It’s a position that has evolved from the old Data Analyst role, and the demand for their expertise continues to grow as companies find their non-traditional nature an advantage in the sea of sameness amongst IT professionals.

Uniqueness pays! This is one of the higher paying gigs of IT.

Median Salary: $96,579
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: N/A

16. Network Architect

Network Architect builds and designs local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets and data communication networks. A Network Architect is needed whether a business has, at the least, 2 small offices, or a global giant of a company with offices in every major city. You see, computer systems need to be networked to stay informed of each other and help achieve their company’s goal.

Typically you will have to predict the future network needs for the company you work for. You’ll need to be completely knowledgeable in software, hardware technology and implement security patches. You’ll look at current data, consult with other IT professionals to address all these concerns, and your main job is to build and link networks. This is one of the hands-on IT positions; we’re talking cables, routers and drivers. You will be physically engaging with hardware, so your knowledge must go from head to hand. Considering the required expertise, I should be expects that this is one of the higher paid positions in IT.

Median Salary: $91,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 15% increase between 2012 and 2022

17. Application Developer

Apps are not just for your smartphone; Applications are used in almost every kind of computer device, from your spiffy new IPhone to that old Dell dinosaur in your spare room. Application Developers are the brains behind these Apps. They develop every game nuance, every little email function you covet, and for that matter every feature you say, geez, why’d they put that there?

They are the “They”.

They don’t work alone though. Usually there is a team assessing ideas and concepts for the public and they, along with graphic artists, software specialists and data experts, create the applications. Obviously they need to know how to code and they will have a strong knowledge of computer programming.

Median Salary: $93,350
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 22% increase between 2012 and 2022

18. Digital Marketing Manager

This is an IT career that veers off the T in IT and leans heavily on its business roots. After all, you need to be well versed in the field of Marketing as your title implies.

In recent years we’ve seen Marketing change significantly, not just with the advent of social media, but more of a switch from older conventional models, such as print and direct styles, to a more digital emphasis. Sure, there are hundreds of ways to market and sell products and services. But if you’ve been paying attention, print marketing is at a near extinction in favor of digital.

Digital Marketing Managers are hired and needed to emphasize this digital element in almost every companies new marketing plans. They work on a team and focus on achieving a company’s long and short term goals.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the name of their game. It’s the most important strategy in a Digital Marketers tool box. They need to know what works, and what doesn’t to bring their companies web presence in the top of a search engine like Google’s list.

Learn more about how much you can make with a degree in digital marketing.

Median Salary: $66,386
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: N/A

19. Social Media Director

This job is for the savvy computer geek. A great Social Media Director has to be in the know, period. They need to know the latest and greatest in the digital world. They were probably tweeting on Internet Relay Chat (IRC) before Twitter came along!

No, but really, they they’ve truly got an eye for how to strategically use the buzz of social media for their clients or business’s benefit.

These IT professionals are not the Introverted type; they have to have the ability to talk to anyone, always networking and connecting to boost their objectives. Now it doesn’t pay extremely well, but an Associate’s degree should suffice to land this gig.

Median Salary: $45,260
Education Level: Associate’s degree
Projected employment growth: 37% increase between 2012 and 2022

20. Chief Data Officer

This is a relatively new position in the world of IT. A Chief Data Officer (CDO), resides next to other Chiefs. There is Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officers, but a CDO is clearly distinct in that their main objective is to exploit data. You see data, once a concern for lots of different positions, and mainly just to file away, has become so valuable that companies have created this new role that essentially brings the importance of data, its functions and operations, to the executive board table.

Obviously there is a big reason why data has become king concern amongst companies. And you can probably guess why that is.

Money.

Yes, the almighty dollar plays into the story here. With access to detailed market information, customer data and other analytics, a company’s CDO can identify ways in which all this data can be of use monetarily. What if a fast food company noticed through gathered data that it’s customers purchased milkshakes at a certain time of day? The CDO would notice these trends and a marketing team would then utilize that information to their advantage. This career path is so new, all we could find is a range of salaries offered through websites with job offers such as Glassdoor.com.

Median Salary: Over $100,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: N/A

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

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

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Information Technology Specialist?

The post Top 20 In-Demand Information Technology Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

But just like all other available types of degrees, online associate’s degree programs are available in a wide variety of different programs and delivery formats. For many students, this increased amount of options for degrees can make it very difficult to narrow down which degrees are worth pursuing. Knowing what degree program is best for you might seem hard to figure out when looking at a list of hundreds of different associate’s degrees offered online across hundreds of different schools. We’d like to help make that decision-making process a bit easier.

This ranking was created for students interested in the best online associate’s degrees. On this list you will find online degree programs that we have determined will provide students with an education of value that will also increase a student’s chances of gainful employment. To determine which programs to feature on this list, we took into consideration the projected job growth for a given market sector that. program would be geared towards and the median salaries of those currently working in that industry as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also considered which programs lend themselves to online learning versus on-campus learning. These are the fifty best online associate degree programs for students to choose from.

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

1. Online Associate in Advertising

Interested in the world of advertisement? Want to develop and create the ad campaigns of tomorrow’s most popular products and services? If that sounds of interest to you then an Associate’s in Advertising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will work towards the necessary skills needed to enter into entry-level positions within this industry. Students in this program will work to develop their critical-thinking and creative skills to learn the skills needed to develop effective advertising campaigns.  They will work to examine primary and secondary data sources in order to understand how to properly position a product and they’ll learn to develop multiple strategies and how to evaluate them to see how they effectively use the marketing mix. Students will also work to build basic marketing plans and how to properly format them for proposal to companies and organizations. Through an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will develop their written and communication skills to learn how to more effectively and clearly convey their advertising plans.

With an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will have the introductory knowledge to enter into a variety of entry-level advertising positions. Students will find themselves working in jobs at advertising firms, promotions department, and marketing departments in a variety of different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for jobs in advertising is $127,560/year. The industry is expected to grow 9% by 2026. Through earning this degree students will be positioned to enter into this field of work.

For those students interested in entering into the advertising industry, the Associate’s in Advertising degree program is the best online associate’s degree program for you.

2. Online Associate in Marketing

If you are interested in a career in marketing and want to develop the necessary skills needed to be a successful marketer then an Associate’s in Marketing degree is the best online associate’s degree for you to enroll in. Through an Associate’s in Marketing degree plan, students will work through the core competencies and skills needed to ensure that they can properly market products and services. Students will spend time working to understanding topics including strategic marketing and product management, while developing their critical thinking and communication skills. They will learn about fundamental marketing information including promotion, pricing, distribution, and sales.  Students will be tasked with learning more about different means of communication to best understand the ways that they can reach different consumers in order to promote their products. They’ll learn how to run qualitative and quantitative analyses in order to best understand the ways that they can position their product to appeal to different diverse groups or markets. Through an Associate’s in Marketing degree plan, students will develop the valuable insights and skills to successfully sell products and services.

By completing an Associate’s in Marketing degree, student will have the career-oriented skills needed to enter into a variety of different roles in marketing-related industries. They can work as marketing consultants, find jobs at advertising agencies, or work for companies in their marketing department in order to provide in-house marketing services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those working as marketing managers is $127,560/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% growth by the year 2026. This is healthy growth and indicative of a strong job market.

(Learn more about how much you can make with a degree in digital marketing.)

If you are interested in designing marketing campaigns to sell products and communicate with consumers then an Associate’s in Marketing degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

3. Online Associate in Human Resources

Love to work with people? Enjoy fostering professional growth in people? Want to manage a companies most valuable resource: its people? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Human Resources degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Human Resources degree program, students work towards gaining the skills needed to properly ensure the management of a company or organizations human capital. Integral to the operation of any company, the people that make up the organization must be cared for and have certain services provide to them. Through an Associate’s in Human Resources degree, students gain the skills needed to properly manage employees. They will gain insight in fostering health cultures within companies or organizations. Students will gain training in designing and managing compensation plans and benefit packages for employees as well. They will learn how to properly develop policies that govern behavior within a company and they will be tasked with enforcing these rules in order to ensure the smooth operation of business.  This is an incredibly crucial role to any business or organization.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Human Resources degree, students will have gained the training needed to enter into a career within human resources. Almost every moderate-sized business has some sort of human resource infrastructure so students can choose from almost any industry to work within. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earn a median salary of $106,910/year. This job market is expected to grow by 9% by the year 2026. This is health job growth and indicative of a healthy job market.

If you want to work in a career where you can shape the culture of a company and work towards providing its employees with a positive work life then an Associate’s in Human Resources degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

4. Online Associate in Software Development

Are you interested in developing skills in software development and application development? Do you want to learn how to program applications and software? If so then an Associate’s in Software Development degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Software Development degree, students will learn the governing principles needed to begin an fruitful career in software development. They will learn how to design, develop, and implement software solutions for clients and customers. Students will be tasked with learning the different environments that software can be developed for by gaining a broader understanding of the differences between computer software, software for tablets, and software developed for mobile devices. Students will learn how to develop desktop and web applications while also learning about database programs in order to integrate their software designs with these data systems. Students will also learn industry security standards in order to create software that is secure and safe. Through this program students will be prepared for a career in software development.

By completing an Associate’s in Software Development degree, students will have gained the technical and career-oriented skills needed to begin an entry-level career in software development. (Learn more about which degree is best for a software engineer.)

Students can work as mobile developers creating software for phones and other mobile devices, they can begin careers in game development making video games, or many more career possibilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of software developers is $102,280/year. This industry is expected to experience 24% job growth by the year 2026 which is very high job growth.

If you want to learn more about software and application development then an Associate’s in Software Development degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

5. Online Associate in Business Administration

For those interested in working towards developing their business acumen and learning the skills needed to be a successful leader in business should look no further than an Associate’s in Business Administration as the best online associate’s degree for their needs. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Business Administration degree program, students will gain an overview of a variety of topics necessary for students to excel in the world of business. Students will spend time learning about accounting in order to make sure that they are well-versed in the issues involving the inflow and outflow of money into a business. They will also spend time learning about business law to better understand the ways in which a business must operate in order to satisfy legal requirements. Management skills will also be taught to students in order to prepare them with the communication and interpersonal tools needed to motivate and effectively lead the people that make up a business or organization. They will also be tasked with gaining a preliminary understanding of marketing in order to learn how to effectively communicate with potential consumers in order to motivate them to purchase their products or services.

By gaining an Associate’s in Business Administration degree, students will have gained an introductory level of business knowledge and insight needed to enter into a variety of different entry-level positions in management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in management have a median salary of $100,790/year. This industry is expected to undergo approximately 9% of growth by the year 2026. Through earning this degree, students will have provided themselves with the necessary stepping stone to enter into this industry.

For those interested in jump starting their career in business or management should consider an Associate’s in Business Administration degree as the best online associate’s degree to begin their career.

6. Online Associate in Management

Do you like working with people? Are you someone who interested in motivating teams and pushing employees to meet goals and realize their full potential? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Management degree program students will learn the hard and soft skills needed to succeed as a successful manager or leader within a business. Students will be tasked with studying a variety of different topics that will prepare them with the core competencies needed to lead employees to success. Students will gain an understanding of business principles, studying the way that businesses are organizes, ethics within a business environment, strategy, and much more. They will also take courses in leadership and management in order to build their interpersonal skills as well as their leadership skills. They will take courses in topics including organizational leadership, project management, and change management. Through this curriculum, students will build a firm knowledge base of the information needed to successfully manage a team.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Management degree students will be prepared for a variety o of different entry-level management positions within a variety of different businesses or organizations. Graduates may find themselves working as office managers, business administrators, or other related management positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of management occupations is $100,790/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% job growth by 2026. This is indicative of a healthy and promising job market for upcoming graduates.

If you are interested in honing your leadership skills to lead employees towards success then an Associate’s in Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

7. Online Associate in Organizational Leadership

For many businesses and organizations, it is imperative that they work to make their work environments as productive and organized as possible. Many times, productivity is lost through poor leadership and unclear organizational hierarchy. If you are interested in becoming an expert in the ways that businesses can streamline for higher productivity then an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree program, students will undergo a curriculum that is designed for them to understand the different structure of businesses and organizations to best understand the ways they can be improved upon. They will learn about major topics including group dynamics and organizational structure, while also learning about the ways that company culture and power can effect productivity. Students will learn how to examine the hierarchy of companies in order to assess potential redundancies or places in which productivity might be lost. They will develop their interpersonal and communication skills to understand how to motivate workers and promote a happier and more productive workplace.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree, students will have developed a variety of hard and soft skills that will prepare them for leadership and management roles in a variety of different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those in management positions earn an annual median salary of $98,560/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by 2026 which is indicative of a healthy job market.

If you want to study to best understand how to motivate and create organizations that are strong and productive then an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

8. Online Associate in Healthcare Management

Have strong leadership skills? Want to apply those to a career in the healthcare industry? If this describes you then an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree, students will learn how to plan, direct, and coordinate a variety of different medical and health services. Often overlooked but incredibly important, management positions within healthcare facilities are crucial to maintaining the organized chaos of many health care facilities like hospitals. Students will learn basic business principles such as finance and accounting work necessary for any organization. They will also learn skills critical to the operation of a healthcare facility. They will gain an understanding of the organizational hierarchy of different healthcare organizations and the different types of staff that make up such facilities. Students will learn how to work with staff members to develop their skills in order to continue to grow and invest in their talent. They will also work to understand the different government regulations that govern the operation of healthcare facilities.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree, students will gain an education that is career-oriented and designed to provide them with the skills for a few different career paths. Students will find themselves taking on entry-level positions in healthcare facilities as healthcare administrators or health services managers. According to to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $96,540/year. This industry is expected to grow by 20% by the year 2026. This is very high job growth indicating a very health industry.

If you are interested in working in a healthcare career with high job growth then an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

9. Online in Electronics and Computer Engineering

For those interested in beginning a career in electronics and want to develop the skills needed to work in this field should consider an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree as their choice for best online associate’s degrees. Through an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree program, students will work to develop the skills needed to work in the electronics system industry.  They will undergo a curriculum that prepares them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to be skilled electronic technicians. Tasked with learning the systems that keep our wired and wireless world running, Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering students will learn the complexities of these systems in order to implement and maintain them. Students will be taken through all aspects of the implementation process of electronics systems.  They will learn how to manufacture, build, install, test, and evaluate such systems. They will also be prepared with the skills needed to help sell these systems to prospective buyers. Students will become comfortable with a variety of different techniques and equipment needed to properly maintenance and implement such systems.

By completing an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree, students will have gained a career-oriented, technical degree that will provide them with a clear career path for them to pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronics engineers can expect a median salary of $96,270. It is projected that this field of work is expected to grow by 7% by the year 2026. By earning this degree students are preparing themselves to enter into a high-paying field of work.

If you are somebody who is interested in working with electronic systems then an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

10. Online Associate in Engineering Management Technology

Want to learn more about working specifically with electrical systems? Interested in finding out more how electrical components interface with computer systems? If this sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Similar to an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree, this program of study focuses more closely on the principles of electronics and circuitry design. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts that govern electrical and electronics design. That means they will be studying topics including digital electronics and analog electronics, DC/AC circuit principles, and proper circuitry design. They will also be tasked with learning computer programming basics as to better understand the ways that software calls upon and interacts with simple hardware systems. While an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology degree is related more closely to the maintenance of large electronics systems, the Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is more interested in the design of smaller electrical components.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree, students will have a variety of different career paths open. Having learned clear technical skills that can be directly applied to the electrical trade, students will be ready to enter into the workforce.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary of electrical engineers is $96,270/year and this industry is expected to grow 7% by the year 2026. This is strong job growth and a very high-median salary as compared to other industries of work.

If you are interested in component design and want to work in electrical engineer then an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

11. Online Associate in Construction Technology

Want to work in construction? Interested in learning the ins-and-outs of the various jobs and roles of those on a construction site? Want to lead major construction projects? If this describes your career ambitions, then an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Those who enroll in an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree program will begin a program designed to teach the students the practical skills needed for construction management while helping to familiarize them with a variety of different construction technologies. A career-oriented degree program, students will learn many on-the-job skills that they can immediately bring into the workplace. Students will work to gain an understanding of the various aspects of construction. They will learn how to properly survey sites for construction purposes. Drafting and estimating skills will be taught in order to ensure that students can accurately understand the process needed to properly plan a construction project. Students will also learn how to see a construction project through from beginning to end while also becoming familiar with the necessary regulations and rules needed for inspection purposes.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Construction in Technology degree, students will have gained a technical, career-oriented education that will have provided them with the experience and knowledge needed to enter into a variety of different construction-related roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for those working in construction management is $89,300/year.  This industry is expected to experience 11% growth by the year 2026. This degree is a great degree for students who want an education that can be directly applied to a career.

Students interested in construction management should enroll in an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree as the best online associate’s degree for them.

12. Online Associate in Occupational Safety

The workplace can be a very hazardous and unsafe place. Many industries are inherently unsafe and must have professionals who’s role is to make the workplace as safe as possible. If this sounds like a career that you might be interested in then an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree program, students will work to understand the various hazards found at job sites and the different ways they can be mitigated. They will be tasked with working towards gaining a deeper understanding of health related theories and technologies designed to make work environments safer. They will learn about different workplace hazards, how to properly identify them, and the ways that they can be made safer. They will learn how to work with a variety of different employers in order to help them understand the necessity of workplace safety and the ways that they can foster safety within their own workplaces. Ultimately, students will learn how to minimize occupational hazards and make hazardous workplaces much safer for employees to work in.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree program, students will have gained the skills needed to work in a variety of different occupational safety careers. Many of these students will find themselves in careers as health and safety engineers.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health and safety engineers is $86,720/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% job growth by 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative of a strong industry.

If you are interested in working to make workplaces safer and to minimize work accidents then an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

13. Online Associate in Database Application Development

Looking to begin a career in database development and design? Want to gain an education in a growing part of the IT sector? If so, then an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will begin to study databases, their uses, and how to design, implement, and maintain them. Databases are fundamental to many organizations and enterprises as they are used to store massive amounts of information for companies and groups. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will learn the many IT-related skills needed to work on these giant collections of data. Students will work to develop their critical-thinking and analytical skills in order to understand the needs of clients in order to guide the design and creation of a database towards the needs of the client. They will learn a variety of different database types in order to know which one is the right one for a given database application. Students will be tasked with learning the skills needed to maintain these data systems.

Through earning an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will have gained an education in a specialized information technology field. Through this specialization, students will have the specific knowledge needed to enter into a variety of different high-paying database-related jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators have a median salary of $84,950/year. This market sector is expected to grow 11% by 2026.

Those who are interested in working in the development and maintenance of database systems should enroll in the best online associate’s degree to meet that career goal. We believe that an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree is the right degree for you.

14. Online Associate in Information Technology

Love technology? Interested in learning about the most recent computer technologies? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Information Technology might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In  an Associate’s in Information Technology degree program students will gain an overview of the different knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the modern information technology field. Students will work to develop high-level skills of web design, data management, and software development. Though their work through this program of study, students will learn how to solve fundamental technology-related issues through the use of a variety of different modern information technology tools and methods. They will work to develop their written and oral communication skills in order to effectively explain information technology concepts to end-users in order to help them better understand the software applications that they are using. Students will also be tasked with gaining a deeper understanding of network security and maintenance in order to service vast information technology systems. They will also learn how to work with organizations to assess their information technology needs to create plans and goals that they can then use to implement new information technology systems.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Information Technology degree program, students will have gained a variety of hard skills needed for success in the field of information technology. Students can begin work in a variety of different entry-level information technology jobs including IT specialist, systems administrator, security engineer, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an information technology worker is $82,860/year. This industry is expected to undergo approximately 13% job growth by the year 2026.

If you are interested in working with computers or technology then an Associate’s in Information Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

15. Online Associate in Psychology

For those fascinated with the human mind, the way people think, and the various mental illnesses that plague it, an Associate’s in Psychology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Psychology degree program, students will begin working on an introductory level of knowledge regarding topics in psychology. Students will spend time understanding theories and models of the human mind to understand the patterns and systems that govern behavior. They will also spend time gaining a background in behavioral sciences to better understand the ways that people behave. Furthermore, students will begin to learn about topics like developmental psychology which is the study of the way that the human mind changes and develops through childhood all the way into adulthood. They will also spend time learning about the psychology of personality to get a better grasp on the way that the human mind changes the way that people present themselves through their personality. If you are interested in learning about the human mind and the way that they think, an Associate’s in Psychology degree will help you to begin that journey.

By completing an Associate’s in Psychology degree, students will have gained an introductory level of knowledge regarding the human mind and psychology practices. To work as a psychologist, students must complete a Master’s-level of education. However, students can use what they’ve learned through an Associate’s in Psychology degree towards degrees in related fields of study like human services or social work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a psychologist is $75,230/year and the industry is expected to grow by 14% by 2026.

If you want to begin an education dedicated towards understanding the human mind then an Associate’s in Psychology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

16. Online Associate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Want to maintain the driving engine behind industry? Does the idea of working to ensure that the flow of products and supplies within a company moves smoothly excite you? If so then an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree students will gain career training in one of industry’s most crucial aspects. Through an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management curriculum, students will work to gain a more detailed understanding of supply chain and logistics management concepts. They will spend time learning the leading supply chain strategies as well as industry techniques for global logistics management. Students will learn how to describe supply chain drives and to understand the metrics that are used to evaluate and rate them. They will also learn how to design, plan, and monitor logistics networks. Further, they will learn how to evaluate different potential supply chain models and learn how to choose one and defeat that chose using relevant metrics that corroborate the potential success of a given supply chain model.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree, students will have gained a specific, career-oriented degree that will provide them with the education and training needed to succeed in a variety of different roles within supply chain management and logistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, logisticians earn a median annual salary of $74,170/year. This industry is expected to experience 7% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and is indicative of a growing job market.

If you are interested in working to ensure the smooth flow of product and supplies through a system then an Associate’s in Supply Chain Management & Logistics is the best online associate’s degree for you.

17. Online Associate in Accounting

For those students interested in beginning the study of accounting, an online Associate’s in Accounting degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.  Through the study of an Associate’s in Accounting degree, students will work towards gaining an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of accounting.  They will work to study basic accounting principles and practices while gaining insight into the tax code and business practices. Students will learn about U.S. Tax Regulations as well as international standards for accounting. They will learn proper financial records handling and maintenance for internal and external users.  Students will also gain practice in learning how to properly communicate accounting information to non-accounting professionals in order to properly transmit the sometimes hard to understand accounting data. A major focus on Associate’s in Accounting degree curriculum is the understanding of good ethics as it relates to the handling and maintenance of sensitive accounting data. Through an Associate’s in Accounting degree, students will gain a foundational knowledge needed to enter into this practice.

Students who earn an Associate’s in Accounting degree can expect to enter into a variety of different job positions within the field of Accounting. The Associate’s in Accounting degree gives students a survey of the knowledge needed to succeed as an accountant and prepares them for roles in entry-level accounting positions. Students can find jobs working as a payroll clerk, a bookkeeper, accounts receivable clerk, and more. They will also be poised to work towards gaining their Certified Public Accountant status. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in accounting are expected to increase by 10% in 2026 and students can currently expect a median salary of $68,150.

For students interested in a career in accounting, an Associate’s in Accounting degree is the best online associate’s degree from which to choose from.

18. Online Associate in Multimedia Design

Do you work well in a variety of different design mediums? Do you want to develop your skills across a variety of different types of multimedia? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree, students will work to learn about different types of multimedia to learn how to create and apply them to different scenarios.  Students will study topics related to visual arts including design, page layout, typography, color theory, and much more. They will also become more familiar with information sciences and technology topics so they can build their familiarity with computers and software needed for multimedia design. Students will develop their communication and analytical skills as they will learn how to work with clients to understand their needs and deliver different types of multimedia in order to meet their needs. Students will gain an understanding of workin different medium such as video, illustrations, audio, graphic design, and much more. This program of study will prepare students with a variety of different skills when it comes to media design in order to make them even more valuable to future employers.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Multimedia Design, students will have gained a variety of different career-oriented skills that will have prepared them for a variety of different careers. Having learned a variety of different digital arts, students can find jobs in graphic design, web design, video editing, photo editing, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, multimedia artist earn a median annual salary of $65,300/year. This industry is projected to grow 10% by 2026 which is indicative of healthy job growth.

If you are interested in working in a variety of different digital arts formats then an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

19. Online Associate in Fashion Merchandising

Are you interested in fashion? Do you love expressing your creativity through your clothing and look? Want to share your creations with the world? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree students will learn the ins-and-outs of the fashion industry to get a better understanding of what it is needed to design a piece of clothing and get it to market. Students will develop their creativity as it applies to fashion design. They will take courses in color theory, fabric design, and and basic garment construction to learn how to best bring their ideas for articles of clothing to life. While working on how to bring their clothing designs to life, students will also learn about the merchandising aspect of fashion. They will learn how to create cohesive lines of items that can be sold together and how to properly position them in a variety of different markets in order to drive sales. Students will also be trained in sales techniques allowing them to build their interpersonal and communication skills in order to drive sales of their products.

By completing an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree, students will have gained a very technical and career-oriented education that can be directly applied to a variety of different career paths. Many students will find themselves entering into careers as fashion designers, working to apply their skills towards a fruitful career of designing and selling clothing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a fashion designer is $65,170/year. This industry is expected to experience 3% job growth by the year 2026.

If you are interested in becoming a fashion designer and shaping the fashion of the future then an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

20. Online Associate in Social Science

If you are fascinated by and want to learn more about the social sciences then an Associate’s in Social Science degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Social Science degree, students will develop a liberal arts background in a variety of different social sciences courses. They will develop soft skills including communication skills, interpersonal skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical thinking skills. In this program of study, students will spend time learning about the humanities, physical and life sciences, and much more. Students will be able to take courses in topics including psychology, history, political science, and anthropology. An Associate’s in Social Science degree is a great degree for students who want to learn more about human history and the ways that humans have interacted. A rather broad degree, an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree is often shaped by the student enrolled in the program. Students can create a class schedule that best reflects the types of courses they are interested in studying.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree, students will have gained a broad liberal arts degree that can be applied to a variety of different career paths or can be used as a springboard for further education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in social science have a median annual wage of $63,340/year. This industry is expected to experience 10% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and indicative of strong job market.

If you want to learn more about the humanities and social sciences then an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

21. Online Associate in Sociology

If you are interested by the ways that groups of people interact with one another and the different forces that are at play that influence these interactions then an Associate’s in Sociology might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Sociology degree, students will be introduced to key concepts in sociology to begin to gain a broader understanding of the topic. An Associate’s in Sociology degree curriculum has students examining the ways that people are interdependent on one another and how their behaviors interact and effect one another. Students will spend time studying social institutions including family, the workplace, romantic relationships, and more to understand the ways that people conduct themselves within these institutions. They will learn more about social behavior and ways that they are influenced by religions, cultures, and stereotypes. Students will learn how to identify a variety of different social conditions that can be attributed to the different behavior of groups. They will learn how to think critically and analytically in order to apply different theories and case studies to events being observed.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Sociology degree students will have gained a broad understanding of sociological concepts and will be prepared for a variety of different careers in sociology-related fields including consumer advocate, public heath educator, social service case worker, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in sociology can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,340/year. This industry is expected to grow by 10% by the year 2026 which is a healthy amount of growth.

If you are interested in learning more about social constructs influence people’s behavior then an Associate’s in Sociology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

22. Online Associate in Criminal Justice

Want to work in law enforcement? Interested in studying criminal law? If this is of interest to you then an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree, students will study a variety of topics related to criminal justice. This program of study is designed to be career-oriented and will teach students skills and information that can be directly applied to a job in law enforcement or other related fields of work. Students will become familiar with criminal law, learning the various codes and laws that govern modern society. They will learn the intricacies of the United States justice system and the role to which they would play within that system. During this degree program, students will study social sciences as they relate to human behavior including deviant social behavior. They will work to gain an understanding of the ways that police officers and law enforcement agents can provide intervention in a variety of different criminal situations. Students in this program will gain the knowledge needed to properly undertake criminal investigations.

Students who complete an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree will have earned a technical, career-oriented degree that will prepare them for a variety of entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice. Many of these students will be able to enter into jobs as police officers, law enforcement agents, or security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those working in law enforcement is $61,600/year. This industry is expected to grow 7% by the year 2026. Law enforcement jobs provide great job security and benefits.

Those interested in a career in law enforcement should enroll in an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree as their best online associate’s degree option.

23. Online Associate’s in English

Want to learn more about the English language? Love writing? Fascinated by literature and the written word? If this describes you then an Associate’s in English degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. By choosing to enroll in an Associate’s in English degree, students will begin to advance their understanding of the English language beyond their high-school education. A liberal arts focused degree, students will spend time honing their writing and reading skills through the completion of this degree. They will work to hone their analytical and critical thinking skills as they learn how to analyze pieces of writing and texts for deeper meaning. Students will work to learn how literature has shaped our culture over the years and how different texts have shaped or mirrored the time that they are from. They will also work to tap into their own creativity as they learn how to cultivate their own voice and style of writing. This means becoming more familiar with different types of writing like poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, and more. Students who enroll in this program will gain a deeper understanding of literature and writing, preparing them with a variety of different soft skills applicable to many careers.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in English degree, students will have gained a liberal arts degree that they can choose to apply to a variety of different career paths. For those students interested in pursuing writing, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for a writer or author is $61,240/year. This industry is expected to undergo 8% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy median salary and rate of job growth.

If you want to become a writer, an author, or just love literature then the Associate’s in English degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

24. Online Associate in General Education

Want to advance your studies beyond the high school level? Want to experience a college education without committing to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in General Education degree might be the best affordable online degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in General Education degree program students will have the opportunity to study a variety of different topics and areas of study at the collegiate level.  Students will be able to expand their knowledge of the humanities by studying topics including language, literature, and philosophy. They will also be able to take courses exploring the fine arts, expanding their cultural knowledge of paintings and sculptures. Students can choose to take courses in the natural sciences, learning more about the science behind our natural world. They can also choose to pursue courses in mathematics to hone their skills. Along the way the will become stronger communicators, have greater analytical and critical thinking skills, and become more well-rounded individuals. This is a great degree for those who would like to gain some insight into higher education.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in General Education degree students will have developed a repertoire of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of different entry-level positions or can be used as a springboard for continued education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with an Associate’s degree make a median annual salary of $58,240/year. This is much higher than the $35,580/year that those with only a high school diploma earn.

If you are interested in trying your hand at a higher education and want to survey the types of courses and classes available then an Associate’s in General Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

25. Online Associate in Liberal Arts

Want to study the arts and humanities? Interested in gaining a more expansive knowledge of art, culture, and history? If so then an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through enrolling in an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree program, students will go through a curriculum designed to bring students through a variety of different topics of study within the humanities. Being a very broad field of study, an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree affords students a great deal of flexibility when it comes to their actual degree plan. Students will be able to spend time studying literature in the form of American, contemporary, world literature or more. They’ll be able to delve deeper into the arts. Students can choose to spend their time studying performing arts, music, sculpture, painting, or more. They can choose to spend their time examining topics including religion, spirituality, or philosophy. The pursuit of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree is the pursuit of a well-rounded education in the humanities. Through this type of degree program students will be able to survey a great deal of liberal arts and humanities courses.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree students will have gained a broad education that will have provided them with a variety of hard and soft skills applicable to a variety of different career paths. Due to the open-ended nature of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree, there is no set career path for those who complete this program of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with an associate’s degree earn a median annual salary of $58,240/year. This is much higher than the $35,580/year that those with only a high school diploma earn.

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of the arts and humanities then an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

26. Online Associate in Communication

Want to work in the professional field of communication? Interested in crafting the messaging and communication for an entire organization? Then you should consider enrolling in a Associate’s in Communication degree as it is the best online associate’s degree to help attain such career goals. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Communication degree students will learn the tangible communication tactics and techniques needed for proper communication, as well as the theories and frameworks that support these tactics and techniques. Students in an Associate’s in Communication degree program will spend time developing their verbal and written communication skills.  They were learn how to convey ideas in a clear and concise manner that can be digested by a variety of different audiences.  This program helps students to develop their critical thinking skills as well as their analytical and research skills. As a student in an Associate’s in Communication degree program, you will be tasked with examining the ways we communicate more closely and the media that we choose to communicate through.

RELATED: What Can I Do With a Degree in Visual Communications?

By completing an Associate’s in Communication degree program, students will have gained a preliminary education and the skills needed to enter into a variety of different entry-level communications-related positions across different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the communication sector are expected to grow by 6% by the year 2026. The median salary for those working in communication is $54,780. An Associate’s in Communication degree helps position students to enter into a variety of different positions.

For those interested interested in the ways that we use media to communicate should enroll in an Associate’s in Communication degree as their best online associate’s degree option.

27. Online Associate in Hospitality Management

Love making people feel at home? Want to make sure that when people travel or go out to eat that they are having the highest-quality experience possible? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree program, students will learn the skills needed to work in a variety of different positions within hospitality industries.  Students will work to learn the leadership and management skills needed to effectively run a hospitality enterprise.  They will take courses in employee management and administrative skills such as office management.  Students will also study more hospitality-related topics including guest services, sanitation, menu writing, and more. Students will spend time familiarizing themselves with other hospitality-related topics such as guest satisfaction, quality management, purchasing and much more. They will learn the operational structure of hotels, restaurants, country clubs, and other hospitality entities. Through this degree program, students will be prepared with the knowledge necessary to provide quality hospitality.

By completing an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree, students will have gained an education that is very career-oriented and that provides them with the skills needed to work in a variety of different hospitality positions. Students can find jobs working in hotels, resorts, restaurants, country clubs, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lodging managers make a median salary of $51,840/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026. This is strong job growth and indicates a healthy job market.

If you are interested in working in the hospitality industry then an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

28. Online Associate in Legal Support

Want to learn more about the law? Want to use this knowledge of legal codes to help others with their legal issues? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Legal Support degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.  In an Associate’s in Legal Support degree curriculum, students will work to gain knowledge needed to work in a career within legal support and services. Students will be tasked with building foundational knowledge of the law while also building out their understanding of a variety of different legal administrative skills. They will work to understand a variety of different legal services, laws, and policies. Students will also be tasked with learning a variety of technical skills related to legal services such as contract writing, legal consulting, and much more. Through this type of program, students will develop their interpersonal and communication skills while also developing critical and analytical thinking skills crucial to success in this type of environment. Students will spend time examining topics like real estate and insurance to learn the ways that they can apply their understanding of the law to better help those with issues related to those topics.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Legal Support degree, students will have gained an understanding of legal services and support that will allow them to enter into a variety of careers including work for insurance firms, health care institutions, legal services teams, and much more. Students may find themselves working as paralegals or legal assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a paralegal is $49,500/year. This industry is expected to have 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative of a strong job market.

If you are interested in a career in legal assistance then an Associate’s in Legal Support degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

29. Online Associate in Interior Design

If you are somebody who loves to make interior spaces look good while making sure they are safe and functional, than an Associate’s in Interior Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Interior Design degree, students will hone their creative skills while gaining a better understanding of the many guiding principles that make for great interior design. Students will work to study a variety of different aesthetic principles that govern modern-day interior design. They will also work to gain a better understanding of the variety of different professional practices necessary to succeed in interior design. This means learning how to work with clients in order to better assess their needs while also helping guide them towards making smarter decisions when it comes to interior design choices. Students will have to also familiarize themselves with a variety of different materials, fixtures, and furniture in order to understand how they best interact with one another in a common space. They will also spend time learning different computer applications such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Photoshop in order to design their interior design plans.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Interior Design degree, students will have gained a very specialized education that all have provided them with the career-oriented skills. Students can find work in both residential or commercial interior design, or work in related field such as set design and showroom design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working as interior designers earn a median salary of $48,910/year. This industry is expected to experience 5% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and indicative of a healthy job market.

If you are interested in making interior spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional then an Associate’s in Interior Design is the best online associate’s degree for you. Learn more about whether you need a degree to be an interior decorator.

Explore the top 10 interior design schools in the U.S.

30. Online Associate in Ministry

Are you a religious person? Do you want to work in the ministry and want to work for Christian churches and organizations? If this describes you then an Associate’s in Ministry degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. By enrolling in an Associate’s in Ministry degree, students will undergo a curriculum that is designed to teach them more about the structure of the ministry while learning the different skills they will need to thrive within a variety of different types of Christian churches. They will learn the various roles within a church while learning the skills needed to become a pastor. Students will be tasked with studying the Bible and other Christian texts while working to think more critically and analytically. They will hone their communication skills and writing skills as they work to develop their own sermons in order to better communicate with the people of their church. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Ministry degree, students will learn a variety of different soft skills including public speaking, how to motivate others, how to think critically, and effective interpersonal skills. These are all vital to success within the ministry.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Ministry degree program, students will have gained the skills and education needed to enter into a variety of different roles within Christian churches and organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy jobs earn an annual median salary of approximately $47,710/year. This industry is also experiencing normal job growth and is indicative of a strong job market for those with degrees.

If you would like to work as a minister or pastor then an Associate’s in Ministry degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

31. Online Associate in Funeral Service

A very noble and important profession, the role of the funeral director is a career that is often times not considered. However, this career is an essential part of life and important to the healing of the living as it allows those who have lost a loved one to move on and let go of their loss. If you are interested in helping those who have recently lost someone in their life to facilitate their passing then an Associate’s in Funeral Service degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree students will learn the skills needed to work as a funeral director and run a funeral home. Students will be taught funeral law and funeral home operations as to understand the proper operational procedures needed to legally run a funeral home. They will also learn more technical skills regarding the embalming process. By gaining a background in human anatomy, students in an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree program will learn embalming their as well as restorative arts practices in order to ensure the proper burial of the cadaver. Students will also learn how to provide comfort and ease to families during such trying times.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree students will be prepared with a very specific set of skills that can be used for a fruitful career in the funeral services industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, funeral service workers have a median salary of $54,830/year while funeral service managers make $73,830/year. This industry is expected to grow 5% by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of industry growth and should be indicative of employment opportunity.

If you are interested in a career as a funeral director then an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

32. Online Associate’s in Graphic Design

Love illustrating and drawing? Want to take your creative abilities when it comes to illustration to the next level? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree, students will learn the latest in graphic design practices and technologies in order to advance their skillset and prepare for a career in the field of graphic design. Students will be tasked with learning key graphic design components including typography, identity design, page layout, and much more.  Through learning these graphic design fundamentals, students will learn to develop their eye to learn what makes for great graphic design. Students will learn how to clearly convey messages through graphic design in order to communicate their client’s needs. They will also become well-versed in the latest in graphic design applications including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, an much more. Students will also be taught the different mediums that they can create graphic design for and the different requirements and constraints of each medium.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree, students will gain the fundamental knowledge and training needed to enter into an entry-level position in graphic design. Students will find themselves working for advertising, marketing, or other businesses providing them with their graphic design skillset. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for graphic designers is $47,640/year. This industry is expected to grow by 5% by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and a good median wage for the industry.

If you are interested in learning more about graphic design and honing your graphic design skills then an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

33. Online Associate in Event Planning

Love setting up events? Want to be at the center of a big party or celebration to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Event Planning degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. By enrolling in an Associate’s in Event Planning degree, you will learn the skills needed to become an expert event planner. Learning to work with a variety of different clients, students will learn how to work with clients to assess their needs and begin to assemble the elements that the clients desire to make the even what they want it to be. Students will develop their interpersonal skills by learning how to communicate with a variety of different clients and vendors as well as honing their organizational skills to ensure that all the pieces fall into place to make the perfect event. Students will also learn to work creatively and think on their feet as they will be tasked with solving problems on-the-fly to make sure that events go smoothly. Students will also learn basic entrepreneur skills needed in order to run their own event-planning businesses. This is a great degree program for those who like to bring happiness to people and provide them with the event of their dreams.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Event Planning degree, students will gain the knowledge and training to begin a career as an event planner. Graduates can choose to apply their skills in variety of different industries including wedding planning, corporate event planning, nonprofit event planning, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, event planners earn a median salary of $47,350/year. This industry is expected to grow at a rate of 10% by 2026. This is healthy industry growth and a good median salary.

If you are interested in learning how to properly plan events like weddings or corporate meetings then an Associate’s in Event Planning degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

34. Online Associate in Human Services

Want to advocate for those in need? Interested in providing help and aid to those that need some help? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Human Services degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Human Services degree program students will learn how to provide those in need with the type of social aid and help that they require. Through the curriculum of an Associate’s in Human Services degree, students will spend time learning about the social, historical, and political milestones that have effected social advocacy over the past years as they look to the past to see the ways they can make changes in the future. Students will study different populations and cultures to understand the ways that they might respond to social work or social aid differently in order to create strategies that best suit these communities needs. They will spend time familiarizing themselves with the legal and the ethical standards that dictate social workers behavior with clients. Students will also work to gain a better understanding of the ways that they can work to effect and shape public policy in order to provide more social care to those in need. Through their studies, students will build their critical thinking, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Human Services degree, students will have gained the skills needed to enter into a variety of different social work career paths. Students can choose to find employment as case workers, mental health aides, probation officers, life skills instructors, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, social workers earn a median salary of $46,890/year. This industry is expected to experience 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative or a growing job market.

If you are interested in working in social work then an Associate’s in Human Services degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

35. Online Associate in Homeland Security

Want to work towards making our country a safer place? Interested in gaining the education and training needed to work in a career in counter-terrorism? If this sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree, students will learn the fundamentals needed to work in a variety of homeland security related careers. Through this program, students will spend time studying the historical concept of homeland security to better understand how it works within the political and national security system of the modern United States. Students will study a variety of threats to homeland security as they familiarize themselves with counterterrorism and hazard management techniques. Students will learn how to prepare detailed response plans that can be rolled out quickly and effectively. They will discuss a variety of different threats including biological warfare, chemical attacks, nuclear attack, and much more. Students will become well-versed in the different government apparatuses involved in homeland security.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree, students will be prepared with a a specialized skillset necessary to work in a variety of government positions. Students can find themselves working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and much more. Students can find work on the local, state, and federal level or take their knowledge to private industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency management specialists earn a median salary of $45,670/year.

If you are interested in working in homeland security then an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

36. Online Associate in Physical Therapy

After being injured, for many the hardest part is not the surgery but the time after that. Many times, after undergoing serious surgery or injury, patients must learn how to strengthen and use their injured body parts. To help build up strength, flexibility, and confidence in these body parts that have injured, physical therapists work with patients to use these body parts again. If you think you would be interested in helping injured people work through their injuries to find confidence then an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will study a variety of different biology and science-related topics in order to gain a better understanding of the human body. Students will be tasked with studying topics including anatomy, biology, physical fitness, and kinesiology. Through these topics they will gain a deeper understanding of the way that the body moves and heals itself over time. Students will learn techniques used to help increase mobility and flexibility in injured body parts in order to help patients become stronger in these weakened limbs. Through an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will begin to learn how to help patients be strong again.

By completing an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will have begun to amass the skills needed to work as physical therapists. To own their own practices they will need to undergo more education, but students will have gained enough education to get certified to work as physical therapy assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists and aides earn an annual median salary of $45,290/year. This job industry is expected to experience a 30% job growth by 2026. This is incredibly high job growth rate and is indicative of a very healthy job market.

If you want to help work with injured people to recover from illness or injure then an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

37. Online Associate in Real Estate Studies

If you are interested in learning how to sell property to people then an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies students will develop the competencies and skills needed to succeed in the field of real estate. Through this curriculum of study, students will be introduce to the concepts, principles, practices and legal and ethical issues that surround the practice of real estate sales. They will also begin to develop the hard skills needed to be successful real estate agents. Students will spend time developing the ability to interpret financial analysis and property appraisal. They will become more familiar with internet marketing techniques needed to help promote their properties while also learning research techniques to learn more about the market in which they are selling. Students will also develop traditional sales skills including the negotiation skills. They will learn how to market themselves as well as the organizational and time management skills needed to succeed when running your own real estate operation. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree students will be prepared for work in the field of real estate.

RELATED: Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

By completing an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree, students will be prepared to work in the field of real estate as real estate agents. They will have gained the skills needed for them to begin working in residential or commercial real estate, and will be able to start helping people sell property. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of real estate brokers and sales agents is $44,610/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026. This is a moderate level of growth and indicative of a healthy job market.

If you want to learn more about real estate and how to help people sell property, then an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

38. Online Associate in Public Health

To help maintain and promote health and a macro-level, public health policy is created and adapted to provide for the needs of different populations. If you are interested in learning more about public health and how to promote better public health then an Associate’s in Public Health degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Public Health degree, students will begin to gain a broader understanding of the various goals and challenges that effect current public health policy and administration. Students will begin to understand how health works at the global community-level as to better understand how the health of different major populations can effect one another. They will also begin to be introduce the concept of public health as a both a political and health matter. Much of public health policy is determined through political systems, so students will learn the ways that public health policy is determined and how to influence those processes. Students will also spend time learning how to enact public health policy at the community-level in order to provide different groups of people with the public health intervention that they need.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Health degree, students will have gained the knowledge needed to begin working in entry-level positions in jobs and roles related to public health. Many of these students will find positions working as health educators and community health workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health educators is $44,390/year. This industry is expected to experience healthy job growth of up to 16% by 2026.

If you want to learn more about public health policy and how to promote healthier communities then an Associate’s in Public Health degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

39. Online Associate in Biology

Want to enter into the health-profession? Interested in learning about how to get involved in scientific research? If so, then an Associate’s in Biology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Biology degree, students will begin to study the various topics and scientific research that make up the field of biology. Through this program students will gain an understanding of general biology and chemistry concepts. Students will also be introduced to organic chemistry as well. An Associate’s in Biology degree program acts as an introductory program to a variety of different types of sciences.  Students will also work to strengthen their background in mathematics by studying calculus and statistics. Through their time in this Associate’s in Biology curriculum, students will take courses in human anatomy and physiology, as well as learning about life at the micro-level by studying microbiology. Students will expand their knowledge of living organisms to study the various functions that allows for different types of life. For those who like to think critically and examine the way life works through a scientific lens then an Associate’s in Biology degree is right for you.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Biology degree program, students will have gained the introductory and preliminary knowledge to either continue their education in Biology or to enter into a variety of different entry-level positions. Many students can choose to enter into the entry-level positions of biological technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for this job is $42,250/year and the industry is expected to experience 10% job growth by 2026.

For those interested in pursuing a career in biology should consider an Associate’s in Biology degree as the best online associate’s degree.

40. Online Associate in Entrepreneurship

Want to start your own business? Have a great product or service idea but just are not sure how to get started? Always been an ideas guy? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Starting a business or getting a product to market can be a very daunting and unwieldy task. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree program, students will gain the foundational knowledge needed to understand how to properly start a new business and the various tasks needed to maintain a healthy business. They will learn how to craft a business plan that properly demonstrates the details of their new business. Students will also learn about securing proper funding for their ideas. This typically is coupled with the development of communication and leadership skills as they are often needed to help entrepreneurs with gathering investors and clients. This program of study will also teach students what they’ll need to start their business and to keep it operating. They will learn how to be strong leaders and what it takes to motivate a workforce.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree students will have gained a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of different career paths. Students can choose to take their background into management or they can pursue their goals as an entrepreneur. Due to the very nature of entrepreneurship, statistics regarding the median salary of an entrepreneur are not readily available as they are not something easily tracked.  However, entrepreneurs are the masters of their own destinies and can work to create their own opportunities.

If you want to work for yourself and start your own business then an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

41. Online Associate in Retail Management

Enjoy working retail? Love to help people find the product’s that they need? Want to move up into management positions within retail operations? If so then an Associate’s in Retail Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Retail Management degree, students will learn the principles and skills needed to manage a retail operation. They will work to develop the interpersonal and managerial skills that are integral success while also learning important communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Students will spend time staying the different functions of management by learning the process of planning, organizing, staffing, and directing retail operations. They will learn to understand the different systems in play in a modern retail operation by gaining insight in the information technology systems, financial systems and human resources systems in play in a retail operation. Students will also spend time learning how to conduct themselves ethically and responsibly in a retail environment. This program will help to jumpstart a students retail management career.

By completing an Associate’s in Retail Management degree program, students will have developed the set of skills and competencies needed to succeed in a retail environment. They will be prepared for a variety of different management roles available in different retail stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary of a retail manager is $39,040/year. This industry is expected to grow moderately in the coming years which is indicative of a healthy job market.

If you are interested in learning the skills needed to thrive in retail management then an Associate’s in Retail Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

42. Online Associate in Medical Billing & Coding

The healthcare and medical field has a wide variety of different jobs and career paths available to students. An often overlooked but very important aspect of the healthcare industry is medical billing and coding. In this career path, workers are expected to maintain patient records while making sure they follow industry standards. If this seems like an interesting career path to you then an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding curriculum, students will be tasked with learning the industry standard medical coding system, ICD-10. Through learning this code, students will learn how to ensure that medical organizations records are compliant with a variety of different federal regulations, and to ensure that these documents and bills are all written in such a way that any and all medical professionals can clearly and quickly read their content. In an industry where time can be a situation of life and death, it is important that medical documents are clear and follow proper coding procedure.  By enrolling in an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree program students will gain valuable knowledge needed to succeed as a medical coder.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree, students will be prepared with the career skills needed to pursue roles as medical coders and gain employment working in medical records and medical billing departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical coders and medical records technicians earn an annual median salary of $38,040/year. This industry is projected to experience 13% job growth by the year 2026. This is higher than normal job growth and is indicative of a very healthy job market.

If you are looking for a stable career in the field of healthcare then an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

43. Online Associate in Health Information Technician

Looking for a career with strong job security in the field of healthcare? Want to work at the intersection of information technology and health? If this career path sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree, students will prepare and train to gain the insight and knowledge needed to manage patient care data. An integral part to the healthcare industry, the management of patient care data is crucial to the smooth operation of any healthcare facility. Through this program of study, students will learn how to properly analyze patient care data while also learning how to properly store and maintain such pieces of data. Students will learn the various types of patient care data and the ways that it is generated. Incorporating teachings from information technology curriculums, students will also become well-versed in computer security issues as well as important ethical concerns regarding the privacy of such sensitive patient data. An Associate’s of Health Information Technician degree will prepare students with the knowledge needed to succeed in this industry.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree, students will have gained a technical, career-oriented education that can be directly applied to a variety of different careers. Students can find themselves working in medical billing and coding, patient information management, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for health information technicians is $34,040/year. This industry is expected to experience 13% job growth by 2026.

If you are interested in working in the healthcare field then an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree might be best online associate’s degree for you.

44. Online Associate in Health Sciences

Want to begin a career as a nurse? Thinking about working as an emergency medical technician? Looking for a way into the field of healthcare? If so then an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Health Sciences curriculum, students will work to build an understanding of the variety of different health systems that effect the human body. Students will study a variety of different topics relevant to the direct application of health care. They will gain insight into the topics of health care delivery, health care management, and support and ethics. Students will also be given an overview of topics including basic medical terminology. They will also spend time studying the history of medicine and its effect on society over time. Biomedical ethics will be studied as well as to ensure that students are learning how to provide healthcare in a safe and ethical manner. Students will also study medical law in order to ensure they are working within the law. They will also study general topics of health and wellness as well as alternative medicine. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree, students will build the fundamentals needed to work in the field of health care delivery.

By completing an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree, students are prepared with a career-oriented education that they can choose to apply to a variety of different jobs. Students can choose to work as medical administrative assistants, emergency medical technicians, nurses, or much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency medical technicians and paramedics earn a median salary of $32,670/year. This job market is expected to experience 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is a very healthy amount of job growth and indicates a growing industry.

If you are interested in starting a career in patient health care delivery then an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

45. Online Associate in Veterinary Technology

If you are somebody who loves animals and wants to work to help keep them healthy and happy then an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree, students will become familiar with the practices and skills needed in order to work with animals in a safe manner in order to promote their health and help treat their sickness. Through this program of study, students will be tasked with studying topics in biology and anatomy to better understand the different biological and anatomical structure that make up a variety of different animals. They will learn how to assess and develop treatment plans for a variety of different animals with different types of illnesses. Students will spend time learning about the different types of tools and apparatuses used to help treat sick animals. Through this program of study they will become comfortable with different types of treatment plans and be able to work with a variety of different technologies such as radiology, anesthesia, and other medical skills necessary to treating animals.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree, students will have developed the technical, career-oriented skills needed to begin a successful career as a veterinary technologist or technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technologist and technicians make an annual median salary of $32,040/year. This job market is expected to grow by 20% by the year 2026. This is very hight job growth and is indicative of a healthy job market.

If you are interested in working with animals to help diagnose their illnesses and nurse them back to health then an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

46. Online Associate in Behavioral Science

Fascinated by the ways that humans interact and behavior? Want to learn more about human nature? Then an Associate’s in Behavioral Science degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Behavioral Science degree, students will begin their studies of the different human sciences needed to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior. Through this type of program, students will be introduced to the topic of behavioral science and will learn to examine a variety of different behavioral science research to gain a deeper understanding and more vivid wealth of knowledge regarding the factors that influence the ways that humans behave. They will work to develop their writing and research skills while learning to think more critically and analytically.  Students will also begin to be exposed to topics in psychology as well as sociology. This type of degree program is a great springboard for students as they decide whether they are interested in studying more regarding sociology and psychology. Through the examination of human behavior, students will learn how to better understand the ways that people interact and communicate with one another.

Through earning an Associate’s in Human Behavior degree, students will have gained an introductory knowledge of the ways that humans conduct themselves and how they interact with one another. Students can choose to use this degree to begin entry-level work in fields including social work and mental health counseling. Students can find jobs as social work aides, mental health technicians, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for human services assistants is $30,830/year and the industry is expected to grow 11% by 2024.

If you are somebody who is interested in learning more about human behavior then an Associate’s in Human Behavior degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

47. Online Associate in Early Childhood Education

Love children? Interested in a career that allows you to work with young minds to help shape them to become thriving adults? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree, students will gain the insight and knowledge needed to work in a classroom environment with young children in order to help teach and guide them in their educational pursuits. Many programs will have students learning the educational trends from both public schools as well as private school in order to broaden their hiring options. Students will learn different learning theories and educational models in order to best determine which ones are applicable in what situations and to which students. They will be taught concepts including differentiated learning and direct instruction allowing them a greater deal of flexibility when it comes to providing instruction to different ages and types of children. Students with an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degrees will gain the skills to effectively teach and care for young minds.

By completing an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree, students will have received a very career-oriented degree that will allow them to immediately begin searching for work. Students will be able to apply for jobs in pre-schools, daycare facilities, and homeschooling positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for preschool leaders is $28,790/year. This industry is expected to undergo 10% job growth by the year 2026.

If you are someone who wants to work with and teach children then an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

48. Online Associate in Sales

If you are considering a career in sales or you want to help move your own sales career further along then an Associate’s in Sales degree might be the best online Associate’s degree for you to choose. Through an Associate’s in Sales degree program, students will spend learning the skills and techniques needed to succeed in the modern world of sales. Through this program of study, students will learn the basics of sales such as prospecting, qualifying, listening, problem solving, and closing. They will learn how to work with prospective customers to understand their needs in order to suggest products and services that would work best for them. They’ll learn how to use the products features and benefits to persuade the prospective customer into purchasing. Students will also spend time learning about customer relationship management systems that are employed to manage data about past customers. They’ll analyze customer situations in order to learn how to act strategically to employ advanced selling techniques. Through this course of study, students will gain the skills and competencies needed to become expert salespeople and further their sales careers.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Sales degree, students will have gained a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of sales careers. Since almost all industries rely on trained sales professionals selling product, students have a wide variety of different potential employers to choose from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales occupations have a median annual salary of $26,590/year. This industry is expected to grow by 3% by the year 2026 which is slower than average.

If you want to start a career in sales then an Associate’s in Sales degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.

49. Online Associate in Public Safety

Interested in a career in private or corporate security? Want to learn more about risk and security management? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Public Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Safety degree, students will learn the skills needed to pursue a career in public safety and security. Throughout the Associate’s in Public Safety curriculum, students will first begin to build the initial knowledge of public safety and security practices including many industry-standard technical skills. They will work to understand how to prepare, plan, and execute important public safety and security plans. Students will spend time developing critical and analytical skills in order to ensure that they can assess situations quickly in order to act fast. They will spend time during the course of their studies learning leadership and communication skills needed in order to help and guide people during the event of a public safety crisis. They will be taught the skills and tools needed in order to ensure the safety of others in time of emergency.

Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Safety degree, students will have developed a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied directly to a career in a variety of different public safety fields of work. Students can find work in private security companies, corporate security companies, or work for risk and security management teams. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of security workers is $25,840/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026 which is considered to be a moderately healthy amount of job growth.

If you want a career in security or risk management then an Associate’s in Public Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

50. Online Associate in Ethics

Want to learn more about philosophy? Intrigued by discussions of ethics and morality? If so, an Associate’s in Ethics might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through this program of study, students will begin to gain an understanding of ethics and philosophy as they relate to the modern world. With a heavy-basis in liberal arts, students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills as they learn the basics of philosophy and ethics. Students will discuss topics like the “nature of being” as well as learning about what makes something “right” or “wrong” and what that even means. They will learn how to think critically about major philosophical and ethical questions regarding the meaning of existence and goodness to better understand how these societal constructs effect people on a day-to-day basis. Steeped in literature, this course of study will have students reading and examining many different texts to gain the kind of insight and understanding needed to begin their studies of ethics and philosophy. This plan of study is great for students who are interested in the nature of things and want to learn how to determine what is right and wrong in the world today.

With an Associate’s in Ethics degree, students will have received an education that is heavily-fortified with liberal arts teachings and training. Through this program of study, students can choose to enter into a variety of different career paths including politics, business, or law. Furthermore, an Associate’s in Ethics degree is a great way for students to begin their higher-education studies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who choose to enter into roles as compliance officers can expect a median wage of $70,520. This industry is expected to experience 0.7% job growth by 2026.

If you are interested in studying ethics and philosophy then an Associate’s in Ethics degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.

Related Resources: 

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50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

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What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

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Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

The post 50 Best Online Associate’s Degrees 2021 appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

If you’re not put off by the idea of sticking your fingers in strangers’ mouths (while wearing gloves, of course), a career in dental hygiene practice may be the right fit for you. Schools offer dental hygiene education programs at the associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels, often at a great value. The affordable dental hygiene degree options below offer students a way to gain specialized knowledge and practice their technical skills as they complete the clinical hours required to become qualified candidates for licensure.

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

What Is a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienist is the title for the non-doctor oral health specialists who examine, clean and polish patients’ teeth. Working alongside and under the supervision of licensed dentists (doctors who specialize in teeth and oral health) and dental assistants, a registered dental hygienist often performs routine dental care tasks.

What Dental Hygienists Do

Some of the work dental hygienists perform in a dental office or clinic might include:

• Using specific X-ray techniques to take X-rays of the mouth,
• Removing stains and tarter on the teeth and gums through advanced scaling techniques
• Applying preventive treatments, like sealants and fluoride, to teeth

Dental Hygienists’ Relationships With Patients in Clinical Practice

Often, a licensed dental hygienist is the first healthcare professional a patient sees when they visit a dental office or clinic. In the course of a regular cleaning and exam, a dental hygienist will typically spend more time with the patient than the dentist does.

Dental hygienists work hard, but they also earn higher salaries than many workers across the United States. As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $77,090 for dental hygienists.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Where Dental Hygiene Graduates Work

The vast majority of dental hygienists work in some sort of dental health facility. These facilities include the following:

• Private dental offices
• Dental hygiene clinics
• Public health clinics

Jobs in dentists’ offices accounted for 94 percent of dental hygienist roles in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether they work in a dental hygiene clinic or in a private practice, dental hygienists’ job duties are typically pretty similar.

Dental Hygienist Jobs Beyond the Dental Offices

Some dental hygienists work in other types of settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, corporate health facilities, nursing homes and school systems. Most dental hygienists work in professional practice, but some serve primarily in education and research roles – particularly if they hold an advanced degree in dental hygiene.

A dental hygiene program may also prepare you to work in public health agencies. The field of dental public health generally emphasizes the availability, accessibility and affordability of dental health services to populations of patients that are commonly underserved and have unmet health care needs. Dental hygiene professionals who work in public health may focus on areas like the prevention of human diseases and population health management, the process through which health care workers aim to improve clinical patient outcomes.

Whether you want to work in a dental office or a less conventional setting, you’re going to need a degree in dental hygiene. Fortunately, degrees in dental hygiene with affordable tuition are not as difficult to find as you might expect.

Dental Hygiene Education Requirements

Considering the high median annual salary for this career path, the level of education needed is comparably little. Unlike a dentist who must go to school for many years, a dental hygienist typically needs only a few years of study to prepare for entry-level jobs in the field.

RELATED: Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

However, in addition to the credit hours of classroom and laboratory instruction that are required for associate’s degrees in dental hygiene, clinical hours devoted to experiential learning are required. As part of the practical experience involved in a dental hygiene program, students in their last semester of study may take part in some sort of capstone practicum or another type of capstone project.

To qualify for professional licensure, students should seek out degree programs that have received dental accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. When a program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, it has proven that it meet a set of high external standards. An aspiring dental hygienist may also want to look for schools that offer small class sizes and courses that cover contemporary issues and are taught by experienced, dedicated faculty.

Dental Hygiene Associate’s Degrees

Typically, you can qualify for a dental hygienist role with only an associate’s degree. In fact, according to O*NET, 75 percent of dental hygienists report an associate degree as their highest level of formal education. However, dental hygiene associate degrees are unique, typically requiring three years of study and plenty of clinical hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Earn an Associate’s Degree?

Dental Hygiene Education Beyond the Associate’s Degree

Dental hygienists may also choose to earn a higher level of degree, like a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. Some BS in dental hygiene programs are offered as degree completion programs, a type of bridge program that allow students with an associate’s degree to build upon their prior coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Are There Cheap Dental Hygiene Schools?

Earning a degree in dental hygiene doesn’t have to plunge you deep into student debt. There are schools across the United States where students seeking degrees in dental hygiene can get an education for just a few thousand dollars per year – well below the national average for annual tuition rates – even without financial aid. That’s well below the average salary for this career, which means that dental hygienists who make at or near the average salary for the occupation over the course of their working life will find that this degree more than pays for itself.

When you factor in the availability of financial aid in the form of  scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and other forms of assistance, financial aid packages make it even affordable to become a dental hygienist.

These schools are often community colleges and public state universities rather than fancy private universities. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of community colleges and public state schools offering dental hygiene degrees. If you want a cheap way to earn your dental hygienist degree, you just need to make affordability a priority in your school search.

Stay Close to Home

When it comes to keeping college affordable, staying in-state and, where applicable, in-district is one of your best options. Many colleges, especially community colleges and public universities, offer discounted rates to local residents. Some community colleges go so far as to offer their best tuition rates to residents of specific counties or districts.

What this means is that an institution may be a “cheap” dental hygiene school for some students but not others, depending on geographic location. Students in-state at a generally affordable school may pay tuition of only a few thousand dollars per year, while students the next state or district over may have to pay three or four times that much for the exact same education (not counting costs to relocate or rent a place to live).

There’s value in seeing and studying in new places, but when your focus is on affordability, you shouldn’t ignore the financial cost of going away to college.

A Note About the Listed Tuition Costs of “Cheap” Dental Hygiene Programs

The dental hygiene school rankings presented here are based on affordability and categorized by degree level. Measures of affordability are based on the most up-to-date tuition data as of 2022 and assume that the dental hygiene student is taking 15 credits per semester over the fall and spring terms.

This annual tuition data does not include fees, room, board, textbooks or other expenses besides tuition and assumes that students are not taking summer or winter classes. Annual tuition rates at most schools change each year, so prospective students should visit intended schools’ most up-to-date tuition page or talk to an admissions counselor about current tuition rates and costs of attendance.

Can You Earn an Online Dental Hygiene Degree?

Studying online is a great option to save money on a degree, especially if the alternative would require you to leave your job and move to a new geographical area. However, online tuition rates aren’t always cheaper, and sometimes schools tack on extra fees on online learners.

It is possible to get a dental hygiene degree online, but only in certain situations. Since in-person clinical experience is essential for preparing to be a dental hygienist, you typically can’t earn your associate degree in this field fully online.

Online dental hygiene degrees are most commonly reserved for established dental hygienists who have already finished their associate’s degree and earned their licenses. As such, you are more likely to find fully online bachelor’s degree options, or even an online dental hygiene degree at the master’s level, than online options at the associate’s degree level. An online bachelor of dental hygiene can add to the existing qualifications of a practicing dental hygienist.

The Best Cheap Associate’s Degree Programs in Dental Hygiene

1. Maricopa Community Colleges System (Mesa, Rio Salada, Pheonix)

For an associate’s degree that will help you prepare for the licensing process in Arizona, as well), consider applying to the Maricopa Community Colleges system. Three colleges in this system – Mesa Community College, Phoenix College and Rio Salado College – offer dental hygiene programs at the associate degree level.

Residents of Maricopa County and counties with reciprocal agreements pay just $85 per credit, which puts the total tuition cost of the 92- through 102.5-credit degree program (not counting fees) at under $8,000. However, residents of other counties and out-of-state students will pay considerably more – 401 per credit hour and 241 per credit hour, respectively.

In the Associate of Applied Science programs in dental hygiene, students complete general education courses such as English composition, college mathematics, psychology and sociology. Science classes in microbiology and in human anatomy and physiology – including classes that focus on neck anatomy and on oral anatomy – are an important part of the curriculum.

Major coursework consists of oral pathology, dental radiology, dental radiography, dental materials and periodontics, the dental specialty that focuses on gums and the structures that support the teeth. Other dental hygiene courses in this degree program focus on the administration of dental anesthesia, the prevention of dental disease, the practice of dental hygiene patient care in medical emergencies, principles of practice management and methods for community oral health.

The dental hygiene degree programs of all three of these community colleges are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $2,550.00

2. Tyler Junior College

Students can pursue either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree completion program in dental hygiene at Tyler Junior College in Texas, as well as a dental assisting certificate program. At a dental clinic located directly inside the school’s Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center, dental hygiene students can develop the clinical skills to perform examinations, cleanings, X-rays and sealants on patients from the community.

Prospective dental hygienists pursuing their Associate of Applied Science degree can expect to take preclinical and clinical classes in dental hygiene as well as courses in preventive dental care, oral pathology, periodontology, dental materials, dental pharmacology, community dentistry, dental nutrition and more. This degree path is intended to prepare students for licensing exams.

The bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at Tyler Junior College is meant for practicing dental hygienists who are already licensed but want to expand their knowledge and skills with a four-year degree. As such, applicants must have an associate’s degree already, and their coursework builds upon the foundation of college study they already possess.

This one- to two-year degree completion program is available online. This program incorporates coursework that ranges from current issues and advanced ethics in dental hygiene and periodontics to administrative leadership and cultural competence in oral health care.

Tuition costs for students taking 15 credit hours per semester range from $1,481 for in-district students to $2,381 for out-of-district students and $2,741 for out-of-state students. The AAS program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $2,962.00

3. Mississippi Delta Community College

An affordable option for aspiring dental hygienists in the Magnolia State is Mississippi Delta Community College. The AAS degree program at this Moorhead community college doesn’t only meet the educational standards required for dental hygienist licensure in Mississippi but also prepares students to take the other state board exams administered by the National Board of Dental Examinations. (If you’re thinking of working out-of-state, check your intended state’s licensing requirements.)

In this dental hygiene technology associate degree program, students will complete 24 academic hours of coursework and 51 hours of dental hygiene classes. Over the course of the curriculum, dental hygiene students will develop competencies in health promotion, disease prevention, patient care, community involvement, ethics and professional growth.

Mississippi Delta Community College’s program, too, has attained programmatic accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. The tuition rate for full-time students – those taking 12 to 21 credit hours per semester – is $1,545, while part-time students pay $130 per credit hour. Out-of-state students are subject to an out-of-state fee of $1,100 per semester.

The low student-to-faculty ratio and the state-of-the-art primary clinical education facility where students can gain real-world practical experience, in and of themselves, make this program appealing for more than its affordability. For nearly a decade, the school’s graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on Mississippi state board exams and on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $3,090.00

RELATED: What Associate’s Degrees Are Good for a Career in the Health Care Industry?

4. Ivy Tech Community College

Offering both dental assisting and dental hygiene degrees, Ivy Tech Community College offers courses at 48 locations across the state, plus online. Dental hygiene students at this Indiana institution can choose from three Ivy Tech campuses: Anderson, South Bend and Elkhart. Courses are structured in eight-week terms, and tuition for full-time in-state students is charged at a flat per-semester rate of $2,243.25.

One of the first things students should know about this affordable, American Dental Association Commission-accredited program is that getting in won’t be easy. This selective admission program admits only a limited number of students every year, contributing to the small class sizes it is able to maintain.

If you’re determined to apply, you first need to be accepted into the community college under its healthcare specialist program. In your first few semesters as a healthcare specialist major, you will complete prerequisite coursework in areas like English composition, public speaking and psychology, as well as basic science courses in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Then you can follow a separate application process, which includes taking the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) standardized test.

In this Associate of Applied Science in dental hygiene program, students get plenty of hands-on clinical experience using the most recent advances in dental technology in the cutting-edge dental clinic where they treat real patients from the local community.

This primarily daytime program will keep students engaged in classroom, laboratory and clinical work throughout the workweek. During the two-year program, students should be prepared to devote between 16 and 26 hours per week to their on-campus commitments, not counting homework and studying.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $4,486.50

5. Utah Valley University

In addition to affordability, Utah Valley University offers small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 4-to-1 in its associate’s in dental hygiene program, and 99 percent of its graduates pass the state licensing boards. The Orem, Utah, program is big on community outreach, including providing preventive dental care to students at local Title One elementary schools on a weekly basis.

You might expect a program with these benefits to be super selective, but in fact, the dental hygiene program accepts all kinds of students – nontraditional students and those fresh out of high school, career changers and parents balancing family obligations – through its open enrollment policy. Practicing dental hygienists can pursue the BS in Dental Hygiene, an online bachelor’s degree completion program.

Tuition rates for 12 or more credit hours of coursework are $2,684 for in-state students and $8,225 for out-of-state students. Although non-resident students pay a not-so-affordable $16,450 in tuition only for the fall and spring terms, residents get by with a reasonable $5,368 for the year.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,368.00

6. Pueblo Community College

In addition to offering both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree completion program, Pueblo Community College offers a three-credit mini-certificate program in the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation.

The Colorado school charges per-credit tuition rates of $399.15 for residents and $638.30 for non-residents for the associate’s degree program. Assuming around 30 credit hours per year (split between fall and spring semesters), this adds up to $11,974.50 for Colorado residents and $19,149. However, Colorado residents qualify for an additional discount through the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend, which knocks off another $94 of tuition cost per credit hour. In-state students end up with a tuition rate of $305.15 per credit or $9,154.50 per year. In this accredited Associate of Applied Science in dental hygiene program, students devote 64.5 credits to their core dental hygiene courses, plus 28 credits to general education courses that include science classes. Core coursework for students in this program includes clinical theory and practice of dental hygiene, advanced clinical skills, applied pharmacology, a sequence of courses in periodontics and studies in the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation.

This dental hygiene program features the opportunity to take optional but recommended courses in two subjects: clinical dental roentgenology and national boards examination review.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $9,154.50

The Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Programs

7. Dixie State University

Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, offers a 124-credit Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene degree that aligns with licensure requirements in the Beehive State. Notable courses in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene curriculum include dental hygiene theory, tooth morphology, pain control methodology, restorative dental hygiene and advanced theory and practice.

Classes like research methodology, public health administration and care of medically complex patients make this curriculum well-rounded, so students are ready to work in clinical practice, research or public health roles.

For students taking 12 to 20 credits, undergraduate tuition rates range from $2,532 for the semester for in-state students to $8,094 for non-residents. Dixie State University offers a “Good Neighbor Tuition Rate” that applies for certain students from certain Arizona and Nevada counties, under which students save on the non-resident tuition rate but pay 150% of the resident tuition rate.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,064.00

8. Clayton State University

At Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, students can pursue a dental hygiene BS degree accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. In addition to this licensure track program, the school offers a bachelor’s degree completion program, the RDH-BSDH, for students with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.

Bachelor’s in dental hygiene programs in dental hygiene include more extensive studies in both general education courses and major coursework. On top of the classes commonly required for an associate degree, this Bachelor of Science degree program encompasses coursework in transitional dental hygiene, advanced dental hygiene, advanced periodontics, interactive communication and management and marketing in a dental environment.

Per credit hour, Clayton State University charges its in-state dental hygiene students tuition rates of $169.33 and its out-of-state students $616.07. This means the in-state tuition cost is just $5,079.90, even though out-of-state students pay more than $18,000 a year to pursue this Bachelor of Science degree.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,079.90

9. Wichita State University

You’ll find two Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene options at Wichita State University in Kansas. The entry-level bachelor’s degree program leads to licensure, while the fully online bachelor’s degree completion program allows experienced health professionals to advance their dental hygiene education. The school recently celebrated its Class of 2020 graduates achieving a 100% pass rate on their National Written and Regional Clinical Boards licensing examinations.

Tuition rates at Wichita State University get a little complicated, with six different rates depending on students’ residency. Undergraduate resident students pay $228.09, and that cost climbs all the way up to $540.27 for non-residents who don’t fit into any tuition discount program. Still, a year of coursework at a four-year university for under $7,000 is surprisingly affordable.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $6,842.70

10. Indiana University at South Bend

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Indiana University at South Bend is offered through the Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences. Within this program are pathways for a variety of students: new college students seeking a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, students whose bachelor’s degrees are in an unrelated field and professional dental hygienists pursuing a bachelor’s degree completion program.

Students of this accredited, affordable bachelor’s degree program gain hands-on experience providing care at the Indiana University South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic. As part of the school’s strong curriculum, students complete a capstone course. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue both dental hygiene licensure and local anesthesia certification in Indiana.

In-state undergraduate students at this institution pay a per-unit tuition rate of $239.01 or a flat rate of $3,584.92 per term if they take 12 to 18 credit hours in a semester. For out-of-state students, those prices rise to $675.90 or $10,138.52 per term.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $7,169.84

11. Minnesota State University at Mankato

If you’re wondering about the value of earning a bachelor’s degree in a field that only requires an associate’s degree, check out the Bachelor’s in dental hygiene program at Minnesota State University at Mankato. As part of their high-quality education, students in the Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited program learn advanced clinical and technology skills.

Students in the bachelor’s in dental hygiene program gain direct experience using electronic health records and other computer-based technologies, like intraoral cameras and digital X-rays. Additionally, students in these dental health programs learn how to place fillings – a skill you typically won’t learn at a community college program – and practice this skill through training that takes place at the school’s on-campus dental clinic and at local community health clinics.

Minnesota State University at Mankato is also an option for students looking to earn an online dental hygiene degree. Like other online colleges for dental hygienists, the online bachelor’s degree program at Minnesota University accepts students who are already working as registered dental hygienists.

Besides their in-state tuition rate of $315.65 per credit or $4,036.25 per semester with a full course load, Minnesota State University has reciprocity agreements and compacts with certain states that allow for discounted tuition.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $8,072.50

12. Augusta University

Augusta University’s dental hygiene degree program includes both a bachelor’s in dental hygiene track designed to prepare students for initial licensure and a bachelor’s degree completion program option. Major coursework requirements make up 65 of the 129 credits required for graduation and consist of classroom, clinical and laboratory work.

While Georgia residents will find this dental hygiene program affordable, non-residents will not. In-state students of August University pay undergraduate tuition rates of $295.47 per credit hour or $4,432.00 per semester that includes 10 or more credit hours of study. For out-of-state students, those rates climb to $945.93 per hour or $14,189.00 per semester.

This program is a “2+2” program in which the first two years, which are devoted to prerequisites and general education coursework, can be taken at any accredited college. Out-of-state students can save money by meeting these requirements at an in-state school and then transferring to Augusta.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $8,864.00

13. Northern Arizona University

For a dental hygiene program that emphasizes public health, consider the Bachelor of Science program offered by Northern Arizona University. On top of more traditional studies in dental hygiene, students in this program complete classes in ethics and law in healthcare, oral health research, oral health outcomes, assessment and program planning and program implementation and evaluation.

In addition to undertaking clinical rotations at several local health centers, students can pursue a summer externship – domestically, in areas like Phoenix and Camp Pendleton, or abroad, in countries like Peru and Ghana.

Northern Arizona University doesn’t break down the cost of attendance between tuition and fees, but students can expect to pay $10,650 in-state or $25,396 out-of-state in tuition and fees. Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), students from 14 other states can save 40% on the non-resident tuition rate.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $10,650.00

The Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs for Dental Hygienists

14. West Virginia University

Master’s degrees are uncommon in the clinical practice of dental hygiene, but many dental hygienists pursue these advanced degrees to prepare for a role in research, teaching, administration or management. The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Virginia University can prepare an experienced dental hygienist for any of these paths.

Tuition rates for graduate students range from $499 per credit or $4,491 per semester for in-state students to $1,407 per credit or $12,663 per semester for out-of-state students. The program requires 37 semester hours of study, plus a thesis. Students complete coursework in health policy foundations, teaching and research methods, applied biostatistics and issues in health care, as well as electives in areas like business, education, medicine and community health promotion.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $10,332.00

15. Eastern Washington University

The Master of Science in dental hygiene program at Eastern Washington University is intended for health care professionals who already have experience providing dental hygiene care in clinical environments. In this online dental hygiene program, students are required to visit the Spokane, Washington, campus on two occasions. However, the classes required for this degree – which include studies in healthcare leadership, dental hygiene instructional methods and curriculum design, public health promotion and healthcare policies – can be completed fully online.

Besides its master’s degree, the school also offers dental health education at the certificate, bachelor’s and bachelor’s degree completion levels.

Graduate students at Eastern Washington University pay $12,723 in-state tuition or $28,776 out-of-state tuition. For the online Master of Science degree, all students pay in-state tuition. Undergraduate tuition rates are $7,104 for residents and $25,464 for non-resident students.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $12,723.00

What Else to Look for in Degrees in Dental Hygiene

Before you take the first step to a career as a licensed dental hygienist, make you are considering your future career goals and where you are now.

Are you looking for an accelerated option that allow you to complete the full program faster than is typical for this three-year degree, or would a school offering part-time options for working students be a better fit for you personally?

Does attending a school with residency requirements and plenty of hands-on instruction make sense for you, or are you looking for strictly online learning, other than the necessary clinical component?

Do you want to focus exclusively on your dental hygiene training, or are you willing to take the liberal arts and general education courses that you would encounter in a bachelor’s program and potentially be prepared to work in practice management roles in dental offices?

When you’re choosing a school to become a dental hygienist, there’s a lot more to think about besides the annual tuition.

Conclusion

Dental hygienists are a critical part of a dental health team, and the career includes a positive job outlook, high earning potential and fulfilling work in patient care. No matter which level of degree you’re pursuing, looking at school rankings like ours can help you focus your school search and find affordable options to further your education in dental hygiene.

Related Resources 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Dental Hygienist?

What Major Do You Need To Be a Dentist?

What Can I Do With a Dentistry Degree?

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

The post 15 Affordable Degrees in Dental Hygiene (Associate’s and Beyond) appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Doctor

If you have a knack for science and an interest in helping people as well as a preference for a nonstandard work schedule, consider becoming a doctor. Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-payed professionals in the workforce, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the earning potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the best doctors enjoy the fulfilling nature of helping patients get or stay well. Of course, they also make sacrifices. Physicians spend many years preparing for the career, earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school and completing residencies and internships to gain hands-on training. This preparation requires candidates to invest a lot of time, work and money into their future career.

Exactly how nonstandard a doctor’s work schedule is depends on his or her place of employment. Hospitals require staffing 24 hours a day, so physicians who work in these settings may be more likely to work early or late shifts (and often, long shifts). Even in private practices, though, many offices are increasingly offering evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients who do work a regular schedule and can’t come in during the day.

Salary: $241,273 to $411,852 or more

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

2. Dentist

Like doctors, dentists are increasingly working nonstandard hours to meet the needs of their patients. For many dentists, this means offering occasional or regular evening and weekend hours. While dentists may not have to worry about covering overnight shifts like an emergency room physician does, they may have to deal with dental emergencies that require urgent attention.

Of course, work schedule alone isn’t reason enough to pursue a career in dentistry. However, if you’re already interested in the field and you consider a nonstandard work schedule – one that you set yourself, if you own your own dental practice – to be a plus, that’s a good combination. Keep in mind that you will need to do a lot of preparation for your career. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science-related subject of study) and getting a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test, you will need to graduate from a dental school program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the BLS reported. Still, for the right candidate, the high earning potential, schedule and work itself are well worth the preparation.

Salary: $154,640

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

3. Petroleum Engineer

While a lot of the best jobs with nonstandard schedules do happen to be in the healthcare field, not all of them are. Petroleum engineers are a great example. These engineering professionals – who have a six-figure median salary – develop new ways to extract oil and natural gas from existing wells and underground deposits, the BLS reported.

What kind of work schedule can you expect as a petroleum engineer? When traveling to a dig site, it’s not unusual for petroleum engineers to spend 84 hours on duty and then be off duty for another 84 hours, the BLS reported. While working for a full three and a half days might sound like a crazy schedule, the job has its perks, especially for adventure-seekers. Visiting drilling sites means that petroleum engineers have plenty of opportunity to travel the world during their careers.

Salary: $130,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering

4. Air Traffic Controller

At every hour of the day and night, someone somewhere is traveling by airplane. Keeping those in flight – and taking off or landing – safe means having a trained professional on the clock 24/7. Air traffic controllers fill this role, communicating instructions, weather pattern information and emergency information to pilots in the air and on the ground. They play a crucial role in getting planes full of passengers and airline workers safely and efficiently to their destinations. Being responsible for managing the safety of multiple planes at a single time can be stressful, but for those candidates who can cope well with the demands of the job, an early retirement is a major benefit of this career, the BLS reported. So is the six-figure salary.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

If you’re considering embarking on a career as an air traffic controller, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree unless you have years of relevant experience working in the aviation industry, according to the BLS. Look for a school that offers an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to meet guidelines set by the FAA. These degree programs typically cover subjects like airspace, aviation weather, reading maps, clearances and federal aviation regulations. Candidates must also pass the eight-hour Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT) and a personality test before then can undergo air traffic controller training through the FAA academy. If you’re specifically looking for a job with a nonstandard schedule, then you will want to find employment at a large, busy airport that has flights going on all day and night, including on weekends and holidays.

Salary: $122,340

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, FAA Academy Training Course and a Passing Score on the AT-SAT

5. Pharmacist

The last six-figure salary career on our list of the top 20 jobs without a 9-to-5 schedule is, again, in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists are the highly educated professionals who fill and dispense the medications physicians and surgeons prescribe. They not only order and administer the medications, but they also make sure there will be no negative – and potentially dangerous – drug interactions among patients who have to take multiple medications. Pharmacists instruct patients on how to take their medications, answer questions about side effects and allergic reactions and handle the paperwork necessary to bill patients’ insurance companies, according to the BLS. In some states, they even administer vaccinations.

Today, many pharmacies – especially those that are part of major retail stores – offer extended hours to better serve customers and patients who work a 9-to-5 schedule. This means pharmacists increasingly need to work evening and weekend hours. The 19 percent of pharmacists who find employment in hospitals may also need to work nonstandard hours to keep pharmacy departments staffed at all times.

Salary: $120,950

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

6. Physical Therapist

Physical therapist is yet another healthcare job where a nonstandard work schedule is common. After earning a doctoral degree – which is no easy feat, requiring advanced studies in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as months of clinical experience – physical therapists work directly with patients to help rehabilitate them after an injury or illness. Through methods such as exercises, hands-on therapy, stretching maneuvers and the use of equipment, physical therapists help patients achieve goals like pain reduction and increased mobility.

Many physical therapists do work during regular business hours, the BLS reported, but there are also plenty of opportunities to work outside the 9-to-5 schedule at facilities that offer evening or weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients. Besides the possibility of a flexible work schedule, there are plenty of other benefits to a career in physical therapy. A median salary well over twice that of all occupations, an expected job growth rate nearly five times that of all occupations, and of course, the rewarding nature of the work are just a few of the advantages.

Salary: $82,390

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

7. Architect

If you’re more interested in developing building designs than treatment plans, architect is another great job with the potential for a flexible work schedule. Architects are the professionals who plan, design and sketch scaled drawings of indoor and outdoor building structures that range from single family homes to apartment complexes and massive office buildings. They need creative, technical, analytical and visualization skills to thoroughly plan and design a building or space that doesn’t yet exist. If you’re thinking about becoming an architect, expect to be in the career for the long haul. Not only does an undergraduate degree require five years of full-time study, but candidates must also spend years gaining job training through a paid internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination before they can finally attain a license.

Architects begin their days bright and early. In fact, more than a third of employees in the architecture industry are already at work before 7 a.m., according to the BLS. This makes the job a good choice for candidates who are natural early risers as well as good communicators, visualizers and creators. Keep in mind, though, that architects must also work longer hours if necessary to meet deadlines. Work schedules are most flexible among the 20 percent of architects who work for themselves, according to the BLS.

Salary: $74,520

Education: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree

8. Dental Hygienist

If a career in dental health interests you but the prospect of spending years upon years earning a doctoral degree doesn’t, consider a career as a dental hygienist. These professionals use hand, power and ultrasonic tools to clean patients’ teeth, the BLS reported. They take X-rays, administer treatments like sealants and fluoride and evaluate patients’ oral health before they see the dentist. They earn a median salary twice as high as that of all occupations – and they do it all with an associate’s degree.

Check out these 15 affordable degrees in dental hygiene (associate’s and beyond).

Dental hygienists work nonstandard schedules for the same reasons dentists do – to offer convenient appointment times to patients who need extended office hours. If you’re specifically looking for the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, seek employment at a dental office that doesn’t just operate 9-to-5.

Salary: $71,520

Education: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

9. Producer or Director

If you’ve got a passion for drama or filmmaking, a nonstandard work schedule is typical. Producers and directors are the professionals who create performing arts productions that range from onstage plays to movies and television shows, the BLS reported. While directors and producers start with a written script (which they often select themselves), they choose the cast and crew, manage design decisions, make sure the production stays within budget and supervise the entire preproduction, production and  postproduction process. Directors have a bigger role in the creative aspects of a production, while producers are more involved in the show’s finances, but both are critical to the success of a performing arts venture.

Most producers and directors find work in either the motion picture industry or the television and radio broadcast industry, but some work in performing arts creating live productions. In either case, expect to put in odd hours during your career as a director or producer. If you create live theater performances, you’re likely to find that many show times take place on evenings, weekends and even holidays. Even if you’re not working on a production that is broadcasted live, you may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Many producers and directors also travel, either to film on location or take a performance on tour.

Salary: $69,100

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Film

10. Nurse

The last healthcare career to make our list of the best jobs with a nonstandard work schedule also happens to be the largest career in the entire healthcare industry, according to the BLS. Registered nurses, or RNs, care for patients under the supervision of doctors in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing homes, home health services and even schools. With three different education paths into the career, aspiring nurses have plenty of options to get started.

Nonstandard work schedules are common for many nurses. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes require nurses on staff 24/7 to care for patients who are admitted to the facility overnight, or those who come into the hospital in need of treatment during the evening or early morning. At these facilities, it’s not unusual to work fewer days than a standard workweek, but significantly longer hours than a standard workday throughout. With many private practice medical offices extending their hours to better serve patients, even nurses who intend to work in physicians’ offices may need to work some night or weekend shifts.

Salary: $66,640

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

11. Police Officer or Detective

If you have a drive to protect and serve your community as well as a preference for a schedule outside the typical 9-to-5, you’re in luck. The most fulfilling job you could have also happens to be one where odd hours are common. Crime never sleeps, so law enforcement departments need police officers and detectives on duty round-the-clock.

As a member of law enforcement, you’ll have many serious responsibilities. You will handle patrol and traffic stops, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, gather evidence and make arrests, the BLS reported. Being a police officer or a detective isn’t easy. The job can be dangerous, and physically and emotionally difficult. For the right candidate, though, knowing that you are saving lives, catching criminals and making your community safer is more than rewarding enough to make up for the challenges of a life in law enforcement.

Salary: $58,630

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

12. Avionics Technician

If you’ve got an interest in aerospace and great mechanical skills, why not pursue a career as an avionics technician? These trained and FAA-certified technicians maintain and repair planes and other aircraft. Avionics technicians specifically are responsible for the safe functioning of a plane’s electronic instruments, like radar, communication and navigation systems, the BLS reported. To uncover any malfunctions, they review flight test data and use tools and equipment designed for testing electronic flight instruments. They work on and install instrument panels and software.

An associate’s degree in avionics – which includes the studies of computerized flight instruments and aircraft controls – is popular among candidates pursuing the career. Avionics technicians must also earn certification from the FAA.

Avionics technicians need to work nonstandard shifts for the same reasons air traffic controllers do. Travel by aircraft happens at all hours of the day, and it’s necessary to have a professional with the capability to find and repair problems available at all times.

Salary: $56,910

Education: Associate’s Degree in Avionics

13. Telecom Technicians

If you’ve got great mechanical and troubleshooting skills, a career as a telecom technician can offer you a nonstandard work schedule, the chance to put your skills to good use and a median salary well above that of all occupations. You don’t even need to spend several years earning a degree to get there.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers – telecom technicians, for short – are the professionals who set up, maintain and fix the telecommunications lines used to transmit phone, Internet and cable signals. They work with components like wiring and phone jacks as well as computer hardware and diagnostic equipment, according to the BLS. To develop the mechanical skills and troubleshooting knowledge necessary for success, telecom technicians need an education – but they don’t necessarily need a traditional degree. Some candidates earn a certificate from a technical school, though the BLS reports that telecom technicians with associate’s degrees will have the best employment prospects in this competitive job market.

Not every telecom technician works nonstandard hours. Your work schedule will depend on your employer. If you’re looking for hours outside the 9-to-5 shift, you’ll want to find work with a carrier or contractor that offers 24-hour emergency repair service. You might also find yourself on call in case of equipment malfunctions and emergencies.

Salary: $55,190

Education: Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications

14. Civil Engineering Technician

Early risers with skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking can find a great fit in the form of a civil engineering technician career. The job is an especially good choice for candidates who have an interest in civil engineering work but aren’t willing or able to put in the time and money required to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete years of training and attain a license. An associate’s degree is sufficient for aspiring civil engineering technicians to get started in their careers.

Civil engineering technicians work with licensed engineers, and they even handle some of the same tasks, like preparing plans and drawings, estimating costs, monitoring project sites, testing construction materials, analyzing data and using computer aided design (CAD) software, the BLS reported. The only things they specifically can’t do, according to the BLS, are supervising overall engineering projects and approving designs.

Civil engineering technicians tend to start their workdays before 7 a.m., which makes the job ideal for early birds who like to get up with – or even before – the sun.

Salary: $48,340

Education: Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

15. Real Estate Agent or Broker

If you work well with others and are good at solving problems, you could make a career out of helping people buy, sell and rent homes, business spaces and other real estate properties. Real estate agents and brokers work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex process of making real estate transactions. They show off real estate properties to potential buyers and renters and assist with setting and negotiating prices and preparing contracts, deeds and other essential real estate documents, the BLS reported.

When you’re selling as large a purchase as real estate, it’s essential that you’re available when your clients are. For many real estate brokers, this means working hours in the early evenings and on weekends. On the bright side, you’re not likely to need to work overnight shifts and will probably be done your workday by 10 p.m., if not hours earlier – which means you still have a chance to enjoy the night life or some quality time with loved ones.

Salary: $43,430

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate

16. Chef or Head Cook

A preference for work hours outside the 9-to-5 schedule is ideal for aspiring chefs. After all, chefs and head cooks have to be available to work at the same times when customers are dining out – like early mornings for breakfast, into the evening and even late at night for dinners and snacks and, of course, on weekends.

Of course, chefs and head cooks prepare food. They create recipes, plan menus and design the presentation of a dish. Chefs also order and check ingredients for freshness and make sure equipment and workspaces are clean for food preparation. They are also often responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, from hiring them and training them to coordinating the various tasks necessary to keep a restaurant kitchen operational.

Some chefs attain their position – not to mention their cooking skills – purely through experience and on-the-job training. However, many aspiring chefs seek out formal training through culinary arts education programs at community colleges, technical schools and four-year colleges and universities, the BLS reported.

Salary: $41,610

Education: Culinary Arts Degree

17. Broadcast Technician

Modern television channels and radio stations offer round-the-clock programming. These constant entertainment options wouldn’t exist without trained professionals known as broadcast and sound engineering technicians.

Broadcast technicians handle the audio, video and broadcasting equipment necessary for communication over TV and radio as well as maximizing the sound quality in recorded and live music, the BLS reported. They handle everything from setting up sound and broadcasting equipment to running that equipment during a broadcast and even maintaining and repairing that equipment.

Depending on the medium they focus on and the station, channel, studio or company employing them, broadcast technicians can have very different job duties. Some record music in recording studios or at live performances. Others spend much of their time installing audio and visual equipment in settings like schools, offices and hotels. Those who work in television may be responsible for making sure the dialogue and sound effects used in a program match up correctly with the visual images on the screen.

To keep broadcasting 24/7, radio stations and television networks need to have broadcast and sound engineering technicians on the clock even during nonstandard hours, which is why these professionals tend to work early morning, late night, weekend and even holiday shifts.

Salary: $41,350

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

18. Musician

Not every job is easily quantifiable by salary or other factors. Some professional musicians become world-famous stars or celebrities, while many more pursue music as a part-time gig, often while holding other jobs. Overall, the BLS reports that musicians earn a median wage of $24.16 per hour, but there’s plenty of variation in income from one musician to the next.

Likewise, there is also a great degree of difference in education level among musicians. Some musicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma, while others spend years studying music at the college level to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. What musicians have in common is that they have to spend a lot of time training and practicing to develop their musical talents. They also spend time creating and recording new material and rehearsing for performances.

Live shows are precisely the reason so many musicians work odd hours. Concerts are commonly held on weekends, in the evenings or even late at night. Successful musicians must not only put up with occasional evening work, but deliver energetic and entertaining performances consistently during these nonstandard hours. For most musicians, though, it’s having a passion for their art that makes a career in music fulfilling.

Salary: $24.16 per Hour

Education: Long-Term Music Training, Often a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Music

19. Athlete

Given the massive contracts awarded to top athletes in the big leagues, would it surprise you to learn that the median annual salary for athletes according to the BLS is $43,350? Like musicians, professional athletes run the gamut from the rich and world-famous sports stars to more down-to-earth athletes who live normal lives and bring home more modest salaries. While a college degree isn’t a requirement for the career, many professional athletes sharpened their skills playing their sport at the college level.

Still, professional athletes have a couple of things in common. For one, they must work hard at excelling in their sport, which means spending many hours training and practicing. They also work odd and sometimes difficult schedules, often playing on weekends, evenings and holidays. Traveling to compete is typical for professional athletes, which means they may also spend long amounts of time on buses, planes and other forms of transportation, the BLS reported. Like musicians, though, professional athletes tend to dream of their careers for a long time. The best professional athletes play as much for the love of the game as they do for the salary and reputation.

Salary: $43,350

Education: College-Level Playing Experience

20. Actor

Show business is certainly no 9-to-5 job. Like directors, actors and actresses often work unusual hours, whether their performance is live onstage or whether they’re just working overtime to meet a filming deadline. Actors also travel frequently for work, either to take a show on tour or to film on location.

To develop their acting skills, many aspiring actors will take acting classes. Some take these courses as part of their college-level studies to earn a bachelor’s degree, while others take acting classes separately at community colleges or private acting conservatories or film schools, the BLS reported. Relatively few professional actors become world-renowned movie or television stars, but about two-thirds do find full-time acting work, according to the BLS. Others work part-time, often along with other jobs. As with musicians and athletes, actors often pursue the career for the love of the craft rather than an expectation of steady long-term work or consistent earning potential.

Salary: $19.82 per Hour

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

Editor’s Note:

The salary, education, work environment and career preparation information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is just a partial list of the many existing careers without a 9-to-5 work schedule. For more information on jobs with nonstandard hours, consult the blog post Careers for night owls and early birds published by the BLS.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, there are plenty of exciting careers that can help you quench your thirst for adventure.

Some professional thrill seekers fuel their adrenaline rush by protecting the public. Others save the lives of people who are in danger. Still others work in fields where they encounter adventure – and even dangerous situations – on a regular basis.

There are fun jobs as well as serious, high-pressure jobs, and everything in between. Likewise, there are jobs that pay well and jobs where the pay rate is disappointingly low, even if these professionals report high job satisfaction.

If you want a career that promises excitement, take a walk on the wild side with one of our top 15 jobs for adrenaline seekers. 

1. Emergency Room Doctors and Surgeons

If you’re looking for the most exciting jobs that save lives, look no further than emergency department doctor. This isn’t only one of the best jobs for adrenaline junkies – its six-figure median salary also makes it one of the jobs that pay well.

Doctors and surgeons have a lot of responsibility, period. However, physicians who work in hospital emergency rooms are always under pressure. They see patients with serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

If emergency room doctors don’t act fast – and take the right actions – their patients could end up losing blood, limbs and even their lives.

Often, they don’t have access to the patient’s complete medical history the way a primary care doctor would. This means they have less information to go on when making a diagnosis, and the stakes are incredibly high.

Of course, being an ER doctor is fulfilling in many ways, too. Yes, there’s a lot of stress. There’s also the opportunity to save the lives of patients who could die without your help.

RELATED: Is a Typical ER Doctor Day Similar to What We See on TV Medical Dramas?

The high median annual salary reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – which, incidentally, landed the career its first-place spot on this list – is another benefit.

If emergency room doctor sounds like the right career to you, expect to spend close to a decade in training, between going to medical school and completing internships and residencies.

Since people get sick or hurt at all times of the day, ER doctors may have to work odd and often long hours.

Median Salary: $310,640

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

Nature of the job: Saving lives

2. Critical Care Nurses

ER doctors and hospital surgeons don’t handle all of the patient care responsibilities themselves. They have help from specialized nurses trained in critical care, trauma and intensive care unit (ICU) nursing. These intense jobs in the health care field can really get your blood pumping.

The job of caring for patients in dire health is certainly enough to get your adrenaline going. In this nursing specialty, patients’ lives are on the line.

It’s a stressful job intervening when patients have gone into shock, keeping calm when your patients have suffered severe wounds and managing the life support systems, like ventilators, that are keeping your patients alive.

Critical care nurses also have the responsibility to educate and support the often distraught families of seriously ill or injured patients. This job duty can be stressful in and of itself.

Aspiring critical care nurses must first earn the registered nurse (RN) credential, which requires a formal nursing education at the diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree level.

Through coursework, hospital fieldwork or a combination of the two, they develop the skills to work in a critical care setting. Then they can seek the Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) credential.

Like ER doctors, critical care nurses must often work unusual schedules. Skilled nurses are needed to provide care for people who are gravely ill, even during nonstandard hours. ICU patients need close monitoring 24 hours a day, so hospitals must have these specialized nurses on staff at all times.

Critical care nurses may earn substantially higher salaries than RNs in other specialties. While the BLS reports that registered nurses earned a median salary of $77,600 in 2021, Salary.com reported in 2023 that critical care nurses made $82,400 per year on average.

Although ICU nurses and nurses in other areas of critical care don’t earn nearly as much as doctors do, this is another of the jobs that pay well and will keep you on your toes.

Additionally, the demand for RNs is expected to be even higher than the demand for doctors in the near future. The BLS anticipates jobs for registered nurses to increase by 6% over a decade, compared to the slower-than-average 3% growth expected for physicians.

Median Salary: $66,640 – $82,400

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

Nature of the Job: Saving lives

3. Detectives and Criminal investigators

If you’re looking for a cool job, detective surely deserves consideration. Detective work has long been a source of fascination in entertainment of various forms, from Sherlock Holmes to CSI. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, why not make a career doing a job that others only read about or watch on TV?

As a real-life detective, you’ll see actual, active crime scenes in person when you collect evidence. You will have the chance to interview real suspects, witnesses and victims as you investigate the crime. Talk about exciting jobs!

RELATED: Is Life as a CSI Like They Show on TV?

Different types of detectives work in different employment situations. Your employment situation plays a large part in determining what your day-to-day work responsibilities are and how much money you could make.

Police detectives, for example, earned a median salary of $83,640 per year in 2021, the BLS reported. In an exciting career as a police detective, you may be involved in law enforcement activities like arrests and raids.

On the other hand, private detectives earn lower salaries. The median salary for private investigators was around $59,380 per year in 2021, according to the BLS.

Although it may not rank highly on the list of jobs that pay well, the private detective has other qualities of a dream job. Many private detectives work for themselves in private practice.

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Both private and police detectives often start out their careers in law enforcement or in the military. A college degree isn’t always necessary, but can certainly be helpful – especially since there’s plenty of competition for detective jobs.

Crime never sleeps, so both police detectives and private investigators may need to work unusual hours to get the job done. This reality can sometimes pose challenges in your personal life.

Median Salary: $59,380 (private detectives) – $83,640 (police detectives and criminal investigators)

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science

Nature of the job: Protecting the public

4. Police Officers

When trouble erupts, it takes a brave person to run toward the danger rather than away from it. In their high-adrenaline jobs, police officers do just that.

As a police officer, it doesn’t matter whether you’re pulling over reckless drivers on the highway, responding to reports of a violent crime or arresting suspects who may not come quietly. You can never be sure what will happen next.

Police officer is a high-risk job. You put yourself at risk every day to protect and serve the public. Even if you’re not scared easily, there will likely be at least a few times in your career – and more likely, many times – that you feel a rush of adrenaline.

When you’re working to save the victim of a crime, it’s definitely exciting. So is working to diffuse a risky situation or going in to arrest a dangerous suspect.

Different precincts have different education and training requirements. In some districts, you may be able to apply to a police training academy with just a high school education, according to the BLS. However, many precincts seek candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Having a college education is becoming more and more valuable due to the competition for the job. If you want to be a police officer, you will need a clean criminal record. You also must be able to meet strict physical fitness requirements.

Overnight and shift work is common for law enforcement officers, as is overtime.

Median Salary: $66,020

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

Nature of the Job: Protecting the public

5. Explosives Workers

Perhaps one of the most badass jobs is explosives worker.

It’s tough to think of any event that’s as dramatically dangerous as an explosion. For most of us, witnessing an explosion might be a once-in-a-lifetime event. For explosives workers, it’s all part of the daily routine.

These professionals handle, position and detonate explosives for a purpose. Explosive workers find jobs in industries like engineering, construction, mining and oil and gas extraction. It’s their responsibility to safely and effectively demolish buildings and move rocks and earth so new structures can be built or so existing resources can be reached.

It isn’t only the explosion itself that’s enough to get your adrenaline going. Explosive workers have the added stress of making sure the demolition goes safely.

Explosives worker is a relatively small occupation. The BLS reported that just 7,100 people worked in the profession in 2021. The BLS has predicted that the occupation will grow by just 100 jobs over a decade.

Most explosives workers enter the occupation with a high school education. Some professionals in this field get a certificate-level or undergraduate education in a related subject like engineering or construction.

Median Salary: $53,040

Education: Certificate or Undergraduate Degree in Engineering, Construction or Chemistry

Nature of the Job: Encountering adventure or danger

6. Firefighters

Could you imagine yourself running into a burning building? Braving the dangers of a home on fire to save lives isn’t just the ultimate adrenaline rush – it’s also extraordinarily heroic.

Maybe that’s why, despite the risks and the stress, the competition for full-time firefighter jobs is fierce.

Naturally, firefighters respond to emergencies involving burning buildings, forest fires and explosions. They use high-pressure hoses and other equipment to extinguish the flames. However, they are also called on for help in other emergency and disaster situations.

Firefighters use their training as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to save lives in search and rescue missions and provide basic life-saving care.

Firefighting is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting careers, but it isn’t always a fun job. Firefighters may work exceptionally long and unusual hours. Their shifts often last between 24 and 72 hours, the BLS reported. During this time, they work, sleep and eat at the fire station, constantly on call in case an emergency should arise.

RELATED: The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to get your first firefighter job. You do, however, need at least some post-secondary education in subjects like airway management and trauma care to become an EMT.

If your goal is to eventually advance into a role like captain or chief, a college degree in fire science will be helpful, if not required.

RELATED: The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs

Median Salary: $50,700

Education: EMT Certification; Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or Public Administration

Nature of the Job: Protecting the public

7. Correctional Officers

The next career on our list may not be one of the most thrilling jobs, but it has its share of excitement. Would being surrounded by criminals convicted of violent crimes be enough to activate your fight-or-flight response? For correctional officers, it’s a typical workday.

These protective service professionals work in prisons. Here, they supervise inmates and enforce rules.

Having to review the condition of jail cells, restrain inmates and conduct searches for contraband requires you to be alert and levelheaded under pressure. If correctional officers don’t effectively enforce the rules, they could find themselves caught up in a prison riot. That could be a very dangerous situation.

Shift work is common among correctional officers. This is because jails need to be staffed, supervised and kept in order 24/7. Overtime work is also common and can significantly increase correctional officers’ total wages.

Correctional officers are often part of a union, according to the BLS. This means they enjoy more employment protection than the typical at-will employee working in the private sector, for example. They also get benefits such as retirement plans and uniform allowances.

A high school diploma is sufficient education for working as a correctional officer in a number of local and state jails. However, there are some doors only a college education will open.

Even some local and state facilities that don’t require a college degree still require candidates to complete a minimum number of college credits. If you want to work in a federal prison, you will need a bachelor’s degree.

Even at facilities that don’t require a college education, having a degree can give you a boost over the competition – which there’s sure to be plenty of, since the BLS has predicted a 10% decline in job opportunities for this occupation between 2021 and 2031.

Median Salary: $47,920

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Corrections

Nature of the Job: Protecting the public

8. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers

Hazardous materials removal is a dangerous job – it says so right in the name – but someone’s got to do it. Would dressing head to toe in protective gear help you find the courage to approach some of the most toxic materials known to humankind?

Nearly two-thirds of all hazardous waste removal workers find employment with waste management services, according to the BLS. However, they may encounter different kinds of dangerous substances, ranging from nuclear waste to lead and asbestos.

RELATED: Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World

As if the hazardous materials themselves weren’t dangerous enough, these employees often work in dangerous environments, too. Common workspaces for hazardous materials removal workers include:

• Confined spaces
• Partially demolished buildings
• The scenes of accidents and disasters
• High heights

Most people wouldn’t add hazmat removal worker to a list of fun jobs. This is a high-pressure job in more ways than one.

These workers are responsible for protecting others by removing dangerous substances. They also need to follow safety protocols to the letter to protect themselves and their teams. Still, these exciting jobs are sure to keep things interesting.

Most hazardous materials removal workers don’t have a college education. However, a degree is essential for certain roles, such as those in nuclear plants.

Whether or not you earn a college degree, you should expect to spend time learning the profession through safety training both inside and outside the classroom.

You may need specific training and even a state license or federal permit to work with certain kinds of hazardous materials, such as nuclear waste, lead and asbestos.

Median Salary: $46,300

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radiation Protection

Nature of the Job: Encountering adventure or danger

9. Emergency Dispatchers

Can you keep your cool even when others around you are panicking? Emergency dispatcher might be the job for you.

While they don’t visit emergency scenes in person, police, fire and ambulance dispatchers are literally the first people to respond to a 911 call. The callers on the other end of the phone are often frightened and distraught. Sometimes they’re badly hurt or in danger themselves.

Emergency dispatchers need to listen carefully and communicate effectively to find out where the emergency is taking place and which authorities need to be alerted.

In this exciting job, you’re not just answering a phone. Dispatchers don’t only send the right agencies to the scene of the emergency but may also remain on the line with the distressed caller while police, fire and emergency medical personnel are on their way.

During the call, emergency dispatchers may guide callers in getting themselves out of danger, giving first aid to an injured person on the scene and preparing for the arrival of first responders.

Historically, most emergency dispatchers haven’t had college degrees. However, there are a number of academic subjects in which a college education could help an emergency dispatcher succeed, including:

• Communications
• Criminal Justice
• Emergency management
• Emergency services
• Public safety

The number of emergency dispatcher jobs is expected to increase by 4% over the next decade, the BLS reported.

Still, having an education or skills that set you apart from the competition can be important. In many states, having a certification like Emergency Medical Dispatcher is beneficial or even required.

Emergency dispatchers don’t work in a physically dangerous environment. They do, however, experience plenty of stress and pressure in their daily job responsibilities.

When they receive a call, lives are at stake. They need to be able to multitask and to quickly make the right decisions and provide the right instructions.

Both long shifts and overtime are common, the BLS reported. This means handling many troubling calls for help each workday.

Median Salary: $46,670

Education: Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification; College Degree in Emergency Services, Public Safety, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management or Communications

Nature of the Job: Saving lives

10. Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

Do you fuel your adrenaline rush with activities like skydiving, whitewater rafting and rock climbing? If fun jobs are more what you’re looking for, the self-enrichment education teacher career path may be for you.

Hundreds of thousands of extreme sports enthusiasts are making a living by teaching others “self-enrichment” activities like these – and so can you. It’s easy to be passionate about your job when adventure and fun are a big part of your work on a daily basis.

Most self-enrichment education teachers – at least, those teaching high-adrenaline extreme sports and activities like these – don’t need a college degree. They do, however, need a good deal of training and experience to do their job right.

After all, part of the reason these sports are so exciting is because they are dangerous. As a guide or instructor, you’re responsible for the safety of the participants you teach.

You may have to complete a minimum number of times participating in the activity, such as 200 skydiving jumps. Depending on the activity, you may need certain licenses, certifications or ratings from professional organizations like the United States Parachute Association (USPA) or the American Mountain Guides Association.

Through training – possibly in a classroom as well as in the field – you’ll learn the skills and safety procedures necessary to prevent accidents and injuries and to respond if an emergency does occur.

Of course, a career in self-enrichment teaching isn’t for everyone who enjoys skydiving, whitewater rafting and other extreme sports. If instructor is your full-time job, you’re going to spend every workday in that environment, engaging in and helping others engage in the activity.

You’re under a lot more pressure as an instructor than just a participant. In this role, you’re responsible for the safety of others as well as yourself.

However, if you would love to make a career out of your favorite thrill-seeking hobby, you’re in luck. The BLS predicted a “much faster than average” job growth rate of 18% over the decade from 2021 through 2031 for these professionals.

Median Salary: $43,580

Education: Extensive Training and Professional Certification in Your Activity

Nature of the Job: Encountering adventure or danger

11. Fishing Workers

Plenty of people go fishing or hunting for recreation, but you could make it your career. After all, people all over the world need to eat. The meat and fish they consume have to come from somewhere.

If you go fishing or hunting to relax, then a career in the fast-paced fishing industry is probably not right for you. As much fun as you might find recreational fishing, professional fishing worker roles aren’t among the most fun jobs.

However, if you don’t mind confronting adventure or even danger on the sea, then you will love that the job entails the thrill of bringing in a good catch.

You don’t need a college degree to become a professional in the fishing and hunting industry. On-the-job training is often sufficient to get started in this career.

However, with the BLS predicting a slower-than-average increase in fishing and hunting jobs over the next 10 years, attaining these roles might be harder than you would think.

A number of community colleges and vocational schools offer associate’s degree programs in fishery technology, aquaculture and similar subjects. These programs of study can improve your job prospects in professional fishing work and help you advance in your career.

These programs cover a range of topics, according to the BLS, including:

• Fishing gear technology
• Marine safety
• Navigation
• Seamanship
• Vessel operations and repair

Professional fishing workers don’t just bait their rods and sit back to wait for a catch. They use fish-finding equipment to locate fish from large or small boats.

When they make a catch – typically a large one, especially when using gear like nets – they must store the fish in ways that will keep them safe for food consumption or an alternative use.

Median Salary: $32,530

Education: Associate’s Degree in Fishery Technology

Nature of the Job: Encountering adventure or danger 

12. EMTs and Paramedics

Even before emergency room doctors and critical care nurses get to a patient in need, another medical professional is there to provide life-saving first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics travel to the scenes of accidents, disasters, crimes and medical emergencies. There, they provide initial treatment to patients who – in the most serious circumstances – might otherwise not live long enough to reach the hospital.

What makes EMTs and paramedics particularly exciting jobs is the need to provide immediate emergency care. They must be able to evaluate the condition of an injured or ill patient quickly and decide how to best treat that condition. They don’t have the luxury of numerous diagnostic testing facilities with which to do so.

While they do treat patients at the scene, they must also care for patients while an ambulance or medical helicopter transfers them to the hospital. EMTs and paramedics need to be able to handle the pressure and keep calm in an emergency situation.

You don’t need a college degree to become an EMT, but you do to become a paramedic. These are the most advanced of the emergency medical services professionals. Paramedics need more training, including a two-year college degree in a subject like emergency medical technology.

Both EMTs and paramedics save lives in emergency situations, but paramedics have more responsibilities. They can also provide more extensive care to patients.

EMTs and paramedics need to complete a training program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs to earn their certification. These programs include 150 to 1,200 hours of instruction, depending on the level of study, according to the BLS.

EMT and paramedic are high-pressure jobs, but they’re also rewarding career options. In this role, you have the opportunity to literally save lives on a daily basis.

The BLS expects opportunities for EMTs and paramedics to grow by a rate of 7% over the decade between 2021 and 2031. That projected growth rate is about on par with the average growth rate predicted for all occupations during this decade.

All told, this occupation should see 17,900 new job opportunities emerge between 2021 and 2031. Counting the vacancies left by workers retiring, advancing, changing careers and otherwise leaving their jobs, the BLS has predicted a total of 20,000 openings for EMTs and paramedics to be posted each year between 2021 and 2031.

Median Salary: $31,700

Education: Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Technology; EMT, Advanced EMT or Paramedic Certification from the NREMT

Nature of the Job: Saving lives

13. Security Guards

Anytime you’re responsible for protecting the public – whether at an office building, bank, school, hospital, mall, casino or entertainment venue – there’s the potential for danger. Instead of serving entire communities like police officers, security guards protect the property, workers and visitors of their specific employers.

Security guards conduct surveillance through in-person patrols and observing security cameras. When alarms on the property go off, security guards are responsible for responding to them. They oversee access to restricted areas, implement security checks and stop those suspected of breaking the law.

Security guards act to prevent crimes of all kinds, from theft and vandalism to violent crimes and terrorist acts. Of course, would-be criminals don’t appreciate security guards for making crimes more difficult to pull off. That’s where these exciting careers can get dangerous.

If you’re quick to notice suspicious behaviors or circumstances and brave enough to go investigate out-of-the-ordinary – and potentially dangerous – situations, a career as a security guard will provide the adrenaline rush you’re looking for.

You will need to stay alert even during night and odd-hour shifts. If an incident arises, you’ll have to think and act quickly.

A high school diploma is sufficient formal education for becoming a security guard. However, these protective services professionals typically must undergo training before starting the job and during their first few weeks on the job.

Through this training, they learn the correct way to handle emergency situations, administer first aid, detain suspects, report incidents and – if applicable – handle weapons like firearms.

In addition to undergoing training, security guards in most states must attain a state registration. Securing your registration typically includes passing a background check, the BLS reported.

Security guard is a very large occupation. The profession currently employs more than 1,100,000 workers. While the BLS predicts modest growth in opportunities for security guards over a decade, the expected 3% increase will translate to more than 37,200 new jobs between 2021 and 2031.

 Median Salary: $31,470

Education: High School Diploma; On-the-Job Training; State Registration

Nature of the Job: Protecting the public

14. Ambulance Drivers

Next on our list of jobs for thrill seekers is ambulance driver. If you’ve ever seen an ambulance speeding by with its sirens screeching and lights flashing, you can probably imagine that driving an ambulance could be a thrilling experience.

The career may not be one of the most fun jobs, but it combines high stakes (the health and lives of patients you’re transporting) with a need for speed and exposure to potentially dangerous environments.

Ambulance drivers must get critically ill and injured patients to medical facilities where they can get the treatment they need. Often, time isn’t on their side.

Between the pressure of having to save the life of the patient being transported and the exhilaration of driving quickly and evasively to accomplish it, it’s easy to see how the job can give you an adrenaline rush.

You don’t need a college degree to become an ambulance driver. Depending on where you intend to work, though, you may need to undergo basic EMT training and get certified.

EMT courses often include training and hands-on experience in driving an ambulance as well as performing CPR and first aid. In many locations, EMTs are responsible for operating emergency vehicles as well as for patient care.

You might also need to attain a special type of commercial driving license or a certificate permitting you to drive an ambulance.

Only about 11,900 Americans currently work as ambulance drivers but are not also EMTs, the BLS reported as of 2021. Unfortunately, the BLS expects opportunities for ambulance drivers to decline by 1% over the decade between 2021 and 2031. This decline is anticipated to reduce the occupation by 100 jobs.

Median Salary: $29,120

Education: High School Diploma; Possible EMT Certification; Commercial Driving License

Nature of the Job: Saving lives

15. Military Personnel

Many more high-adrenaline jobs are found in the United States military.

When you enlist in any branch of the U.S. military, you’re making a sacrifice for the good of your country. You may be deployed far from your loved ones. In the course of your service, you may face danger and stress in a number of forms.

However, you can also encounter adventure as you travel the world protecting your nation. Somewhere along the way, there’s a good chance you will come across an experience worthy of an adrenaline rush.

“Military personnel” isn’t one job so much as one classification of jobs. There are numerous roles you can hold in the various branches of the armed forces. These jobs have varying levels of responsibilities and pay grades. Some military personnel are entry-level enlisted members, while others are high-level officers with decades of experience.

Whether you enlist in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, you can find various work opportunities that will allow you to train in a career field. For some personnel, serving in the military is a long-term career. For others, it’s an opportunity to gain an education and job skills for a future career while serving your country.

To begin your career as an enlisted member of the United States military, you must have a high school education. For certain roles, or to advance to a position such as officer, you will need a college education.

You must also meet age, physical fitness, citizenship and other requirements and pass a background check.

Median Salary: $18,561 – $192,866

Education: High School Diploma; Possible Bachelor’s Degree

Nature of the Job: Encountering adventure or danger

Other Fun Jobs and High-Adrenaline Careers

This isn’t an exhaustive list of exciting careers. Many jobs across a variety of industries can qualify as exciting careers. What constitutes fun jobs also varies from person to person.

Below are a few more examples of cool jobs that can foster your adventurous spirit.

Video Game Designer

If you like to play video games, why not consider a career in video game design? Video game designers develop the concept, story, characters and gameplay mechanics of a game. A video game designer provides creative direction but may also be responsible for some programming duties, as well. For that reason, completing some coursework in computer science may be beneficial for aspiring video game designers.

Opportunities in video game design are hard to come by, but they have benefits beyond high job satisfaction. Overall, video game designer roles are fun jobs that pay well.

Purchasing Agent or Personal Shopper

If you find that “retail therapy” raises your spirits, how about making a career out of spending other people’s money?

Companies employ buyers and purchasing agents to acquire the raw materials, supplies and equipment they need to run their business. Personal shoppers may either work for retail chains, helping customers find the items they want or need, or as independent consultants that individuals can hire for their shopping services.

RELATED: Top 10 Careers for Extroverts

As a buyer, purchasing agent or personal shopper, you’re putting your shopping expertise to work spending someone else’s money – and getting paid to do it. Shopping for a living can definitely be a fun job, if at times more challenging than you would expect.

Event Planner

Organizing events can be a stressful experience, but there’s no feeling quite like watching it all come together – and knowing that you made it happen. Event planner is another exciting job to consider.

Event planners work for hotels and venues as well as companies, colleges and nonprofit organizations. Some event planners offer their services to clients on a consulting basis, helping them find the right location for their event as well as coordinating all the logistics. In many ways, event planning is a fun job as well as an exciting one.

RELATED: What Degree Do People With a Job in Meeting and Event Planning Have?        

Cruise Director

Another fun, if stressful, job is cruise director. On a cruise ship, the cruise director serves as the senior crew member and is responsible for all hospitality activities on board the cruise ship. If you enjoy the work of event planning along with the experience of being out on the water, planning entertainment and recreation activities onboard a cruise ship may be the right fit for you.

Air Traffic Controller

Safely taking off and landing a commercial airplane takes a lot of coordination and communication. Pilots can’t just make a spur-of-the-moment decision to ascend or descend. If they did, they would risk colliding with other planes.

That’s where air traffic controllers come in. Air traffic controllers work in airports, communicating with pilots of numerous planes to ensure that everyone maintains a safe distance and avoids accidents.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

Air traffic control isn’t necessarily a fun job. This is an exciting career in large part because there is so much pressure. Still, if you can handle the stress, air traffic controller roles are jobs that pay well, with an average salary well into the six-figure range.

Editor’s Note: All salary, job outlook, work environment, education and training and license and certification data contained in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary and job outlook data was last updated in 2023 using the most recent BLS data from 2021.

You can learn more about career paths for adrenaline seekers from the BLS’s blog post Adrenaline jobs: High-intensity careers.

Related Resources:

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20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

I know Being an Archeologist Isn’t Like Being Indiana Jones. What’s a Typical Day as One?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

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